Armory Re-Structuring, What's Wrong With Me?

[amprecon]

I don't know why I do it, I can't explain it, it just happens. I get to thinking and what I believed was adequate and effective just goes out the window and I decide that I need to make some changes.
Okay, here's the deal, I had two Glock 19's, a Springfield-Armory G.I. 1911 and a Glock 21. I shot the G19's well, the 1911 ok and the G21........just plain love it.
I got to thinking about the crime around here and reading about shootings and thought "man, why 9mm when I could have .40s&w in the exact same sized gun?"
The 1911? Shoots fine, it is heavy and the grip safety digs into the web of my hand after several boxes and starts to blister up. It is not as natural for me to shoot as my G21 is. I don't normally carry the G21, it is mainly the house gun now that the G19's are gone on consignment at Range USA (asking prices not negotiable BTW, I'm already giving them away).
I guess what started the re-structuring was when we went to the theater one night during the weekend, the parking lot was dark and there weren't many cars there. My wife asked me if I was going to take the G19 with me into the theater. I said no, it's too big, then she went on about why I have a CCW but never carry it with me and just leave it in the vehicle. She recommended that I get something even smaller that I could take with me everywhere and not worry about getting made.
That's when I started shopping around for at least a 9mm caliber pocket gun and have discovered the new Kel-Tec PF-9 that hasn't even been released yet. But it's still 9mm, not that 9mm can't do the right job with the proper ammo, but it's not a "bigger" caliber.
It just came to me that it seems that the 9mm requires +P ammo to achieve the same stopping power of standard pressure .40s&w loads, why do that?
So I've considered Kahrs also, being they're in .40s&w, but I've seen where they've had their share of reliability issues. I prefer their standard size all-steel versions, but their too heavy to deeply conceal or keep in a pocket.
So after the re-structuring, I will still have the G21, a G23 and a even smaller pistol for CCW, Kel-Tec PF-9 or Kahr of some sort or something else similar in size if anybody knows of others to consider.
Oh, and as a side note, the cash left over after selling the G19's and 1911 and buying an G23 and pocket gun is going towards my dream rifle.....an M1A

 

[Technosavant]

The problem is, when you keep thinking "well, just a BIT more size will get me more power/capacity/functionality/etc." you eventually end up with a full sized gun.

If you are trying to structure a portfolio of guns for carry, you have to make some compromises. The guns that handle our beloved calibers that begin in a "4" are just too stout for good pocket carry (if you want anything more than a couple shots).

 

[lacoochee]

You could get a small 5 shot .357

There are multiple brands and different weights, but the S&W and Rugers, either the model 60 or a ruger sp101, seem to get the most praise. They are not the lightest revolvers available (I carry a S&W360pd but the recoil has to be felt to be believed) but they make the recoil from shooting a .357 manageable in a small gun. They both of course will shoot .38+p or otherwise in a pinch. I have also heard that Taurus makes a nice .357 snubby, my brother carries one, but I have no personal experience with them.

I should have said also that I carry it everywhere I go in my pocket, in a desantis pocket holster, in all weather conditions. I don't even notice it anymore (it only weighs 11oz + 5 rounds) and it's instantly available and I can go almost to condition one without anyone knowing it (and have) just by reaching into my pocket.

 

[aguyindallas]

My belief is most folks can conceal a G19 very well. I am one of them (actually a G23, but same frame.)

Perhaps its time to think about your dress, more than your gun. I have found that with all of the guns I own, I have a select few in my carry rotation. I have proper gear for each gun and each dress scenario.

If I wear slacks, shirt/tie, I carry either a G26 on my ankle or a 642 in my Galco Pocket Horsehide.

If I am wearing light shorts, I put my 642 in my Galco Pocket Horsehide.

If I am wearing pants or shorts with an untucked cover shirt, I will put my G23 in a CTAC or a Galco Pancake.

If I am wearing something that I am just using a regular T shirt as cover, I use my CTAC with a G26 or Galco IWB with my 642.

As you can see, I have only 3 guns in that rotation with a total of 5 holsters that will accomodate just about any scenario of dress. I have learned to dress around the gun, because I want to ALWAYS be armed (when legal) and it works. Nobody said carrying a gun would be easy and not require any sacrifice. I can trade a little comfort for a lot of security.

 

[strambo]

Yeah, I'm with that dallas dude wondering why you couldn't more than adequately conceal a G19, or a G23 (if you want a .40). In theaters, if hot, I've even taken my concealing garment off and had it laying over my holstered gun. Worse case scenario if there is a fire alarm or whatever, I could just get up and leave with my shirt/coat held by my strong side arm still covering my gun. Otherwise, I just put it back on before I get up. A theater is the easiest place I've concealed. On second thought, even with an emergency, I could put it on while I got up.

I think most CCW folks over think and worry too much about concealment. People in the know (cops, executive protection, criminals?) who are trying to spot weapons don't really key on the obvious like printing because it is so rare. They key on body movement and mannerisms. Those who don't know what to look for wouldn't notice if you open carried. So, even if you have the tinny-est gun ever, it's the adjustment of your heavy pocket that will give it away to those in the know, not any lack of basic concealment.

If you are close to average size and the gun's size and weight are south of a Desert Eagle and you have a good belt and holster, you ought ta be able to conceal it.

 

[dragongoddess]

So whats wrong with shoulder or ankel hosters. As I read this everyone is worried about what they are carrying on their belt.

 

[Geno]

Shoulder holster risk

The shoulder holster's risk is that in drawing a pisto, from it, one paints their arm for a brief moment. We covered this in our advanced tactical shooting courses. The risk is small until the pistol inadvertently is fired while aimed at your arm. Then, the problem is obvious. I really prefer an on the waist or ankle holster over a shoulder rig. But, the quick access to a pistol in a shoulder rig while in the car is incredible, right? Unfortunately I learned this risk after investing nearly $200.00 in a sweet shoulder rig. I guess there is no flawless or risk-free way to carry.

Doc2005

 

[Fosbery]

a .22 LR in your pocket is better than a .357 left at home. Carriability should be your number one priority in my opinion. Pick a maximum size, and then look for the most powerful, comfortable, accurate and cheapest gun you can find in that size range.

 

[Flintlock Tom]

How come no one has mentioned what a sweet wife you have?
You're her knight in shining armor, don't let her down.

 

[psyopspec]

I've mitigated the risk of drawing from a shoulder rig with practice. However, due to my body type (short arm reach, wide frame) I can't perform any type of speed draw while standing. In the course of an average day, I find such rigs to be more comfortable but I also realize that if I need the gun, I may be drawing it too late.

What holsters have you tried for your G19/23? There's plenty of great IWB, OWB, and shoulder rigs available that can make concealment a snap.

 

[Josh Aston]

Originally posted by Doc2005
The shoulder holster's risk is that in drawing a pistol, from it, one paints their arm for a brief moment.

Draw it correctly and you'll never "paint" yourself or anything other than your target. Rather than drawing outwards, keep the gun pointed down, swing up to the target so that the gun and your hand are upside down, once on target rotate your wrist so that you are in a normal firing position. With just a little practice it's rather easy.

 

[crucible]

You already have the most easily concealable full size pistol in your 1911-why not get a good holster and belt for it? (I have no problems concealing invisibly and very comfortably under a longer tshirt or square-bottom shirt with my VM2 or Watch6.)

(Look for the thumb safety extending past the grip safety area a bit if it's ripping up the web on your hand...file down as necessary.)

There are of course good concealable holsters for your Glocks but your 1911 will conceal considerably better.

+1 to what Flintlock Tom said-protect that wonderful woman.

C-

 

[amprecon]

Thanks for the replies, lotsa good info. I have never CCW'd with a holster of any kind, just tucked it in my pants at the waistband in a cross-draw position. It's not very secure there, but I am just unable to find a IWB that suits me well enough. Actually I haven't looked that hard either. I've tried to wear those Uncle Mike's nylon's but they just don't feel right. But then again, I usually never CCW, I just have it in my vehicle most of the time.
I know, I know, I need to have it on me.

My work attire requires that I wear button up collared shirts tucked in which doesn't leave many places to conceal aside from maybe an ankle holster. As far as I'm concerned it would have to be a very small and light gun for me to carry in that location.

As far as small guns, I see that Kel-Tec makes some very small .32acp's and .380's that I could put in the pocket or ankle holster, but I think I'd be best served with at least a 9mm caliber pistol and have been hearing about the latest Kel-Tec the PF-9 which I'm anxiously awaiting to handle.

I know alot of people rely on small calibers for their carry piece and they may feel confident with them, I just don't want to take the chance even though a puny caliber is better than a no-caliber.

 

[Technosavant]

For an IWB, do yourself a favor, spend the cash, and get a good holster. My personal favorite is Milt Sparks, others swear by Brommeland Gunleather or others. Get a good carry belt to; you won't be getting one at Wal-Mart, Sears, or any other "normal" store- get that from a good leathermaker.

Get yourself set up with that, and you can carry about anything, well concealed and comfortable.

 

[pete f]

I would say you need you change your systems.


I carry a commander size all the time, and have no issue with it. I think you are not giving a good holster a chance. The tuck-it IWB do work, So do the pocket holster type devices. Shoulder holsters work just fine, both verticle and horizontal hold types, Some people claim you paint your arm, but in every cross draw I have seen you paint your leg or your belly just as much. I know this risks the "I am the only one professional enough" responses, But I dare say as many people shoot them shelves with a strong side as any other type of holster. I know a cop who has a artificial knee from shooting himself when he tried to fast draw a retention holster in practice. I was at a class when a federal marshall shot his thigh with a 9 sig when tried to reholster his weapon and forgot to remove his finger from the trigger. Lucky for him it was just a long gouge in his outer leg and missed his ankle and foot.

Buying your shirt a size big or ordering square cut instead of fitted work just fine and you can get at when you need it. Ankle holsters are just plain too slow, If you need it, kneeling or leaning over is going to get yourself killed. One thing about the TV shows, cops with ankle holsters are almost always dead meat in a hostage/robbery situation. "Well excuse me, Mr Mugger, I seem to have to tie my shoe at this time, please allow me to bend over and fuss about with my pants leg, Oh! and while I am down here not looking at you, please do not put a bullet in my head." Yeah, that's tactical, expecially on the day you are wearing loafers.

If you have a wife who has asked you to carry, do not let her down. EVER, carry all the time, in a holster that is reachable and reasonable.

Also consider getting her a holster purse. and a CCW, and if need be you can only carry a pocket snubby, she can carry the back up his and hers.

 

[aguyindallas]

Amprecon, read my first post. We dress the same.

Its time to pony up some coin for some gear and try something other than a 15.00 Uncle Mikes holster if you are having trouble. I am not knocking their stuff, but if its not working and the rest of us have stuff that is, its time to broaden your horizons a bit.

Best of luck.

 

[Squidward]

My 2 cents

If you really love the G21 get good gear and dress appropriately. Or buy the G30 or G36 (both .45s) get good gear and dress appropriately.

 

[strambo]

A G36 (single stack .45) would be a great companion to the G21 and easy to conceal with good gear. I rented one and put about 50 rounds through it. Very controllable considering it's small size and weight. If I liked Glocks...I'd a bought it!