[Carbonator]

From when you first started carrying concealed up until today, how did the:

Size
Caliber
Capacity
Spare Ammo

change for your concealed carry? For the survey please select one answer from each of the 4 categories (multiple choice is allowed).

[Joshua M.]

Started with a Taurus .380, went to a Keltec .380, now on a Sig 238...But also carry a J-frame smith quite a bit, and also a Sig 1911 in .45. It all depends on what holster you have, I love my Crossbreeds, and that is why I can conceal a fullsize 1911, and I am 5'10, 170 lbs.

[G27RR]

Went from a Glock 27 .40, to a Kahr CW9 9mm, to an STI Shadow .45

[joeq]

I still carry my J frame 442 like I always have. I carry it in a crossbreed holster that is about as comfortable as it gets for me. I do carry five extra rounds on a speed strip, I didn't always do that.

[almherdfan]

LCP to PF-9 to S&W Bodyguard .38 to Bersa CC .380 and now a SR9c-trying to find the magic!

[gearhead]

I stick with essentially the same size gun, with one caveat. I started with a J-frame .38spl (actually my wife's nightstand gun, but it was the most concealable thing I owned when I finally got my CWP), then I got a little Polish P-64 in 9mm Mak. I pocket carried the P-64 in a pocket holster (the same one that fits the J-frame) for almost a year and a half. During that time I picked up a Taurus 24/7 Pro DS Compact in .45 as a more serious carry weapon but it was just a little too thick and blocky for pocket carry. It's still my favorite for IWB carry though. Just a couple of months ago I traded for a Taurus 709 Slim, it's replaced my P-64 for pocket carry most days. So I kinda evolved up in caliber while staying with the same size gun.

[BossHogg]

J-frame 38/357 with speed loader or strips only 1

Glock 36 Star PD 45 both 6+1 with 1 extra mag.

Everything I buy now is for fun at the range. If I can find a S&W 3913 9mm I might work it into the rotation.

[Pyro]

Went from a .25 acp to a .32 S&W L.
That's a new one I bet.

[KenW.]

From a full size steel 1911, to a subcompact XD9 with a spare 13 round mag. Back feels much better now.

[jad0110]

First carry gun was a S&W 642.

My favorite carry gun now is a 4" S&W Model 28. My most frequently carried gun is a 4" Ruger Police Service Six.

I still carry the 642 though, particularly as a BUG.

[Winkman822]

Started with a Springfield TRP with a 8+1 in the gun and a pair of 8 round spares on my weak side hip, and then evolved down to a Wilson CQB Compact with 7+1 in the gun and a pair of 7 round spares on my weak side hip. Caliber has stayed the same aside from the days where my Springfield EMP is carried (i.e. shorts and t-shirt days) due to its lighter weight as compared to my TRP or CQB Compact.

[451 Detonics]

One of my first carry guns was a S&W 25-2 cut to 2 1/4 inches, today I carry a 325PD 2 1/2 in barrel. I have almost always had a version for CCW.

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

AR 15 pistol with 15 spare mags to Remington 870 with 50 spare rounds.

[lucky-gunner]

I started out with a S&W 642 5 shot .38 spl. Moved to a Glock 23. Originally didn't carry a spare magazine but had some issues with non factory mags and started to carry one out of paranoia. Purchased a LCP and it made it into the rotation.

I've finally settled on a CZ Rami 9mm, with one spare 14 rd magazine. I carry with a 10 rd flush mag. So I've gone up and down on pretty much everything.

[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

hi point 9mm
Sigma .40 (still carry a lot for the last 4 years)
Keltec P3AT (for a year or so for at work)
Taurus 1911 (carry this a lot as well)

[hardluk1]

I have changed to a more powerfull combo of handguns. I went from a 38 revolver or a tomcat to a light weight 38 revolver or a 9mm KT. Still carry the same way after 26 years the same.

[milq]

I started with what I had, a P220 Sig and then some lower back problems forced a change. I now alternate a J-frame and a CW9, with extra ammo in strip or extra mag respectively.

Of course, this is only when I'm in surrounding states where I can carry to begin with.

[Iggy]

I went from a big 10mm to a little one and lost one round.
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/Iggy25/RZs.jpg

[HM2PAC]

I went from a Para-Ordnance P14-45 to a SA Champion. Spare mags are easier if they are single-stack IMHO.

That big double-stack with a steel frame was just too heavy. Pantsed me once, luckily I was alone.:what:

Sometimes I carry an HK USP45 or a G20. More firepower available and the poly frame helps quite a bit with the weight issue.

[Mainsail]

I 'evolved' right out of concealed carry to mostly open carry. Now I don't worry about printing or inadvertent exposure or cap-guns; I carry whatever I feel like carrying.

[Ske1etor]

Started with a full size Kimber Custom II, then onto a Springfield XD40 Service and have settled nicely into my Dan Wesson CBOB. 45 in a Comptac MTAC. Gonna stick with the cbob for the foreseeable future.

[chicharrones]

My evolution was to have different guns for different dress situations. I have a selection of sizes and calibers and I can go up or down depending on the day.

[Jim PHL]

My first carry gun when I got my permit years ago was a S+W 640-1 (.357). Carried it either IWB or in a pocket. It was heavy for pocket carry though, and after a while I HAD to have an auto so I went with a Kahr K40. (Sold the 640 to afford the Kahr.)

Then I discovered 1911's and had a full-size and carried a SA "Micro-compact". (Sold the Kahr to afford the Micro)

I got to the point with 1911's that I was just not shooting them that much so started carrying S+W 3913 or 3953. I also picked up a S+W CS9 "Chief's Special". (I love the S+W single-stack 9mm's) Along the way I had a KelTec .32 and then traded that up to a .380, but I felt I needed to strick with minimum .38 for a self defense round so I got another j-frame and got rid of the KT. This time a S+W 342.

Nowadays most of the time I'm carrying its the 342 in a pocket. When I belt carry, it's usually a 3913 or 3953. (I like these S+W's because the guns I shoot the most at the range are also the guns I carry. Big and heavy enough to be fun at the range but small and light enough for comfortable carry.

I've thought on occasion about another KT but keep reminding myself that I really should carry a larger caliber and I know if I get another P3AT or Ruger LCP that I would always carry it instead of the snubby. If the new crop of ultra small, ultra light 9mm's carry better than a j-frame I may check one out. Otherwise I forsee myself sticking with either a .38 in my pocket or 3913 when carrying something on my hip.

[heeler]

Good thread.
I started conceal carry right at a year ago carrying a micro 380 Diamondback in a RKBA holster along with a Bulldog cell phone style holster that can be clipped to your belt or the clip removed and looped through your belt.
No one knew the better and I really liked the the very unassuming stealth of the package.
But I recently decided to buy a Kahr PM9 and am currently breaking it in and looking at various holsters to outfit it with.
With a reasonable set up it too will be pretty stealthy perhaps near as much as my current .380 but perhaps not as light in weight bearing to the wearer,although it will undeniably pack much more punch if things go south in a hurry.
Then last week I had to send my Diamondback to the factory for repair or replacement and found myself with the Kahr that is not totally broken in and no holster to carry it with.
Hmm....What to do??
Well I did have an old 1971 built Smith & Wesson model 37 Airweight sitting ever so quietly in my gunsafe so I immediately bought an Uncle Mike's pocket holster and a couple of days later a Blackhawk cheapo IWB holster for it.
Now I can say the little J frame model 37 is nice and weighs 16 ounces loaded but even though it does fit in my jeans front pocket it is thick and long.
But it is concealed.
And in my work pants it's longer length of 1.25 inches over my little 380 makes it necessary to carry a masking object such as a small rag because the wood grips are constantly showing which is an absolute no go in Texas as concealed means concealed.
So my evolution is this.
I like the very,very easy to conceal, lightweight semi-auto pistols such as the current crop of .380's or .32 ACP's but still want a stronger option such as my new Kahr PM9 but as I research holster for it I will also be putting an effort in a couple of holster selections for my J frame .38 Smith as it too definitely has it's place in all of this.
I was out and about all over Houston Texas today with it and was very glad I had it with me.
To think it has been languishing in my gun safe for so long until last week.
So my evolution has in almost one year taken me to three very good guns that are all three reasonably concealable to the use they are needed for.

[Deputy25]

Started with a Colt Govt. .45 auto. Various j-frames, a PPK, and a M66 2.5in snub came and went. I was issued a Glock 5 years ago. I began carrying my Glock off-duty, and still carry one presently, but as a back-up to the same Colt .45 auto that I started with in 1979. I do however, carry at least one reload for each pistol.

[john5036]

I've only been actively carrying for two years.... I haven't "evolved" yet I don't think. I'm carrying a Glock currently, and I'd like to move into a 1911 as my next available carry.

Great thread OP!

[mgregg85]

I love these threads, always interesting to see how people's preferences change. I've been carrying for a little over 4 years now.

I still own the ones that are bold, the rest I have sold over the past few years.

1. Taurus PT145
I liked this pistol but it broke on me, I did buy it used but after that I didn't trust it.

2. XD45 Compact
Still have this pistol, still carry it during the winter months and sometimes in the summer.

3. Bersa Thunder .380
Nice pistol but too big for pocket carry and not powerful enough to justify it's size and poor magazine capacity. Ended up selling it.

4. Kel-tec P11
Nice pistol but I didn't like the plastic sights, they were loose and the trigger pull was nasty. Sold this pistol quickly

5. Kel-tec P3AT
I loved this one, put a crimson trace laser on it and it was perfect. Then the magazines started popping out randomly, I tried changing the magazine release button but that only fixed it for a short while so I replaced the mag release button and sold it.

6. Taurus PT-140
Bought it used on a whim, nice pistol but after the PT-145 failed me I didn't trust it so I didn't carry it other than as a BUG for my XD45. Sold it quickly.

7. Ruger LCR .38 Special
Just got this revolver, I love it. Nice and light, good trigger pull, easy to conceal. I installed the XS tritium front sight and I plan on getting a nice pocket holster and belt holster for it.

8. Sig P238
Bought this one yesterday, awesome gun. Tiny, light, easy to pocket carry, great trigger pull and it came with tritium sights that are big and easy to use. Just gotta get a good pocket holster for this one, it currently rides in a cheap blackhawk pocket holster.

[NMPOPS]

I started with an S&W M-60 as an off-duty/backup weapon in 1978 and over the years carried various J frames and now carry a M-642 dailey as a retiree and always with 2 speed strips.

[Joshua M.]

AR 15 pistol with 15 spare mags to Remington 870 with 50 spare rounds.:eek:

WOW...that is being ready for something...Either you my friend are a mountain of a man, or one that always is in a trench coat:what:

[Ringer]

Hard to respond to the poll because I have multiple options depending on what I am doing and how I am dressed. While caliber has gone down, gun size and capacity go in both directions. Amount of ammo is simply based on the gun I'm carrying. 1 spare magazine could be as little as 6 to as many as 15 rounds.

I started out wanting to carry .45 ACP. After trying several guns I couldn't settle on a platform that met my needs such as; manual of arms, conceal ability, shooting accuracy etc... All .45's sold off.

I tried the revolver road for a while with an SP101 with moon clips. Reality is as much as I like them I just don't shoot revolvers all that well. I could likely get there with much more range time. Currently it's a safe queen with my 586.

Currently I'm carrying strictly 9mm various size guns. All are similar with no manual safety. Most common for me is my Glock 19. I shoot it well, it's reliable and fairly easy to conceal. I also have a Kahr P9 when I want something a little more comfortable inside the waist band and PM9 for ultimate concealment. I really like my full size M&P but it's just a tad on the large size for carry. I'll use it on road trips when I am mostly in the car and sometimes on the night stand. Normally the G19 goes on the night stand as it comes off the belt.

[Jonah71]

It all depends on where I'm going and what I'm wearing. Most of the time I OC anyway. No big deal around this area. I no longer own my first carry gun. Now I'm down to 4 different carrys. The G-23, or 26, my old Kimber .45, or the S&W Mod. 36.

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

WOW...that is being ready for something...Either you my friend are a mountain of a man, or one that always is in a trench coat

Someone has to protect the malls of America! :D

[Quaamik]

When I started carrying I had two guns available:
A Para P14 and a Walther PPK in .22. Niether was ideal. I wound up carrying the Walther more than I wanted too because the Para was difficult to conceal any time but the winter.

As I could afford to I purchased a Kel-Tec P11 (9mm), a Kimber Compact (.45) and a Hi-Power clone (9mm). The Walther has been retired (now a range toy only). The Para has become much more of a range / competition gun and is seldom carried. The Kimber has become my most common carry gun, with the Kel-Tec filling in when I need somethign smaller. The Hi Power gets carried when I feel the need / want for something different.

Overall, I'd have to say the size and capacity have stayed the same. Calibers have increased on average, but not always.

Walther (8+1, .22LR) retired - replaced with Kel-Tec (10+1, 9mm)

Kel-Tec (10+1, 9mm) still used - partialy replaced with Kimber Compact (8+1, .45 ACP)

P-14 (14+1, .45 ACP) still used - partially by Kimber Compact (8+1, .45 ACP), also partially replaced by Hi-Power (15+1, 9mm)

[GregC]

Started off carrying a G-27, but I always felt self conscious due to the thickness. Now I have a P238 that I can carry in my pocket and I forget its there. For me, it solves the ago old issue of a .380 in your pocket is better than a .40 or .45 that you leave at home!

[armoredman]

First was a Jennings J-22, MANY MANY moons ago, first handgun I ever owned, carried it legally concealed in my home only, no CCW in AZ at that time. I think I was 16 or 17. Yes, it was legal for me to carry it openly in AZ at that time. :)
Today, CZ P-01 9mm with two spare mags, so I upgraded a LOT in every catalgory since then, especially the one you don't list - reliabilty. ;)

[Luis Leon]

I evolved to a smaller gun, same caliber 9mm, smaller magazine, so less spare ammo. I still feel well armed.

[sixgunner455]

I started with what I had, my only gun, a Ruger MKII .22. Then a Star Firestar .40 - smaller gun, lower capacity, much bigger round. It broke, so I got rid of it and got a gun I figured wouldn't break - a 4" S&W Model 10. It was too big for comfortable summer carry, so I went to a KelTec P11. I carried it for a couple of years, but the trigger sucked, the recoil sucked, and I got tired of wrestling with it to shoot it enough to be accurate enough. Got a Makarov, since my brother had one and it was easy to shoot and quite accurate. Got a smoking deal on a Colt Detective Special, and fell back in love with double action revolvers. Then I got a S&W 642 to save the old blue gun's finish, and then a CZ75 so I could have a "big" gun when I want it.

I carry the 642 in a pocket or SmartCarry most, the Colt when I want a light belt gun, and the CZ for open carry, hiking/hunting, and for under a coat or heavy shirt. Usually carry the 642 in addition to whichever of the other two I'm carrying, but that depends on clothing. Whichever gun I carried is likely to be set on the nightstand when I go to bed.

So I've gone up and down. And if my arthritic wrist acts up, guess what? I carry the Ruger. :D

I always carry at least one reload.

[JohnBiltz]

The only change for me is I stopped carrying a spare magazine.

[doc540]

Since I have to carry in deep concealment in a SmartCarry rig, it went something like this:

Glock Glock 40

Glock 26

Ruger SR9C

Kahr PM40

Smith M36

Colt Detective Special

Colt Agent

Colt Cobra 1

Colt Cobra 2

Colt Agent 2 (current)

The D frames are virtually invisible, and there's zero chance of being made.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/doc540/Guns/Colt%20Agent%203/DSCN3998-1.jpg

[Vern Humphrey]

I started out with a standard M1911A1 many years ago -- before Jeff Cooper decided it was the ideal carry gun -- and I've stuck with it.

[clance]

I’ve been carrying now for little over 30 years and I've tried a little of everything during that time. My first carry gun was a Colt Combat Commander in 45acp and my current gun is a Kahr TP-9 in 9mm. Between the two I have had single stacks, double stacks and revolvers. My calibers have ranged between .380 to 45acp, but I have to admit over the last 30 years I generally have carried a 9mm.

A number of the times I have let others (self-proclaimed experts) opinions sway my choices until I figured out that it what I felt confortable with that matters.

[Glock Jock]

Baretta Tom Cat, to a Kel Tec 380 pocket gun then I grew up and bought a Glock 30, then a G 26, and a G 36. I rotate which I carry depending on what I am wearing and where I am going. I love the Glock guns.

I am buying this week a G 17 compensated. I want a gun that holds 17 rds while it is still legal to own such a gun. I bought 27 rd mags for my G30 and 33 round mags for my G26 while those can still be owned.

[Breakmyfootoff]

Mine first CC was small, Diamond Back DB380 (7 rounds of .380 with one spare 6 round mag). Next was a Kel-Tec P-11 ( 11 rounds of 9mm with spare 10 round mag), and then to my current Glock 26 carried with the flat 10 round magazine loaded and a Glock 17 mag for a reload. I think the 26 is as big as I'd want to carry on a daily basis though, except I said the same thing about the DiamondBack and the Kel_Tec too when I carried those lol.

[HiWayMan]

Evolution as follows:

1) Taurus 651 snub - .357mag
2) Taurus 651 snub - .38 +P
3) Browning Hi-Power - 9mm
4) Springfield 1911 - .45 ACP
5) Glock 17 - 9mm
6) Smith and Wesson 21-4 TRS - .44 Special

I've yo-yo'ed on the power scale and mag capacity for a while, but I guess I've read to much Keith. Besides the S&W puts big slugs in whatever it is pointed at at any range up to 100yds with relative ease. The Smith and I just click to together.

[ForumSurfer]

I went from a commander sized 1911 to a glock 19.

[CoRoMo]

I thoroughly researched the gun I was going to carry. I decided on the P11 and I carry it to this day. I've kept an open mind to any alternative out there. Nothing has proved to be a better option for me than the P11.

[Nushif]

I went from a snubbie with an additional speed-loader to a 92D with no extra mags ... to carrying an E9 with no extra mags when I get to carry.

The E9 seems to me pretty much ideal for my situation at this point. If I ever feel like I need more protection my self customized PT911 will do the trick for sure.

[ghostwriter]

started 22 years ago packin a .357 Smith Model 27 but too big for comfort and not enough rounds (carried for about 3-4 years... so...
went to the Browning High Power in 9mm and didn't pack an extra mag for about 5 years. Then started packing the Springfield XD 45 ACP last summer and an extra mag to offset the weight when using the shoulder rig. When using the belt XD holster no extra mag. When I'm ridin the bike, I carry the XD with two extra mags.
Yep, they're big, but so are the enemy.

[Fabricator]

I've Been CC'ing a stainless Taurus 85 (5-shot .38spl +P with 2" barrell) since 2004. Just traded it for the same frame style in the "Ultra-lite titanium" last month. I am a wheel-gun guy (personal quirk only), and just begun open carrying a 4" service-six (full house .357 maggie) in my shop/office, and local errands. I did add a Bianchi "speed strip" with 5 additional rounds of my preferred "fodder" for the .38spl to my "concealed rig". I currently do not carry any additional ammunition for the "service-six", as I am waiting on a speed-loader pouch from Midway, but if it "rides wrong" on the belt, I may use the speed-strip for the .357 as well, but will be testing a few different systems there.

Fabricator

[redbullitt]

I have really been enjoying a 3 inch barrel sp101 and a LCR.
strongside 4:00 on the sp101 and weakside pocket LCR. Seems to work pretty well for me, especially since both take the same ammunition.

Never really planned on carrying both guns, but once I bought the LCR and got used to it, I just kinda left it in my coat pocket whether I had another handgun or not since it is do darned easy to carry lol.

If i am not carrying the revolvers i go for an XD in 9mm (probably LCR in pocket still lol).

Started with a jericho in 45 acp (first handgun). That thing would sure drop your pants, but it was a great pistol. Wish I still had it.

[Ben86]

I went from Glock 22 with no extra mag or sometimes 1, to Glock 26 with at least 1, sometimes 2 extra mags.

So I went smaller gun, caliber, more extra ammo. I'm not sure if I want to go the "slim" route, I would have to give up so much in capacity.

I've got a ruger lcp as a BUG, or pocket gun if needed. I am seriously considering going to the Glock 19 for CC, just not sure if I want the extra size and weight.

[TexasBill]

Started out carrying a .38 snubbie or a Walther .380. Still most often carry a .38 snubbie or a Walther .380. Been lots of detours and distractions in between. And I do have other guns in the rotation. Always have a speed loader or spare magazine, as appropriate.

[daniel454]

I started with a Sig 228 in 2006. Up graded to a Sig P229 SAS in 40 in 2007. 2008 I added a 642 smithy and a Kahr Pm9 for hot weather carry....

[carbuncle]

I've owned and played with, and carried, a lot of different guns over the years but my own EDC history is: S&W Sigma, 1st gen, in .40>S&W 5906>Taurus 85>S&W Bodyguard .380. Like I said, I've owned many a gun, and carried many more, but these are the 4 that spent the most time on my belt or in a bag, pack or pocket.

[Remo223]

started with a 357 snubbie and a speed loader strip
then truvelo ADP 9mm and a spare mag
then kahr pm9 and a spare mag
then kahr pm9 without spare mag
briefly switched to a NAA mini revovler
then charter arms undercover(old style, not the current version)

I am currently in the process of fabricating my own chopped down charter arms revolver...shortened grip frame and shortened barrel and shortened ejector rod.

[MikePaiN]

My carry gun evolution was not about caliber, size or amount of ammo....I evolved form being a cheap *astard to buying only "quality".
I remember being at the gun shop to make my first CCW purchase and agonizing over the choice between a $700 Kahr PM9 and a $325 Kel-tec PF9. My cheapness won out but the problems started....The PF was crap and took a complete rebuild to get it working. I carried it for years but HATED the thing, it felt bad and shoot worse. I finally did get rid of it. I went though another few years of trying to carry small revs and a few other guns I got used for cheap $$ none really worked out or worked period...Then I had the bright idea to get a NIB Taurus PT709 Slim....It was a perfect carry size and comfortable but I bought it for the price(yes still had not learned my lesson)...It was a good shooter at first but went to crap after ~600rounds and a year of carry, two trips back to the factory and another one down :banghead:.
After this I decided when it comes to firearms, I will ONLY be buying if the the weapon has a reputation for quality and function. Never again on price alone...
On this new philosophy I found a sweet Kahr K9 I use an EDC. It is superior in every way to the cheap carry pistols I've had. I truly trust it completely and it is a pleasure too shoot.

[Scipio Africanus]

Started with a Kimber Custom Compact in .45 ACP, which I still carry in warm weather. Added a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan loaded with .45 Colt ammo. Found this to be quite heavy on the belt, but very comforting. Latest addition is a S&W 325 TR. I find it to be an excellent, shooter in all respects, very easy to carry, and I like the ammo versatility over an auto. It seems, have "evolved" to appreciate the reliability of a revolver over an auto in most cases. Need to add a small frame "pocket" revolver, maybe in .44spl.?

[bannockburn]

I first started out with a Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special, with a Bianchi speed strip for a reload. Since then I have scaled down in size to a KelTec P-3AT for every day carry, along with one spare magazine.

[rich e]

These are what I used to carry..(Sig239 in 40,,Glock 19,23,,Ruger P89 and a Ruger 4 inch security six 357mag....

Here is what I carry now....(Kel-Tek P3AT,,S&W 342 airlite TI,,Glock 26 and Glock 36......I've recently added a Kahr MK9 and a Kahr K9 to the stable as well...They haven't completed initation yet though...

Forgot to add my newest,NEWEST member...A Glock 29SF (10mil)...This will be retiring my S&W mountain gun (44-mag)..It is strictly a hiking,camping pistol when I'm out with the family..

[helitack32f1]

I began with a Glock 23 about 18 or so years ago. Bought an LCP awhile back but that has been made pointless by the advent of me buying a Crossbreed holster for the G23. Now I still carry the G23 daily even in summer. I carry the LCP when I need something quick and comfortable.

[Old John]

I started in early mid-1980's with a Taurus model 85 .38 special. I carried that a few years.
I switched to a Makarov semi-auto, 9mm Mak. I carried that a year or two.
Then I switched to a Ruger KP95, .45 acp, which I carried a few years.
Next was a Colt 1991A1 Commander, .45 acp. I carried it several years.
It got heavy, so I switched to a Ruger SP101, .357 magnum.
I've carried it off & on for about 8 years........But, in between, I bought a Taurus
model 450, .45Colt that I carried for a month or two.
And I bought a Ruger 3", GP100, .357 mag. that I still carry once in a while.

Most recently I bought a Ruger LCR .38 special, pocket revolver.
I use it on occasion, when I get into a suit & tie.

My carry has evolved over the years, but not predictably. I still/back to carry
a 5-shot revolver in .38/.357 caliber, with one Bianchi Speed strip or H&K Speed-loader.
I've carried 5 revolvers and 3 semi-autos.

[smfritch]

Started with a PPK, went to a Glock 30 and settled with a full size 1911.

[Zzyzxx]

My first was a Raven .25 Saturday night special.:barf:
Then .357 Model 27.:)
After that I evolved to a Sig P245.:)
Then came the P220 when it's winter and am wearing a heavy coat.:rolleyes:
Now, Normally I go out with either a Model 627 .38+P, or a P239 .40SW. depending on how heavlily I am dressed and the pants and shirt I wearing.
I have Tucker IWB's for both. (Damn good holsters!!)

My Brownings (9MM and .40SW) are my plinking and range pistols, and I keep securely stashed and readily available for home defense backup. At the range I use a belt slide holster.

The P220 being the primary for home defense.

It gives me an exscuse to go to the range and when the little lady is crabby.

Of course, my.22 mag NAA is always in the pocket for backup.
It beats a pointy stick. :rolleyes:

[clutch]

I started with a Bersa 95 .380 auto, bought a S&W M&P compact in .40 but it is a bit thick so I bought a S&W 442-1 Air light J frame.

Typically I'm carrying the J frame with 125g JHP .38spl +p. I haven't checked to see if it can shoot to the other side of the thin part of a 2x4 yet. My .380 could almost penetrate a 2x4 (1.5 x 3.5).

The J frame is so much easier to conceal and I'm sure it has more power than the Bersa.

Now if I ever drop a lot of weight and become a stick boy again, I'll be packing JMB's master piece, full size, IWB.

Clutch

[Dr_B]

I'm happy to see I'm not the only one who has gone through six or seven guns before finding the right one to carry. I started with an SP101 .357 but couldn't find a great holster. Didn't know about the online sources for SP101 holsters. So I switched to a Bersa .380, then found it too large for pocket carry. So I sold it and got an LCP. Started thinking about a .38 for pocket carry and got a S&W 642. Hated how it shot, too big for the pocket, so I sold it. I finally settled on a Sig 226 for belt carry since there are a lot of options for holsters and I can practice at the range with a .22 conversion kit, the revolver for a stash/camping gun, and the LCP for summer carry if I can't hide the 226.

[orionengnr]

Glock 23
S&W J-frames (at least six, in aluminum, steel, Scandium)
S&W 325 .45 acp AirWeight
S&W 396 AirWeight
S&W 4" K-frame in .357
A variety of 3" 1911s in steel and alloy
several double stack 1911 Paras

Kahr PM9 -- a ray of sunshine, and voila...a bunch of guns suddenly went up for sale
Kahr P45--took three years, but it has taken the PM9's place now

Kel-Tecs in P32, P380, P11--disasters one and all. K-T will never again see a dime of my money.
Ruger LCP--finally a .380 that works...
More 1911s in Commander and Government sizes
S&W 4" N-frames in .41 and .45LC
Kahr PM45

In the last two years, I have settled on a few.
--Kahr P45 through the summer
--Kimber 4" steel 1911 in fall/spring
--S&W 4" N-frame in the winter

Kahr PM9 about three days per year, when nothing else will do.
Ruger LCP about three days a year...just so I have an excuse to keep it. :)

[357mag.]

Only been just under 3 yr's for me but still carry the same gun I started with, sp-101 357mag.Will be adding a service sized 45 semi in the near future for times when concealment is not as big of an issue for me (not at work)but the sp will still see a lot of carry time.

[jeepguy]

1st was a p239 .40 2nd cz 82 for a cheap backup pistiol & truck gun when i was going somewhere that i couldn't carry. 3rd kimber pro carry .45 4th cz 75 compact 9mm 5th i bought a p228 but think i will be selling this or my p226 .40 for a p229 sas .40. so i went from single stack p239 to a 4" 1911 .45 to a double stack p229. i will alternate between the kimber & the p229. i like the idea of 12rds of .40 caliber though with an extra mag thats 24rds vs 16 for the .45. i would carry the cz but it doesn't have good night sights.

[XxWINxX94]

Started with: Nothing
Currently have: Nothing
Hope to get: Concealed Carry in my State :(

Aside from that, at my summer home in WI, I was using a Smith 29-4 with a 6'' barrel in .44 Mag only in the woods on private property. At times this big rig was hardly 'concealed.'

I then switched to a Smith Mountain Gun in .45lc. I prefer the Stainless Steel because muzzle wear was starting to really show on my 29-4's bluing and I didn't like that. The 6'' barrel on my 29-4 seemed to be a nuisance and somewhat uncomfortable at times. I prefer the 4'' barrel on my Mountain gun now. I just personally prefer the mountain gun for almost everything.

I also occasionally use a Stainless Ruger Security Six in .357, with a 4'' barrel.

[willypete]

I clicked every option lol.

Started out with a 1911 with a spare mag. I've been through .32s, .380s, .357s, 9mms (with 17 rd mags), .40s, and .44 mags. I've carried none, one, or two speed loaders or spare magazines with me.

[possum]

i use to carry a sa xd service model in .40 (12+1 rds) with one spare magazine.

Now I carry a g-19 (15+1 rds). I have a g-17 mag that I have as a spare ccw mag, but honestly i hardly ever carry it.

[Doug Add]

Carried a Browning Hi-Power for the first year until I traded it for a SIG P228. It has been the P228 ever since. Occasionally I carry the Ruger SP101, but that is rare, almost always the SIG. So, capacity and caliber have stayed the same, while the size has gone down slightly.

[Rail Driver]

I sorta hopped around... I started with a low capacity 9mm, went to a low capacity makarov, then to a .357 revolver (6 shot), and from there to a high capacity .40 now I carry various guns based on situation and clothes... I have a G19 for the glove box in the car when I'm out on the road or wet days, a 1911 (either officer or commander) for most days, and a browning hi-power for days when I need a little refinement...

[glassman]

Started with a 642 and moved to a 1911 CCO. Don't know if it's an evolution since I still carry both as a primary depending on dress requirements, etc. Sometimes both at the same time.

[jkittle99]

I started off with a .380 PPK, got tired of it digging into my side, went to a Glock 19 during the cold months (feels GREAT iwb) and an LCP in the pocket during the warmer months.

[skifast]

Main CC gun:

Taurus 24/7 Compact 40 S&W (3:00carry) to

Taurus 24/7 OSS 9mm to

Taurus PT809 (3:00 carry to 1:30 after weight loss)to

FN FNX-9


Small gun when carrying the larger gun is not practical

Keltec PF9 tp

Taurus PT709

[Daveboone]

survey not completed because it didnt address the 2 factors probably most important and relevant: Dependability and carryability.
Started with :
PPK lookalike .22, (Erma Excam RX 22- dont laught...never had a misfire in 25.years)
to Ruger 2 3/4 Security Six
to CZ 75
to S&W model 36
to Beretta 92
Back to and to stay S&W model 36. best compromise of all.

[Madcap_Magician]

I've had seven different carry guns at this point, and started with a Kahr P9. Ended so far with a S&W M&P9 compact, so same caliber, close to the same size, and just bit more ammo.

[bleland45c]

Went from a Taurus .380, to a HK45C (.45acp). I carried two 7 shot speed loaders and now I carry two 8 round mags for the HK45C.

[TUBBY1]

1-sp101 3",2-bond arms 45c-.410,3-lcp.i still do all three depending on weather(clothing) or which way the wind blows.i like all three for different reasons.the bond arms ck2 is a great truck carry.the sp101 is my favorite shooting but the lcp is the easiest to carry.next stop... sig p238 or lcr38

[WildBill]

I Went from a Glock 23 to a Kahr PM40. Stuck with the same cal. but now carry an extra clip. Very easy to carry. Happy with my decision.

[lifesgood]

Kel-Tec PA3T (Junk..basically fell apart within a year)
Bersa Thunder CC (accurate, reliable but was never a fan of the .380)
S&W TiLite 360PD .357 Magnum hammerless DAO (still carry it)
Kimber Super Carry Custom 1911 (switch between this and 360PD)

I also have a CZ 75 Omega 9mm in a bug out bag with 5 16 round mags and a CZ-SP-01 Tactical in .40 S&W with a TRL1s light for home defense..the SP-01 is the best shooter of the bunch...Cadillac of .40's but too heavy for daily carry and I like to keep the light on it since I live on a couple acres in a rural community.

[RX-178]

I haven't really changed it much.

My carry gun selection's always been the same three weapons.

HK USP Tactical .45
East German Makarov
Kel-Tec PF-9

Until very recently when I sold the PF-9 (personal friend wanted a handgun for defense before I left El Paso, and offered me a fair price.)

I generally carry as much as I can get away with, in terms of concealability and comfort. I've carried all 3 at once, with spare mags for each. In fact in the first episode of my webshow, I remove all three of them from the holsters I normally carry them in (OWB belt holster, 5.11 vest holster, cargo pocket holster).

I've also been known to carry only the PF-9 without a single spare mag, during the El Pasoan summers.

Since moving to Alaska I've been regularly carrying the USP with two spare mags, without a backup gun, but that's also because I haven't gotten around to getting 9mm Mak ammo yet.

[lifesgood]

Since moving to Alaska I've been regularly carrying the USP with two spare mags, without a backup gun, but that's also because I haven't gotten around to getting 9mm Mak ammo yet.

I use to live up there myself and it is still the Wild West. Very rugged individuals up there that don't believe in taking Sh**t from anyone...at the same time, if you have a flat on the side of the road, almost everyone will see if you need help. Very unique culture up there.

Anyway, PLEASE get at least a .44 magnum if you intend on fishing the Kenai during the Spring or any type of Moose / Caribou hunting. I know a guy who was mauledd by a grizzly and he shot the thing 3 times with a .357. The bear ran off after the mauling him and Rangers never found it?

It's not uncommon to see mom or dad carrying a 12 guage with slug during Spring hikes.

Beautiful country though!

[ndh87]

I carry a Colt Combat Commander that I've been using as a gunsmithing project. No spare mags, but i do keep a long gun in the jeep.

[kludge]

Then:

S&W 411, 40S&W, 11+1, spare mag rarely

Now:

SA XD-40, 40S&W, 12+1, spare mag rarely

Future?:

SA XDm-40 3.8", 40S&W, 11+1 or 16+1 has my attention.

[mnhntr]

1911 to S&W 4in 686, and back and forth between the two

[charlie fox]

Started with a Star PD in 1984, moved through several revolvers, on to a Beretta 92, then a S&W 4506, then a Glock 22, Glock 19 and finally a Keltec P32. I still carry the Glock, but the KT is my constant companion.

[martinclaybold]

I've always carried Beretta Holster. Its been my favourite since ages.

[Ridgerunner665]

Lets see...If I can remember them in order.

Beretta 92 (9mm)
S&W 915 (9mm)
Beretta 96 Vertec (40 S&W)
Kimber Custom (45acp)
Kimber Pro carry (45acp)
Bersa Thunder 9 (9mm...this was only to serve the purpose while my Baer was being built)
Baer stainless Stinger (45acp)
Glock 36 (45acp)

That Baer is as good as it gets...but I needed something lighter...It almost feels like a sin to put a darn fine 1911 in the safe and strap on plastic pistol...but I did it (and the G36 ain't half bad)

I have carried 2 spare magazines with all of those...not so much for "round count", but in case of a malfunction (or 2)

[6x6pinz]

Started with a PPK/s in .380 oh so many years ago and now carry a Sig P238 so I guess I went a little smaller in frame size.