tomrkba
Member
- Joined
- May 30, 2010
- Messages
- 2,370
Hmm.
I started with the SIG P220. It's a great gun and I've owned nine or ten over the years. I carried it for a year and dry fired constantly. The hammer return spring broke just before a three day drive home and I had no backup gun. Fortunately, gun stores and gunsmiths aren't shy in Dallas and a sign drew me into the store. Five minutes and five dollars later, my P220 was running again. But, the lesson was learned: have two guns and gear.
I tried the Ruger SP101, Springfield Ultra Compact in 45 and Browning Hi Power 40. The Hi Power was an excellent gun. I tried a few others.
I attended my first two day defensive pistol class because my shooting had plateaued. It was eye opening. I discovered the need for more than three seven round magazines and a loader since my thumb was so sore I couldn't load the mags by the end of the second day. I switched to the Glock 23 as a result of that class.
I practiced with that Glock and the Hi-Powers for six months and repeated the class. My performance had drastically improved and I consistently passed several law enforcement qualifiers, including the Air Marshal course. Unfortunately, the sharper recoil of the 40 S&W caused severe tendonitis on long shooting days. Heavier guns, or guns with a high bore axis like the P229, tamed it enough for me to use. But, 45 ACP was my first love and I keep going back to it.
I focused upon Glocks for 15 years while dabbling in 1911's. Fast forward a few decades, nearly two dozen classes, and 100+ handguns later, I now keep everything I buy. No more horse trading; I keep buying the ones I traded off and I dearly miss that original P220. I found one from 1995 recently and had SIG refurbish it. I don't carry it, but I'm happy to have one in the safe.
Now, the "Glock 19" class and the "Big 45" dominate my collection. G19's, S&W M&P 9 Compacts, CZ P10C, 1911's in 9mm, along with compact versions, dominate my collection. Mini-9's are great too. Oddly, the S&W M&P 45 M2.0 conceals really well in the appendix position.
I've sorta moved toward thumb safety guns for appendix carry (hammers are a bonus) and bigger guns for strongside carry. I like controlling the hammer while holstering.
Learn your gear. I have found that the Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 or Criterion are about perfect for carry. However, I've learned that the magnetic snaps on the loops do not always work. Pushing the gun into the holster while wearing pants with a soft waistband causes them to disengage. So, traditional snaps are the way to go with this holster.
Appendix carry holsters require a certain set of attributes for me to successfully use. Wings or spacers are needed to tilt the butt of the gun in and a wedge tilts it back into me from the top. Holes must be placed in certain locations so I can adjust the Pull the Dot straps. Some holsters require a slight reverse cant. All body side corners and edges need to be rounded.
I have discovered JM Custom Kydex's angled appendix IWB mag holder. This allows me to carry a third magazine up front. I use Milt Sparks' S4C OWB mag holders. I learned recently that P220 and 1911 holders have the snap placed on top; I now make sure to specify the snap should be on the bottom when I order. I also use Milt Sparks IPS mag holders. However, these have only one screw securing the loop. It tends to loosen up and tilt. Keep this in mind; let it set up the way it wants and apply some blue thread locker.
I like magnum revolvers. The N-Frame is my favorite. I do have a K-Frame that I'm starting to like. But, if you have only six shots, bigger seems better to me. Carrying ammo for revolvers is more difficult to conceal. I like to carry one speed loader in front of the holster and two on the opposite side, and pocket carry a Bianchi Speed Strip in a leather holder. The Split Six style holders are not great for the N-Frame loaders and sometimes release. I have yet to find a decent solution other than moon clips (which have other problems).
I find that 9mm permits versatility in frame size. The new SIG P365 is a pocket carry game changer. The SIG M17 is a nice gun and the 21 round mag makes for fun at the range. I can see it in a police officer's holster or for open carry. STI is still king with their 27 round mags, but I've noticed capacities increasing to 20+ rounds.
The "Glock 19" has become a "class" of guns. Examples include the HK P30, HK VP9, S&W M&P 9 Compact M2.0, CZ P10C, 1911 Commander or CCO 9mm, and so forth. I think the HK P30 (or P30SK with longer mag), S&W M&P 9 Compact M2.0 and CZ P10C are the top three guns in this class. They outdo Glock, which still hasn't figured out how to relieve the area under the trigger guard properly or build controls for use. The HK P30 and P30SK Light LEM are particularly great guns because they are so well thought out. All the controls are positioned properly for right or left handed use. Reliability is excellent and better than Glock, not that it matters after thousands of rounds. The M&P and CZ are also excellent, but trail behind the HK for various reasons.
I think a solid choice for anyone is to get a Glock 19 class gun. 9x19mm with quality JHP is good enough for self-defense and duty use. But, there are some who want more power. In those cases, 45 ACP is a great caliber that offers more power than 9x19mm. This may or may not matter for a fight, but it could turn out to be useful. Shooting it is more pleasant that snappier rounds like 40 S&W, 357 SIG and 10mm. The platform matters and the 1911 seems to recoil a bit more. I really like shooting 45 ACP from the Glock 21 and 30, S&W M&P 45, and SIG P220 pistols.
I really like 44 Special and 44 Magnum for revolvers. I know 357 Magnum is good too, but people are tempted to shoot it from guns with short barrels and small frames. 44 Special seems good for "urban" use with good JHP ammo. 44 Magnum is good any time, but some shy away from it. Maybe Bill Jordan was right when he said the 44's have too much blast, but 357 Magnum seems to have as much. It's probably a training issue.
So, for now, 9x19mm, 44 Magnum/Special, and 45 ACP work for me. The Glock 19 size, or Glock 30, works best for me for concealment. The 1911/P320/M&P P220/G21 sized guns are comfortable to shoot and relatively easy to carry. I think the Glock 19 Class of handguns serves the most people well.
I started with the SIG P220. It's a great gun and I've owned nine or ten over the years. I carried it for a year and dry fired constantly. The hammer return spring broke just before a three day drive home and I had no backup gun. Fortunately, gun stores and gunsmiths aren't shy in Dallas and a sign drew me into the store. Five minutes and five dollars later, my P220 was running again. But, the lesson was learned: have two guns and gear.
I tried the Ruger SP101, Springfield Ultra Compact in 45 and Browning Hi Power 40. The Hi Power was an excellent gun. I tried a few others.
I attended my first two day defensive pistol class because my shooting had plateaued. It was eye opening. I discovered the need for more than three seven round magazines and a loader since my thumb was so sore I couldn't load the mags by the end of the second day. I switched to the Glock 23 as a result of that class.
I practiced with that Glock and the Hi-Powers for six months and repeated the class. My performance had drastically improved and I consistently passed several law enforcement qualifiers, including the Air Marshal course. Unfortunately, the sharper recoil of the 40 S&W caused severe tendonitis on long shooting days. Heavier guns, or guns with a high bore axis like the P229, tamed it enough for me to use. But, 45 ACP was my first love and I keep going back to it.
I focused upon Glocks for 15 years while dabbling in 1911's. Fast forward a few decades, nearly two dozen classes, and 100+ handguns later, I now keep everything I buy. No more horse trading; I keep buying the ones I traded off and I dearly miss that original P220. I found one from 1995 recently and had SIG refurbish it. I don't carry it, but I'm happy to have one in the safe.
Now, the "Glock 19" class and the "Big 45" dominate my collection. G19's, S&W M&P 9 Compacts, CZ P10C, 1911's in 9mm, along with compact versions, dominate my collection. Mini-9's are great too. Oddly, the S&W M&P 45 M2.0 conceals really well in the appendix position.
I've sorta moved toward thumb safety guns for appendix carry (hammers are a bonus) and bigger guns for strongside carry. I like controlling the hammer while holstering.
Learn your gear. I have found that the Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 or Criterion are about perfect for carry. However, I've learned that the magnetic snaps on the loops do not always work. Pushing the gun into the holster while wearing pants with a soft waistband causes them to disengage. So, traditional snaps are the way to go with this holster.
Appendix carry holsters require a certain set of attributes for me to successfully use. Wings or spacers are needed to tilt the butt of the gun in and a wedge tilts it back into me from the top. Holes must be placed in certain locations so I can adjust the Pull the Dot straps. Some holsters require a slight reverse cant. All body side corners and edges need to be rounded.
I have discovered JM Custom Kydex's angled appendix IWB mag holder. This allows me to carry a third magazine up front. I use Milt Sparks' S4C OWB mag holders. I learned recently that P220 and 1911 holders have the snap placed on top; I now make sure to specify the snap should be on the bottom when I order. I also use Milt Sparks IPS mag holders. However, these have only one screw securing the loop. It tends to loosen up and tilt. Keep this in mind; let it set up the way it wants and apply some blue thread locker.
I like magnum revolvers. The N-Frame is my favorite. I do have a K-Frame that I'm starting to like. But, if you have only six shots, bigger seems better to me. Carrying ammo for revolvers is more difficult to conceal. I like to carry one speed loader in front of the holster and two on the opposite side, and pocket carry a Bianchi Speed Strip in a leather holder. The Split Six style holders are not great for the N-Frame loaders and sometimes release. I have yet to find a decent solution other than moon clips (which have other problems).
I find that 9mm permits versatility in frame size. The new SIG P365 is a pocket carry game changer. The SIG M17 is a nice gun and the 21 round mag makes for fun at the range. I can see it in a police officer's holster or for open carry. STI is still king with their 27 round mags, but I've noticed capacities increasing to 20+ rounds.
The "Glock 19" has become a "class" of guns. Examples include the HK P30, HK VP9, S&W M&P 9 Compact M2.0, CZ P10C, 1911 Commander or CCO 9mm, and so forth. I think the HK P30 (or P30SK with longer mag), S&W M&P 9 Compact M2.0 and CZ P10C are the top three guns in this class. They outdo Glock, which still hasn't figured out how to relieve the area under the trigger guard properly or build controls for use. The HK P30 and P30SK Light LEM are particularly great guns because they are so well thought out. All the controls are positioned properly for right or left handed use. Reliability is excellent and better than Glock, not that it matters after thousands of rounds. The M&P and CZ are also excellent, but trail behind the HK for various reasons.
I think a solid choice for anyone is to get a Glock 19 class gun. 9x19mm with quality JHP is good enough for self-defense and duty use. But, there are some who want more power. In those cases, 45 ACP is a great caliber that offers more power than 9x19mm. This may or may not matter for a fight, but it could turn out to be useful. Shooting it is more pleasant that snappier rounds like 40 S&W, 357 SIG and 10mm. The platform matters and the 1911 seems to recoil a bit more. I really like shooting 45 ACP from the Glock 21 and 30, S&W M&P 45, and SIG P220 pistols.
I really like 44 Special and 44 Magnum for revolvers. I know 357 Magnum is good too, but people are tempted to shoot it from guns with short barrels and small frames. 44 Special seems good for "urban" use with good JHP ammo. 44 Magnum is good any time, but some shy away from it. Maybe Bill Jordan was right when he said the 44's have too much blast, but 357 Magnum seems to have as much. It's probably a training issue.
So, for now, 9x19mm, 44 Magnum/Special, and 45 ACP work for me. The Glock 19 size, or Glock 30, works best for me for concealment. The 1911/P320/M&P P220/G21 sized guns are comfortable to shoot and relatively easy to carry. I think the Glock 19 Class of handguns serves the most people well.
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