Best Conceal/Carry Gun???

[Sand Gap Sniper]

I saw a thread on here asking what the best pistol was, and the answers were all over the place depending on what you used it for. I am taking my conceal & carry class tomorrow and wondering what is the best gun for that purpose. Also, please tell why you like the one you like if you have time.

[Manzanita]

There are too many factors to consider to narrow it down to just one gun. Body shape and size go into consideration, as well as what caliber/size gun you want to carry.

A handgun for everyday carry and self-defense has a different set of requirements than a range gun. You don't need bullseye accuracy at 50 yards. You do need it to be somewhat accurate and most importantly, it has to go bang every time you pull the trigger.

I will tell you my own personal experiences. I've carried a Witness 9mm (http://www.eaacorp.com/handguns-witness-steel-description.html) and a Springfield 9mm XD subcompact (http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php?version=65), both IWB. The Witness is a full size, almost identical to a CZ-75. It conceals just about as well as the Springfield. I like the Springer, but it's wide (about 1.2 inches) and the grip is too short to comfortably shoot so I use Pearce extensions on all the mags. The width and the extension make complete concealment a challenge. It's almost impossible to avoid printing when your cover garment is a light shirt (as in summer). Most of the times I'm not concerned with being completely undetectable but when I am, I have to make a conscious effort to make sure it's well concealed.

I like the 9mm because the practice ammo is relatively cheap and it's a plenty lethal enough caliber. If anyone says a 9mm is not lethal enough, I can think of at least 32 people who might disagree.

Your holster makes a big difference, too. My Springer rides in a custom IWB "Canute" holster from UBG (http://www.ubgholsters.com/). It's very comfortable, the belt loops are wide set and away from the gun which makes it stable and more concealable. The forward cant helps keep the end of the grip from printing when I bend over.

If I ever get a chance, I'm going to take a close look at some Sig models with the single stack magazines (narrower). If money is no object, the Springfield EMP (http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/spemp_010807/) is getting a lot of love. I considered a Kel Tec P11 once, and the newer PF9 (single stack) but I couldn't make myself buy one. I think the Springfield XD's are a very good gun for the money. My only issue is the width sometimes. Otherwise, along with my UBG holster, it's a very comfortable gun for everyday carry and it's dead reliable. My Witness 9mm is nice, too, and I'd carry it more if I had a better holster for it.

Remember, also, that open carry is perfectly legal. I do it around the property all the time and I've done it a few times running errands. It did make me a little too self-conscious, though, so I don't have the nerve to do it like some folks.

[canemaker]

Carry the largest caliber you can shoot the most accurate with....It does no good to shoot someone 5 times with a small caliber weapon in .25 seconds if it doesn't incapacitate them. On the other hand, if it takes you 5 seconds to draw and fire your "bear killer" you would most likely be dead because it took you too long.

Self Defense is a balance of three things: Power, Accuracy, and Speed.
There are a host of other minor considerations as well..None are as important as the above.

Remember when selecting a handgun cartridge, that the bullet will generally only destroy what it touches.

I have been a to more firearms schools than I can remember and have been a firearms instructor since 1985. I taught handgun ballistic for the UK community college system for 3 yrs.

This is a subject I love to speak on.

If you need further help, please PM me and I will give you my cell numbers.

[l_c_s]

I use a Taurus Judge, loaded with 1st 3 rounds .410 buckshot and then the final 2 are Long .45's. It took a little getting used the weight, but I feel very safe with this pistol. At close range I know I will not miss. The scatter is awesome.

here is a video link:

http://www.taurususa.com/video/taurus-theJudge-video.cfm?

[Tha' Hat]

I've been through the gamut of CCW pistols, from full-size autos to a Kel-Tec .380, Baby Browning .25 and .22 derringer. I've settled on a hammerless 642 S&W .38 +P. It's a compromise of concealability and power, but it is more reliable than any small auto I've ever used. You'll hear a lot of arguments for different guns, but very few against a .38 or .357 snubby.

[canemaker]

[quote=l_c_s;521903]I use a Taurus Judge, loaded with 1st 3 rounds .410 buckshot and then the final 2 are Long .45's. It took a little getting used the weight, but I feel very safe with this pistol. At close range I know I will not miss. The scatter is awesome.


I C S,

Did you know that you are responsible for every bullet, every shot pellet that comes from your weapon. All it takes is one stray pellet and you have just ruined the rest of you and your families life.

I am sure that you are aware of your spread pattern, however, whats going to happen if the subject is wearing a heavy coat? or the range is just a tad bit to far...You then have a real mess on your hands having to go through 3 shots before you get to the .45

And don't always count on "Flight" part of the Fight or Flight syndrome.

The consequences could be deadly.

On the plus side, your weapon would be a great field gun. And I bet it's a blast to shoot...

[Bray]

I'm more of a wheel gun man myself. I rarely carry, but there is always a .357 at home or in the truck. I have a ruger sp-101 snubby. Great little gun that packs a big punch. For some very useful information regarding the "best" carry gun this link is great. http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2b.handguns.htm

[Jim in Annville]

MOTHER OF GOD I am sold where do i Get one and how much does the Judge cost. Eric it is a fact u have to pick what u are comfortable with. I have seen more comparisons than I can tell you about. Personally I carry most of the time a Ruger p90 .45acp. I would love to have a Detonics combat master or a kimber or a Safari Arms Enforcer but for financial reasons. I went with a Ruger. Solid gun . seven rounds of .45 fast cycling. And i can keep 5 shots in a hand sized group at twenty paces in less time than it takes me to say it. Personally I am not a big fan of 9 mm. I once heard a wonderful comparison between a 45 and a 9mm. If a VW Bug traveling at 90 miles an hour collides with a freight train traveling at 30mph which one will do the most damage. I have seen people shot with a 9mm still on thier feet and fighting. If you hit a person anywhere center mass with a .45 he will go down. Any large bone hit with a .45 and the person is down. I was looking at buying a charter arms bulldog for a concealed carry, but it looks like i am going to be checking more into the Judge. LOL.:D

[droopy]

i carry a s&w 10mm {old ksp weapon}.it's nice confortable size and packs plenty of power.also easy to take down and clean.plus makes very large holes in a deer.

[Sand Gap Sniper]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned a Glock yet. I was considering a Glock 30 in .45, or a 27 in .40 cal., any thoughts?

[l_c_s]

[quote=l_c_s;521903]I use a Taurus Judge, loaded with 1st 3 rounds .410 buckshot and then the final 2 are Long .45's. It took a little getting used the weight, but I feel very safe with this pistol. At close range I know I will not miss. The scatter is awesome.


I C S,

Did you know that you are responsible for every bullet, every shot pellet that comes from your weapon. All it takes is one stray pellet and you have just ruined the rest of you and your families life.

I am sure that you are aware of your spread pattern, however, whats going to happen if the subject is wearing a heavy coat? or the range is just a tad bit to far...You then have a real mess on your hands having to go through 3 shots before you get to the .45

And don't always count on "Flight" part of the Fight or Flight syndrome.

The consequences could be deadly.

On the plus side, your weapon would be a great field gun. And I bet it's a blast to shoot...

I guess I look at it from a different point of view, I want the most devestating close range weapon I can safely carry. I carry for mine and my families protection. If you threaten my families safety I don't want there to be any chance of you ever doing it again. The situations in my life where I have considiered or actually drawn the weapon are within the 5~7yard range. I have drawn my pistol twice, both times while living in Dallas, TX. Neither time was there a crowd around, i.e. others to get hit. Both times were in isolated areas(Parking Lot, City Park). I don't care what thickness of jacket you are wearing at that range you will be no more. I have never drawn my weapon without intent of firing it, if anything I should have drawn quicker. But in both cases the assailants turned and fled.

[canemaker]

[quote=canemaker;521913]

don't care what thickness of jacket you are wearing at that range you will be no more. I have never drawn my weapon without intent of firing it, if anything I should have drawn quicker. But in both cases the assailants turned and fled.

I would n't be too sure I C S..... @ 7yds a #6 pellet has less energy than a .22 short does. And I would not want to stake my life on a .22 short.. I am sure that it would cause a large superfical wound providing it didn't have to go through many layer of clothes or fat..... However, penetration is what disables.

I have researched 1000 of shootings across the world. I have seen numerous times where a .38 caliber pistol round would fail to penetrate adequately. Much less a .22 short..

But, oh well, to each his own...It's what makes America great...

[l_c_s]

MOTHER OF GOD I am sold where do i Get one and how much does the Judge cost.

I got mine from Academy Sports in Plano, TX and paid 389.99 plus tax. There is list of area dealers on their website and a few on Gunbroker.

[KYhunter79]

Everyone has their own views and opinions. I carry a 9MM. Some people say it doesn't have enough knockdown power, I don't agree. Myself I wouldn't carry a snubnose because I have never saw one that would shoot as accurately as I would like. I like 9mm, .40cal, and .45acp in Ruger, Glock, and Springfield the best. It's all about what YOU like. I say get out and shoot some of the guns that you are thinking about and make your own decision.

[Nikon Shooter]

I carry a Glock Model 30. The pistol fit my hand A LOT better after installing mag. extensions... I keep her loaded with 10 rounds of 230gr HydraShoks.

It's the ugliest pistol I've ever owned, but it is tough as nails, and most importantly, it goes bang everytime you pull the trigger. I've never had any malfunctions at all with mine.

[mwezell]

Carry a gun every day that goes "bang" every time and practice a BUNCH!
Be very familiar with your carry gun. A shot in self defense will likely be at close range and in a HURRY. It should be muscle memory that points the gun and makes good hits to at least 10 yards.;)

[quackrstackr]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned a Glock yet. I was considering a Glock 30 in .45, or a 27 in .40 cal., any thoughts?

Glocks are great guns, no doubt about it. Just depends on what you want.

I prefer something smaller and more foolproof than a full house auto. I'm going to second the Ruger SP101 snubby .357 mag. I have one that is DA and one with the spurless hammer that is DAO. They go bang every time regardless of conditions and pack quite a wallop. Small enough to carry in a coat pocket too.

[RocketRider]

When wearing light clothing I carry a S&W airweight .38 loaded with +P defense loads. When I have better concealment I carry my heavily customized Para Ordnance P12/.45. It is compact enough and more accurate than most longer barrel .45's, plus has 12 rounds. I sometimes carry my Kimber full size .45 as well but the Para is better for concealable self defense. The Kimber was bought for competition when I was thinking about getting back into IPSC/USPSA, but been too busy lately to even think about that.
The main thing is, carry what you are most comfortable with that has as much stopping power that you can handle. Remember, in confrontational high stress situations, simplicity is best. Whatever you have make sure you don't have to 'think' in order to be able to use it.

RR~

[daking]

I carry one of my snubbie .38's with +p+ ammo. I know that there are better rounds, but in the situations where I feel like I'll need to shoot to defend myself, I think that will be plenty. I like the little revolver because it is reflexive. It comes out of the belt and shoots largely where I point my finger at defensive ranges. I know that there are better rounds and weapons with more long-range potential, but at 20 feet, the little belly gun puts a sizeable slug in a small circle with sufficient force to stop the discussion.

If I were in a job where my business was to be in danger constantly, I'd have everything I could throw at a room-full of bad guys, including the kitchen sink.

[BadDuck]

I carry a Glock 27 or a "J" frame .38 S&W loaded with +p ammo.

It depends on personal preference. Get your hands around as many guns as possible and go with the one your most comfortable with.

Also, I wouldnt worry so much about tack driving accuracy. This type of gun isnt the most accurate anyway and your not going to use it for that anyway. You want to be able to hit a man size target center mass no further than 20 yards or so. If you put 5 rounds in a chest cavity even if they are 4-5 inches apart then your gun did what it was supposed to.

I dont think there is a right or wrong answer here.

[shogan]

beretta bobcat loaded with cci velocitor .22LR

[joehammer75]

I've carried just about everything there is to carry,, and currently carry a Glock 19 every day,,, never leave home with out it. The judge is a cool weapon but I would have concerns about it printing , winter with the extra cloths on I dont guess would be a problem for concelment but I see summer being a issue. But if a fellow can pack one and feels comfy with it more power to 'em

[mwezell]

I'm a 1911 fan at heart but it is truly hard to beat a "Block" for their reliabilty and practicality. IMO, which always makes somebody on her mad, a Glock is a terribly U-G-L-Y gun, but they work! One would be hard pressed to get a 1911 to be as functionally reliable as a Glock for twice the money.---Mike Ezell

[Ratliff]

I carry a Para-Ordnance 1911, 45 ACP and love it. Shoots great and i really like the caliber.

[CUZZIN]

I like the ruger sp 101 357 cal.

[bloodhounder]

As others have said, you really need to go out and "handle" as many as you can to see which ones fits your hand the best. Whether it be an auto or a wheelgun, the right fit is VERY important. I know the a lot of autos are very reliable, but I'd have to agree with the smaller wheelguns in .38/357. As for which one, I suggest looking at a Smith and Wesson 649 "Bodyguard" in .357mag. If you're gonna pack it in a holster, it don't hold anything above the model 60 or the SP101, but should you wanna pack it in pocket, the hammer shrouds could allow for a faster draw without the hammer hanging up on you. Just my .02

[smoke-pole]

Model 29-3 44mag, loaded with corbon DPX. Dirty Harry Special. LOL

[SmokeyBear]

Glock all the way. "Pretty" don't mean crap when you are betting your life on the reliablility of your weapon, and Glocks are the most reliable out there.

[chadwimc]

Summer time carry is a Keltec. Dress up is my "pimp" gun.Any other time is a 642.

[Fat Tony]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned a Glock yet. I was considering a Glock 30 in .45, or a 27 in .40 cal., any thoughts?

27 is a great shooter and very reliable. However I wouldn't carry it personally cause I've never been a fan of the trigger safety (is kind of an oxy moron - same reason Cincinnati just pulled all the Glocks off their entire force and went to Springfields). Also, lots of reports of kaboom issues with glocks in .40 - for some reason some can't handle the high pressure snappy round - and I wouldn't carry anything less than a .40 cal.

[ditchdigger]

Dan Wesson Pointmaster .45auto with hydro-shocks

[SmokeyBear]

27 is a great shooter and very reliable. However I wouldn't carry it personally cause I've never been a fan of the trigger safety (is kind of an oxy moron - same reason Cincinnati just pulled all the Glocks off their entire force and went to Springfields). Also, lots of reports of kaboom issues with glocks in .40 - for some reason some can't handle the high pressure snappy round - and I wouldn't carry anything less than a .40 cal.

I just never saw the lack of a manual safety device on a Glock as an issue at all. I mean the double action revolvers don't have a safety on them either but nobody ever says anything about that. For law enforcement purposes I would not want a sidearm with a manual safety. I just don't think it is a good idea to have a manual safety on a duty weapon, I mean that's is what your firearm training is for. On the other hand though, for concealed carry for people that are not in law enforcement or another line of work that requires firearm training on at least an annual basis, you should probably get something with a safety on it I guess.

[Manzanita]

On the other hand though, for concealed carry for people that are not in law enforcement or another line of work that requires firearm training on at least an annual basis, you should probably get something with a safety on it I guess.

"Because I'm the only one here qualified to carry this Glock foh-ty."
~Signed, Lee Paige

I'm sure you didn't mean anything by this, but it kind of rubs me a little crossways when a law enforcement officer automatically assumes he's more qualified to carry a weapon than a citizen. Could almost come across as a bit of an elitist attitude.

I'm a lot more secure holstering my Springfield XD with the grip safety than I would be with a Glock. At least, I know that as long as I'm not depressing the grip safety, if my trigger catches on something while holstering, I'm not going to shoot myself in the leg. It's also not a "manual" safety. I'm not against Glocks. I wouldn't have one but I'm sure they're great combat guns. Just be careful with it.

Double action revolvers have a lot more of a trigger pull than a cocked semiauto. It's the same basis as the Kel-tec, the extended trigger pull kind of acts as its own safety. It's not a fair comparison.

[Fords4life]

i myself love a 357 snubbie. you can shoot 38, 38+p and 357 pending on what you want. also revolvers leave no evidence other than bullets down range. Semiauto's leave cases all over the place.

[EKY.MTN.HUNTER]

I carry a Para-Ordnance 1911, 45 ACP and love it. Shoots great and i really like the caliber.

I have the same pistol and I really love it as well. I walked into a gun shop in Lexington to buy my first pistol. I told the man I was looking for a compact 45. preferably one that had an a extended carrying capacity. He lifted up his shirt and was packing a Para-ordnance 45 acp, told me for the price and for what I wanted in a pistol, I couldn't beat that gun. I know thats all relative, but I really think the world of mine.

[Manzanita]

also revolvers leave no evidence other than bullets down range. Semiauto's leave cases all over the place.

That's nice. You're a real credit to law abiding gun owners everywhere.

[killinmammals]

revolvers leave no evidence other than bullets down range. Semiauto's leave cases all over the place.
Robbed any liquor stores lately?? Why would it matter if cases were left behind...when the police investigate why you shot somebody they get your gun anyway...unless you shot and run?
As for police carrying guns with manual saftey..I have talked to a few that don't keep the saftey on. I'm sure some do, but the ones I have talked to don't like them. I love my XD...not a fan of glocks but they are tough guns. I like the grip saftey.

[EKY.MTN.HUNTER]

i myself love a 357 snubbie. you can shoot 38, 38+p and 357 pending on what you want. also revolvers leave no evidence other than bullets down range. Semiauto's leave cases all over the place.

lmao, guys I thought the same thing. Are you a hitman:eek:? Worst post I've read in a long time. Hopefully you don't get linked to any crime scenes due to shell cases:rolleyes:.

[AteUp]

lmao, guys I thought the same thing. Are you a hitman:eek:? Worst post I've read in a long time. Hopefully you don't get linked to any crime scenes due to shell cases:rolleyes:.

I clicked on his profile and it does not list hitman as an occupation.;) Maybe it's just an interest or hobby.:eek:

[smoke-pole]

like i said before smith and wesson model 29 44 mag. Law enforcement, carry or whatever. itll do the job. lol

[redneck1377]

If you watch the news stories, the cops know more about guns and how to shoot except when a cop shoot himself then it is the gun fault not his fault

[Fat Tony]

"Because I'm the only one here qualified to carry this Glock foh-ty."
~Signed, Lee Paige

I'm sure you didn't mean anything by this, but it kind of rubs me a little crossways when a law enforcement officer automatically assumes he's more qualified to carry a weapon than a citizen. Could almost come across as a bit of an elitist attitude.

I'm a lot more secure holstering my Springfield XD with the grip safety than I would be with a Glock. At least, I know that as long as I'm not depressing the grip safety, if my trigger catches on something while holstering, I'm not going to shoot myself in the leg. It's also not a "manual" safety. I'm not against Glocks. I wouldn't have one but I'm sure they're great combat guns. Just be careful with it.

Double action revolvers have a lot more of a trigger pull than a cocked semiauto. It's the same basis as the Kel-tec, the extended trigger pull kind of acts as its own safety. It's not a fair comparison.

The XD is what the 1200 member Cincinnati force just switched to. Like I said, they bagged all the issue Glocks. Trigger catching on clothing, belts, and other stuff causing discharge reports are not rare.

Guys that love Glocks, love them. Great gun. Bad saftey design, IMO.

[Manzanita]

The XD is what the 1200 member Cincinnati force just switched to.

Are you sure? I haven't been able to find anything about that online. I did see something posted on The High Road about the Cincinnati police switching to the Smith & Wesson M&P back in 2006.

I read a long time ago, but I can't find that now either, that the main thing keeping police departments from using the XD was that Springfield wouldn't sell just parts whereas you can buy Glock parts all over the place.

[Fat Tony]

My buddy on the force tells me you are correct. It was the MP. My bad

[SmokeyBear]

"Because I'm the only one here qualified to carry this Glock foh-ty."
~Signed, Lee Paige

I'm sure you didn't mean anything by this, but it kind of rubs me a little crossways when a law enforcement officer automatically assumes he's more qualified to carry a weapon than a citizen. Could almost come across as a bit of an elitist attitude.


I didn't mean anything like that at all. The thread was asking for opinions on weapons good for concealed carry. All I was trying to get across is that if a person is not use to a handgun that has no safety on it then that person would probably be better off going with a weapon that is equipped with a safety. Sorry if I didn't word it nicely. I didn't mean to come across like a Nazi or something.:D:D:D