Gun for conceal carry

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f-2175

Joined
Jul 9, 2005
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I just got my conceal carry permit and was wondering what gun to use. What guns do most people carry concealed? Whats a good size?
 
Well thats not a easy question to answer....

Where do you live? how large are you? what type of holster do you want to use? How much money do you have to spend? Do you already shoot?

The list goes on and on and on.
 
Had a Seecamp in .32.. wish I hadn't sold if off...would like to pick up one of the Ruger LCPs? for pocket carry...
 
I just got a S&W M&P Compact in .40 S&W I love it. It is a lot more ergonomic than the glock plus it has interchangeable grip panels to make it even more ergonomic. Only downside is that there is not as much after market out there for it but I am sure that will change over time.
 
I would suggest you go to a range and rent several guns. What is the perfect gun for ME, may NOT be the best for you. You have to find what YOU are comfy with with. My preference is for Kahr Arms guns.
 
Try to find a range that rent guns and try the ones you think you might be interested in. You are the one who will have to carry it and shoot it so you are the one who has to like it, not us...lol. As been said a lot depends on how you want to carry but some suggestions are...

compact Glock
Compact S&W M&P
Kel-Tec PF-9
Any of the S&W J Frames or other short barrel S&W such as the 325 Nightguard in 45acp

As you don't indicate how much firearms experience you have I would stay away from from the various 1911 platform unless you have a good bit of experience shooting them. I would also stay with the 9mm over the 40S&W, it is a bit easier to shoot, lower ammo cost, faster recovery time shot to shot, and the difference in stopping power is so low as to not matter.

One last thing...get quality instruction and practice, practice, practice.
 
yup yup i largely agree with all of the above-- this is highly dependent on how large you are, what type of clothes you frequently wear, and your anticipated carry method. also important is a weapon that is dependable and with which you are proficient in using.


i carry a glock 19, which is perfectly sized for me. i am about 158 lbs, 6 foot, and i carry IWB. i am very skinny, but i carry at the 4 o'clock IWB and the weapon conceals nicely in my jeans and a button-down shirt.

i also have a S&W 360PD-- the scandium/titanium revolver. it is extremely light, compact, and easy to conceal, but i never actually carry it because i do not feel as proficient on that weapon as i do with the g19. the purpose of your carrying concealed (i'm assuming) is protection for yourself and your family. dependability and proficiency are an absolute-- do not disregard it. there are many handgun types out there, you need to choose what is a good balance between comfort, conceal-ability, and practicality.



that said, a glock 19/26 is a good place to start your search.



hope this helps.
 
You may note that the longer one carries a gun (as in years), the more likely he is to end up with pocket carry. This is not universally true of course, but I think its a supportable thesis.

The reason? While its fun to carry a 42 oz. 1911 on your hip, one tends to grow weary of carrying around something the size of a toaster oven.

So consider pocket carry from the outset. Good candidates are a S&W 442 .38 or similar, Kahr PM9, etc. Smallish, flatish guns that still may be sufficient to deter bad behavior. JMO. :)

july2408007Medium.jpg

S&W 442 .38.

982.jpg

Kahr PM9 9mm.
 
Im 5 foot 7 about 165, I do have fire arms exp, I use to be a federal agent we carried HK p2000. Thats the only hand gun I have experience with. Its a little large in my opinion for concealed carry. Just wanted to get your thoughts on what gun you use.
 
My favorite is the hammerless J-frame Smith 38+P with the Crimson Trace laser grips (besides the laser, they're more comfortable to shoot), followed by the KAhr P9.

As has been said, see what you shoot well with.
 
powernoodle said:
You may note that the longer one carries a gun (as in years), the more likely he is to end up with pocket carry. This is not universally true of course, but I think its a supportable thesis.
Click to expand...


I have noticed a more even split among those I know who carry. I would say at least 50% carry on the belt and add a pocket gun as a BUG rather than go to just a pocket gun. Of course I am associated with mostly firearms professionals who are known to carry a BUG for their BUG...they think just carrying 2 guns is going light. General consensus is a 5 shot snub is fine for back-up but not as main carry in a pocket unless dress codes force this manner of dress. I state that because I know there are many who in the course of their daily business cannot carry on the belt because of acceptable dress codes where they work.
 
I carry a Glock 23 .40 in a Blade-Tech IWB kydex holster on a leather Galco belt. I think the compact Glocks are a perfect compromise in terms of weight and size, between the full size and sub-compact models.
 
f-2175 said:
I just got my conceal carry permit and was wondering what gun to use. What guns do most people carry concealed? Whats a good size?
Click to expand...

Oh boy this is one of the MOST contentious issues you will ever see on this forum.....
Everyone has their own idea about what works best for them......I have carried a concealed firearm every day of my life since I was 18 ..... so after 26 years I still ask myself the same question.
I like a Glock 19. But may I suggest a visit to a good range or gun club and try and shoot several of your choices.
I have often found folks choosing a gun for edc and then after they spend some time living with it or on the range they realize it was a poor choice for them.
Whatever you choose try and get to shoot your choice before you buy and be realistic with your choice.

Best of luck
Steven
 
Does anyone carry the G36 or a Kahr in .45? What is your opinion on subcompact .45 carry?
 
Get yourself a Glock model 27, add the Pearce +1 grip extenders for all your magazines, load up with Federal 125 gr. JHP, and you'll be set.
 
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