9c as EDC?

[clockworkjon]

I have a FS 9mm, and although its fairly new I am very comfortable with it. Naturally that puts the 9c at the top of my future shopping list for CC. Just how concealable is it? Its a little wider than some popular EDCs like the Ruger LC9 or Kahr CW/PM 9mms. To be clear, I don't have a closet full of Hawaiian shirts and shoot-me-first vests. Just normal tees and polos in the summer.

And if I'm comfortable with the FS how well does that translate to the C?

Any info and/or pics are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ESM]

I EDC with a FS 9mm M&P in a Crossbreed IWB holster (horsehide). It's the only combo I've ever carried and I can't imagine any other combo being much more comfortable. I'm fairly big (6'-3", 218lbs), so even in t-shirts (I tuck in all my shirts) you can't tell I'm carrying unless you're specifically looking for it. I went with Crossbreed on the recommendation of several people, including a coworker who once commented, "How bad is it that my new cell phone is less comfortable to carry than my gun?"

Best wishes for safe & comfortable carrying...

 

[jdh]

The Walmart store brand jeans have front pockets that are large enough to hold a 9C. It will print but if fits. I wear Pocket Ts and jeans. A 9c conceals well in an IWB holster. Buy the Ts a size larger than you normally so they fit loose.

No problem with the transition from a 9L to 9c and back here.

 

[southchatham]

Since you have the full size, try carrying that around the house for a while. Now if the only issue is the long grip, not weight or thickness go with the compact for ccw. Buy holsters to fit the compact because they will also fit the full-size and you save money over another brand compact. The compact with the flat baseplate conceals very nice if you don't mind the thickness.

If the full-size gun feels to heavy in this test go for a lighter thinner gun.

It's nice to have the same gun in both sizes as your holsters can be shared, same manual of arms and full-size magazine can share with the compact.

 

[M&PStrapped]

I have the FS 40 and 40c and to be honest, they are pretty similar for concealment. The longer grip on the FS will print more than the compact but they both feel and carry the same. With the FS I move it from 430ish to closer to 5 to keep the grip flush with my back. The extra mag I carry is always the 15 round mag because it fits both guns.

 

[agksimon]

I carry my 9c in the front pocket, using an Alabama pocket holster and all my pants are the Cabela's 7 pocket hiker pants, which have very large front pockets and it doesn't print at all and very easy to draw from.

 

[Reader850]

I agree with SouthChatHam and M&PStrapped. The FS and c are very similar. Carry your FS for a while and if you think it is too big/heavy, try the Kahr CM9/PM9, probably the best small-thin-light 9.

 

[williamf57]

I carry a 9c in a Ward leather IWB at 3-5 o'clock and have had no problem with fit or function.

 

[southchatham]

I carry my 9c in the front pocket, using an Alabama pocket holster and all my pants are the Cabela's 7 pocket hiker pants, which have very large front pockets and it doesn't print at all and very easy to draw from.

Your not kidding on those pockets , I have some of those (shorts version) and can fit a Glock 22 in them, completely hidden.

 

[clockworkjon]

Thanks for the replies so far! To build on the shared holster idea, would something like the Crossbreed Supertuck or Comp-Tac (pick one) in the same size work for both guns? I believe they're both open ended holsters so I guess length wouldn't matter. I'm assuming that other than length and height, the rest of the dimensions are the same. Guess I just answered my own questions!

 

[EvilBetty]

Very good thread. I agree with the carry what you know strategy, but also am curious if any of you have carried something like a Ruger LC9 and your thoughts between the choice of that gun and an M&P c

 

[southchatham]

Very good thread. I agree with the carry what you know strategy, but also am curious if any of you have carried something like a Ruger LC9 and your thoughts between the choice of that gun and an M&P c

I've given the lc9 a hard look, but haven't pulled the plug. I have the M&P9c and it's not that much smaller. I keep wondering if it's enough to make a difference worth spending $369.