Double Stack vs. Single Stack

[SkyHawk]

On the hottest of days it seems every ounce matters. But when the needle is south of 95, I carry double stack and in the winter I carry a 1911. If I need maximum discretion, it is always the small single stack.

[hermosabeach]

It’s a balancing act

The 44 mag has a lot of power but would be a difficult CCW gun

The Glock 26 is too short so everyone likes to make it the same length as the g19

Two fingers on grip or 3


What can you carry all the time and not hurt your body?
Many small CCW pistols fit this metric.

I will never leave it at home or the car as it is comfortable to have all the time.

Single stacks are a little bit thinner so they print a little bit less.




Find something that is reliable and you will, not can, carry every day

[9Cal_OC]

I have the Shield, 19, and 26 on my permit. The Shield conceals better than the latter two but I personally like the feel of the double stack grip that the Glock provides. Plus I can shoot it more accurately than the Shield. As someone else mentioned, your hand size plays a part. For me, I’m not nearly as big as you but I still like the Glocks grip to that of the Shield. For you, try the 19 as the 26 might be a tad too small and you’d have to deal with the pinky hanging out.

[caliberetta]

You have done the best thing. You tried out both the single and double stack, and found out for yourself which one you like. No gun will work for everyone, it's what works for you that matters.

You even put in thousands of rounds to find out the truth that works for you. So I think you did a good job.

Personally, I own many different kinds of guns. From small to big. I can carry any of them. Full size 1911, or an even bigger HK Expert is no problem. With the right holster and carry position, just about any handgun can be carried. It's all in the mind.

I'm not sure that helps but Good luck.
.

[newbie1234]

Everybody is different. You need to use what works for YOU. What works for someone else might will not work for YOU.

[Centralcoastguy]

Thank you everyone. These responses as to nuance of feel and carry between single and double stack were EXACTLY what I was looking for. Keep ‘me coming!

[Unforgiven]

Shorts and T-shirt, kahr P380. Jeans and jacket EMP. The idea behind CCW is COCEALED.

[pacmule]

[JTROKS]

Single stacks are so much easier to conceal appendix, 5 or 6 o’clock. I have a couple of compact 1911s that I love carrying, but age and health is pushing me towards polymer. With that said I have a Glock 23 and 27 that fits the bill.

[Barbarosa]

I'm a bit heavier and taller than you. My every day attire is shorts and a Carhartt T shirt. I carry IWB @ about 4:30. I find the grips on double stacks stick out too much for both comfort and concealibility, whereas the grips on my compact (3") 1911 lay flatter against my side and are nearly invisible. It's odd because when you lay a 1911 next to a Glock 19 the difference isn't all that noticeable, but stick them under your belt and the difference seems huge - at least to me. Additionally, I like the three-finger grip I get from the 1911 as opposed to a stubby double stack.

I also find double stacks catch more on the arms of chairs when you sit down or stand up. I've got a handful of Glocks but I carry the compact 1911 99% of the time.

[jstert]

[plumbum]

[ray415]

I went from a Glock 26 to a Glock 43 and although the difference in thickness seems small (something like 0.2 inches), it makes a world of difference to me.

I'm a big guy and I used to carry the g26 at the 4 o'clock position on my body and I was always conscious of it printing. I could not physically carry it at any other position without it being uncomfortable or without having it print.

I picked up a g43 and I've carried at at all positions without it being uncomfortable. I have a +4 mag extension and I still don't have to worry about it printing. So it works for me.

YMMV

[Roering]

I am also 6'3" with larger hands but the Shield feels comfortable to me. The double stack gives me more to grip but considering my firearm will spend most of it's time in the holster I stick with it for the concealability.

[ruddogg]

I'm 5'10" - 215 lbs
my EDC is Walther PPQ in a Crossbreed Supertuck, occasionally CZ-P10c in White Hat Max Clip Hybrid, shorts & tshirt days on hot weekends Walther PPS in Crossbreed Minituck or Garrett Industries Silent Thunder. Rare occasions I want a 45, I carry a PPQ45 in a Vedder Light Tuck.

If you can conceal a compact/G19 sized gun, by all means do it. I don't like single stack 9's either & prefer double stack.