cmort666
Member
I'd go with a Glock 43 or a Shield.
If you want more power, go with a 3 1/2" M1911 in .45acp.
If you want more power, go with a 3 1/2" M1911 in .45acp.
Next gun for concealed carry ?
- Thread starter Vettecor
- Start date
This is the S&W forum so the obvious answer is the M&P Shield. Personally, I'd go with the 9mm version because ammo is readily available and inexpensive. Furthermore, it's more like your Bodyguard 380 than the other options. I've got both and like how much alike they are (other than the trigger).
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Arik
Member
Glock 43 9mm. Shield 9mm
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blues7
Member
I know that we're on the S&W boards but for me the sweet spot between concealment and firepower is best exemplified by the Glock 26.
With the JM Custom Kydex "George" holster I can also conceal the Glock 19 as need dictates.
That said, for most any occasion the 26 just works for me.
With the JM Custom Kydex "George" holster I can also conceal the Glock 19 as need dictates.
That said, for most any occasion the 26 just works for me.
Protected One
Member
Like you I too have a S&W Bodyguard .380, which pretty much stays in my car. While I have many other options to choose from, it's my 9mm Shield that is my edc. Lightweight, good capacity, adequate caliber, and reliable as can be. That would be my recommendation.
I know the S&W 442 with Crimson Trace LG-305 grips shooting Speer 135 GR +P GDHP Short Barrel ammo holstered in a Mika Round Butt Pocket Holster works.
The 442 over the 642 because it doesn't "Shine" and won't have clear coat peeling problems.
CT LG-305's so you have something that's adequate to hold on to. A red dot because bad things happen after dark.
Speer 135 GR +P GDHP Short Barrel ammo because it works as advertised and was specifically designed to perform out of a 2" tube.
Mika Round Butt Pocket Holster because you can wear it in your front pants pocket without printing.
IMHO
The 442 over the 642 because it doesn't "Shine" and won't have clear coat peeling problems.
CT LG-305's so you have something that's adequate to hold on to. A red dot because bad things happen after dark.
Speer 135 GR +P GDHP Short Barrel ammo because it works as advertised and was specifically designed to perform out of a 2" tube.
Mika Round Butt Pocket Holster because you can wear it in your front pants pocket without printing.
IMHO
I just picked up a CZ 75D Compact (Euro version of the sp-01). I've got a holster on order and will let you know how it goes..
14+1 of 9mm. Single, double with a decocker..
Just put 100 rounds through and love it.
on a side note I sold a M&P 9c to my brother in law that I really liked carrying....
14+1 of 9mm. Single, double with a decocker..
Just put 100 rounds through and love it.
on a side note I sold a M&P 9c to my brother in law that I really liked carrying....
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TAC
Member
I recently transferred my S&W 442 to my wife, whom finally got her carry permit!
I replaced it with a S&W 640 for myself. I like the added weight, and choice of .357 over .38 spl, if I desire. The additional weight was not a problem with jeans/pocket carry. Hides well, as does any j-frame.
I replaced it with a S&W 640 for myself. I like the added weight, and choice of .357 over .38 spl, if I desire. The additional weight was not a problem with jeans/pocket carry. Hides well, as does any j-frame.
MCorps0311
US Veteran
I would suggest a S&W 638-3,i'm like you I wanted a little more powerful concealed carry and not so big.
wnderr
Member
Since you want to go BIGGER, why not just take the jump now, and go for the M&P 9c, double stack. Lots of bullets, and maybe the ultimate carry gun (concealed). Black stainless, 12+1 in small dress, and bigger mags fit, if wanted. Good size, dependable, accurate, and still reasonably priced.
You still have the little .380 for when hiding is hard, and can always find a single stack 9mm if you really need bigger and smaller together. It'll be easier to buy a middle gun later, than a bigger smallish gun later. MHO.
You still have the little .380 for when hiding is hard, and can always find a single stack 9mm if you really need bigger and smaller together. It'll be easier to buy a middle gun later, than a bigger smallish gun later. MHO.
Recoil in 9mm
Recoil in 9mm is also more comfortable. A .40 is kinda like two steps up from a .380.
Recoil in 9mm is also more comfortable. A .40 is kinda like two steps up from a .380.
kthom
Member
If I wanted more than a 9MM (and I don't think that's necessary at all, but I do think it is desireable) I'd go the .45 ACP, and I would look no further than these calibers in an S&W Shield.
There are lots of good guns, but for me, since any concealed carry gun is going to require some compromises, I choose what's best for me that fits my hands best, that is easiest to carry, and that I can shoot the most accurately. It goes without saying that the gun must also be very reliable and with all these things in mind, it must also be cost effective. My personal experience with the Shield 9 and to a lesser degree with the Shield .45 has shown them to be the most acceptable choice that meets all of the criteria listed above. I've got (with my wife's help ... she has a Shield 9MM) well over a thousand trouble free rounds through the 9MM's and over 500 rounds through the .45. I've carried the 9MM almost daily (except for the days I've carried my S&W M640 J Frame) for about three years. We've had my wife's Shield for about two years. Mine was bought used and her's was bought new. They have given us no reason to consider retiring them as our personal protection weapons. They carry very easily and they are big enough to properly hold and they are plenty accurate and have been very reliable. The 9MM ammo is a bit cheaper, and the premium stuff is plenty effective enough to satisfy our requirements. Both my son's own Shield 9MMs, and they have also been very pleased with them.
I love my revolvers, but the Shield is just a bit easier to carry daily and it allows a few more rounds of ammo on board with easier, faster reloading capabilities. Bonus is that getting the Shield into action is basically no different as compared to my favorite revolvers. It took me nearly 50 years to make the change to semi autos, but I have given up nothing but my nostalgic preference for the revolvers for this duty. You've gotta choose what suits you best, but choosing the S&W Shield is as good, and I say better!, choice from among what is available. There are not many bad choices, but the Shields have been the very best compromise for us!
There are lots of good guns, but for me, since any concealed carry gun is going to require some compromises, I choose what's best for me that fits my hands best, that is easiest to carry, and that I can shoot the most accurately. It goes without saying that the gun must also be very reliable and with all these things in mind, it must also be cost effective. My personal experience with the Shield 9 and to a lesser degree with the Shield .45 has shown them to be the most acceptable choice that meets all of the criteria listed above. I've got (with my wife's help ... she has a Shield 9MM) well over a thousand trouble free rounds through the 9MM's and over 500 rounds through the .45. I've carried the 9MM almost daily (except for the days I've carried my S&W M640 J Frame) for about three years. We've had my wife's Shield for about two years. Mine was bought used and her's was bought new. They have given us no reason to consider retiring them as our personal protection weapons. They carry very easily and they are big enough to properly hold and they are plenty accurate and have been very reliable. The 9MM ammo is a bit cheaper, and the premium stuff is plenty effective enough to satisfy our requirements. Both my son's own Shield 9MMs, and they have also been very pleased with them.
I love my revolvers, but the Shield is just a bit easier to carry daily and it allows a few more rounds of ammo on board with easier, faster reloading capabilities. Bonus is that getting the Shield into action is basically no different as compared to my favorite revolvers. It took me nearly 50 years to make the change to semi autos, but I have given up nothing but my nostalgic preference for the revolvers for this duty. You've gotta choose what suits you best, but choosing the S&W Shield is as good, and I say better!, choice from among what is available. There are not many bad choices, but the Shields have been the very best compromise for us!
Mulebuk Sam
Member
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Conceal where, hip, pocket, off-body ?
From there as mention you decide semi-automatic or revolver.
The sky is the limit.
I'm going back to two gun carry because I need that front pocket quick draw I miss.
I carry a hand cannon in revolver platform that I am going to move to off-body in my back-pack that goes everywhere with me.
I was thinking about going back to the 642 but don't want to spend the money so I'm gonna get me a Ruger LCP. Just something for the weekly garbage take out and the half block run to the post office. And always on me.
When I do my daily long walks the cannon is always with me.
But I need that quick draw to get them off of me than if need be I go to the heat.
elm_creek_smith
US Veteran
I swapped for my "next gun" at the last gun show. I had a 1982-vintage nickel-plated, round butt S&W Model 37 with sights I couldn't see. I swapped it for a 1963-vintage, shooter grade, 2 inch S&W Model 12-2 with the original grips. With a vintage Tyler T-Grip, it rides in a Bucheimer Concealer, replacing a 3 inch Model 13-3 that was starting to drag my pants off my hips.
The 12-2 weighs 18.9 ounces empty and 22 ounces with six 158 grain JHPs. S&W need to bring back the 12-4 or a Scandium framed version.
The 12-2 weighs 18.9 ounces empty and 22 ounces with six 158 grain JHPs. S&W need to bring back the 12-4 or a Scandium framed version.
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IAhunter
Member
I have two that I am very fond of, a 2 1/2" model 66-5 and a Glock 27 with night sites. The Smith gets more use, but I do like the little Glock during the hot summer months.
Whitwabit
US Veteran
I carry either a Berretta PX4 Sub Compact or a S&W Compact in 40 IWB .. both have adjustable back straps to fit the pistols to your hand instead of trying to fit your hand to the pistol like the Shield ..
This winter when OWB carry is easier with a cover shirt I will carry my new Sig Legion P229 in 40 .. which is just about broken in with 450 rounds with out a failure .. usually like at least 600 rounds before carrying ..
This winter when OWB carry is easier with a cover shirt I will carry my new Sig Legion P229 in 40 .. which is just about broken in with 450 rounds with out a failure .. usually like at least 600 rounds before carrying ..
getoff
Member
i too love my 442/642... that said, i am mostly carrying a 9mm shield these days. bit more punch, few more pills, and an easier re-load. wont EVER let my 442 go, but it only does the garbage run and mail duty these days. down here in the durdy souf, you are much more likely to deal with packs of idiots rather than the single dude...
I like my 442 but needed to have the barrel replace because i bought it new from buds and its had a rusted barrel with sharp edges but s&w replace barrel and ive been carrying it ever since
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