What gun should I buy to carry?

[rattlesnakedaddy]

Interesting thread. My first Carry gun was my 3" M65-5. I carried it for a number of years in an OWB holster. I also had a High Standard derringer in 22 magnum that was a great pocket gun until too many issues with holsters and the NFA made it not worth trying.

For the past few years I've primarily been carrying my G27 in a High Noon IWB, my Colt 1911 in a Galco Royal Guard IWB, and a Kahr P380 in a pocket holster for when I can't carry the others. I usually don't have an issue carrying the others, but the Kahr is nice to have on those few occasions.

The only issue I have with any of those set-ups is that I am not a fan of the Galco snap loop fasteners on the Royal Guard. I have had them unfasten too many times to really trust the holster. I much prefer a metal clip style retention device like high noon uses.

As much as I like the Colt and Glock for carry, I've really been leaning towards finding a nice IWB for my M65, and going back to it. There is nothing that feels better in my hands than a nice K-framed revolver.

Then again, I'm 6'4" and about 240lbs, so I may have an easier time carrying larger pistols without issue.

EDIT: as this is in the M&P section, I should add that I have been tempted by the M&P 40c, as it is much more comfortable in hand than my G27 ( I havent fired one yet). Just haven't taken the plunge.

YMMV,
RSD

 

[PR24]

The Wilderness Instructor belts are solid for me. They'll support a 1911, 4" N frame down to alum J's and SCSA pistols. With a good holster, my Glock 23 hides well. I am 6'4" though. I wish I hadn't sold my G27 as it was easier in the hot months. So my Mod 60 is a better 'summer gun" under a Tshirt.

 

[Venenoindy]

How many times have you been asked that question? I have seen it so many times is just silly. I think a better question to ask is "Why don't you carry that pistol you bought?" so we can all learn from others mistakes.

How many holsters do you have in a drawer some place that looked so great at the store, or were recommended by friends, that you don't use at all. If beginners heard more about the problems, the experienced people had when they began to carry, I think they would be able to make better decisions on what to buy. Maybe this topic should be a "Sticky" item.

In my case bought an M&P 9c and really liked shooting it but it was to heavy to carry, I was constantly pulling my pants up. After two holsters and it still didn't work for me it became one of my home defense guns.

Then I bought an M&P Shield 9 and it works pretty well
but it is still hard to hide for a small frame person like myself (5' -3", 140 Lbs.) It's easy to hide under a coat, sweater or sweatshirt but that doesn't work well in the summer.

So "Why don't you carry your pistol"?

I had the same issues in the beginning when I tried to carry the first few years, for me the things that made a huge difference was a good belt and a good holster. the belt alone made a huge difference in how secure is the weight of the gun in reference to my body and second a holster that keeps the gun close to my body without flopping around, I now carry a G26 very comfortably with a 12 mag and a spare.

 

[kozmic]

I amaze myself in the size and number of different guns I carry in the winter. I disappoint myself in how few of my guns are comfortable and conceal well in summer.