Need for a high cap CC pistol?

[RetCapt]

I lived close to, and worked in, a gang-infested area. In 2008 the county I lived/worked in had the highest per capita murder rate in the state of Calif. Given this environment I went to a compact high cap semi auto from a S&W model 60. First was a S&W 469 (dept issue), then a S&W 6906, and finally a Glock 26.

If I encountered a deadly force situation locally, the probability would be multiple assailants. Fortunately that did not occur on my home turf. I am retired now, in an extremely low crime area locally. But old habits tend to stick with one.

I never fell prey to the spray and pray mindset. That too is due to old habits. I had decades of revolver carry and PPC competition. I had been conditioned from the beginning to place my shots accurately. With any of the semi-autos I used I could and did place my shots just as accurately, but more of them more quickly. That is efficiency.

I hope I will never need that efficiency.

 

[Smoke]

In 2016 two guys tried to rob me while I was walking to my car to go to work. I was armed and I was able to deter them without firing any rounds. I have never left my home unarmed since that night.

I don't like the concept of "high capacity" handguns. It's only a matter of time before the anti rights crowd starts pointing out that even gun owners don't think you need more than a revolver to defend your self.

Unless I'm going to the gym I carry a Glock19 and two reloads.

You do you Boo.

 

[Bald1]

The general public has been brainwashed by gun writers and tv shows on outdoor network and sportsman's channel. If not for wonder nines and blac rifles they'd have nothing to talk about. And the YouTube experts take it to a whole other level. I recently watched a newbie review a model 65. He raved about its accuracy. Then said I can't recommend it as a bed side gun or truck/car gun cuz it doesn't have adjustable sites. WHAT?!?!?!?!?!
Naturally I had to respond. These so called experts are usually overweight/out of shape and breathing heavy during their training sessions. Most of them dress like they've been deployed to a hot zone in the Middle East. I've had a CCP since 1992. I've never felt under gunned with my J frame or K frame .38. Maybe I'm the weird one ?????????

 

[RWPBR]

The Fuddism in this thread has me scratching my head.

 

[fiasconva]

What's that old saying about 'I've never seen anyone in a gunfight complain about having too much ammunition."?

 

[ironhead7544]

A friend of mine who is in his 70ties and walks with a cane came out of Walmart carrying packages. He was attacked by a gang of 12. They knocked him to the ground and started kicking him. He managed to draw his Colt Defender and they ran off when they saw it. This was all on camera.

I carry a G26 with 13 rounds and a spare 17 round magazine. Have been for many years.

 

[kbm6893]

The Fuddism in this thread had be scratching head.

I haven't seen any Fudd's in this thread. Nobody has said that YOU don't need anything. Just that THEY don't. 90% of the time, I carry a semi auto with 8 rounds. My Shield Plus has 10. My Bodyguard .380 only 6, but I wouldn't want more since that would increase the weight, which defeats the purpose.

Those who want to carry 17 round capacity guns and 2 spare mags are free to do so. I personally think it's way overkill. Even when I was a cop and took the train to work, it was my Glock 19 and no extra mags. I'm not gonna go through life expecting to get into a war.

 

[Biggfoot44]

In the abstract , with everything else equal ,, more is better . But alas in the real world , everything else is very far from equal.

Capacity is well down the list of priorities. Do you shoot it well ? Specifically reasonably accurate for reasonably quick first shot hits . The most critical shot in any situation is the first one that Hits , it may well be the only one you have opportunity for . Does it fit your hand ? Can it be carried comfortably . Does it have your concept of reasonably suitable power ?

My tastes run to revolvers and single stack autos . But if it otherwise suits , I won't disqualify if for being double stack ( witness my G29 , and Kel Tec P11, and previous 469 ) .

And I always carry reload(s) , and not infrequently a second .

If you Like your hi cap mini 9mm de jure , and shoot it well , more power to you , I'm not going to talk you out of it .

 

[Puller]

I leave the house every day well prepared. I do believe in situational awareness, but I don't live in fear. The only time I'm carrying a 5 shot snub is as a backup to something else.

As far as what my EDC is, it's no one's business. I am very proficient with it and I carry it concealed. That's all that matters to me.

 

[Mister X]

The Fuddism in this thread had be scratching head.

I don't know about that, but I guess that depends on your definition of a fudd.

The most common distorted perspective I see on these types of threads are people who I can only guess watch too many action movies and like to indulge in fantasy scenarios. The whole tactical trend has created a whole lot of what I would label mall ninjas who lack functional and practical personal defense skills and don't understand the proper tools to support that objective. Or maybe they don't really care and just like to play. Nothing inherently wrong with that, but I think a lot of people get it mixed up and the lines between the fantasy and reality get blurred.

 

[kbm6893]

I don't know about that, but I guess that depends on your definition of a fudd.

The most common distorted perspective I see on these types of threads are people who I can only guess watch too many action movies and like to indulge in fantasy scenarios. The whole tactical trend has created a whole lot of what I would label mall ninjas who lack functional and practical personal defense skills and don't understand the proper tools to support that objective. Or maybe they don't really care and just like to play. Nothing inherently wrong with that, but I think a lot of people get it mixed up and the lines between the fantasy and reality get blurred.

Agreed. Look at some of the **** people csrry everyday. High capacity gun. Multiple magazines. Flashlights. First aid kits. One moderator on another forum admits to carrying THREE full size weapons, a knife, flashlight, and in his trunk, an AR15, a bag full of magazines, a freaking RANGE FINDER(in case he has to take a long range shot at an active shooter), a first aid kit with Quick Clot, and a level 4 vest capable of stopping a rifle round. This guy drives an Uber for a living.

There are gun owners, gun nuts, and gun enthusiasts. I'm a gun enthusiast, but I live in the real world.

Gotta head out to pick up dinner. Slipping my LC9S in my waistband. That's it. Wish me luck. If I don't make it back alive, it's been a pleasure!

 

[RWPBR]

I don't know about that, but I guess that depends on your definition of a fudd.

The most common distorted perspective I see on these types of threads are people who I can only guess watch too many action movies and like to indulge in fantasy scenarios. The whole tactical trend has created a whole lot of what I would label mall ninjas who lack functional and practical personal defense skills and don't understand the proper tools to support that objective. Or maybe they don't really care and just like to play. Nothing inherently wrong with that, but I think a lot of people get it mixed up and the lines between the fantasy and reality get blurred.

Respectfully submitted: your response is fuddism ...you are using the same language as the antis. My .02 YMMV

 

[BE Mike]

Respectfully submitted: your response is fuddism ...you are using the same language as the antis. My .02 YMMV

You are exactly on point. The key word is need. The antis always ask, "Why does anyone NEED thus and such". They never ask people why they need that boat, motorcycle, sports car, etc., but when it comes to guns they always seem to know that gun owners don't NEED most or even any guns, i.e. "This isn't the 18th century, why do we NEED the Second Amendment to the Constitution?" When gun owners start asking that "NEED" question, they have fallen for the anti drivel and have become enemies of freedom.

 

[kbm6893]

You are exactly on point. The key word is need. The antis always ask, "Why does anyone NEED thus and such". They never ask people why they need that boat, motorcycle, sports car, etc., but when it comes to guns they always seem to know that gun owners don't NEED most or even any guns, i.e. "This isn't the 18th century, why do we NEED the Second Amendment to the Constitution?" When gun owners start asking that "NEED" question, they have fallen for the anti drivel and have become enemies of freedom.

Actually, it was the OP who used the word "need" in the title of this thread. Even phrased it as a direct question and solicited responses. So people gave their responses. And in none of them have I seen evidence of a Fudd, or quite frankly, even trying to dissuade people from carrying whatever they want to. I've got a safe full of guns thst would cause a Fudd to have a heart attack and a gun grabber from even worse. I just choose to not go through life like Mad Max. So to answer the OP's question, no there is no need for a high capacity weapon, in MOST situations. I have many of them if the need changes. I still sure as hell will never travel with an AR in my trunk and a range finder for long range shots.

 

[gnystrom]

I am 77 and for the last 11 years been employed as an RSO/instructor at a municipal police range. I have shot about everything made and mulled this question for years. The old saying, "after a gunfight, nobody said they had too much ammo" may have merit but....

I have settled in and carry what I can draw and shoot very accurately. I find that to be a Sig P365 with a Wilson Combat grip module and a flat baseplate10 rd mag or a 340PD with LG405 laser grips. I practice at least 25 draws with dry fires per day AIWB alternating firearms. When at work it's draw and fire one at 30' and some while moving.

When making these critical decisions remember, semi's fail, mags fail, and clearing a malfunction can be stressful and most people will struggle under pressure.
I have shot revolvers for 60 years and as a RSO I have seen a few dozen revolver issues and most they were due to lack of proper cleaning.

You choose, and train your partner or spouse with your choice of firearm as they may need it to save you.

 

[haywood]

I figure I'll never need a gun. I hope I never need a gun. I carry Two guns. For years it was Two J-Frames. One accessible to each hand. Lately I've inherited some guns. Now I'll carry my pocket J-Frame and sometimes a 9 shot Shield or a 20 shot XDM Springfield. Why? I like them. They are something new to me. This has happened before. When the novelty wears off I'll be back to Two J-Frames.

 

[oink]

Of late I've been carrying an XDs .45 for EDC. For church duties a G19 MOS with dot. For EDC I feel pretty comfortable with the XDs and one reload. It's a thin easy to carry gun AIWB.

I carried a revolver the vast majority of my career and always felt comfortable with a 6 shot revolver although I always had at least 2 reloads. I did carry a quad loader pouch for a good while too.

However I will eventually get one of the new high capacity micro 9s when I find one that appeals to me. If I can comfortably carry a high capacity as easily as the low capacity and shoot it as well I'll take the extra rounds. Why not?

I still carry a Smith model 69 sometimes as well as a Officers Model 1911. Always a reload but I'm still comfortable with the low capacity guns I shoot well....but one of the high capacity micro 9s is in my future.

Heck, I need to dust off my old PF9. Mine has always been reliable and it's pretty darn close to a high capacity micro 9.

 

[BigBelle]

Oh by far a S&W Model 29 Blue 6 inch barrel. And a horizontal shoulder holster. Works for me.

 

[Biggfoot44]

You think you're joking ,but not necessarily .

Once upon a time , a friend had carried a. 6 inch M29 in shoulder holster for a cpl years . ( 6'5" 275 lb. Worked for him .)

And not once ,but twice was in ( civilian) gunfight with it .

 

[BE Mike]

You think you're joking ,but not necessarily .

Once upon a time , a friend had carried a. 6 inch M29 in shoulder holster for a cpl years . ( 6'5" 275 lb. Worked for him .)

And not once ,but twice was in ( civilian) gunfight with it .

Who won the gunfights?