NEED ADVICE! WHICH GUN FOR CCW AND WHICH GUN FOR HOME DEFENSE?

[marathonrunner]

Guys, I always got great advice from this site but lately I been driving myself nuts trying to find out which gun to use for CCW and which to use for home defense, and which gun to use for range only.

OK I got the following guns and this was my plan. But mind you here in Illinois, our CCW law preempts any municipal law that prohibits high capacity magazines. In Chicago, you can't have more than 15 rounds. Everywhere else you can only have 10 rounds max. However, the CCW law says no limits on how many bullets you can have. However, the Chicago Police as it has been rumored will still arrest you if you have a high cap mag. But nobody really knows because nobody got arrested yet.

That said, I decided to error on caution and only carry a 10 round magazine until the law is ironed out. Yes I do understand the case would be dismissed but the arrest would take three years until you could get it expunged.

That said, here is what I think works:

1. My M&P Shield=

- Got the Apex Duty Carry Enhancement Kit
- Enhanced Aluminum Trigger
- Trigger pull at 5.0lbs and very smooth, accuracy has increased from 21feet all the way up to 50feet with excellent accuracy.
- Trijicon HD Night Sites
***This gun by far is the best all around for CCW and I think it is the go to gun for most situations. The only drawback is it is only one bullet better than a revolver. I don't plan on shooting it a lot because it is a defensive gun and don't want to wear it out.

2. M&P 9C:

- Apex Duty Carry Enhanced Kit
- Stock Hinged Trigger. Was not able to mount the aluminum trigger to connector. Pin that connects trigger bar way too hard to press. Apex Duty makes gun much better but only marginally than Stock hinged. Need aluminum to really make it good.
- No Night sites, I figured attaching a tactical light, would mean no need for night sites but then I could never use this as night for ccw. Do you really need nite sights? I don't think in urban city, it will be that dark where I have no ambient street light.
*** Is concealabe but a bit heavy and chunky. It also has more than 10 rounds so there is concern for CCW usage. Would not want to find out a cop does not know the law

3. Glock 42
- Completely stock. Trigger kind of stinks but for a backup gun it shoots great up to 21 feet. Don't plan on using this for a range gun because ammo is way too much.

4. Glock 19:
- I just bought the long awaited OD Glock Gen3 and I don't want to risk any scratches on frame as the color is so hard to find. I know it is a tool only but OD green is so hard, I only want to use this as a defensive gun for home use. I also got the glock tactical light. Every time I stuff this in my Fatboy Maxpedition bag, the zipper drags on frame.

 

[Watchdog]

...lately I been driving myself nuts trying to find out which gun to use for CCW and which to use for home defense...

No point in driving yourself nuts. Nothing wrong with using the same gun for both, especially if you're any good with it, and it has night sights.

But if you're really agonizing over it, just get a 12-gauge repeater of some sort and be done with it.

 

[Bozz10mm]

The Shield is great carry gun. Don't worry about wearing it out. I have over 1100 rounds thru mine and it is not showing any signs of wearing out. In fact, you really need to shoot your carry weapon a lot to get proficient with it and test reliability.

The Glock 19 would make a great Home Defense weapon. But then, there is that 10 round law thing.

Maybe you would consider an XDm 45, 3.8" Compact. Comes with a 9 and 13 round mag. You can carry with the 9 rd mag (+1) , and use the 13 rd mag (+1) for HD.

 

[federali]

CCW and Home Defense

Yes, you may easily find one gun to serve both functions but if you really want two guns, then my advice is simple:

For CCW, don't automatically go for the smallest gun possible. You must find a balance between accuracy, reliability and effectiveness. It must also be comfortable to carry and relatively easy to conceal.

For home defense, I prefer a large frame, all steel gun that soaks up recoil. As you don't carry it, there's no advantage to a small, light gun. A Beretta 92 would be ideal, as would an all-steel M1911 with 5" barrel. Even an S&W revolver with 3" or 4" barrel would be fine and I'm sure that many members here prefer the wheel gun over the auto.

 

[marathonrunner]

Yeah the more I think about it, the Shield is the most comfortable and with my trigger mods very accurate. The 9c I think will only be used for home defense as it is a bit too heavy and not legal as it has more than 10 rounds. I did get a ten rounder for my G19 but with my new glock tactical light, it will fit in my Fatboy Maxpedition bag, but I would not be able to use the universal trigger. I don't think it would be wise to carry it without a holster that has a trigger guard.

 

[Rick_A]

The way to stay proficient with the guns that may be relied upon to save your life is for the defense/carry guns and range guns to be one and the same.

Pick from reputable manufacturers proven guns of choice that you shoot well at a price you can live with.

No rocket science involved.

 

[Rick_A]

You would also be remiss not keeping some type of long gun (shotgun or carbine) for the home.

 

[Rastoff]

...lately I been driving myself nuts trying to find out which gun to use for CCW and which to use for home defense, and which gun to use for range only.

There is only one answer to this question; which gun do you shoot best?

When I say "shoot best" I don't mean the one you can shoot the smallest group with when you take your time. I mean, which gun can you present from your holster and consistently put two rounds within a hand span of each other, in the chest of a normal sized silhouette, in under 2.4 seconds, at 7 yards?

If you can't do this consistently, practice more. You should be shooting your carry gun a lot. Familiarity is extremely important. Building automatic reflexes is a very good thing. When under stress, you will automatically do what you've trained/practiced. If you haven't practiced, you'll react poorly.

"But, Rastoff, ammo is expensive!" This is why dry practice is so important. It costs nothing and will help gain muscle memory and trigger control.

The cost of the gun, marks on the frame, type and cost of ammo, are all irrelevant and insignificant when it's your life that's on the line. Now, if you're really concerned about potential scratches on your gun, then you shouldn't even consider carrying it. If you're faced with a life or death situation, the thought, "Oh, I hope I don't scratch my gun" will get you killed. Sound harsh? It's meant to be. This is not an exercise in having fun at the range, this is life and death.

This is my carry gun:

I guarantee it cost more and was harder to get than any gun you listed. Why do I carry it? Because I can shoot it the best out of all my guns. I practice with it all the time. As you can see, it's got some wear. I have over 7,000 rounds through it.

So, get your holsters and get to the range. Practice shooting by starting from concealment. Use a timer. Practice with a purpose and figure out which gun works best for you from concealment. Then get busy getting real familiar with it.

 

[Jaysq]

For your CCW weapon, choose the one that you will not leave home without. It must be easily concealed, light and comfortable for all day carry. If it doesn't meet all three, you will find yourself not carrying all the time. To me that is the Shield. If you are worried about ammo, carry an extra mag. No need to carry it in an IWB, it is small enough to conceal in a more comfortable OWB. In the summer I wear the lightweight Hanes tees (assorted colors) tucked in with a button type shirt un-buttoned and un-tucked. No it is not hot, I wore these all summer.

You can use one of your larger handguns for HD

[/url]S&W Shield 003cf3 by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[marathonrunner]

thanks

There is only one answer to this question; which gun do you shoot best?

When I say "shoot best" I don't mean the one you can shoot the smallest group with when you take your time. I mean, which gun can you present from your holster and consistently put two rounds within a hand span of each other, in the chest of a normal sized silhouette, in under 2.4 seconds, at 7 yards?

If you can't do this consistently, practice more. You should be shooting your carry gun a lot. Familiarity is extremely important. Building automatic reflexes is a very good thing. When under stress, you will automatically do what you've trained/practiced. If you haven't practiced, you'll react poorly.

"But, Rastoff, ammo is expensive!" This is why dry practice is so important. It costs nothing and will help gain muscle memory and trigger control.

The cost of the gun, marks on the frame, type and cost of ammo, are all irrelevant and insignificant when it's your life that's on the line. Now, if you're really concerned about potential scratches on your gun, then you shouldn't even consider carrying it. If you're faced with a life or death situation, the thought, "Oh, I hope I don't scratch my gun" will get you killed. Sound harsh? It's meant to be. This is not an exercise in having fun at the range, this is life and death.

This is my carry gun:

I guarantee it cost more and was harder to get than any gun you listed. Why do I carry it? Because I can shoot it the best out of all my guns. I practice with it all the time. As you can see, it's got some wear. I have over 7,000 rounds through it.

So, get your holsters and get to the range. Practice shooting by starting from concealment. Use a timer. Practice with a purpose and figure out which gun works best for you from concealment. Then get busy getting real familiar with it.

I just read in Glock FAQ dry firing should not be done excessively as it can cause breach face cracks. I would think my shield would also have issues if I dry fired the heck out of it. and lol.....I am being too obsessive about my new Glock 19. My MP 9c and Shield, heck I could care less if the zipper on my Maxpedition Fatboy gouges it but my Glock is too new. The Glock also doesn't seem to be scratch resistant. The plastic seems so soft.

Anyway I just got done installing the factory glock 3.5 connector and Zev's Stainless Steel safety firing pin and plunger. Wow so light and smooth now

 

[Rick_A]

Anything carried regularly gets a bit ugly. No way around it. It doesn't look bad...it looks like a gun that is depended on.

Corners loose finish and grips get smooth.

Snap caps can prevent dry fire damage. There is no substitute for range time.

 

[pawncop]

Couple of thoughts to share.

1- beware of the man with only one gun, he probably knows how to use it.

2- a riot style 12 or 20 gauge shotgun is one of the most effective home defense firearms made

I hope you find this helpful.

 

[marathonrunner]

thanks

Anything carried regularly gets a bit ugly. No way around it. It doesn't look bad...it looks like a gun that is depended on.

Corners loose finish and grips get smooth.

Snap caps can prevent dry fire damage. There is no substitute for range time.

That's why metal guns seems to be more appealing. The tupleware Glock and M&P seems more likely to melt like butter over time.

 

[chief38]

As much as I'm into Handguns for SD, for HD they are just back-up to one of my 12 gauge Pump Shotguns. A Remington 870 with an 18.5" bbl and 7 shot capacity or an Ithaca M37 Featherweight (or similar) is primary.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I admit to being an old guy. I understand that I have some limitations in my abilities. I have never found it possible to practice and train with one type of handgun, then carry another for personal defense and have any hope of being remotely effective, especially under stress.

Knowing my personal limitations, I choose to carry the same sidearm every day, in the same holster, at the same position, loaded with the same ammunition. When I go to the range I practice with that same handgun, using the same ammunition. When I go home at night the handgun is taken off and put in the same place.

I know that there are plenty of folks out there who are capable of switching from double-action revolvers to single-action automatics, then carry a double-action automatic with decocker all day, and rely on a striker-fired polymer super pistol for home defense at night. Heck, some of you folks change sidearms like others change socks and underwear. I also know that I'm not one of them. With my readily admitted personal limitations I just don't want to have to stop and think about which pistol I'm carrying today, where am I carrying it, which holster, what type of retention, is the pistol loaded/cocked/locked, does it have a manual safety, or what type of ammunition it is loaded with, especially under stress in a potentially life-or-death encounter.

Just returned from a couple of days in the mountains. Took along some toys and had a good time. Enjoyed a vintage Colt Single Action Army .44 Special, shot a 100-year old Winchester Model 1892 for the first time since I acquired it (handloaded ammunition, of course), reacquainted myself with the old S&W Model 34 Kit Gun .22 revolver (many, many trips together and many meals of rabbit, grouse, snowshoe hares, and other tasty critters), burned a little black powder in a 150-year old Pennsylvania percussion rifle (always fun). But on the drive up, overnight in the camper, and on the drive home my everyday carry rig remained the same.

Recreational shooting is one thing. Defensive carry is something else. Pick one piece (preferably the one you are consistently best with), train with that piece, load that piece with the same ammunition you train with, and carry it every day (same holster/belt/accessories, etc). If you ever have to defend yourself you will have just a little better edge on competency and confidence.

Best regards.

 

[marathonrunner]

Right about that

As much as I'm into Handguns for SD, for HD they are just back-up to one of my 12 gauge Pump Shotguns. A Remington 870 with an 18.5" bbl and 7 shot capacity or an Ithaca M37 Featherweight (or similar) is primary.

you are definitely right about that. I have seen on liveleak police shooting suspects, owners of business shooting robbers and sometimes you see them get shot multiple times yet they still don't go down. I think the shotgun as ugly as mine is, probably the best for HD

 

[Rick_A]

Statistically, seven out of nine people shot with handguns survive their injuries.

With a long gun in a decent caliber, the outlook is much more grim.

 

[jimmyj]

1. Remington Model 870 12 gauge w/18" barrel loaded with #4 Buckshot for HD.
2. S&W "K" frame 38/357 w/ 4" barrel for HD
3 S&W "K" Frame 3/357 w/ 2" barrel for CCW

 

[Ranger514]

Generally speaking, unless you're using a shotgun or high-power long gun, stopping a threat quickly and completely requires rapid delivery of multiple handgun rounds. If you haven't already done so, I'd suggest you take some extra SD training in any one of the many shooting courses available through reputable instructors/schools: Reactive/Point Shooting, Defensive Shooting, Survival Shooting, etc. (lots of different names for what is essentially the same thing.) Regardless of which course you choose, taking it will help you decide which handgun you shoot best.

Make that handgun your primary EDC and HD backup firearm. You may become equally proficient with any number of handguns over time, but concentrate on finding one handgun that fits you best and that you shoot best for right now. Good luck.

 

[getoff]

this is one of those threads where personal preference is supreme... my daily seems these days to be my (gasp) G19, or 17. as for range, ALL of 'em! the house gun is a G41 .45 with an Arredondo +3 for 17 rounds of .45. next up is an old Marlin camp carbine in 9mm with a few Mec-gar 20 rounders within reach. it also has a Tru-glo red dot on it. my wife loves to shoot that thing, and would be a great back up with it...