Choose 3 concealed carry guns and explain

[B yond]

My county limits concealed carry to 3 weapons, so I've carefully chosen the weapons I carry to try and cover all the bases. If you were facing similar limitations, which 3 weapons would you choose and why?

Here's mine:

Primary - Bersa Thunder 380 (.380 auto) - compact and concealable, yet very easy to control and shoot accurately.

Secondary - Ruger p345 (.45 auto) - For those times I want more firepower (like hiking in bear country).

Back-up / Deep Concealment - NAA Mini-Revolver (.22 Magnum) - When I can't get away with anything larger. Doubles as a snake gun when fishing/hiking.

[rcmodel]

Kel-Tec P3AT for all-the-time 24/7 carry with any clothes & BUG with other guns.

S&W 36 Chiefs Special or 49 Bodyguard for when clothing allows it.

Colt 1911, or Colt .45 SAA, or S&W .44 Special, or S&W 19 .357 for woods bumming & open carry. (CCI-Speer shot-loads in rattlesnake country)

rcmodel

[ronwill]

Primary: Kimber Ultra Carry .45 - Easily concealable, plenty of stopping power.

Alternate: S&W SW9F Sigma 9mm - Concealable, full capacity magazine (17 rnds.), easy to handle.

Back-up: Anything you consider reliable.

[crebralfix]

1) Glock 19/23/32

Conceals very well, excellent balance between capacity, size, concealability, and shootability.

2) Glock 26/27/33

Excellent concealment, very controllable. Glock 19/23/32 and 17/22/31 magazines work in it, so you can carry both guns without different spare magazines. Holsters for the mid-szie will work with the mini-Glock.

3) Kahr PM9 or MK9 (plastic frame/steel frame)

Very small, single stack. I prefer semi-autos over revolvers because a semi-auto is much easier to reload. Magazines are flat and easier to carry.

Note: Substitute the S&W M&P or the Springfield XD for the Glocks.

---------------------

1) S&W Model 27 (Lew Horton model with 3.5" barrel. Standard model with 4" barrel isn't a PC gun)

8x357 Magnum with many features, including Performance Center (PC) trigger job, dual lockup, chamfered charge holes, and cut for moonclips.

2) Ruger SP101

Either 5x357 Magnum or 6x327 Federal. I'd go with the three inch barrel for more controllability.

3) S&W J-Frame (any model) in 38 Special +P

Small, easy to carry. Ammo is like high performance 9x19mm.

------------------

1) Custom 1911 by any high end manufacturer with 5" barrel

Commonly carried and it can be a quality gun. You get a variety of features and many calibers are available.

2) Custom 1911 Officers model

Example: Colt Defender or Kimber Ultra series

Short grip costs you one or two rounds in the magazine, but it's smaller and easier to conceal.

3) S&W J-Frame

Common backup gun.

[Matt-J2]

Ruger SP101 3" .357
S&W 36 2" .38spc
Ruger LCP/NAA Guardian .32 or .380/other pocket auto

Oop, forgot to explain!

The SP-101 can be loaded with all sorts of ammo, fired comfortably(ie-practiced with often), IWBs fairly well, and not too heavy.
The S&W m36 is a great size for pocket or IWB, handles nicely, not too bad to practice with the right loads.
LCP or other pocket auto is light enough for anytime carry and fits just about anywhere you want to put it. It's there as a main carry when you don't want to carry anything else, and it's there as a backup gun when you have one of the others.

I might sneak a Walther PPS 9mm in there somewhere, possibly in place of the pocket auto. I think with one of it's small mags it might even work in that role, with a larger mag for IWB days.

[FEG]

S&W 638 Airweight Bodyguard x3

The S&W 642 would also merit consideration.

Seriously, you would be better off with two specimens of the same model than having three CCW handguns.

IMHO, The S&W aluminum J frames are the only adequate handguns that can always be carried, any time/any place.

[Rmart30]

Keltec P32....... S&W 642...... Springfield XD45.

[Old School]

1.) Ruger P345
2.) SP101
3.) S&W J frame 38 special for the pocket.

[MrAnteater]

Primary - IWB or belt holster. Glock 23 or Sig 229 (minimum .40 caliber HP's)
Backup - IWB or ankle rig - Glock 26, Sig 239 (minimum 9mm+P HP)
Pocket - Kel Tec P32 (.32 FMJ) or P3AT (.380 FMJ) or S&W J frame (.38+P with HP)

[skinewmexico]

Kel Tec is tough to beat for deep concealment.

[mb419]

Just a question; how does your county limit the number of guns you can carry? How do they know what you have? I'm not trying to be funny or anything, I've just never heard of that before.

[B yond]

Just a question; how does your county limit the number of guns you can carry? How do they know what you have? I'm not trying to be funny or anything, I've just never heard of that before.

You can only carry weapons that are listed on your permit (you must qualify via accuracy test with each). You are only allowed 3 weapons on your permit at any time.

I can understand the accuracy qualification, but I don't see why there's a limit to how many you can have on the permit.

[GBExpat]

Just another way of letting you know who the boss is.

[RandomMan]

1) Colt D-Frame or Smith and Wesson J-Frame (I have an aluminum D-Frame).
2) Colt D-Frame or Smith and Wesson J-Frame (yes two of them).
3) A full size pistol in 9mm, .357 Magnum, or .45 ACP. I would choose one of the following: Browning Hi-Power, 4" .357 Mag revolver a Colt, Smith and Wesson, or Ruger, and excellent brand of 1911 .45.

Two J or D-Frame guns, because they're easy to conceal, powerful, and reliable. The full size handgun for when you can carry it and it's more powerful.

-Rob

[hobgob]

Kimber Pro Carry TLE II with laser grips. good carry length, good primary weapon with excellent aiming mechansim. night sights and laser for low light situations.

Smith and wesson J frame 642. The ultimate back up gun. great close quarters defence weapon.

Glock 26 with extended mag.

[ScotZ]

90% of the time I pocket carry a Kel-Tec P-11. SIG 229 .40cal the rest of the time.

[Zeabed]

In no particular order of preference, as choices of single concealed carry gun (no backups):

1. Glock 19: Best balance in pointability, weight, firepower and back-on-target recovery speed.

2. S&W 60-M (J-Frame, .38 Spl., stainless revolver), with +P+ loads.

3. Bulgarian Makarov autopistol in 9mm Makarov round. Reliable and accurate.

[D-Man]

Currently my CCW lineup is as follows:

1) S&W 642 - lightweight, 5 rounds of .38 Special
2) Kahr MK9 - small, heavier, 6+1 (with standard mag) of 9MM
3) S&W M&Pc - relatively small, light, compact, 12+1 of 9MM

If you can only have 3, you want to get the best variety that you need for the situations (i.e capacity and cartridge strength) and weather (weight and size if gun) you may be carrying in.

[Treo]

CZ75B .40 S&W
CZ 2075 RAMI .40 S&W
CZ-82 9x18

Same controls on all 3. All 3 can be carried DA .magazines are interchangeable between 75B & 2075.

And of course they are CZs

[Vern Humphrey]

My primary is an M1911 (Currently a Kimber Classic MKI) in .45 ACP.

My secondary or backup is a Colt Detective Special (in .38 Special, naturally.)

I have a pot full of .22s, .357s, and .45 Colts, but don't carry them concealed.

[BlindJustice]

S&W 1911 5" Bbl. Stainless Steel
Carry RIg: Milt Sparks #Axioom
S&W 686P 4" Bbl.
Hogue Compact grips - finger grooves/checkered
Carry RIg: Milt Sparks #AW200 - carries on the belt
about the same as the #Axiom but the shape prints more.
CZ 75B 9MM
Carry RIg: None but I think I'll order up a
Milt SParks #55BN with the crossdraw cant - I have heard on the
1911 Forum Holster/mags board it carries higher than the #Axiom
S&W Model 60 3" Bbl. .357 Mag but prefer .38 SPcl +P
Carry RIg: None at present
I'm going to order a LH MIlt Sparks #AW200 so it'll be a
off hand double rig for the 686P - it's promised to my LH'd
Daughter /grand daughter.


and in the are you kidding category....
S&W 625 5" Bbl. .45 ACP
S&W 617 6" Bbl. .22 LR 10 shooter
both are 45 oz, and until I pony up the $200
for a Lou ALessi FIeld Master Shoulder rig
they are range guns.

WANT:

SIg P239 9MM

Randall

[evan price]

1. AK pistol
2. Ruger Super Redhawk in .480 Ruger
3. Phased plasma rifle in 40-watt range.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Primary Carry: a Pair of Ruger Sp101s in .357 magnum, Back up third firearm, Smith &Wesson 340PD also in .357 Mag....Doc:D

[orionengnr]

1. Kahr PM9: go-anywhere every day carry for nine months of the year.
2. Kimber Ultra Carry: for the three months when I can wear a cover garment.
3. Hmmm...either a P3AT/LCP or a 4" S&W K/L/N frame .357, depending on which end of the spectrum you want to cover...

[CHEVELLE427]

1- Taurus titanium CIA 38+p light 17oz great for summer wear
2- XD40 more stopping power more rounds and the safeties, you grab it and its ready to go
3- XD45 same as above

winter well Carrie the CIA and one of the XDs

[ar10]

XD sub 9mm, XD40SW compact, XD45GAP, tactical. and ONE :D holster.
90% of the parts are interchangeable
All the sights are pretty much the same.
The grip is pretty much the same.
All can do a very good job of stopping a BG. If shooting anything lighter I would suggest crotch shots, Less bone mass to worry about.

[scurtis_34471]

I always carry one of three guns:

1. Kahr P9 Covert: Deep concealment or easy pocket carry.
2. XD-40 Subcompact: OWB/IWB carry.
3. XD-40 Service: OWB/IWB carry.

I'm not sure which I carry most, but it is probably the XD-40 Subcompact.

[MMCSRET]

Do I understand you to say that your CCW is assigned to a particular firearm or limited as to which you can carry? I don't understand that, I have CCW's from 2 states and I am restricted in no way, I can carry anything I can carry!!!!

[HuntAndFish]

And are you also saying that the serial number of the weapons are on the permit? That is, they are limiting you to specific weapons, not just weapons of a specific type?

If that's true I would go with two primaries of the same type and a BUG.

ETA: Glock 19 x 2 and a S&W 642. And the reason is that things break. If one of the primaries goes down, you want a backup of the same gun until you can fix your permit. :crazy:

[teknoid]

1. Bersa T380/Ruger SP101 (Summer)
2. S&W M&P 9/Stoeger Cougar 8000 (Spring/Fall)
3. S&W Model 65 .357/Springer 1911 SS (Winter)

[CHEVELLE427]

heard on another form something like in NY they can only have 1 gun reg for carry, if the want to change up they have to get rid of the one they listed/ WTH

[W.E.G.]

G22
G17
G26

Because anything else is just "some other gun."

[mkonops]

Seecamp - compact 24/7 gun. carries well in pocket or on ankle.
Kahr K9 - great carry piece. metal and has heft. fits well IWB.
HK USP 40 - good all around, comfortable in shoulder holster.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I'd probably have to run with my main three:

(1) Kahr MK9, 9x19mm (deep concealment / "always" gun)
(2) CZ 75 Compact PCR, 9x19mm (OWB belt carry)
(3) Sig GSR Revolution Compact, .45 acp (IWB belt carry)

Might consider subbing out the Sig GSR for the new Kahr .380 as a pocket gun.

[armoredman]

1 CZ P01 HBE COMIII IWB rig
2 CZ P01 Galco Miami Classic
3 Undecided, could be the new CZ, could be a P06, could be a 3 inch 357...hmm, good question.

[Squidward]

1) Glock 19: Conceals well and has a decent capacity to size ratio

2) Glock 26: Excellent concealment and pointability. The Glock 19 magazines and holsters are interchangeable with the 26.

3) Glock 34: Winter gun :D:D

[B yond]

Do I understand you to say that your CCW is assigned to a particular firearm or limited as to which you can carry?

Yes, unfortunately.

And are you also saying that the serial number of the weapons are on the permit? That is, they are limiting you to specific weapons, not just weapons of a specific type?

Yes.

If that's true I would go with two primaries of the same type and a BUG.

The Bersa Thunder 380 and Ruger p345 are close enough that I was able to pick up the Bersa and shoot it very well straight from the box after practicing for about two years with the Ruger. They have the same grip angle and controls. I practice for accuracy, drawing and firing from concealment, clearing malfunctions, and rapid magazine changes. I can switch between the two indiscriminately. Recoil is a little different, but I think I get similar follow-up shots with both.

[BReilley]

Primary(i.e. open-carry): CZ97B - .45ACP, 10+1, DA/SA, comfy full-size CZ-75 pattern in a "serious" caliber.
Secondary(i.e. concealed): CZ40P - .40S&W, 10+1, DA/SA with decocker instead of thumb safety, based on compact CZ P-01 frame, still powerful enough with acceptable capacity.
Backup(deep concealment or whatever): Radom P-64 - 9x18Mak, 6+1, DA/SA, little pistol.

[jackstinson]

S&W 6946
Kel-Tec P32
Beretta 950B

[psyprofessor]

1. NAA mini revolver (22 magnum)... (2x)
2. S & W 638 (.38 special +P aluminum)

I would carry two mini-revolvers... they are so light and concealable...can easily be carried in one's pant pockets. You can carry these 24/7. One can also be hidden in innocuous objects...such as styrofoam drinking cups...or even in a eyeglass case.

The S & W is a shrouded hammer version (which means it can be fired from one's jacket pocket in an emergency.

[MMCSRET]

Colt DS
Colt DS
Colt DS

[redneckrepairs]

Most carried would be a Kahr p9 because its slim and light , also with the plastic grip i dont worry about dings that come from crawling under/over/throe our farm equipment. Second most carried would be a Kahr pm9 for the times that dress code more or less prohibits belt carry or as a bug. Third most carried would be a toss up between my HK p7 and Colt XSE gvt. The come out for dress occasions among like minded friends , and when i travel to the " big city " due to the pin point accuracy i can shoot either with at reasonable ranges .

[Thaddeus Jones]

S&W 3913. Thin, light weight, good capacity, easily concealed, and stainless.

S&W 2.5", pre lock, model 66. Superbly accurate and easily concealed, stainless, with no lock.

Colt Cobra, 15oz joy to carry, as easily concealed as any small revolver, with an extra round on tap.

[Goblin]

1. Charter Arms .357 Pug. for all ccw. Fits in front right pocket in IWB clipped to top of pocket.

2. .38 derringer for very low profile\threat situations.

3. Taurus Hi-cap .45 auto for SHTF backup to MBR.

:)

[glockman19]

1) S&W 442/642, .38
2) Glock 26, 9mm
3) Ultra Kimber, .45

[dadof3]

1. SP101 .357 because I really like the feel of it.
2. Glock 27 because it is my on-duty BUG{may try a G26 I just got}
3. Springfield UC .45 because I love a 1911 and it is small enough to CCW.
I am thinking of getting a LCP or Kel-tec for a pocket BUG to one of the above

[M1911]

Kahr PM9
Kimber Compact
Full size 1911

[Spenser]

Glock 26/27. Small enough for the right pocket, can handle bigger magazines from its elder brothers, large enough capacity, reliable, accurate. Lightweight, comparatively. Easy to carry IWB, OWB. Pick your caliber.

Sig 232. Small enough for pocket, reliable, lightweight, great sights, da/sa, dead accurate, very concealable. Easy to carry on belt, pocket, IWB, OWB.

Smith Model 60. .357 goodness out of j-frame. Reliable. Accurate. Small, easy to conceal. Easy to maintain. Very easy to carry on belt, pocket, IWB or OWB.

[cerberus65]

NAA Guardian .380: smallest of the three and easiest to conceal
S&W 60: .357 magnum in a small but not too light package
Beretta Px4 Storm: biggest but 35 rounds of 9mm with two mags and one in the pipe

[Nitrogen]

I usually hate these threads, but for some reason, this one entranced me.
Mostly because I have my 3 picked out

Primary: S&W M&P 9mm:
9mm is a great round for the "price" meaning small size, large capacity and weight. It's also cheap to practice with.
The M&P is an awesome handgun, as well.

Secondary: Commander-style 1911
Come on, it's a 1911. I like it for the colder months, or when for whatever reason I want something "bigger". This is usually the gun I'll open carry around my property.

Tertiary: Ruger SP101 (or any decent .357 snubnose)
Everyone also needs a revolver. It's great when weight and size is a premium concern.

[Defensory]

There's no way in Hades I'd carry a .380 as a primary. In this day and age, you can find 9mm's that are virtually the same size and weight. Plus the fact that there's almost no difference in felt recoil, and the .380 ammo costs considerably MORE than 9mm.

1. Springfield XD .45 Compact
2. Kimber .45 Compact CDP II
3. Springfield XD .45 Subcompact

[sdj]

For me:

1. G32: Size, weight, capacity and ergonomics that work for me.
2. S&W442: Size, weight and capacity and supreme carry-a-bility.
3. 1911Sc: well, b/c it's a 1911... :D ...and because of it's weight and ergonomics.

[lechiffre]

1. walther pps - light
2. beretta jetfire - small
3. 1911 - if i feel the need

[Shade00]

Primary: Walther PPK/S. I practice the most with it, am comfortable with it, it's stainless, I can easily carry an extra mag, it has an external safety.

Secondary: S&W Model 60 no dash. Love the J-frame, love stainless. What can I say? The little gun is super easy to conceal.

Tertiary: Ruger Speed Six. Tough to conceal, but ok for open carry. I don't feel bad about holstering it since it's got some scratches and wear, but I know it'll never give out. Oh yeah, and it's stainless.

[BikerRN]

I'm going to have to "cheat" a little bit on my answer. I carry three guns concealed daily, it just depends on if it's a Revolver Day or a Autoloader Day.

Revolver
3" GP100
2 1/4" SP101
442

Autoloader
Glock 19
Glock 26
Kahr PM9

Most days are a Revolver Day for me, by choice. :) If I was the original poster I would look at something higher powered than a .380 as a Primary and learn to carry a bigger gun.

It's not that hard to hide a bigger gun if one invest in a good quality Holster and Belt. My Primary is always carried IWB with the Seconday carried weakhand OWB. The third gun, I ain't telling, but I can get to it when I need it.

BikerRN

[MCgunner]

I think I'd go.....


Ruger SP101 3", primary IWB.

Kel Tec P11, my favorite pocket 9 and current favorite for pocket carry.

Kel Tec P3AT or Ruger LCP, for back up and extreme concealment.

The Ruger could be replaced with a compact 9, .40, or .45 is you're tacticool. I just like having ONE revolver for carry. Fortunately, I live in Texas where your carry guns are NONE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S BUSINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

[RandyB]

My current CCW are:

Ruger SP 101
Ruger GP 100
Kimber 1911 5 inch
S & W 6906
Kel-tec .32

If I had to narrow it down to only three I would opt:

Ruger SP 101. I simply carry this one the most.
Kimber 1911. For 'heavy days'
Kel-tec .32. Yep it's a wimpy round, but I can carry it anytime.

[usp9]

I carry a HK P2000SK normally because it is the best compact I've ever used. It is quick to action, accurate, soft shooting and has a good trigger. I love this gun!

During the summer or when certain dress requires something a little smaller, I carry a Sig P232 because it is a natural pointer, accurate, light and very easy to carry.

My other CCW is a Seecamp LWS32 because it goes where other fear to tread. Tiny, reliable and so, so easy to drop in my pants pocket.

[PX15]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_9436-1-1.jpg


Jesse

[givo08]

I'd break it down into 3 weight/size categories and how often i'd carry each.

1. Primary -- HK45c or G19 (these are either of the two I'd pick). 90% of the time

2. Secondary -- Lightweight revolver (S&W 340, 360, 442, 642, etc). 9.9% of the time other than as a BUG.

3. Tertiary -- Ruger LCP or Keltec - 0.1% of the time other than as a BUG.

[Noxx]

642, 642, and 642.

Someone once told me they were only good for a gunfight in an elevator, but I took a bowling pin at 75yds with mine yesterday

[crebralfix]

642, 642, and 642.

Someone once told me they were only good for a gunfight in an elevator, but I took a bowling pin at 75yds with mine yesterday

It's the Indian, not the arrow.

[tinygnat219]

1) S&W 3913 as Primary
2) KT P3AT as Backup
3) .38 SPL Snubnose Revolver as your third

I put these down as they have all served as a concealed carry weapon for me.

The 3913 is my primary with the P3AT as backup. The .38 SPL snubnose is also reliable.

[archigos]

I only own one of these atm, and, as I can't carry without risking losing my carry permit (I love NY), it doesn't matter much anyway. But when I live in a free state, my plan is the following:

1) Sig P239 .40 (Primary)
2) Springfield XD .40 (Alternative primary)
3) Ruger LCP (for light clothing)

[machinisttx]

Ruger SP101 in .357
2.5" S&W M66
4" S&W M66

Do I really need to explain?

[Girodin]

At this time I would likely select the following:

1911 .45

Khar K9

Colt Mustang .380

Although I would probably debate a good while about choosing a J frame revolver over the K9.

I like the 1911 the most but there re times when carrying a fullsize 1911 is just a little much or I couldn't reasonably conceal it. The K9 is much more easily concealed. The mustang can slip in a pocket and is good as a BUG of for attire that doesn't allow anything else to be cooncealed.

[alaskagunner]

1. Kahr K9 Elite 2003 (9mm)
2. S&W 642 w/Crimson Trace grips (38sp)
3. 5" Wilson Combat CQB (45acp of course!)

[The_Shootist]

1) Glock 19 - primary , rock solid reliable, accurate, balances concealability and firepower well, ammo is easily available.

2) SP 101 - backup, tough as nails, easily concealed, accurate, flexible in ammo selection which is also easily available

3) P-32 - reliable, excellent for deep concealment, decent stopping power.
ammo has decent availability

Then again, these are the pistols I take on a Hurricane evac(plus my WASR10)


Its amazing, considering the wide range of guns discussed on these boards how focused you become when its the real thing and the SHTF with your skin at stake - like it did with Rita 3 yrs ago and almost did with Dolly this week.

[spiroxlii]

I have 3 guns that I carry regularly, though not all at the same time.

1. Bersa Thunder 380 (carried most often)
2. Bersa Thunder 9 Ultra Compact (carried second most often)
3. S&W 637 Airweight .38spl snubnose revolver (carried least often, but VERY useful when I need something light and small for when IWB carry is not possible)

[Srigs]

Here are my 3 choices...

1. S&W MP40 compact - Easy to carry, shoot, accurate and in my favorite caliber. Would be a primary SHTF gun.
2. S&W Model 66-1 2.5" 357 Mag 6 shot K-frame revolver - Just feels right when out in the woods as a primary carry gun. Very good trigger, fun to shoot and one my wife likes to shoot.
3. Kel-tec P3AT - would be an always carry gun for pocket carry front or back or coat pocket.

That is my 3 and I'm sticking to it. :neener:

[SASD209]

Glock 26
Glock 36
S&W 360PD

Reasons: I just like 'em. :p

[Oldskoolfan]

I like the Sig P226, Sig P228/229, and a 9mm Revolver.

[ndh87]

Kimber 5 inch for when i feel like being classy.
S&W 442 when its too hot to conceal anything else.
Glock 17 when Im going to be getting messy.

[chieftain]

ndh87,

I pretty much agree with you.

1) Colt Gunsite Pistol, Government

2) Glock 19 (because of arthritis I can't use my SIG 228 well anymore)

3) S&W 642

If I can't do it with any combination of these three for CCW, I can't get it done.

Go figure.

Fred

[texas bulldog]

the more i think about this, the more i lean toward doubling up on one of the guns rather than having 3 distinct platforms. for me, that would likely mean:

1. SP101
2. SP101
3. Commander or smaller 1911

[Drgong]

1) CZ P01 or CZ Rami
2) S&W Model 638
3) Browning Hi Power/or 1911

The CZ since they are good reliable 9mm compacts, the 638 you could carry almost anywhere, and the Browning is just if you need something larger.

[DawgFvr]

1. 642 for pocket ease/close-in self-defense

2. G26 my everyday self-defense carry. Easy to conceal, accurate, reliable.

3. GP100 is my "offense" weapon. If I really expected trouble...hot .357 mag is just the ticket. Moon clip optimized for speedy ejection/reloads.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DawgFvr/Glock/Trio.jpg

[Scotticus]

For CONCEALED carry:
1. S&W MP 9mm compact
2. J-frame .38
3. Kel-tec .32 for those light days

I like the Ruger SP 101 3" for HD but for me, it is not a "one size fits all" for concealed carry situations. It would be my number 4 gun.

[1/7GRUNT]

My vote would have to be for the Airweight Jframes from S&W. I own the 442 and cannot think of any limitations, except for capacity. Secondly, I have never had any problems with painful recoil. Just a fun weapon to shoot IMO.

[Oro]

Guns I would put on my license were such silly things remotely possible in this state:

1) a 2.5" K frame .357, 66 or 19. Very versatile gun
2) a J frame, steel .38 special, like the 36 or 60.
3) a 1911 in .45, either commander or full size.

These will cover about all modes of carry and defense. If your state allows open carry in the field, I'd probably replace the 1911 with a 3" N frame .44 magnum or special - I find concealing a 1911 very hard or uncomfortable.

[ev239]

My daily carry needs are filled by (in no particular order):

- Kahr PM9 - It's so small and light that it fits nicely tucked AIWB for a quick draw. Goes with me most anytime.
- Sig P239 - Slim, comfortable & solid! It's as if the whole gun were carved from one solid piece of metal. Goes with me when I want to look good.
- S&W 469 - Surprisingly light for 12+1. A been there done that gun that I wouldn't worry about if it was needed as evidence. She goes with me if I head downtown.

[auberg]

I'm a little partial to .45s

1. Colt Defender (Primary)
2. Taurus MilPro 145 (alternate Primary.)
3. Makarov (summer light carry.)

Just my 2 cents.

[GingerGuy]

Kimber Ultra Carry II...
EMP 9
SP101

Just depends on how I feel as to what I carry. The Ultra is at the night stand too, so it's always ready to go out.

[Floppy_D]

P229 for winter,
P3AT for summer.

Number 3, well, I guess I'll have a coke.

[Guns and more]

1. Kahr PM-9. 99% of the time.
2. Springfield Armory Micro compact, for when you need a .45
3. Ruger LCP for when a pocket gun is all you can use.

[chauncey]

1. Glock 30 for a ride in the car or a walk in the woods, or under your winter coat
2. Glock 36 to carry on your person for the bad section of town, going out at night, or under your spring/fall coat, or a sweatshirt
3. 38 snub revolver for going to the mall, a back-up, or walk around your relatively safe neighborhood, in your front pocket or in an IWB holster under your untucked shirt

[FLoppyTOE]

XD-40 SC - IWB. Plenty of knock down, 9+1, great shooter.

J frame - Front pocket. Decent power, good shooter w/ practice, comfortable in pocket.

NAA .22 mag - Stick it anywhere else I can find after the other two.

[hirundo82]

Is this in California? That is the only place I'm aware of that limits you to three guns on the permit.

Assuming that this is CA and therefore working with their 10 round mag capacity limit:
1. S&W J-frame: Acceptable power (5 .38 spl +p rounds) in a size that lends itself to always being carried.
2. Glock 26 or 27: Compact, reliable auto in a good self-defense round; standard-cap magazines are CA-legal (10 and 9 rounds respectively)
Note: I would say Glock 19 or 23 in a sane state, but when working with a 10-round limit I don't see the purpose to go to a larger gun with the same number of rounds.
3. 5" 1911 (.45ACP of course): Carry in winter or other times that heavier clothing is an option; 8 or 9 rounds of a great defensive round on tap in a slim package.

[anotherinkling]

1. Ruger SP101 3": Not a finnicky eater and as versatile as it is reliable.
2. Kahr P9 or CW9: Slim and super light but big enough to shoot well.
3. Para Tac-Four: Hard to find more power in a compact, accurate package.

[Crow1108]

I think the most comfortable gun I've carried in my limited experience has to be my 1911. It hits what I point it at, I haven't ever been made carrying it, and comes in a suitable caliber. That being said, it would be my first choice.

Second choice would be the Sig P229 I had (that I sold...and am having seller's remorse about). 12+1 rounds of .40 S&W, and it was compact and accurate enough. Out of the 500-600 rounds I put through it, I only had one problem due to a weak magazine spring (original German manufactured mags that came with it...I bought it used).

3rd would be a revolver of some type. Probably a Ruger SP101 in .357 (due to versatility of ammo). I like that it's stainless steel (good for summer carry), and seems reasonably compact. I've heard nothing but good things about them.

[romma]

Okay, my three. Keltec P32, Walther PPK/S and Kahr PM9.

[simpleguy]

1. M&P 40
2. M&P 40c
3. SW 442

The gun that gets carried the most? Of course, the 442. I love carrying my full size 40, but you just can't alway conceal it and the Smart Carry holster is just not reasonable with the full size.

[2075 RAMI]

Primary Carry: CZ 2075 RAMI (9mm)
Secondary Carry: FEG PA-63 (9x18 Makarov)
Alternate Carry: CZ 75 P-01 (9mm)

[Regen]

1) HK P30 - Very reliable, would like in with a LEM trigger. Customizable for a good fit.
2) S&W 642 - good for pocket carry.
3) Sig 250 - Cause my wife has one, and sometimes I might borrow her gun :D

I really don't think I need anything larger than 9x19 or .38 +P. If I feel that I ever do, would probably choose Sig 250 in either .40 S&W or .357 Sig.

Might also consider a Walther PPS. Held one this past weekend at a gun show and really liked the feel.

[rantingredneck]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My county limits concealed carry to 3 weapons, so I've carefully chosen the weapons I carry to try and cover all the bases. If you were facing similar limitations, which 3 weapons would you choose and why?

Here's mine:

Primary - Bersa Thunder 380 (.380 auto) - compact and concealable, yet very easy to control and shoot accurately.

Secondary - Ruger p345 (.45 auto) - For those times I want more firepower (like hiking in bear country).

Back-up / Deep Concealment - NAA Mini-Revolver (.22 Magnum) - When I can't get away with anything larger. Doubles as a snake gun when fishing/hiking.

Interesting question.

I have no such restrictions to work with as I can carry any handgun I own with my permit. I can qualify with a revolver and carry a semi and vise versa.

I have arrived at three main carry weapons that I use, depending on dress and weather.

1) Ruger P345 (we agree on one). Hands down the best concealable .45 for the money IMHO.

2) Ruger SP101. 5 rounds of .357Mag in a platform that isn't painful to shoot them out of.

3) Ruger LCP .380. Light, small, accurate, easy on the hands. What's not to like?

[MikeJ]

(1) S&W 640 .357 mag - I like this when it is cool enough to wear a covering garment. I carry it in a IWB holster between my pants and the inside of my belt.

(2) S&W 442 - great pocket carry gun that I can carry "almost" all of the time.

(3) NAA Guardian .32 for those rare occasions when my 442 doesn't fit

[BlindJustice]

I'm surprized the Sig P239 doesn't show up more often but it is
toward the higher end of the spectrum

Sig & some other manufacturers offer a 1911 variant
with an officer's size frame, but a commander 4.25" Bbl/Slide.
which seems to offer a lot of punch for it's size.

I noted the CZ P01 choices - looked at that one, but
I think the PCR without the rail suits me as well as it having the
newer novak like sights.

R-

[tblt]

Lcp small
642 reliable
XD-9 great shooter,reliable
All loaded with Hydra-shok's
I have tested many different ammo in phone books and the Hydra-shok gives the most constant and best expansion for me in 9mm and 38.Have not tested the .380 yet
FYI remington hollow points did not expand at all in 9 mm and 38,you might as well use FMJ.I did not test the Golden Saber.