CCW question

[Beju]

We have pretty different body sizes (I'm 5'7", 145 lbs), but in my experience, a single belt clip is suboptimal for handguns approaching duty pistol weights. That includes my Shield Plus with with 15 round magazine in it. Concealment claws/wings also help tuck the grip in towards your body.

The traditional advice of stiff gun belts is also less than ideal for AIWB carry.

With that out of the way, the 'big' versions of little/slim guns like the G48, Shield X/Shield Carry Comp, and P365 XMacro would seem to fit your wants/needs.

 

[Cphobes]

The OP will end up with half a drawer of holsters before finding one he really likes. Just like the rest of us.

The box of shame but yes so true.

 

[Sigma Fanatic]

Try another 365. One gun does not represent all of them.
My favorites are S &W BG 2.0 .380, Glock 42 .380, and Glock 48 9mm.
Any J frame is good too. Even in .22 LR.

Could be the magazine as well.

 

[Riposte1]

I can't tell you what to choose but I can tell you that every new concealed carrier imagines his tiny pistol sticks out like a 3 lb hot potato.

I am 5' 8" and for much of my life have weiged between 140 and 180 lbs - for most of my LE career I have carried a 1911 in plain clothes with a spare 1911 as well, these days, long retired, while old an frail I still carry a 1911 style, but mostly a Commander as a primary and a second gun which is often an N-frame .44 Spl or a 1917 S&W, but also sometimes a .38 spl. around the house.

I do carry two guns every hour I am awake...except for the few times I am in the hospital.

Then again we each have to work out our own salvation - do what you think is best!

Good luck!

Riposte

 

[Shootist00]

S&W CSX-E Series 3.6".

 

[tarheel13]

THE most concealable and comfortable pistol is the Bodyguard 2.0 in .380. It will hold 10 or 12 rounds and even though it's tiny it has a very good grip even with my big hands. The important thing with 380 is your choice of ammo. I would not recommend JHP because they often don't expand properly. A 95 grain flat nosed FMJ will penetrate very well. In standard FBI designed gel testing, it will penetrate 19 inches through multiple cloth layers. So that's a 9mm (.355 inches) wide hole 19 inches deep. It's not a combat pistol but for self defense at short distances and CCW, it's the best.

 

[ferider]

1) you need a good holster; and yes, we all try multiple.
2) a couple of hundred bucks more should not matter for a carry gun, it's easily spent on ammo when you take it to the range the first few times. You need to train with expensive carry ammo, too.
3) single stack = slim
4) the red area is what prints most. Keep that as short as possible without affecting accuracy.

(PS: this is 45, but you can get it in 9mm, too)

 

[Pisgah]

I'll refrain from a recommendation. The list of guns you have already rejected lets me know that all a recommendation will get is criticism of why my choice is not right for you.

Best of luck, but I can already predict your search for the "perfect" carry gun will be fruitless...

 

[Phenix]

So I am 5'10" 190lbs I carry appendix in a crossbreed holster, looking at the website I believe it is a freedom holster. Its a decent holster the biggest complaint I have is that it is only one clip so it moves around and can cant the pistol in a position of deeper concealment but, that also affects my grip at being able to get at the pistol. I wear a 36" waist normally jeans and shorts in the summer. The winter months its a tshirt and a hoodie and jacket. Summer is a t shirt. I wear an XL and if I went to a xxl I think I would be swimming in it.

I do like my Ruger but a pistol a little slimmer would be nice to have as well. I plan on buying another pistol as I sold my 43x to my father in law. I find the longer slides easier to get a sight picture and shoot, hence why I am looking into something longer like a 3.5inch to 4 inch barrel. I like my pistols to be for carry use so when I look into things I always keep that in mind. I would love to get one of those 2011's or 5 inch 3 gun type of pistol but honestly most of the time it would just sit in the safe and that to me is a waste.

Try a G48.

 

[Abbotson]

I carry a 4” N frame. It is all about a proper holster. That, and getting past the feeling that everyone is looking at you. They aren’t! Most of them are looking at the cell phone, worrying about what to make for dinner, or is there enough gas in the tank to get home.

If you are looking for a compact 9mm, you could do a lot worse than a S&W Model 3913. I wore one on the straps of my vest for a decade and no one knew.

Kevin

I like the Galco IWB for my 329. Just add a good quality gun belt and you're in business.

 

[Cphobes]

THE most concealable and comfortable pistol is the Bodyguard 2.0 in .380. It will hold 10 or 12 rounds and even though it's tiny it has a very good grip even with my big hands. The important thing with 380 is your choice of ammo. I would not recommend JHP because they often don't expand properly. A 95 grain flat nosed FMJ will penetrate very well. In standard FBI designed gel testing, it will penetrate 19 inches through multiple cloth layers. So that's a 9mm (.380 inches) wide hole 19 inches deep. It's not a combat pistol but for self defense at short distances and CCW, it's the best.

Agree on the bg2.0 but there’s plenty of good JHP for it that works well too.

 

[bgbmagic]

My recommendation would be to look into a Glock 43. Thin, light and small enough to conceal well (don't know how you plan to carry but AIWB works well), 9mm for adequate power, and under 10 capacity even with a Plus-1 magazine mod (also adds a pinky rest). The trigger is stiff enough out of the box that that concern is moot. I might suggest also that your concerns about being noticed are (IMO) non-issues. It's been my experience that most people are so caught up in their own lives they're not paying attention to you. I know it doesn't feel that way, but unless they're specifically looking at you for some reason, people are largely oblivious. Good luck and stay safe. Ed

I would also look at the Glock 43X...my hands down all time favorite Glock...easy to conceal...10+1 capacity...can upgrade it to 15+1 if ever needed and LOTS of upgrades to add if you are feeling fancy! The new Glock 43X MOS is out now too if you prefer to mount a red dot...any of these can be had for around $495.

 

[bgbmagic]

I would also NOT recommend the Kimber Micro 9...if you get a "good one" they are okay...but LOTS of issues. If you want a small cocked and locked 9mm then go with the Sig Sauer P938...or better yet step up slightly in size and go with the Springfield Armory EMP 3" 1911 in 9mm...if you shoot one you will buy one...9+1 magazines.

 

[tarheel13]

Agree on the bg2.0 but there’s plenty of good JHP for it that works well too.

I'm aware of the Federal Train and Protect JHP in .380 that does well from a Bodyguard 2.0

Are there others you are thinking of?

 

[JC133]

As my EDC I carry a Glock 19 with Holosun SCS optic and a TRL7A gun mounted light. I am 5'8" and 184lbs. Get a good rigid belt, I use a Carhartt Nylon Webbing Ratchet Belt. This allows me to quickly adjust my waist tightness quickly and easily, remove my holster quickly and easily as needed and I have been using it every day for over a year, and it is still as rigid as the day I got it. I train with this set up clearing my cover garment regularly with a pac timer.

I carry all the time under the LEOSA Act. My EDC is primaryily a Glock19 Gen5. My holster for my EDC is an OWB, Mission First Tactical G19/45-TLR7A holster. I carry at about the 4:30 location on my waist. I say all this to just to show that with proper gear and clothing you can completely conceal a full-size firearm with optics and light with little trouble and no one will ever know.

I travel to Washington DC, NJ State, NY State and City fairly often and when I do, I carry my Glock 43 Gen 4 in order to remain magazine capacity compliant with those states and the NYC. I generally use a Model 1 pocket holster by HolsterPro Gun Leather. The G43 trigger is covered, and there is a rectangular flat pieve of leather that make is just looks like I have a billfold in my front pocket, and I train with it fairly frequently, especially before carrying it. I also wear this when I am out and about and just wearing shorts and a tee shirt. I like the G43 over the G43X because the extended grip and magazine are the hardest part of any gun when trying to conceal it without any printing. In that area the G43 has the advantage.

If I want to carry my G43 on my belt with a light shirt covering, I use a holster that can be used either IWB and OWB and I think it's made by R&R Holsters. Again, I train with it fairly often and before I plan on using it. I like this holster because it carries high on the belt helping to prevent the muzzle end of the holster from peeking out if my shirt comes up a little too much.

When magazine capacity is an issue, like when in NY City and have to carry my G43, I use a Magholder Horizontal mag pouch for a spare G43 mag on my support side at about 8:30. Due to it carrying horizontally it doesn't catch my ****s or print. I have had and used this mag pouch for years with it never failed nor has the grip on the mag loosened.

The most important thing I'd like to suggest is when using several guns for self-defense, try to use firearms with the same manual of arms. Using two or more guns requires additional training for drawing the firearm when needed and by keeping the same manual of arms you don't have to do any additional training on firearms manipulations when switching from gun to gun and can concentrate on different draw strokes from different location on your person.

I hope this make sense and help you out and remember to get professional training and train often.

 

[Doug M.]

The most important thing I'd like to suggest is when using several guns for self-defense, try to use firearms with the same manual of arms. Using two or my guns requires additional training for drawing the firearm when needed and by keeping the same manual of arms you don't have to do any additional training on firearms manipulations when switching from gun to gun and can concentrate on different draw strokes from different location on your person.

***
THIS.
If you never learn anything else from the rest of his post, beat this into your head with Mjolnar.

 

[larry169]

If you’re looking for a Thin, Reliable, CCW gun that is both comfortable to shoot and staying within your State’s magazine law I recommend the Sig P239 in 9mm. Also available in 357sig and 40SW. Yes they are discontinued, the P365 took its place but read up on the 239, people highly praise it. To me, it’s just a smidge under the size of most compacts but larger than sub compacts. I went in search of a 40SW for CCW and came across it. On Gun Broker and GUNS.com I watched and waited until I found a clean, unmolested one in 40. Only took about 10 days of watching and I found one and my winning bid was only $589. I have a custom leather IWB holster coming from Kusiak Leather, he doesn’t make it until you order it. Was highly recommended on the Sig Forum and was only $59. Some 239’s are labeled SAS which means all the edges of the slide are rounded for smooth draw. My 40 only holds 7+1 but the 9 holds 9+1. Check it out, you won’t go wrong with one. Larry

 

[Doug M.]

I have a 239 (9mm), and while I do not generally believe in DA/SA, it at least does not have the upward moving safety/decocker abomination like Berettas and most S&Ws. Finding a holster that was available in a timely manner was more frustrating because the pistol is discontinued, but it is as good as described above.

 

[Bubbas358Win]

I will agree with multiple members previous posts about a quality holster, along with a quality carry belt. The belt is very important if you do OWB.

You already have a good selection of carry pistols on hand, take some training (very important) as you will learn quickly what works best and what doesn't....that will help shorten the learning curve on holsters/belt combinations. You will aquire some holsters that may have been the best choice at first, only to find a better choice that works for you.....education is expensive.

Clothing choice affects cover greatly, and sometimes we tend to over emphasize our printing.

Use your money on training, holsters, belt, and then...only then...a new firearm if your current selection cannot be made to work.

FWIW, I carry a S&W Compact 4" in a Haugen leather holster made for a Glock 23. It works perfectly....sadly they are not being made any longer. Loose/open button shirt for a cover garment has worked for me going on over 3 decades now....human body frame size may matter, but clothing can change much of that problem when done correctly.

 

[StannuMan]

If your 43X is working for you, keep looking for the holster that fits you. In your post you mentioned the FN Reflex- I just wanted to add that there is a model with a manual safety which may help you feel more comfortable with the 4.5 to 5 pound trigger. It's a little shorter in length and height than the 43X, so it's just as concealable. (But a different manual of arms.) Good luck with your search!

 

[Cphobes]

I'm aware of the Federal Train and Protect JHP in .380 that does well from a Bodyguard 2.0

Are there others you are thinking of?

Underwood XTP is the front runner in my mind. Very consistent and expands with proper penetration.

That federal round is nice but not in the short barrels. Testing is limited on it and not very good. Longer 3” barrels likely is fine like the 380ez or G42.

 

[Ds J]

@OP:

- Why not carry your G43X? It should tick all the boxes?

- The 10-shot restriction is a nuisance, but that can be salvaged with an extra mag or two.

- Accuracy from the short barrel is enough for a SD situation

- Many holsters etc to choose from

 

[tarheel13]

Underwood XTP is the front runner in my mind. Very consistent and expands with proper penetration.

That federal round is nice but not in the short barrels. Testing is limited on it and not very good. Longer 3” barrels likely is fine like the 380ez or G42.

Cphobes, if you have links to any gel tests on the Underwood XTP, I'd like to see that.

WRT the Federal Train and Protect from the 380 EZ, yes it does expand better than with the BG2.0 but does not penetrate as well. That's always the trade off with JHP.

You are totally correct that testing is limited and not very good. It's hard to make a choice without good data.

 

[pinefd]

Cphobes, if you have links to any gel tests on the Underwood XTP, I'd like to see that.

WRT the Federal Train and Protect from the 380 EZ, yes it does expand better than with the BG2.0 but does not penetrate as well. That's always the trade off with JHP.

You are totally correct that testing is limited and not very good. It's hard to make a choice without good data.

Here's a video with gel tests of the Underwood, where he concludes that it's the best out of the 30 different types of ammo he's tested (YMMV):


Frank

 

[Major 2]

take a look at one of these.......Springfield Armory EMP Ronin 1911..9mm..3 inch or 4 inch barrel however the 3 inch conceals much better...9 round mag capacity...no bad reviews anywhere on this handgun..View attachment 852183

I have to give you a + 2 on this one, I bought one a couple of years ago (it's a 6 /2020 born date)
I don't believe SA offers an all-black finish now.

 

[dben002]

Yes I have seen them. Sadly they seem to be a bit more than I am looking to spend. I have heard the 3" shoots just as well as the 4" and I would love to get one but its a few more dollars than I was looking to spend

Understood...the next best would be the Smith and Wesson CSX E series in either a 3.1 inch or a 3.6 inch..Metal Alloy frame, 1911 functions, 13/15/17 round capacity, compact and lightweight with an awesome trigger and priced right..

 

[bgbmagic]

CSX E-Series has my vote...the slide glides so effortlessly...quite accurate as well. Great carry gun!

 

[gnappi]

take a look at one of these.......Springfield Armory EMP Ronin 1911..9mm..3 inch or 4 inch barrel however the 3 inch conceals much better...9 round mag capacity...no bad reviews anywhere on this handgun..

I have an EMP 40 and it's a perfect CW pistol. I moved my daily carry to an M&P or FN .40 after the election. I don't expect problems but you never know.

 

[tarheel13]

Here's a video with gel tests of the Underwood, where he concludes that it's the best out of the 30 different types of ammo he's tested (YMMV):
Frank

Frank, thanks for that. I had not seen this video. I notice that the Underwood XTP round only penetrates to 14 inches (partially clogged with clothing) and 12 inches (with no clogging and full expansion). Also, the tester emphasizes wound channel, which doesn't matter unless it is permanent wound channel rather than temporary (according to the FBI). In any case, if you want to compare wound channels in this way, you would need to integrate the channel over the entire length of the penetration. On the other hand, I do like the test setup which includes clothing and a barrier. This provides lots of information. I have subscribed to the Trigger-bar Philosopher's Youtube channel and I will definitely add this video to my list of data for .380 ammo.

 

[Major 2]

I had an early (Mar) 2019 SIG 365.
The shearing firing(s) pin teething issue of the intro 365's in 2018, was advertised behind them.
I bought my gun from a consignment at my local FFL in late 2019. The previous owner bought it NIB and had to send it back to SIG to replace a broken Firing pin. I had full knowledge of that warranty repair.
I carried the gun and shot it several times. After one range day, I cleaned the SIG and carried it
several days to my next Range outing. The SIG failed to fire, with no FP dimpling.
It was not visually apparent the Firing Pin was the issue after the last cleaning.
I called SIG, because I was not the original purchaser, I was outside warranty.
However, SIG would replace the part, but the labor was on me. SIG suggested an authorized dealer in Kissimmee about 20 miles away.
I took the gun in for that shop to repair, and traded it in.
My reason was, I had unknowing carried around basically inert hit-with for about a week
I like the SIG 365 but if I were to get another, make sure it is made after 2020 or 2021