Back problems

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rtrwv

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I have a problem, it has been strongly recommended to me by my surgeon to to reduce the weight I carry on a daily basis. I have lost 75 pounds though I feel I need to do as much as possible to help myself. I have sold many of my firearms to stay out of debt while off work since I have limited insurance coverage. My p229 is just to heavy to carry any longer. I have a p238 as a bug . I am seeking experienced suggestions for a p229 replacement. Prefer a 40 s&w
Caliber being I own in excess of 2k rounds of said caliber. Any suggestions on whether to sell or trade would be appreciated as well as suggestions of expectations I may have. All of my previous sales have been to family members. THIS IS NOT A POST TO SELL THIS GUN SO PLEASE DO NOT OFFER. (Mods please advise and move this post if I have put it in the wrong place)
 
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No good advise on a gun because I'm a 1911 guy and they certainly aren't light. Obvious choices might include Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P, and Springfield XD series for something lighter in .40. Just wanted to say congrats on the weight loss. I'm struggling to lose 20.
 
A Glock 27 with a standard mag weighs 26 oz loaded. I have owned and shot several .40's. The Glock is the easiest on the hand of any I have tried. If you want more capacity you can get a full size Glock 22 Mag and put a sleeve on it and have 15 rounds.
 
How much lighter of a gun are you willing to settle for?
A Glock 23 .40 is the same size dimensionally as your P229, holds one more round, and is the same weight loaded as the Sig is empty.....aprox. 32 ounces (it weighs 21.16 empty).
If you need lighter yet, the Glock 27 .40 is a smaller subcompact with a 9 and 1 capacity that weighs 19.75 oz. empty and 27.0 loaded.
If you need any lighter you would have to go with the S&W Shield .40.....19 oz. empty (and dimensionally the smallest) but will save some weight with it's 7 round ammo capacity.
 
switch to a 9mm and you get a few more options. the 9mm is a service caliber. not almost a service caliber, not a service caliber in kinder gentilier countries, not once upon a time a service caliber but a true now-a-days American service caliber.
 
9mm is a good suggestion but he did say he has 2,000 rounds of .40 and has been off work and is trying to maximize existing resources.

I thought RCL's suggestion of a Glock 23 was a great one.
 
you can trade 40 cal ammo for 9mm ammo.....somebody wanting to move up to .40cal and get rid of their 9mm.....

like a i have a G29 and G20 with 500 or so rounds or factory 10mm ammo, would trade for a G30 and G21 with the same amount of .45acp ammo.....
 
If I had serious back problems I would probably pick up one of those small Ruger 380's that seems to weigh as much as a piece of paper.
 
I've had all kinds of problems with my lumbar spine, and two surgeries. Doing good now, but wearing my compact 1911 on my hip, I can sure tell it's there.
 
My first reaction: Springfield XDs in .40

If you want a full sized gun, FNX or FNS-40. I like the FNX myself but I prefer hammer guns.

If you really want to drop the weight, get a S&W 642 Airweight in 38 special+p, and lose the BUG.
 
Life long back problems here. I had to sell my businesses it got so bad. I also dropped 50 lbs in the past 1 and 1/2 years. I found after an, lcp, shield, and lc9; that I could easily carry the xds just as easy as the others, in a remora holster with, gym, or cargo pants.
The weight in your pocket is less painful than on your waist or hip. This has been a 25 yr journey for me, from shoulder holsters, "which work" to fanny packs, "which work" also. I wear the Nike black nylon pants with a drawstring, and they hold the XD up.
With a tee or polo shirt on you can't see anything.
The xds45 is a great pistol, and I carry the extended mag in either the other pocket, or in a fanny pack with a wallet and keys.
 
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I feel your pain. I have terrible back issues.

How are you carrying the 229? Perhaps a light cover garment and shoulder rig? I also find that the IWB holsters are harsher on my back than belt holsters. I just have to change the way I dress.

I've been using my Crossbreed while carrying at the office (the few times I have to be there), and it has been comfortable enough, but still tugs at my side (I do wear a gun belt) When working from home I recently picked up a rarely used simple but lighter IWB holster from Tagua that actually puts less stress on my back than the Crossbreed. Go figure. Anyway, that has driven me to order the DeSantis SofTuck to see if it puts less drag on my belt than the crossbreed.
 
M&P 40 C , wife has one and I'm impressed how well it shoots and recoil was much better than I /we expected.
 
I had the same problem.

I bought a Ruger SP101 a few years ago to carry as my primary sidearm, while my back pain got worse. I switched to a Ruger LCP, and it helped a lot. I never felt ill at ease with the little .380. As a matter of fact, it gave me some higher level of comfort, when presented with a mildly uncomfortable situation. I just put my hand in my pocket and smiled.

I had back surgery, and the pain is 98% gone. I'm also still carrying the LCP.
 
All of the replies have been thought provoking. Going to try a m&p 40 tomorrow and a 642 s & w as well. A friend is also bringing a Springfield xds he has a boat load of 45,s and he owes me money. I will post again this weekend with any results. Thanks again for all of the thoughtful and constructive input, it is very much appreciated!
 
I actually started carrying my PA63 in my pocket as it was far lighter than my 1911, and not on my hip. Very happy, until I discovered the ejector was broken on the PA63. May have to take up the Bersa .380 again, or the S&W 49 snubby. If my 1914 Mauser .32 proves reliable it might get a turn, but the safety on it sucks.
 
If you could trade your .40 ammo and get into a 9mm I might suggest an SCCY CPX-1. I like them so much I bought 2 of them recently. Very well designed, extremely light weight, ambidextrous safety, accurate, and easy on the pocket book, $275 nib.

GS
 
I had some health issues last week - I couldn't carry my Beretta 92 IWB anymore. I ended up getting a 9mm Shield. Fantastic gun. Pocket carry it. Try getting one in 40.

I do prefer DA/SA - but I've made an exception for the Shield.
 
The decision is in

ps
thanks again for all of the great input and advice it just goes to show me how good a community we have here.
 
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