Finally Settled on my Carry Guns
- Thread starter RoyOdhner
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HorizontalMike
US Veteran
Yeah, my J-frame gets carried while my others sit quietly in their parking spaces...
In the mean time, I have been rethinking my position on penetration and feel backing off of 3.57Mag in a 4" to only 38+P in a 1.87" barrel seems more than enough to get me out of trouble AND minimize strays from striking others. IMO, the whole point is to get OUT of trouble, NOT to get INTO trouble...
... Just sayin'...Attachments
bonspy
Member
My first concealed carry weapon was a Colt Combat Commander. The gun was modified a bit, barrel bushings, trigger work, etc. I carried in a shoulder rig back in the 1980's in Detroit when I was a private investigator, security consultant/bodyguard. I was a much bigger guy back then nearly 100 pounds heavier from working out, boxing and playing competitive judo, so I could conceal a much larger handgun than I can currently. Also, because Detroit was at the time the "murder capital" of the USA, I felt that I needed that kind of firepower, to defend not only myself, but clients lives too. Also, in that mostly chilly climate wearing jackets of varying thickness was always an option to assist in concealing a handgun. Thirty odd years later, due to an illness, I literally weigh in at a measly 140 or so odd pounds at 6'2" in height. I also live back below the Mason-Dixon Line, where I belong but, where wearing a jacket ALL the time would be ridiculous looking. So I have gone around 180 degrees from all that firepower to a nice little .380.
Yeah, I carry a Smith & Wesson product, the M&P Bodyguard 380, with the Crimson Trace laser. I do have other handguns I suppose I could carry, but this gun does everything I need it to do. It's highly concealable, to the point where I can just place it in my right front pocket and in the holster I have for that location you certainly can't tell it's a gun, though you might think I have a cellphone in that pocket, if you looked particularly hard and concentrated with all of your powers of perception on that pocket. The gun is very accurate for being so small and lightweight. With a round chambered and 6 in the magazine I have little doubt that if I ever had to put it in play I could certainly get the gun to do what it was designed and built for doing. It's a nice firearm, well made and as I said surprisingly accurate. I think I'll keep it.
Yeah, I carry a Smith & Wesson product, the M&P Bodyguard 380, with the Crimson Trace laser. I do have other handguns I suppose I could carry, but this gun does everything I need it to do. It's highly concealable, to the point where I can just place it in my right front pocket and in the holster I have for that location you certainly can't tell it's a gun, though you might think I have a cellphone in that pocket, if you looked particularly hard and concentrated with all of your powers of perception on that pocket. The gun is very accurate for being so small and lightweight. With a round chambered and 6 in the magazine I have little doubt that if I ever had to put it in play I could certainly get the gun to do what it was designed and built for doing. It's a nice firearm, well made and as I said surprisingly accurate. I think I'll keep it.
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joeintexas
US Veteran
Old habits are hard to break, I still carry the SP101 in 2 1/4 barrel. A little heavy but you get used to the weight and it just feels good shooting. I shoot .38spec+P but it handles the .357 ok. A nice light J frame would be nice sometimes though.
KSDeputy
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It is none of my business what guns, how many, etc. that you carry. I believe in carrying one gun, becoming totally familiar with it, how it shoots, how to take it down, clean it, and put it back together. I have carried the same generation 3 pistol in .45acp for over 25 years, and will continue to do so. When I reach for it, every part of it is instinctive, how it functions is automatic (no pun). I know I can put that round where it needs to go from years of training.
Sig 238 w/extra magazine in the pocket or on the hip; Glock23 9mm conversion (trigger, titanium guide rod and wilson combat night sights) w/3 mags in the grab bag and a spyderco knife. Federal HST 9mm hollow points ammo to go. (practice monthly).
Bedside Sig 229 w/TLR-4 green laser-area light on the rail .. for "bump in the night work" .. Federal HST 40 cal ammo and spare magazine (practice every other month) ... to protect the home/family and the better guns.
confidence ... high.
Bedside Sig 229 w/TLR-4 green laser-area light on the rail .. for "bump in the night work" .. Federal HST 40 cal ammo and spare magazine (practice every other month) ... to protect the home/family and the better guns.
confidence ... high.
Usually a snub revolver(currently 642) and sometimes a Glock 26.
As of late, I've actually been questioning the revolver due to it's relatively low capacity. I've been a proponent of the hammerless snub for a long time primarily based on it's ECQ advantages as well as available civilian defense stats. New research and looking at the issue from a different perspective has me reconsidering my choice.
As of late, I've actually been questioning the revolver due to it's relatively low capacity. I've been a proponent of the hammerless snub for a long time primarily based on it's ECQ advantages as well as available civilian defense stats. New research and looking at the issue from a different perspective has me reconsidering my choice.
Ranger514
Member
When I retired in 2014 after 24 years toting a full duty belt, I decided I wanted to go lighter in order to save what is left of my back. My rotation for EDC includes an 8-round DAO Sig P290RS, a 66-3, and a 60. A Glock 19 sits in the bedside dresser for home defense, but it rarely goes anywhere other than the range, as does my full size 1911.
Model 640-1 Pro in a Lobo Enhanced Pancake rides at 4 o'clock all day, every day. It's full of 140gr Barnes lead free .357 hps, and I practice enough that Smith, Barnes, and I are a terrible trio.
I don't feel a threat from two-legged critters where I live (unless you consider a standing bear a two-legged critter). Two years ago a friend pumped 11 rounds of .45 auto into an attacking griz; the ol' boy finally toppled over about an arm's length away from my friend. Made me start questioning my 629 Trail Boss so I sold it.
Yesterday I added another 5-shooter to my carry-it-when-I-need-it kit: a 500 4" in a Simply Rugged Sourdough in the cross draw position. I'm awestruck at how comfortable and weightless it is when I'm standing/walking (far better than the Trail Boss in its shoulder rig). Wouldn't be good for sitting or driving, but I don't need it then so no problem.
Cheers,
Bob
I don't feel a threat from two-legged critters where I live (unless you consider a standing bear a two-legged critter). Two years ago a friend pumped 11 rounds of .45 auto into an attacking griz; the ol' boy finally toppled over about an arm's length away from my friend. Made me start questioning my 629 Trail Boss so I sold it.
Yesterday I added another 5-shooter to my carry-it-when-I-need-it kit: a 500 4" in a Simply Rugged Sourdough in the cross draw position. I'm awestruck at how comfortable and weightless it is when I'm standing/walking (far better than the Trail Boss in its shoulder rig). Wouldn't be good for sitting or driving, but I don't need it then so no problem.
Cheers,
Bob
Although I sometimes carry a 642 when there's no threat at all and my back is tired, I generally carry an improved Model 56 (2" M15) with FBI loads. It is more accurate and faster for me to aim than any J or fixed-sight K revolver. Although I can see the advantage of a Gov't Model or a BHP in certain situations, I believe that the 15 is adequate, and slightly safer and a lot more convenient. If I see what I think is a need, I'll switch, or double up.
Lobster Picnic
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I like the OP's idea of the mouse gun (NAA Pug) being the "always" gun. Then you can add more fire power as locations or conditions require.
I started with a NAA Black Widow in .22lr because it was small and cheap, but very well-made, easy to carry, and fit my hand and pocket well. Later I got the .22 Mag cylinder and use that for carry.
Years later when I could afford something else I thought the 11-oz, 7-shot DAO J-frame 351c was a better choice than the Black Widow. I'm still not so sure. I carry the NAA more often than the S&W. Sometimes a J-frame is still too big.
I started with a NAA Black Widow in .22lr because it was small and cheap, but very well-made, easy to carry, and fit my hand and pocket well. Later I got the .22 Mag cylinder and use that for carry.
Years later when I could afford something else I thought the 11-oz, 7-shot DAO J-frame 351c was a better choice than the Black Widow. I'm still not so sure. I carry the NAA more often than the S&W. Sometimes a J-frame is still too big.
Perfect carry
Well, I have several in my rotation. I like big bores so it narrows it down. The one I carry the most is a Charter Arms .44, others include a Taurus PT 145 Millenium .45 10+1, a Colt Defender 45, a Lew Horton S&W 24-3 .44 sp, and I just ordered a S&W Talo 3" .44 mag (that I will only carry .44 sp). I also have a custom Smith 25-2 2.75" that was converted to .45 Colt and hard chrome finished that on occasion goes in an iwb. The 44 mag will replace the model 24-3 since I just found out it's a Lew Horton and I don't want to mark it up. I have a Smith Bodyguard but I'm not too secure with the 380 round. I will be getting a Ruger LC9s to replace that in my rotation. You said that you like the 1911 but they are too big. Take a look at the Colt Defender or the Kimber. My Colt is around 24 oz and fits very nicely in an Alien Gear iwb. You have too carry what feels good on you. Some of the ones I mentioned are N frame revolvers which are quite big. I had an iwb made from Craft Holsters that is pretty comfortable. What ever you decide on is good, as long as you carry. Good luck and enjoy.
Well, I have several in my rotation. I like big bores so it narrows it down. The one I carry the most is a Charter Arms .44, others include a Taurus PT 145 Millenium .45 10+1, a Colt Defender 45, a Lew Horton S&W 24-3 .44 sp, and I just ordered a S&W Talo 3" .44 mag (that I will only carry .44 sp). I also have a custom Smith 25-2 2.75" that was converted to .45 Colt and hard chrome finished that on occasion goes in an iwb. The 44 mag will replace the model 24-3 since I just found out it's a Lew Horton and I don't want to mark it up. I have a Smith Bodyguard but I'm not too secure with the 380 round. I will be getting a Ruger LC9s to replace that in my rotation. You said that you like the 1911 but they are too big. Take a look at the Colt Defender or the Kimber. My Colt is around 24 oz and fits very nicely in an Alien Gear iwb. You have too carry what feels good on you. Some of the ones I mentioned are N frame revolvers which are quite big. I had an iwb made from Craft Holsters that is pretty comfortable. What ever you decide on is good, as long as you carry. Good luck and enjoy.
I prefer to carry 9.8 Million Volt Black Lipstick Stun Gun/Flashlight Combo w/ Bling that is the best self defense product I have ever used. Easy to carry and use.
bonspy
Member
Dog gone, that's a ...
... a beautiful Sig P228. I lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan for awhile and my neighbor was a LEO. He was, by the way, about 6'4" and went about 260 of roughly 75% muscle, was African American and was one of the most physically intimidating guys I have ever known. In uniform, I can't imagine anyone not just melting into a "yes sir/no sir" to whatever request he may have ever spoken.
Regardless, he carried a SIG Sauer and was one of the first LEO's on his block to go to the SIG. He and I spent more than a few minutes talking about guns together and he had switched to the SIG Sauer P220 from a Browning Hi-Power, that he had carried since graduating from the academy and just felt he needed to move to a newer firearm. At the time I was carrying daily as part of my job as a private investigator/personal protection specialist (OK, I'll say it, bodyguard, LOL). He used to tease me about carrying my very old technology Colt Combat Commander. I usually said that "what worked for the doughboys was good enough for me". That being said, his P220 was chambered in .45, LOL.
Back to the point, SIG definitely makes some pretty darned nice looking firearms. Excellent choice in handguns fyimo!
My carry gun is a Sig P228 9mm Swiss police trade in
... a beautiful Sig P228. I lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan for awhile and my neighbor was a LEO. He was, by the way, about 6'4" and went about 260 of roughly 75% muscle, was African American and was one of the most physically intimidating guys I have ever known. In uniform, I can't imagine anyone not just melting into a "yes sir/no sir" to whatever request he may have ever spoken.
Regardless, he carried a SIG Sauer and was one of the first LEO's on his block to go to the SIG. He and I spent more than a few minutes talking about guns together and he had switched to the SIG Sauer P220 from a Browning Hi-Power, that he had carried since graduating from the academy and just felt he needed to move to a newer firearm. At the time I was carrying daily as part of my job as a private investigator/personal protection specialist (OK, I'll say it, bodyguard, LOL). He used to tease me about carrying my very old technology Colt Combat Commander. I usually said that "what worked for the doughboys was good enough for me". That being said, his P220 was chambered in .45, LOL.
Back to the point, SIG definitely makes some pretty darned nice looking firearms. Excellent choice in handguns fyimo!
NAA 22mag with a clip holster in front pants pocket. Kahr CM9 IWB and a S&W 360 in my coat pocket. All at the same time. Nothing is faster the another gun instead of a reload.
I see lots of Shields being carried for some reason. Why not just a M&P compact?? That 1/4 inch in width isn't worth the decrease in ammo, IMHO.
I see lots of Shields being carried for some reason. Why not just a M&P compact?? That 1/4 inch in width isn't worth the decrease in ammo, IMHO.
gwpercle
Member
My perfect carry has evolved to the S&W model 637 Airweight , 38 special +P. Tried a lot of different guns from the 1911 government model to the 637. It has been pocket carried since 2005 .
A Taurus model 455 in 45 acp is second . Think beefy all steel J frame, 5 shot , in 45 acp. Not an airweight and not as easy to pocket carry but rides in a belt holster nicely.
Just about every time the 637 gets placed in the pocket , the 455 is good on a belt or in a winter coat pocket .
Nothing in life is perfect , everything is a compromise of sorts.
Gary
A Taurus model 455 in 45 acp is second . Think beefy all steel J frame, 5 shot , in 45 acp. Not an airweight and not as easy to pocket carry but rides in a belt holster nicely.
Just about every time the 637 gets placed in the pocket , the 455 is good on a belt or in a winter coat pocket .
Nothing in life is perfect , everything is a compromise of sorts.
Gary
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Zebra War Wagon
Member
I have come to the conclusion that there is NO one perfect CCW weapon, this after decades of CCW'ing. I determined that I need a summer, low profile weapon such as the S&W Shield. A pocket pistol such as the S&W 642/442 and a "fighting" gun such as a hi-cap 9 or 40 with extra magazines to boot. The holy grail of one gun that does it all, just has not developed yet.
IMHO but I could be wrong.
IMHO but I could be wrong.
shooter1911
Member
My carry gun is a Sig P228 9mm Swiss police trade in
Did the Swiss ever shoot that thing? It looks like new.
When I carry my shield its simply because I shoot it well. I find it accurate and easy to shoot. I have considered a M&P9C. I had one at one time and sold it because it was so similar to my Glock 19. As time has progressed Ive grown to really like my Shield.
JK-linux
Member
It seems the older I get, the more guns I own, and the number of them that I actually carry with any meaningful frequency becomes smaller and smaller. Anymore it's almost always a compact Glock of some description, or a J/K Frame in 38/357. The wheel guns win the honor about 75% of the time. I think I like that the aforementioned are pretty simple to operate (to me a Glock is a semi auto revolver) at least as far as defensive shooting goes.
My favorite guns are SA semi-autos, especially the BHP and 1911. However, I just don't seem to actually strap them on as much as I use to when I head out of the house. Maybe that should be my resolution in 2017? To go SA and save the wheel guns and Glocks for later years?
Meh. First world problems.
My favorite guns are SA semi-autos, especially the BHP and 1911. However, I just don't seem to actually strap them on as much as I use to when I head out of the house. Maybe that should be my resolution in 2017? To go SA and save the wheel guns and Glocks for later years?
Meh. First world problems.
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