My 1911 .45 and S&W are both great guns but I am about to get a concealed weapons permit and think both are too big to effectivly hide. I hate the thought of sacrificing power, accuracy and ease of use so wonder if you all might have some personal experiences or advice to add...
What is a good concealed carry gun?
- Thread starter chubbmann
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CountGlockula
Member
You may get a lot more information in the Handgun section.
I'd recommend a Glock subcompact.
I'd recommend a Glock subcompact.
TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
I carry a full size 1911 concealed often. It's not as hard as you'd think with the proper holster.
The thin 1911 hides surprisingly well.
Try a couple of holsters before shopping for something new, you might be surprised.
The thin 1911 hides surprisingly well.
Try a couple of holsters before shopping for something new, you might be surprised.
RoadkingLarry
Member
Full size 1911 most of the time but when it gets real hot I carry a S&W mod 60. Both are carried carried IWB.
the naked prophet
Member
More than half the holster orders I get are for the full-size 1911. Lots of people carry them, but be sure to buy a good gunbelt (a dress belt from wal-mart does not work).
misANTHrope
Member
You can conceal anything you want; it's just a matter of what kind of wardrobe sacrifices you're willing to make. I carry a 4" XD, usually concealed under a simple T-shirt. Someone who was more slender than me would undoubtedly have to go to greater lengths to prevent printing from the heel of the grip, though.
So I think the first important things to know are your normal mode of dress, and your body type. From there, it'll be easier to determine what type of weapon and carry mode would work best for you.
So I think the first important things to know are your normal mode of dress, and your body type. From there, it'll be easier to determine what type of weapon and carry mode would work best for you.
TexasSkyhawk
Internet SEAL
I still like my Sig P220 when I HAVE to be 100% concealed.
Jeff
Jeff
Buck Nekkid
Member
Here's my suggestion: CZ RAMI in either 9 para or 40 S&W (my choice). It's small, powerful, & easy to carry (mine is carried IWB cross draw daily). It holds 8 +1 in 40 with a standard mag...plenty of ammo for most situations!
RNB65
Member
Walther PPS.
Tom Connors
Member
Sig 229 is my choice.
doc540
Member
Colt DS w/Speer Gold Dot 135 gr
Simple, safe, effective, compact
Or an even smaller Smith M36
Where'd it go?
Simple, safe, effective, compact
Or an even smaller Smith M36
Where'd it go?
rero360
Member
Those thunderwear holster thingies can't be all that comfortable, especially when sitting down, both in the stomach and in the groin. I just tried carrying like that with my 1911 sans holster just to see what its like and thats not cool. I mean I'm no Ron Jeremy or anything but thats just too uncomfortable. PLus I'd hate the thought on an ND while carrying like that, I think I'll take a bullet to the butt cheek over that.
but to answer the OP, a good pistol to carry is one you actually carry and is dependable, one thatyou know will go bang everytime you pull the trigger.
but to answer the OP, a good pistol to carry is one you actually carry and is dependable, one thatyou know will go bang everytime you pull the trigger.
Orange_Magnum
member
In a real life situation it must be a flat gun for concealability, a gun with a steady grip, a gun that does not require much of trigger pull, a gun that points naturally because you will open fire with the gun held at belly level as soon as the gun clears the holster, a gun that allows for fast reloading, a gun that will, on first hit, temporarily stop the attacker, a gun that does not flip too much from recoil. This means: A single stack semi-automatic with about 4" of barrel, single action, cocked with safety on.
doc540
Member
I'm 5'10", 185lbs with somewhat of a gut and the SmartCarry/Colt is so comfortable I forget it's there when standing or sitting.
When you sit it lays almost flat across the top of your thigh kind of under your side pocket pouch.
It's only for those who have to carry in deep cover, but depending on your body shape it is very comfortable.
When you sit it lays almost flat across the top of your thigh kind of under your side pocket pouch.
It's only for those who have to carry in deep cover, but depending on your body shape it is very comfortable.
DoubleTapDrew
Member
Compact and subcompact Glocks are popular. If you are used to the 1911 and like the grip angle take a look at the springfield XD line. They are like a Glock with a more 1911-ish grip angle since some people tend to point the Glocks high if not used to them.
doc540
Member
"In a real life situation it must be a flat gun for concealability, a gun with a steady grip, a gun that does not require much of trigger pull, a gun that points naturally because you will open fire with the gun held at belly level as soon as the gun clears the holster, a gun that allows for fast reloading, a gun that will, on first hit, temporarily stop the attacker, a gun that does not flip too much from recoil. This means: A single stack semi-automatic with about 4" of barrel."
You mean flat like this?
or this?
You mean flat like this?
or this?
Orange_Magnum
member
armoredman
Member
While I always belive the CZ lineup makes excellent CCW and duty sized sidearms, i have to say - go with what you really like. If you really like that 1911, then start looking for a GOOD holster in an IWB flavor you like. A good belt and rig can make a huge differance. A KelTec P11 in an Uncle Mikes soft nylon clip on rig can be miles more uncomfortable than something substanially larger, like my CZ P01.
Go looking for a good rig, good belt, looser pants, and covering garments you like. Lots better than spending a fortune on a new pistol/rig/belt. Of course, if you simply MUST have a PO1, I certainly wouldn't try to talk you out of a new CZ!
Go looking for a good rig, good belt, looser pants, and covering garments you like. Lots better than spending a fortune on a new pistol/rig/belt. Of course, if you simply MUST have a PO1, I certainly wouldn't try to talk you out of a new CZ!
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