Guns & Hinderers

I've always held off getting my CCL because I've tended to switch states every few years for schools. It's looking like I'll be in Texas for at least a few more years, and I've sort of reawakened the itch. I'm curious what all of y'all who edc a pistol carry. I don't think I own any firearms that are edc acceptable (I don't mind big, but a full sized 1911 isn't exactly concealable most days), and I need to find a good option.
 
I don't exactly edc mine but I carry it on weekends and whenever possible. My current profession isn't really a place that I can bring a pistol. Ny state was a pain trying to get my ccl but my persistence eventually paid off. I'm sure Texas will be quite a bit easier. When I do carry its always my smith and Wesson M&P compact .40 cal. I can't say enough good things about this gun. I highly recommend it.
It's nothing spectacular but its reliable, carries well, and gets the job done.

Untitled by Jensen13304, on Flickr
 
Jensen81 said:
I don't exactly edc mine but I carry it on weekends and whenever possible. My current profession isn't really a place that I can bring a pistol. Ny state was a pain trying to get my ccl but my persistence eventually paid off. I'm sure Texas will be quite a bit easier. When I do carry its always my smith and Wesson M&P compact .40 cal. I can't say enough good things about this gun. I highly recommend it.
It's nothing spectacular but its reliable, carries well, and gets the job done.

Untitled by Jensen13304, on Flickr
Click to expand...

I love the ergonomics of the mnp. My favorite grip of any of the polymer guns.
 
For a Weapon - that is the definition of spectacular IMO. Nice piece. I have not been HandGun shopping in awhile but will put that on top of my list based on your recommendation. I like a good hand feel and S&W makes good stuff.
Many sayings about weapons like, 'Why carry a .45? Because they don't make a .46" but another one is - If it doesn't have a "4" in the caliber don't bother". I Love my .40's and .45's.
My Glock .40's hit like Hammers, couple that with the nastiest ammo you can get your hands on.... Winner.

Jensen81 said:
I don't exactly edc mine but I carry it on weekends and whenever possible. My current profession isn't really a place that I can bring a pistol. Ny state was a pain trying to get my ccl but my persistence eventually paid off. I'm sure Texas will be quite a bit easier. When I do carry its always my smith and Wesson M&P compact .40 cal. I can't say enough good things about this gun. I highly recommend it.
It's nothing spectacular but its reliable, carries well, and gets the job done.

Untitled by Jensen13304, on Flickr
Click to expand...
 
NjHart said:
I've always held off getting my CCL because I've tended to switch states every few years for schools. It's looking like I'll be in Texas for at least a few more years, and I've sort of reawakened the itch. I'm curious what all of y'all who edc a pistol carry. I don't think I own any firearms that are edc acceptable (I don't mind big, but a full sized 1911 isn't exactly concealable most days), and I need to find a good option.
Click to expand...

Here's a way to make a short list for personal firearm.

Do you prefer an auto or wheel gun?

Do you prefer potential stopping power w/ accurate marksmanship or more rounds for "better odds" in some situations? Personally, I don't go below 9mikemike or over .45APC / .357Mag.

My best tip is to select the largest firearm that you can comfortably conceal and operate. The playoffs are tremendous.

Compile a short list and visit your local retailer. In hand, you immediately know if "it fits" your needs/wants as you work the controls of each piece.
 
For the Novice/Beginner - "wheel guns" (revolvers) almost always go "Bang". The safety is, don't pull the trigger.
Semi-autos offer more ammo capacity (more romance than reality) if you are in a place and you need more than 5-6 rounds - you are in a place that 10-15 isn't going to make the difference. Your ability will.
Semi-Autos are way more mechanically complicated in every way, operation/maintenance/take-down and reassembly/clearing misfires and the list goes on.
EVERY weapon requires training and practice in order that the operator becomes reliable but as far as the actual weapon - the nod goes to the revolver for simplicity/relaibility/practicality/etc
I own both, train with both. Carry both.
My "Go To" would depend on the environ but that is because training or expertise is not a concern after all these years and some backround.
If I want light and easy - revolver.
If I have any concern at all about capacity I usually opt for a Glock .40 sub-compact w/mag extensions.
In my home - I am never more than 15' away from a loaded weapon. I live in a very remote area that has seen an alarming increase in home invasions of the worst possible kind. Multiple days in duration and details I will not mention here.
Two (2) Big Dogs and a home owner that .... well, lets just say. Would not be the best address choice for attempted invasion.
I will add my vehicle, office(s) and property to that as well.
Maybe a roll back of the clock to yesteryear would "install" some well-purposed manners in those otherwise ill-intended.
We would all benefit IMO.
 
Yep. After you make the short list and get the stuff in-hand next step is to shoot the top picks. Hopefully you deal with a shop with a range and sample pistols to try out. Not always the case, everywhere.

Training with it is key.

My suggestion for large-as-possible...is for controll and better odds of accuracy. A lot of rounds in an auto can come into play in some situations; but we all know most self-defense is very personal and occurs with threat inches away, not meters.

But when the threat(s) is(are) meters away, nothing makes one feel more helpless than having a pocket pistol with limitations.
 
Rubi if you do decide to get an m&p compact ask for an extra grip extension or two. Mine only came with one so I wrote smith and Wesson an email asking if I can buy another one from them and they sent me 2 free of charge! Great customer service. Without the grip extension it was tough for me to shoot multiple rounds accurately but with it in place it is quite accurate. I've cycled at least 2000 rounds through it without a misfire, stovepipe, or any other malfunction. If you get a chance try one out.
 
Might as well preach to the choir here.

Here is one of my favorite off duty guns, S&W 357 with a 3 inch barrel. I also carry pistols in varying calibers and pocket guns such as .22 Mag Derringer Baby Browning in .25. The two most important things for personal protection; first to carry (extra ammo), the second is bullet placement. Whatever you decide to carry, be familiar and be proficient.



Home protection I have a Colt 1911 45 cal by my nightstand, but the real crowd pleaser is my Ithaca 12 gauge pump shotgun.
 
I'm a Springfield man, myself. I frickin love the XDm. Fits my hand better than everything else I've tried, kind of like an XM-18. Great trigger, too.

9mm and .45acp:

06BCD6A5-5758-4E51-8391-426FB3A53DCC.jpg
 
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Holy crap. I totally forgot I asked a question here and never responded. I feel like a jerk now. I'm definitely a semi-auto fan. Revolvers are cool, but not really for me. I have a few pistols, ranging from a 9mm xd that is probably the most carry friendly up to a .45 blackhawk. My 1911's are my favorites, but I don't think they are super easy to carry. I have a compact 1911 ruger too, but it's an NRA edition and doesn't feel all that well put together honestly. I've had a chance to handle at least a few and for me by far the biggest selling point is the feel of the trigger. My desert eagle 1911 is heads and shoulders above anything else I have in that category. I'll make up fort rudeness by posting a picture later!

EDIT: as promised, picture of the collection. The desert eagle 1911 is the one that goes with me anytime I carry and sits on my nightstand, but I'm not sure how it would conceal carry- especially since I always tuck my shirt in.

6o1vg5.jpg
 
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