What 3 guns for CCW?

[aarik]

LAPD only allows 3 guns to be listed on the CCW.
What 3 guns would be best to list?
Assume warm climate clothing is worn most of the time, so shorts, polos, jeans.

Assume there will be one primary gun for EDC.
I am thinking a 9mm here, like a Sig 365 (just recently added to roster), with 10 round capacity. Another option is a small 45, like the Kahr P45, but it only has 6 rounds. It kicks kinda hard and is not as accurate as a 1911. Also a 45 with such a short barrel might not have enough umpf for self defense. That's why i am thinking a 9mm will be better here. One other that comes to mind is a 1911 Officer sized, only 7 rounds but shoots like a larger 1911 (meaning accurate and less recoil than the Kahr)

For the second gun, a 1911 in commander size. Because everyone needs a 1911 and it is a pleasure to shoot, accurately at that. At least for me, this one is a must have. Plus is carries so well in both a IWB or OWB (gotta have a jacket or sweatshirt).

For the third gun, i was thinking a revolver. A Kimber K6s has 6 rounds. A Smith J frame has 5. Both kick like little mules. Also looking at ballistics and there is not much difference between a 45, a 357 or a 38 special. The Kimber is also somewhat heavy. A 357 might make sense for camping, but again not really in a snub nose.
Another option is a small 380, like the Kahr P380. Small and pocketable when a larger gun won't work. Ballistics are not that bad for self defense, from what i can tell at least.

So what is everyone else listing on their CCW and why?
Anyone listing a large 9mm like a CZ SP-01 (or those dreaded glocks).
Anyone listing a tiny 22?

I wish we could list more guns than 3. I don't see a reason to limit that.

[9Cal_OC]

I’d say ditch the 1911 as you’ll likely not carry it as often as others. Plus you’re limited to 3 so make your choices count.

I have about 6 listed but only carry about 2 primarily.

G19 & G26 get carried the most. LCP for when I need discreet carry or hiking in gym clothes.

I have a G21 listed but it’s bulky and heavy (similar in size to 1911). I’ve carried it but I have to wear a jacket. Plus the others get the job done at better capacity (G19 16 rnds vs 14 in G21). I carry a G17 spare for either G26 or 19. I have a G23 and M&P40c when I feel like carrying .40 but usually opt for 9mm for capacity and easier to get back on target.

So your P365 and revolver would be good choices. But I’d say the Kahr P380 would serve a nice niche in deep concealment (and doesn’t kick like a mule vs the revolvers).

[DolphinFan]

I ended up with:
Ruger LCP
Glock 43
Glock 26
I personally don?t think they have the authority to limit you to carry any firearm you own and hope in the future they at very least allow 5 or more.
I would add my S&W 640 Pro, and a 3? 686+.
So of my 20+ handguns I can legally carry 3?
It doesn?t seem right.

[tomrkba]

LAPD only allows 3 guns to be listed on the CCW.
What 3 guns would be best to list?
Assume warm climate clothing is worn most of the time, so shorts, polos, jeans.

Concealment won't be the problem. Sweat and hot spots can develop, especially on larger guns. A smaller gun may allow you to carry longer. Variables include holster placement, pants and shirt material, gun size, holster material, using wedges for AIWB, and likely a few others that escape me now.

I found myself switching to smaller guns for appendix carry in Maryland's heat. It just seemed to be more comfortable in the second half of the day. You'll need to experiment with different holsters and positions to see how it goes. You don't necessarily need a gun; you can just wear the holster all day and see how it goes.

Assume there will be one primary gun for EDC.
I am thinking a 9mm here, like a Sig 365 (just recently added to roster), with 10 round capacity. Another option is a small 45, like the Kahr P45, but it only has 6 rounds. It kicks kinda hard and is not as accurate as a 1911. Also a 45 with such a short barrel might not have enough umpf for self defense. That's why i am thinking a 9mm will be better here. One other that comes to mind is a 1911 Officer sized, only 7 rounds but shoots like a larger 1911 (meaning accurate and less recoil than the Kahr)

Friends do not let friends carry Kahr. I've had too many defective guns from them that I paid too much for. The best deal on Kahr is to get a C Series CM9 or C9 for $300ish on sale. Even then, it's marginal. Seriously, don't carry Kahr.

Officer 1911 with 3.5", 3.9", or 4" barrel is just fine for defense. It's a larger gun though. Reliability can be spotty; this is why 4 1/4" barrels on Commanders exist. But, the Commander is a Glock 17 sized gun (Coincidence? You decide...).

You're going to find three or four guns are excellent carry guns:

Glock 26
S&W Shield
SIG P365 (when it arrives)
HK P2000 SK

I like the Glock 26 best. It is the most reliable, shoots great, and has fantastic parts and holster support. Next is the HK; I have the P30SK and it's excellent. But, it's a bit larger than the Glock 26 for only 10 round capacity. This is not a bad thing since bigger guns tend to shoot better and recoil more softly.

I dislike the Shield and won't shoot them any more.

That leaves the P365. It's a good little carry gun. I have several. You will find that you either love or hate the grip. I dislike it because the back corner jams into my palm. However, I swap out the P365 grip module for a P365XL grip module and all is well. This is the P365X configuration and it's fantastic for appendix carry in a Tenicor holster.

The downside on the P365 is safety. There are some videos out there demonstrating the gun discharging when shaken. I take this with skepticism since the viewer has no idea what was done to the internals of the gun. My assumption is someone mucked around in there and something is not put together properly, or broke. The lack of a trigger safety like Glock has does give me pause. The way around this issue is to holster very slowly and carefully if you keep the holster on, or simply take the holster off, insert the gun, and put the holster back on. In a street situation, I don't see how the latter procedure can possibly hurt you if there are no more attackers. It is cumbersome.

For the second gun, a 1911 in commander size. Because everyone needs a 1911 and it is a pleasure to shoot, accurately at that. At least for me, this one is a must have. Plus is carries so well in both a IWB or OWB (gotta have a jacket or sweatshirt).

I would choose an HK P2000, HK P2000SK or Glock 19/23/32. The 1911 is big and heavy. While I do AIWB my 1911 Government, given the heat of your area, you will find the gun sits at home.

A Glock 19/23/32; however, is "just right sized". The frame is impervious to sweat and it's small and light enough to be easy to deal with.

Also consider the Glock 30. Both are pretty easy to carry and are the same height and length as a Glock 19. The 30 is extremely accurate and you have the choice of flat 9 round mags or longer 10 round mags.

Also, consider a Browning High Power 9mm MK III. These are excellent carry guns. They have a grip slightly shorter than the G19 but have a longer slide (like G17 length). The downside is they are no longer made, but magazines are available.

There may be some other guns that are of similar size as the G19 or G30, but I don't feel like digging through the roster.

For the third gun, i was thinking a revolver. A Kimber K6s has 6 rounds. A Smith J frame has 5. Both kick like little mules. Also looking at ballistics and there is not much difference between a 45, a 357 or a 38 special. The Kimber is also somewhat heavy. A 357 might make sense for camping, but again not really in a snub nose.
Another option is a small 380, like the Kahr P380. Small and pocketable when a larger gun won't work. Ballistics are not that bad for self defense, from what i can tell at least.

No. Just...no. Avoid snubbies. You're needlessly handicapping yourself. Not only do they suck to shoot, they suck to practice with. The end result will be no practice.

Even worse, their ballistics are marginal on the low side. My Ruger LCR 9mm dropped too much velocity for Speer Gold Dot 124 JHP and penetration was 24" with zero expansion (it exited the gel block). RESEARCH and TEST your carry load!

Carrying spare ammunition is extremely annoying and concealing at least two reloads can get tough. My best answer so far is using Safariland COMP loaders in a Split Six style belt holder. Get out those loose shirts and sweatshirts!

If you're going to carry a revolver, a 4" barrel is minimum. You can go down to 3" for 38 Special, but shooting 357 Magnum is going to be a miserable experience. You'll practice with 38 and avoid 357. I will always choose 6, 7 or 8 shots and never consider a 5 shot gun.

If you're going to do a revolver, then get a S&W 686/586, S&W Model 19/66, Ruger GP100, or a new model Colt Python. If you like N-Frames, then carry one of those with magnum cartridges. I find the Python triggers to be superior to anything S&W is putting out. I end up sending out my Smiths for $300-600 in work to slick it up.

Typical work done:

1) Carry action job with strong reset trigger
2) Radius the trigger. Some like serrations, but I do not.
3) Chamfer charge holes
4) Add Meprolight night sights
5) Dehorn hammer

Note that there are few gunsmiths working on revolvers nowadays. Prices are getting crazy.

I suggest that if you want 357 Magnum performance, then try a Glock 20 with premium ammunition from Buffalo Bore or Underwood. Each company's 10mm and 357 loads are within 5% of each other for similar bullet weight. You get 40% more capacity with CA neuterd mags and 15+1 rounds with normal mags.

So what is everyone else listing on their CCW and why?
Anyone listing a large 9mm like a CZ SP-01 (or those dreaded glocks).
Anyone listing a tiny 22?

I find that a Ruger LCP in 380 suits my needs for a tiny gun. It's centerfire and therefore ignition is far more reliable than that of 22. You do have to hold onto it when shooting, but that's a matter of grip and determination. It's a low practice gun for me.

I wish we could list more guns than 3. I don't see a reason to limit that.

There you have it:

1) Glock 26, SIG P365, S&W Shield or HK P2000SK
2) Glock 19/23/32, HK P2000, HK P2000SK, Glock 29/30.
3) 357 magnum revolver 4", Glock 20

[tomrkba]

But what would I do in CA? I haven't decided, but "small, medium, large" seems to cover all my needs.

Best guess would be:

1) Ruger LCP for pocket carry
2) Glock 26 as primary carry gun
3) S&W 629 or Glock 20

I really like the 44 Magnum revolver for critter defense and heavy shooting. Even better is 240 grain bullets at 1,000 FPS or 250 grain Keith load 44 Special. I could go with 250 grain flat points in a 44 Magnum case downloaded to 1,050ish FPS. The 250 will kill anything in North America short of The Predator.

But, hot 10mm is probably sufficient where I go. The Glock 20 is lighter and ammunition is easier to carry than the revolver.

If I decide to go bigger, then:

1) Glock 19
2) Alchemy Custom Prime Elite Carry 45 or Glock 30
3) Glock 20

But, the LCP is hard to give up since it's so convenient. That's the problem with these stupid rules.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

1) Shield
2) G19
3) Full-size 1911

[Snoopy47]

1) G26 with RDS
2) G43 with RDS
3) SW442 with laser grip

*************
We'll just see how it goes. I've never focused on carrying in regard to my firearms and equipment and I speculate I'll adjust according to my needs.

Considering all the above are astronomically better than the sharp stick I was allowed previously, unless any of them give me operational or concealment problems I don't see the need to change.

[drdanno84]

FN FIVE SEVEN MRD 5.7x28
LES BAER CUSTOM CARRY .45
SIG SAUER 239 .357SIG

[jimmykan]

Glock 43X
Springfield 1911 EMP 3"
S&W M&P Shield

[Ihrinwe]

1.) P365 XL/X
2.) Shield Plus
3.) Glock 19
(All 9mm)

Agree with others you are less likely to carry a 1911 than you probably think.

[Domingo]

Springfield 1911 45acp
CZ P01 9mm
Browning BDA 380

[DCoakley]

G19 w/ RDS
G43
Shield 2.0 CA. Ed.

Each have their purpose in size for my needs. I will admit it took a bit more training on the G43. Pretty snappy little guy. I hit the range 1x a week and always practice with it. 3, 5 & 7 yds. and occasionally 10yds.

[Sparky58]

On My CCW Card:

P238 .380 - 8plus1 - w/MagGuts for Pocket Carry or Summer Carry

P938 9MM - 7plus1 - My normal EDC- IWB,OWB,& Pocket...
The P365 is similar in size, but 10rd. Mag

SA EMP3 1911 9mm Officer size - 9plus1 - OWB Cold Weather
Agree with the others on the 1911 also, I carry my P938 almost exclusively!

Thinking about adding that new P365 to my collection!

[not-fishing]

Kahr P380 pocket gun (get the mag finger extension for better shooting)
Sig 365XL for more accuracy at range
S&W 60 pro, 3", 5 shot revolver in .357 when you need a heavy hitter.

[hlcarbine]

1. P365 XL
2. P238 (380)
3. G20 (10mm) for hiking, backpacking and hunting.