Feeling Undergunned

Joe_Pike · April 5, 2015, 05:39 PM

I have been carrying for quite a few years now and have carried a 642 90% of the time with the other 10% being something like an LCP. I have always felt like I had plenty of gun with me for the places in town that I frequent.....until the last year or so.

The city I live in is consistently in the top five most dangerous mid-sized cities in the country for the last few years. I have had two attempted break-ins at my house and there have been two murders in my neighborhood in the last year....and I live in a pretty GOOD neighborhood. Home invasions and robberies seem to be carried out by teams instead of individuals and the homeless population is increasing everyday here (not saying all homeless are violent, but many are).

I keep feeling like I need to carry something with a higher capacity but I sure do love to pocket carry. I can carry a G26 in my pocket, but not nearly as comfortably as the 642. Carrying OWB or IWB just doesn't seem to work for me because of how how I am built. I have thought of moving to a CM9, but that is only an increase of two rounds.

If I can't figure something out, I'll probably just pocket carry the 26 with an extra mag, even though it feels more brick-like in my pocket. If I was 6'4" and 200 pounds the choice would be easier.

EIGHTYDUECE · April 5, 2015, 05:49 PM

Try a KelTec P-11 9mm. It is flatter than the Glock yet still carries 10 rounds in the mag (flush fitting 12 rounders available from KelTec) It is also true (long pull) DAO which I would prefer for pocket carry. It will also accept 15 round S&W mod 59 magazines.

Joe_Pike · April 5, 2015, 05:54 PM

I had a P11 and sold it. I could not for the life of me shoot it without it digging into my thumb joint. I couldn't get a comfortable grip with it unless I added the longer S&W magazine, but then it was no longer a pocket gun.

DT Guy · April 5, 2015, 06:03 PM

I'd look at shoulder holsters; while there are drawbacks, they have their place, and that includes for folks who have trouble with OWB/IWB carry.

And I hear you about feeling 'undergunned'; there are things going on today (like flash mobs and group home invasions) that seemed much less common a few years ago.

Larry

txray22 · April 5, 2015, 06:19 PM

Get a good holster and carry the G26 on you waist. Either OWB or IWB. Maybe carry the J-frame in the pocket just in case.

lamarw · April 5, 2015, 06:47 PM

Not ignoring your personal carry concerns, it sounds as though your home protection firearm should be of great concern.

I would be thinking in terms of a good short barrel, 18 1/2 to 20", 12 gauge with 8 round capacity. In fact this is what I have next to my bed, and I am not in a dangerous neighborhood.

Joe_Pike · April 5, 2015, 06:54 PM

I'm fixed for HD - short barrel 500 12 gauge, SA XD9, etc.

Whirlwind06 · April 5, 2015, 07:38 PM

Have you tried appendix carry? Or thunder wear maybe.
I carry a Beretta PX4 subcompact (13 rounds) in front of my right hip in a IWB holster. Behind the hip has never worked for me.

Jack19 · April 5, 2015, 07:49 PM

Carrying weapons isn't supposed to be comfortable, it's supposed to be comforting. Can't remember who said that; but, it's true.

I've carried full sized pistols for most of my working life. 1911s, Beretta 92s, Browning HPs, Sig P220s, 228s, 229s, and a Glock 19 on my ankle (in a Lou Alessi Ankle Rig which is worth every penny.)

Basically, you do what you have to do to conceal them. After all, how badly do you want to stay alive?

FairWarning · April 5, 2015, 08:26 PM

The current generation of wundernines have made carry of 15 rounders easier than ever. There is the HK VP9, Walther PPQ and CZ P07 and P-01, not to mention and competitive XDs and M&Ps that are truly tuckable yet have ~4 inch barrels.

I picked up a PPQ M1 for this purpose and it is amazing to hold and shoot. When there is something this formidable in a compact package, I'm willing to adjust my attire to be able to carry it. You can carry a micro 9 without compromising your attire at all, but then again you aren't getting full-sized LE/Duty performance out of the little tykes.

Deaf Smith · April 5, 2015, 08:26 PM

Soon as the Glock 43 comes out I might retire my J 640 .38 for summer carry.

We will see how well it works out.

I use the Glock 26 daily in all but such hot weather I'm reduced to shorts and t-shirt.

Deaf

Joe_Pike · April 5, 2015, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Carrying weapons isn't supposed to be comfortable, it's supposed to be comforting.

Well, it shouldn't be a pain in the tukus either. Too be honest, I really wish I didn't feel the need to carry. I don't really enjoy it. I just do it because the world is a dangerous place.

And, that is a Clint Smith quote I believe.

Model12Win · April 5, 2015, 09:09 PM

A 5-shot .38 J-frame is all any real shooter needs for the purposes of civillian self defense IMNSHO.

If you can place the shots and carry a good hollow point load, the gun will solve any self defense problem any civilian is likely to ever encounter. While the small autos have may inroads in the best couple decades, they will never match the utter simplicity and reliability of these compact revolvers. They have plenty of stopping power, and accurate in trained hands, and are a reliable and unfailing weapon even in the most violent and tumultuous encounters.

I trust my life to my S&W 642 every day, and wouldn't think of trading it for any other concealable defensive handgun. OP: I think you need to hit the range more than worry about your carry choice. It's not the gun, it's the man behind it that decides the outcome of a justified self defense shooting.

Joe_Pike · April 5, 2015, 09:39 PM

I am confident in my shooting ability, but not so much in my ability to foresee the future and how many people that I may have to defend myself against.

Bill DeShivs · April 5, 2015, 09:46 PM

You might try the Keltec PF9. It's a totally different experience than the P11.

Cheapshooter · April 5, 2015, 09:48 PM

Quote:

how many people that I may have to defend myself against.

Most likely only the first one you shoot. The remaining cowards will be running like their lives depend on it........Because as far as they know it does!
Don't fret about your current carry options.

**JohnKSa** · April 5, 2015, 10:10 PM

There's a lot of firearm real estate between the 642 and the Glock 26. More than there ever has been in fact.

You could go to a 7+1 package in 9mm (a 60% bump in capacity over the 642) and still stay with something significantly smaller, lighter and thinner than a Glock 26.

jason.jardine72 · April 5, 2015, 10:16 PM

I live in Canada and as many of you know we depend on the police to mop up the remains of what is left 10 minutes after the crime has been committed! !!! I am envious of the protection you are allowed to have to protect yourself and love ones !!!! We will spend our lives in jail is we protect our self or family !!! It is horrendous and unforgivable that we can not help our love ones even in our own homes !!!! Sorry for the bitterness !!!! I do have a question about the number of weapons you can carry ? Is a hip , ankle and shoulder aloud at once or just one sidearm at a time ??? I've always been fond of large capacity large bore (1911) short reset pistols but because of the law I don't know enough about them .. i was just wondering cause if u felt under gunned I would just carry a shoulder or ankle to make up the difference and a double stack .45 !!! I currently target practice with a SR1911 Sig 250 .45 357 magnum revolver 357 magnum coonan automatic 1911 22 Sig , ruger mark 111 , Walther P22 , glock .40 , norinco 1911 , S&W 500 and some long arms !!!! I in my opinion after 12 years of training 4 days a week have some skills !!!! I do not want to Carry in the street for fear of others over reacting but in my home I feel I should be legally obligated to protect my castle and family !!!! Sorry again about the rant but can you carry more than one side arm!!!????

skizzums · April 5, 2015, 10:23 PM

please do not get fixated on the first word in the title of this gun......Taurus PT111 G2. perfect hi-cap, pocketable gun. I don't know of any other gun in it's exact size class. it's perfectly reliable and extremely shootable and has about every feature one could want. I am very happy to have jumped on one when PSA had the sale. 12+1 9mm, not quite "double-stack" but a "staggered" magazine that has almost as slim of a grip as my shield. great adjustable sights and very decent "sa" striker. I know a lot of people turn their nose up at the word Taurus, but this one is a real winner. my shield now sits, will probably give it to a family member soon.

Shoot · April 6, 2015, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jason.jardine72

can you carry more than one side arm

As far as I know, if a state allows you to carry, there's no limit on how many guns you can carry. If a state does have a limit, it would be the exception and I'd like to learn about it myself.

jason.jardine72 · April 6, 2015, 12:40 AM

Thank you shoot !!!!! I appreciate your response !! But now that I have had time to think about it , I suppose 2 guns is all a person needs to carry !!!! 5 or 10 mags and if your a revolver man some speed loaders and practice is a lot less cumbersome !!!! I was just curious at first!!

Bake · April 6, 2015, 02:05 AM

We are allow to carry only the firearm listed on the permit.

Silly, but that's the way it is....

Brotherbadger · April 6, 2015, 02:19 AM

I'd carry a few extra mags if you are feeling undergunned.

jason.jardine72 · April 6, 2015, 03:07 AM

It would be in your best interest to carry mags in canada we need to keep them locked and our pistols double locked in a safe

jason.jardine72 · April 6, 2015, 03:10 AM

Canada reminds me of what the Australian priminister said after the hostage crisis. He said that by disarming the public they made a country full of victims! !!

April 5, 2015, 05:39 PM	#1
Joe_Pike Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2010 Posts: 1,581	Feeling Undergunned I have been carrying for quite a few years now and have carried a 642 90% of the time with the other 10% being something like an LCP. I have always felt like I had plenty of gun with me for the places in town that I frequent.....until the last year or so. The city I live in is consistently in the top five most dangerous mid-sized cities in the country for the last few years. I have had two attempted break-ins at my house and there have been two murders in my neighborhood in the last year....and I live in a pretty GOOD neighborhood. Home invasions and robberies seem to be carried out by teams instead of individuals and the homeless population is increasing everyday here (not saying all homeless are violent, but many are). I keep feeling like I need to carry something with a higher capacity but I sure do love to pocket carry. I can carry a G26 in my pocket, but not nearly as comfortably as the 642. Carrying OWB or IWB just doesn't seem to work for me because of how how I am built. I have thought of moving to a CM9, but that is only an increase of two rounds. If I can't figure something out, I'll probably just pocket carry the 26 with an extra mag, even though it feels more brick-like in my pocket. If I was 6'4" and 200 pounds the choice would be easier. __________________ Stay Groovy

April 5, 2015, 05:49 PM	#2
EIGHTYDUECE Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2001 Posts: 578	Try a KelTec P-11 9mm. It is flatter than the Glock yet still carries 10 rounds in the mag (flush fitting 12 rounders available from KelTec) It is also true (long pull) DAO which I would prefer for pocket carry. It will also accept 15 round S&W mod 59 magazines. __________________ "KNEES IN THE BREEZE" "Shop Smart, Shop S-Mart"- ASH

April 5, 2015, 05:54 PM	#3
Joe_Pike Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2010 Posts: 1,581	I had a P11 and sold it. I could not for the life of me shoot it without it digging into my thumb joint. I couldn't get a comfortable grip with it unless I added the longer S&W magazine, but then it was no longer a pocket gun. __________________ Stay Groovy

April 5, 2015, 06:03 PM	#4
DT Guy Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2001 Posts: 959	I'd look at shoulder holsters; while there are drawbacks, they have their place, and that includes for folks who have trouble with OWB/IWB carry. And I hear you about feeling 'undergunned'; there are things going on today (like flash mobs and group home invasions) that seemed much less common a few years ago. Larry __________________ He who fights and runs away had better run pretty damn fast. Government, Anarchy and Chaos

April 5, 2015, 06:54 PM	#7
Joe_Pike Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2010 Posts: 1,581	I'm fixed for HD - short barrel 500 12 gauge, SA XD9, etc. __________________ Stay Groovy

April 5, 2015, 06:19 PM	#5
txray22 Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2004 Location: Tyler, Texas Posts: 167	Get a good holster and carry the G26 on you waist. Either OWB or IWB. Maybe carry the J-frame in the pocket just in case.

April 5, 2015, 06:47 PM	#6
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	Not ignoring your personal carry concerns, it sounds as though your home protection firearm should be of great concern. I would be thinking in terms of a good short barrel, 18 1/2 to 20", 12 gauge with 8 round capacity. In fact this is what I have next to my bed, and I am not in a dangerous neighborhood.

April 5, 2015, 07:38 PM	#8
Whirlwind06 Senior Member Join Date: March 3, 2006 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 998	Have you tried appendix carry? Or thunder wear maybe. I carry a Beretta PX4 subcompact (13 rounds) in front of my right hip in a IWB holster. Behind the hip has never worked for me.

April 5, 2015, 07:49 PM	#9
Jack19 Senior Member Join Date: August 18, 2001 Location: Somewhere in the Ford Galaxy Posts: 713	Carrying weapons isn't supposed to be comfortable, it's supposed to be comforting. Can't remember who said that; but, it's true. I've carried full sized pistols for most of my working life. 1911s, Beretta 92s, Browning HPs, Sig P220s, 228s, 229s, and a Glock 19 on my ankle (in a Lou Alessi Ankle Rig which is worth every penny.) Basically, you do what you have to do to conceal them. After all, how badly do you want to stay alive? __________________ Liberty will not long survive the total extinction of morals. Samuel Adams

April 5, 2015, 08:26 PM	#10
FairWarning Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: GA Posts: 1,149	The current generation of wundernines have made carry of 15 rounders easier than ever. There is the HK VP9, Walther PPQ and CZ P07 and P-01, not to mention and competitive XDs and M&Ps that are truly tuckable yet have ~4 inch barrels. I picked up a PPQ M1 for this purpose and it is amazing to hold and shoot. When there is something this formidable in a compact package, I'm willing to adjust my attire to be able to carry it. You can carry a micro 9 without compromising your attire at all, but then again you aren't getting full-sized LE/Duty performance out of the little tykes. __________________ Mauser Werke, Schmidt-Rubin, Colt, Walther, HK, Weatherby, Sig Sauer, Browning, Ruger, Beretta, etc, etc....a few friends of mine

April 5, 2015, 08:26 PM	#11
Deaf Smith Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Location: Texican! Posts: 4,453	Soon as the Glock 43 comes out I might retire my J 640 .38 for summer carry. We will see how well it works out. I use the Glock 26 daily in all but such hot weather I'm reduced to shorts and t-shirt. Deaf __________________ “To you who call yourselves ‘men of peace,’ I say, you are not safe without men of action by your side” Thucydides

April 5, 2015, 09:09 PM	#13
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	A 5-shot .38 J-frame is all any real shooter needs for the purposes of civillian self defense IMNSHO. If you can place the shots and carry a good hollow point load, the gun will solve any self defense problem any civilian is likely to ever encounter. While the small autos have may inroads in the best couple decades, they will never match the utter simplicity and reliability of these compact revolvers. They have plenty of stopping power, and accurate in trained hands, and are a reliable and unfailing weapon even in the most violent and tumultuous encounters. I trust my life to my S&W 642 every day, and wouldn't think of trading it for any other concealable defensive handgun. OP: I think you need to hit the range more than worry about your carry choice. It's not the gun, it's the man behind it that decides the outcome of a justified self defense shooting.

April 5, 2015, 09:39 PM	#14
Joe_Pike Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2010 Posts: 1,581	I am confident in my shooting ability, but not so much in my ability to foresee the future and how many people that I may have to defend myself against. __________________ Stay Groovy

April 5, 2015, 09:46 PM	#15
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,987	You might try the Keltec PF9. It's a totally different experience than the P11. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

April 5, 2015, 10:10 PM	#17
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,994	There's a lot of firearm real estate between the 642 and the Glock 26. More than there ever has been in fact. You could go to a 7+1 package in 9mm (a 60% bump in capacity over the 642) and still stay with something significantly smaller, lighter and thinner than a Glock 26. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

April 5, 2015, 10:16 PM	#18
jason.jardine72 Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2015 Posts: 114	I live in Canada and as many of you know we depend on the police to mop up the remains of what is left 10 minutes after the crime has been committed! !!! I am envious of the protection you are allowed to have to protect yourself and love ones !!!! We will spend our lives in jail is we protect our self or family !!! It is horrendous and unforgivable that we can not help our love ones even in our own homes !!!! Sorry for the bitterness !!!! I do have a question about the number of weapons you can carry ? Is a hip , ankle and shoulder aloud at once or just one sidearm at a time ??? I've always been fond of large capacity large bore (1911) short reset pistols but because of the law I don't know enough about them .. i was just wondering cause if u felt under gunned I would just carry a shoulder or ankle to make up the difference and a double stack .45 !!! I currently target practice with a SR1911 Sig 250 .45 357 magnum revolver 357 magnum coonan automatic 1911 22 Sig , ruger mark 111 , Walther P22 , glock .40 , norinco 1911 , S&W 500 and some long arms !!!! I in my opinion after 12 years of training 4 days a week have some skills !!!! I do not want to Carry in the street for fear of others over reacting but in my home I feel I should be legally obligated to protect my castle and family !!!! Sorry again about the rant but can you carry more than one side arm!!!????

April 5, 2015, 10:23 PM	#19
skizzums Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2013 Location: Douglasville, Ga Posts: 4,615	please do not get fixated on the first word in the title of this gun......Taurus PT111 G2. perfect hi-cap, pocketable gun. I don't know of any other gun in it's exact size class. it's perfectly reliable and extremely shootable and has about every feature one could want. I am very happy to have jumped on one when PSA had the sale. 12+1 9mm, not quite "double-stack" but a "staggered" magazine that has almost as slim of a grip as my shield. great adjustable sights and very decent "sa" striker. I know a lot of people turn their nose up at the word Taurus, but this one is a real winner. my shield now sits, will probably give it to a family member soon. __________________ My head is bloody, but unbowed

April 6, 2015, 12:40 AM	#21
jason.jardine72 Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2015 Posts: 114	Thank you shoot !!!!! I appreciate your response !! But now that I have had time to think about it , I suppose 2 guns is all a person needs to carry !!!! 5 or 10 mags and if your a revolver man some speed loaders and practice is a lot less cumbersome !!!! I was just curious at first!!

April 6, 2015, 02:05 AM	#22
Bake Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2012 Location: San Joaquin Valley, Calif. Posts: 482	We are allow to carry only the firearm listed on the permit. Silly, but that's the way it is.... __________________ 1. The pattern board is your friend, use the Dam thing!!! 2. The maximum range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually measured in miles, and means nothing. 2a. The effective range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually (the ability of the shooter) measured in yards, and means everything.

April 6, 2015, 02:19 AM	#23
Brotherbadger Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2010 Posts: 1,149	I'd carry a few extra mags if you are feeling undergunned. __________________ Once Fired Brass, Top quality, Fast shipping, Best prices. http://300AacBrass.com/ -10% Coupon use code " badger "

April 6, 2015, 03:07 AM	#24
jason.jardine72 Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2015 Posts: 114	It would be in your best interest to carry mags in canada we need to keep them locked and our pistols double locked in a safe

April 6, 2015, 03:10 AM	#25
jason.jardine72 Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2015 Posts: 114	Canada reminds me of what the Australian priminister said after the hostage crisis. He said that by disarming the public they made a country full of victims! !!