Need help with CCW

[LloydXmas250]

Starting in December once I'm done at my academy I will be living in AZ and will be able to CCW and will use that privilege to protect myself and the family when we are out. The problem is I don't know where to start when it comes to CCW. I've figured out I will go with the Crossbreed Supertuck holster based on many recommendations but when it comes to the weapon, I'm not sure where to start.

I'm a tall, skinny guy who will be in hot AZ so I'm worried about printing with certain guns. Not sure if something like a M&P 40 or 9 Compact, or XD Sub-compact, or G-26 or 27 would be too big for me. Or if I'd have to go with something even smaller like a LCR or LCP or maybe the Beretta Nano.

I'd love to hear some advice from those who CCW so I can learn and start to narrow the search. I'd like to know about gun size, caliber, revolver or auto-loader. All advice is welcome and thanks in advance.

[Librarian]

Do you already own any handguns?

Are there any you feel you shoot well?

Since the functionality is really the important part, I think I'd start there.

[InGrAM]

You want something that you can practice with on a regular bases, and that is Light, small, and comfortable for a hot weather CC gun. There is nothing worse than having to wear extra clothing to cover up a CC gun that is to large You do get used to it. I am at the point where I don't remember to take my CC gun off when I get home.

Suggestions for hot weather CC pistols:
9mm
1. pf-9
2. p-11
3. Smaller Kahrs
4. Kimber solo (awesome gun)
5. ect. Anything that is small, light, and concealable.

Or you could get a 38 snub nose revolver and call it a day.

What I am stressing is that, you want something that you will CC even if you have just a T-shirt on.

People do not notice as much as you might think.

[Fjold]

I'm carrying a S&W M&P 40C in a Crossbreed Supertuck right now under a pair of cargo shorts and a T shirt. I was in Home Depot and the Supermarket today and no one notices anything.

(I'm 6'2" and 195 Lbs)

[greybeard]

Are you going in to LE? You may want to check with your department, if they have any regulation about what you can carry.

[LloydXmas250]

Thanks so far guys.

I do own guns. I have a 1911, a PX4 Storm (which I have considered in sub-compact since I'm familiar with that platform) and a Ruger 22/45.

I'm 6'1'' and 170 lbs.

And yes I'm in LE. I'll be finished with my academy in December. There's no policy about CCW off duty. We've been urged to as well by most instructors. Without saying straight out who I'm employed by, let's just say I'll be carrying an HK P2000 on duty. I know there is the HK P2000sk so I may have to take a look at that.

[RollingCode3]

Thanks so far guys.

I do own guns. I have a 1911, a PX4 Storm (which I have considered in sub-compact since I'm familiar with that platform) and a Ruger 22/45.

I'm 6'1'' and 170 lbs.

And yes I'm in LE. I'll be finished with my academy in December. There's no policy about CCW off duty. We've been urged to as well by most instructors. Without saying straight out who I'm employed by, let's just say I'll be carrying an HK P2000 on duty. I know there is the HK P2000sk so I may have to take a look at that.

wait until you finish with the academy and start with your new department. you can't just carry whatever you what both on and off duty. Most departments require your off duty weapon to be on their approval list

[InGrAM]

wait until you finish with the academy and start with your new department. you can't just carry whatever you what both on and off duty. Most departments require your off duty weapon to be on their approval list

It is AZ. I doubt they have requirements like that. Also, Sac county doesn't require you to carry what is on "their list" they don't even have an off duty approved carry list. I think you are getting "back up" handgun and CC firearm confused.

On duty weapons are standardized in most places but off duty firearms are up for grabs in most places. Most places are not far left like SF, LA, ect.

[Cyc Wid It]

Give the EMP a look.

All I gotta say is: be safe + don't be a moron and send off incriminating e-mails using your department e-mail.

[LloydXmas250]

wait until you finish with the academy and start with your new department. you can't just carry whatever you what both on and off duty. Most departments require your off duty weapon to be on their approval list

Talking with current agents in my agency they haven't heard anything about that for us. Regardless, I won't be buying this gun until after I start so I can get word for sure. But like I said. Multiple agents have told me there's no rule.

[InGrAM]

Give the EMP a look.

All I gotta say is: be safe + don't be a moron and send off incriminating e-mails using your department e-mail.

Great idea. It is an awesome handgun.


OP: You also might want to check out the new SIG compact 1911's

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/1911-ultra-nitron.aspx

[PRCABR4Christ]

What I am stressing is that, you want something that you will CC even if you have just a T-shirt on.

People do not notice as much as you might think.

+1 to that, I carry a Gov't or Commander model 1911 every day, and conceal fine under a t-shirt/polo/hawaiian shirt (I like hawaiian shirts when it's hot because they're light and have good airflow )

When I'm in shorts and a tank top, a J frame or other pocket 9mm+ gun can easily be carried in a pocket holster, but I don't carry guns I can't be accurate with or can't run through a malfunction with my eyes closed.

Bottom line, with a good GUN BELT and holster (I prefer leather, Tim Thurners to be exact), you can conceal most anything you want...

If I wasn't a 1911 addict, I would likely still carry a single stack gun, as they're easy to conceal. I wouldn't worry about rails or anything fancy, just a reliable platform, a good set of sights and a good trigger at minimum. I would suggest a 1911 if you're normally in a t shirt and jeans(living in AZ you can pretty much get whatever you want). I would also suggest something that you can operate under duress, which of course anybody with a trigger finger can operate a revolver, and J frames are great for a pocket gun, just make sure nothing else goes in that pocket

[sequoia_nomad]

A lot of it would depend on where in AZ you're moving to. The whole state does not have the same climate as Phoenix, a detail overlooked by many in California, I've come to find. Where I'm at, lower to mid 90s is as hot as it typically gets. Anyone that can legally own a firearm in Arizona can carry one, open or concealed, with no permit whatsoever. The only conditions are; you cannot carry anywhere there is a sign prohibiting firearms; and you cannot carry anywhere that sells alcoholic beverages (for immediate consumption) without a state issued CCW permit. In other words, stay out of bars and you're golden.

Since we've been living here, I bought a G23 and an LCP. I carry the Glock day to day in a hip holster, and carry the LCP when I wish to be discreet, such as traveling to Phoenix or other urban areas where open carry is not as common, mostly to avoid being a center of attention. Open carry in Prescott usually goes seemingly unnoticed, and you are seldom the only one doing so.

[LloydXmas250]

I'd love to pick up an EMP but the price is too high right now. I feel like I'm leaning more towards the single stack 9mms. Are they that much easier to conceal than double stacks or is the difference so marginal it wouldn't matter?

[PRCABR4Christ]

single stacks are thinner, that's why they conceal so well, I used to carry a Glock (don't tell anybody), but ever since I discovered 1911's a few years ago, there's no going back