Some carry advice please (long)

[Donn]

I understand the OP's concern with changing demographics, I'm going thru much the same thing. That said, carry the gun you shoot best. The piece is only as good as the guy/girl behind it. You live in an area where the seasons change. As the weather warms in spring and summer, it's harder to dress around a larger weapon. I have an M&P 9c and like it fine, but I found it too bulky for summer carry. I prefer the M&P Shield for EDC year round. I've got one in 9mm and more recently, one in 45acp. Either fill the bill IMHO.

 

[ColbyBruce]

A Glock 26 is a fine choice, here is mine.

Whatever you choose to carry, do carry extra ammo. One never wants to run out of supplies before the party ends.

One of the best and least expensive holsters for a Glock is the Glock Sport/Combat holster. It does not conceal as well as other designs, but the price, durability, retention, and adaptability between FS, Compact, SC models is unmatched.

You might also consider buying a .22 LR conversion kit for the Glock.

 

[otasan56]

Go with the G26. 10 rounds are far better than 7. And 10 rounds are legal in NY.

 

[Inusuit]

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?

The OP asked for advice based on the experience of others with the two firearms he was considering. As usual, some posters who may or may not have read the OP's questions take the discussion in other directions. Happens all the time on this and other forums.

So, to the OP. I carry a Glock 26 on a regular basis. I like it because of magazine capacity and the ability to use a 17 mag as a reload. My only dislike is that the 26 is somewhat bulky for IWB carry. I have added night sights and 3.5 lb connector. It is accurate and has been extremely reliable. I have no experience with the MP9C, but a good friend swears by his.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Grimjaws, I have owned and carried both guns. Either will be fine. Both are almost identical in size, performance, and reliability.

The decision is yours. And since it's your backside and the ones you love that you will be protecting, a smart informed decision is important. The only way to do this is to go and shoot them both.

I never had any problem with the many M&P's and Glocks that I've owned over the years. But I now carry Glock. Not that it's any better but when I need something, I can find it quickly. The sights on my carry guns get replaced immediately because I can't see stock sights very well. The sights on Glocks can be replaced MUCH easier than the M&P.

I carry a Glock 19 in cool weather and a Glock 43 in warm weather. I always carry a spare magazine.

Go shoot them. Consider how the guns feel in your hands. Consider their performance and accuracy. Make your decision.

 

[Smoke]

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?

Yeah, about Fifteen is preferable. I live in Colorado. On June 30 2013 I could buy all the 17 round M&P magazines I wanted. The next morning buying the same magazine or even giving it away was a crime.

When you buy a gun buy as many standard magazines as you can afford for it then and there.

 

[scooter123]

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.

Glad to hear that someone in New York came to their senses to a small extent. Now if someone would manage to get a ruling that the Method by which the SAFE act was passed violates the New York State and United States Constitutions I would be really cheering.

 

[digiroc]

SAFETY FIRST

Gun safety means you have one with you. It's up to you to decide what fits and serves you best. With shot placement being the most important factor if you ever need to use it, get the gun you shoot best.

 

[digiroc]

What I Carry ...

I have settled on the 3914LS "LadySmith" in 9mm or 4040PD if I want additional power at the expense of one round less capacity.

The to pistols are identical in form factor and manual of arms and the weight difference is negligible. I shoot both well and the additional recoil of the .40 doesn't bother me.

My custom fitted shoulder rig carries my 3913NL, 3914LS, 404PD, CS9, "shorty" 5906 as needed.

digiroc

 

[FAS1]

I have carried a Glock 26 since they came out. I purchased it partly because my home defense gun was (and still is) a G17 (Gen2). Being able to use the G17 magazines if needed along with being familiar and comfortable with the platform was a plus. This was at a time when there really wasn't all the Glock copies that now exist. I have no need to change as they have both been excellent guns. Both have night sights.

I also pocket carry a P3AT all the time regardless if I have the G26 on me. The Kel-Tec is my choice when at home in T-shirt and shorts.

 

[Guevera]

I tried hard to like the 26 - even owned two of them at one point, although can't recall why. As much as I tried to like the little Glock, the proportion of pistol to thickness always bothered me.
I was much happier with a Walther PPS, which is just as accurate and dependable, but for me far, far easier to carry. Still have the Walther, but have become a Third-Generation S&W enthusiast these days.

 

[BE Mike]

1. Get a gun that you will carry (always).
2. Get a gun that you can shoot well.
3. Get a quality holster.
4. If over 40, consider a laser sight.

With 9mm being your choice of cartridge, and the law limiting the capacity, I'd suggest the S&W Shield, Glock 43 or Kahr CM9. The CM9 is probably the only one you can comfortably carry in a pocket holster.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

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.

For average Joe Carry there's an astronomically high likelihood that the only thing a carry gun will provide is little peace of mind. So the way I look at it.... if you're not getting that then the LCP is the wrong gun for ya no matter how effective it may or may not be in a self defense situation.

I carry an LCP. I am comfortable with the caliber, number of rounds and my performance with it. I have aging eyes and can't well see the nubs Ruger describes as sights. Nevertheless, I shoot the LCP to my satisfaction and beyond what I would consider required for a self defense situation. If ever in a self defense situation, I'm of course betting that the sights nor the last round will be of value to a successful conclusion. I'm good with that. We all make choices.

Am I being too paranoid or over thinking this?

Generally speaking, I believe the overwhelming majority of concerns with caliber and capacity fall into the category of overthink.

7yds

 

[shutupdata113]

I edc a 9c owb in a bravo concealment holster. Sometimes iwb in a high noon holster. Lately I bring along extra mag.....

 

[RSanch111]

I loved the Glock 26 I carried on the PD. I'm back to my J-frame for off-duty. But the Glock is fine. I didn't carry a spare mag normally but when I did, I carried two 15 round mags from my model 22 since they fit the 26 too.