Thoughts on Carrying Large Semi-Autos

[R1_Demon]

My duty carry firearm was my 4006. Then I decided to try it out IWB/CC. Uhhhh...a bit too darn heavy and big for that (for me anyway). So, that's why I ended up purchasing my 40c for IWB/CC. I'm much happier now. It's much lighter, smaller and easier for me to conceal. So, to me, it's not a marketing gimmick. It actually serves it's purpose and I quite enjoy shooting the firearm as much as my 4006.

Now if I was to OC with an OWB holster, then I probably wouldn't mind carrying my 4006 as much because I'm used to it. But as for CC/IWB carry, it was too big/bulky/heavy.

 

[wnr700]

I've just about tried them all from 4 inch K frame to full size ploy wonders, just don't like all the effort.

A Jframe is about the perfect carry option for me.

 

[Trippy]

my primary carry is a full size M&P 40 but i will occasionally carry my full size 1911

 

[The Highlander]

Typically carry either a SIG 220, Glock 17, or Ruger SR9. These three cover about 80% of my time. On the compact side, my favorite by far is a Springfield Armory EMP in 9mm. About the same size and shape as my beloved S&W Centennial, but twice as many rounds, better trigger, better sights, and much more "shootable." I still carry the 342 Ti some though.

However, I'm in Tennessee, so "flashing" the gun isn't an issue, and I own my business, so I couldn't care less if it shows. When I go somewhere with a need for better concealment, I generally carry the EMP.

 

[running iron]

Don't you think it has to do with the threat. I mean in a urban environment I feel safe with a 38 special. But when I'm traveling in the open spaces of the west or near the boarder, I feel safest with my 44 magnum or at least a 1911. And I dress accordingly not the other way around.

 

[oldman45]

I have pretty much always carried a full size gun in some form or fashion. Never been a problem. For the last few years, I have carried a five inch 1911. Carried in IWB, shoulder holster, OWB and Mexican Carry. Concealment has not been an issue as it is just as easy to conceal as would be a snubbie or compact.

 

[old bear]

I carried a Colt Combat Commander IWB, with shirt tucked in around it, as you did for your interview. No one ever mentioned it to me. IMHO for long term IWB a full sized auto works best.

 

[Snowbandit]

I carried a 4-inch N-frame IWB for many years. Now days, I wouldn't even think about going someplace I might need a gun so, the light weight J-frames works nicely. I sometimes worry that I'm getting lazy though.

 

[blujax01]

Well a K frame is full-sized but the 1-7/8" barrel makes it compact. I answered "neither".

 

[Maximumbob54]

I successfully carried a full size Beretta M9 for a year in average 120 degree temperatures. While I was able to do it, I admit that I will never do it again unless the circumstances again force me to do so. At this point I would rather not carry anything larger than a Glock 19 or Commander size 1911. As I understood the vote option was full size vs. something the size of a .380 Bodyguard, I voted neither only because I try to split the difference.

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

Mix and match. It depends upon a lot of things such as whether my back is bothering me, what kind of cover garments I can wear without standing out, whether it will be an issue if the gun butt happens to print (depends on who I am with), and other factors.
Right now, I'm pretty much stuck with compacts in a crossdraw holster because I'm gimping around on crutches and the crutches bang against anything I try to wear on my strong side.

 

[madmikeb]

My primary carry gun is a 3" Kimber Ultra CDPII in .45 acp stoked with 230 grain Hydra-Shoks. My second in line is a Glock 27 in .40 S&W. I use this when I'm traveling by air as I don't want to trust the airlines with my Kimber. The Glock would be much cheaper to replace. When it gets really warm its a M60 Ladysmith in .357. So I voted compact. The Kimber is by far my favorite for concealed carry.

 

[40khammer]

My first CCW purchase was a Walther PK380 because it was "built for concealed carry." While I don't regret purchasing the gun and enjoy shooting it, I have since purchased a S&W SD40 and am very happy with it.

I carry it every day in the Texas summer heat and it is still comfortable to me. I carry in a tuckable IWB holster I made myself.

Some people cant stand having a full size gun on their hip and have to wear compacts and pocket pistols. Others have no problem carrying the full size guns.

I work in a field that involves having alot of things hanging off my belt, so I don't even notice the gun's weight.

 

[Sportsterguy]

I'm 5' 7" and 170 lbs. Been packing a full size Springer 1911, Colt Commander or a S&W 3" 657 .41 mag forever. You just need a good IWB holster, quality belt and the right shirt. Never been made since 1985. I dress casually and Columbia Fishing Guide shirts will cover up a 12" chopped twelve gauge DB shotgun in the summer and hides my full size weapons with ease. Plus they do a great job of keeping you cool on 95 degree days. Buy them 1 size larger as they run big. For winter wear a large sweatshirt does the job easily also. The darker the color seems to make the weapon disapear easier. I used to be lazy and just slap on a model 36 in a IWB but with crime going up rapidly the last 5 years wanted more punch so the 36 is now my detective daughters BUG.

 

[Nelapse]

Here is what I have carried in the past.

Springfield XD40: too bulky, heavy, easily noticable
Rossi 38 Special 2" barrel: Worked awesome very comfortable. only 5 rounds though
Rossi 357 2" barrel: my current carry. 6 rounds and easy to conceal.
Taurus millenium 9mm and 45acp: decent with uncle mikes in the pants holsters. a little bulky with handle but very managable.
Keltec PF9: very easy to conceal. 7-8 rounds I can't remember. Should of kept it, may buy again for wife.
Kahr CW9 9mm: very slender, easy to conceal. a little easier than taurus millenium, harder than keltec
Beretta 25 cal: Just stick it in your pocket. No firepower, but you can conceal it in just about anything. Good backup weapon
Beretta cougar 40 cal: heavy as a brick, bulky as all hell but accurate as they come. Good open weapon, not a good conceal.
Taurus 1911: my bedside gun, tried to conceal once for grins. No way. The best way is maybe no holster, kinda of lame gangster style, but if wearing a jacket, shoulder holster. Great gun, not a great conceal.
s&w 357 4": waist band is doable but its heavy and uncomfortable while sitting. I just holster it for hunting now.
S&W Sigma 40 cal: bulky, hi capacity but handle is noticable under shirt

These are guns I have used, some were great carries, some not so much.

 

[IslayMalt]

I carry my full-size Kimber everywhere I go; either IWB or belt. The 442 I bought for when I didn't want something so big. When I finally get some decent holsters then I'll see if I carry it more often. I may very well, as long as I can find a decent IWB rig for it. From what I've found so far a Rosen ARG seems to be the best choice, even though I can't tuck it in. Which isn't necessarly a big deal. A sportcoat or jacket would cover it, like it does the 1911. But I've never tried the 1911 with dress pants which seems like the place where a j-frame would come in handy.

 

[BigRich315]

I carry an M&P40c in a Kholster with great ease and, just to see if I could, began leaving in the FS mag (plus X-Grip) that it gets while I'm at home. The longer grip, effectively FS, doesnt seem any harder to conceal. I can sometimes notice a slight bulge from the base, but only because I'm looking for it. It makes me want to get a real FS M&P and have the benefit of a longer barrel. (Funny how these things seem to multiply)

 

[SgtSam]

When outside of the confines of the Constriction of Illinois, I usually carry one of two guns. My Hi-Power Practical is gun of choice. It's not hard to conceal and it's got more firepower than I'll probably ever need. My main alternate is a S&W CS9.

I prefer the 9mm cartridge because of a problem of arthritis in my hands and wrists. The choice between the Browning and the CS usually rests with the clothing that I'm wearing, or just how badly my shot to hell back feels.

I own two "poly" guns, the Kahr and a Ruger SR9c. I've never carried the Ruger, bought it for my wife, but she has not shown any interest in it. She actually prefers a Kahr CS9 that I bought her before the Ruger. Personally, I'm not really a big fan of "poly" guns, much preferring steel and aluminum.

I do have two back-ups for the Browning. One is another Hi-Power, not a Practical, and the second is a S&W 9mm Pro-Series 1911. Haven't actually carried either one yet, but, some day. Oh, I do have a back-up for the CS, the afore mentioned Kahr CW9, when it's available and the CS isn't. However, the CS9 is totally preferred over the CW9.

Just my take on your question.

 

[azalea]

The season (and related clothing selection) and place of carry makes a difference to me. No matter how you look at it, a compact presents less of a "bulge", and this becomes more important when wearing lighter clothing. Other things being equal, it is also lighter weight ... and MAY be faster to draw and acquire the target.

End result is that I have three carry 1911s. One full size and two compacts. I'm confident in all three, so it's really just a matter of the situation and the clothing.

 

[rchance]

I carry a full to medium size weapon in a belt holster with just a t-shirt pulled over it. Yes I print but who cares? I guess everyone thinks it's a cellphone or something but if not we can open carry here in Kentucky anyway. Just be comfortable is my motto.