WHAT TO CARRY

[Plato]

Since this is a CCW -the first question to be considered is whether you are willing to carry it EVERYDAY/ALL DAY

For most of us average Joe's here in TX that will scratch a whole bunch of great handguns off the list (think full size 1911, or Ber92, or G21 for example). Once you've found one you think you can/will carry everyday/all day then start looking at how well you shoot it, are you satisfied with your ability to hit and the caliber's ability to succeed, and of course the gun's reliability and ruggedness for the task.

For me that pistol is the Glock 27. Reliable, shoots well, has 10 rounds on tap with a 15 round backup mag, and in over 10years of carry I can't get the Glock supplied parts to rust -even worn IWB in the TX summers (something my old Colt Officer's ACP could never endure -it would literally have red spots forming after a day of carry).

I own many other Glocks and carry them often, but the carry gun that covers my worst case scenarios is always a Glock 27

[Bunkins]

I carry a Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry 2 in a .45. Holds 7 rounds + 1 in the chamber. I like it a lot, with my body build ( 175lbs 6'3'' ) I dont have a hard time concealing it.. Just a pair of jeans and a t-shirt is all I need. I doesnt weight much, I can carry it all day and I hardly know it's there. I carry it in a IWB holster, I also have a OWB Yaqui style holster I really like.. I did have to change what I wear, I normally wear tight Wranglers and a t-shirt. Had to go with some looser fitting jeans and longer t-shirts, but really it didnt change my appearance.

My dad has a Springfield Ultra Compact in a .45 which has about a 1/2 longer barrel but the rest is the same size, although it's considerably heavier than my Kimber is..

The best thing is to just shop around, figure out what caliber you want, .45's get expensive to shoot, so keep that in mind. I prefer a handgun in a .45 because I also use it as a side arm when hunting. So I want a larger caliber. But for just carry, I'd feel comfortable with a .40. I'd probably be comfortable with a 9mm too. See what feels best to you, but go for something physically small.. If I could carry a full size 1911 I would, just because I like target shooting. My Kimber has a 3 inch barrel and it's very accurate for what it is, but at longer distances 20 yards or further it's lacking. The next handgun I buy will be a full size, but it's not something I'll be able to carry during the summer.

[BigRon]

Like most gun enthusiasts, I own several pistols. The one I carry most often is aa airweight S&W in 38 special with crimson trace lasergrips. It rides well in a pocket holster in khaki slacks or a suit. It is easy to carry and conceal.

[MinhWin]

Get a Glock 33 which uses a 357 sig. Subcompact. Add a pearce extender on the clip and it feels like a compact glock. Great for concealed. Think of it like a 9mm on steroids.