EDC Gun Choice

[Frailer]

Since we are now using quips, quotes and words of wisdom, I'll now throw in my favorite which I believe comes from Clint Smith:

Concealed carry handguns are meant to be comforting, not comfortable.

I agree with this, but only to a point.

When it was likely that I might get in a fight I lugged around 50 pounds of gear and ammo. My primary weapon was a highly trained infantryman with a M240B, my M4 was my BUG, and the M9 on my vest was my BBUG. Being comfortable wasn't a concern.

But when I went to McDonalds w/ my wife this evening I had no desire to hang three pounds of steel, brass, and lead on my belt. I just stuck my 642 in my pocket. (In the spirit of complete disclosure, there was also a NAA Black Widow secreted in a hidden compartment in my vehicle.)

IMHO so long as you strive to stay out of uncomfortable situations it's possible to carry a gun that's both comfortable and comforting. It's not an either/or.

 

[Heifer]

After handling a Ruger LCP, I appreciate my 638 even more. This revolver is in my front pocket in an Uncle Mike's holster every day, unless I am carrying the 2 1/2 inch 66. I need to practice with the j frame, not as much with the 66. I also have a 459 9mm that is bulky, but fun to carry during deer season-coyote deterrent.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I have seen it mentioned many times that the 1911 should not be carrying by those new to concealed carry due to it's manual of arms. Frankly I don't see what's so hard about it.

But I do know first hand that the j frame revolver definately is not a beginners gun. For some it is easy to learn and others not so easy.

The j frame requires dedication to practice and patience. But it can be done.

My everyday carry is an M&P 40 compact with a j frame in the pocket.

 

[cshoff]

I have seen it mentioned many times that the 1911 should not be carrying by those new to concealed carry due to it's manual of arms. Frankly I don't see what's so hard about it.....<snip>

There is nothing "hard" about it at all. That said, I've seen seasoned 1911 veterans and beginners alike, fail to disengage the thumb safety as they cleared their holster, as well as failing to adequately depress the grip safety, under nothing more than the typical stress encountered during a training drill on the range. And while that's an easy enough problem to overcome on a range, it could be detrimental in real life. "On/Off" switches on defensive handguns stand a much greater chance of being a liability rather than an asset.

 

[Frailer]

..."On/Off" switches on defensive handguns stand a much greater chance of being a liability rather than an asset.

Agreed. I, too, have seen well-trained individuals go "brain dead" under extreme stress, and I have no reason to believe I'm immune.

All firearms require the operator to point at the target and pull the trigger; each step added to this process (rack a slide, disengage a safety, whatever) introduces additional risk--another potential point of failure.

Whether or not that risk is overcome by the potential benefits (larger caliber, increased capacity, etc.) is a decision each person must make for his or her self.

 

[Knightrider03m]

My small but effective group of EDC weapons is picked in a way that no matter what my dress is, I'm always armed. So I can carry my big K frame or my small J frame and anything in-between.