[RodneyKSig]

I am going to be attending law school in the fall. I will be living off campus in an apartment, and currently do not have any sort of pistol. I also want to obtain a CCW permit, and my experience with handguns is limited (Ruger Redhawk 44 mag, Ruger Mk I and II pistols, SA 1911, P08 Luger). I am trying to set aside some money from this summer to buy a handgun. I currently have several shotguns, so I am looking for something to supplement them in a HD role. I am 5'9" and 190 pounds (35" waist). I enjoy shooting full-sized pistols (the Ruger Redhawk, 1911), but have heard that concealing such large handguns can be difficult. I would prefer to get one pistol for both HD and my CCW, and the most I would be able to spend on a pistol is around 700-800 dollars. If I can find a good pistol for less than that, I would be very happy, but I am willing to spend as much as I need to in order to have a quality defensive sidearm. Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Cueball]

With that kind of a budget you could even look at some of the top of the line guns like H&K and SIG. I would go to a big gun shop and handle a lot of guns to try to narrow down what fits and feels right in your hand first. Than go from there. I recently got a H&K USP Compact 40 and I use it both for HD and SD purposes and it works out great for me.

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

I lean towards the Glock 23(it's a mid-sized not sub), with a Taurus pt-145(sub-compact) as my backup...Carry whatever you shoot the best. Hit the range, and shoot alot until you find what caliber you shoot the best:) hth....

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

Forgot to price them for you! The Glock was about 550 NIB with 2X10 round mags, and the Taurus was about 450 or so. I didn't like the sub-compact Glocks, as they did not fill my hand the way I liked, but the 23 still conceals well enough with loose fitting clothing. I got the Taurus for the occasions when loose fitting clothing was not an option...It works for me...

[Shipwreck]

Well, I had a Glock 26 for 8 years, but never really shot it too well. I mainly kept it because it was pretty much rust proof for me w/ the tennifer finish. Last year, when I discovered that the Walther P99 also had the tennifer finish, I sold the Glock, and I got a compact Walther P99 (with the A/S trigger, however, not with the newer QA trigger that sucks).

I also got a USP compact last week in 9mm. It is a sweet gun and fun at the range.

I think the HK USP compact would make a good choice for you. A bit more expensive than a Glock, but w/i your price range. Plus, with the frame safety, you can keep it cocked and locked, just like the 1911 you said you were familiar with.

[Ala Dan]

.45 caliber SIG-SAUER P220A~!:D

[Ohen Cepel]

It's a very personal decision.

I'm a big fan of a model 66 Smith myself. 6rds of .357 should take care of anything that you get yourself into. Also, I'm just a revolver fan.

[MCgunner]

I carry in Texas, south Texas at that. Texas does not allow the amount of concealment that Alaska or North Dakota or Idaho do. It's danged HOT down here! A powerful compact 9mm in a pocket or IWB under a shirt is my choice. You sound like a good candididate for the new PF9 Kel Tec when it arrives at the gun stores, affordable and limited +P rated. I have the P11 and I love it, can carry in any weather in any situation. That thing is 3.5" 25 yard accurate and I carry it with 115 grain +P JHPs for power. For pocket size guns, the 9 is a cannon. Normal pocket size guns are the blow backs like .32 or .380. The P11 holds 11 rounds, the new PF9 will hold eight, is slightly thinner and lighter, and has a lighter DAO trigger pull. The PF9 weighs just over 12 ounces unloaded and retails for around $300+, though I imagine real prices will be around the mid $200 range. Look at Kahr, too, a little more expensive, but some like 'em. When I bought my Kel Tec, they didn't offer the lighter polymer guns.

I also carry an alloy frame DA snub nosed .38 revolver a lot. Mine's a Taurus M85UL, quite affordable, around $300 now days I think. It's 15 ounces unloaded. Taurus and Smith and Wesson offer titanium .38s, slightly ligher than my alloy, but probably more durable. They're also a lot more expensive. The M85UL is +P rated and I've fired probably a hundred rounds of the hot stuff through it. Still tight as ever.

Pick what you like. Only thing I think you should consider in Texas is it should be small enough to hide under minimal dress. Big K frames and other service sized hog legs are not practical in mid summer from my experience.

[sm]

I always use something in Texas that is easy to remove BB Sauce , Chili ( yes one eats Chili in TX summertime) and medium rare steak juices from.

Last time- bone stock Gov't Model in 1911, IWB at 4:30. Not real sure how the suntan lotion got on the thing, I was not wearing suntan lotion, a brunette...err...just figured that out, nevermind. :)

[orionengnr]

1. Kahr PM9 (substitute PM40 if you like).
2. S&W 340.
3. 1911 officers size (3" or 3 1/2"). I have Para and Charles Daly... Kimber some time in the future.
4. Glock 23 (for sale, with a bunch of mags)
YMMV

[Boxerrider]

Don't have one but I'm considering a Smith Wesson 908. 9mm with a single stack mag so it's thin.
Have you decided where to take the class? Wife and I went with Do it the Wright way in San Antonio. Instructors were very pleasant, price was low an included everything you need plus a buffet lunch.
http://www.doitthewrightway.com/
If you decide to go with them let me know and I'll send you a referral card. After several referrals he will refund your original cost!

Enjoy!

[Euclidean]

Well everyone has widely different ideas about what's a good gun and what's not, but there's something I wish to add here.

You need a good holster, one that costs $50ish or more. The holster is what makes all the difference. A Brommeland, HBE, Fist, Milt Sparks, Bladetech, Comp-Tac, etc. etc. holster. Pair that with a real gun belt and your problem will be solved.

I CCW an XD .45ACP service every day with a good belt and holster wearing shorts and a T shirt. I love all of my handguns, but the XDs are the ones I consistently carry every day. Maybe once a week I CCW my Detective Special for special situations.

PS: I love revolvers much, but due to Texas' screwy CCW laws, be sure to take your tests with a semiautomatic.

[RodneyKSig]

Before I ask for yet more advice, let me thank all of you for taking the time to help me, as no one in my family has any familiarity with handguns, and thus cannot help me with this decision

1. I forgot to add that I have somewhat smallish hands for a man....for some reason, the stock grips on the ruger redhawk felt perfect to me, while I have some difficulty hitting the speed safety on the 1911 (I understand that the Luger is just weird, and I doubt I will try to CCW anything so exotic). I have handeled a SA XD, and it seemed to fit my hand much better...my buddy will let me shoot his next week, so I will know how I feel about it next week for sure.
2. I will probably be dressed in law school in the standard "preppy" cargo shorts and polo shirt/ maybe t-shirt. Some of my Old Navy cargo shorts have large pockets...is it a wise idea to try and keep a revolver/smaller auto in one of my pockets in a pocket holster in these shorts, or would I be better off with a OWB holster under a hawaiian shirt? I am planning to carry w/ a shoulder holster when I am an attorney, but I do not think I will be in professional attire all the time as a law student.
3. I have handled the smith J-frames, as well as the SP101. I know the SP101 is heavier, but how much does an extra approx 15 ozs affect you when carrying...basically I am willing to pay a little extra to get a gun I perceive to be more durable and controllable.
4. Do you guys think I could get a decent auto and a smaller revolver+leather for within my budget if a shop around, or am I just better off getting an XD and picking up a small revolver later if I have the time

[Euclidean]

1. I forgot to add that I have somewhat smallish hands for a man....for some reason, the stock grips on the ruger redhawk felt perfect to me, while I have some difficulty hitting the speed safety on the 1911 (I understand that the Luger is just weird, and I doubt I will try to CCW anything so exotic). I have handeled a SA XD, and it seemed to fit my hand much better...my buddy will let me shoot his next week, so I will know how I feel about it next week for sure.

That's one great thing about the XDs... I have catcher mitt ham hands and they fit me really well, and people with smaller to medium hands like them too. My brother has smaller hands and likes the grip very much.

The grip on an XD9/40/357/45GAP service is the very smallest grip in existence I can get a solid 3 finger hold on. Each finger finds purchase.

The XD45 ACP however has just slightly larger grips and it is just wonderful. Some people think this grip is too big/long but I love it.

If your hands are smallish, that's something to think about.

2. I will probably be dressed in law school in the standard "preppy" cargo shorts and polo shirt/ maybe t-shirt. Some of my Old Navy cargo shorts have large pockets...is it a wise idea to try and keep a revolver/smaller auto in one of my pockets in a pocket holster in these shorts, or would I be better off with a OWB holster under a hawaiian shirt? I am planning to carry w/ a shoulder holster when I am an attorney, but I do not think I will be in professional attire all the time as a law student.

That's what I wear when I'm not at work, on weekends, etc.

I normally wear it on the belt with a T shirt or other shirt that's one size too big, but my body is weird I am exactly between an XXL and XL shirt size.

I have on occassion carried a pistol in the cargo pocket in a Mika's holster with a square bottom. It works, more or less, but I much prefer my holster.

Consistency is key, I train and practice with a draw from the belt so I try to stick to that.


3. I have handled the smith J-frames, as well as the SP101. I know the SP101 is heavier, but how much does an extra approx 15 ozs affect you when carrying...basically I am willing to pay a little extra to get a gun I perceive to be more durable and controllable.


Depends on the person and how you carry it and the balance of the gun. I love my GP100 and have CCWed it before. It weighs 35 ounces unloaded. My XD45 weighs 30 ounces unloaded. Considering the capacity difference, they're probably about the same fully loaded.

For some reason though, the GP100 starts to make its presence known after about 3 hours of continuous carry. I can wear the XD45ACP for 10 hours and it doesn't bother me.

I'm trying to tell you weight doesn't matter nearly as much as how the gun balances on you. I suspect a different holster would solve my "problem" with the GP100.

People carry the SP101 all the time, it's completely doable. The other thing about it is, are you looking at this for a backup or convenience gun, or as a primary go to gun? For the latter I'd want a steel gun like the SP101 as opposed to something like the 642. Honestly it's like they're made with two completely different objectives in mind.

4. Do you guys think I could get a decent auto and a smaller revolver+leather for within my budget if a shop around, or am I just better off getting an XD and picking up a small revolver later if I have the time

I'd do the latter; get one gun so you can get a good holster/belt/extra magazines/more ammo for it. Then once you try it out for a few months, you can make a better decision.

When I started CCW, I chose a gun which suited what I thought my needs were and just ran with it. I still have a gun very similar to it, but I discovered I wanted something radically different after getting some experience.

[TX1911fan]

+1 for the S&W 340. I carry it every day. It's great. I have two different holsters depending on what I need. A tuckable for deep conceal, and an OWB that conceals under t-shirts and any other shirt just fine. An extra speed strip in the back pocket, and you're good to go.

[rbernie]

I have a titanium 4" Taurus revo in 45ACP that is the bees knees for CCW in Texas, if you want a revo. I shoot a 1911 better (and carry a 4" 1911 in 45ACP or 9mm often) but the revo is lighter and less likely suffer from FTF or FTE. :D

It's a five shot - about the width of a S&W J frame, only packing 45ACP.

[hirundo82]

2. I will probably be dressed in law school in the standard "preppy" cargo shorts and polo shirt/ maybe t-shirt. Some of my Old Navy cargo shorts have large pockets...is it a wise idea to try and keep a revolver/smaller auto in one of my pockets in a pocket holster in these shorts, or would I be better off with a OWB holster under a hawaiian shirt? I am planning to carry w/ a shoulder holster when I am an attorney, but I do not think I will be in professional attire all the time as a law student.
First, all Texas schools are off limits for CCW, including universities and professional schools. I would love to carry at school (I am a student at a professional school as well), but it is completely off-limits.

That being said, you need to decide how much you are willing to adjust your attire. That will determine how much gun you can carry. If you are likely only going to be wearing T-shirts and shorts, a pocket gun would probably be best. If you are willing to change your mode of dress (ie an untucked Hawaiian shirt like you mentioned), most men can carry a 1911 without much problem with the right holster.

[MCgunner]

1. I forgot to add that I have somewhat smallish hands for a man....for some reason, the stock grips on the ruger redhawk felt perfect to me, while I have some difficulty hitting the speed safety on the 1911 (I understand that the Luger is just weird, and I doubt I will try to CCW anything so exotic). I have handeled a SA XD, and it seemed to fit my hand much better...my buddy will let me shoot his next week, so I will know how I feel about it next week for sure.
2. I will probably be dressed in law school in the standard "preppy" cargo shorts and polo shirt/ maybe t-shirt. Some of my Old Navy cargo shorts have large pockets...is it a wise idea to try and keep a revolver/smaller auto in one of my pockets in a pocket holster in these shorts, or would I be better off with a OWB holster under a hawaiian shirt? I am planning to carry w/ a shoulder holster when I am an attorney, but I do not think I will be in professional attire all the time as a law student.
3. I have handled the smith J-frames, as well as the SP101. I know the SP101 is heavier, but how much does an extra approx 15 ozs affect you when carrying...basically I am willing to pay a little extra to get a gun I perceive to be more durable and controllable.
4. Do you guys think I could get a decent auto and a smaller revolver+leather for within my budget if a shop around, or am I just better off getting an XD and picking up a small revolver later if I have the time

Nope, can't carry to class. Your shorts and attire suggest a smaller gun to me, too. The PF9 I mentioned will go in a large pocket or cargo pocket with a pocket holster just fine. Or, you could go for a .380. It's a minimal caliber way I see it, but lots of people disagree with me. Some prefer the .32. I prefer a 9mm in a pocket to any of the smaller guns. The new PF9 will be minimal in weight.

Yes, weight matters to me. I simply can't carry much more than an SP101's 25 ounce continuously, all day long, comfortably. My 33 ounce unloaded P90 Ruger isn't uncomfortable in my Milt Sparks summer special, though it bulges bad under just a shirt, but the weight gets to me after a while. Something under 20 ounces unloaded I can carry all day long without fatigue. The P11 is excellent. An SP101 would be on the large end of the scale. I've carried guns that weight and they weren't too bad, but lighter is better for carrying. Of course, in .357 caliber, I'd go for the weight of the SP for shootability and just accept the extra weight. The little lightweight .357s are just too much to shoot for me.

Yes, you can get a PF9 or P11 for under $300 new in box. Got mine when it came out for $260 and they ain't gone up. I can't remember what my Taurus M85UL in .38 was because it involved a trade, but seems like it was around $300, too. In Smith and Wessons, you'll be looking at used to stay in your budget if you want an autoloader, too. I think buying both and staying under 800 bucks, you ain't gonna be looking at Glocks or Kahrs for the automatic, either. The Kel Tec is an EXCELLENT gun for the money and I wouldn't look any farther. I think it compares well with the competition at any price, the low price is just the clincher.

You could buy an SP101 and a Kel Tech and be within your budget, just. Actually, at 800 bucks, if you picked up a Kel Tec for under 300, you could probably get a J frame smith of some kind and be pretty close to your limit. The 640 series concealed hammer smiths, especially the alloy ones that are light weight, make just about as good a pocket revolver as you're ever going to find anywhere. I'm a little fuzzy on J frame smith pricing, but I'm thinking $600 will get you into one. Some won't touch 'em for the lock and MIM or whatever parts, etc, etc. I don't know where I stand on that stuff. I think I'd still like a new Smith. I've never owned a BAD Smith and Wesson. They can be counted on to be quality fit and functional and accurate. I just haven't bought too many because I'm a po boy always looking for the bargains.

[Mizzle187]

Well I live in Louisiana which is just as hot/humid than Texas if not worse and my two main carry pieces are Walther P99compact(AS) in a leather Don Hume IWB holster and a SW 642 w/Laser Grips in a Mika pocket holster that sits in my front pant pocket. I carry both of these together most of the time. Although we have only had 1 or 2 90+ days so far this year we have had plenty 85+ days and I havent really been any more uncomfortable than before I started to carry. As far as the pistols themselves the P99c has been flawless,very accurate, and really comfortable in my hand. The SW 642 Ive only had for a little over a month now is what it is. A pocket gun that isnt really fun to shoot and meant for close range/ But it is praised by many. For $800 you could pick up two nice guns one for IWB/OWB and one for pokcet carry(Kel-Tec P3AT which is a .380 and I also have and like or a SW 642 w/o Laser Grips). Good Luck!

[RustyShackelford]

Hello

Here are a few things to think about when buying a new handgun for CC/home protection/etc;

1) Get a brand new handgun not a used or police trade in.
2) Buy a DA only(DAO) type weapon with an exposed hammer system(NOT STRIKER FIRED). DA only pistols are used by many sworn LEOs(law enforcement) and armed security officers for several reasons. A well made DA only pistol will reduce the chance of an AD(discharge) or the false claim of you "cocking" the hammer or lowering the trigger pull weight to fire the weapon. Exposed hammers allow you to get the habit of holding your thumb on the hammer to know where it is when you check or holster the weapon.
3) Consider buying the same design or model as local police depts in your area. Massad Ayoob suggests this smart idea to his students. If you are carrying a SIGarms DAK model P-229 and local cops carry the SIG P-226/P-229 too in a critical incident like a break in or armed robbery they may not rush to fire weapons at you or think you are the bad guy. Carrying the same designs/models may also help you defend your statements/actions later in a civil or legal trial. You and/or your lawyer(s) could say honestly that you use the same weapon as local law enforcement. You can also say the weapon was tested and selected because it was well made and has documented use by sworn LEOs. For several years I had a PA State Police issued Beretta 96D(.40) that I bought brand new from a local gun dealer. The 96D was Robar NP3 plated, had night sights and rubber grips. The weapon cost me $580.00!
4) Train often inside/outside, in all kinds of weather/seasons and in low light. Also be able to shoot with each hand and one-handed. You may need it!
5) Always carry at least one spare mag with you for CC.
6) Think about carrying 2 handguns of the same design for CC. If the need arises and you can do it, carry 2 pistols. A small back-up(the same model/style as your full size carry gun) that can take the same full size spare mags could help you get through a critical incident alive. If the police take your full size firearm for court/investigation/etc use you would have the second weapon to protect yourself too.
Here are some good standard choices; HK P-2000/HK P-2000SK in .357SIG, SIGarms DAK model P-226/P-229 in .357SIG. The .357SIG is used by FAMs(US air marshals)/the US Secret Service/the TX dept of Public Safety/the state police of NM/VA/DE. Speer gold dot 125gr bonded JHPs or Magsafe loads would be good ammo designs to use.

RS

:cool:

[sgt127]

Having toted a concealed gun in Texas for going on 23 years...Heres your choices:

If you want to dress around it, any good gun will work. I've carried a Gov't Model, a Sig P220 and currently I carry a S&W 65 3" barrel. For going into Dallas, out on Friday nights etc...I carry one of the real guns. A loose shirt over it in the summer. The right holster and belt make it workable.

For 90% of the time, you can't beat a little J frame Smith. I have carried the same 642 as a back up gun and as an off duty gun for 12 years. It just doesn't get any better. Dropped into the right side pocket, it carries well in shorts...cut off BDU's or dockers, T shirt...tank top...tucked in...doesn't matter.

I live outside the city limits of Dallas, I feel the threat is pretty low around here and I am confident in the little 5 shot Centennial.

I have a Kahr PM9 that has been utterly reliable...but...there is just something about a little revolver. Weak grip...Off hand...upside down...pressed into a bad guy...that little revolver is going to shoot.

[bouis]

Hey RodneyKSig,

Congrats. Law school is a lot of fun. Well, okay, that's a lie; but it's better than digging ditches. I'm just about done with the dreaded first year.

And, yeah, you can't carry at school. But don't let anyone tell you lawyers don't need to be armed. A lot of people told me I was silly or paranoid for worrying about it, but just a month or so ago a guy in my section's dad (who was a lawyer) was murdered by some idiot with a grudge.

As for what to carry, I prefer maximum concealability for the heat here in Mississippi. The Kel-Tec .380 fits the bill perfectly and mine's been 100% reliable. Fully loaded, with the laser, it weighs 12 ounces and doesn't print more in your pocket than a wallet. .380 packs more punch than .38, and the locked breach recoil is more managable. The "double action only" trigger is about 5lbs and is better than any snubnose.

Here's a picture just for you. Enjoy the gun (and writing the brief, hahaha)...

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=39256&stc=1&d=1146548407

[orionengnr]

"....380 packs more punch than .38, "

sources, please?

That is the first time I have seen this claim made, although I have seen the inverse stated many times.

More rounds, yes, although that is generally referred to as firepower.
More punch (or power) in the round? Hmmm...no, I don't think so.

[bouis]

Actually the .38 and .380 have about the same power, but the .380 has a lighter bullet and pushes it faster through a longer barrel, making it a lot more likely to expand than a heavier .38 through a 1-7/8" barrel.

.38 +P has more power, though, but is even harder to control. Even with regular .38 ammo I find my Kel-Tec .380 to be a lot easier to control than my (steel framed) .38 S&W Mod. 36.

Plus, you get more shots...

[roo_ster]

cargo shorts and polo shirt

You really don't need to buy a new gun for CCW & HD in Texas, just a quality IWB holster (HBE COM, Milt SParks VM2, etc) if you will un-tuck that polo and wear a cotton undershirt.

If I were you, I would do the following:
1. A quality IWB holster, belt, & mag carrier for that 1911. Eric at HBE is a good man to work with. My COM holster & his double-thick belt are quality. I'm not sure what is current pricing is, but I bet it would be less than $200 for a matching set. This will be your primary carry for when you can wear a cover garment.
$200 ($200)
2. Used J-frame sized snubby .38spl or .357mag, depending on your tolerance for recoil & budget. S&W is the best bet in used snubbies, IMO. The standard is the SW642 Airweight, but others are perfectly acceptable. $350 for a used 642 is do-able & non+P older snubbies like M38 are more like $300. This is secondary carry in front pocket for when you can not justify untucked polos, or other cover.
$350 ($550)
3. Cheap Uncle Mikes pocket holster for your snubby (#3 or #4). $15
$15 ($565)
4. Used Kel-tec P32 in .32ACP. $200 for this puppy, used. This is for when you really aren't wearing a gun. Front pocket carry.
$200 ($765)
5. Cheap Uncle Mikes pocket holster (#1). $15
$15 ($780)

IMO, the heat factor is over-played. When it is hot and sticky, packing an IWB is not so much more uncomfortable.

Good luck with your law school, gun hunt, and always be cognizant of where you can carry legally and your responsibilities.

Oh, and I have yet to come across someone who said that .45ACP in a 1911 is inadequate for HD.

[jwkimber45]

In that price range take a hard look at the HK USP line. Especially the compacts. I think you may like them. :D

[bouis]

Why I trust the .380...

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=39623&stc=1&d=1146787360

Shot that guy through a 20oz coke bottle full of water at about 15'.. expansion is about 1/2" anywhere you measure it. Works for me :)

[res1b3uq]

I'm not advising anything--just telling what I have done after about a year of concealed carry in Texas. First off, if you get caught with a pistol in a class your law degree will be over. I started off with a Llama .380, just because I had it. I replaced it with a Star PD .45 (24 oz.) because it was reasonably priced. I never had the confidence to carry the pistol with a round in the chamber because it only had the thumb safety. I have recently bought a Para P12 (25 oz.)and carry it IWB in a Mika's Iwb holster that I have modified so the gun is tilted with the barrel toward the rear. It disappears under a T-shirt. I do wear long undershirts under the T to keep the holster from rubbing. I carry the Para cocked & locked, and have complete confidence in the 1911 action.

[RodneyKSig]

Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it. I am glad to have experienced shooters as a resource via THR. Yesterday, I shot my buddy's Springfield XD Service Model(?) (the four inch barrel one). His was a 9mm, but I found it fit my hand the best out of any pistol I have ever used. The trigger safety took a little bit of getting used to, but once I got the hang of it, it wan't so hard. I put about 100 rounds through it, and it felt very controllable. Furthermore, I could fit the whole pistol in my cargo shorts front pocket, or one of the leg pockets. If I wear a long shirt, it disappears. I guess all I need to find is a pocket holster for it, and I will be set. I can then spend the rest of my money on ammo and training.:)

[MCgunner]

wear a cotton undershirt

:what: Only if you never intend to leave the comfort of air conditioning in summer. :D

Heck, I can't even wear a light vest in summer to cover a bulge. It's quite opressive when it hits 100 degrees and the humidity ain't far behind. Ts only for me, please.

[res1b3uq]

The undershirt absorbs sweat. Runs cooler. I don't even have an air conditioner in my old truck.

[The_Shootist]

I shot my last range test for my CHL with a Glock 19 - and it is close to being my primary carry for "summer" CCW (ie about 9 mos of the year here!). Its accurate, concealable in an IWB rig (even with 2 standard caps on the belt) and the manual of arms is favorable to Texas CCW post Katrina (gang bangers approach, take cover, draw fast and shoot if needed by simply pulling the trigger :o ).

I like carrying my Mak in my pocket as well along with 2 backup mags. Its just that the G19's higher capacity is likely more appropriate to the threat level we see today in the Houston area.

[The_Shootist]

As a side note, I handled an HK compact (.45 version) and it just seemed TOO BIG for usual CCW carry.

I thought of buying one (especially after the movie "Collateral" :evil: ) but they just seemd to bulky, compared to the G19 or similiar sized pistols.

[MCgunner]

The undershirt absorbs sweat. Runs cooler. I don't even have an air conditioner in my old truck.

Where's the sweat going when the air is saturated???? I'd be like a walkin' swimmin' pool. LOL! Am, anyway, with a T. But, most days when I'm workin', it's outside maybe if I'm lucky under the shade of a pole barn type structure. I'm thinkin' of dumpin' that gig once I build up enough business at my home shop, though. Save me a bunch of commuting expense, too. My shop here has an AC in it. :D

[Texas Bob]

What does not seem heavy "at the range" may be a different story after 10 hours. Pocket carry wearing jeans, a Rohrbaugh R9s. If wearing "cargo" or "Docker stlye" pants a Kahr PM9. IWB with sweat dripping down you a Kahr P9 in a Blade-tech holster will do. When cooler weather arrives(Dec-Mar) a BHP in a VMII under the jacket will do. Always "as a young man" wear clean clothes, washed hair, and be clean shaven or have your facial hair "neat". LEO will preceive you as one of the "good guys" as will any witnesses that see you if you are ever "in that position." Good luck.:)

[MCgunner]

Yep, Texas Bob, through much wearing of hardware I've decided that about 24-25 ounces unloaded IWB is my limit. Much beyond that and it just ain't an all day gun. I think the SP101 would push the limits. Better than a heavy autoloader because it only carries 5 rounds loaded, but about the limit. The 15 ounce or so little Taurus 85UL or the Kel Tec's 15 ounces with magazine are not a problem.

That might vary with build or what not. Some folks claim to carry a full size 1911 all day. More power to 'em. I know it's flat and hides well, but 40 ounces? Not for me, thanks. I have a Milt Sparks summer special, too, so don't pull the comfortable leather thing on me. :D

[HankB]

A few suggestions . . . beware of small polymer pistols. Now, some of them work fine, but both Kahr and KelTec have produced (and it would seem are still producing) a high percentage of "Jammamatics."

Don't buy a new design pistol until you've read SEVERAL reviews at forums like The High Road, The Firing Line, and GlockTalk. These forums are more reliable "real world" indicators than any gun rag.

Here are my choices for concealed carry.

1. Browning Mk III High Power in a Milt Sparks Versa-Max II holster meant for a 1911. With Spegel grips it's quite ergonomic for people with smallish hands, the manual of arms is simple, it's a natural pointer, and it's reliable with the Remington 115 JHP +P I carry it with. Removing the magazine disconnect was a 5-minute job and greatly improves the trigger pull.

2. Glock 26 in a Comp-Tac CTAC holster. Glocks are a little too chunky for me to carry in a pocket, so an adjustable IWB holster is just the ticket. I use Speer Gold Dot 115 JHP +P+ ammo in this pistol. Carried IWB, a G19 would probably be just as concealable, with more rounds, and easier to shoot well to boot.

3. S&W 340SC in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. Disappears in the pocket of cargo shorts or khakis, most jeans pockets don't work well. Gave this revolver a trigger job myself, "fixed" the lock, and added a set of Crimson Trace LG-305 laser grips. Loaded with Winchester 145 grain Silvertip .357 hollowpoints, it's my "always" gun . . . anywhere it's legal, I "always" have it unless I'm carrying (1) or (2) above. Only downside is it's attention-getting recoil.

[MCgunner]

My KT P11 hasn't jammed in 9 years and I bought it in the first year of production.:rolleyes: Never done anything to it, but load it, shoot it, and clean it afterwards.

http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi#10

Any manufacturer will produce a turkey once in a while. At least KT backs their stuff well. Check the above site if you want some idea of Kel Tec the company or the products.

I cannot speak for Kahr, cause I've never owned one. But, I don't know of anyone that bought a hundred of 'em and had a "high percentage of jammamatics.":rolleyes:

[bigmike45]

The XD is a great choice for a carry weapon. I don't know about the 9mm but my XD45 4" Service Model is all I need.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/XD45wLIGHT2.jpg

[bigmike45]

Other than my XD45 I have two "plastic" pistols. A KelTec P11 in 9mm and my favorite a Taurus PT-145 in 45acp. I have put several thousand rounds through both without any problems. I carry the Taurus daily in my pant pocket and it literally disappears. It backs up all my 1911's and the XD45.

The days of the junky plastic pistols has come and gone!!!

[TX1911fan]

I have the S&W 340PD and love it. Carry it and a couple speed strips everywhere. I'd love to give it a trigger job, though. Hank, what did you do?

[HankB]

I have the S&W 340PD . . . I'd love to give it a trigger job, though. Hank, what did you do?TX1911fan, I suggest you get Jerry Miculek's DVD titled, appropriately enough, Trigger Job. This little instructional gem has a wealth of information from basic disassembly (for example, you do NOT pry off the sideplate, you "walk" it off by tapping on the frame while you're holding the revolver in your hand) to smoothing out the parts. It tells you which parts you can stone the heck out of, and what parts you should leave strictly alone.

It assumes what you have is basically a good gun, and that you don't have any real problems that need to be repaired or corrected.

Miculek works on a K-frame, and there are a couple of significant differences between it and a J-frame, but once you watch the DVD a time or two you'll be able to pick up on these yourself.

The only cautions I have to offer is that first, if you remove the cylinder bolt from it's position inside the frame BEWARE of the teeny tiny spring which loads it. If it gets away from you, you'll have a devil of a time finding it. Second, don't put in lighter springs - J-frames, especially those carried for protection, don't have the excess force available that larger revolvers do in their lockwork.Third - don't overdo it and get carried away with your buffing.

A real "pro" would probably do a better action tune than I did, but overall, the improvement in my gun after I worked on it is very noticeable.

[bigdaddyb]

I carry a S&W 1911Sc. Commander sized 1911's are great carry guns. In an auto, thin is in. S&W J-frame revolvers are a choice you can't go wrong with.

Quality gun leather can not be underestimated in this discussion. Buy quality. You won't regret it. I'm a huge fan of High Noon for my belt holsters and Milt Sparks for IWB.

Quality leather doesn't cost much more than buying Galco at the local gun store. The comfort and reliability differences are massive.

Sorry for deviating the topic, but I felt this shouldn't be left out of the 'what to carry' discussion.

[LiquidTension]

Recommendations for small revolvers and pocket pistols are great for carry but not so great for a HD gun. A good compromise between carry and HD is a commander size 1911. They're flat, and not horribly heavy if you get one with an alloy frame. I've carried a Pro Carry almost every day for 5 years and have never been encumbered by the weight. If you can afford to get a pocket gun and a HD gun, by all means do so. A Keltec for carry ($260) and an XD ($525) for home and you're right at $800.

If you can only get one, I recommend getting the carry gun since you have scatterguns at home already for HD.

[Plainmark]

Shoot everything. ... then buy what you like and carry it. Build the clothes or the purse around the gun.. not visa versa...

I carry a 14-45 LDA Para.. that is a double stack full sized .45 if you did not know. In every situation for which I have trained, I can nail every target consistently with this machine.

Style and comfort mean ZERO when you need confidence!

plain
:cool: