[1911 guy]

Why did you choose your particular carry handgun? I'm not looking for the merits of action type or caliber. There's little .45's and big .380's, as well as .44 autos and 9mm revolvers, so that would be a circular argument. Question is about actual frame size.

For those who alternate or switch off carry pieces, vote based on your most frequent carry.

In the last option, I'll define disaster as losing your job, etc.

[The Bushmaster]

At 5' 7" 145 lbs I am restricted to the smaller sizes in the summer, but I carry a .357 S&W Combat Magnum in the winter and a compact 9mm X 19 in the summer. But I shoot well with both...

[TFin04]

I didn't find an answer I like. I carry the biggest gun I can shoot well and conceal well. It's an XD45 Compact. It's almost the exact same size as a G19 or G23, for those who haven't held one.

Kahr CW9 fits the bill when I need a smaller gun. I shoot it well too.

[Geno]

I carry what I shoot the best.

[HM2PAC]

I have large and small .45's to choose from. I have shot each enough to be able to say I shoot them all well.

Each new pistol goes through a "Break-In". Not that a break in is needed for the gun to be reliable, but so that my Brain/Eye/Hand knows how to use the weapon.

[jefnvk]

I bought small because it is small, but quickly found out I shoot it the best as well.

[md7]

i voted carry what i shoot best, but it would be more accurate to say that i carry what is most convenient to conceal for how i am dressed and where i am going. if i have to wear khakis and a polo with no jacket, then the sw 642 gets carried. if i wear a jacket or am able to untuck my shirt, the Glock 23 gets carried.

i shoot both well.

[FireArmFan]

I carry a P2000 and while I wouldn't say that it's a small gun, I wouldn't really call it big either compared to some others.

[hceptj]

what I shoot best...

[flounder22]

2nd. gen. Kel-Tec P-3AT. for me. In the front pocket it disappears and up close, it will get the job done. If we could open carry in Alabama, I would go as big as I could get.

[simpleguy]

Full size S&W M&P .40.....it's what I have, I shoot it well, it's neither big nor small.......the key.....I know I wouldn't want to be on the business end of the Hornady TAP it delivers.

[Walkalong]

3" 1911... because it's a .45 and I shoot it very well.

Seecamp .32... Because the big gun you leave at home is worthless and this is easy to toss in a pocket and go.

NAA .22 mag... Same reason as the Seecamp.

[mljdeckard]

I roll my eyes at the industry and the magazines trying to convince us we can't carry full-size handguns. They're manufacturing a false sense of need.

Bigger guns have less recoil. Longer guns have a better sight radius. CARRY WHAT YOU SHOOT BEST.

[Black Majik]

I carry a P2000 because it's the smallest big gun I was willing to go. It's the only compact pistol I own and serves it's purpose well for what it is. It also fits my hand really well and is a pleasure to shoot.

[lawboy]

66-2 3-inch most of the time, in an IWB.
19-3 2.5-inch a lot of the time, in an IWB.
Colt Agent 2-inch increasingly, in an IWB or pocket carry.

The K Frame magnums are awesome guns, I shoot them well and they are no trouble to carry all day. The Colt is just so damn handy and still holds six. It gets the nod when I have to wear a suit or be in social settings where lightweight clothing and the need to remove a jacket are the order of the evening. I shoot it fine too.

[PX15]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_6811_01.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_6907.jpg


My wife and I have found for both of us the Seecamp LWS32 is small and concealable enough we can carry them almost anyplace, anytime.

We are both senior citizens, living in a rural area with a very low crime rate.. Or, our "threat level" is extremely small.

Our primary concern is stumbling into a "stop 'n rob" at our local convenience store and having some gang banger tell us to "step into the cooler". :uhoh::uhoh:

That's simply not gonna happen.:scrutiny:

I do have an LWS380 on order and if I find I can shoot it well despite the higher recoil and drama associated with the 380 rd. in a firearm as small as a Seecamp I will use that for my daily cc. If not, I'll just go back to the old faithful LWS32.

When we are traveling I usually take along my Walther 9mm P99c/AS as my cc first choice, but even then still cc the Seecamp also.

Best Wishes,

J.Pomeroy

[CoRoMo]

Needed a choice of "Largest practical CCW I can carry".
Kel Tec P11 because it goes in the pocket nicely.
I will be moving up to a XC 45acp once I get a IWB holster for winter clothes.

[mnw42]

The only practical carry gun I have is my COBRA so I carry that 99% of the time. Every once and while I carry my 1908 Pocket Hammerless or one of my .45s.

[BRASSM]

I either carry a 9mm Browning Hi-Power with two extra magazines, or a .357Mag. S&W13 with four speedloaders.

[mjrodney]

Smith & Wesson Airweight Model 638 in a pocket holster.....on the way are Crimson Trace Laser grips to round out the package.

+p power, lightweight, reliable, disappears in the pocket.

[DMK]

The gun I shoot best is a huge, 6" barreled .357 Magnum N-frame Model 28. The gun I carry is a lightweight 2" barreled .38 Special J-frame Model 642.

So yea, I chose the CCW because it's small. There's no way I can conceal the Model 28 and even if I could, it's so inconveniently large and heavy, I'd probably leave it behind a lot. The 642 disappears in a pocket and I forget I have it with me until I go to stick my hand in my pocket.

[Mac45]

I carry a 1911. Not because it's "big", but because I haven't found anything that I can conceal as well.

[Cosmoline]

I carry what I shoot best, within reason. For me that's a Speed Six or a Detective Special or both. I've found most handguns under 20 oz. or so aren't worth diddly in a pinch. Even with .32 ACP I'd much rather have a Walther PP than a little plastic job that barely fits in my hand.

IMHO the old ones got it right to begin with. The 20 oz .38 Special or .32 ACP is ideal, and a magnum should be closer to 30 oz. minimum. They should be big enough to get a proper grip and most of all they should flow into the hand and give you a natural sight picture the second they're up. Ergonomics are vital.

If I could figure out how to reliably conceal a Bisley Vaquero I'd carry that. As it is I often carry it in a backpack.

[possum]

there are 2 guns that i carry regularly that is a sc xd .40 and a kahr k-40. i picked the kahr because of size, and they shoot great and are reliable, and they are perfect for summertime carry with shorts and t shirt.

i picked the xd sc because i own a service model .40 xd and i love it but i wanted the same manual of arms and since it was so used to the xd series already it only made sense to go with the sc. i carry it in all weather, and seasons, plus being able to use the full size mags is a great advantage and i carry 2 reloads. 9rd in the sc with 2 12rd mags as reloads.

[glockman19]

There wasn't really a choice for what i carry. I carry a S&W 642/442 Pocket carry, regularly along with a Glock 26 IWB when dress permits.

[skud_dusty]

I carry a Glock 19 when clothing allows. When it doesn't, I throw my P64 in my pocket with a reload. If I'm feeling frisky, I'll carry both.

I carry the Glock because 15+1 rounds of easily concealable 9x19 is quite a bit of firepower. The P64 allows me very deep concealment, but it still a potent round. I've got 12+1 on tap with a reload. I can shoot both enough to be "combat accurate."

[carnaby]

I didn't see an answer there I liked either. I carry my 5" 1911 when I can, and something smaller when I have to for whatever reason.

[Dustinthewind]

:) 3 inch 1911 of course:)

I chose the Springfield 3" G.I. for a number of reasons.
First I like 1911's. Second I like .45's and I find the compact guns easier to conceal in different applications. The S A G.I. is made of steel and it is heavy to carry, but the extra weight helps control recoil allowing for a quicker aimed second shot. Also the S A is a well made pistol for the price, about half the cost of my Colt Defender so if it is lost, stolen or confiscated it is cheaper to replace. It is not my most accurate pistol, but it is the pistol that I shoot the most.

[BlindJustice]

The one I shoot best, Full size 1911 in a
Milt Sparks Axiom although I haven't gone
through a summer with it yet.

Datum Point: 6'4" 185 lbs

[Ala Dan]

"I carry what I shoot best, regardless of size"~! ;) :D

[ArchAngelCD]

I carry a J frame revolver because it's small and light but I practice a lot so that I do shoot it well.

[ashtxsniper]

95% of the time I carry full size handguns. I believe in being prepared for the worst. My carry weapons are as follows.
Glock 17 9mm
Glock 20 10mm
EAA Witness 10mm
Springfield XD 5" Tactical 45 acp
H&K USP 40 S&W
Sig 226 357 sig/40 S&W
Sig 229 357 sig?40 S&W
Berreta 92 9mm
Kahr P40 40 S&W
Bersa Thunder 380
Ruger SP101 357 mag
S&W 686 357 mag

[phast12]

I carry a BHP I can conceal the gun all year round and I can shoot it well.

[El Tejon]

I carry a big, flat gun (1911) because it conceals well.

How the weapon carries depends on the holster and belt. Buy a good holster AND belt from the same company. No, Seth and Jarrod, put away the belt from the Gap or A&F, go spend the iPhone money on good gear.:)

Guys carry these itty, bitty guns and then are amazed that they cannot shoot them or manipulate them. Go figure.:rolleyes:

Carry a big gun, learn to carry it properly. Ejumakashun is always the answer.:D

[The Canuck]

No CCW up here yet, but I felt I could contribute to this thread. I am of the humble opinion that the best carry piece is the one you can use best. I can go into shot placement and "stopping power" and all that other stuff, but the members of this board are already intimately familiar with these concepts. What it comes down to is stopping the badguy without hurting anybody else. You own every bullet outta your gun, be sure it does not go into the innocents. To this end it is not just shot placement, but proficiency of operation (handling) in all circumstances, not just when you're pointing it at the BG. So I voted for, "I carry what I shoot best, regardless of size".

[cookekdjr]

Did not vote, but I carry a .40 caliber subcompact because:
1) Its small enough to carry concealed.
2) Its a proven manstopper.
If I could carry a slighter larger gun I'd carry a G19 as it has a huge capacity for relatively small size. But alot of the time I have to pocket carry and a subcompact is better suited for that role. Since the subcompact size limits my capacity, I carry a larger caliber. Might not be the best logic but its how I got where I am.
-David

[Nightcrawler]

Well, it depends. I sometimes carry my 642 because I use a pocket holster and can carry it regardless of what I'm wearing, so long as I have a pants pocket.

I prefer a belt gun, and have a 3" S&W M29 for that. I almost never carry my Colt Gov't Model.

I don't have any trouble concealing a full-sized gun. All in all I'd have to say carry what you're comfortable with. It's a fine balance between ease of carrying and ease of shooting. Remember that very small guns like snubby revolvers and micro-automatics are the most difficult guns to shoot well and require extra practice.

One personal opinion: unless you're pocket carrying, there's no reason for a snubby or a micro-automatic. These are specialized guns. If you're going to use a proper belt and a proper holster, get a proper gun to go with it. Nothing less than a 3" barrel and a grip that allows you a proper hold on the weapon. Short barrels are over-rated for carry; hiding a gun butt is a lot harder than hiding an extra inch of barrel.

[Pilot]

I choose a balance between what I can shoot really well and concealibilty. There are a number of compact pistols that fit this area without compromise in accuracy and firepower. I prefer a CZ-75D PCR in 9MM for this role.

[MassMark]

I chose none of your options - no offense. My reasons for carrying a Smith and Wesson 642CT after 20-years of carrying 1911's, (there was a Glock phase too), was multi-faceted.

First, I bought the 642CT initially for my wife who had just completed a handgun safety course. After I had paid the money and ordered the gun, she decided that she did not want to have anything to do with CCW and bought a can of pepper spray....Oh well. Initially, I was going to cancel the order, but if you know me, once I buy it - I must shoot it. ;) I also joined The 642 Club and did a ton of reading and began to rethink my carry options.

My first range trip was disappointing, my second was no so much. Subsequent range trips were just a blast, (pun intended). Then I was hooked and began buying 38-Special like a crackhead buys rocks.... :p

I also did a lot of reading on street-level CCW confrontations and quickly realized that most, (if not all), are not wild west shoot-outs from across the street. They are up close and personal, (0-5 feet) and generally involve 1-3 rounds. I chuckled to myself about my "Glock Phase" - when I carried a G22 and four 15-round magazines... :) What was I planning for?

Then I began to carry the 642 in my front pocket, bought a belt rig or two and finally got a Mika Round Cut. After more range time, I carried my 642CT full time and have not looked back....My beloved ParaCarry is lonely and up for sale - it feels like a brick now compared to the 642. With Speer 135gr +P GDHP's on board and 5 on deck, I feel more than adequately prepared for any likely confrontations and don't have to dress myself for the street, (rigs, shirts, belts, IWB, OWB, spare mag placement). I just drop the 642 in my front pocket and go....It's a whole new world....I thought it was going to be tough after 20-years of carrying a Colt Officers, then a Defender, then a ParaCarry - but it really wasn't. If anything, it was very freeing....

[Ditto_95]

I carry what I shoot best.
1911 in an IWB leather holster on a proper belt.
The whole idea for cc is for protection. Why would someone carry for conveinence? Carry to protect your life. It should be natural to point, aim and fire the weapon you carry.

[Autolycus]

If I was allowed to carry it would be an HK P2000sk. Possibly an HK P2000 depending on clothing and where I am going. It really depends on what the current situation is.

[Vern Humphrey]

My criteria for a defensive handgun are:

1. Reliability -- it has to go bang! every time you pull the trigger. If it doesn't, it's just a funny-looking club.

2. Shootability -- that is, performance in my hands, including the ability to rapidly reload and perform immediate action drills. Or to put it another way, when it goes bang! and you do your part, you should reasonably expect a hit.

3. Effectiveness. A .22 short might be very shootable, but when your life may be hanging on a single hit, only vaguely where you tried to place it, power is nice to have.

4. Concealability.

A quality M1911 -- like my Kimber Classic (old style) fills those requirements very nicely.

[fiVe]

I carry a S&W 642 in a Mika round-cut pocket holster because this configuration suits me and my mode of dress the best.

[1911 guy]

Alright, thanks for the participation. It's been interesting. The poll is open for a few more days, we'll see if the results skew in a different direction by then. Probably not.

First of all, mine was the first vote, "I carry what I shoot best, regardless of size". That happens to be a five inch Government Model in .45 auto. The only other handgun I've ever carried CCW was an old .44-40 revolver. I was a kid and it went into either my lunchbox or winter coat pocket. Holsters are much handier!

THR being the collection of shooters it is, I'm pleasantly surprised to find that more than half carry guns that they can use well.

I'm not going to rag on those who carry small because they have to. Something beats nothing.

We did get one vote for "Big gun, just because". I wonder if it was sarcasm, or if there was a reason that would make sense if explained.

The second most popular choice was a small gun, just because it's small. I don't want to comment too much and offend people I don't mean to, but who chooses any other safety equipment because it's the smallest you can get? I bought the biggest fire extinguisher I could for my kitchen.

My nagging question in the back of my mind was answered, thank you all. I was seeing many adds and write ups of smaller guns for carry. The point they made was in todays culture, manner of dress, etc., carrying fullsize guns is going away. They may be right, pocket guns are gaining ground.

[MassMark]

Had I never purchased the 642CT for my wife, I'd still be carrying my ParaOrdinance 6.45 and likely would have forever. It wasn't solely about "convenience" - though that now is a part of it. I carried a 1911 in one form or another for half my life and am not in a position to change anyone's mind - nor would I try to if I were. For me personally, I found a better way and do not feel undergunned in the slightest. If anything, I feel more prepared for realistic street-level confrontations....YMMV

[massglockman]

in the summer i carry a glock 27 with extreme shocks and federal hyroshocks but in the winter i switch to either a glock 30 or my para-ordnance warthog with 230 gr fmj mixed with 230 fedeal hydroshocks both for their size and capabilities>

[kgpcr]

I carry a Taurus 617S 7 shot .357 snubie or a Smith M&P40. the snubie is great for pocket carry

[moooose102]

i am carrying my taurus pt24/7 45acp. it;s the only pistol i own with any real stopping power. my other pistol is a walther p22. my wife has a taurus 24/7-.40 s&w. we originally did not purchase them for ccw. my next will be smaller / lighter, hopefully with an exposed hammer. actually, a walther p22 is the perfect gun, if it was a 45acp, 10mm, 40s&w, or something close. i wouldnt want to downsize to a 380 or 32, i want more knockdown power than one of the smaller calibers.

[Papaster]

I like guns that fit my hand. I have a little 5-shot revolver, but rarely carry it. I've got two mid-sized guns that I switch back and forth between, one 9mm, the other .45acp. I don't like carrying small guns for two reasons: short barrels, and small (also short) grips. I need a home for all my fingers, and enough barrel to burn the powder and change as much PE to KE as possible before the bullet goes off on its own. I am even thinking of replacing my midsize guns (or at least the one with the shorter barrel) with a full-size. I don't want to find my firepower lacking on the worst day of my life, just because carrying a big gun was hard or uncomfortable.

[PX15]

FWIW:

As I mentioned in a previous post my wife and I carry our Seecamps (LWS32's) as primary cc 99% of the time.

When we venture out into scary country, I augment my LWS32 with one of several larger firearms, depending on the situation.

A favorite easily concealed duo is my LWS32 & Walther P99c/AS.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_6832.jpg

IF I a traveling and think more capacity is comforting I add my full size P99/AS with the LWS32. The P99/AS offers 15+1 (or 16+1) capacity.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_6808.jpg

And then sometimes when I'm just walking my dog nearby I'll just slip my S&W 638 Airweight Bodyguard w/CT Lasergrips on it. It's light, handy, (it's my wifes "hidy in the kitchen revolver").;)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_6347.jpg

Just options.

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy

[Lonestar49]

...

As I voted, what I shoot best with..


Ls

Beretta, Colt, SA EMP

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc306/Lonestar49/Picture246.jpg

[Mat, not doormat]

I lied. I voted for "I carry what I shoot best, regardless of size." I actually carry what I shoot secod best, regardless of size. I have a lot more rounds downrange with a SAA than anything else. Trouble is that an SAA is a pretty big gun to tote around and only get five rounds, followed by a slow and fumble prone reloading process. So I go for second best, that being a gubmint sized 1911.

~~~Mat

[arflattop]

I'd carry the 1911 if I thought I could conceal it. I'm 6' and 215 lbs and live in t-shirts and jeans in the summer. I just haven't found a way to comfortably conceal a large frame auto. Any of you "big guns" care to share your carry rigs with me? I've bought some 5.11 tactical gear, but I don't see concealing anything larger than my SP101.

[1911 guy]

It can be done, I've done it. Get a good IWB holster. Several makers have good options. Carry the gun behind the point of your hip, the grip fits near the small of your back, aiding concealment.

Get your T shirts one size bigger, unless you're already wearing them loose. Get relatively stiff material, no cheap two dollar shirts, the thin cotton prints badly. Dark colors help, also. Prints or designs, even just logos on the front/back help, it draws peoples eyes away from your waistline.

Don't bother with a "tuckable" for a 1911. Your shirt will have to be bloused out so much you'll look like a Cossack dancer. Get a holster with a foreward cant, it lessens the length of the grip along your waist.