Which Gun To Carry?

[L84CABO]

With Peruta, who else is trying to figure out which gun to carry for the first time? I have plenty of gun experience...but zero carry experience beyond the range (thank you very much California). And pretty much everything I own is full size. So I find myself wondering if I can really carry a full size 1911. And if that doesn't work I have a Sig P226 and a couple M&P's to fall back on (the shorter barrel options but still full size, not compacts). And then I have one SSE left. Decisions decisions...

It's a good problem to have though...finally.

[Supertac916]

You can carry a full size 1911 during the winter, but I prefer a more compact gun during the summer. I primarily carry a Glock 23, but have my full size Kimber Gold Combat and a Glock 35 on there as well. If im going camping or backpacking I will sometimes carry the larger frames. I dont carry any sub-compacts because I like to carry what I can shoot well with. You should check out the carry forums. There's some good info there.

[Librarian]

Common question in the CCW forum.

[L84CABO]

Common question in the CCW forum.

We have a CCW forum? See, I didn't know that. I've never needed it before.

[Crazycomic]

I am leaning towards my Glock 23. But who knows. We still have to wait...

[glbtrottr]

No reason not to carry a commander size or compact size 1911 if that's what you're used to shooting versus changing platforms.

4" or 3" 1911

Kimber is a good 3" pistol - there are others.

[WASR10]

Once you try, you might be surprised what you can effectively and comfortable carry concealed.

[JDay]

You can carry a full size 1911 year round with the right IWB holster fairly easy. If you wear a suit everyday you could even use a shoulder holster under your jacket.

Sent from my LG G3

[DannyInSoCal]

My three:

PF9 7+1 rounds of 9mm
G33 10+1 rounds of .357SIG
ATI-FX45 10+1 rounds of 45ACP

I SSE'd the ATI because I like 1911's but wanted the additional rounds....

[Sikvenum93]

Glock 26 isn't a bad choice if you can concealed the thicker frame of a glock adequately. Rock Island also makes two on roster commander 1911s in 9mm if you wanted something thinner.
Ive never shot one but the sw shield in 9mm is also great from what I hear from others.
If you don't mind a revolver, the ruger lcr in .38 is also a great choice.

[faterikcartman]

Common question in the CCW forum.

We have a CCW forum? See, I didn't know that. I've never needed it before.

Man, I usually see Librarian jump on something in the wrong subforum, shrug, and think "man that guy sure runs a tight ship", and shrug again, but this time I snapped to attention and thought "CCW SUBFORUM!".

I'm sure I'm not alone in having a lot of handgun experience but, as a SoCal native, zero CCW experience. And if I ever knew about the CCW subforum I imagine I forced myself to ignore it lest I become depressed at the conversations I could never meaningfully join.

But now, while I am still generally pessimistic on things going our way, there's hope enough -- and then some -- to start preparing for the possibility of living a little bit more like free men and women.

So thanks Librarian. I'm going to check it out.

[Hylas]

Ive been pocket carrying from the get go (June 2014) and its all I think I wanna carry, I figure a couple things. Ive lived 32yrs w/o the need to defend myself in a life threatening situation so if I go another 32yrs Ill be fortunate and in the meantime be comfortable vs lugging around a hand cannon etc.

My thought process on pocket carrying (I use Desanti's Superfly) is I can put my hand in my pocket if I feel threatened gripping the full grip of my firearm w/o showing any signs of preparation. No other carry gives you this option, And if its an unfound threat Ive not made myself look like an *** flipping my shirt out of the way.

Firearms on my permit are
Sig P938 1+7+7
Ruger Lcp 1+6+10
Keltec PF9 1+8+8
S&W M&P Shield 1+8+8
Walther PPQ 1+10+10
Sig P320 (waiting for the Sub Compact option) 1+10+10


Not saying Ill not attempt to go hip carrying again, Its just the LCP or P938 (Primary Carry's) really is so comfortable, unnoticable to myself weight wise or the general public seeing any form of printing that Ill be hard pressed wanting to lug a full size around. YMMV


A little side note. Since I carry only my firearm in one pocket I got an iPhone 5 Wallet/Case from Bullet Train. It allows me to carry my DL, CCW Permit, Debit Card, CCW Insurance and a bit of cash I love it. Makes keeping phone, keys and spare mag in opposite pocket once again comfortable and enjoyable to carry. I carry every single day, every single location Im not prohibited so I wanted to find a method Id not get sick of. The single shot firearm on you is worth more than the Hand cannon home in the safe mentality. YMMV again but I love it.


Hylas

[Junkie]

I have a shield in 40 and while it's fairly easy to carry it's really snappy

[sfvpool]

I put a full size 9mm, a smaller .380, and will add a full size .40 cal.

[tnlrat37]

My 3 are gonna be a G26 primarily, a G42 for beach wear, and a Walther PPK/S for when I want to feel like James Bond