Heavy Hitter Carry Guns

GBExpat · Mar 27, 2017

Here is a pic of 2 of mine ... .629 44mag & Bulldog .44spl:

9x19 & up not pictured because I am not interested enough to pull them all out of the gunsafes and photograph them:

A 2nd Bulldog
1911 x4
Star PD x2
Glock 30S
3.3" XDs .45
.357
Glock 19
659
Star BM x4
KelTec PF9

... there, I think that's all.

Dr.Rob · Mar 27, 2017

Commander is a great choice in a carry gun. here's an old one...

MTMilitiaman · Mar 27, 2017

Glock 20 10mm Auto with a Bianchi Shadow OWB holster and a Columbia River Knife and Tool M21-04G. Glock is pretty much stock except for stainless guide rod and a 20 lbs spring. Run it with 200 gr XTPs @ 1250 fps.

This pic shows my "purse," which is the CamelBak HAWG I carry everywhere with me. You can see the top of the IFAK and the double mag pouch on it with the SOG multi-tool and one of several flashlights I have on me at all times. I was a Boy Scout. I like to be prepared. All my friends say they want to be by me when the zombie apocalypse breaks out.

Stubert · Mar 27, 2017

See my picture, Colt Defender .45 for every day carry, Colt mustang .380 for weddings and funerals.

Vern Humphrey · Mar 27, 2017

I've carried a full-size M1911for about 50 years now. I consider it ideal for concealed carry.

22250Rem · Mar 27, 2017

Only picture I was ever able to post here is just to the left; but I'm working on it. For personal carry it's a four inch S&W 686 with some handloads with 125 gr. Hornady XTP's for the heavy hitter classification. The "not as heavy hitter" would be the Glock 19.

22250Rem · Mar 27, 2017

Hey, I got it to go! But had to use a picture of the Glock cause my only 686 photo was too fuzzy.

Tallball · Mar 27, 2017

It isn't full-sized, but IMHO 44 special is a heavy hitter. And I do carry it.

Tallball · Mar 27, 2017

And it may be old-fashioned, but 357 is one of my favorite heavy hitters. I don't normally carry this one, but I sleep with it in arm's reach.

BSA1 · Mar 27, 2017

Good Ol' Boy said:
I'm not sure what difference it makes whether someone is shot with a compact 9mm, .38/.357, .40, .44, .45 or 10mm versus a full size in the same calibers, but I won't disrupt your thread any more.

Carry on...

Good Ol' Boy,

This is a Show & Tell thread to show off full-size self-defense carry handguns with 4" barrels or more. There are threads constantly on THR about smaller carry handguns but the big ones are overlooked. I know that there are other folks that are packing heavy metal.

Take a photo of your full size heavy hitter and rejoin the discussion.

BSA1 · Mar 27, 2017

Boarhunter said:
I used to be a big believer in the ol' saying: "Two is one and one is none" until a good buddy pointed out that the new rule is "A pair and a spare!" Of course, that meant I had to buy more guns....

BOARHUNTER

My Pair with a Spare plus another Pair is a Full House which beats your Three of a Kind. :neener:

Saddlebag Preacher · Mar 28, 2017

Illudium PU-36 Explosive Space Modulator, my go-to weapon of choice.

Old Dog · Mar 28, 2017

OP -- greatest thread-starter here in a long, long time! Thank you.

As one who carries full-size 1911s, Commanders, SIG P-226s, 229s (did I mention the S&W 627 Pro 4" barrel?) in all kinds of climate with all sorts of attire, I applaud you.

Will post some pics by the weekend.

Varminterror · Mar 28, 2017

I'll admit, it seems crazy to me to hear a 9mm and a 38 touted as a "heavy hitter," and almost as crazy to hear a 4" touted as "full size."

Been carrying a 9mm G19 for about 12yrs, never considered it heavy hitting, nor full sized. Although sufficiently large to be difficult to conceal in lightest and tightest of clothing, and sufficiently powerful for any defensive scenario, it's decidedly a size smaller and not as hard hitting as a full size, heavy hitter.

I did just pick up a Sig P224 in .40s&w last year, also not full size, but a little heavier hitting.

When I consider a need for high impact, and don't need a petite size, I tend to think of a P226 10mm, 1911 Govt, or better still, a revolver in 44mag or larger. A 629 mountain gun was my first "full size, heavy hitter," my most recent, a pair of Ruger Toklat's in .454c.

CDW4ME · Mar 28, 2017

During the heat & humidity of summer, I'll have at least a Glock 19 + spare magazine + Kahr PM9 in pocket.
I do not see the Kahr as a "back up" rather a 2nd option that I can put my hand on without revealing I'm carrying, handy if approached by someone "shady" in a parking lot.
I could easily substitute my 30SF for the 19, but the 19 has 50% more capacity and quicker follow up shots.

This past winter when I wore heavier clothes (sweatshirt) I carried a Glock 20SF + spare magazine + PM40 in pocket.

Edit to add pic:
No printing, even if I lean forward.

Hokkmike · Mar 28, 2017

Beautiful pictures - thanks all. Interesting OP. I have both a "heavy hitter" and a "pocket gun". The latter can be carried concealed many place where the big fellow cannot.

GBExpat · Mar 28, 2017

BSA1 said:
This is a Show & Tell thread to show off full-size self-defense carry handguns with 4" barrels or more.

You should edit the OP to include that new criteria.

BSA1 · Mar 28, 2017

Varminterror said:
I'll admit, it seems crazy to me to hear a 9mm and a 38 touted as a "heavy hitter," and almost as crazy to hear a 4" touted as "full size."

38 Special does not qualify as it is most often chambered in small compact frame guns and the round is not particularly powerful. That is why I left out my S&W 4" Model 10.

I included 9mm's because high capacity full-size ones weight when fully loaded (the gun is heavy) and large amount firepower (pour on the heavy firepower). Beretta 92's most definitely meet both of these criteria.

4" barrel revolvers are traditionally considered to be "Duty" or "Belt" carry guns with a long history in Law Enforcement.

With semi-auto's it isn't quite as clear. Some gun manufacturers advertise their semi-autos with 4" barrel as full-size. The S&W M&P 9mm barrel length is listed as 4.25" and it holds 17 rounds.

Been carrying a 9mm G19 for about 12yrs, never considered it heavy hitting, nor full sized.

Agreed. Glock 17, Glock 20 and the Glock 21 are all heavy hitters. 15 rounds of 10mm are most definitely "heavy hitters."

Some members are thinking too much into this. This is just a fun Show & Tell thread for big guns that are rarely discussed as being carried for self-defense.

BSA1 · Mar 28, 2017

BSA1 said:
This is a Show & Tell thread to show off full-size self-defense carry handguns with 4" barrels or more.

GBExpat said:
You should edit the OP to include that new criteria.

Well if someone wants to make a case for a short barrel Ruger .480 I will certainly agree it is a heavy hitter but ONLY and ONLY IF they post a picture of their gun.

This is about guns members actually own so no posting what is offered by gun manufacturers or fantasy guns (sorry Saddlebag Preacher).

paul105 · Mar 28, 2017

480 Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan

I've carried the Alaskan, but now, my everyday carry guns are a S&W M69 L-Frame 4 1/4" .44 Mag and a Kahr CW45. The CW45 is my "pocket gun". Sorry for the poor picture.

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Paul

BSA1 · Mar 28, 2017

Although the barrel is a little short that Sir meets the criteria of a "heavy hitter" based on weight of the gun and weight of the bullet with a bonus point for what is sure to be a impressive muzzle flash! :what:

I am considering the idea of the S&W M69 as the little brother to my 4" Model 29 and a Charter Arms 44 Bulldog as baby brother.

Saddlebag Preacher · Mar 28, 2017

OK, no modulator, so here is my Tristar and pancake holster I often carry.

22250Rem · Mar 28, 2017

Here's a better pic (but still not perfect)...... A 7 shot S&W 686,.357 Magnum with a hot load using 125 gr. Hornady XTP's classifies as "heavy hitter" for S.D. purposes. For "at home" standby guard duty it contains a +P load with 158 gr. hard cast SWC's in 38 Spl. brass. Either way it makes it into "heavy hitter" territory; in my book, anyway.

TRX · Mar 28, 2017

> Does 44 special count?

I carried one of the first-generation Charter Arms Bulldogs for years. Should the Cash Fairy tap me with her wand, I might wind up carrying one again.

The Voices keep muttering about an S&W .44 with the scandium frame with a 3" barrel, but they're just as likely to be advocating one of those "hiking trailers" with a Gatling gun, so their suggestions should be taken with some skepticism...

Vern Humphrey · Mar 28, 2017

When Arkansas goes open carry, I'll carry my Colt New Service in .45 Colt -- the biggest cartridge revolver Colt ever made.

Heavy Hitter Carry Guns

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