Now that I am no longer in LE

[coltgun]

When i started on the job it was a Smith mod 19 .357, for many yrs and a colt cobra off duty, after 12 yrs or so we went to Glocks, i kept the cobra for off duty, when i ret. i carried the Cobra only for a few yrs, i really tried , but in the end, my thinking is, robbers tend, now to come in twos and threes, i would not stand a chance with my little Cobra, so i am not back to my old Glock 23, and i feel safe with more rounds in the gun, also carry, a Kel tec 380 in a wallet holster in my back pocket....and a seperate wallet with no Police ID in it, that in my opinion is very important....and yes i would stop an armed robbery if i thought someone was going to get shot....

 

[Stu Honea]

Beats scratching their eyes out.
I’m a retired LEO too. Today it was a J-frame 442 in my right front pants pocket and a Glock 26 in a strong side vertical scabbard.

Seems lighter and easier than a Government Model, strong side vertical scabbard, which was my daily off duty winter carry for years. And I almost never carried a reload with the 1911.

I’ll carry just a J-frame in the summer some. But usually it’s the Glock 26 alone.

No one I know who has been in a gun fight, later wished for a smaller gun. I however know several who wished for a bigger one.

With how nutty things seem to be these days, carry a bigger gun would be my input.

Emory

I have started to carry the G26 more lately,and it actually outshoots all three of my G19's.
It loves the 147gr.Rangers.

 

[ibewbull]

I don't go to places like that.

Depends on the 'threat level' I percieve. Lots of days, yes, I do carry just a J frame and a couple speed strips...other times it goes in the pocket or on the ankle as a BUG to a more capable gun. No, I don't have a crystal ball, but you make choices every day.

And one retired cop to another, ain't it nice to have your 'Civil Rights' back again now?

It's easier to disarm carrying a J-frame (or small semi-auto) in a pocket holster than most anything else. Until recently, I had to disarm before eating a meal at most decent restaurants. That meant that I usually carried my 36-no dash in on of my own pocket holsters. It was much easier to put holster and all in the glove box than to wrestle with a larger gun and a tuckable IWB.

Going into a place with a no guns sign is like opening the gate when you leave the field. Nothing good could come of it. If I can not carry in a business then my money must smell bad.

 

[WR Moore]

I notice that some feel rural areas are safer than urban/suburban. While this may or may not be true, the response time of LLEA is often very much greater in those areas.

I can also recall getting my j-frame back from factory repair for a mis-fitted yoke retaining screw and 2 shots into the celebratory testing having the hammer nose/firing pin break. Click is a very bad sound when your well being depends upon a much loader noise.

 

[cavnamvet]

Another retired leo who has tried a number of carry guns but
settled mainly on the Kahr pistols.. very well made and can handle all the 9mm loads... not to mention light and very compact.. I own 4 Kahr's but normally carry the P9.

I have 2 j frames but neither have come out of the safe for
years... only 5 rds. and not as accurate.

 

[squidsix]

On my last deployment I carried a mountain of weapons and ammo everywhere. When I got home I couldn't stand to carry all the stuff, but couldn't IMAGINE not having a gun. I go about everywhere with this little guy now, and feel just fine with only the steel J-frame.

 

[NCW Ray]

I retired in 08 and after 33yrs of wearing a heavy duty belt I wanted something LIGHTER! I bought a M&P40c that weighs less than half of what my HK P7M10 weighed and I carried it both on duty/off duty. I only carry one pistol and usually no spare mags. Had I not bought the M&P I would have bought some version of the J frame.

 

[lhump1961]

I retired in 2007 after 35 years. I now carry either my G26 or my Colt Defender. I used to exclusively go with a J frame, but have come to really appreciate the ability to have night sights on my carry weapon.

Ever try a laser on that j frame?

 

[heeter3]

I retired in 2005 after 30 years and have been carrying my 442 since then . With a speed strip or speedloader its comfortable and convenient and I feel confident with it. I have contemplated carrying another 442 or 36 however.

 

[rilkil23]

I carry my 637 to work and my larger weapons on my days off.

 

[shooter1911]

Well let's see, you were a LEO for about 25 years facing a high risk environment, and I would be prone to say you probably never got shot or had to shoot anyone else. Now you are a civilian who will not be exposed to bad guys nearly as much as you did in your job so I think you should be just fine with your M&P 340.

I will be 68 this month and I carry a 1911, M&P 45C, or most days a 340PD in the Texas heat, loaded with Speer 135gr .357 SB. I feel the element of surprise is a powerful tool on my side, therefore I feel well armed with my J Frame. By the way I have been practicing with a J Frame since 1967 so I am fairly confident in my skill level, which is important for my confidence.

Let us know what you decide to do.

 

[cololab]

Ever try a laser on that j frame?

No I haven't. The lasers intrigue me, but I just lean toward something that doesn't require a battery.

 

[denny329]

A small concealable firearm in the pocket is something that is always there. Whatever brand or caliber, as long as it always functions and you are proficient with it, you've met the minimums for social situations.
But with a 5 shot 2 inch revolver, you had better be very proficient, and know that you can make every shot count. Go shoot a challenging qual course with it, not your old duty course, then decide.

 

[OIF2]

When I worked on the LAPD the overwhelming choice for off-duty carry (and on-duty narcotics work) was the 2" S&W. Not so much anymore, but this 442, carried in a battered inside waistband holster, made for me when I was on probation, still works well in retirement.
Bob