Of your choices probably the 442. Best answer is which ever you will carry. May want to consider Ruger LC9s professional or similar. Light weight, small and in 9mm.
Concealed Carry Handgun - best choice?
- Thread starter TripleB
- Start date
pineappleshooter
US Veteran
You also might want to consider a Kahr CM9. Smaller than the shield or the rugers. I have its fancier sibling - the PM9 and it has been flawless.
Biggfoot44
Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 2,060
- Reaction score
- 1,596
The question for the OP to think thru is the requirement for pocket carry. That places size limitations on the gun, and a semi-serious pocket gun will require selection of pants for the roominess and construction of their pockets. And variation of the build of your legs, waist area (exact contours, not general body size) further effect pocket carry. What I'm getting at is there is one of inquiry as to weather a pistol will fit INTO your pocket, and another if you can effectively draw it FROM the pocket. While a revolver cylinder is wider than most subcompact semiautos, it can be easier to grasp a revolver in the pocket. A semi-serious pistol in a pants pocket is going to make a lump, the goal is to have a lumpy pocket that doesn't scream GUN.
And the OP probably knows this, but as a PSA : A gun pocket carries only the gun, all your keys, change, and other pocket paraphanalia has to go into other pockets. A pocket gun needs a proper pocket holster. There are several options, and some are very inexpensive, but one is needed.
And the OP probably knows this, but as a PSA : A gun pocket carries only the gun, all your keys, change, and other pocket paraphanalia has to go into other pockets. A pocket gun needs a proper pocket holster. There are several options, and some are very inexpensive, but one is needed.
TripleB:
it just sounded too uncomfortable. I was fortunate enough to find a "used" N82 at a great price, so I tried it. I can and have carried it for 12-16 hours a day, driving, walking, sitting, even took a nap or two with it on.
I am in the "big build" category (round, round, big and round) and I carry a 9c in a Zero9 IWB. While sitting, standing walking and bending, I can feel some of the weight, but it's nowhere near uncomfortable. I too, have napped with the gun and holster on (lying on the side with the gun) and other than a nice detailed "print" of the gun & holster in my side, it was perfectly comfortable. I knew it was there, but that's it.
I would also suggest you go no smaller than a .380. I've seen people shot with a .25 who didn't even know it.
Good luck in your search. And don't forget when wearing an IWB holster, let your belt out a notch or so to make room for the gun, that will help the comfort level.
Squarebutt
Member
The 442/642 are excellent carry guns. I carry my 642 often. As others have said, be sure to use a pocket holster. It keeps stuff from jamming up the gun. If you change your mind later, they hold their value well. This is a good time to look for Black Friday specials on guns and ammo.
Grayfox
US Veteran
I'll play Devil's advocate here. But I think choosing a carry gun based on how you intend to carry is plumb bass ackwards. First and foremost, you want a reliable firearm that you can shoot well. You need to like shooting the gun and practice with it.
Asking others what's best for you is like asking someone else to pick your wife. What's perfect for them may not work for you at all. The first step is to find the right gun for you. Because if you don't like it, odds are you won't carry it. Only then do you figure out the best way to carry it.
I don't like pocket carry. Once in a while I may stick a J-frame in a coat pocket for a quick trip to the store or something. But there's no way I'd carry in a pants pocket all day long. To me its uncomfortable, awkward, slow and almost impossible to draw from a seated position. And you did mention jeans which pretty much rules out pocket carry by themselves.
I'm not a big fan of IWB either. It does work, I have done it before and might do it again. But for some people it does tend to get uncomfortable after a while and sometimes rubs against your body until your skin gets irritated. The only way to know for sure is to try it. If it doesn't work for you, you've wasted your money on a holster you can't use.
The fact is that most of us who have been carrying for a good while have a box full of holsters that didn't work.
Since you're on a limited budget, can you really afford to experiment? And if you don't like your holster, chances are you'll leave the gun at home instead of actually carrying it.
Concealed carry is much more about the rig and your attire rather than the gun itself. A good concealment OWB holster and a proper belt makes carrying any gun a whole lot better. It also opens up the choice of gun to a much wider selection. Good gear ain't cheap. But its well worth the cost. Especially if you only have to buy once.
BTW: my usual carry gun is a Commander sized 1911. With a proper belt and holster it conceals just fine under an untucked T-shirt.
Asking others what's best for you is like asking someone else to pick your wife. What's perfect for them may not work for you at all. The first step is to find the right gun for you. Because if you don't like it, odds are you won't carry it. Only then do you figure out the best way to carry it.
I don't like pocket carry. Once in a while I may stick a J-frame in a coat pocket for a quick trip to the store or something. But there's no way I'd carry in a pants pocket all day long. To me its uncomfortable, awkward, slow and almost impossible to draw from a seated position. And you did mention jeans which pretty much rules out pocket carry by themselves.
I'm not a big fan of IWB either. It does work, I have done it before and might do it again. But for some people it does tend to get uncomfortable after a while and sometimes rubs against your body until your skin gets irritated. The only way to know for sure is to try it. If it doesn't work for you, you've wasted your money on a holster you can't use.
The fact is that most of us who have been carrying for a good while have a box full of holsters that didn't work.
Since you're on a limited budget, can you really afford to experiment? And if you don't like your holster, chances are you'll leave the gun at home instead of actually carrying it.
Concealed carry is much more about the rig and your attire rather than the gun itself. A good concealment OWB holster and a proper belt makes carrying any gun a whole lot better. It also opens up the choice of gun to a much wider selection. Good gear ain't cheap. But its well worth the cost. Especially if you only have to buy once.
BTW: my usual carry gun is a Commander sized 1911. With a proper belt and holster it conceals just fine under an untucked T-shirt.
The J frame can be the most versatile. A quick change of grips makes it a good belt gun and with smaller grips it becomes a pocket EDC. Again, regular practice is a must b/c these little guns can be a challenge to shoot.
nearlynormalmike
US Veteran
TripleB:
Sounds like you and I are pretty much the same build(I do have a few years on you, though). I carry an M&P9c in a N82 tactical Professional iwb holster. Like you, I NEVER thought I would be carrying iwb; it just sounded too uncomfortable. I was fortunate enough to find a "used" N82 at a great price, so I tried it. I can and have carried it for 12-16 hours a day, driving, walking, sitting, even took a nap or two with it on. It won't be going back in the "for sale" ads. Wish I was close enough for you to try it on; I think you would like it.
I have exactly the same set up which I wore comfortably for several years. I love it, at least I did until and my pants/belt got too tight. I now have the Sig P938 with a new N2 holster. Much more less bulk than the Smith. The N2 is a great holster.
More often than not I just stick a J frame into my front pocket.
I have GOT to lose some weight.
elm_creek_smith
US Veteran
Given your choices, the S&W Model 442/642. We were getting ready to take my Mom to dinner for her 92nd birthday, and my wife objected to my intention to open carry. I put my 642-2 with a pocket holster in my jeans, and she said she couldn't tell I was carrying a gun. A revolver gives a "lumpy" appearance instead of a "gun in a pocket" like a semi-auto. It was that or an ankle holster, and I hate ankle holsters.
The 642-2 is my "always" gun. I usually carry my Model 13-3 off duty when leaving the neighborhood.
Don't shoot anyone with the Bauer. They might find out about it and be pi$$ed.
The 642-2 is my "always" gun. I usually carry my Model 13-3 off duty when leaving the neighborhood.
Don't shoot anyone with the Bauer. They might find out about it and be pi$$ed.
The 442 is my favorite pocket gun. My LCR357 is next in line. 357 defense ammo is doable in the LCR if your young and strong. Full house 357 is bone jarring. I have switched to 38+P. The extra weight of the LCR357 makes shooting 38+P easy.
Rick_A
Member
The J frame or Bodyguard 380 are typical pocket guns. The others, not so much. A Shield is doable if the pockets are big enough. The M&P compact is definitely a waistband gun.
My choice.
20151116_092821 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
20151117_103945(0) by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
My choice.
20151116_092821 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
20151117_103945(0) by Slick_Rick77, on FlickrBlackshirt
Member
Pick your gun for what you wish to do with it. Then decide how you will carry it...
The J frame or Bodyguard 380 are typical pocket guns. The others, not so much. A Shield is doable if the pockets are big enough. The M&P compact is definitely a waistband gun.
My choice.
642/Nemesis,.......in my pocket now and pretty much always.
I carry a BG380 and have for years. I carry it all day, every day in my front pocket in a De Santis Nemesis, it's extremely comfortable. Remember too, the gun in your purchase-posed hand must fit in your pocket and be able to be extracted easily to come on target quickly. I highly recommend the BG380 or a Ruger LCP in a Nemesis. Whatever you choose, just make sure you're comfortable enough to carry it EVERY day. They do no good left at home because it's a hassle or it's too hot or uncomfortable.
Laddy Smith
Member
Belt!
If you decide to go with IWB or OWB holster, make SURE you get a belt that is designed for carrying a gun. The belt & holster make all the difference in comfort.
The good belts will last years and you won't regret it. Depending on the color & style, you can use it as a dress belt too.
Good Luck
Lad
If you decide to go with IWB or OWB holster, make SURE you get a belt that is designed for carrying a gun. The belt & holster make all the difference in comfort.
The good belts will last years and you won't regret it. Depending on the color & style, you can use it as a dress belt too.
Good Luck
Lad
Lobster Picnic
Member
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2010
- Messages
- 1,573
- Reaction score
- 996
442 and pants from Duluth Trading Company.
getoff
Member
i have and love a 442. pocket it in a galco horsehide holster. on road trips, galco ankle lite rig. the 442 does everything well. lots of options for grips and holsters... 442 is my choice.
sipowicz
Member
True, the hooker told me when I was getting undressed.
