need opinions on concealed carry gun

[bobs330]

I just got my ccw and currently have a gen 3 glock 17, its kinda tough to conceal. I've been looking at the m&p9c, and also am partial to revolvers. I'd like to know what y'all think on the differences of carrying a small frame 38/357 or the m&p9c. Also, i like the mp revolvers, and the governor since its a"mix six". Any opinions are welcomed. I'm gonna try to go shoot a few different guns at a shop tomorrow to get a feel for them. Thanks!

 

[snubbyfan]

I prefer snubbies. They're a bit trickier to shoot than a Glock but with practice comes proficiency. I carry my snubby either in my pocket or my belt depending on the weather and my destination.

 

[BCDWYO]

Best advise is what you suggested...shoot a bunch of different guns at the range and see what you fancy. Also for CCW consider how you will carry it and what holster options are available. Snubbie revolvers and baby Glocks will have tons of holster options. M&P9C will have quite few but not as many. Governor less still. Not sure I really consider Governor as a CCW piece though. Take your time and get something you are very comfortable with, because CCW is serious business!

 

[bobs330]

Ok thanks guys. Iwb is preferred. Oklahoma will be open carry November 1st but i only plan on that when out four wheeling down in a place in central ok. I like the looks of the Smith revolvers, but just not sure yet.

 

[Kanewpadle]

The M&Pc conceals very well IWB. You could use an X-Grip adapter with a full size magazine for camping etc...

S&W M&P.45C | XGRIP

 

[snubbyfan]

Holsters are a whole 'nuther discussion. Just make sure to include a belt to go with it.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Bobs330:

My experience has been that a J-frame in a pocket holster is very hard to beat, particularly an Airweight. In the group photo below, (left to right) are Model 38 no dash; Model 60-7; Model 432PD; and Model 642. All are wearing laser grips. With the exception of the 432 (.32H&R Magnum) all are chambered in .38 Special. The other photo gives you a basis of size comparison between a J-frame (Model 60) and a M&P 40C (same size as the M&P 9C).

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[GKC]

I have tried just about every pocket-size, small, and medium semi-auto and revolver for CCW. When I got the Shield, I knew I had found (for me) the best one yet. It isn't exactly a pocket pistol, but it is fantastic for IWB, and fully capable at the range too. Mine is a 9mm, and I prefer the 8 round magazines.

I do like full size pistols for home defense (like my 1911s and SIG P229) but I am very comfortable using my Shield for HD as well.

 

[Arik]

You have to figure out where you will carry and what are you are comfortable with. If you live in a small town a snubby 38 might be a perfect choice. If you are like me and live in a city of almost 2 million people then a semi auto might be a better option. I live in Philly, 90 min from NYC, 60 min from Newark, Elizabeth NJ, 60 mon from Newark, camden Nj. All bad areas. I feel more comfortable with 15+1 or 17+1. My daily carry is a Glock 19 or 17 followed by a Smith 5946.

Rype of holster and belt has a lot to do with comfort as well. If u are new to iwd carry or carry in general they will all feel awkward. A quality gun belt and a good holster go a long way in weight dispersal. I do not like pocket or small pistols. My smallest gun is a Glock 19. In 9mm i prefer Glocks but in 45 i like M&P because a 45 M&P is just a hair thicker then a Glock 19/17. While the Glock 45 is more thicker.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[Badkarma 1]

If the opportunity presents itself you might want to try a K frame model 10/64 or 13/65 with a 3 inch barrel. They're a bit larger than the M&P9c but they conceal very well. Dale

 

[Martimus]

Given that you already have and use the G17, I'd suggest to consider sticking with another 9mm weapon. This way you don't have to support multiple calibers of ammo. Not a big deal but in a tough economy, it never hurts to consolidate.

 

[jaykellogg]

What to carry is a personal decision. I will say that anything on your person is better than the best gun in the world left at home. There are several 9mm pistols that will conceal in your pocket. I carry a KelTec PF-9. It is easy to conceal. Springfield has a new .45auto out for about $400 that would be easy to conceal IWB. or it would fit in the pocket of cargo pants or an ankle holster. I would stay away from anything heavy. Autos are easier to conceal than revolvers and generally have more round capacity. Revolvers are more forgiving of ammo type.

I would consider an airweight .38 but not the Govenor.

 

[Friedrice118]

i carry an m&p 9mm compact, great size great quality, 12+1 rounds many holsters, and holsters made just for it, very accurate at 7-10yards (though i am new to shooting) and 7-10 yards is the most distance you can really shoot someone and claim self defense, if you get a full size m&p you get more accuracy, but more bulk, more clipp capacity 17 if i9m not mistaken. All in all man i got a 380, You should only get a 380 if they allow hallow points in your state cause then the lack of bullet size matters less. A 9mm with target rounds will be pretty effective, a 9mm with hallow points gives you A LOT more peace of mind.

 

[TexasArmed]

I carry two revolvers myself, both have five round capacity. The snubbie is a no hammer, stainless steel 642 38 Spl Aluminum airweight, and the other is a CA 44 Spl 3 Inch Bulldog. This gun carries a bigger round than a J frame but it fits well in a J frame holster. Since it has a hammer that might catch I carry it in a Galco paddle holster, while my 38 Spl fits in a good pocket holster.
If I carry only one gun on occasion it would be the S&W 38 Spl airweight. For the Snubbie 38 Spl I use 158 Grain 38 Spl P+ rounds
Mine is stainless steel too which makes it a nice handgun to carry into the bathroom since it don't hurt it getting it a bit damp.

 

[Old cop]

I've been carrying a light weight snubby .38 for over 40 years, but I began my LEO career in the late '60's when the revolver ruled. I have tried some of the tiny .380's, nothing wrong w/them, but just could not get comfortable.

As others have indicated the small .38 (or M&P 340 in .357) slips into a pocket and is a go anywhere piece. Good hunting, let us know what you decide and please post some pics.

 

[oldafsp]

This is the age old arguement.

Personal preference in a defensive carry weapon should be based on how
quickly and accurately you can get it into action. For example, pocket carry has never ever worked for me. Too slow and my hands are way too big to be reaching into a pocket of any type.

I need to be able to get my weapon into the fight with ONE hand. The other hand may be needed to fend my attacker off while I draw. Or push a door closed or whatever.

Doomsday scenarios aside, a J frame .38 is a good choice for most situations. But you had better practice...alot.

If your good with that 9mm, stay with what you know. Just adjust to a more compact version and practice with it.

Your ability to survive all depends on your attitude, mindset and training. Your weapon is just an extension of those skills.

Good luck in your search.

 

[bobs330]

Going to shoot mp9c, and try to shoot j or k frame as. well. Right now from pictures and specs I'm stuck between a 442 and the 9c. I really like their revolvers.

 

[snubbyfan]

442 works for me.

 

[Lost Lake]

Going to shoot mp9c, and try to shoot j or k frame as. well. Right now from pictures and specs I'm stuck between a 442 and the 9c. I really like their revolvers.

I just came back from shooting my 3913 and 642, really trying to concentrate on how each one felt....

It's pretty amazing how much noise and punch that 642 has. Super nice gun, and those 5 rounds are gone in a flash. Easy to shoot, easy to hide, easy to own. Definitely the most comfortable hiding gun I own, better than my BG380 even.

The 3913 is just a dreamboat. Smooth firing, dead accurate, feels fab in your hand. A lot heavier than a 642, but there's a lot more gun there. 9 rounds of 9mm +p is a lot more powerful. Still easy to conceal.

The M&P 9c is also small, easy to conceal, and packs a wallop. I'd say the 3913 conceals a little bit easier.... Hard to say, in a good IWB they are both nice to carry. Still for conceal-ability the 642 wins that game.

If I could only have one.... I wouldn't. I'll never sell the 642 or the 3913.

 

[pineappleshooter]

If you are comfortable with your Glock, you should try a 19 or 26. Both are good weapons and you are already (I presume) familiar with their care, feeding, shooting, etc..