Carry guns by type

What type of handgun do you carry most often for self defense?

  • Single action revolver

    Votes: 4 1.9%

  • Traditional double-action revolver

    Votes: 26 12.1%

  • DAO revolver

    Votes: 22 10.2%

  • Steel or alloy framed single-action auto

    Votes: 40 18.6%

  • Steel or alloy framed DA/SA auto

    Votes: 10 4.7%

  • Polymer framed DA/SA auto

    Votes: 7 3.3%

  • Steel or alloy framed DAO hammer fired auto

    Votes: 7 3.3%

  • Polymer framed DAO hammer fired auto

    Votes: 25 11.6%

  • Steel or alloy framed striker fired auto

    Votes: 3 1.4%

  • Polymer framed striker fired auto

    Votes: 71 33.0%
  • Total voters
    215
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MTMilitiaman

MTMilitiaman

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Joined
Apr 28, 2005
Messages
3,215
Location
Columbia Falls, Montana
There are several threads focusing on popular calibers for carry, but I think the cartridge is actually among the least important factors when choosing a defensive firearm. I would like to focus on action type (revolver vs auto, single action vs double action, ect) and frame material. I am also curious among autos who opts for double-column high capacity autos and who prefers slimmer single-stack autos. Listing capacity options would have made too many options, I think, so for the sake of simplicity, you can just include make, model, and capacity below, if you feel like it.

I'll start:
Polymer framed striker fired auto, a Glock 20 in 10mm Auto tucked into a Bianchi Shadow OWB and stoked with 200 gr XTPs at ~1250 fps

O and guys, we're all adults here. We can be civil, right?
 
For concealed carry--
Number 1 choice: Sig Ultra 1911 (3.3" barrel, .45ACP, alloy frame)
Number 2 choice, for when I may have to switch to pocket carry at some point in the day: Sig P938 (Single stack 9mm, alloy frame, 3" barrel)
Number 3 choice, when I'm just in that sort of mood: S&W 640, loaded with light .357s

For open carry, like for hiking and such outdoorsy pursuits:
Number 1: S&W 325 (scandium N-frame .45ACP)
Number 2: Ruger SP101, loaded with .357
 
Everyday: Rohrbaugh 9mm, DAO.

Sometime supplemented with or replaced by Commander sized 1911 in .45 ACP.

Woods/Hunting/Hiking Glock 20C in 10mm open carried.


.
 
Hybrid-DAO, hammer-fireds here, primarily a Kel-Tec PF9 and a P32. My newly-acquired Taurus TCP (PT738) is also of this type. These have polymer frames.

A "hybrid-DAO", also known as a "pre-set DAO" uses a hammer that is partially cocked; the trigger takes it the rest of the way to the rear and then releases it. The gun cannot be fired if the hammer is fully at rest (like it will be if dry-fired, or dropped on a dud round.)
 
Smith Bodyguard .380 (DAO) in a Desantis pocket holster. On rare occasions, a NAA .22lr in pocket holster.
 
S&W Shield 9mm most of the time. Just bought a Diamondback DB9 that I have been running ammo through at the range to determine reliability. Plan on using it for those times clothing doesn't allow the larger Shield.
 
My 2 1/2" 44 spcl Bulldog is on me 90% of the time. Carry the 4" 629 during hunting season.
 
S&W M&P FS when I can, SA XD-S 3.3 when I can't, both polymer strikers. Occasionally will "borrow" the wife's Ruger SR1911 Commander.
 
To me, what is most important is that the shooter has a reliable handgun that he/she can fire effectively, and the shooter is comfortable and competent with. I consider anything less than 380 or 38 special foolish- there are too many good options at reasonable prices to obtain anything with less power. I like striker fired handguns and recommend them to new shooters for ease of training and simplicity, but others will differ. I'll never say what the "best" handgun is as a general statement, since I know there are cowboy action shooters who can (and will- just to make a point) fire their Wyatt Earp peace makers faster and more accurately than I can fire my Glock.
 
A S&W-MP9c. Did acquire a S&W Shield 9mm thou but at this point undecided for CC application.
 
38 or 44 DAO revolver, preferably. Sometimes a P3AT. Sometimes a Glock 43.
 
I move back and forth between a TCP and a PT111 G2, along with a 4" King Cobra in the winter (heavy coat). I also have several other handguns that work for carry duty - but the one that is always in my pocket no matter what is an NAA Sidewinder in .22 Magnum.

Small, reasonably accurate and reliable. Not a powerhouse but far better than nothing if my primary carry gun fails or is lost.
 
I carry a BG380 all the time. Usually supplemented with a better combat handgun depending on where I'm going.
 
Polymer is lighter.
Prefer a Hammer.
DAO or DA/SA
Thin is important.

Currently pocket a Beretta Pico if I leave the house.
 
First choice is a Kahr CM9 along with a S&W Model 638, SIG P238, and occasionally a KelTec P3AT, in the rotation.
 
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