what do you carry?

[nodaywithout]

What do you carry as your concealed weapon?

Personally as of this time I do not own a pistol so i am trying to find out what i want

[Bill of Rights]

My usual carry is a Taurus PT-111 Millenium Pro. The sights were originally off a bit, but it's pretty well spot-on now. I've probably about 1,500 rounds downrange with it now, and I'm not unhappy at all. I am considering a subcompact, though, like maybe a Kel-Tec 9mm, but haven't decided to do that yet.

Hope that helps!

Blessings,
M

[DAN]

nodaywithout, Deciding what to and how to carry is a life long project.
It comes down to the right tool for the right job.

To decide I would suggest, after you take a hangun safety and fundemental shooting course or a refresher, that you shoot a variety of handguns, settle on a design and a caliber, research brands and purchase the one you like.

Many people use price as a reason, How much is your life worth?

Most everyone who carries has an opinion and a favorite. Remember this will be just an opinion. What works for me might not work for you.

It never hurts to buy a 22 pistol to use for practice, until you decide on what you really want. I start all of my students out with 22 pistols and work up in caliber until they know what they want.
Thanks for the post.
DAN

[nodaywithout]

Dan,
Your advice is excellent. Thank you for the post. unfortunatley my budget would not allow me to purchase a .22 and then work my way up, however in the last few times that i have gone to the range i have rented different pistols, for me a 9 mm feels like a pelet pistol with nearly twice the power. now a .40 on the other hand, that feels right to me.

hopefully i will purchase my first hand gun within the next two months and have my ccw in the next 4 or 5 months

[VegasGeorge]

for me a 9 mm feels like a pelet pistol with nearly twice the power. now a .40 on the other hand, that feels right to me.

OK, it's good that you are trying different pistols. That's how I decided on mine. But, don't be fooled by the how loud it is, or by how heavy the recoil is. Loudness, and kick are functions of many variables, and don't mean that one gun or ammo is more deadly than another.

The proper way to decide is how well you can shoot with the gun. Find the largest caliber gun that feels good in your hand, and consistently punches holes in the center of the target. Then you have a proper gun.

[nodaywithout]

Also good advice, George. I have not tried many handguns yet aprx 7 in 3 different calibers, my best accuracy seems to come from a .40 caliber, and the .357 wass not to bad either.
I am probably one of the least experianced shooters on this website, seeing has i am only nearing 22

[Stubob]

I like using a different gun for different activities.

I also recommend going to the range with someone that has a few different kinds and do a shooting smorgasbord. Try the pistols out before you buy them! It will save you money over the long haul!

I have also been of the mind set to carry the largest caliber pistol that you can while mantaining control. With that being said, prefer my .45 and even my 10mm Delta.

Most guys that like to shoot look for an excuse to go to the range. :D

[nodaywithout]

Well i am always looking for an excuse to go to the gun range and i often try to bring some friends who are interested in trying out many pistols and get them to pay for the rented guns hehehehe, thus giving me an extra $10 to pay towards my own :lol:
The less that comes out of my own pocket the better.

By the way I LOVE THIS Website! Everyone here has excellent advice.

[hygyliac]

Personally as of this time I do not own a pistol so i am trying to find out what i want

Did you have any luck finding a pistol that you like and likes you in return?
I agree with much of the advise that was given to you on this thread.

[lildobe]

I, personally, carry a Glock 22, Chambered for S&W .40 Caliber.

I like the feal of the gun in my hands, and it shoots wonderfully, is remarkably easy to clean and is relatively light for a full-size firearm.

However, becasue it IS full size, it can be difficult to conceal. even on someone as large as I am.

You might want to look into a subcompact Glock chambered for .40 or .45, like the Glock 27 or Glock 36.

As always, go to a gun store or gun show and handle the guns... make sure that you are comfortable with them

Many gun stores with attached ranges will even let you put some rounds though a used gun if you are seriously interested in it.

[Poogsdad]

I have carried a handgun on my person, both openly and concealed, for a large part of my adult life. Among those who I have worked with and continue to work with, I am generally considered to be an "Old Man".

Being "Old" does imply experience, however, and over the years I have developed a mind set regarding handguns that revolves around simplicity and absolute reliability.

I have been fortunate to have been exposed to a large variety of different firearms, from single action revolvers to some of the most modern semiautomatic and full automatic wonderguns. Over the years I have carried handguns representative of almost every genre of handgun.

I have probably come full circle and consistent with an attitude that revolves around simplicity and absolute reliability, my full-time carry weapon has been two (2) Smith and Wesson J-frame revolvers for many years.

I recently aquired a Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry, however, and it is quickly replacing one of my J-Frames for every day carry.

These are the weapons I have on my CCW:

1. Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry (.45 ACP Snubby)
2. S&W Model 60 (.357 Magnum Snubby)
3. S&W Model 637 (.38 Special +p Snubby)

Did I mention that I kinda like "Snubbies"?

Thanks

[nodaywithout]

Well I purchased my first pistol a couple of weeks ago, it is a 4 inch springfield xd .45 ACP

[nodaywithout]

Well I purchased my first pistol a couple of weeks ago, it is a 4 inch springfield xd .45 ACP

[cranners99]

Taurus 24/7 Pro in 9mm for me, I can shoot very well with it. I don't leave home without it.

[mherrett]

I carry a Para Ord Alloy LTC in 45ACP as primary and a Kahr CW-40 for descreet and summer carry.

Mark

[hygyliac]

Well I purchased my first pistol a couple of weeks ago, it is a 4 inch springfield xd .45 ACP

The .45 is the caliber beloved and respected by all. As long as we can handle and are confident in our personal choice of carry pistol, then we have chosen well.

[Quick_Draw_McGraw]

primary right now:
Hi-Point C-9 9mm with spare mag both dutch loaded.

BUG:
S&W .357 snubbie with 2 speed strips. been carrying for about a month now.

[VegasGeorge]

OK, here's another term I don't know. What does "dutch loaded" mean?

[Quick_Draw_McGraw]

there are other names for it but its one FMJ then one HP and trade off. its like what the russian KGB used to load their guns.

that way i know that ether one will put them down rather then having a mag of FMJ's then another of HP's ya know.

[45Fan]

I carry my Kimber HD when I can wear clothes that make it concealable. In the hot summer months I carry a G26 in a IWB holster. If I had to choose one gun to carry in would be the Glock, it is NOT my favorite handgun, but it is the most concealable in all situations.

I can carry it is shorts and a t-shirt with no problems.

[danakataz]

I carry my para lda black watch companion 45 in iwb and pm9 in ankle I have no trouble wearing them all day.

[QNman]

I'm not actually carrying yet, as my permit has not arrived. However, for the duty, I have purchased and plan to carry a Kahr MK-9. I THINK it qualifies as a sub-compact.

[Gary]

For years I carried a full size 1911. Now I am switching back and forth between a SigArms P220 Compact and the SigArms P245.

[HairyEyeball]

For daily concealed wear, the Kimber version of the 'Officers Model' 1911 with a 'Black Talon' up the pipe followed by 7 rounds of 'flying ashtrays', with two 8-round backup mags of the same. For those occasions - fortunately not rare out here - that require 'tasteful open carry', a full-size 1911, similarly 'accessorized'.

I'm big enough to carry the full-sized one concealed, but why? I also have some slight experience with the 'terminal effectiveness' of the .45, thanks to the Marine Corps and the fortunate juxtaposition of the Great Southeast Asia War Games with my late teens and early twenties. I greatly doubt the 'need' for 24 rounds in any reasonable scenario, but the two full mags provide some 'balance' on one side to the weight of the anti-assault tool on the other.

As mentioned by almost everyone, the key is to find something that you're both comfortable with and have confidence in: I can shoot just as well with a mousephart nine, for example, but I don't have the confidence that it will be as effective in an adrenaline-charged situation when shot placement may well be less precise than on a range punching paper, and logic dictates that if my first round is less than 'effective', I've given the gremlin greater advantage, and myself less.

There's also the consideration that surviving the initial confrontation is only part of the story: How the incident will be viewed by any responding constabulary and the minions of 'the State' can vary widely, depending on whether you ended the encounter with one or two rounds expended or emptied the magazine (as well as a number of other factors, as discussed in another thread).

Again, my choice, my 'thought process', based on my experience - YMMV: If you can put a .22 through a squirrel's eye from a 2" barrel at 20 yards while being shot at, good for you!

[CA CCWInstructor]

Kimber Ultra CDP, and a Colt Mustang that has been "CDP"

[pioneer461]

Since you asked...

S&W model 457, .45acp stainless, with 8 rounds of Federal Premium EFMJ ammo. I've replaced the factory sights with XS 24/7 night sights.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb294/pioneer461/Pistols/Guns019.jpg

When I'm in a revolver frame of mind, I carry a Taurus 617, .357 mag., 7 shot, 2" stainless, w/ Federal Hydra-Shok.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb294/pioneer461/Pistols/Guns024.jpg

[Logan]

For my every day carry, I carry a Kel Tec P3at. Great little gun. It may not be a huge power house, but I can carry it every day with anything on, and forget it is there. I think it is better to have that than something bigger that you do not like to carry because it makes life to hard to work around. just my $0.02

[Onree]

I also carry the KelTec P3AT. Because I'm in Florida and haven't found a car that knows how to drive PAST a McDonalds, I have a hard time with belt holsters. I can carry the P3AT all year round - jeans, dockers, shorts or even a suit.

I'd hope that I never have to use it, however I've fired over 700 rounds with it at the range and can make 2.5 inch groups at 7 yards - from the hip. And yes, I have the scar on my hand to backup that many rounds.

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee118/eltwom/3b3fc1f6.jpg

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee118/eltwom/51fb8e7c.jpg

The .380 ammo will cut through t-shirts without any problem. Up north, this gun may not get the job done. Don't know that it would work well against a thick jacket or even leather.

[duc_fan]

I clicked "full size" on the poll, even though mine's between that and compact. Haven't carried it yet, but the piece is a SIG P220 Carry (which is the equivalent of a Commander-size 1911: full size grip with ~4" bbl). It's definitely bigger than what most folks consider a "compact".

Between my size and my normal choice in attire, I should be able to conceal the 220 most of the time.

Next on the list is a SIG P232 (.380 ACP) for deeper concealment. That's about as small a frame as I can go and still be able to hold on to it at all, as I've got fairly large hands to go with my 6'4" height and size 14 feet. ;-)

[larryarnold]

I carry a Glock 30 (.45 ACP) and extra 10 round magazine either in an inside the waistband holster under a shirt or sweater, or in a Kramer Leather Confidant shirt when I have to tuck in.

I tried a Colt, but I kept rusting the grip screws, etc.

[deathintheafternoon]

I have carried J-frame S&Ws for the past six or seven years. I have bigger guns but I find it easier to have the discipline to always carry if it is something I can slip into a pocket holster or can conceal IWB under a t-shirt without noticing the weight.

I also had a Keltec P3AT for a while in between J-frames, but even after two trips back to the factory it just didn't pass my personal reliability standards. Mine may have just been one of the lemons, and I think .380 acp is an ok caliber with modern premium defense loads, but I just couldn't seem to make it work. It was really frustrating as it was a more convenient and accurate gun than my snubby.

[Tanzer]

I've been carrying my Kimber Ultra Carry II .45 for about two years now. After a lot of "try this" and "j-frames are the best" and all kinds of advice (which, by the way was not necessarily bad), I realized that I needed to be comfortable with my choice.

[deathintheafternoon]

I've been carrying my Kimber Ultra Carry II .45 for about two years now

I'd love to own a Kimber 1911, someday.
However, they are a little out of my price range, for the time being.

[Tanzer]

I'd love to own a Kimber 1911, someday.
However, they are a little out of my price range, for the time being
Indeed they are expensive, but it was worth it to me. I've carried a number of sidearms, and on special occasions carry my Kel-Tec .32 for deep concealment, but the Kimber was everything I wanted. I hate "pinky hang", and its grip is just enough. That combined with the 3" barrel and really good balance was just too much to resist. I carry IWB and OWB, and I'm never bothered by it. Other sidearms have pinched my butt when I sit unless I adjust them, and when carrying concealed, the last thing you want is to be adjusting your holster in the middle of Wal-Mart.
Also, for a 3' barrel, it's darn accurate.

[brandon987b]

I carry a Glock 23 everyday. Great gun for a everyday gun but i wont something smaller. Well see what i get for a good summer gun.

[Dogman]

Have different guns for different seasons, and it depends on what I'm wearing as to what I'll be carrying.

[cupsz71]

My XD9sc is my everyday CCW w/2 10rnd mags, and I dress casually to suit carrying. I mainly use an OWB Speed Scabbard III holster from HAUGEN HANDGUN LEATHER :http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8194/dsc05153pj2.th.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05153pj2.jpg)

.......or on occation a pocket holster from DESANTIS.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4415/dsc04938qs1.th.jpg (http://img101.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc04938qs1.jpg)

I feed it FEDERAL HYDRA-SHOK 135grn JHP as my prefered defensive ammo of choice, and use WWB 115grn for range practice.
:D

[gunny]

Taurus 24/7 Pro 9MM with FEDERAL HYDRA-SHOK 135grn JHP

[Smokewagon]

Taurus PT145 Stainless Steel Milennium Pro. Feels good in the hand, flawless at 1500 rounds. Carrys and conceals guite well. Oh yeah, it's a shooter! 8)

[Dutch]

Full size STI 1911 45 and a XDm 45 for BUG

[Evil Ernie]

Nowadays, the PT1911 rides the hip....well, today it's the PT99AF. I had to do some holster mods on the Serpa.

[jayspapa2002]

I carry a kimber tactical ultra II with 3 in bbl. .45 cal. Carry IWB and love the way this lil gun handles. I had to trade my Colt goldcup in on it but happy I did. I also carry a soare Kim-pro magazine. gun and magazine all have 230 grn HP.

[HDSam]

My favorite is a S&W 642 with Gold dots, speed strips, and CTC grips. Depending on mood, weather, and event, I'll also carry a Taurus PT140 or Beretta PX4 Storm individually, or with the 642 as a bug.

[BDonald]

I carry a Glock 17. I have had since '94. I use a Comp-Tac Infidel holster.
Hoping to get a Glock 30 soon.