I read lots of posts here on how, where and when to carry. There are many different types of guns being carried, different sized people, builds, climate differences, dress codes, laws, etc. that of course will all contribute to the mix. Sometimes sacrifices must be made as to caliber, gun designs, capacities, holster types etc. as well.
I can only comment on my personal experience but I try desperately to convey this to everyone that asks me locally. IMHO, if you intend on carrying - then carry all the time. You know Murphy's Law, the one time you leave it home is the one time you might need it. If you don't feel the need to carry - that's fine too - personal choice.
I can not and will not carry a gun for any length of time that is uncomfortable, period! If the gun is uncomfortable then you will tend not to have it on you. Obviously there is a fine line between comfort, the type of gun being carried by said individual and how it is carried. Now I realize that when you first start to carry, you will feel "different". There is something to be said about getting used to carrying an unnatural piece of metal on you. That's sort of a "learning curve" if you will. I am taking about something like this..... When I was in my 20's, I read many Gun Rag articles about how real men only carried 1911's, .44 N Frames, etc. I tried desperately to carry a 1911 concealed. That ordeal lasted only 2 weeks - and I could not take it any longer! Way too heavy, bulky and large for a CCW the way I had to dress. Of course I did not have the great, well designed holsters I now own, but still..... I could not walk 5 steps without hiking up my pants! I had to be honest with myself and back down to a J frame 2" Chief's Special. OK - not nearly as high capacity, powerful or authoritative as the .45 is, but at least I could carry, conceal and move around all day in everyday life with the J Frame on. At that time I felt reasonably well armed, never let my gun show and was never spotted carrying. I always had the gun with me! You know the saying, better to have a 5 shot .38 Spl. in your pocket than the much more powerful .45 you left at home.
I am also one that could NEVER "dress around the gun". I want to wear what I want when I want and not have to look out of place wearing a Photographer's vest, Biker's vest, sweater, etc. when it's 90º outside. Don't want to wear long pants when it's 100º outside or look like a slob wearing a shirt out when it is inappropriate.
Therefore, when "new to gun people" ask my advise on what to buy for CCW, I let them come over and see what gun options and caliber options there are (only if I know them well of course). Then if possible I suggest they rent different models and brands at the Range and let them shoot them. I also suggest they be honest with themselves about what they are and are not willing to tote around all day. Believe it or not, sometimes that's not so easy!
Anyway, although I have my likes and dislikes (as we all do) about calibers, gun brands, auto's vs semi-auto's etc. I always try to settle on what truly will always work for me and will always be with me. I feel well armed, practice a lot, and maintain said CCW gun.
Just figured I'd post this because in the last few years in our new home I have been asked many many times about this very subject and feel it just might help a few new guys here. In general I say, carry the best caliber in the highest capacity that you will feel comfortable wearing all day and every day. If that means stepping down a size in gun or caliber, better that than to leave it at home.
This is really meant mostly for newbies as I realize most of us here have lots of experience, knowledge and toting experience and truthfully, I don't really know how many here are new to gun toting. But hey, if this helps only a handful of people, better that than none. AND.... if you have been carrying for a while and not comfortable, it might help too.
Regards,
Chief38
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As a young man I was willing and able to carry a 1911, S&W K frame, etc. with a crappy belt and holster. Somewhere along the line, not so much and ended up with a 638 with a quality belt and holster and even that is just too much sometimes. Yup, lazy, not dedicated enough, whatever, but not, not serious enough. I'm serious enough to know me and take steps to deal with it. Some days small is all I'll tolerate.
I understand that the bigger grips are contrary to the small idea, but with my stiff hand, I got to be able to hold the damn thing.
