CCW question

[Whiskerygoofy]

I am 5’8”, weigh 148 lbs., and 80 years young. My favorite EDC is a Glock 26 that I carry in an OWB holster at 3 o’clock. I wear a tshirt between my skin and my weapon. Then I wear an unbuttoned shirt for cover. GL 26 is a little thick, but no one has ever noticed in all the years I have carried. If you can “dress around” a pistol like a GL26, it might be an alternative. But as some have said earlier, MOST IF NOT ALL folks never pay any attention to your carrying. Hopefully you find what lights your fire, then dress around it.

 

[Cphobes]

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.

Triggerbar Philospher has several video's on Underwood XTP. And I believe he's tested the Federal Train & Protect (VHP). Tools & Targets has them as well. I'd definitely check both channels out great content all around not just 380 content.

Underwood and the XTP projectile has extensive testing and the Underwood loading seems to be the leader. Not huge expansion but from .35 to .44 average and at least 12" of penetration. Good enough for me.

 

[Cphobes]

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.

He has several videos on the Underwood XTP round so I'd check out all of them as well.

 

[tarheel13]

He has several videos on the Underwood XTP round so I'd check out all of them as well.

Yes, I've been going through many of them. Very interesting.

 

[Argee]

IMHO the S&W M&P Shield Plus 9mm is the quintessential firearm for concealed carry. It's not the smallest of the micro carry pistols nor is it the largest. It's slender frame, it's conealability, and it's unobtrusive grip makes it the ideal carry pistol. Mine has been flawless in operation and handles exceedingly well with all types of ammo. I've carried it with 124 gr Federal Punch JHP's over without any hiccups. I have recently changed to Inceptor ARX 65 gr Preferred Defense rounds for reasons I won't go into here which it feeds and operates equally as well.
I've customized it for my comfort by rounding sharp edges along the trigger guard and taming the stippling on the grip a bit. They factory safety sucked in my opinion so I upgraded to an aftermarket one that works exceedingly well. Now, no matter how I roll my hands or knuckles against it.. it's very comfortable and soft to the touch. I wear it IWB appendix in a leather holster from Relentless Tactical which I also customized and wear all day long with no discomfort.