Old Dog
Member
In an issue of SWAT Magazine a few months ago, Patrick Rogers wrote an article titled, "Putting down the Man Gun," which detailed his decision to start carrying primarily a 9mm pistol (S&W M&P-9) over his once-favored .45 ACP (1911).
Similarly, a recent interview with Travis Haley had him stating that his primary carry gun was in 9mm also. (Believe he may favor Glocks.)
Comes now Chris Costa, who also admits packing a nine most of the time (also the Glock 19) ...
Seasoned trainers all, they all seem to believe that being able to shoot lots of rounds downrange faster AND more accurately is important, though Rogers discussed other reasons for going to the 9mm.
For those of us gettin' on in years, practicing with a 9mm can be delightful (especially if one's strong arm is riddled with arthritis in the wrist and fingers). On a recent range visit, I re-discovered that my venerable West German SIG P-226 is the softest-shooter of all my nines, as well as the most accurate pistol I own (well, I have one Series 70 Colt's Gov't Model that would probably edge it).
Now I note that my usual off-duty carry .45, a LW Commander XSE, is really about the same size as my P-226 (albeit not nearly as wide) and almost identical in size to my duty M&P-9 ... all have barrels about 4.25 - 4.40 inches but laid one on top of the other, they all print about the same size, except the Colt is obviously narrower, which does make it easier to pack.
With the stellar 18-round Mec-Gar mags for the SIG (and then how 'bout the 20-rounder for a spare?), the factory 17-rounders for the S&W, I can sure pack a lot more firepower by going to a nine, which for me, conceals almost as well, even OWB in a Kramer Belt Scabbard (my favorite pancakes) or a Galco Concealable. Yeah, for IWB, the SIG and the Smith aren't quite as nice, but they still ride remarkably comfortably in Milt Sparks VM-IIs.
So, I am evaluating. I have full confidence in my 9mm loads (Gold Dot 124 grain +Ps), and frankly, my recent shooting sessions have me shooting much more accurately, much faster, with my 9s.
Anyone else besides this 1911 dinosaur contemplating giving up The Man Gun? (But only for carry -- the 1911 is still The King -- just as Elvis, though dead, is.)
Similarly, a recent interview with Travis Haley had him stating that his primary carry gun was in 9mm also. (Believe he may favor Glocks.)
Comes now Chris Costa, who also admits packing a nine most of the time (also the Glock 19) ...
Seasoned trainers all, they all seem to believe that being able to shoot lots of rounds downrange faster AND more accurately is important, though Rogers discussed other reasons for going to the 9mm.
For those of us gettin' on in years, practicing with a 9mm can be delightful (especially if one's strong arm is riddled with arthritis in the wrist and fingers). On a recent range visit, I re-discovered that my venerable West German SIG P-226 is the softest-shooter of all my nines, as well as the most accurate pistol I own (well, I have one Series 70 Colt's Gov't Model that would probably edge it).
Now I note that my usual off-duty carry .45, a LW Commander XSE, is really about the same size as my P-226 (albeit not nearly as wide) and almost identical in size to my duty M&P-9 ... all have barrels about 4.25 - 4.40 inches but laid one on top of the other, they all print about the same size, except the Colt is obviously narrower, which does make it easier to pack.
With the stellar 18-round Mec-Gar mags for the SIG (and then how 'bout the 20-rounder for a spare?), the factory 17-rounders for the S&W, I can sure pack a lot more firepower by going to a nine, which for me, conceals almost as well, even OWB in a Kramer Belt Scabbard (my favorite pancakes) or a Galco Concealable. Yeah, for IWB, the SIG and the Smith aren't quite as nice, but they still ride remarkably comfortably in Milt Sparks VM-IIs.
So, I am evaluating. I have full confidence in my 9mm loads (Gold Dot 124 grain +Ps), and frankly, my recent shooting sessions have me shooting much more accurately, much faster, with my 9s.
Anyone else besides this 1911 dinosaur contemplating giving up The Man Gun? (But only for carry -- the 1911 is still The King -- just as Elvis, though dead, is.)
Last edited:
