Reliability, accuracy, easy concealability, safety If it’s not reliable it’s just junk, if it’s not accurate (for ME) it’s no good as a carry piece, and if it’s too big/bulky/heavy for ME to carry comfortably it just another safe queen. If I’m not confident in the ability of the weapon to be carried (the way I’ll carry it) Safely, forget it.
What are the things you value most in a carry gun?
- Thread starter BabaBlueJay
- Start date
Reliability. Everything else is in the rearview mirror.
I've got a slightly different set of priorities. Using the OPs points:
1. Reliability
2. Ergonomics
3. Trigger
4. Sights
5. Accuracy. This is last because it's generally dependent upon 2 through 4.
OK, there are some examples that make you wonder if the QC person was .......impaired or something and has a defect that drastically affects mechanical accuracy. But mostly, it's the nut behind the gun that has the most effect.
If you have/ need/ want to, you can hide darn near anything.
1. Reliability
2. Ergonomics
3. Trigger
4. Sights
5. Accuracy. This is last because it's generally dependent upon 2 through 4.
OK, there are some examples that make you wonder if the QC person was .......impaired or something and has a defect that drastically affects mechanical accuracy. But mostly, it's the nut behind the gun that has the most effect.
If you have/ need/ want to, you can hide darn near anything.
Miracle Man
US Veteran
Some good answers here. I would agree with most. But my list looks like this:
1 reliability
2 ergonomics
3 concealability
Get something that works well, that you shoot well, but that you won't leave at home. If that means a micro 9 for you than by all means, carry a micro 9. For me a shield 45 is better than any micro 9 despite the capacity. Likely due to the slightly larger grip, I shoot it better than any micro 9 I have shot. Yet it's still just as easy to conceal so I don't leave it at home.
1 reliability
2 ergonomics
3 concealability
Get something that works well, that you shoot well, but that you won't leave at home. If that means a micro 9 for you than by all means, carry a micro 9. For me a shield 45 is better than any micro 9 despite the capacity. Likely due to the slightly larger grip, I shoot it better than any micro 9 I have shot. Yet it's still just as easy to conceal so I don't leave it at home.
Inusuit
Member
1. Reliability
2. Capacity
3. Ergonomics
2. Capacity
3. Ergonomics
The main thing for me is not having to think about working the gun, it just comes automatically through muscle memory. For me that means a Smith revolver.
Different Answer
The important factor is the terminal ballistics of the round you are carrying. When I hear someone say, "Carry enough gun," what I am hearing is, "Carry enough bullet." What caliber that bullet should be, what weight, etc. that bullet should be is HIGHLY debatable, but nevertheless you should believe in your round. The gun is only a delivery system for the round. The round must do what you want it to do, when you need it.
A gunfight is more fight than gun. While we are having these discussions about all the equipment options, which I love and enjoy, let us not neglect the question of fighting itself.
Kind regards,
BrianD
The important factor is the terminal ballistics of the round you are carrying. When I hear someone say, "Carry enough gun," what I am hearing is, "Carry enough bullet." What caliber that bullet should be, what weight, etc. that bullet should be is HIGHLY debatable, but nevertheless you should believe in your round. The gun is only a delivery system for the round. The round must do what you want it to do, when you need it.
A gunfight is more fight than gun. While we are having these discussions about all the equipment options, which I love and enjoy, let us not neglect the question of fighting itself.
Kind regards,
BrianD
If I can conceal it easily, then I move on to reliability until both are achieved.
This being concealed carry section and all.
This being concealed carry section and all.
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Maybe this would come under ergonomics, but ease of operation. There's a reason S&W makes an EZ line. The gun can't be totally reliable if you can't operate it in a pressure situation. Visible sights, at 70 years old, I'm not interested in what passes for sights on old 1911s, and mid century pocket guns. I believe in the reliability of a lot of our modern options. I collect I-frames and early Js, but I won't carry one. I think there are a lot better options today....like a Glock 48. I'm not one to carry something I have an affinity for. I want something that is cold, with no personality that is dependable as a hammer.
max503
Member
I was going to say everything else is subjective.
ColbyBruce
Member
“What are the things you value most in a carry gun?”
Cartridges
Cartridges
Reliable large bore caliber.
Reliability.
Cocealable because of shape or size.
40 caliber or above
No magnum ammo. Carried it in uniform service for a decade or more.
Cocealable because of shape or size.
40 caliber or above
No magnum ammo. Carried it in uniform service for a decade or more.
OP
This is why I was so happy to get my 686 back. I traded it for a SIG P365 and cash, but never enjoyed the P365 even though it was easier to carry. I shot thousands of rounds through the 686 and it just became natural for me. I will be getting a S&W 43c for carry because the J Frame is closer to what I am used to than a P365 or FN Reflex.
I hear a 10.5” S&W 500 mag is reliable.
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gwpercle
Member
From Experience .
#1 - It has to be on your person .
If the gun is Too heavy , too bulky , too uncomfortable , too whatever the reason ... not to have it on your person , all day , everyday, then that gun is unsatisfactory .
The gun that goes with you , out the door , every day and stays with you , all day is the the one you want .
Having the gun on your person ... is THE Most important thing ...
#2 Importance ... shooting the gun accurately (in a gunfight only hits count) .
Gary
#1 - It has to be on your person .
If the gun is Too heavy , too bulky , too uncomfortable , too whatever the reason ... not to have it on your person , all day , everyday, then that gun is unsatisfactory .
The gun that goes with you , out the door , every day and stays with you , all day is the the one you want .
Having the gun on your person ... is THE Most important thing ...
#2 Importance ... shooting the gun accurately (in a gunfight only hits count) .
Gary
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