[Tamara]

lendringser dropped by the house today, and I had a chance to chat with him about his "Six Handguns" thread. I couldn't help but wonder "Why didn't you include your Kimber or P-32?"
"Because everybody would have picked one of those two," he replied, "I was kind of curious what the response would be if the choices were limited to some of the more unusual guns."

Given the popularity of the 3" K-frame and the unusual upset of the 13-shot .380 semiauto by a 6-shot .32 Magnum snubbie, we kind of wondered how guns like this would perform in a more conventional mileu.

Hence, this thread...

Here are your choices in the gun safe tomorrow morning (with your choice of carry leather):

Glock 30: 10+1 rounds of .45ACP
SIG P-228: 13+1 rounds of 9mm
HK P7M8: 8+1 rounds of 9mm
Springfield Professional: 8+1 rounds of .45ACP
S&W PC-13: 6 rounds of .357 Magnum
S&W 442: 5 rounds of .38 Special

Which do you strap on?

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=222094

[Erik Jensen]

I hate to admit it, but I picked the glock. of the choices given, it seems to pack the most punch, while still being concealable. though, if I were to pick a Glock for carry, I'd probably go with a G36.


P7M8 is a reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllll close second.

[Marko Kloos]

That's tough. All of those guns are exceptional carry pieces. I am torn between the PC-13 (baddest carry revolver ever made), the Springfield Professional (best practical 1911 I can think of), and the HK P7M8 (the be-all and end-all of 9mm single-stack pistols).

I think I'd go with the Professional, with the P7M8 and the PC-13 tied for second place.

[dairycreek]

But, for the last five or so years I have carried a 442 with a Barami Hip Grip. You can carry it concealed if you are wearing sweats, shorts, jeans, or what have you. Very versatile. Hard to beat as a carry gun. Good shooting;)

[Schuey2002]

1) H&K P7M8 carried strong side in a paddle style holster by Sparky, Mr. Rosen or Desantis.

2) SIG P228.. * Ditto on the location of carry & leather. *

3) Glock 30 carried (with #1 or #2) in a SOB holster as a BUG.

:D

[Soap]

I would go with the Springfield Professional as the main carry piece. What is not to like about it? Big, powerful, reliable, concealable...

[Andrew Wyatt]

p7m8. it's thin.

[Harbinger]

That PC-13 is just screamin' to be carried.

[T.Stahl]

Sigh, I feel like the "odd man out". I've carried a handgun in public only one single time. A P1 while escorting a transport of rifles and ammo to the firing range. I carried it in cond 3, safety off, in one of these ... army issue holsters.
Why can't you ask "it's sunday morning, at 1000 there's Utility Pistol match, which gun are you going to grab?" :(

Seems like I'll have to start my own thread.


PS: I'd take the 228. I'm neither used to revolvers (too complicated IMO) nor the P7 and prefer fast bullets and capacity.

[Navy joe]

Springfield, I like big guns. Glock was close, but as much as I like them I feel more confident accuracy and handling wise w/ a full size 1911 than a compact Glock.
It's also thinner than that plastic brick

P7 would be my vote if I got to keep it, but truly I don't own one for the cost and for the fact I can't grasp the concept of a single stack 9mm. My theory is as bullet size decreases capacity must increase. Why I carry Brownings and big Glock 9mms. Say P7M13 with six extra mags and we'd have a weiner, provided I got to keep it gratis ;)

228? Maybe, see Glock & Browning comment, I have my own little 9mm tribal preferences. I have only shot these in their M11 military incarnation, I am competent with them but do not prefer the small controls as I am left(correct)-handed.

Revolver? I own one, a '58 New Army clone, shot other centerfire revolvers maybe four times in my life. Dunno, never got the bug, the low capacity and more complex reload negates the reliability and simplicity of them. As for point and click, see Glock comment.
I still want a PC 625 for IPSC though. It's huge, I'll carry it. If there's only six they might as well be .45

[Jason Demond]

Glock 30.

[hawk0484]

Gotta chalk one in for a revolver... I vote for the PC-13 I really like the .357 load, though what I have are a models 60 & 65

[Stevie-Ray]

Out of those only; Glock 30

[El Tejon]

I'm with Navy joe. Everyone wants to carry a small gun, but fight with a big one.:D

As 3 out of 4 gunskul masters prefer 1911s, give me the Springfield.:D Well, I want the 442 as a bug (but I'm a needy/greedy one).

[denfoote]

Tamara,
I chose the Glock 30. I used to have this pistol. I now have it's fraternal twin, Glock 29. It carries well, is accurate, has mild recoil, but has the one drawback all Glocks share: Gotta lose those stock sights!! :D

Of all other pistols listed, I either do not have any experience with, they are revolvers, or I'm not familiar enough with the manual of arms to effectively carry. (1911)

[megatronrules]

:eek: what no browning hi power? It's only the best 9mm pistol there is and what all others aspire to be!:D Okay seriously though I'd go with the sig 228.

[P95Carry]

Sig is real tempting but .. I'm gonna go for the HK P7M8 ... love the proportions and I like 9mm. This'll go well 4 o'clock strong side OWB for me.

I'll send the mailing addy soon Tams ... oh and .. don't worry, I'LL pay shipping!!:p :) :D

[Brian Williams]

I gotta go with my favorite the PC13
cause I carry a 3" 13 as it is.
nothing else trips my trigger, but I would like to shoot a HKp7 some time and I really like my 1911 but the rotary ones get my vote.

[Litlman]

All nice choices, and all have their own appeal. 442 all the way . My primary ccw. I have also carried a Glock 27 alot. I put the 442 in one front pocket and a speed loader in the other . Don't even know it's there.

[Prodigalshooter]

I picked the 228, though it was tough, I was leaning towards the P7M8, but went with the higher capacity Sig.

[Black_Talon]

Springfield Professional for.

Out of the five guns on the list that I've shot (haven't used the H-K) I can shoot the best with the 1911. I'm sure everybody's heard this before but a 1911 just fits my hand perfect. It's such an easy gun to shoot well. How can you beat the combination of a well prepared gun that's easy to shoot? No contest for me.

About 20 years ago (before I came to my senses) I went through a revolver phase and carried a 3" M-65. It sure was a schweet gun but even with a 7lb DA trigger is was harder to shoot good than a 1911.

[cratz2]

Never carried one but I'd sure love to give the P7 a go. I'm really suprised it's in last place by a considerable margin.

And I don't care much for carry revolvers but I've always like those guns like your PC-13.

But I guess I'd have to vote for the Pro since I've usually carried 1911s. That's what I'd be most comfortable with.

[rennaissancemann]

... and write the name of each gun on one of them, fold, shake, select. Repeat for five days.

Mitch Rosen or Milt Sparks strong side OWB with matching ammo carriers on the off side.

I just love win/win games like this.


Regards

[Gewehr98]

But I could work with either. And a carpet cleaner. ;)

[Serpico]

The 442 is really in a sub class so I'd take the P7 against the others...

[bowhnter]

I chose the Springfield. I abide by the 'big bullet-big hole' theory.

[chaim]

While I don't live in a carry state I do occasionally holster a concealed handgun around the house and find a 3" K-frame or a nice thin full-sized 1911 conceal quite well with my usual clothing most of the year (I dress pretty conservatively most of the time, though I may need to wear a sport coat or blazer a little more often).

I've been doing a lot of thinking about carry lately since it looks increasingly likely that I may be moving next year to a carry state for graduate school and I think my first carry gun (and probable primary for good) will be a 3" K-frame .38 or .357 with some work done to it. I want a bobbed hammer, DAO job, Secret Service boot grips, trigger work, and matte finish (either blued or stainless would do). So far that seems to describe your 13 pretty well (I would add a few options I don't think it includes, including possible auto style sights with big white dots for speed or night sights).

In warm weather something like the snub that can fit in a pocket would be a nice second possibility for when the weather is too warm for a jacket (and I didn't feel like a suit, blazer or sport coat) and a good backup the rest of the time.

The 1911 would be my second choice for a primary (again w/ the snub as a back up and summer carry option).

[pogo2]

I voted for the Glock 30, but it was a close call with the Sig P228. I probably liked these two because my own two favorite carry guns are quite similar to these two. I favor a Glock 23 and a Sig P229, both in .40 caliber.

The S&W 442 is nice for a very lightweight concealment gun. I have the stainless 642 version of this, and it hides very easily. It would be first choice for backup.

[LiquidTension]

Springfield first. P7 second. Sig third.

I don't like wheelguns for carry because of the thickness of the cylinder. 1911 and P7 are very thin.

[blades67]

I voted for the P228 because I have one.:D I'd also rather carry my P225 than a P7 (because I have one of those too).:D

[gumshoe4]

I ended up voting for the P7, because I had an opportunity to try one out awhile back and was very impressed with it. Small, flat and reliable, with a single-stack mag and neglible recoil.

The PC13 was a very close 2nd, because I do love combat revolvers and that is definitely one of the best.

I'd be perfectly happy with either, but can afford neither, so carry the SP101 when I'm revolverin' and the P225 when I'm not.

Bob

[python1340]

Very cool poll! With pictures even. Great idea.

I went with the SIG, due to it's high -capacity, and still being relatively flat, unlike the bloated G30. Being a blued and not stainless SIG, it's quite light also. The SIG has a great trigger and outstanding accuracy.

[jimbo]

I voted Sig 228 but that is with the caveat that I have never shot a P7M8. It may very well be the best of the bunch and I think the voting so far reflects more on what people are familiar with rather than what is really the best for CCW.

On the other hand I am very much sold on DA first shot for CCW, eliminating the Springfield, the Glock and the P7M8. I can't see 5-rounds of .38 with all the outstanding choices available today (those who carry a J-frame, more power to you, it is just not for me).

That leaves only the 228 and PC-13. An excellent argument could be made for the PC-13 and I almost voted that way due to the much more powerful handgun round. I guess I am just out of my revolver phase, making the 228 the emotional favorite.

FWIW Sig 225 would be my choice long before the 228. The only downside with the 225 is the really terrible out of the box DA trigger screaming for Teddy treatment.

[rgc]

I'll take that strong side IWB. Then, if you will, the 442 in my weak side pocket. I'm all smiles just thinking about it. :D

[Blackhawk]

Glock

[22luvr]

Smith and Wesson 442 by a wide margin for me. Why? I'm a die-hard pocket carrier and nothing on this list quite fits all the criteria for pocket carry like the 442. I prefer a revolver for self-defense; it can be fired from the pocket (if necessary); lightweight, simple battery, wide range of inexpensive ammo; yes-snubbies can be fired accurately with practice.....etc.

Holster? Uncle Mike's size 4 pocket holster or a DeSantis nemesis.
Both are soft, flexible, lightweight and inexpensive.

[10-Ring]

P7M8;)

[GrantLee63]

I chose the SIG P228, but would have chosen a Walther P99 if that was an option .....

[Kahr carrier]

Springfield Professional ,Luv those 1911s:)

[Island Beretta]

For a CCW piece..of the lot the Sig p228 by far!! under the pillow, in the car, in the office desk, owb, iwb, sob, mexican, shoulder holster, in the bathroom, in the briefcase, in the garage, playing golf, in da club, in the hand, in the gym etc. That is how carry-versatile my CCW piece has to be..of course if you had mentioned the Beretta compact L well....;)

The Springfield and Glock 30 for occasional carry!! :evil:

[Tamara]

Interesting.

The 3" fixed-sight round-butt .357 K-frame (which won 40%+ of the votes in the last poll) comes in dead last here. Boy is this a fickle crowd! ;)

[Marko Kloos]

That's because in the last poll it went up against a bunch of guns that most folks consider "so-so".

[pale horse]

Since I carry a 1911 already and dont have a problem carrying it I would go with the Springfield Pro. All the other ones I am not as familiar with and I would not have to learn new manual of arms or get new leather. I am sure that the others are great firearms, but I dont know them like I know the 1911.

[Poohgyrr]

This was tough. I'd really like to have that PC M13. But I picked the G30. Ten rounds of .45 ACP in a really accurate, reliable , easy to maintain pistol. I'm glad we have so many good choices available.

[dav]

I'd like to have lots more experience with all of them, so I could make a more informed choice.

I want to carry what I shoot, and what I shoot is a 1911.

[Mute]

What? No plasma phase rifle in the 40 watt range? Hell, I guess I'll have to settle for the SA Pro. :uhoh:

[gbelleh]

I voted S&W 442 on this poll for the same reasons I voted for the .32 H&R in lendringser's poll.

It's the smallest, lightest and easiest to conceal.

[RustyHammer]

Springfield ... prefer non-Glock .45

[modifiedbrowning]

I would go with the Sig 228 for capacity, but the P7 would be right behind it.

[Sean Smith]

Springfield, though I'd rather not carry a 1911 with a magwell on it. After that, the P228. I've never really warmed up to the P7 myself, and I've actually shot a couple of them.

[krept]

wow, great tough choices.

I chose P7M8.

[45cal Suppository]

SA Pro for me.

Certainly the most reliable, probably the easiest to shoot well. Maybe not the most concealable but I personally wouldn't put that as the number one criteria on a CCW gun.

[Gunhead]

P7 for primary (of course) and the 442 as backup...

[sm]

PC 13, primary
442 , BUG

Manual of arms thing for me. I prefer same MOA or "simpler step down" for a BUG.
I admit I have little or no experience with some choices. I am a 1911 fan, they run for me. Hand me your relibale Glock and weird stuff happens, sights fall off, trigger systems breaks...dunno.

IF I had to reach into a safe in the morning and head out I would trust my choices.

I did vote for 3" K frame last time also.

[JOE MACK]

I'd take the SA Pro with the G30 as a backup. I'd rather have my G36 for the flatter profile. The G30 feels like a 2x4 in my hand. I generally carry a SS Colt Combat Commander in any of the surrounding states I have a CCW in. ;)

[boing]

Concealment: The 442 will go many places the others can't. The P7 might go some places better than the snubbie, but not by much.

442 (and I like autos).

[bedlamite]

from those choices, Glock 30. However, I'd have to switch the barrel, slide and magazines for the 10mm versions normally found in a Glock 29 :D

[rick458]

Definitly the SA Profesional,because it will ride just like the Kimber
Classic I do carry, or the Colt Govt I used to.
442 for a BUG.

[incursion]

P7
I've carried the 228 and the P7. I would choose the P7 because it's a lot more comfortable to carry. The Glock 30 is also too thick in my opinion, but I'm a small guy (5'8", 130 lbs.).

[ruger357]

442.

[Ala Dan]

West German SIG-Sauer P228; of course!

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

[Braz]

Glock 30 for CCW,

But, er... can I borrow the .357 for winter coat country? ;)

[Bruce H]

Springfield Pro. Familiarity is the key.

[glockgazda]

SPRINGFIELD PROFESSIONAL,
so I can sell it to buy G-30 and 442 and have some cash left. Those who choose anything else but G-30 probably haven't shot one. A gun that you may potentially have to lose, nothing else comes close.

If I can't buy/sell/trade, it would have to be 442, because it will go many places others can't.

[Beorn]

Glock 30, far and away in my opinion.

[Hot brass]

Springfield hands down,MS VMII IWB.

[sig970]

Sig P228

[garrettwc]

What a torturous choice Tamara has given us.

I gave the edge to the Springfield Pro, but only because I have been carrying 1911s or BHPs for the last two years and they are familiar.

Take away that factor and it would be a 3-way tie between the Springfield, P228, and P7.

[Poohgyrr]

Hey you guys are cheating;)

If we get to choose a second, then I'd probably go for the J frame because it's so dog gone easy to conceal almost anywhere. And I might also go back to the PC K frame as primary.......

Decisions, decisions.....:p

[Yo]

I voted for the HK p7, but I sure like the looks of the PC-13.

I actually posted yesterday that a 3" revolver would be just about the ideal carry gun, but I suggested an 8-shot N-frame with moon clips.

I would say these are all smart choices, although I would take a 638 Bodyguard over the 442.

[surfinUSA]

I'd take the SIG 228. I've always heard good things about them and the ones I've shot have been fine. If they are as accurate and reliable as my 220 and 239 thats the way I'd go.

Second choice, the PC-13, thats got to be one of the best fighting revolvers out there. Unfortunately, out of the range I'm willing to pay for a handgun. Now when a nice, used 3 inch, round butt, M13 shows up that will be a different story.

[rage]

G30 with Galco USA/fobus/sidearmour.

[OEF_VET]

Gotta say I'd go with the PC-13.

[Berg01]

I own a P228, wouldn't trade it for anything, but my CCW would be a S&W 442, in a pocket holster, hands down.

[cool45auto]

I choose Sig 228.