Glock 17 for Concealed Carry

[Usmc0844spare]

Contemplating starting the process.

In my county (San Mateo) it's not an easy process to change the firearm on the permit.

I only own a Glock 17.

I am a relatively small-framed guy (5' 9" - 150 lbs) and I am guessing that a "full sized" pistol might not be so concealable on someone my size, especially in the summer months.

But what do I know about CC? Not much.

For a small-medium framed dude like me, IS a Glock 17 doable? Doable but not advisable? Not at all advisable?

Should I start saving my pennies for a Glock 19 or 26?

Start looking at Shields?

Thanks all, any input welcome.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

So you have the G17 in your possession...but you're asking us if it's too big for you and if you'd be able to conceal it or not?

[Usmc0844spare]

So you have the G17 in your possession...but you're asking us if it's too big for you and if you'd be able to conceal it or not?

I don't know sh*t about CCW. Came to the CCW forum asking, basically, is it generally advisable to carry a full size pistol if you are small to medium framed dude.

I could buy a holster and experiment (but again, I don't know sh*t about CCW so no idea what kind to buy, where to position, or any of that stuff).

Then, still, not knowing sh*t about CCW, I would basically have no idea if something is reasonably concealed. I don't have a trained eye, nor do I know all the "tests" you might do to see how well it conceals. Hence, I came to the CCW forum.

Apologies if I am coming across as a dumb*ss... but I don't know sh*t about CCW. And came to the CCW forum.

[mk2dave]

Hey, Devil, it's a good question. It's so good, I wish I would have asked it when I first got my CCW. FYI - I am not a Glock Guy, so bare with me.

I'm roughly the same size, 5'8" 150. Currently I only have a USPc on my license because I didn't have the experience to know any better. When I requal, I'll have 4 or 5 on my license because having a choice is nice. 5 is max allowed by my IA.

You'll be able to conceal the 17 just fine. It is possible, especially during the winter and colder months. During the summer months, or WHEN YOU KNOW YOU'LL BE CARRYING ALL DAY, you are going to want something smaller and or lighter. You may carry the 17 most days, but I got a dollar that says you'll carry the smaller options more often than you would expect.

In addition to my "compact", I'll be adding a micro compact, two sub compacts, and maybe a full size.

I have hips like an old golden retriever who's about get put down, so I may be more sensitive to weight issues than you are.

Does Glock have a P239 sized single stack? For me, this is a decent size. It's big enough easily to aim and shot, and the thickness really lends itself to CC. I'll warn against only going super small. The Goldilocks Rule will likely apply in most situations.

[ARFrog]

Not authoritative comments but just my opinions...

Can you conceal carry a Glock 17? Some carry 17s or even other full sized guns like 1911s.

Is it reasonable or advise able to do so? It depends. For many the answer would likely be no but your personal body size/frame, type of clothing, area weather, activity pattern, etc. will likely dictate if you can get away with carrying the Glock 17 "concealed" without printing in whatever position you chose or is comfortable. You have some other off body options - fanny packs, sling bags, etc but there are trade offs to safely and the quick draw of your firearm.

Should you start saving you pennies for something smaller? Probably wouldn't hurt. There are many that carry a compact sized Glock 19 but many others who think it is too big and carry something smaller like some fashion of micro pistol. Besides what you can conceal and what is comfortable there is also the issue of what you can shoot proficiently. Some cannot shoot smaller pistols well due to shorter sight radius or more recoil.

Should you try a Shield? Sure, see if you can find one to hold and/or shoot. I believe Mr Boombatz is carrying a Shield. Note: I believe there is another thread currently running in the general firearms area asking about other California carry choices - check it out and also use the search option to see what other threads are there since this is a common topic.

This is a subject area that is very subjective (hence the likely use of Jacikie Chan wisdom.) You have to put in the work with a lot of thinking and trial (hopefully without error). No one else can ultimately do it for you. Also realize that your thoughts about this and carry options will evolve over time.

Hope this helps until other constructive comments come along.

[L-2]

Post 1,
Here are my thoughts on the matter:
-Have more than one handgun when the time comes to qualify & have them listed on your permit. During the 2 years of the permit, any one gun can be down for parts or service, leaving a person with only that one listed gun without anything to carry.

-As you only have the one handgun, go ahead and start planning for your 2nd handgun. Whether it's smaller or larger is up to you but your "smaller" gun idea is good-thinking. After you get that 2nd gun, plan on your 3rd, unless you find two handguns you can buy within the 30 day time period (typically private party used guns are exempt from the 30 day limitation). I'm only assuming San Mateo County allows 3 handguns, but that's a guess and an average after reading so many posts on Calguns.

-Your existing G17(gen3 I assume). Go ahead and buy a holster or two and walk around your home for now. Even without a holster, unload the G17, and tuck the G17 in your waistband and walk around the house. Go ahead and check yourself out in the mirror as much as you want. Try various clothing to determine what works for you and your fashion tastes. Do the same once the holster(s) arrive.

In not so much time, you'll be the expert as to what worked for you and you'll be the one typing here with your advice on the matter. From a prior thread, you've gone from maybe getting a permit, but not using it, to wondering about which and how many handguns to use with that permit. That's good progress in your journey, don't you think?

[MrBones]

I have G17, G21, G26 and G30. I find the 26 and 30 easiest to carry. Also have a Shield. Highly recommend it but if you've only shot Glocks it may take some practice due to the narrower frame. Check out the S&W forums and see the complaints about "low, left". "It must be the gun or the sights". It's not. It's the shooter. Trigger finger placement works. Just my $.02.

[9Cal_OC]

G17 is fine for CC if* it’s all you have. Better than throwing rocks.

But I’d stick with a G19 or G26. I’m a little shorter than you but around the same weight. I can CC a G19 with the right clothes. For me, the G26 conceals in almost about anything (I carry IWB 2-3 o’clock).

G19 is very versatile. Try it out before you buy.

[Maulerrr]

I've concealed carried a G17... and even went bigger with a G20 and weapon light. The bigger guns are easy to conceal carry with the right clothes and the right holster positioning on your body. I carry in an iwb kydex holster right at 3 o'clock and I wear mostly short sleeve button down shirts. They drape over the gun fine and I feel the print/design on the shirt helps break up any instances of the gun printing on me.

With that said , I would recommend still investing in a small gun. There's just some occasions and outfits that you cannot dress with a G17

[G-forceJunkie]

I would defintaly start saving for a 26, 43, or shield

[Usmc0844spare]

Thanks to everyone for their input.

Vinnie, sorry if I annoyed you.

I've got a lot to consider.

[LoadedM333]

I've concealed carried a G17... and even went bigger with a G20 and weapon light. The bigger guns are easy to conceal carry with the right clothes and the right holster positioning on your body. I carry in an iwb kydex holster right at 3 o'clock and I wear mostly short sleeve button down shirts. They drape over the gun fine and I feel the print/design on the shirt helps break up any instances of the gun printing on me.

With that said , I would recommend still investing in a small gun. There's just some occasions and outfits that you cannot dress with a G17

I?ve done the same, also, with 1911, HK USP-40. It can be done with the right clothing and good holster.

I still have G20 on my permit for my outdoor gun.


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[Rumblemonkey]

IF you have a range near you that has a bunch of handguns you can rent, and try, maybe trying some of the smaller choices would help you decide if you could be accurate with a micro or Sub. You may not like the feel of small versions. There certainly times when (if you have a choice) you would grab for the smallest, easiest to conceal, with the max capacity. Different times of the year also will dictate what you feel comfortable carrying. Bigger may have better capacity, and be more accurate, but if you don't feel comfortable concealing it, you won't have it with you as much.

[kcstott]

Contemplating starting the process.

In my county (San Mateo) it's not an easy process to change the firearm on the permit.

I only own a Glock 17.

I am a relatively small-framed guy (5' 9" - 150 lbs) and I am guessing that a "full sized" pistol might not be so concealable on someone my size, especially in the summer months.

But what do I know about CC? Not much.

For a small-medium framed dude like me, IS a Glock 17 doable? Doable but not advisable? Not at all advisable?

Should I start saving my pennies for a Glock 19 or 26?

Start looking at Shields?

Thanks all, any input welcome.

the G17 is only .5" taller and about .7" longer than a G19 that is considered a compact gun. Yes it's doable. AIWB is going to be the best place to conceal on a small framed person. you'll need some foam or shoe inserts to cam the grip into your gut to conceal the grip.

I'm a bigger guy. 5' 9" 250 carry a glock 19 with a light and Holosun 407 so everything i did to get a compact pistol went out the window with the crap i bolted on it.

Wear a loose fitting, long tail shirt and you'll have no issues.

[RAMCLAP]

I'm 6' 200 lbs. I find the 17 a shade large for appendix. I got a 19 for that and it is perfect.