For me, it depends on weather and mood. Summertime is a P365, or a Ruger LCP 2 pocket pistol. Winter when there’s more cover garments I’m wearing a 365XL with red dot, or a full sized 1911, and all are with Crossbreed IWB hybrid holsters.
That said, the best carry gun is what you have with you at all times. Your size, shape and skill all come into play more than just picking the latest Uber carry blaster, and a good belt and holster are key; they should make your choice almost weightless and allow you to do your thing without poking you in the ribs (or wherever you choose to carry). Find a (compact-ish) gun you shoot well and plan to invest in several holsters before the fit is perfect. If the gun moves up, down, around, or if you have to adjust the gun when sitting down, or if it’s poking you uncomfortably, you’re not done with the search.
For me I've tried several configurations. It does depend a lot on body size, type, and preference. I cannot stress enough to train with a good club... there are a lot that are totally free and very resourceful. Get lots of opinions and send lots and lots of rounds downrange. Muscle memory is your friend. For me, I prefer full size Springfield XDM in a crossbreed brand in the waistband holster. It makes a full size very concealed. For what it is worth I am a big dude. If you go compact and slim, do not sacrifice barrel length, as it also does accuracy. Capacity is relative to caliber. 6 will always be better than none. The crossbreed setup I locate just to the right of the small of my back. I found every single hip holster to "print" show ugly without 3 size too large flannel. Right side of my back draw is semi easy... but great care must be taken to reholster. But when it is needed that will likely work out.
If you are able to pocket carry, the Glock g42 (.380) prints about the same as a smart phone. The Sig P365 (9mm) is an excellent shooter with good capacity (anywhere from 10-17 round magazines). Best carry gun is one you are trained and competent with.
Glock 43. I have always been a long gun person. Did not fire my first handgun until I was 24 started briefly with revolvers and then always was trained on Glocks after that. Very simplistic and easy to operate.
Thank you all for the response, I got my CCL last year and carry something that is bulky, I was really curious about all of your thoughts. You guys never disappoint...
Go find a gun range that also rents, and tell them what your gripes are if you currently carry, and what you want different, or what you want for a specific carry situation (summer vs winter, caliber choice, etc). Have them set you up with options, and see what you think of those options.
WI is close enough to visit if there's nothing like that in IL.
Many have mentioned the Glock 43, and I would suggest the 43X if you have larger hands or just want the added #. If you're sized on the larger side, the Glock 19 also makes a great carry gun, but I dunno if you have limits on the number of bullets allowed
This. Go to a range that rents, then try many and then go to a second range and try more. You'll want something that fits your hand, is easy to operate (many people cannot clear the slide or stovepipes safely), and is something you'll train with often (far too many do not practice after first trial (most important to borrow or rent, than waste and not carry/use)). I'll carry .45/10mm 1911s - even double stack .45s, .357/.41revolvers, FN509s, etc. I've also helped people with the same question, taken them to the range to borrow mine and rent others, then train on the basics, and then have fun.
I've always been intrigued by the Springfield XD-S series of handguns. They are single stack - making them thinner and less likely to "print". The latest generation are also optics ready. Unfortunately, my financial situation doesn't have me getting one any time soon. So, I just have to stick to my G22. Not that NewYorkistan will let you carry for self defense......
Not advice about the gun, though Elmer Keith said "carry the biggest damn pistol you can shoot well with", but about making sure the gun works for you. I use a "grab in the dark" test whe looking at a new gun. Make sure it is unloaded, then get a good grip and point it at a small target spot 10 ft away, remembering the body position and aim point. Put the gun on the counter in a random orientation, cover it with something, the without looking, teach under, grip the gun and point it at your remembered target and see where you are actually pointing. I thought that I wanted a SIG 365, but after testing, I found that my grip naturally pointed low and 20+ degrees left. I went with the Glock instead, for a larger second mag and a faster reload than my old .38 Bodyguard in a pocket carry, and almost as accurate.
The one that you keep on you at all times no matter what you are wearing. I keep a North American Arms .22 magnum it is small but stout for its size. I got the Gator because of the grip size is larger. It is so light that you can put it Ann pajama bottoms.
My normal, usual, every day carry is a Colt Lightweight Commander, series 80 (Owned since new) . in a Milt Sparks Summer Special. I use CMC stainless 8 round mags and usually carry one spare. The shape of the grips works well with my anatomy, carrying R side just aft of the hip. It has been modified with dove-tailed tritium night sights and a flat steel mainspring housing with a lanyard loop. My shorts and tea shirt gun is a Glock 43 in a DeSantis soft-tuck.
I picked up the Taurus G3c when it had a rebate... Solid. Looking at a revolver to go with the suits I have to wear these days...
ReplyDeleteCanik Mete MC9
ReplyDeleteSig P365
ReplyDeleteFor me, it depends on weather and mood. Summertime is a P365, or a Ruger LCP 2 pocket pistol. Winter when there’s more cover garments I’m wearing a 365XL with red dot, or a full sized 1911, and all are with Crossbreed IWB hybrid holsters.
ReplyDeleteThat said, the best carry gun is what you have with you at all times. Your size, shape and skill all come into play more than just picking the latest Uber carry blaster, and a good belt and holster are key; they should make your choice almost weightless and allow you to do your thing without poking you in the ribs (or wherever you choose to carry). Find a (compact-ish) gun you shoot well and plan to invest in several holsters before the fit is perfect. If the gun moves up, down, around, or if you have to adjust the gun when sitting down, or if it’s poking you uncomfortably, you’re not done with the search.
Glock 42
ReplyDelete43 glock
ReplyDeleteProbably, single stack I hear
DeleteChanged my mind after comments, Ma Duece.
DeleteGet competent training and then get a gun
ReplyDeleteFor me I've tried several configurations. It does depend a lot on body size, type, and preference. I cannot stress enough to train with a good club... there are a lot that are totally free and very resourceful. Get lots of opinions and send lots and lots of rounds downrange. Muscle memory is your friend. For me, I prefer full size Springfield XDM in a crossbreed brand in the waistband holster. It makes a full size very concealed. For what it is worth I am a big dude. If you go compact and slim, do not sacrifice barrel length, as it also does accuracy. Capacity is relative to caliber. 6 will always be better than none. The crossbreed setup I locate just to the right of the small of my back. I found every single hip holster to "print" show ugly without 3 size too large flannel. Right side of my back draw is semi easy... but great care must be taken to reholster. But when it is needed that will likely work out.
ReplyDeleteIf you are able to pocket carry, the Glock g42 (.380) prints about the same as a smart phone. The Sig P365 (9mm) is an excellent shooter with good capacity (anywhere from 10-17 round magazines). Best carry gun is one you are trained and competent with.
ReplyDeleteMove to America...
ReplyDeleteGlock 43. I have always been a long gun person. Did not fire my first handgun until I was 24 started briefly with revolvers and then always was trained on Glocks after that. Very simplistic and easy to operate.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the response, I got my CCL last year and carry something that is bulky, I was really curious about all of your thoughts. You guys never disappoint...
ReplyDeleteM101a1 4" howitzer.
ReplyDeleteWin!
DeleteGo find a gun range that also rents, and tell them what your gripes are if you currently carry, and what you want different, or what you want for a specific carry situation (summer vs winter, caliber choice, etc). Have them set you up with options, and see what you think of those options.
ReplyDeleteWI is close enough to visit if there's nothing like that in IL.
Many have mentioned the Glock 43, and I would suggest the 43X if you have larger hands or just want the added #. If you're sized on the larger side, the Glock 19 also makes a great carry gun, but I dunno if you have limits on the number of bullets allowed
This.
DeleteGo to a range that rents, then try many and then go to a second range and try more. You'll want something that fits your hand, is easy to operate (many people cannot clear the slide or stovepipes safely), and is something you'll train with often (far too many do not practice after first trial (most important to borrow or rent, than waste and not carry/use)).
I'll carry .45/10mm 1911s - even double stack .45s, .357/.41revolvers, FN509s, etc.
I've also helped people with the same question, taken them to the range to borrow mine and rent others, then train on the basics, and then have fun.
I've always been intrigued by the Springfield XD-S series of handguns. They are single stack - making them thinner and less likely to "print". The latest generation are also optics ready. Unfortunately, my financial situation doesn't have me getting one any time soon. So, I just have to stick to my G22. Not that NewYorkistan will let you carry for self defense......
ReplyDeleteLeigh
Whitehall, NY
Colt Mustang .380 --- if you can find one. Jeff C in NC
ReplyDeleteNot advice about the gun, though Elmer Keith said "carry the biggest damn pistol you can shoot well with", but about making sure the gun works for you.
ReplyDeleteI use a "grab in the dark" test whe looking at a new gun. Make sure it is unloaded, then get a good grip and point it at a small target spot 10 ft away, remembering the body position and aim point.
Put the gun on the counter in a random orientation, cover it with something, the without looking, teach under, grip the gun and point it at your remembered target and see where you are actually pointing.
I thought that I wanted a SIG 365, but after testing, I found that my grip naturally pointed low and 20+ degrees left. I went with the Glock instead, for a larger second mag and a faster reload than my old .38 Bodyguard in a pocket carry, and almost as accurate.
The one that you keep on you at all times no matter what you are wearing. I keep a North American Arms .22 magnum it is small but stout for its size. I got the Gator because of the grip size is larger. It is so light that you can put it Ann pajama bottoms.
ReplyDeleteS&W 351PD, 7 shot 22 Mag, very lightweight, disappears in your pocket.
ReplyDeleteMy normal, usual, every day carry is a Colt Lightweight Commander, series 80 (Owned since new) . in a Milt Sparks Summer Special. I use CMC stainless 8 round mags and usually carry one spare. The shape of the grips works well with my anatomy, carrying R side just aft of the hip. It has been modified with dove-tailed tritium night sights and a flat steel mainspring housing with a lanyard loop.
ReplyDeleteMy shorts and tea shirt gun is a Glock 43 in a DeSantis soft-tuck.