|
Forum Rules | Firearms Safety | Firearms Photos | Links | Library | Lost Password | Email Changes |
Register | FAQ | Calendar | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
May 21, 2011, 05:03 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,328
|
Concealed carry auto choice? features, not caliber
This isn't a caliber war, moderators PLEASE shut it down if it turns into that.
I'll consider whatever caliber you suggest. What I am more interested in are what features one should consider. Safety? DAO? Length of barrel? Sight type? Number of rounds held and so on. I do not want a full sized pistol as I will be living in the south where coats won't be worn 75% of the time. I'm 5 ft 10, 210 pounds, so average size, average to large hands. I don't want a tiny pistol either. Somewhere in the middle range in terms of size, but will consider any caliber. I am very familiar w weapons, mostly rifles/machine guns while serving in the military for 8 years, but have only owned one handgun, shot it little and never carried it. So taking that information, what would you suggest? Both specific guns and specific features? Thanks for your thoughtful reply. |
May 21, 2011, 05:09 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: April 5, 2008
Location: Mid Tennessee
Posts: 357
|
I carry a Sig P239 9mm everyday. I like it for it's reliability, ease of use, and weight (29 oz). No saftey, but it has a decocker which I have come to really like. I've found if I carry another gun with saftey, I never use it.
That's just me.
__________________
It's good to be the king. |
May 21, 2011, 05:32 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: March 12, 2011
Location: Phoenix, Az......now Iowa
Posts: 191
|
Sig 229, 357 Sig, DAK or DA/SA dpending on what you like better.
|
May 21, 2011, 08:05 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: February 6, 2001
Location: NE OH.
Posts: 828
|
For an auto, I carry a 3" &/or 4" 1911. The 3" goes in a IWB holster when carrying the 4" in an OWB holster isn't appropriate.
Both have combat sights. One has an ambi safety. The 4" gun has a full sized grip.
__________________
...arms...discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property. ...Horrid mischief would ensue were (the law abiding) deprived the use of them. --Thomas Paine |
May 21, 2011, 08:15 PM | #5 |
Member
Join Date: March 15, 2011
Location: Erie, PA
Posts: 44
|
i carry a Ruger SR9c (9mm) in an IWB holster. 3.5 inch barrel, has a trigger safety nearly identical to a glock and a manual safety (which i never use), 10rd mag.
__________________
"I have a very strict gun control policy: if there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it." - Clint Eastwood |
May 21, 2011, 08:23 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,328
|
I know there is no replacement for handling and shooting the guns to find what is best for me.
What I think I am looking for is... automatic medium sized give or take polymer (or reasonably light weight metal) 10 round capacity (give or take) .380 - .45 cal (consider anything in between) do I need a safety? I automatically go to SA/DA w safety. Why consider DAO? not interested in revolvers at all not interested in glocks at all The short barrel 1911 is a good idea. Point me to resources on selecting a concealed carry pistol if you can't guide my decision please. Again, not looking to get caliber vs caliber debate and thanks for not going there! |
May 21, 2011, 08:33 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,328
|
So how would something like this
http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/ul...ultra-carry-ii compare to a polymer .45? Also any company make something of similar quality for a little less? |
May 21, 2011, 09:42 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: April 1, 2011
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 113
|
How about Springfield Armory?
Try the XD9SC or XD40SC.....great guns! Don't rule out a Kel-Tec P11, either.
__________________
"The best revenge is not in violence, but simply living well". |
May 21, 2011, 09:44 PM | #9 |
Junior member
Join Date: April 21, 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 4,555
|
What do you consider a "tiny" gun?
|
May 21, 2011, 09:48 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: November 14, 2010
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 1,824
|
I normally carry a RIA CS, but I got bored last week and started carrying my old S&W 469. Both are 3.5 inch and I carry a second magazine for the RIA.
The RIA is carried in a Galco rig OWB at 4:30 position, and the 469 in a SOB Triple K rig.
__________________
Chief stall mucker and grain chef Country don't mean dumb. Steven King. The Stand |
May 21, 2011, 09:50 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: June 5, 2009
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 163
|
Another vote for the XD9 SC. But then coming from me you would assume that already!
__________________
NRA Member |
May 21, 2011, 10:17 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 22, 2004
Location: washington
Posts: 263
|
for ccw i carry a glock 36.././. good power , small package.... backed up by a S&W 640 on ankle or kahr p380 in pocket (coat usually)
36 is simple, easy to use and hits hard, very controlable also carry an extra mag in a wilderness horizontal tact pouch p380 works fine for v small carry and (yes for church) an ankle jframe is good
__________________
front site press |
May 21, 2011, 10:36 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: November 3, 2010
Posts: 2,016
|
"Also any company make something of similar quality for a little less?"
http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-2075-rami-bd/ http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/11849 BTW, I've seen nice wooden grips for these... Really sharp-looking gun!
__________________
What did Mrs. Bullet say to Mr. Bullet? ... "We're having a BeeBee!"... IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!... IF THE GUN FITS, SHOOT IT! "Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it." Last edited by CWKahrFan; May 21, 2011 at 10:43 PM. |
May 21, 2011, 11:01 PM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: June 19, 2001
Posts: 1,603
|
For me the priorities are as follows:
1. Reliable (and I don't mean so long as you use XYZ bullet and hold it at a perfect angle during a month that ends in "R"). 2. Portable (meaning I can carry it all day long. Since the more portable the less powerful it is, I have several options and generally carry the largest weapon the weather, my clothing, and day's routine will allow). 3. Shootable. If I can't put all the shots in a tight cluster at normal combat distances either it's too much caliber for the size or the ergonomics are poor. 4. Powerful. What that means is that it's the largest caliber and best ammo I can use without compromising 1-3 above. 5. Capacity. The more the merrier, assuming I don't compromise 1-4 above. At this present time, I'm finding I am best served with a Glock 19 followed by a Kel-Tec .32 for those few times when I can't carry the 19. I continue to love 1911s, but it seems I'm too out of shape to carry one all day long without getting back pains. |
May 21, 2011, 11:31 PM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,328
|
Thanks for the responses.
I've been reading the latest gun magazines (I know, I know)... and I am impressed at the huge number of guns designed/modified for concealed carry that are now on the market. What do I consider tiny? The little 22 revolvers and such (NAA/Charter?) I will be living in Texas. How concerned should I be about rust/wear on the finish? I plan on carrying occasionally, if I need to leave my very nice, low/no violent crime neighborhood and roll through the rough part of town or if I'm out late at night or some other occasion. (I understand the virtues of always being armed, but that's not my plan, could change.) So here are the pistols I'm considering in no particular order. Taurus millenium pro/700/738 Para carry Springfield Micro compact Sig 250/232/239 Colt defender Kimber cdp Ruger LC9 Springfield Enhanced micro pistol kimber solo As I don't plan on carrying all the time (I know, best pistol is the one you carry) I am not placing a premium on super compact, "mouse" type guns. Now on to calibers but not a caliber war please! They are all good for certain things. I am not interested in 22/25/32 I have always kind of questioned the .380 as legit for concealed carry. Are these new wonder rounds as great as I hear? I think 9mm/.40/.45 is mostly what I'm looking at. How many rounds is "enough" (I know that is subjective). I tend to feel that 6 rounds of anything reasonably powerful is plenty. I really don't have any vision of fending off mobs. If I had to touch off say 2 rounds at 3 attackers, I feel that would be plenty. I don't foresee needing 17 rounds of 9mm or 3 mags worth of .45. Could it happen, sure. But I'd try to avoid that situation at all possible. My real belief on the concealed carry concept is...yes, it should be a right. But, if I had to pull it, that would deter most criminals. If I had to fire it, that would deter whatever criminals weren't running away at the sight of it. If I hit someone with a round, their fight would be radically diminished (someone high on PCP not withstanding) And I wouldn't be engaging in some protracted gun battle. Rounds would be touched off, threats eliminated/reduced and I would head for cover/concealment/temporary safety. Just trying to reveal my thoughts. If you disagree with me, cool, please let me know why and we can discuss. I am not uninformed, by trying to form better views on what I should carry, how often, why, how it should be carried and such. Thanks! |
May 21, 2011, 11:53 PM | #16 |
Junior Member
Join Date: April 21, 2011
Location: Liberty,mo
Posts: 5
|
My vote is a glock 36... 6+ 1 in the chamber and carry at least 2 mags...
|
May 21, 2011, 11:58 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: November 5, 2008
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 1,347
|
OP said not interested in Glocks...unless I misread.
I have been mulling over one of these lately. Sig Sauer 1911 C3. 4 Inch barrel, compact defender grip. Weight, overall size is about as good as it gets for a 1911 carry gun IMO. http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProdu...s/1911-c3.aspx THe RCS 2 tone/Nitron models are the same thing, little different looking. Don't get me wrong, i'm a HUGE Kimber fan, but this gun is just a little more concealable in the grip area. There was a point where I said I would never carry a 1911, (only because of size), but now I'm carrying my Kimber Custom II more often than anything else. It's amazing what a good holster, belt, and some good sense on your part will allow you to hide.
__________________
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ VIGILIA PRETIUM LIBERTATIS "The price of liberty is vigilance" America is at an awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards. |
May 22, 2011, 12:18 AM | #18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 15, 2011
Posts: 1,405
|
Decide up front if you want DAO, SA, or DA/SA, that will limit what you need to look at.
Then decide how you want to carry, Pocket, IWB, Side Belt, or Behind the Back, or maybe shoulder rig. How you are going to carry will effect what you can carry in some cases. Hard to put a 4" .45 M1911 in a front pocket, but a .380 or a 9mm is something you can do so put some thought into it including while driving. Once you have the action and the size down then you should be able to make a list of several possibles, order them by price, and try to get some range time in with some of them. Look for a range that rents shooters, heck, you might even find a member here that lives close by that would let you run a mag or two thru one of their pistols. |
May 22, 2011, 12:34 AM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: December 29, 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 358
|
For me, the smaller the better. If I can slip it in my front pocket and be on my way.. im there.
Ruger LCP/Kel-Tec P3AT fits that bill nicely. I am also partial of the Ruger LCR, very nice to shoot and light. My best advice to you is buy the gun that fits best in your hand thats the smallest your comfortable carrying. The trigger can be learned and master regardless of trigger style; just takes practice. |
May 22, 2011, 01:02 AM | #20 |
Junior member
Join Date: April 4, 2011
Posts: 134
|
Here's my carry gun. A Bersa UC40
Two things were most important to me, size and safety features.
The gun is a compact .40 with a 3.25 inch barrel. Like it or hate it, I had to have a da/sa with a decocker, then what additionally sold me on a Bersa was the almost 100% favorable reviews I found spread across the net. I mean do a serious search, spend some time, and there's very few complaints regarding FTE or FTF's, I have 750 rounds through it, of a wide spectrum of ammo, and haven't had an issue, except for the slide not staying open after the last round. Both feeder platforms had cracked, a 3 buck part purchased from the importer. Most importantly was with the decocker that also serves as a trigger disconnect/safety. Where as a Sig has a decocker, the trigger is engaged in DA mode. With the Bersa, you have to snap off the decocker to engage the trigger, a simple quick movement. Then with the price of 400 bucks, I wasn't going to cry over a nick or two from daily carry. The only thing is for as decent gun as it is, the finish is a step or two below top notch. Also all the controls are ambidextrous and there's a keyed trigger lock for home use with kids around. |
May 22, 2011, 04:55 AM | #21 |
Senior Member
Join Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,328
|
Good point lcpiper.
I am ok w any of the actions I think. I do want a safety and plan to carry w empty chamber. I know some think you should carry cocked and locked. If the situation warranted such a carry configuration. I could carry that way. But most of the time I would carry chamber empty. Hammer down and safety on. Some DAO's have safetys? Any advantage of dao sa or da/sa the way I intend to carry? I need to think/study whether id be better off w 380/9 which disappears in my pocket versus a 9/40/45 which I have to "work" at carrying. Is my logic of only carrying when I have a good chance of needing it flawed? I just don't see myself needing it in my super nice neighborhood. Although I realize bad things can happen anywhere anytime to anyone. What is the smallest 45? Taurus? I know it wont be a 1911 design. Thanks for the responses. Sounds like options for concealing a 380/9 include a pocket holster as the best/easiest option. For carrying a 1911 pistol what is the best way? |
May 22, 2011, 07:21 AM | #22 |
Member
Join Date: May 5, 2011
Location: S FL
Posts: 59
|
I have been carrying a SIG P238 for about 8 months now.
This is a small .380, in an Uncle Mikes Sidekick outside the belt soft holster. I live in So FL, when wearing a "T" shirt it is 99% invisible. If, dressed I have a Don Hume 30-238 pocket holster, front pants pocket. The only "problem with the SIG is that to carry in condition 1 (round in the chamber) you rely on the manual slide safety...depends how you feel about that. Before the SIG I was carrying my WALTHER PPS 9mm, another very nice gun, if a bit bigger... |
May 22, 2011, 07:57 AM | #23 |
Senior Member
Join Date: December 13, 2010
Location: Virginia Beach
Posts: 2,016
|
For CCW, I prefer a SA/DA snubbie or P-series Sig. The DA/SA option is, in my opinion, the better option because I believe operating a safety can be actually be a hindrance when fending off an up-close and surprise violent physical attack.
__________________
NRA Life Member USN Retired |
May 22, 2011, 07:58 AM | #24 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 11, 2010
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 279
|
g30, size, stopping power, 10+1
__________________
"may the force be with you" |
May 22, 2011, 08:17 AM | #25 |
Member
Join Date: May 13, 2011
Posts: 17
|
Walther pps 9mm
I have been carrying my walther pps for about a year now. I have really come to like it very much. How slim the design is on the width really allows me to just throw my regular t-shirt over the gun. Which is always on my right hip a little angled toward the back to go with the curve there. Also the double recoil spring makes it very easy to shoot accurate and fast if needed. Take down is the simplest gun I have ever worked with. Takes down like a glock, however the side pins are easily push and you don't have to have the slide cocked back. The walther carries 7+1 of 124gr gold dot for me, which I truly think is enough to work in any situation. Adjustable backstraps is also a good plus seeing as no one has the same grip or hand size. Reliability has been top notch with this gun, have had zero issues as of yet.
A gun that I could carry in a drop in IWB holster and wear my kakhi shorts and normal large t-shirt while carrying a non pocket gun was a must for me. No one has noticed yet. Good luck with your search. Try out multiple firearms. Last edited by Stangcharger; May 22, 2011 at 08:27 AM. |
Tags |
carry , concealed , pistol |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|