Looking for a concealed carry fire arm for edc

I've learned to stay out of discussions like this because it seems to always end up in a caliber war.

Do your own research, gather as much information as you can from reputable sources. Talk to some handgun instructors. I find them to be the most knowledgeable when it comes to which caliber to carry.

As to which handgun, you have to decide for yourself. Go rent some if you can. After you decide, be willing to spend the money on a quality carry rig that includes a holster, mag carrier (if you're carrying an autoloader) and a GUN belt. If your rig is not comfortable, you won't carry your firearm. I have tried many rigs, and the one I finally landed on allows me to carry a compact 45 with two extra mags all day long without any discomfort whatsoever.
 
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Small, light, melts away in your pocket, and extremely reliable. Accurate and uses a nice wide hollow point with no function problems.

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Here's the swamp proof version that has served me for forty years.
 
This is almost as tough a question to answer as the "What is the best EDC knife?". Different strokes for different folks. I have carried everthing from a S&W M&P 340 J-frame in my pocket on up to a Gov't size 1911. Not one of them was "uncomfortable" to wear because they were all in propper holsters as well as using a propper belt to support them. Don't get caught up in the caliber wars that almost always happen. Find the caliber(s) that you shoot well and go with it.

FWIW 99% of the time I carry my Glock 19 IWB with an Inforce APL mounted as well as a second mag(Glock 17 mag). I have never come across an issue on concealing it while wearing my normal day to day clothing. Among other things I chose the 19 because it fits my hand well and I shoot it very well. It's small enough to conceal and big enough to "fight" with. Whatever you choose, shoot it a lot so you can become familiar with it. Take some defensive pistol classes and practice often.
 
I like the HK P2000sk in 9mm. It isn't the lightest option, but it has great ergonomics, ambidextrous controls, and good round capacity (great if you use P2000 magazines with X-Grips).
 
summertime carry i pocket carry a kahr pm9
Colder weather i carry owb nighthawk t3 45 cal.
Both are ultra reliable and accurate!
 
Hi Chris,

For carry, I'd first start with a SOLID foundation. That is to say (if you haven't already) invest in a real GUN BELT. Do yourself a favor and check out "RG Leather" for an AWESOME quality Gun belt. RG (Rick Garcia) made my belt from double Horsehide leather. I hope to purchase another one of Ricks belts in the future (in a different color). As far as Holster's......be sure to check out "TT Gun leather".

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
Going through the same thing myself. Looked through my local gunstore,handled most of the pocket pieces,kel-tec,LCP,and even Taurus TCP. All of them require a three finger grip,that is to say,no room for the pinkie finger. I tried a kel tec once ,and for me the recoil was uncontrollable.

Looked at a couple compact glocks,the 30 (.45 acp),and the 26 (9mm). I really liked the feel of the 30,I could actually get a grip on it,though I suspect I would need a cover garment and weight would be a burden. The 26 is practically pocketable,but also is a three finger gun. Everything is a compromise,everything has there good and bad points,the best you can do is find a compromise you can live with.

A good gunbelt and holster WILL help a lot though. :)
 
Im really suprised at the number of posts dismissing the G19 as "too big" for CC. <scratches head>

Sure there are smaller 9mm and theres nothing wrong with that but with a good gunbelt and a good holster carrying a G19 is no trouble and its still big enough for a proper grip.
 
I carry a S&W J-Frame in .357 mag. It works for me. But I'm in the market for a compact (maybe Sub-compact?) 9mm. I'd be comfortable with most any of the name brand pocket 9's or 45's. After I put that particular pistol (what ever brand or caliber it may be) through it's paces that is.
 
Sig 938 and Bersa BP9CC alternate as my daily carry. Both single stack 9mm. The first can't be found for under $600. The bersa for under 400.

The sig is carried in a remora and the bersa in a sticky holster. I forget I'm wearing them.

On occasion I will tote my Ruger SR9c.

All three have great triggers and I shoot them well.

A glock 19 will do, just not for me.
 
jackknife said:
Here's the swamp proof version that has served me for forty years.
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You've shot that thing so much that you've worn the hammer off. Dang.

Btw, guys, when you hit your 50's, carrying 40 ounces on your belt is not nearly as much fun as it used to be. Just sayin'. :thumbup:
 
I echo the advice above, find something that fits you, shoot it enough to be accurate under stress, and find a carry rig that is comfortable all day (sitting, driving, etc).

I have carried a S&W M&P Shield for virtually all of 2013. I use an IWB holster and appendix carry, it is very easy to conceal with this setup and is very comfortable
 
powernoodle said:
Btw, guys, when you hit your 50's, carrying 40 ounces on your belt is not nearly as much fun as it used to be. Just sayin'. :thumbup:
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I actually didn't start carrying until 4 years ago (I'll be 60 next July), so I don't have that point of reference. But even in that short amount of time, I've noticed the perceived weight difference with my current carry setup, which is extremely comfy, just a little heavier. Must be the osteo and arthritis setting in.
 
My advice would be going to a well stocked gun store, and handling a few different models in the size/caliber that you are interested in. That is a good starting point to compare size, weight, and ergonomics, as well as economics.

leghog said:
Depends on way too much to give proper advice to a stranger over internet. Size of your hand, palm, fingers; whether a proper grip by you on a particular firearm will align bore with forearm; amount of range time you will maintain; manner of your dress and how you intend to carry concealed.

Be wary of internet advice from strangers. Just because something works well for them doesn't mean it will work well for you. Heck something may not even work well for them even though they do it/use it and advise others to do/use the same.
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If that were true, then every forum on the planet would be completely useless though. People ask because they need to be steered in one direction or another, comparative shopping as it were. At least that is my philosophy for asking questions here. It's how we all learn. ;)
 
I went to the gunstore myself and handled a number of different guns I was interested in. Decided I would probably buy a Ruger LCP and get the extended mag or finger rest mag floorplates. For a new gun on the belt I decided a Glock 30SF would be the best choice. Almost went 9mm ,but decided to stay true to my ethos.
 
RevDevil said:
My advice would be going to a well stocked gun store, and handling a few different models in the size/caliber that you are interested in. That is a good starting point to compare size, weight, and ergonomics, as well as economics.
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This truly is the only way. Suggest he take along a trusted KNOWLEDGEABLE buddy or verify, via trusted sources, the competence of the store's staff.

RevDevil said:
leghog said:
Depends on way too much to give proper advice to a stranger over internet. Size of your hand, palm, fingers; whether a proper grip by you on a particular firearm will align bore with forearm; amount of range time you will maintain; manner of your dress and how you intend to carry concealed.

Be wary of internet advice from strangers. Just because something works well for them doesn't mean it will work well for you. Heck something may not even work well for them even though they do it/use it and advise others to do/use the same.
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If that were true, then every forum on the planet would be completely useless though. People ask because they need to be steered in one direction or another, comparative shopping as it were. At least that is my philosophy for asking questions here. It's how we all learn. ;)
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Regarding a carry firearm, then really should ask of those who can at least see their hand size at a minimum. This sort of question needs to be asked in person of a trusted source. Internet is a terrible place to get an answer/advice to the OP's question from complete strangers. Too many yahoos too easily spreading terrible advice.

I'd suggest the OP "comparative shop" reputable local gun shops and instructors in his area and then go there not only to handle firearms but to first get advice. One caution though, if among the first questions the advisor(s) asks are NOT "for what purposeS will you use the handgun?" and "what's the frequency of range time you plan?"[/I] and "have you had any instruction or do you plan of getting any?" before even the advisor suggests any firearm, step away and look elsewhere. This is just not advice the inexperienced/uninitiated should get off the net from a bunch of people that do not even know him --- in this case, this is a very poor way to learn. Like I said to the OP, be wary of internet advice from strangers. Just because something works well for them doesn't mean it will work well for him. May not even work well for the advisor even though he does/uses it. Too many yahoos.
 
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