[Marko Kloos]

I'm curious how the general tastes of this congregation run.

Below, you'll see an assortment of carry guns. The picture shows the following guns in left-right, top-bottom order:


Browning BDA: 13+1 rounds of .380ACP

CZ75BD: 15+1 rounds of 9mm Luger

Taurus 731UL: 6 rounds of .32 H&R Magnum

S&W 908: 8+1 rounds of 9mm Luger

CZ75PCR: 10+1 rounds of 9mm Luger

S&W 65, 3"HB: 6 rounds of .357 Magnum


If you absolutely had to pick a carry gun out of this line-up, which one would it be?


http://www.frontiernet.net/~lendringser/images/palette.jpg

[blades67]

I'd get another six guns to choose from.:neener:



Of the guns in your poll, I'd choose the CZ75BD.

[P95Carry]

Yep .... it'd be CZ75BD for me too I think.

[gbelleh]

I picked the Taurus 731UL. It would be the easiest to conceal, and 6 rounds of H&R Mag is pretty good.

Why isn't your P7 in the group??

[Harbinger]

I'll take the Smith.

[Harbinger]

Sorry, I mean the model 65 smith. :rolleyes:

[garrettwc]

I chose the CZ75BD because it has the most advantages.

Second Choice would be the PCR or the S&W M65.

The 908 would do in a pinch, but it is a distant third.

The other two are backup guns IMHO, not good choices for a primary CCW.

[Ala Dan]

1st choice: CZ-75BD

2nd choice: Smith & Wesson model 65

3rd choice: Browning BDA .380 ACP


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[sm]

Model 65

[Jason Demond]

I would go with the Model 65, because I am a revolver man.

[Ian]

I'd take the fullsize CZ, and get a couple preban 15-round mags for it.

[WonderNine]

Why not get a single action CZ-75 instead with some 16 round mags :D ?

[swifter]

model 65. .357 stops a lot better than 9mm,:what:
When I was a kid playing "guns", I heard "Ya didn't get me. Nyaah!" Don't care to here it when its for real...:evil:
Tom

[Dr.Rob]

Model 65 or the CZ75 depending on dress.

Next choice would be the cz75 pcr.

Every CCW instructor says .380 is the minimum, 38 special is better (heavier bullets, more penetration) so i'd leave out the .32. The BDA is big for a .380, and about the same size as the PCR I don't like the safety on SW autos so I'd leave that one out. the slide on the CZ is skinny and would do well in a IWB holster or g-slide with the right clothes. The 65 is a medium frame and should carry well, but reloads in speedloaders are a bulkier item than a spare mag.

I had the same concerns/ideas about my viable carry guns.

[Brian Williams]

I picked the 65 cause it is similar to my S&W 13 which is what I carry

[jimbo]

Lesser of evils!

So is this a "High Road" psychological examination or did you sell all of your P7M8's because I know you have more ideal CCW guns than these.:scrutiny:

[22luvr]

being a full-time pocket-carrier, I'd opt for the Taurus 731UL. Having owned two Taurus revolvers, I'm sold on their quality, dependability and accuracy. The 731 would easily drop into a simple pocket holster with a minimum of fuss and the .32 H&R round as whole lot stouter than most give it credit for.

[WebHobbit]

Model 65 ofcourse.

:)

32 & 380 shouldn't even be on the table for defense.

[Jim March]

If the goal is "pick one for CCW", and one ONLY, it'd be the 65 which is where I went.

But that's not how I shop for CCW. I view a CCW battery as being three guns:

1) Front-pocket mousegun, which is either a 22mag minirevolver of some sort, or a small 32ACP. It's always present, but is hard to get to unless you smell trouble and stand around with your hands in your pockets, in which case it's the speed king because you're already on the grip.

2) "The Always Gun": this is the small yet combat potent (200ft/lbs energy minimum) piece that you'll generally have on you at all times, and is "first at bat" when the balloon goes up. For me, it's generally a snubby-pattern of some sort, probably 38 or 357 but a damned fine case can be made for the 32H&RMaggie (or 9mm 5-shot w/moons). It's for fighting at close range, it resists being grabbed, it can't go out of battery on muzzle contact. I recommend IWB carry.

The 731UL is a fine gun for this role.

Most people stop there, or do so most of the time.

3) "The Genuine Fighting Handgun": this will be the size/power range of a full-size 1911 or K/L/GP100 4" class wheelgun. It's accurate, good for longer range, and is the *backup* gun once you've gotten to cover and extended the range with the first-at-bat snubbie. If the GFH is present, no reloads for the snubby are carried or desired, the GFH is the "reload". I don't think I'd carry this at all times, only where needed based on the threat level. It does NOT replace the snubby's carry position, it goes somewhere else (shoulder rig, fanny pack) so that your reach and draw to the "always" is 100% the same every time.

In a GFH slidegun, I have a lot of respect for the CZ-75 general pattern and operating drill. I'd stick with a wheelgun personally of course :).

These three positions and roles correspond to the Tanto, Wakizashi and Katana of the Bushido, for similar reasons: "hideout surprise", "close quarters indoor fighter", "full combat piece" in that order (10", 18", 26" blades).

The general technique of going to a snubby first followed by bigger stuff comes from the playbook of Jim Cirillo of the NYPD stakeout squad. He survived a number of hairy fights in this fashion.

[Standing Wolf]

I voted for the .357 magnum, since it's the most versatile cartridge, although I'd recommend against buying a current production Smith & Wesson: I don't do business with companies that seek to subvert our Second Amendment civil rights.

[cratz2]

I'd probably take which ever you shoot better between the PCR and the Smith 908.

Assuming their both 100% relaible with your chosen defensive ammo. Since I'm slightly
prejudiced against Smith auto pistols, I'd pick the PCR as my first choice.

[Soap]

CZ-75BD all the way

[chaim]

Interesting thread.

I am probably going to be in graduate school next year and I hope to go to a school in a carry state (I'd say it is about a 50/50 chance). Just in case I am trying to acquire a carry battery (mostly based around what I already have), and most of what you list is what I have or plan to get (or is really close).

For me it is a 75B (though I'd like to add a BD), a S&W 65LS (though I may get another 65LS or other 3" K-frame and get it semi-customized for the job), and a Bersa for the .380. I plan to acquire the S&W 908 (or CS9 or 3913 depending upon the used deals I come across). For the snub I plan to get the Taurus 9mm when it comes out, but barring that it could be the 731 (I am starting to slowly pick up the equipment to start reloading ammo). I've also long been interested in the PCR. So, with minor variations, your list is almost a carbon copy of mine (I guess we all can say that, but mine barely even varies among the models).

In your case, since you already have them why can't you alternate. The 908, BDA, 75BD and PCR all have decockers so, assuming you don't use the safety on the safety equipped models, they all have essentially the same manual of arms (and with the exception of the 75BD they are also roughly the same size). Also, they would work with the same manual of arms as the revolvers. Kind of makes the choice easy.

That is kind of my plan at the moment. I really am a fan of condition one and I always used to think that I would carry that way. However, now that it may be getting close and I'm starting to think it out I'm beginning to see the value (for me) of starting with the double action pull. I am a big revolver fan and I will probably carry a revolver most of the time (at least as either the backup or the primary, sometimes as both). There is a big advantage to defensive guns with similar manual of arms. So for me, DA or DAO autos will be the order of the day (for carry guns) to keep it similar to my wheelguns.

If I had to chose it would be tough. I love my 75B but I'm guessing that it is big enough that it would probably get annoying as an everyday carry piece. I haven't yet tried the 908 or PCR so it is hard to chose a favorite between the two, though if forced I would have said PCR in the past, but right now I am interested enough in the Smith that I'd probably say 908. No way I'd want a .380 as my only carry caliber. So that leaves the S&W 908 or S&W 65. I am a huge revolver fan and the reliablity and simplicity is great, however there are times that the auto would be preferable so I really am not sure. I'd really try to cheat and at least be able to alternate between the two, but if I really had to chose it would probably be the 65 because I just love revolvers.

[WonderNine]

model 65. .357 stops a lot better than 9mm,

A .357 out of a 3" barrel stops alot better than a 9mm out of a 5" auto? Please :rolleyes:

Not to mention the auto makes less noise.

[3 gun]

I'd go with the CZ 75 PCR. Good pistol, nice size, useful round. Not much of any real down side. They have 13 round mags for this gun, don't they? I'd get one.

[arinvolvo]

CZ PCR for me....I dont own one, and have never shot one...but I really want one.

[WebHobbit]

Not to mention the auto makes less noise.

Wouldn't it be safe to say that just about any gun will make enough noise if shot indoors (without muffs) to cause some hearing damage?

[Marko Kloos]

So is this a "High Road" psychological examination or did you sell all of your P7M8's because I know you have more ideal CCW guns than these.

Never owned a P7M8, unfortunately. Never found a decently priced used one when I had the cash, and now they're a bit rich for my blood. It's on my list, though.

[seeker_two]

1. S&W 908 (light, easy to conceal, adequate firepower)
2. S&W 65 (easy to operate, reliable, versatile)

I'd swap b/t the two. Don't know enough about the others to make an educated guess.

BTW, why the disdain for S&W autos? The 39-series guns always seem to be reliable pistols? :confused:

[Frenchy]

Smith 65!

[Tamara]

Model 65, with the 908 running a close second...

[10-Ring]

&W mod 65 :cool:

[Country Boy]

CZ75BD: 15+1 rounds of 9mm Luger

[Poohgyrr]

Didn't you ever see that T.V. commercial, "You can't have just one!!"
It is difficult to choose here, but I would have to go for the one that I'd be able to conceal most often. I have a 908 & a M65LS; I want both !!!!!

I know the 908 will hide in a belly band much better for me than the M65 & that was the deciding factor. 908 first, the M65 a very close second. If you had put a 640-1 in there I probably would have had to pick that as my one and only. Better yet, give me all three of these. And then I want a 3.5" .357 S&W N frame. And why isn't my Hi Power in here ?? I have a headache :eek:

[gbelleh]

lendringser,
I had you confused with cslinger when I asked why you didn't include your P7. Sorry! :o

[jimbo]

sorry lendringser, had you confused with someone else. Disregard and good luck making a choice. You have some good ones here.;)

[jrpeterman]

Some tough choices lendringser. I voted for the S & W 65 .357.

[Schuey2002]

1st choice: CZ-75BD

2nd choice: Smith & Wesson model 65

3rd choice: Browning BDA .380 ACP


What Ala Dan said.. :)

[bpisler]

Model 65,lots of loads to pick from,easy to change your carry load without having to run 50-100 rounds to check for reliability.

[triggertime]

My first choice would be either the CZ75BD or the PCR. Either one carried in a decent IWB holster would do it for me. (The PCR should fit most holsters designed for the Glock 19)

Second choice would be a tie between the 908 and the Model 65.

[Schuey2002]

It looks like your S&W 65 is the clear winner according to your poll..;)

[dev_null]

Out of that list I picked the CZ-75 PCR, but it wouldn't be (and isn't) my choice given an open field. However, since you didn't include a 1911 in .45 ACP in your list... *shrug*

-0-

[firestar]

CZ-75 as a CCW? Is it just me or is that a big heavy gun for a CCW? I was thinking something like a Kahr PM9 or a Kel-Tec P3-AT. I guess I am just thinking too practically.:rolleyes:

I still don't believe that most people can or will carry a full sized pistol for CCW. I think most people will just leave it at home because it is too much trouble to strap on a 2 1/2 lb pistol with a 5" bbl. They say they carry it concealed but I don't believe it.

[dev_null]

firestar, I think a lot of people here, myself included, are proof to the contrary. I carry a fullsize Kimber Custom Classic almost every day.

-0-

[RustyHammer]

I own all on your list but the S&W 908. CZ's are GREAT guns and I carry the CZ 75BD quite often. The Browning, while the prettiest, is my least favorite of that bunch ... not a good fit for me.

YMMV

[Poohgyrr]

Firestar,

I always think of CCW as a pretty personal choice. Each of us has to do what we think is right. That said, I always remember something I read years ago by one of the old Riflemen from the '50's & '60's. I think it was the promoter of the .270 Win,--- Jack O'Connor maybe ??

He mentioned how many folks complained of the cost involved in buying a new lightweight mountain rifle, just to save a few ounces. He noticed that many of these good folks could save that money by losing ten pounds or so from their bellies. A few ounces vs. ten pounds; this keeps things in perspective for me.

I often look in my mirror at home and remember this. Then I usually holster a Hi Power. Now I do know several good men & women with medical issues; that is different & not a problem.

Best.

[WonderNine]

Wouldn't it be safe to say that just about any gun will make enough noise if shot indoors (without muffs) to cause some hearing damage?

Not in my opinion. I've fired plenty of hot 9mm outdoors through an auto and believe me the noise level just doesn't compare to a .357 snubby with full house loads.

[WebHobbit]

I read an article about that once and if I remember correctly (may not) they measured most popular calibers with a decible meter and yes the 1300 fps+ loads were louder but they were ALL loud enough to cause damage to the unprotected ear.

[Mike Irwin]

First choice - Smith 65

Second choice - Smith 65

Third choice - Smith 65

etc.

[Mr. Purple]

Although I usually carry a 40 SIG, if I could only have one handgun, it would be the S&W 65 with a 3 inch barrel and round butt. This is probably the most versatile handgun ever made. It will do almost everything well although not great.

The mid sized frame, fixed sights and full length ejector rod make this one of the finest, reliable and accurate powerful combat weapons ever made.

To the uninitiated or those that have never had the good luck to have the chance to sit down with the retiring and aging breed of past law enforcement gunfighters the 65 looks like a plain jane run of the mill revolver.

To those that know what they are doing, or are lucky enough to have talked with those gunfighters, the 3 inch 65 is a very efficient defensive combat machine that can easily hold its own against any other handgun including all of the modern semi autos in any defensive caliber. Prior to the big switch to autos the 3 inch S&W 13 (the 65s blued version) was the FBI issue gun and it served them well for many years.

The S&W 908 would run a close second.

[Safety First]

Not even one Sig or Beretta to choose from?

[Stevie-Ray]

Out of just those? The Taurus.

[Tamara]

I still don't believe that most people can or will carry a full sized pistol for CCW. I think most people will just leave it at home because it is too much trouble to strap on a 2 1/2 lb pistol with a 5" bbl. They say they carry it concealed but I don't believe it.

Hey, if it makes you happy, believe what you want, man. ;)

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=219141

[P95Carry]

Tamara .... doesn't that beavertail dig into your flesh?? That's what puts me off IWB ... I don't have too much ''padding'' and find it irksome to have stuff pokin me!!

[Tamara]

Er, not really. The tee-shirt's kinda bunched up around it from the position I needed to take the self-portrait in is all.

The holster is a DeSantis "Inner Piece" which I got about three weeks ago and have been happy as a clam with.

[Schuey2002]

You can learn alot about a person by what's in the background of their gun photos...;)

I take it by the shape of the knife in your pocket that it's an Emerson Commander, but I could be wrong.

[Mike Irwin]

Tams...

Putting your best "face" forward again... :D


It would appear that you are left handed...

Is that so?


WHOOPS! No, I don't think you are left handed. I thought the handgun was over the left rear pocket, and the knife was in the right rear pocket....

[Tamara]

I take it by the shape of the knife in your pocket that it's an Emerson Commander, but I could be wrong.

Yup, that's a matte stainless, half-serrated Commander.

[New_comer]

I'll take the CZ75BD, the PCR, then the SW65.

Tamara,

That's got to hurt or at the very least, irritate me somehow, with that beavertail digging into the ribcage.

I'd prefer a holster with an extended pad shielding my side from the metal protrusion, so as to protect me in any bending I may have to do while carrying IWB.

But that's me... ;)

[dev_null]

Get a VersaMax II and you don't have to worry about the gun digging into you. :D

-0-

[Tamara]

...but the beavertail isn't digging into my ribcage; that's just the way the tee shirt is bunched up around it.

[rgc]

what's up with putting the guns down on rough cement like that. I know you placed them there very carefully, however, it is just unnerving to me. I am getting the shivers like I was scraping my teeth along that cement walk. Please, please tell me that you have them all back in safer conditions and none are worse for the wear. :eek:

[dev_null]

...but the beavertail isn't digging into my ribcage; that's just the way the tee shirt is bunched up around it.
The plug for the VM2 wasn't aimed at you, it was for those who expressed concern. :)

-0-

[Betty]

Heh. That's funny. I picked the S&W 65. Nice looking gun, too. :cool:

[Johnny Guest]

The S&W M65 is first choice of those listed.

Maybe the CZ or 908 for second.

The Beretta is too wide and heavy for a .380.

For the same size/weight as the Taurus .32, you could have .38 Spl +P.

One man's opinon . . . .
Johnny

[Tamara]

For the same size/weight as the Taurus .32, you could have .38 Spl +P.

You can come join the discussion in revolvers right now ;) :

6 rounds of .32 Mag (less recoil, one more round) or 5 rounds of .38 Special (more power)?

(Personally I think they're both adequate solutions, especially with the new 100gr .32 Mag ammo from Georgia Arms and Texas Ammo...)

[PCRCCW]

Personally, as an always carry....Id take a M60 2" snub. But out of the choices given...Id jump on the PCR....:rolleyes: Has all of the goodies much higher end guns come with, light, compact and 15 rnds of +P is hard to beat for its size.
I carry both of these......fullsize and PCR Customs.....
And NO the beavertail doesnt dig into my back either....:D
Shoot wellhttp://www.angelfire.com/amiga/pcrcz/TwoOfAKind.jpg

[Johnny Guest]

- - -If you mean the discussion at - -
http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17478
then, thanks for the invitation, and I did indeed jump in with boh feet. My opinion may not be very well articulated, but it IS lengthy.:D

Best,
Johnny

[gumshoe4]

I like Lendsringer's Browning .380 BDA. It's probably not the best solution, being too large for too minimal a cartridge, but it wasn't all that long ago that it was close to state-of-the-art for plainclothes detectives and armed citizens. The advantage of a gun like this is that shot-to-shot recovery time is excellent and the gun is quite accurate. Moreover, while the .380 is not the greatest thing going anymore, it still works.

I know there are better choices, here, but that's the one I like and I wouldn't feel undergunned with it at all....

Bob