Quoheleth
Member
I'm getting closer to my Texas CHL arriving in the mail. I've been tossing around ideas in my head for several months on options for carry. While I have several large frame autos (full-size 1911, full-size M&P9) and the 3" SP101 revolver, I'm looking for something a little bit smaller for daily wear.
The LCP & P3AT are nice, sleek, sneaky pocket guns. Can't beat 'em for concealability, but they feel too small to me - like they will squirt out of my hands like a bar of soap. Plus, I haven't seen .380 ammo in so long, I am starting to think it's like the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny - only existing in people's minds. For now, the .380 pocket gun is out.
I like the Kel Tec PF9, a single-stack 9mm. I've held it and it's big brother, the P-11, and there is a noticable difference between them. The PF9 is more discreet and pocketable. It's noticable something is in the pocket, but it's not obvious it's a gun. It's 9mm cartridge is decent. The problem here, also, is ammo availability. I have a couple hundred rounds of 115 gr FMJ in my closet, and I've seen a little FMJ here and there around town but haven't seen any HPs or personal defense stuff in a while. If I were to carry a 9 at this point, all I have is FMJ ammo. Loading a 9mm with ball ammo is asking for through & through penetration, IMHO - probably not the best choice. The PF9 is still an option, but with ammo availability a problem...I wonder if there is something else that might be better for now.
Which brings me to option #3, a compact 1911 in .45ACP. It's definitely a step up in the size category from either the PF9 or the P11, so pocket carry is out. But, with it's smaller size (3.5" barrel, shorter grip - 6 round mag), it's a bit easier to IWB carry than it's full-size brother. Plus, if I can't find any hollow point ammo, I have in my closet several hundred rounds of 230grain ball. While HPs are preferable, a big, slow and heavy .45 FMJ offers more punch than the 9mm 115 FMJ.
As of right now, I'm starting to lean heavily on that Option #3, the compact 1911. Before I jump the shark completely, check my thinking. Am I making sense? Knowing ammo availability is a problem at this point, and not knowing when/if the problem will resolve any time in the future, is my thought - chosing a weapon based on ammo availability and the function of the available ammo - logical? Or am I so over-analyzing this thing that if I'm not careful, I'm going to be talking myself into a .45 Super?
Q
The LCP & P3AT are nice, sleek, sneaky pocket guns. Can't beat 'em for concealability, but they feel too small to me - like they will squirt out of my hands like a bar of soap. Plus, I haven't seen .380 ammo in so long, I am starting to think it's like the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny - only existing in people's minds. For now, the .380 pocket gun is out.
I like the Kel Tec PF9, a single-stack 9mm. I've held it and it's big brother, the P-11, and there is a noticable difference between them. The PF9 is more discreet and pocketable. It's noticable something is in the pocket, but it's not obvious it's a gun. It's 9mm cartridge is decent. The problem here, also, is ammo availability. I have a couple hundred rounds of 115 gr FMJ in my closet, and I've seen a little FMJ here and there around town but haven't seen any HPs or personal defense stuff in a while. If I were to carry a 9 at this point, all I have is FMJ ammo. Loading a 9mm with ball ammo is asking for through & through penetration, IMHO - probably not the best choice. The PF9 is still an option, but with ammo availability a problem...I wonder if there is something else that might be better for now.
Which brings me to option #3, a compact 1911 in .45ACP. It's definitely a step up in the size category from either the PF9 or the P11, so pocket carry is out. But, with it's smaller size (3.5" barrel, shorter grip - 6 round mag), it's a bit easier to IWB carry than it's full-size brother. Plus, if I can't find any hollow point ammo, I have in my closet several hundred rounds of 230grain ball. While HPs are preferable, a big, slow and heavy .45 FMJ offers more punch than the 9mm 115 FMJ.
As of right now, I'm starting to lean heavily on that Option #3, the compact 1911. Before I jump the shark completely, check my thinking. Am I making sense? Knowing ammo availability is a problem at this point, and not knowing when/if the problem will resolve any time in the future, is my thought - chosing a weapon based on ammo availability and the function of the available ammo - logical? Or am I so over-analyzing this thing that if I'm not careful, I'm going to be talking myself into a .45 Super?
Q