What to carry?

[grumble]

Right now I have a full-size Beretta PX-4 Storm in 9mm and a Beretta 96FS (.40) Vertec. Going to sell the (nearly mint) Vertec and get something to carry.

Let's just say I'm a bit vertically (5'8) challenged, and a bit on the portly side ( ), thus I need something a little smaller and slimmer to carry.

I've narrowed my options down to a couple of choices -

1) A Sig P239. It's just a slim, single-stack Lexus

or

2) A Springfield XD9 subcompact AND a Ruger LCP or Bersa Thunder (this choice gives me WAY more carry and dress options).

The obvious choice would be #2, but the Sig P239 is such a sweet piece. I'm also worried that since the XD9 is a double stack, it may be a bit too thick for comfort..

Of course, I'm just looking for opinions - or other options for a guy whose waist sits about 4" below where it really ought to be

[Kevinf2349]

We have a Elsie Pea (LCP) and a Bersa Thunder but they are backup guns. Our 'real' carry guns are both Glocks (mine is a G30 and the good lady has a G19)

Out of those choices I believe the XD9 is a good choice (just ask USA1 ) ...but as they say "any gun is better than no gun".

[TDDude]

In my humble but accurate opinion, you need to carry the one that fits your hand.

For me, no matter how much I would like it to be, I have yet to find a single stack pistol whose grip fits my hand. They all just simply feel odd. When I was picking a carry pistol there were only two that I found that fit. They were the Beretta Cougar and Walther P99. I went with the Cougar because at the time, the P99 didn't have any hi cap mags that I had access to. It came out after the Clinton gun ban and even though the Walther was a tad lighter and simpler to operate, I went with the Beretta because CDNN had high cap mags all day long for around $12.00.

After you decide which pistol fits better (which also will be the one that you shoot more accurately with) then change your wardrobe to accommodate your new pistol & holster. I used to always tuck my shirt in. Now I never tuck my shirt in. All my pants fit a touch loose to accommodate an IWB. All my belts are gun belts. The majority of my shirts have straight tails that are designed to be untucked. When I was a kid, we called them “Barber Shirts” because for some reason, all the barbers wore them.

Also, if you're a bit fat, lose weight. I know it sounds petty and simple but unless you have a health issue, losing weight is really fairly simple. It just takes discipline.

Right after I started carrying, I got disgusted with my 300+ pound physique on a 6’ frame so I bought the Adkins book, did what it said, and 6 months later was 100 pounds lighter and have stayed there ever since.

Anyway, back to the original point, carry the pistol that fits your hand. Don’t make the mistake of trying to carry the sexiest pistol because it looks cool. You can buy the cool pistol but carry the one that feels the most comfortable right out of the box.

[RiverRat]

I will agree with what fits your hand.....also something else, your natural point of aim when sighting. Springer XD's, especially the .40 subcompact is a nice fit for my hand and small enough for easy concealment. I have an LCP, and it's a little snappy to hang on to when shooting.

As you carry more, you will get more comfortable with concealment. It really isn't noticable to anyone but you. Get the gun that fits YOU and conceal it.

A couple of years ago, my sons and wife abducted my XD subs and I carried an XD45 compact full time for a year or so (and still do when working and sweating, it's much easier to clean than the 1911's). To ease concealment, a smaller grip seems to help with me. Hence the officer size 1911's or the XD45c or the XD subcompact. I still tuck in my shirt, but I have increased my shirt size one size so it blouses more. I have lost 40 lbs in the last two years, so the pants have taken care of themselves......they should be about 2" larger than your normal size to carry IWB. The biggest issue with the clothing was getting a real gunbelt so I'm not hoisting my pants all the time.

Saying that, I have moved to carrying 1911's; an SS Colt Defender (3" in .45acp) or an SS Springfield Ultra Compact (3.5" in 45acp) IWB most of the time under a tucked shirt. They are slimmer to carry close to your body and the grip size and angle feel like home to me. With several years of CHL now, my wife and both sons now all carry 1911's as well. I think it has to do with the availability of free ammo (MINE!) for shooting. My wife carries a Colt New Agent, a 3" compact 1911. Both boys carry Colt Commanders in 45acp. The daughter still carries an XD40, but she would carry a 1911 if I'd buy her one.

I will repeat to save you buying lots of guns (shouldn't say that around here....there are some "gun nuts" on this forum)......Get the gun that fits YOU, that you are comfortable with the operation, shoots well, the grip fits your hand and is natural point of aim (just like pointing your index finger) and conceal IT.

Good Luck with your search, It's a lot like finding the perfect mate, you like some accessories or characteristics one might have, I'll leave it at that.............anyway good luck.

[Sigp23940]

I currently carry a 239 .40. This gun is not really all that thin. I carry it in a Mtac minotaur and it conceals pretty well. I love the gun and it fits my hand very nice and it is very accurate, but thin it is not.

I just bought a Kahr MK9 its a bit thinner but I had to add the grip extender so my pinky is on the grip. Overall its a much smaller gun, they do sell it in a .40 as well. I dont carry this one yet since I have not even made it to the range to break it in. But I am going to get the shell for this gun to change on my Mtac and see how much different it feels. Thats one advantage I think the minotaur has over the crossbreed, you can change the kydex shell to fit any gun they make the holster for. If I like it I will probally get another minotaur backing so I have 2 holsters.

Anyway I am about 5'7" and have devolyped some love handles but the Sig 239 and the minotaur work pretty well for me. Going to get a better belt and a decent magazine carrier to balance the weight a bit. Leaving the MK9 as a option when I want something a little lighter.

[hurst_guy]

I started carrying a Sig P239 in 9mm full time now. The Crossbreed holster makes it a breeze to carry and I have 800 rounds through it without a single failure to fire.

[wgoforth]

Considered the Taurus 709 SLIM? Single stack 9mm conceals well.

[grumble]

As always, excellent advice from a variety of perspectives. It is much appreciated.

I also appreciate the frankness - Losing 60 lbs. would be the best thing all around.

[Tregs]

If possible, you may want to "carry what you have" for a while to figure out what you do don't like about it. I did that with a S&W K frame for a month or two. I ended up buying something completely different than I was leaning toward before I carried the K frame. After carrying the KFrame, I decided on this criteria:
1. No longer than a 3.5" barrel. For me. the difference in 3" and 3.5" wasn't a big deal, but the difference in 3.5" and 4" was. YMMV.
2. 9mm - big enough for CC with cheap enough ammo so I can afford to shoot (practice ) whenever I want
3. A grip big enough to eliminate pinky dangle but no more. This was a big deal for me.
4. A width of no more than 1". I carry IWB often and I cant afford to buy new pants. Besides, I like my pants.
5. Weight of no more than 25 oz.
6. Semi-auto because concealing a speedloader is difficult and I'm not very fast with a speed strip. I wish I was. I dig revolvers.

In the end, I got a daily carry that disappears on me (6'0, 180lbs) and I can carry it easily year round.

Now I'm working my way through the holster choices. I'm trying to stay away from crossdraw, but it suits me, so I think I may end up being "one of those people"

good luck

[koolaid]

I currently carry a 239 .40. This gun is not really all that thin. I carry it in a Mtac minotaur and it conceals pretty well. I love the gun and it fits my hand very nice and it is very accurate, but thin it is not.

I just bought a Kahr MK9 its a bit thinner but I had to add the grip extender so my pinky is on the grip. Overall its a much smaller gun, they do sell it in a .40 as well. I dont carry this one yet since I have not even made it to the range to break it in. But I am going to get the shell for this gun to change on my Mtac and see how much different it feels. Thats one advantage I think the minotaur has over the crossbreed, you can change the kydex shell to fit any gun they make the holster for. If I like it I will probally get another minotaur backing so I have 2 holsters.

Anyway I am about 5'7" and have devolyped some love handles but the Sig 239 and the minotaur work pretty well for me. Going to get a better belt and a decent magazine carrier to balance the weight a bit. Leaving the MK9 as a option when I want something a little lighter.

I have the same gun and pretty much agree with everything said here. The 239 is really thick for a single stack. A good belt and mag carrier made a good amount of difference for me, but also just wearing the MTAC constantly has made it a lot more comfortable as it gets broken in. The 239 also has a very "square" grip. I like shooting my 229 a lot more, but both are great guns and sticking with the same layout seemed like a good idea.

If you want a thin gun, you might check out the Walther PPS. They are ridiculously thin, but still comfortable to shoot. My wife's got one and it is a sweet little gun.

[Spanky]

I'm a chunky guy, 5'7" and weigh 230. I have several 1911s but can't carry any of them comfortably because the beavertail jabs me in the love handle. I always carry my ruger LCP because it is comfortable in the pocket of my jeans, shorts, slacks etc.... I also occasionaly carry a glock 30 In a roto paddle holster because I can rotate the gun more horizontal to avoid gouging my fat love handle. My advice is that if you want to carry all the time it had better be comfortable. With the lcp you hardly even know your carrying

[A-R]

If you're looking for slimmer and lighter for IWB carry, I'll suggest the Walther PPS (9mm or .40). I'm 6-1 275, and when carried IWB in a Crossbreed Supertuck I can often forget it's even there. I actually like the grip and the aiming point/line is very natural too me. Plus, the PPS is basically a ripoff of the Glock mechanics, with which I'm already very familiar. Mine has been 100% reliable after initial break in and the trigger has smoothed out to a nice 5-6 pound pull, just slightly stiffer/grittier than a stock Glock, but not as long or mushy feeling. I still don't like it as much as my Glocks, but it is easier to carry and I am plenty comfortable with my ability to shoot it very well at self-defense distances. This is my go-to IWB belt carry gun, and the only gun I'm truly comfortable carrying "tucked".

But I do completely agree with others: carry the pistol that fits you from a shooting standpoint, not necessarily from a wearing standpoint. If you can't shoot it well, don't carry it.

I also love my little LCP, but it's a last-resort gun. I still put my J-frame Smith & Wesson ahead of Elsie Pea in the pecking order.

[MoJo]

Remember this regardless of what pistol you decide on carrying it should be ultra comforting rather than ultra comfortable.

[.45mac.40]

Same here ....
I'm 5' 9' ... give or take an inch (( BUT... my feet reach tha' ground !)) I weigh 200-210 ... BUT... I'm BIG BONED ! Irish/Scottsman ... Blame my ancestors ...
I.. stick to the DAOs.... No hammers, levers, buttons or things to poke ya' !
Wear a good holster, and carry it on a good, thick belt !
Buy tha' XD .40/.45 or get a Kahr CW .40/.45.


Mac

[USA1]

Who here, said.... Put it on, Cover it up and leave it alone ?!?

That would be our very own LT (longtooth)
And he pretty much sums it up.