I need help trying to find an EDC gun

Status
Not open for further replies.
I am in the same boat as you, in that Glock 19 and 17 were what I used for work, and were my "go-to" guns for most everything. Since moving to Fl (where its always pretty warm) I have switched to the M&P shield 9. I tried the G43 and was very disappointed in the size, how it felt, and felt recoil- not to mention the cost. I ended up switching BACK to the shield. I heard the 43X addresses the old problems of the original 43, and maybe that is true, but the shield is doing its job just fine, and can be found for under $300 if you just shop around. PSA will likely have a sale on them soon as labor day is around the corner.
 
Sig P365
Sig P938
S&W Shield
Glock 43X

Not necessarily in that order. Go to a range where you can try before you buy. Put at least 100-200 rounds through each of the 4 mentioned CCW.
One of the above should work for you.
Buy the one that works best for you. Get a good gunbelt and holster for your choice.
Obviously there are other good CCW out there and if so inclined try others as well.
 
Bos19, you seem to want to make good decisions and get it right without breaking the back. Admirable. What you need is experience, and when yo start carrying, it comes with time. To address the issues I see here. Remember that free advice is often worth less than what you paid for it.

First, SIG had teething problems with the first P365s. It happens. They seemed to have gotten that worked out, and if I was going to carry one, I wouldn't hesitate after putting a couple of hundred rounds downrange to prove that PARTICULAR SIG P365 was good to go. Besides, its fun to burn powder and make noise.

Second, most of us have more hand than gun when it comes to tiny pistols. Its not a problem, you just have to get the technique down. I don't know ANYBODY that carries a Kel Tec P3AT or Ruger LCP that can get 4 fingers on that grip. If you need a gun that small, the answer is get a hold of it and shoot the snot out of it until you are proficient. Instruction is a very good thing here...

Third, you CAN conceal a large service or compact pistol. I'm 6'4" and 225 lbs, and I can hide a G27 with +2 extended base pad just fine in this. (with the +2 it is almost exactly the same butt length as the G19) I carry this way to church in slacks and a knit shirt during the hottest days of summer. Nobody knows its there, and it makes our pastor happy knowing its there. (we're close) If you did this with a G43, G43X of even a G48, it'd be even easier for you.

Fourth, my recommendation is to find a handgun that works for you, and dress around it. If you are to carry concealed most\all of the time, you will have to make some concessions sometimes. Maybe you'll find a J frame airweight works best for you when you can't wear a jacket. There are times I go somewhere in jeans and a t shirt with a dark broadcloth shirt covering my OWB holster and aforementioned G27.

It sounds like you're still going through "new to carry" syndrome. We've all been there. You're afraid you're always printing, scared someone will see, always tempted to touch or adjust the pistol. It will pass, and you'll be amazed how well you're going.
 
Last edited:
If you’re considering the Shield, look at the Walther PPS M2. Similar but has a far better grip, build quality and far superior trigger.
 
I'm going to wade back in here to reiterate something that other posters have mentioned. OP, if at all possible, get to a range and shoot the guns on your list. Preferably, you'll shoot a few competitors to those pistols, too. When deciding whether to buy a particular gun, there is no substitute for actually shooting it.
 
You don't need to change guns, just buy a shirt one size up.

It's not that hard to conceal full size handguns, you just have to do your part. And, fighting with them is, also, easier.

People buy small handguns for the convenience of carry, not the ease of shooting.
 
I had 9 Glocks and sold them all the first time I bought a 1911,no comparison for accuracy and EDC

SAS+.jpg

Sunday dress up:

Equinox2.jpg
 
Have you tried a G43 with a +1 or +2 baseplate on the mag? They seem to add a lot more to the grip then the dimensions on paper would lead you to believe...

In the end though, for me, I find not being able to get my pinky on the grip was more mentally bothersome than it actually effected my accuracy. You may find that once you get used to it, it doesn't bother you as much.

Good luck on your search, you'll find what suits you with a little trial and error.
 
View attachment 858737
Like my 4th post with this gun, that's how tickled I am. Well, even with my bad eyesight was hitting a plastic bottle at dusk from 25 yards. Very enjoyable, recoil was more controllable than the G19 I shot 2 days ago, gun pointed much more naturally than anything I have shot recently and 10 is more than I need. This was a perfect buy and am glad I didn't get the 43X as the extra 1/2" just makes it the right balance and sight picture plus I read that the is an improvement in velocity. Cost me $459+tax, bought a spare mag (comes with 2) and it fits perfectly in my Uncle Mike's #15 (it's the same basic size as my S&W M&P 22 compact).
 
View attachment 858737
Like my 4th post with this gun, that's how tickled I am. Well, even with my bad eyesight was hitting a plastic bottle at dusk from 25 yards. Very enjoyable, recoil was more controllable than the G19 I shot 2 days ago, gun pointed much more naturally than anything I have shot recently and 10 is more than I need. This was a perfect buy and am glad I didn't get the 43X as the extra 1/2" just makes it the right balance and sight picture plus I read that the is an improvement in velocity. Cost me $459+tax, bought a spare mag (comes with 2) and it fits perfectly in my Uncle Mike's #15 (it's the same basic size as my S&W M&P 22 compact).

What model is it?
 
Have you tried a Ruger LC9? They're a small pistol that's easy to conceal and they have enough grip area on them so you can get a hold of them. They're not a long range target pistol so shooting 25 yards probably isn't a great idea. The thing is that they work for about 95% of most close range personal defense needs. You might see if there is a gun shop near you that has a range which rents out pistols for people to try before buying. Go give one a try and see if you like it.
 
The Glock 43X definitely has a similar footprint with regards to the 19. However, you can definitely tell that it is a slimmer pistol and will definitely ride closer to the body. With all of that said, my vote goes for the P365 as long as you can get an adequate grip on the pistol. Despite its diminutive size, I can shoot it much better than the 43X and nearly as well as a Glock 19.
 
All the guns posted are nice guns. But nice for them. My gosh, there are so many great EDC guns out there right now it is crazy. Do not be afraid to look at some discontinued models, you might even like them better and save some money to boot. Take your time, do not be in a rush. Shoot as many as you can. Rent some, borrow from a friend,go to a gun show etc. Some of the guns posted in this thread are nice guns, but if I blindly jumped on some of them, I would not have the right gun for all my needs, and the right fit or feel.Do you want a super light trigger or do you prefer a DAO or SA/Da? What sights do you like? How does it fit your hand? How do you feel he shoots? And on and on and on. Who knows, you might even like a revolver more. You might like a smaller 380, you might decide you like a large 1911. The list goes on forever. Nothing is right unless it is right for you.

Just one of the guns I like to carry.

54WjIM4.jpg
 
Last edited:
OP-
This is an issue of compromise. You will wrestle with big gun you shoot well VS small gun thats comfortable in all seasons but is tougher to shoot well. I am similarly built (6'1" & 190#- athletic) and i don't wear clothes that are baggy generally. I started carrying a glock 30 when illinois granted me the right to defend myself (2014) , g30 is almost exactly the same size as the g19 except its quite a bit thicker & heavier but length & height are the same. I was content with the g30 for carry but after a year or so i really felt like i could get a smaller, lighter gun for easier and more comfortable carry.

I'll tell you that in experience there is no perfect carry gun. Others may feel different but if you sacrafice nothing you gain nothing. Train to shoot small guns. Lose the idea that your pinky has ANYTHING at all with shooting, large or small the pinky dangle is made out to be such a big deal that truely is a total non-issue. Learn to shoot that way and even when shooting large guns don't grip with your pinky - and erase the idea from your mind that your pinky adds strength to your grip - it doesn't add much if anything.

Below is a picture of the only 3 guns i carry, g30 for most situation (like your g19, g42 for when its hot and im dressed lightly or i would be otherwise unarmed, g20 for if im wearing winter clothes or think i have a greater chance of needing a gun or im just feeling funky) i stay with one manual of arms for my defensive guns so i don't need to even think about whats in the holster, they operate the same. Training with one translates to experience with the platform in general. I'm no glock fanboy i just think it's best for me personally to have a carry gun that that meets certain criteria - cheap & easily replaceable, vast holster selection, other options of the same design that don't require me to change manual of arms when i switch carry guns.

To be honest i would just figure out what you need to carry your g19 comfortably year round and pick up a g43 or g26 for use with light clothes.
Nothings perfect, adapt.
Just my .02.
20191005_183152.jpg
 
I already own a Glock 19 and it’s a great gun that I’m extremely comfortable with. The only issue is for EDC during the warm months, it’s not as practical for me. I could definitely make it work in the winter, but not the summer. I am 6’2 and 195 and have a relatively athletic build, so I have to put more work into concealing than some. I really want to get a Glock 43, but when I tried holding one in the store the other day, my hand was bigger than the grip. The grip on the Glock 43X fits my hand much better, but I heard the Glock 43X is almost like the Glock 19 in terms of concealment. I would definitely prefer a Glock for an EDC, but am open to other guns.

I live on the Redneck Riviera (aka “Gulf Coast”). We have two seasons here ..... hot and humid. For 10 months out of the year I’m in shorts...the other two months I’ll throw on a pair of jeans, but pretty much always wearing flip flops. Or shorts and a LW jacket (and flip flops).

As much as I love my G19, it’s just not practical here year-round. I carry a Colt Cobra in my pocket (either front or back) those 10 or so months of the year. I don’t do IWB, but pocket and Mexican, yes. I just prefer the revolver when it comes to smaller platforms. YMMV. If it’s a G19 day, it goes strong side OWB.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top