[Mad Magyar]

During the hot months, and it does get hot in the Southwest, the heat can be debilitating. If you add humidity to the mix like in other parts of the country, down right agony. I usually find myself grabbing the .380 for comfort and concealment rather than some of the larger bores…Even without a sport coat or long shirt; this is one pistol you can place in a pocket or holster w/o getting a hernia and tell-tale sag in the britches..:rolleyes:
Much attention has been made about a piece should “be comforting and not comfortable” as if this axiom has to be taken for granted. When you think about what gun makers are putting out for the public; it makes you wonder.
The prolific downsizing and streamlining are all geared to the fast growing CCW market who are demanding some lgt wght comfort besides snag-free unholstering. I will agree with most that a .380 is about the lowest one should go for some decent firepower and protection, especially with all the PD ammo out there.
Is bigger better? Probably, as long as shot placement are somewhat equalized. Perhaps, my scenario fits my lifestyle and not others. Just a thought about the upcoming “Summer-Time Blues”. Do you downsize in the summer? :scrutiny:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q148/veritas2369/PPKconceal001.jpg

[19-3Ben]

yup. I too go from a .357mag to a .380ACP. Although I can still sometimes pull off the .357mag

[Zonamo]

Yep. Old Pueblo Summer = Colt Mustang Pocketlite.

And that buckle and watchband you're wearin' is gonna give you third degree burns in June. :evil:

[Eightball]

When I have the money and a decent rig, I plan on picking up a PPK .380/derivative for summer. Comforting/comfortable/whatever, the emphasis on CCW is "Concealed," and if you can't conceal it without causing a personal heat stroke/spontaneous combustion during the summer months, you need something smaller so you can wear it and not sweat to death.

Though, I don't think black jeans are good to keep the heat off of you, either.

[camper]

Colt Pocketlite or Khar PM9.

[lance22]

I'm transitioning from my 4 inch 1911 to my Kahr P40. Now that the lakes are unfroze I can say it's summer.

[PRazz]

I also agonize about carrying in the summer heat/humidity and recently switched from a .45 to a .45(not typo). Actually I didn't downsize just changed the materials for my summer carry. I chose to get a PT145 Pro, another .45 for redundancy and preference and as much as I hate plastic and stainless I figured it was either that or risk getting my blued Kimber all rusty. I've also started wearing undershirts in summer and that is working out great for keeping it dry.

[Catalina]

I move from under the coat OWB carry of a steel gun to IWB or Galco Belly Band of a plastic gun.

Sometimes a .380 or J-Frame in a pocket.

For swim trunks and a T or no shirt it's travel/shoulder bag carry a la
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/hkp7/File%201/BeaconIILG.jpg

[GVMan]

Yep, I will be wearing the S&W J-frame 642 "when" it gets hot here in Michigan.

[sfmittels]

During Arizona summers (which last six months), most people wear shorts. This year, I bought two pairs of 5.11 brand shorts, and I carry a Glock 27 in the pocket inside a DeSantis Nemesis holster. Fully loaded, it's a bit heavy, but the 5.11s hold it fine. I have an order placed for a customized Kahr PM9 that should work even better in the same role.

In the winter, I usually have carried the same Glock but in a OWB holster. But I recently acquired a SIG P229 Elite in .40 that I think will take over that role next winter. The Glock is good, but the SIG is elegant.

[chris in va]

Switch from my P220 to the P11. This year though I'm installing the belt clip instead of using the fat IWB holster.

[The_Shootist]

Summer = Mak or P-32 / pocket carry
Winter = Glock 19 / 1911 / IWB carry

Although winter is kind of a misnomer here in SE Texas - some cold days true, but usually at worst its sweater weather. Often I end up carrying my Mak almost all year round.

[Phaetos]

Actually this year, I moved up. I went from my Bersa .380 to an XD9-SubCompact :rolleyes: Though I will be getting a Kel-Tec PF9 or PF-11 if I can find one, if not then the P3-AT.

[jeepmor]

I'd select a Kahr PM40 personally, but I like big bores and that one is pretty small. But for now, it's my S&W CS40 or my Taurus PT145, both fit fine in my shorts with leg pockets that I just can't recall the name of at the moment.

[Ala Dan]

S&W 642, KEL-TEC P3AT, Seecamp LWS-32, or a Kahr CW9~! :scrutiny: ;) :D

[GaryArkansas]

Bersa Thunder 380 with Winchester Silvertips

[JohnBT]

As soon as I shoot it a little more I'll be moving up from a P-32 and/or 442 to a used Rohrbaugh 9s.

John

[ARTiger]

S&W 642 in a Mika's pocket holster for me. Although am looking for a KelTec P3AT for when we start hitting triple digit temps (with humidity). Sometimes a Walther P99c or Taurus PT 140 Pro if I can get away with IWB. Fall/winter carry was a Glock 29 which I just sold. Gives me the whole summer and fall to shop for a CCW rig before it gets cold again (November here).

[Walkalong]

NAA .22 Mag. Thinking of getting a Kel-Tec. :)

[ravencon]

Yes and no.

I often pocket carry an Airlite snubby in summer. But, just as often, I carry a bigger gun than in cooler weather since it is very easy to conceal when wearing an untucked, square cut shirt. Easier access than when under layers of of heavy clothing.

[3rdpig]

No, not me. I made up my mind after failing to find one semi auto smaller than my Glock 26 that meets my criteria for a main carry weapon, that I would not downsize to a tiny auto of dubious reliability, accuracy or power (or all 3).

This summer it's either going to be the Glock 26 or the J frame 38. Those little autos and tiny .22 revolvers may be fine as BUGs, but IMHO, they're insufficient in just about every way possible as main carry guns. Comfort ain't that important.

[ArchAngelCD]

.

[obxned]

Hot weather - P3AT!

[Nomad, 2nd]

Carrying the same 45 and 357, in the same way, that I do all year long.

[Lobotomy Boy]

Anyone here bought a PF9 yet? I'm thinking about getting one to replace my 642 for pocket carry.

[Michael Courtney]

No. I don't downsize in summer. Everywhere it is legal to do so, I carry two Sig P229's, one on each hip. A light, untucked shirt serves as a sufficient cover garment.

Evil doesn't take summers off, and neither does my readiness to defend my family.

Michael Courtney

[Lobotomy Boy]

I don't feel undergunned, even when I'm just carrying my 642 with five rounds of +p in my pocket. I've never read about a single case where a civilian in a legitimate defensive shooting situation needed to fire more than five rounds. But if we ever start having problems with zombies, I want you in my corner, Mr. Courtney.;)

[jibjab]

For warm weather I carry a J frame .38 spl.

[bigmike45]

In South Central Texas, like Arizona, it gets ungodly hot and humid. I dont know if carrying my Taurus PT-145, as a primary carry instead of as a BUG with my 4" 1911 is considered downsizing. From time to time I carry either my DAO 2" Ruger SP-101 in 357mag ot my Keltec P-11 in 9mm as a pocket gun. The only shorts I wear are the Cargo style with large deep pockets......I think with the right pocket holster I could probably conceal a 5" 1911. About the only place I don't wear those shorts is to church.

bigmike45

[ATW525]

I live up north, so I don't downsize even thought it does get over 100 somedays up here. I figure that a bad guy is much more likely to be waiting around for a victim in a darkened parking lot in the middle of July than he is in the middle of January. It just doesn't make sense to downsize for the time of year that I'm most likely to need a firearm.

[Mainsail]

I've been open carrying more on the hot days. I sometimes get asked to leave, but for the most part nobody seems to notice or care.

[ZeSpectre]

During the hot months, and it does get hot in the Southwest, the heat can be debilitating. If you add humidity to the mix like in other parts of the country, down right agony.

Man can I agree with you there! In the Northern VA/DC area you get reminded every summer that this spot used to be a SWAMP. 100+ degree days and constant 85+% humidity! Add to that the fact that I seem to have two levels, dry or full sweat (sorry if that's TMI) and it can make for some real misery!

I have found my Taurus PT-140 to be very handy pretty much year round. My clothing choices allow me to carry it almost anytime even if it is in "deep concealment/slightly hard to access" in combination with some choices.

Much attention has been made about a piece should “be comforting and not comfortable” as if this axiom has to be taken for granted.

I think the notion -had- to be taken for granted when it was new, but there have been an awful lot of changes from then until now and it is just prudent to review such "commonly accepted knowledge" in light of what is currently available such as the tiny little P-3AT and other light/compact polymer guns.

[tinygnat219]

Completely agree with Zespectre, this area blows in the summer.

I will probably be downsizing, unless I can figure out an OWB holster that won't be exposed with just a T-shirt on.

[OnDuty]

Kel-Tec P3at baby! Works nice for shorts and a t-shirt.

[Michael Courtney]

I don't feel undergunned, even when I'm just carrying my 642 with five rounds of +p in my pocket. I've never read about a single case where a civilian in a legitimate defensive shooting situation needed to fire more than five rounds. But if we ever start having problems with zombies, I want you in my corner, Mr. Courtney.

Many, many civillian defensive shootings against black bears require more than 5 shots with common service calibers. The local black bears are particularly agressive right now since their normal forages are running a bit low. They have even been snatching dogs out of people's yards.

In addition, it is not uncommon for a civilian to need a back-up gun, either because the primary failed to function or the honest citizen lost possession of the primary.

Michael Courtney

[Lobotomy Boy]

I hear you there. I also spend a lot of time in black bear country. My aging parents live in northern Minnesota and I go up there at least once a month. Last year we got a night photo of one about half a mile from my folks' house that weighed 500 pounds if it weighed an ounce. Earlier that day I'd been hiking by the pond where we got the photo and when I came out of the woods that big bear had walked across the tracks I'd left 15 minutes earlier, so he wasn't too scared of me. I almost always carry a Ruger Blackhawk when I walk around up there (though I am thinking about switching to my Glock 21 with some hot Buffalo Bore ammo), but I carry that openly. When I think about carrying concealed, I think carrying in the city, where there aren't a heck of a lot of bear attacks but a whole lot of wayward urban youth attacks. For those soft-skinned critters, a .38 Special is more than adequate.

[springmom]

I go from my Kimber Ultra Carry II (which isn't exactly a hand cannon, but...) to a S&W m37. Even in winter, I use it if my clothing just does not support sufficient concealment for the Kimber. Here in Houston, I just can't bring myself to do chambray shirts over tees or some such when its 90 and 90 outside.

Springmom

[Clipper]

I recently came across a PF-9, and I'm gonna probably replace my P3AT with one for summer carry.

[vanilla_gorilla]

Do you downsize in the summer?

Yep. I go smaller, from a longsleeve shirt to a T shirt. Same full-size 1911, though.

[WolfMansDad]

No. I don't downsize.

I carried a Seecamp a few times, until I had a couple of those "Oh sh**, this is for real!" moments. The little .32 wasn't very comforting after that.

[vanilla_gorilla]

I don't feel undergunned, even when I'm just carrying my 642 with five rounds of +p in my pocket. I've never read about a single case where a civilian in a legitimate defensive shooting situation needed to fire more than five rounds. But if we ever start having problems with zombies, I want you in my corner, Mr. Courtney.

This one went 6 rounds, and easily could have gone many more.

A guy and his lady friend are walking down a street after eating a nice steak dinner on Friday night. The area is busy and the only parking available was a nice walk away, not a problem on a beautiful October night.

So the guy, who has had a lot of firearms courses notices a van slowly driving the other direction on the street. The guy notices the deep gurgling sound of the exhaust, but really doesn't think much of it. Then he notices a couple of thugs crossing the street; said GTer is uncomfortable because he and his lady friend seemed to get too much attention from the guys crossing the street. One of those "it just doesn't feel right" type of things.

So the couple continue walking toward the parking garage, when the GTer notices the gurgling sound of that van slowly passing by them. Then the GTer, who regularly uses windows to watch his 6, notices the two thugs that crossed the street coming up behind them. One of the thugs is clearly holding his right hand suspiciously around his belt buckle area. Then said GTer notices the van stopped on the side of the street just ahead and the 2 thugs behind them are getting closer.

GTer tells his lady friend that they are going to duck into any open business they see, but there were not any available. Just as they were coming up on the van, 2 ****-eaters jump out of the van and block the sidewalk. Gter draws his Kimber .45, and moves to engage the thugs 5 feet behind them; the intention was to go to low ready and size up the situation. The two from the van did not appear to be armed and one behind them was already spotted as armed.

So GTer turns and starts to shout at the two thugs on foot when the armed one begins to pull a revolver (SW .38 special). GTer, had the jump because the thugs in the rear did not see him remove his pistol from his daytimer style carry (they had been where alcohol was sold, but he did not drink).

The GTer always, always, always shoots failure drill at the range and trains at least twice a month.

As the BG #1 pulls the pistol, the GTer puts two rounds COM and moves up and puts one in the eye area. There was absolutely no reaction to the chest shots in the BG. The second thug turns to his falling comrade and tries to get his pistol, as GTer puts 2 slugs in his COM and one in the side of the head, GTer didn't know he hit BG #2 with the first 2 rounds. The second thug didn't have time to get turned around to face GTer, and didn't go down from the two to the chest, so said GTer puts one is the side of his head. Both third shots, at 5 feet, were very messy. Luckily for GTer, the second thug did get his hands on the pistol (a fact that would greatly help him in the future). So after the two in the rear were neutralized, GTer turned to check on the two from the van who had started moving his way. When GTer turned to engage them, gun at low ready, they turned and ran to the van got in and the van sped off.

The thugs were linked to other rapes and 2 abductions of similar method, and had sheets as long as your arm. (funny how that wasn't admissable in court) The thugs from the van looked more pissed than scared, and GTer would encounter them later in life. Turns out they were members of the Gangsta Disciples. The Gangsta's don't take lightly to seeing their bro.s being shot down in the street.

[Juna]

Kel-Tec P3AT works for me.

[glassman]

I carry a beretta tomcat with hydroshock jhp in my back pocket year round. It's small, light and easy to handle. I was told by a someone that "You better be able to hit me in the eye if I'm wearing a coat in winter". I just smiled and said, "OK".

[Caimlas]

*grumble* I don't know what the heck you're talking about. It was 35 or so two nights ago, and it's going to be in the low 30s again tonight.

Anyway, I don't downsize. If I'm too warm, it's because I'm wearing too much clothing, clothing which doesn't breath, and/or clothing which is too tight or the wrong color. Judging by the belt buckle and the tight black pants, you could likely be substantially more comfortable in a pair of Relaxed Fit denim jeans or slacks/khakis and a 1911 than you would with a smaller pistol in those pants. Just IMHO.

I carry the same thing year-round. Sumertime usually sees me in an IWB or maybe a map bag (or similar - blawkhawk has some nice gear right now on sale), and the fall, winter, and spring will see me in either of those combinations with the addition of a Don Hume Jit Slide holster and a light jacket or sweater (which I'll wear all the time in addition to a heavy coat).

[Caimlas]

I was told by a someone that "You better be able to hit me in the eye if I'm wearing a coat in winter". I just smiled and said, "OK".

Yeah, I've heard similar asinine remarks from detractors. Good response - "it shouldn't be a problem" might also be one such response. :P

Out here, that wouldn't be an issue. It's too cold for common crime around here in the winter. :)

vanilla_gorilla - where'd you find that article? What's GT? I'd be interested in hearing the follow-up stories (where the guy ran into the thugs again), if you know of them.

[scurtis_34471]

I frequently carry a Bersa Thunder .380 CC in a Galco Pocket Protector in the front pocket of a pair of cargo shorts. Its the perfect pocket gun for me. Its light enough and thin enough that its undetectable. Its accurate out to 25 yards and controllable enough that I can rapid fire the entire magazine through a three-inch group in the dead center of an eight-inch target at seven yards. A lot of people poo-poo the .380 round, but I can place shot at will with this gun and it points so naturally that I can hit most targets under 30 feet without sighting. Shot placement matters and the ability to fire rapidly with accuracy is not trivial. One shot with a .380 probably won't stop anyone, but I can fire 9 times in four seconds and put every round on target. I can't do that with my .40.

[Mad Magyar]

you could likely be substantially more comfortable in a pair of Relaxed Fit denim jeans or slacks/khakis

Good observation...Normally, I do wear the denim slacks where I can slip a smaller pistol w/o printing very much....This particular pic coming back from a college graduation. BTW, while entering the lobby I asked the off-duty officer in light of the VA Tech episode whether CCW would be okay...He said no, and I went back to the parking lot and left my piece in the car...
Coming back in, he mentioned that there is quite a bit of discussion concerning carry on a college campus...Hell, I don't look for trouble but would not shirk my duties as an upstanding citizen....:)

[DAdams]

Lobotomy Boy says:
Anyone here bought a PF9 yet? I'm thinking about getting one to replace my 642 for pocket carry.

Guess you haven't read those threads I recommended you read at KTOG and BERSA KelTec sites.
You may add a PF9 to your collection, but I sure as heck would not trade or sell the 642. You will kick yourself later. IMO.
It would take me a long time before I ever got to the point I would trust a PF9 with my life based on what I have read so far. I would carry both for awhile. Not kidding. It's called primary and backup. In this case I would consider the 642 as primary until I could trust the PF9 in that role.
No I have never owned one.

SFMITTELS Says
I have an order placed for a customized Kahr PM9 that should work even better in the same role.

What sort of customization F&B?

[DAdams]

Yep, lightening up for the summer. Going from a 642 to a 340. ;)

[Mandirigma]

I don't get the option of downsizing this summer. I usually do, from a Gov't model 1991 to a Glock 33.

Loaned out my G33, long story short she needs it more than I do and my 1991's are too large to fit in her purse. And before you say it, I gave her my pocket holster to prevent anything in the purse from getting caught in the trigger guard.

So I'm taking a different tack, I'm switching from my leather holsters to my kydex one. I can't stop sweating in this muggy Texas Coast humidity, but I can try to keep my leather protected.

Going to put a workout on a DLC finish and see how well it holds up with the kydex.

[scurtis_34471]

Going off Mandirigma's comment, I should probably mention that the size of the gun doesn't make much difference to the heat factor with OWB carry. I live in hot, muggly Florida and I don't find a Hawaiian shirt over a T-shirt to be all that miserably hot. I can hide ANYTHING in that way and have no trouble at all concealing a full-sized XD-40 Service.