Am I a mutant?Carrying full size handguns....

[Silversmok3]

...just comes easy to me. My body frame is in such a way that ive even CC'd a 4506 without undue discomfort. As I type this I have a 5903 in a Theiss IWB holster on a gunbelt, and there are times I forget its on my hip.

After seeing all the hubub and press on the Shield and other micro-size 9mm, im curious how other people resolve the dilemma of balancing weapon capability with concealment with small size weapons. Another reason I like carrying full frame handguns is that it more or less removes the need to carry spare magazines, so how does one balance carrying a small gun with the fact that it holds 8 or 9 rounds against 15 or so for a full size firearm.

I'm not trying to critique the use of small handguns, I just wish to know why they're so popular. Or perhaps why im so odd carrying heavy metal firearms.

 

[ralph7]

guess i'm naive, but i feel real good w/5 rounds in my j frame revolver.

 

[faol]

I, too, have no issues with carrying the large frame autos; but alot do. It's really all a matter of personal preference and then training with what you choose!

Okay, Okay; we're both mutants!

 

[Jswiney9]

when im in the woods I hump a full size 1911. Ive never CC'd it though but wouldnt think it would be a problem

 

[lawman90]

I carry my 4506 all the time and I'm a tall, lanky fellow. It's all in the holster.

 

[azalea]

The smallest gun I'll carry is a 4" 1911; and that only when the weather is hot and I cannot wear heavier clothing.

Preferred carry gun is full size 1911.

 

[august1410]

I carry a 5 inch barreled Model 27.

 

[Iggy]

I carried a Gummint size 1911 for years. Moved to town and down sized to a Model 19 in the winter and a 640-1 in the summer.

Then I got the N frame fever and as often as not, now I carry a 3 1/2" Model 27 OWB.

So if you're a mutant, you ain't alone.

 

[Kent E]

You guys are abnormal. Be grateful that you can do the impossible.

 

[StatesRightist]

I carry 4" N frames or commander sized 1911's, that's about as big as it gets for me during the fall and winter. I usually carry slightly smaller guns in the summer. I will say, the right leather makes a huge difference.

 

[chud333]

I'm like Iggy in that i often pack my 3 1/2" model 27
Sometimes i carry my model 19 snub but either way i'm
cool with 6 rounds and a speedloader. I'm not LEO so i
figure if i can't get it done with 11 rounds i might as well
use the 12th on myself.


chuck

 

[StatesRightist]

I'm like Iggy in that i often pack my 3 1/2" model 27
Sometimes i carry my model 19 snub but either way i'm
cool with 6 rounds and a speedloader. I'm not LEO so i
figure if i can't get it done with 11 rounds i might as well
use the 12th on myself.


chuck

11 rounds? If he's still standing there after 6 rounds from my 629 I'm handing him the gun and letting him beat me with it. He's the better man.

Even as an LEO, I have a hard time imagining putting 2 rounds of .44 in someone and them still be an issue....6/2=3....by my cyphering I'm good for 3 people easy.
Of course, that's in direct contrast to the spray and pray Block philosophy.

 

[RussellD]

When I was young a 1911 was cool. After 12 hours my M&P .40 is less than fun..My 442 never gets heavy, never pokes me in bad places. My Model 12 that is unfired has new milt sparks holster and is starting to look very attractive..

Enjoy carrying full size heavy guns while you can.

 

[Aahzz]

I carried full sized guns for a long time, including a Glock 21, a 1911, a 5906 and a Beretta 92. I got tired of it. With a good belt and leather, I had gotten used to it, but it's still a big hunk of metal (or plastic) to haul around. I love my Shield. 8 rounds in the gun, plus another 8 available, should take care of anything I'd need. I'm an armed citizen, not a cop - I carry to escape danger, not confront it.

 

[accessbob]

I currently carry a Full Size M&P 45 in an IWB Remora holster. I like having that .45 available (I also carry two extra mags of 10 rounds each in a Remora Dual Mag Holder and a third in my backpack for a total of 41 rounds, just in case I'm caught in a natural disaster or mob situation and need them).

 

[GTbob]

Guess I am a mutant also. I carry my Sigma .40 strong side in a Galco leather holster and my Ruger LCR .357 cross draw on the weak side. I feel naked without them both. I can even draw the LCR with my left hand and have it ready to shoot if need be. I can shoot either gun with either hand just as accurately! I wear a oversized cover shirt all year long. Everyone I know is used to seeing me dress that way, friends and people at the repair shops I frequent alike!

Bob

 

[azalea]

When I was young a 1911 was cool.

Enjoy carrying full size heavy guns while you can.

(Just in fun)
I'm already an old guy carrying a full size, all-steel 1911 most of the time.

I figure that if I can no longer carry it, it's time to call the old folks nursing home and haul me away.

Motivation to keep going!

 

[chud333]

11 rounds? If he's still standing there after 6 rounds from my 629 I'm handing him the gun and letting him beat me with it. He's the better man.

Even as an LEO, I have a hard time imagining putting 2 rounds of .44 in someone and them still be an issue....6/2=3....by my cyphering I'm good for 3 people easy.
Of course, that's in direct contrast to the spray and pray Block philosophy.

I hear ya' my friend.
Then you read stories like the one posted on here yesterday about the perp who got shot in NY. I believe the LEO's dispensed 70 some odd rounds and the perp was still standing ???? It was at 70 feet but must have been 9mm's
or something underpowered.

Chuck

 

[thomashoward]

guess i'm naive, but i feel real good w/5 rounds in my j frame revolver.

I should be able to get the job done with 5 well constricted hollow points in my 37 no dash.
I have all sizes available to me. First rule, have a gun

 

[Texan7505]

I prefer carrying full size handguns. For me, they provide better control due to a larger grip area and higher round capacity for a defensive situation. I love my Theis IWB horsehide holster. It permits me to carry my XDm .45acp 4.5" all day in perfect comfort, along with my BG .380 in a Desantis superfly and an extra mag or two. I like being a mutant ......You'd be surprised how many "mutants" are out there.