Opinions for next firearm purchase for CC

[GianniG83]

I've come into a crossroads of sorts. At some point this year I'm going to make a new purchase for my EDC, something easily concealable. I thought I was dead set on the Springfield XDs. Then I started looking at S&W jframes. Specifically the 442. But I also recently shot my fathers Sig P238 and enjoyed the nice little pocket pistol. Once I found out that they made a 9mm version, it made me like it even more.

Here is where my indecisiveness comes. I want the XDs because I would love to have the stopping power of a .45 that can be concealed fairly easily.

I want the 442 because the simplicity and the dependability of a revolver. Less mechanical parts and easier to clean. It also helps that it's very easy to conceal.

I want the Sig P938 because it's even easier to conceal than the other two and I don't have to worry about building up another stash of ammunition for another caliber.

So what are your thoughts? I do have some time to spend enough range time between the three firearms. Just wanted to see if I can get some opinions. Thanks guys!

 

[A10]

I've EDC'd a no lock 442 for the past couple years, loaded with Hornaday Critical Defense +P 125s and a speed strip for reloads. It's light handy and dependable.

 

[GianniG83]

What's the total width? I can't seem to find any size specs on this gun? It seems wider than the total width of my P30. Is it comfortable for IWB carry?

 

[A10]

I pocket carry as I find it more comfortable that way. It's about 1 3/8" cylinder width but the rounded shape doesn't print badly.

 

[LouisianaJoe]

I carried a Ruger LCP for a couple of years, but I always felt the it did not have enough punch. I shot my brother's .38 LCR and I liked it so much, I now have one in .357.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I pocket carry a J-frame, old 49 no dash with 135gr+P Speer short barrel ammo. I clean the pocket lint out every week or 2 and take it apart every 12 to 16 weeks. Always works! Haven't needed to protect myself from people, but the racoons are thinning out and a charging stray dog agree that it works. Ivan

 

[Steely Dan]

I carried a Ruger LCP for a couple of years, but I always felt the it did not have enough punch. I shot my brother's .38 LCR and I liked it so much, I now have one in .357.

Ruger LCR in .357 is what my wife wants.

Practice with .38, carry .357.

How do you like carrying it? Do you IWB, pocket or OWB?

Thanks, SD

 

[kozmic]

I've EDC'd a no lock 442 for the past couple years, loaded with Hornaday Critical Defense +P 125s and a speed strip for reloads. It's light handy and dependable.

Yep! +1 here! This is a very viable package. When I carry my 442 it is with 125 g +P Critical Defense and a speed strip or 2 on the ready. Infinite holsters available. I have a custom-made IWB it's comfy all day. I occasionally use an Uncle Mike's or a Remora for pocket carry. IMO, a J frame is as big as I would go in pocket carry. No issues with the Ruger LCR either. It's a very fine piece.

I've never met a stubby that I enjoyed shooting factory .357's from but you might be different. Your wife on the other hand, may find it a bit "snappy"!

I just bought an XDs .45. Hopefully it will see some range time this weekend. If it works out it may find it's way to my EDC rotation. It's legal in the land of Cuomo! It comes with (2) 5 round mags. a 2-bay mag holder (only the 5 rounders will fit in it) and a righty holster which will see very little use in my lefty world. I bought (2) 7 round extended mags that are on the road to me. They add some pinky finger space and 2 rounds. Not sure how badly they affect CC. Size-wise, the XDs is very similar to the Shield. Reviews are very promising. We'll see!!!

Good luck!

 

[kcode]

I guess I will be different, for years it was a 3913 then a CS45 thinking the additional stopping power. Now with the improvements in personal protection ammo, I'm back to the 9mm but now its a Ruger LC9 with a crimson trace carried in a DeSantis slide or Hi-noon IWB. Can't tell its there most of the time.

 

[GianniG83]

Yep! +1 here! This is a very viable package. When I carry my 442 it is with 125 g +P Critical Defense and a speed strip or 2 on the ready. Infinite holsters available. I have a custom-made IWB it's comfy all day. I occasionally use an Uncle Mike's or a Remora for pocket carry. IMO, a J frame is as big as I would go in pocket carry. No issues with the Ruger LCR either. It's a very fine piece.

I've never met a stubby that I enjoyed shooting factory .357's from but you might be different. Your wife on the other hand, may find it a bit "snappy"!

I just bought an XDs .45. Hopefully it will see some range time this weekend. If it works out it may find it's way to my EDC rotation. It's legal in the land of Cuomo! It comes with (2) 5 round mags. a 2-bay mag holder (only the 5 rounders will fit in it) and a righty holster which will see very little use in my lefty world. I bought (2) 7 round extended mags that are on the road to me. They add some pinky finger space and 2 rounds. Not sure how badly they affect CC. Size-wise, the XDs is very similar to the Shield. Reviews are very promising. We'll see!!!

Good luck!

I'll be interested in hearing the difference between the 442 and the XDs in terms of conceal carry ease; as in which is more comfortable for everyday wear.

 

[GianniG83]

Thanks for the replies everyone and providing your insight. Does anyone have any experience with the Sig P938 or its smaller brother P238?

 

[ordy]

Another vote for the J frame(642 in my case) w/ hornaday critical defense ammo. Light, dependable and as accurate as it needs to be at self defense distances assuming you do your part. Coat pocket or IWB holster in winter and pocket carry in summer.

 

[snubbyfan]

When I was researching for a concealed carry gun, I had certain parameters in mind. It had to be dependable, small enough for a pocket, in a caliber used by either the military or police and lots of fun to shoot at the range. It came down to either a 442 or a 642. It just happened that someone at work had a used 442 that they shot once, cleaned and put in a drawer.
I bought it from them, did a detail clean and while I had it apart, did a trigger job with a spring change, got some Pachmayr compact grips and a Laserlyte side mounted laser.
I made a few holsters and now it's my constant companion, either in my pocket or riding on my right hip loaded with 110 grain Federal Hydra-shoks, with a couple of loaded quick strips in my left front pocket.

 

[labworm]

This guy has been riding my hip for so long it can't be removed.

 

[310Pilot]

My constant companion for the last year or so has been a no-lock 442 with a Nelson Ford action job, usually carried in a Galco leather pocket holster in a front pocket. It supplanted my Model 60, which had been a constant companion for quite a few years (still carry it frequently, just not in a pocket). If I'm going to Phoenix or some other area which presents a higher potential for "needing" a gun, the 442 stays in the pocket, but a 1911 in .45 ACP goes along, usually IWB. Depending on my mood, it may be a Colt Officer's ACP, a Springfield Champion (Commander clone) or, most frequently, a Colt Lightweight Government model. Any of the foregoing simply disappear beneath a shirt when carried in a good IWB holster, and are invisible under a jacket, even in a good hip holster. If you want a concealable .45 ACP, try a 1911 - that slim profile makes it a very easy gun to conceal, IMHO, much more so than any of the thicker "plastic fantastics."

 

[Cyrano]

I like my 638 for pocket carry, using Speer Gold Dots, Short Barrel version. It's small, light, easy and safe to carry. Right now it's by the compuer as I type this; my usual S&W Model 39 is temporarily doing duty elsewhere.

 

[Capt. Bob]

I am going with the 938 myself. My brother-in-law bought a 238 a couple of weeks ago and brought it out to my range to try it out. That was the best shooting 380 I have ever shot. I have two myself a Colt and an LCP and they can't compare with it. The 938 is just a tad bigger and I like the SA fire control on both. I carried a steel frame 1911 for years so I am used to the SA trigger.

 

[GianniG83]

I am going with the 938 myself. My brother-in-law bought a 238 a couple of weeks ago and brought it out to my range to try it out. That was the best shooting 380 I have ever shot. I have two myself a Colt and an LCP and they can't compare with it. The 938 is just a tad bigger and I like the SA fire control on both. I carried a steel frame 1911 for years so I am used to the SA trigger.

My father has a 238 as well. Found out he has an IWB holster for it and I tried it out. I didn't even notice it on me. I'm strongly considering this. I am more of a slimmer/fit build and don't wear my clothes really baggy; so this worked out great and didn't print at all. Next step is range time with all 3 weapons.

 

[Deacon KC]

"No gun too small to carry or too big to shoot"
You will carry the smaller gun with you always, but sometimes a bigger gun will get left behind. I have a Keltec PF9 that disappears in a pants pocket and is totally reliable. it had a hard act to follow in my old J frames.

 

[DR505]

My choice for EDC (post retirement)

As I have to carry department approved for now, when I retire I will be sporting this:

S&W Model 657 .41 Magnum with 3" barrel. I've CC'ed N-Frames before, but there are some limitations. I also like a full size 1911.