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Old December 26, 2008, 11:46 PM   #1
KUHIO
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What is the largest caliber you would carry?

Like the title says. What's the largest caliber you would go for a concealed carry weapon? For the sake of the thread, let's say this weapon is for carry around town, daily activities, etc. Not camping, hunting, Lion/tiger/bear gun
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Old December 27, 2008, 12:07 AM   #2
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44mag
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Old December 27, 2008, 12:11 AM   #3
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.45 ACP
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Old December 27, 2008, 12:13 AM   #4
Ricky
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Largest caliber

depending on how you look at it. .357 mag or .45 auto. IMHO .44 Mag is reserved for large animals.
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Old December 27, 2008, 12:28 AM   #5
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The OP stated that this is for concealed carry meaning that the .44 Magnum is probably not a candidate.

For concealed carry you are going to be dealing with either a compact frame or sub-compact pistol. If you enjoy the kick of the .40 or .45 from the smaller frame pistols, then go with that.

However, my choice is good ole 9mm. I dont have fun shooting the larger calibers out of the smaller frame pistols. I find that the 9mm is more controllable out of the compact and smaller frame pistols.

We all agree here that we may need more then one round to stop the target or that their might be multiple targets. In the larger caliber small frame pistols, you are going to get a kick which will throw your aim off for a matter of milliseconds where you have to re-zero.

The 9mm and .38 special is different in that kick is minimized. So if you want accuracy and the ability to re-zero more quickly then these pistols are where its at.

I wouldnt feel undergunned with either a .38 special or a 9mm. They will both place holes in the intended target and probably with fatal results.

If you did carry a caliber that is larger and more deadly then what the police carry, then the prosecutor can use that against you in court.
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Old December 27, 2008, 12:32 AM   #6
luvsasmith
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largest

45 ACP. Anything more and it is probably not too concealable. Smallest? 38 SPL as a BUG and .40 as my primary.
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Old December 27, 2008, 12:35 AM   #7
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.45 ACP in my S&W 1911 commander is largest I feel comfortable with concealing
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Old December 27, 2008, 12:36 AM   #8
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There are several easialy concealable .44 magnum revolvers. I have CCW vests that I can, and have, easily carried my full size 1911A1 in. I also use a shoulder bag that handles the 1911 quite well.
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Old December 27, 2008, 01:05 AM   #9
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Two criteria - I have to be able to carry with a degree of comfort - and - I have to be really practiced with it. In the past, I could carry most anything. These days weight and control dictate a smaller gun. Most of my practice is with either a 9mm or a 38+P. With either I can do what I need to out to 25' (cover with the palm of my hand). So those are the largest calibers I carry.
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Old December 27, 2008, 01:06 AM   #10
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.45 ACP for now. When I get a revolver I could see going .44 Mag maybe.
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Old December 27, 2008, 01:48 AM   #11
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I dont have a .45 YET, but that would be the largest caliber I would carry. I feel pretty secure with a .40 or 9mm though.
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Old December 27, 2008, 01:54 AM   #12
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I carry .40 S&W in a 3.5" barrel, 10 round mag, large frame semi.
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Old December 27, 2008, 01:56 AM   #13
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.45acp or 10mm

Quote:
I also use a shoulder bag that handles the 1911 quite well.
Shoulder bag? I think you mean a murse.

Last edited by Playboypenguin; December 27, 2008 at 02:09 AM.
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Old December 27, 2008, 02:03 AM   #14
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.500JRH, .500 Max...
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Old December 27, 2008, 06:09 AM   #15
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44. Mag

Hows this for a concealed .44 Mag?


http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...egory_rn=50802

-c/Kord!
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Old December 27, 2008, 06:22 AM   #16
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Sounds good on paper, but, it's still a BIG gun, in particular with the Wood grips it first came with. Also, the top strap isn't up to much shooting. Wears out, despite the insert.

For 575, Buds has a Bounty Hunter, same gun, but steel. While 10 oz heavier, I think I'd rather have the weight, and, the strength in the top strap.
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Old December 27, 2008, 06:25 AM   #17
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I agree with JohnH1963 about the .38 Special and the 9mm for carry.
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Old December 27, 2008, 06:31 AM   #18
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Sounds good on paper, but, it's still a BIG gun, in particular with the Wood grips it first came with. Also, the top strap isn't up to much shooting. Wears out, despite the insert.

For 575, Buds has a Bounty Hunter, same gun, but steel. While 10 oz heavier, I think I'd rather have the weight, and, the strength in the top strap.
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Old December 27, 2008, 08:44 AM   #19
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70 mm

mossberg pistol grip 18.5"
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Old December 27, 2008, 09:25 AM   #20
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It’s the size of the gun not caliber that decides what I will carry.
Mostly I carry a Glock 26, if I felt that I needed more I would carry ether my Kimber Royal carry that’s 45 ACP or a Charger Arms Bulldog in 44.
I have a Smith 3 inch 629 that would work but after walking around with it on one hip for several hours, I would need a hip brace or some king of supporting device. I hate suspenders that that’s just about the only way I can keep my pants up with that gun on my belt.
I like tomgun’s suggestion of Mossberg pistol grip 18.5" and if I ever wore a trench coat I would go his way.
There was this movie with Arnold Swartzanager (sorry for the spelling) that he fought against an alien.
One of the men with him carried a mini gun with about 1gazzilian rounds.
That looked light enough, and if the price is right.
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Old December 27, 2008, 09:29 AM   #21
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Quote:
Shoulder bag? I think you mean a murse.
Man-Bag, **g-Bag, call it what ya will. I'm 6'1" @ 300lbs and I have yet to have my manliness questioned. Fact is, I ride a wheel chair any time I am out an would have to walk very far or stand very long and getting to pockets or yer belt is... obstructed. I started using a fanny pack but wanted something more functional and made to carry a gun in and bought the "Unisex" bag from E. S. Ramey.



Back to the topic: While the biggest I carry is my 1911, my go-to daily carry is my KT P11 as the 1911 is HEAVY! I am heavy enough without adding any extra weight to my failing chassis!
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Old December 27, 2008, 09:48 AM   #22
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.45ACP.
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Old December 27, 2008, 11:26 AM   #23
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.45 ACP for semi-autos and .357 magnum for revolvers.
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Old December 27, 2008, 12:31 PM   #24
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.45 ACP or 10mm in an auto and .44 Magnum in a revolver
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Old December 27, 2008, 12:36 PM   #25
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45 acp
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