Which of these three handguns would you CC?

[JamesArthur60]

Let's have some fun and get opinions. I now own three conceal carry framed handguns. Which one would you carry and why? All have performed flawlessly.

Top to bottom:

Colt Defender 1911 3" .45 caliber, 7+1 rds.
S&W 3913 9mm 8+1 rds.
S&W 640-1 38/357 5 rds.

 

[mg357]

i would carry the s&w model 640-1 38/357

 

[Frailer]

The 640 (which holds five rounds--not six)

Why? Because it's the most idiot-proof of the three, and folks who are adrenalin-charged and/or scared witless tend to act like idiots.

 

[Damn Yankee]

I'll go along with Frailer.

 

[1blindref]

If I had to choose one of those, I'd go with the Colt.
I like .45acp for SD

 

[USAF385]

The 640 or the Colt.. in that order. Also it depends on where I'm going and what I'm wearing...

 

[APS]

The 3913. Easier to shoot accurately than the 640, similar weight, more ammo on board, easier reloads. I'd put the standard plastic grips on as I found the Hogues too sticky on my 3953. I don't want cocked-n-locked or a 1911 pattern that isn't a 5".

 

[427mach1]

The 3913 since it is similar to the 4013 that I already carry.

 

[Bear Bait]

My regular carry gun is a Commander length 1911 and I own a Colt Government model in additon.

Having said that, of the three guns listed, I would choose a J-Frame S&W as long as it did not have an internal lock due to ease of carry and expecially the better reliability.

The loaded capacity over five makes not difference to me in the present application, although all being equal (which it never is ), more is better.

 

[safearm]

I carry a 3913 with factory grips and a J frame with smooth grips/T-grip, so either would be fine. The determination would be how I'm carrying, since I carry the 3913 in a Hume JIT holster and the J-frame in either a pocket or ankle holster.

 

[Matt C.]

3913

As I have said previously; the 39XX is the Gold Standard for concealed carry.

 

[Shorty4T]

Of the three I'd go with the 3913 waste band, the M640 ankle as others have said. I don't really have any use for a 1911 for carry, there are far more reliable firearms.

I typically carry ankle, the only option in this list that I would ankle carry is the 640 however.

Cheers,
Sam

 

[Cashdog]

Another vote for the 640. Easy to carry, simple and reliable to use. I carry my 640-1 more than any of my others. Had a Defender for a while, but decided it just wasn't what I wanted for carry.

Have to admit, I don't really have any experience with the 3913. Looks like it would be a pretty good option as well.

 

[hiram2005]

I have a New Agent, same gun as the Defender, just no sights. Well, it does have the gutter. And pretty accurate with that. Carry it about 75% of the time. Only reliabilty issue was when I tried some non-Colt mags. I use 185 grain Hornady XTP's in it. It's a handful with 230 +P's!! Oh, that's it up above.

 

[ENGINE18]

It's interesting to see the three of them side-by-side; kinda close in size, but not too close in weight. I would carry the 640-1 as that's what I own and carry at times. But the others look good too! (I know, I'm wishy-washy)

 

[Iggy]

Another vote for the 640-1. It's what I carry most of the time when I ain't in injun country.

 

[Super Trucker]

The 3913 backed up by the 640.

The 3913 is a great gun easy to handle and accurate, but you can never have too many guns so carry the 640 as a backup just in-case.

I am not a big fan of 3" 1911's. I prefer a commander in the 1911 platform.

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, I'm a 1911 guy, so would pick the Colt Defender. Much rather have a Commander or Government size, though.

I've been shooting 1911s a long time and have the muscle memory for them. The 3913, I'd almost certainly go into "1911 mode" under stress and fumble with or miss the safety. I have a J-frame and like it, but I shoot straighter faster with the 1911--which also launches a bigger bullet.

JMHO, FWIW.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[jimmyj]

Colt .45 OWB strong side with S&W 2" in a Bianchi 9R shoulder holster as a BUG. (Yes carry two)

 

[RomeoTango]

Isn't a gun there I wouldn't carry.