Some carry advice please (long)

[Grimjaws]

hello gang. I have been absent as of late due to some family matters (see military generations in the lounge)

I am like many who have gone through the gamut of looking for a concealed carry piece. I started the 20 year journey with a good old model 19 k frame 4". I was much younger and thinner and could carry that in a shoulder or inside the waist band holster.

I moved on to a smaller model 60 but couldn't hit the side of barn with that gun. It was a joy to carry but no matter what I did just could not shoot that well - single or double, one or two handed, different loads - nothing.

I then went to the land of semi auto with a 639. It was a great gun but was heavy and the front sight was getting lost in the sunlight. That stainless steel ramp was hard for me to see for some reason. I figure that was the time my eye sight started to go too. Now I wear bifocals.

Over the years I dabbled in a model 10, a model 37, a 686 in an Alessi holster and a full size M&P 9 which is my night stand gun.

I finally wound up with a Ruger LCR-X - like having an exposed hammer on my revolvers for some reason. I got a nice Remora pocket holster. It has been a good combination. The white ramp front sight is easy to see, the trigger is good and my carry loads hit center mass as long as I do my part.

I also got a good deal on a Ruger LCP which practically disappears in the pocket and I gravitated more to that gun over time since it was so easy to carry.

Lately things have been getting different in the neighborhood. I am starting to rethink my carry gun. I have an M&P full size that is my nightstand gun and I am thinking it is time to get back to something with more rounds while still concealable.

The LCP is a great gun to carry but I am concerned I am falling into the mindset of comfort first. Like I said things have changed in my area especially drug use. I am no longer comfortable that a LCP is the right choice to protect my wife and I when we are out and about - only six rounds, poor sights so more of a point and shoot.

I have narrowed it down to the M&P 9C or even a Glock 26. I am weird in that I like the stock glock sights. The white outline and dot are easy to pick up. I live in NYS so I am limited to 10 rounds no matter what size gun I get and it makes more sense to get a sub compact as you get concealment and a decent round count.

So I need some advice

Do any of you carry the MP9C or Glock 26 and, if so, what are your likes and dislikes?

Have your surroundings caused you to rethink your carry gun? Am I being too paranoid or over thinking this?

What holster do you use? Any brands to recommend? It is winter so a normal jacket would allow me to carry IWB. I have the spare tire around the waste but recently joined a gym to slim down so I need something that will be comfortable to use and securely hold the pistol.

Would you carry a spare mag? I think 10 rounds is enough to get me out of harms way. With the smaller pistols I usually carry another mag or speed strip for revolver. If you do how do you carry it? A mag holder or in the pocket?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[bigwheelzip]

8+1 or 10+1 ammo count seems less important than your confidence in your choice.

The best family protection decision I made was getting a CWP and a gun. Then I made an equally good decision and got my husband CWP classes, and his own gun.

We both always carry, and bring spare ammo. We try and stay aware and communicate potential threats. At home, there's at least one gun at arms length.

We're not in a high-crime area, but you never know.

 

[SeamasterSig]

If things have changed in your neighborhood and you no longer feel secure with a point-and-shoot 380, that's understandable. You're comfortable with 9mm and that, too, is understandable. You have nearly settled on one of two semi-autos. However, I'll still mention a U.S. manufacturer you may not have considered: I sometimes carry a Kahr P9 that I bought used while looking for a K40 in local gunshops (though I more often carry a 4" model 66 these days). The compact Kahrs are easy to conceal and their single stack magazine holds 7+1 in 9mm and 6+1 in 40S&W. I don't regret purchasing the P9, but still often wish it were a K40. The metal-framed K40 only weighs 26 oz empty, which is easy to carry with a good gun belt and helps reduce recoil. Although, if I were limited to 10 rounds or less, I'd pick the largest gun size I felt comfortable carrying concealed and would step up in caliber before trying to maximize carrying capacity. Actually, I'd argue for a short-barreled K-frame in 38+p or even a 3" 686+, because it is still easy enough to conceal and I'd take 7 rounds of 357 any day over 10 rounds of 9mm. I'm a big fan of simplicity, which is why I like the super-smooth revolver-like trigger of the Kahrs, but the older I get, the less I trust semi-autos.

Regardless of whether semi-auto or revolver, I have and recommend holsters from Andrews Custom Leather in Florida and Ryan Grizzle in Georgia. Ryan gives military discounts and will also expedite your order (for a price), so you don't necessarily have to wait months for high quality leather. I have a few holsters from Remora (also made in Florida IIRC), but you simply can't beat hand-crafted leather when it comes to carrying handguns comfortably.

 

[Darkstar888]

Go with the M&Pc!! 2 more rounds than the G26. Will feel just like your full size M&P and can carry the full size mags as your backup mag. No brainer. The main reason to carry a spare mag is not for the extra ammo (though could come in handy) but because mags are the most likely thing to fail or cause a malfunction. I carry in a Sticky Mag pouch like a Remora. I tuck it IWB but can use it in your pocket too.

Holster options are endless. I prefer Appendix carry in a kydex holster like a Desantis Slim Tuk. Or a Galco Stow and go.
http://www.desantisholster.com/desa...s_inv/i/a/6486/137_SLIM_TUCK1_xlarge_6486.jpg

https://www.galcogunleather.com/uimages/product_images/holsters/tuckable/STOW_NGO_b.jpg

 

[Rastoff]

The two most important features of a concealed cary gun are; functional reliability and being able to use it effectively. Everything else pales in comparison.

 

[jimmyj]

I CCW a Glock M26 9mm in a Lobo Dual Carry Pancake (10 rds) plus a Glock M17 magazine (17 rds) in a Lobo magazine pouch on my off side.
I use a magazine +2 floor plate on both magazines.
I like the manual of arms of the Glocks which is similar to a DA Revolver = draw, point, fire (negative bells and whistles ).
A plus for me is the sub Glocks have the same frame size so if I want go CCW a larger caliber I can use the same holster and magazine pouch.

 

[dben002]

9c....ok for concealment...ok for 10 round count.
from experience...9c does not shoot as well or is as accurate as say the Shield 9 and the Shield 45.

Shield 9 ...conceals well and has 8+1 and shoots execellent.
Shield 45..conceals well and has 7+1 and is a dream to shoot.

Had the 26 before the Shield 45...much prefer the 45 to the 26.
Loss of 3 round count not a concern with extra mags.

9c will do the job as well as the 26....but there are other options for concealment and comfort. Just saying

 

[Smoke]

From a purely logistics stand point I'd go with the 9C. The ergonomics are the same as your FS, the trigger is identical and both guns will take the FS magazines which means that you can buy X number of magazines and use them in either gun.

 

[otasan56]

Go with the G26. It is light, accurate, 100% reliable, and simple to use.

 

[joebiker]

I purchased both the 9c and 26. The 26 is my chosen one the 9c was traded. The 26 is smaller I shoot it better and it has been flawless, unlike the M&P.

 

[Mister X]

I prefer Glocks myself and think they are better defense weapons than the M&P's, but I also think commonality/interchangeability and whatnot makes a lot sense and would have probably initially recommended the M&Pc in your situation, but if I'm understanding correctly, you are limited to 10 rounds which would include the mags that fit the full size M&P. If that's the case, the full size mags are if no use in the compact. I'd probably go with a G26 which is a little smaller and easier to carry than the M&Pc which feels to me as if it's comparably closer in size to a Glock 19 than it does to the 26.

 

[12string]

I prefer my Glock 29 in the winter here in Fl. Small enough for IWB carry, 10 round mag with full size mag back up and plenty of BOOM BOOM


The Beretta on the bottom is a Nano 9MM, not a lot of size difference, but it is significantly wider and heavier but a lot more fire power.

 

[scooter123]

Actually NYS has a 7 round limit on the number loaded in the magazine since the SAFE act, so your ability to own a 10 round magazine is meaningless except at the range. If you keep that in mind your options widen quite a bit, because there are a LOT of 7 round 9mm semi's on the market today.

One I can highly recommend is the Ruger LC9S. I happen to have the Pro version because I am not a fan of magazine disconnects and not really a fan of compact pocket pistols with thumb safeties that are nearly impossible to disengage quickly. However with the 4.5 lbs trigger in the LC9S I can understand why some would prefer a thumb safety with this pistol. Note, my solution to the lack of a thumb safety is to ALWAYS have in fully inserted into the pocket holster for it before putting both pistol and holster into my pocket as a package. I've also spent a lot of time practicing drawing from the pocket with an unloaded pistol to insure I have the muscle memory set to keep my trigger finger on the slide during the draw.

Pluses for the LC9S. First, mine has been 100% reliable with over 700 rounds downrange at this point. Second, the trigger is the FINEST trigger I've ever used with a Striker Fired Semi. Pre-travel is quite short, the break is very clean, and it is light enough to allow head shots at 50 feet with ease. Third, the sights are fairly good, which the dots were as large as those in Ruger's SR1911 but they are visible in rather subdued lighting if you look carefully. Compared to the sights on the LCP they are a neon billboard. Finally, it is a truly pocketable pistol provided you choose pants with a bit of substance to the fabric such as blue jeans. If you try it with a light flexible fabric the sagging will be a dead giveaway you are carrying.

As for the negatives. About the only negative is that you must not EVER allow yourself to get careless with that trigger, it is light enough with a short enough stroke that if you get careless you will end up shooting yourself or someone close to you.

 

[Mister X]

Actually NYS has a 7 round limit on the number loaded in the magazine since the SAFE act, so your ability to own a 10 round magazine is meaningless except at the range. If you keep that in mind your options widen quite a bit, because there are a LOT of 7 round 9mm semi's on the market today.

One possible advantage to the 10 round magazine IMO is I think downloaded magazines are actually more reliable. I generally would be more confidant in the reliability of a 10 round magazine loaded with 7 rounds compared to a 7 round magazine loaded to maximum capacity. Even more so if comparing a downloaded Glock to a fully loaded Ruger. That's just my own opinion and no offense intended. Massad Ayoob: Reliability VS. Round Count | The Daily Caller

...

 

[Darkstar888]

Double post

 

[Darkstar888]

Actually NYS has a 7 round limit on the number loaded in the magazine since the SAFE act, so your ability to own a 10 round magazine is meaningless except at the range. If you keep that in mind your options widen quite a bit, because there are a LOT of 7 round 9mm semi's on the market today.

One I can highly recommend is the Ruger LC9S. I happen to have the Pro version because I am not a fan of magazine disconnects and not really a fan of compact pocket pistols with thumb safeties that are nearly impossible to disengage quickly. However with the 4.5 lbs trigger in the LC9S I can understand why some would prefer a thumb safety with this pistol. Note, my solution to the lack of a thumb safety is to ALWAYS have in fully inserted into the pocket holster for it before putting both pistol and holster into my pocket as a package. I've also spent a lot of time practicing drawing from the pocket with an unloaded pistol to insure I have the muscle memory set to keep my trigger finger on the slide during the draw.

Pluses for the LC9S. First, mine has been 100% reliable with over 700 rounds downrange at this point. Second, the trigger is the FINEST trigger I've ever used with a Striker Fired Semi. Pre-travel is quite short, the break is very clean, and it is light enough to allow head shots at 50 feet with ease. Third, the sights are fairly good, which the dots were as large as those in Ruger's SR1911 but they are visible in rather subdued lighting if you look carefully. Compared to the sights on the LCP they are a neon billboard. Finally, it is a truly pocketable pistol provided you choose pants with a bit of substance to the fabric such as blue jeans. If you try it with a light flexible fabric the sagging will be a dead giveaway you are carrying.

As for the negatives. About the only negative is that you must not EVER allow yourself to get careless with that trigger, it is light enough with a short enough stroke that if you get careless you will end up shooting yourself or someone close to you.

As a Trump would say "WRONG". New York's 7rd limit was struck down in 2013 and upheld by the Court of appeals in 2015 which reinstated the right to carry 10rds in a handgun.

 

[Rastoff]

These threads are interesting to me. None of us know the OP. Yet, many are ready to tell him this gun or that gun is better for him. How do you know?

 

[Wise_A]

On gun selection--

Try both. Fire both if you can. Pick the one that fits you, that you can draw and make operational one-handed. Don't laugh--I see probably 2-3 shooters a month with DA/SA pistols that cannot deactivate the manual safety without using two hands.

You should also pick an action you're comfortable carrying according to its manual-of-arms. Some people do not like carrying striker-fired pistols without a manual safety. That's fine, gun choice is personal. But the solution is not to carry such a pistol with an empty chamber, it's to find a gun that has the external safety you want.

Sights should be ones you like. In other words, you should have complete confidence in the handgun--from drawing, to operating and manipulating, to shooting.

It's far better to have a weapon that you can operate with confidence, and fire accurately (in that order), than having "the best". Remember, your shooting instructor, your friends, the gun shop guy, and the internet heroes--myself included--are not going to be there when you really need it. You're the only cowboy in that particular rodeo.

On magazines--

Have at least a spare. Two is preferable. While most fights will be resolved by the time you get through your first magazine, there's no reason to cede Round Two to your opponent if you can help it! The other consideration is, you don't want to be in a situation where your $600 defensive pistol, that you've practiced with relentlessly, is taken out of the fight because of a malfunctioning $20 magazine.

Were I to carry a semiautomatic, I would absolutely use a magazine carrier. Having magazines securely located in the same place, presented in a position conducive to easy reloading, is well worth it. Do you really want to be hunting around in your pockets for a magazine, and then have to look at it, under stress and likely in the dark, to make sure it's facing the right way?

On holsters--

Holsters do not have to be expensive. They should not be cheap. You should be able to draw easily with one hand on the gun. Invest in a quality holster and belt. Instead of buying the single most expensive holster you can afford, buy several you're comfortable with getting. There's no rule that says you have to use your summertime under-the-tshirt IWB in February, when you have the advantage of a cover garment.

Practice drawing with an unloaded weapon. You're building skill and testing your equipment. The last thing you want is to come up with a handful of holster, belt, and pants when you're getting rushed.

Case in point, today I saw a relatively capable target shooter completely unable to draw his full-size 1911 from his holster. The front sight dug into the soft nylon so deeply that the gun simply could not be drawn without freeing the holster from the belt. Had he carried that weapon in that holster, without going to the qual course, and run into Real Trouble--he would be dead.

On weapon selection and threat matrix--

You know more about where you are than I do. If you keep your eyes open, and make an honest appraisal of the people you see, you're ahead of the game. Most people that don't live "in the cities" generally just assume they're in a low-crime area.

You also know more about yourself than I do. For instance, me being me, I may decide that I'm comfortable with a 5- or 6-shot revolver. However, if I were to be infirm, out of shape, handicapped, or--*ahem*--advanced in age, I might say, "I'm not physically capable of defending myself in a fight, I can't afford to shoot a gun empty and continue the fight hand-to-hand."

It's nothing to be ashamed of. It's simply reality. I know quite a few people who have not made such an honest assessment of themselves, and I think they are, to be blunt, dumb as hell for failing to do so.

You may also consider a good handheld light. They're not expensive, quite compact, and incredibly valuable. You can legally have a flashlight in your hand long before an overt threat prevents itself--that crucial bit of time when drawing would be considered "brandishing" and "assault".

A personal protection-type light, properly employed, can daze and disorient an attacker, either buying you time to get your gun into the fight, or preventing a fight altogether. A light in the eyes makes it nearly impossible to accurately shoot, stab, slash, or strike. While there's a lot of talk about strobe capability--which, holy hell, that's rough to look at--a lot of them rely on one button to control on/off, strobe, etc. The last thing you want is to try and use your handgun with the light's strobe feature activated. Simpler really is better.

Take it from me--a couple hundred lumens in some dark-adjusted eyes absolutely sucks. You can't see straight for several minutes.

 

[alwslate]

I say get the G26. I have one and I carry it some in the colder months
but in the warmer weather I carry my G43. My G26 is one of the rare
semi autos that did not require any "break in" period, it has never
malfunctioned a single time since I've owned it. I believe in downloading
magazines to hopefully improve reliability and I carry the 26 with ten
rounds total, nine in the mag and one in the chamber. With ten rounds
of +P 9mm in the gun I don't feel the need for carrying another mag
but I usually just have a few loose rounds in my left jeans front pocket.

 

[federali]

Seven Round Limit in NY

Actually, the seven round limit has been thrown out by an appeals court while letting the rest of the Safe Act remain in place. You may load ten round magazines to capacity.