UPDATED I've Decided To Stop Rotating My Carry Guns.

[Smoke]

For probably a year or so I've rotated between a S&W 4006 & a S&W 6906 for carry.

Recently I've decided that I don't really gain anything carrying the 4006 and since the 6906 is more concealable to just stick with the one gun.

It makes better sense to me to concentrate on becoming totally familiar with this one gun than to try to master 2 or three different guns.

Thoughts?

 

[Jiman]

That's logical…but where's the fun in that.

Joking

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

Beware the man with one gun...


For he is either poor and desperate or really knows how to use it...


Sometimes you have to modify a quote for realism.

 

[petepeterson]

I could see the logic if they were two different types, but I can't imagine there's much difference between the two, unless they have a different point of impact.

I do prefer a DA trigger w/no safety for carry, but I try not to overthink it after that.

 

[ironhead7544]

I have been using the G26 since it came out. It is a good idea to have a spare gun, too.

 

[chief38]

I was always convinced carrying the same gun in the same holster every day is the way to go. Bringing it into action in a stressful situation should be second nature and NOT something you need to think about at that time!

Guys who like to "rotate" their carry weapons, holsters and equipment have to stop, think and then react with what they happen to be carrying that particular day. Just my personal choice, but when I settle on something thats the way I continue until there's a damned good reason to change.

 

[doc84]

Wise choice. Not much more to add to that.

 

[Protected One]

For probably a year or so I've rotated between a S&W 4006 & a S&W 6906 for carry.

Recently I've decided that I don't really gain anything carrying the 4006 and since the 6906 is more concealable to just stick with the one gun.

It makes better sense to me to concentrate on becoming totally familiar with this one gun than to try to master 2 or three different guns.

Thoughts?

Good idea. And carry it in the same location too.

 

[66snub]

Rotating a ton of guns (3 or more) through a carry roster (for lack of a better term) can be a sketchy prospect, especially for people that carry a lot and shoot a little. The only time that I could see that this wouldn't be a problem, is if the guns are the same platform, such as all glocks, all P-series Sigs, all 1911's, all Kahrs, etc.

If you are going to go into different platforms, I would say if people stick to maybe two different guns, they should be OK. I rotate a Sig 239 and a Smith M19 in 2 1/2". As long as people keep up with practice (not just shooting, but with the draw and mag/speedloader too) on differing guns, any issues with familiarity when they need them should be greatly diminished. This method has worked for me.

 

[federali]

On The Mark

As others have said, guns are not a fashion accessory. I generally carry a larger, more effective handgun during the winter months when heavier clothing allows me to better conceal it. My basic go-to gun is a Kahr P9 and it has been my carry piece since they first came out.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

Those living somewhere seasonal, I can understand going from full size to something smaller for summer... but that transition should have a lot of repetitions both at home and at the range.

 

[Harkrader]

If it works for you, do it and don't look back.

 

[Smoke]

I could see the logic if they were two different types, but I can't imagine there's much difference between the two, unless they have a different point of impact.

These two guns are similar enough that they probably are a poor example but by the same token if they are so similar why not just carry the one and have done with it?

I started out alternating carrying a CZ75B and the 6906. When I got the 4006 I decided to stop carrying the CZ in favor of the 2 that had the identical manual of arms.

Over the last year I've realized that between the two I find myself carrying the 6906 far more often that I carry the 4006 and eventually I decided to just go with the 6906. The fact that the 6906 is by far the more concealable of the 2 guns was a big factor in my decision making process.

Part of my decision was that every time I went to training I was carrying a different gun and I decided that instead of being adequate with both guns I'd rather be really good with the one.

That doesn't mean I'll never carry the 4006 again. In fact I have a two day class this weekend and then I'm on the security roster at church Saturday night so I'll probably take the 6906 to training and carry the 4006 at church while the 6906 is sitting at home soaking in Hoppe's but apart from the rare instance like that I'm going with the 6906.

 

[Cal44]

I agree. But, there might be room for more than one gun -- eg, one for city carry, one for carrying in the woods when hiking where you might meet something with four legs and claws. We don't have open carry, so when hiking you have to carry concealed.

In some cold winter areas, a different gun for summer and winter might make sense.

But that's not an every day rotation. Every day rotation never made sense to me.

 

[ken158]

As noted - wise move on your part. Learn it well. The only alternative would be a hot weather carry and a cold weather carry. Muscle memory is imperative (lifesaving) in a stressful situation.

 

[GWK4667]

For probably a year or so I've rotated between a S&W 4006 & a S&W 6906 for carry.

Recently I've decided that I don't really gain anything carrying the 4006 and since the 6906 is more concealable to just stick with the one gun.

It makes better sense to me to concentrate on becoming totally familiar with this one gun than to try to master 2 or three different guns.

Thoughts?

I have carried my 6906 7 days a week for about 10 years now - - - having it function just like my 5906 is a big plus for me and it is very concealable in my left armpit!

I can carry 2 spare mags under my right armpit.

Any type of shirt over ( I wear button up work shirts mostly ) that fits comfortably and it is un-noticed and readily accessible.

If you are behind the steering wheel and someone approaches your duty weapon is hard to access but you can unbutton one button and act like you are scratching and you have the 6906 in hand and when the person leaves they never know how prepared you were!

My Grandson is thinking about following in Pa's footsteps.

 

[NZshooter]

I never understood why anyone would rotate their carry guns. Sure, a big 44 in the winter and a little j frame in the summer holstered in the same place on your belt makes a little sense. But reading guns forums and having worked in two indoor ranges there are people that carry a glock one day, 1911 another, Beretta 92 another then sometimes a j frame or Seecamp. Yes I'm talking about the same person(s) carrying this much variety, sometimes in different location (strong side, crossdraw, pocket, and unbelievably ankle). Good luck with all THAT in an SD situation.

 

[Old cop]

I've never understood the rotation thing, it runs contrary to all the training I received during my 30 years as an LEO. My EDC is a 442 or sometimes a Model 38. I have larger grips on the 442 but when concealment becomes a problem (dress slacks) I'll go to the M38 w/factory peanut grips & a grip adapter. The important thing is that I practice often with both weapons exactly as they're carried.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Does....... 3913 primary summer/ 3914 primary winter concealed carry; both with Hogue checkered wood grips, in a Sparks IWB holster....... with a PC 6906 or my FrankenSmith 6906/915 if I want /need more rounds......... count?

Except for the FrankenSmith the others have been around since 1990. LOL

I switch to a revolver for "walks in Penn's Woods." Could be a 3" 60-10 or a 3" 66-4 or a 4" 686.

 

[Watchdog]

For probably a year or so I've rotated between a S&W 4006 & a S&W 6906 for carry. Recently I've decided that I don't really gain anything carrying the 4006 and since the 6906 is more concealable to just stick with the one gun. It makes better sense to me to concentrate on becoming totally familiar with this one gun than to try to master 2 or three different guns.

Thoughts?

I more or less agree. I guess. But say you become totally familiar with that one gun. I don't think you'll get unfamiliar with it if you alternate guns now and then. And then suppose something happens to the more-familiar-with gun? Then you'll have to rely on an alternate, at least for a while.

Besides...I keep thinking of that ol' "variety is the spice of life" thing. You know?

 

[Watchdog]

I never understood why anyone would rotate their carry guns. Sure, a big 44 in the winter and a little j frame in the summer holstered in the same place on your belt makes a little sense. But reading guns forums and having worked in two indoor ranges there are people that carry a glock one day, 1911 another, Beretta 92 another then sometimes a j frame or Seecamp. Yes I'm talking about the same person(s) carrying this much variety, sometimes in different location (strong side, crossdraw, pocket, and unbelievably ankle). Good luck with all THAT in an SD situation.

Maybe they're practicing so they'll be prepared for any eventuality? Regarding the ankle holster, nothing wrong with carrying a backup. You never know what might develop during an SD situation.

When I go to the range, I'll often take two or three different guns on the same day...revolvers and pistols...and practice with all three during the same session, usually going back and forth among them all. Plus, I'm easily bored. If I shoot a hundred rounds of .357s, I'm ready for some .44 Specials or some .45 Colts.

I don't normally carry all of them, but I want to stay competent with them all. I like to have a choice, rather than being locked into one gun all the time. It's said that familiarity breeds contempt. That doesn't really equate with a concealed carry gun in my opinion, but I do think if you're limiting yourself to one choice and you become proficient with it, you run the risk of becoming a bit bored or complacent. Then you might lose your edge if you aren't careful. Emphasis on the word "might", by the way.

Just my opinion, you understand.

 

[Cal44]

I think this whole concept of rotating carry guns comes from us being gun enthusiasts and wanting to make use of several of the guns we have -- to enjoy them.

I bet this issue wouldn't even come up with someone who isn't interested in guns but just carries for self defense. He/she would probably buy a suitable gun and just carry it every day and wouldn't have a whole safe full of alternatives.

Well, for me, I've decided that I'm going to keep my list of carry guns down to 2 -- even though I have a bunch of guns that would be suitable for concealed carry.

And of the two, one of them will be used most of the time, with the second as be a backup in case the main carry gun goes into the shop.

I'll use the rest at the range for fun now and then.

But carrying for defense is serious business and I want the most suitable weapon choice and I want to maximize my practice with it.

 

[B3500]

I rotate conceal carry guns and if you don't want to I can understand.

Most times I have no restrictions on clothing worn, but that is not always the case. When I rotate it is mostly due to clothing circumstances which require something different be carried to fit the specific circumstances.

My rule is that each gun in my rotation is similar in how it works and functions so the mere fact of the rotation itself does not bring something unusual in to the mix. No pieces in my rotation deviate from that. They basically differ in size, perhaps in caliber and most often round count.

 

[USAF385]

I bet this issue wouldn't even come up with someone who isn't interested in guns but just carries for self defense. He/she would probably buy a suitable gun and just carry it every day and wouldn't have a whole safe full of alternatives.

Kind of like how I only own one vehicle, but there are those who own multiple.

On the other hand, I have four guns bought for the soul purpose of being a cary option.

 

[Smoke]

I'm not sure I qualify as a firearms enthusiast anymore. I use them but I don't have any special attachment to them. Over the last year or so my attitude towards firearms has changed dramatically; I've developed a pretty strict " If I Don't carry it I don't keep it" rule and I've dumped over half of my "collection". I'm down to 5 handguns and 2 of them are on borrowed time.

I've said a couple of times in this thread that I'm not dead set that I'm only ever going to carry the one gun but that carrying either of my others is going to be the rare exception rather than the rule. In fact tonight after I take the 6906 to the range I will be carrying the 4006 while the 6906 is soaking in Hoppe's.

The training opportunities I've been given are a part of the reason I've decided to quit rotating guns. I want to get the most I can out of this training and might be wrong but I think that if I limit myself to the one gun in training I have a better shot at that.

I also think that if I'm ever in a real gunfight the fact that I'm carrying the same gun I carried over and over in training will give me an advantage and (God forbid) if it ever happens I want every advantage I can have.

 

[vito]

I guess some of us "rotate" our carry guns just because we have several guns that are suitable for carry and we like to feel that we are adequately using them to justify still owning them. I have probably five guns that I can use for concealed carry, but mostly carry either my 642 or my new Ruger LC9s. I really like both guns and find that it is almost chance which one I grab from the small gun safe I keep in my dresser.

But sometimes, like yesterday, I was wearing a pair of pants that has smaller pockets, and since I was not planning on wearing a jacket or leaving my shirt outside of my pants, I carried my Ruger LCP in a Remora holster in my right front pocket. It was easy to carry this tiny 380acp pistol fully concealed, whereas even my 642 might have left the handle a bit exposed if I pocket carried.

I'll admit I go through the same thought process as the OP from time to time, and I think if I ever really decided to always carry the same firearm day after day, I would feel almost obligated to sell the others since none of my carry guns are ideal for home defense, nor fun to shoot at the range, nor ideal for plinking. And since deep down I don't really want to sell any of my guns, rotating my carry gun makes me feel better.

 

[petepeterson]

I mostly carry a j-frame revolver- there's not alot of difference between them. On the rare occasion I carry an auto, it's a 3913 or a 5906. Again, draw and a long DA pull, just like the revolvers.

I did drop the habit of carrying 1911s and Hi-powers awhile ago (despite loving the way they shoot) because of the additional step of the safety. These are now range toys. I'm also not a fan of the striker-fired trigger without a safety, but that's just a mental thing with me. I carried my girlfriends Shield for a week before she sold it, and it drove me crazy having that thing IWB!

 

[camsdaddy]

Im battling this issue myself. I go through cycles. I have narrowed my circles to two platforms. I will carry Glocks for a while. Then I rotate a 26 and 19. I then go to carrying a J frame and a K frame. More often than not when I am rotating revolvers its 90% Model 60. I am considering going J frame only. Thinking of just getting a 642 and carrying it everyday in my right front pocket and carrying my 60 everyday that I can carry IWB. I shoot the 60 as well as anything I own. Just looking to reduce a little weight in the pocket.

 

[Rpg]

Most of us have more than one handgun.

We all enjoy 'playing' with our handguns.

That's what the range and dry fire are for: you can play with all the firearms you want.

Rotating CC handguns for no better reason than to pay with your guns is a poor practice, in my view.

I carry a Colt Commander unless the weather is hot : then I carry a M38.

All the rest of my handguns are relegated to the range: not because they aren't usable for CC, but because I've been using the same system for many years and don't have to adjust to a different firearm.

Just my opinion, of course.

 

[feralmerril]

I carry about three or four different level of guns depending on what I am doing. For instance, I have a old s&w model 40 for my pocket running around shopping in town. That wouldnt make much sense while riding our rzr in the boonies where I OC a bigger revolver on my belt maybe or maybe not a untucked shirt or jacket over it. I dont worry either way about it as here in utah we can OC plus I have the permit. Still, if people are around I try to keep it covered. I suppose in wild theory it could make a half second difference in speed but I also think the odds on what I select are more important at maybe 25 yards off road rather than in arms reach to 7 yards downtown. I really dont worry at all about it to start with. Where when I was once young, strong, capable and carefree I recognize the fact that I am now a fat and out of shape old man I CC more.
While I do have a pocket holster for the model 40, I seldom use it. First the holster wants to come out with the gun plus it makes that much more thickness in my pocket. What I really do is often I wrap it in a old shop rag and carry it in the door of my truck. I do have to be sneaky and watchful around me when I transfer the gun to my pocket getting out of the vehicle. Real often I rather carry a 3" model 36 in a pancake with a untucked shirt. Actually I do that mostly now that the weather is cooler. This wont go well, but I only carry a pocket wallet of extra ammo in my vehicle. I do not bother carrying reloads at all walking around town. I just cant visualize getting behind a water trough and needing more than five shots.