WHAT TO CARRY

[stoney]

I am new to this forum, and am asking a question which has most likely been on here before. But I have not seen it. What is the best gun to carry? Now I know this is going to bring me the same answer as, what truck do you drive. But, just a make and caliber, and why. Is it because it is lighter, or easier to conceal, or smoother self loading? Why?

[Keith B]

I am new to this forum, and am asking a question which has most likely been on here before. But I have not seen it. What is the best gun to carry? Now I know this is going to bring me the same answer as, what truck do you drive. But, just a make and caliber, and why. Is it because it is lighter, or easier to conceal, or smoother self loading? Why?

That is a WAY open question. You will find there are just about as many differences on here as there are members.

The answer IMO is whatever you feel comfortable and proficient with. Calibers from .380 on up are adequate for self defense, even though some will tell you a .22 or .32 is OK. Other than that, find what you like and learn to do well with it.

[Mike from Texas]

I am new to this forum, and am asking a question which has most likely been on here before. But I have not seen it. What is the best gun to carry? Now I know this is going to bring me the same answer as, what truck do you drive. But, just a make and caliber, and why. Is it because it is lighter, or easier to conceal, or smoother self loading? Why?

Just make sure it says GLOCK and .45ACP and you're good to go. IMNSHO.

A GLOCK because it's simple and works and a .45ACP because I want the biggest hole for the most leakage as possible.

[GlockFan]

See user name

[srothstein]

Stoney, it really is a matter of personal preference, along with a combination of a lot of factors. Some of the factors to be decided is when and how you will carry, your build, experience level, and your estimate of the seriousness of the need.

I carry a Taurus 1911. Most of the time I get to carry it openly (I work as a police officer) and when i do conceal it, I do not worry as much about it accidentally showing. So I use an outside the waist band holster on my right hip at the 3 o'clock position, concealing ti with a jacket or vest when i want it concealed. The reason I chose it is that I really just prefer the 1911 pistol (started carrying it int he Army as an MP more than 30 years ago) and I think the Taurus is a really good gun for the money.

I have also carried Glock 22's in the past, along with Browning Hi-Powers, other 40 caliber weapons, and a North American Arms Guardian 380.

I sometimes vary the weapon if I need to change my style of carry, such as the 380 in a pocket. I do not really recommend this, but it happens against my will sometimes.

When I mentioned the factors you consider, one question is how you prefer to dress. If you do not mind wearing your shirt out (or a Guyabera style shirt) you can get away with almost anything. If you like to always dress well (tailored suits or stylish), then you might need a different carry style and holster.

Depending how serious you think the threat is, you might want a bigger weapon with a higher capacity. I would never recommend anything less than 380, but I know people who will not carry less than a 40 and some who will carry a 22 or 25. I always carry a spare magazine (or two) but I know people who think the original ten rounds in a compact double stack are enough ammo.

Some weapons, such as a Glock or a double action revolver, take a little less experience and training to be able to use. Others, like a 1911, are generally regarded as taking more training or skill.

As you can see from this very brief overview, there are a lot of factors and it really does come down to your personal preference.

[Furyataurus]

Grab an HK. http://www.hk-usa.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Look at the P2000SK for a sub-compact.

[iamomeed]

i think any good subcompact would be more comfortable as a carry

[Liberty]

Make sure it is reliable, Remembers Murphy's law. If the handgun has any tendency to fail itys gonna fail when you need it most.

Know your gun, and know it well, practice with it often and know it intimatly know the controls and know how you shoot with it. If youknow your gun you aren't as apt to fail under pressure.

[Oldgringo]

Stoney, it really is a matter of personal preference, along with a combination of a lot of factors. Some of the factors to be decided is when and how you will carry, your build, experience level, and your estimate of the seriousness of the need.

I carry a Taurus 1911. Most of the time I get to carry it openly (I work as a police officer) and when i do conceal it, I do not worry as much about it accidentally showing. So I use an outside the waist band holster on my right hip at the 3 o'clock position, concealing ti with a jacket or vest when i want it concealed. The reason I chose it is that I really just prefer the 1911 pistol (started carrying it int he Army as an MP more than 30 years ago) and I think the Taurus is a really good gun for the money.

I have also carried Glock 22's in the past, along with Browning Hi-Powers, other 40 caliber weapons, and a North American Arms Guardian 380.

I sometimes vary the weapon if I need to change my style of carry, such as the 380 in a pocket. I do not really recommend this, but it happens against my will sometimes.

When I mentioned the factors you consider, one question is how you prefer to dress. If you do not mind wearing your shirt out (or a Guyabera style shirt) you can get away with almost anything. If you like to always dress well (tailored suits or stylish), then you might need a different carry style and holster.

Depending how serious you think the threat is, you might want a bigger weapon with a higher capacity. I would never recommend anything less than 380, but I know people who will not carry less than a 40 and some who will carry a 22 or 25. I always carry a spare magazine (or two) but I know people who think the original ten rounds in a compact double stack are enough ammo.

Some weapons, such as a Glock or a double action revolver, take a little less experience and training to be able to use. Others, like a 1911, are generally regarded as taking more training or skill.

As you can see from this very brief overview, there are a lot of factors and it really does come down to your personal preference.

Steve has the experience and is spot on! The only thing I could possibly add would be for you to consider a Springfield XD in either 9mm or .45 acp in sub compact or with a 4" barrel.

[Mike1951]

While taking as much time as you need to decide on your primary carry, buy a S&W .38 snub. Can be concealed easily.

Most of us eventually end up with one or three, so there's little chance you'd think it a wrong decision.

Pocket carry should work with almost any style of dress, so no need for immediate changes.

If you don't already have your CHL, you can probably borrow a semi-auto for the qualification.

I'm a 1911/Hi-Power fan, but at the very least, these require more familiarity than many other semi's.

[shootthesheet]

I carry the biggest gun I can hide properly. Winter this year was a XD45 Service. Last summer was a XD9 sub-compact or a Kel Tec P3AT. Since some days, at any given time of the year are warm or cold, I carry what is most practical. I would carry a long gun or shotgun if I thought people wouldn't freak out. I shoot better with a longer barrel and I just like the .45 and want to center my carry around that more in the future. For now, I settle for a 9mm or .380 when I have to. If I have a chance I will get all my guns from the same maker and same caliber. Less of a chance of not being able to grip and work the gun properly in a stressful situation. Like you wrote, it is really a very personal situation that will determine your choice/s.

[03Lightningrocks]

I like the Kahr PM9 due to it's small size and easy concealability (is that a word?). I also carry a Glock 27 on occasion and my most recent addition(although I haven't carried it yet) is the Kimber Ultra Carry 45.

[PBR]

Best thing to do is find a gun range that has a lot and rents guns. Then you get to actually shoot them along with handle. So you can find something you feel comfortable with. Kind of like a woman -- you want one that feels right.

[Furyataurus]

Where are you located at? Maybe one of us has something you'd like to try out.

[edmart001]

I am new to this forum, and am asking a question which has most likely been on here before. But I have not seen it. What is the best gun to carry? Now I know this is going to bring me the same answer as, what truck do you drive. But, just a make and caliber, and why. Is it because it is lighter, or easier to conceal, or smoother self loading? Why?

I agree with everything srothstein said (and usually do by the way). I would like to add one additional point. Assuming you are going to carry for self defense, IMHO, in a defensive shooting situation there are only two kinds of shots - those that land COM and misses. Therefore, in addition to ease of concealment, it is very important that you actually be able to hit where you are aiming with the gun you plan to carry.

There are lots of great guns out there. The list from which any choice would be a good one would go on and on. However, one may have the "best" gun on the planet, but if one can't shoot well with it, I wouldn't recommend carrying it. Some folks are naturally great shots. They can hit with anything they pick up. Others are more sensitive to the feel of the gun in the hand, the balance, the sights, the recoil (for getting back on target for follow-up shots). .45's make great holes, but if the hole isn't COM, that may not matter very much in a gun fight.

For a first CCW, I would look very hard at a 9mm compact from any reputable maker. With the correct self defense loaded ammo you will not be under-armed, the number of shots (usually at least 10) is respectable, the size is relatively easy to conceal with a decent holster in any manner of dress, the recoil is very manageable, the price is relative modest and the ammo is relatively inexpensive (allowing more practice at the range).

I carry a CZ75D Compact (PCR) pretty much for the above reasons.