CCW, going from small to large

[rickmelear]

Has anyone found that over the years their CCW piece has grown. My first EDC was a KT P32, then a Kahr P9, the last few months I've been carrying a Glock 17, all in a Crossbreed Supertuck. I've come to the realization that I may actually have to use my weapon to defend myself and I shoot a larger gun far better than a smaller one. How bout the rest of y'all .

[TunnelRat]

I would respond by saying that the definition of small and large can vary from person to person. I know some folks that carry very small Colt Mustang sized pistols and would never carry anything larger as it's not comfortable for them. To them it's not that small and what I carry is enormous. I typically carry something on the order of a Glock 26 and as the weather gets cooler something more like a Glock 19. That would be my definition of large. I've tried carrying something Glock 17 size and honestly for my size and dress it just doesn't work to a point where I feel like I am truly concealing the weapon and am able to sit as needed with comfort. I also find that about a Glock 19 size and my improvement in shooting is little if anything by going bigger. Certainly I can shoot say a Glock 19 better than a Colt Mustang, but the Glock 19 vs. the Glock 26 gets very close and that's why it's about as small as I go. For me as long as I can get my pinky on there I am happy. Others are fine with just two fingers below the trigger guard and their pinky below the magazine. While I agree that you can never be too prepared, the reality is most shootings are within 10 feet, last 3 seconds, and 3 shots are fired. But most is not all. Frankly as long as you're happy with your choice that is all that matters. The only caution I give folks about carrying is to be realistic. A Glock 26 on the hip is better than a Glock 17 at home. Know your own limitations and what you will actually convince yourself to carry.

[ritepath]

I still carry my LCP most, followed by the Shield that's almost a perfect combination of size and concealability.

I still enjoy CCin' my fullsized P220, P-09, and SR45 on occasion. For those times that are shorter than 3 or 4 hours and involved little walking.

[baddarryl]

When I first stated carrying I had a G26 and thought the whole world knew I was carrying. Now I realize with the right holster I can conceal most anything. If I have the option I choose a full size weapon with larger capacity. Other times it is a Kahr CM9 slipped into the back pocket. I shoot that gun well and am comfortable with it. Just depends on what the situation dictates.

[BarryLee]

When I first started carrying I had a SIG P220 which I carried fairly well. When the Ruger LCP came out I got one and carried it in a pocket holster. However, I felt a little under gunned, but also hated dedicating one entire pocket to a gun. So, I now carry a GLOCK G26 which seems like a good middle ground for me. So, guess I went from big to small to medium.

[ligonierbill]

Too big, too small, just right...I was packing a P32 like yourself. Got a Crossbreed Supertuck and started with my G23. Now I have a PF-9 that is great IWB. That's what I usually carry, but the others go out also. Have the P32 in my pocket now. I go by the First Rule.

[dayman]

I went from a SW bg380, to a SA xds, to a Glock 19.
It's not often I have trouble concealing the Glock, and I'm extremely comfortable shooting it should the need ever arise.

I think part of it was just getting comfortable with the idea of carrying a gun, and realizing nobody seems to notice and freak out of it prints slightly when I bend over.

I'm also a pretty big guy, so that probably helps.

[Kreyzhorse]

I carry what I can carry. I prefer a larger caliber gun but I prefer a smaller caliber to no gun. I carry what works with what I am wearing. Usually it's my Walter 9mm but I'll carry my 1911 TRP if it's cold weather and my LCP if it's hot weather.

[jr24]

Yep, if it isn't too hot I prefer larger sized guns (1911 commanders, Glock 21, thinking about a 22 or 17) since they seem to ride better on my belt.

In the warmer times I've been liking the Glock 30S, so that's not exactly small.

[kutz]

Always a 1911 for me.

[highpower3006]

The first gun I got specifically for CCW was a Shield. I still carry it exclusively as, IMO, it is the perfect compromise between size/concealability/caliber.

[Micahweeks]

It's always been larger for me. Even in the best shape of my life, I was a fairly large guy with big hands. Concealing a full size gun is not an issue for me. I do it regularly with a 4 inch GP100, a USP9, and used to do it with a G35. The smallest I ever pack is the 4.2 inch SP101 when I go backpacking. I have smaller guns I've used as backups, though, including a G23, 2 inch SP101, and a few J-frame Smiths. I think it just depends on the individual.

[SIMP]

When I first got carry permit, I bought an LCP. From there it was an LC9 to and eventual Glock 26. After carrying all sorts of pistols, I've gone back to the old LCP. I just love the way it carries and feels on my persons.

Now I will OWB carry my 26, 19 or 17 if the occasion requires. But the LCP is just hard to beat for a hot Mississippi summer time carry.

[Dirty_Harry]

First it was the j frame, then a pf 9, then a p30 and now a p2000. I really think the p2000 is about the perfect sized gun.

Still carry the j frame in my pocket on quick outings from time to time. But iwb with the p2000 is a breeze. When it's colder out, I may carry the p30 as well, but I really only gain 2 extra rounds. I shoot them equally well.

[Big Shrek]

Heh, I'm all over the place...started out with a Star 30-P 9mm, then up to a DEagle .50ae,
then dropped to a Gen2 G20, then a Taurus 24/7 Pro-C 9mm (now the Wifey's),
then up to a Gen 3 G20-SF, now down to a S&W CS45

Although, things being as things are...we often place two Calico 9mm pistols
& 3 spare 100-rd mags in the bottom of the diaper bag...
just because you never know when a Flash Mob will take place...
We can take them ALL out...benefits of being Ret. Army & having a Ret. Jarhead Wifey!!

**My best friend says that we scare him, but he's coming to our place when the Zombie Outbreak begins **

[jimbob86]

I started witha 5" steel framed 40 oz. 1911 ....... now carry a 3" alloy framed 26 oz. 1911 ...... contemplating going to a 3" alloy framed 16 oz. 1911ish gun ......

[Onward Allusion]

Started with NAA Mini 22LR, then the 22 Mag. Moved to the KT P32 and moved up to the P3AT. Then... the KT P11...then Taurus 617 (7-shot 357)...finally a Taurus 608 with a barrel cut to 3". How's that for going tiny to big?

These days I switch between the 608 and the P11. I still carry the P3AT when I can't carry anything larger.

[pax]

Had a woman in class a couple-three years ago who really challenged my thinking on this. She showed up for a two-day, 300-round class with a tiny little gun, her regular carry gun. It wasn't a high end gun, either, being a budget model. So of course the darn thing hiccupped and burped all weekend, multiple jams and misfires. She was a trouper, though, kept clearing the malfs and kept shooting despite growing blisters.

Some time on Day 2, another student loaned her a slightly larger gun, with which she finished the class.

At the end of class, she pulled me aside. "You're probably wondering why I brought that gun," she began (I wasn't; guns that hiccup are part of the job, and so are guns that don't quite fit the shooter. My job's teaching 'em how to shoot the equipment they bring, and sometimes teaching 'em how to make better gear choices in future, but it's certainly not ragging on 'em for mistakes in the past). Anyway.

She then went on to tell me that if she hadn't started with the cheap little gun, she would never have carried at all. Or even purchased a gun. No how, no way.

"I'm really glad I started with this gun," she told me, "because it's the one that taught me that I can do this. Now I know what I need to look for in my next gun. I'm going to try something I can shoot better, and your class really showed me why that matters!"

And that's about it. Shoot what you want. Change guns when you see reasons to do that and are prepared to do the work of learning a new gun. Enjoy life!

pax

[lee n. field]

Has anyone found that over the years their CCW piece has grown. My first EDC was a KT P32, then a Kahr P9, the last few months I've been carrying a Glock 17, all in a Crossbreed Supertuck. I've come to the realization that I may actually have to use my weapon to defend myself and I shoot a larger gun far better than a smaller one. How bout the rest of y'all .

One of the things I realized pretty quickly, once I started carrying, was that what everyone says is true: People Just Don't Notice.

I have successfully carried my XD Service, IWB. It was comfortable, no one went screaming about "manwithagun!", and I shoot it well.

Don't know where this will end.

She then went on to tell me that if she hadn't started with the cheap little gun, she would never have carried at all. Or even purchased a gun. No how, no way.

"I'm really glad I started with this gun," she told me, "because it's the one that taught me that I can do this. Now I know what I need to look for in my next gun. I'm going to try something I can shoot better, and your class really showed me why that matters!"

And that's about it. Shoot what you want. Change guns when you see reasons to do that and are prepared to do the work of learning a new gun. Enjoy life!

WE don't always start with the "Right Gun". Heck, the "right gun" will probably change for you over time. Has for me, and I'm sure it will change in the future. (And, there's such a thing as "good enough".)

[Onward Allusion]

She then went on to tell me that if she hadn't started with the cheap little gun, she would never have carried at all. Or even purchased a gun. No how, no way.

I can totally relate! About 25 years ago, my carry piece was a Tanfoglio Titan 25 ACP. Bought it for all of $85 at an Ace Hardware by where I'd worked. Lived in Chicago at the time, so whatever CC piece HAD to be completely concealed.

[849ACSO]

A "pocket gun" is a backup for me. I never carry something other than full size as an only gun. Surely don't want to rely on a backup for combat, especially while I'm protecting my family, so i make sure i don't have to. As a police officer, I don't necessarily "have to conceal" but I do. The key is to "dress for success".

[Dragline45]

I started off with a J frame, then a compact 9mm, down to a pocket .380, now I carry a S&W Shield. I found I cant comfortably carry anything larger than something in the realm of a M&P compact, Glock 26, SR9C etc.. My current carry gun is the S&W Shield, which I find the absolute perfect size.

[WildBill45]

What one carries depends on their life experience. When someone says “I carry,” what does that mean? It is one thing to carry, but another to be prepared, and to be prepared one must know what to expect to be able to be wisely prepared. You will notice street cops and/or ex-military tend to draw on the wisdom of real experience, whilst some depend on word of mouth or the word of those who have that experience. Some get trained at facilities that give them the knowledge and experience to make better choices ... a good thing for anyone.

But, and there always is a but in life, some choose by comfort, even the experienced ones. If the comfort isn't there the carry habits may be not be there as well, thus voiding any wisdom of experience. Carrying for protection is a complicated thing, and it changes for everyone as they go along ... aging, changing life dynamics, and physical prowess also comes into play. When asked by rookies on the job about this issue I always told them that a cop off duty will want the smallest and lightest gun on the market but, when a 6’ 11” bad guy with a gun comes at them they will wish they had a S&W 500!!! Until bad guys start sending you text messages that they are coming at this time and date it is best to arm yourself with a gun big enough to stop someone who has intent to kill you and/or your loved ones!!! The other side of the coin on some occasions where a big gun just isn’t practical to carry, a .22 in the hand is better than a 500 in the glove box!!!

I repeat … When someone says “I carry,” what does that mean?

[NWCP]

I carry a HK45C in the winter months and a Kahr PM9, or Colt Detective Special Series 2 in the summer. I don't carry anything under 9mm for CCW. JMHO

[849ACSO]

Wild Bill,

Well said. I carry a 1911 gun on, and off duty (4" Lightweight of the Kimber flavor). I work plainclothes daily, so, in essence, everyday is the same for me. The 1911 and AT LEAST 1 spare mag. My "street clothes" vary from working to not, as does method of carry. Working, it's open, and off is concealed (IWB). But........it's the same gun I have carried for years, and as long as I can hide it and tolerate it, that's what it will be. The last thing in the world that want is a different gun than I have trained with for years when I need to protect my family while out dinner or at the mall. Regardless of weather, I make the gun work into whatever I'm doing. That includes mowing the grass and changing the oil in my cars. Period. (That should make the folks who like to keep their guns "scratch free" cringe....it looks like it has been used as a fence stretcher and drug behind a pickup truck along the road )

This is coming from the same guy that still carries a 5 shot on the ankle ANYTIME he has pants on that will cover it up. I have trained with that gun probably 75% as much as the 1911. These guns are no different to me than my wallet.......if I'm dressed, I have them.

The old saying "beware a man who who has but one gun, for he probably has figured out how to use it" always made really good sense to me.

The bottom line is do what you are comfortable will get the job done and TRAIN, TRAIN, TRAIN. A gun you can't draw, operate or hit anything with under stress is more a liability than a help.