Small enough for CCW?

[mikestesting]

I am new to concealed carry. I've been seeing that Sacramento just opened up new appointments for CCW applications and I am really interested. I'm thinking of signing up for the required training course and get qualified.

My concern is that my handguns may be too large for concealed carry and I just wanted others' opinions on this. The following is what I own that I would consider for concealed carry

Ruger Security Six
Sig 1911
Beretta 92fs

Do you consider these too large? I don't want the thing bulging under my clothes or peeking out and scaring others.

[Invisible_Dave]

So much depends on you, your body type, type of holster etc. A 1911 can be very concealable with a good holster, right shirt, and the correct body type. I'm not very tall, so a 5 inch gun is hard to hide for be OWB. I have a J-frame revolver and a Glock 27 that hides pretty well. Under a suit jacket however, that's a different story.

[someR1]

I am new to concealed carry. I've been seeing that Sacramento just opened up new appointments for CCW applications and I am really interested. I'm thinking of signing up for the required training course and get qualified.

My concern is that my handguns may be too large for concealed carry and I just wanted others' opinions on this. The following is what I own that I would consider for concealed carry

Ruger Security Six
Sig 1911
Beretta 92fs

Do you consider these too large? I don't want the thing bulging under my clothes or peeking out and scaring others.

Those are pretty large guns to conceal. It can make your day really uncomfortable lol. IMO you should get the smallest/lightest gun you are comfortable firing. I have a Glock 27 and it's perfect to conceal. You might also consider a Ruger LCP, or S&W M&P compact.

[BomarFab]

I don't have a permit, so this is just speculation. I am a bigger guy, and wear work type clothes (welder) and I could get away with concealing a larger gun. This is due to my size and type of dress. A full size M&P, or a Ruger Speed Six would be possible for me to conceal. However I would still lean towards a compact M&P or their new Shield, or a 3" round butt revolver, because it would just be easier.

[Tiberius]

Big is possible but small is easier, by far. In some ways all handguns are "roughly hand-sized" - but for easy of concealed carry, there's a huge difference a pocket-sized Ruger LCP and a 92FS. Beyond size, weight is a big factor.

So while some folks do CCW a 92FW, or keep a big gun for in-car or off-body carry, for most folks, smaller lighter guns are more manageable.

[SouperMan]

1911 is a classic CCW-able weapon; but to echo what others say it all depends on what you wear and what you feel comfortable carrying.

Might just be the excuse to get a compact gun like a LCP, SIG 239, etc.

[someR1]

I don't have a permit, so this is just speculation. I am a bigger guy, and wear work type clothes (welder) and I could get away with concealing a larger gun. This is due to my size and type of dress. A full size M&P, or a Ruger Speed Six would be possible for me to conceal. However I would still lean towards a compact M&P or their new Shield, or a 3" round butt revolver, because it would just be easier.

If you are a welder, and moving around a lot, I would recommend a lighter/smaller gun than the ones you have listed. Can you conceal them? Of course, but it won't be AS comfortable. Especially for a welder.

[mikestesting]

Might just be the excuse to get a compact gun like a LCP, SIG 239, etc.

My wife did ask me last night if there are decent guns available for less than $500 that I would want for Christmas.

[mikestesting]

In some ways all handguns are "roughly hand-sized"

Haha. I don't think my Ruger Blackhawk with 10.5 inch barrel fits that statement.

I know what you're saying. Just giving you a hard time.

[Rivers]

You also need a CCW for keeping a loaded handgun in your vehicle so that would make the size less of an issue. For carrying on your person, a full-size 1911 is workable for a normal size person if the covering/clothing is correct. The bigger the body, the less picky on clothing to keep it concealed. Personally, I'd go smaller so I didn't get paranoid about showing. There are many excellent yet smaller framed handguns out there so I'd think you have a great excuse to add to your choices.

[Squidward]

Those 3 handguns all weigh within an ounce or two of one another. If you intend to choose from one of those, consider the one that you can;
1) operate the best
2) conceal the easiest.

The holster and belt are the foundation of a good (and comfortable) CCW package. Do not scrimp on cheap CCW gear.

In the end, I'd go with the Sig because good gear for a 1911 style handgun will probably be easier to find than for the Ruger.

[BomarFab]

If you are a welder, and moving around a lot, I would recommend a lighter/smaller gun than the ones you have listed. Can you conceal them? Of course, but it won't be AS comfortable. Especially for a welder.

I don't carry though, so its a non issue for me. If I did though, like you said I would opt for something smaller, for comfort. I am constantly crawling in and out of cars, tight spaces, and rolling on the ground. So I would want something small, and also something I could care less about its aesthetic condition. Since I am constantly grinding and getting holes burned in my shirts by welding berries...

[Fjold]

I carry a full sized 1911 in a T&T IWB with no problem. I'm 6'2" and 208 Lbs Just wear baggy shirts.

[Bug Splat]

Largest gun you feel comfortable carrying because if its too big and uncomfortable you will not want to carry it and totally defeat the reason you got a CCW. Since you are up in Sac, cold weather clothing is kinda out so you have to find something that you can hide with a t-shirt. I'm an avg size guy 5-10, 175lbs and if I tried hiding one of your guns it'd look like I was trying to hide a tire iron in my pants. Took me many years and countless holsters to figure out what worked for my body and my everyday movements. I've tried full size pistols and small pocket guns and came to settle on the first carry gun I ever bought, a Kahr K40. The thin profile, smallish size and smooth lines make IWB carry very comfortable. I like to use a Smartcarry that is turned to my right hip. My pistol is held tight on my side and the extra mag pouch helps break up the pistol outline. If needed I can swing the whole setup to the front as its designed and be SUPER concealed. Best of all. I can carry while in a business suit or coveralls or ever swim trunks without a belt. The Smartcarry gives me a lot of options and works for me.

[Sakiri]

Personally, I've carried larger and heavier things in my pockets before so a gun size or weight wouldn't bug me until I had to draw.

Speaking of weight.. went to a shop and checked out a .460 mag and Desert Eagle. Holy crap how in the world do people hold those things? Heavy... reminded me of holding a red brick.. :/