Carry philosophy / perspective agree or disagree with me.

[WisBorn]

I think that there are people that will carry a 22lr like the naa revolvers because of their size. It is not their preferred, but may be what they feel is the best for their attire and/or situation.
I personally like the 380 as a minimum, but have not yet tried a 32acp.

 

[CDW4ME]

I disagree. I think in your scenario, it comes down to amount of risk they perceive. No different than the person going for a walk. Going for a walk in town where the biggest threat is from another dog or a random bad guy, a .38 revolver or a .380 pistol is plenty. Take that same walk in the woods in grizzly territory and the choice would probably be different.

Plenty? That term sounds like philosophy or perspective to me. Sounds like a choice.
Is the 38 or 380 being chose because that is all they own, or because its "better than nothing"


Lets try it this way.
I have a Glock 19 and a Kahr PM9 - both 9mm.
Which one do I shoot best? Glock 19
Which one would I prefer to defend myself with? Glock 19
Which one would I pick for a walk, in case I have to defend myself? Glock 19 - Because that is the one I'd prefer to defend myself with.

 

[WisBorn]

I disagree. I think in your scenario, it comes down to amount of risk they perceive. No different than the person going for a walk. Going for a walk in town where the biggest threat is from another dog or a random bad guy, a .38 revolver or a .380 pistol is plenty. Take that same walk in the woods in grizzly territory and the choice would probably be different.

I think you hit the nail on the head. I carry a 380 or 38 most of the time. I bump it up to a 357 or 41 mags in the woods where bigger critters roam.

 

[JayZee]

I sometimes carry my Beretta 21a to the grocery store in Derby Ks cause I like living on the edge lol.

Edgelord over here..bet you don't have a round in the chamber either?

People make fun of people carrying the "lowly" .22LR or .25 ACP..but then you see people say "I heard that 9MM just pisses people off and you need a gazillion rounds" or a ".38 will never go through a windshield"
or my favorite 'the 5.56 is made to wound dude, it can't kill people"

I also think the rationale of someone belittling or ridiculing someone for carrying a small gun/smaller caliber weapon a.k.a. "you're a weak, puny, girly man who doesnt take fighting serious(specifically the last part) could be inversely made just as stupid by proposing someone tried believing in the opposite hyperbolic idea:

"You carry a 9MM? Dude a friggan .45? Or a .40? Wow you must sit when you pee? You need to take him out in one shot with a big bullet in his big chest because you're such a bad shot who can't make a moving headshot like me..you can't fight man to man with yours fists..also you aren't good at hitting vitals so you rely on a bigger bullet to just do your job which isn't even hard...its just aim at his heart or brain dude..you also are a wimp because you fear the attacker. Period. My Chad-like confidence in my killing abilities don't rely on a minimum caliber..I AM the weapon..you fear you will be inadequate because you are a soyboy and a hipster who can't make his 30 shot Glock hit anything other than an old lady walking by because you limp wrist and rely on a chinese laser for aim..a true man focuses on having something always with him and is humbled by "less is more"..and here you fear being unable to stop your attackers with your bare hands like our ancestors before us...what? Afraid to pick up a rock and finish someone off..??...you're so weak you can't even fight off a bear with your bare hands..of course you need a shotgun you're just a boy..a real man would kill bears with a .25ACP to its eyeball...or just shove it right in the bears mouth.."

Just get over arguing about "is it enough gun" just use whatever you have and whatever you want.
Poking holes in people they weren't born with works, especially a lot of them in short order.
My advice? Poke as many holes as you can.

 

[Bob Meyer]

Just to muddy the waters a little, as I recall more people are killed with a 22 than any other caliber, with a 25acp in second place. That said, my usual carry gun is a 45.

 

[MedWheeler]

hk940 writes:

The biggest mistake a Knight in the middle ages could make is say " I don't need to put on my armor, I'm only going down to the corner"

Knighted men didn't live in their armor. They went a lot of places without it.

 

[Rexster]

hk940 writes:



Knighted men didn't live in their armor. They went a lot of places without it.

True, and there was a separate type of sword, that they wore, while riding, not in armor.

 

[RandyC]

What another person carries implies nothing to me. It's their decision, their own particular set of circumstances. I am, however, glad they've chosen to carry.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I wish there was an “I don’t care what other people choose to carry or their motivations behind that choice.” option.

 

[CDW4ME]

I wish there was an “I don’t care what other people choose to carry or their motivations behind that choice.” option.

Interesting thought for a gun forum.
Analogous to going on a car forum and a thread about oil changes and post: I don't care what interval others choose to change their oil, or why.

 

[CraigC]

I disagree. This implies that if you alter what and how you carry in any way, that that is your preference. Not true. I carry based on where I'm going and how I'll be dressed. My main carry piece is a Ruger LC9 and I find it appropriate the majority of the time. Everything pivots on that. I work from home, so if I'm just running to the convenience store, I may throw a small .380 in my pocket. Conversely, if I'm going to church where I always wear a suit or sport coat, I'll carry a full sized Beretta 92 due to its close proximity to a major highway and the increase in church shootings. If I'm going to Memphis for the day, the murder capitol of my state, I may opt for a .45ACP instead.

Even though we may vary our carry options, the fact remains that even if you spend every day in a violent city like Memphis, the odds that you'll ever have to use your carry gun are very, very low.

 

[Old Dog]

so if I'm just running to the convenience store, I may throw a small .380 in my pocket. Conversely, if I'm going to church where I always wear a suit or sport coat, I'll carry a full sized Beretta 92 due to its close proximity to a major highway and the increase in church shootings.

Not to be too persnickety here, but I would submit the statistics for almost any state, city or village in this country would indicate a far higher likelihood of crimes committed with firearms in convenience stores than in churches, notwithstanding some of the more recent, high-profile "mass shootings" occurring in places of worship.

Deputy Dom Calata, Pierce County Sheriff's Dept., EOW 16 March 2022
Police Officer Dan Rocha, Everett Police Dept., EOW 25 March 2022
RIP, my brothers.

 

[CraigC]

Maybe so, in general but I'm not driving to a convenience store in Memphis. Nor am I going there after dark or staying for 2hrs.

 

[SDGlock23]

I wouldn't say that they prefer to use that over the other options, but as others have stated, maybe they don't want to gear up to take a quick trip to the store so maybe the little .22 fits that role better. Say I have gym shorts on, something very small and light is on order to carry because otherwise its going to be trying to drag my shorts to my ankles. To put it another way, a quick trip to the store means that chances of needing to be armed are so slim that I would be willing to carry something I wouldn't otherwise carry. It may sound lazy to not want to at least put on a pair of shorts with a belt but frankly we are lazy at times, just the way it is.

Personally I never carry anything smaller than a G27 or G30 in the pocket of my pants or shorts, partly because those are my smallest guns and anything that is considered "small" are usually guns I don't care for or in calibers that I don't prefer. I would never trust a 22 mainly due to iffy rimfire reliability and lack of bullet size, the 380 Ive had and used but I do question the effectiveness of a 380 and the 9mm, while popular, is a round I just don't see any need for personally, I prefer the .40 and .45. I don't wear loose gym shorts or sweat shorts out of the house unless I know I wont be getting out of the car, in that case Im still armed I just carry it with me from the house to the car instead of wearing it.

 

[DeepSouth]

Lets try it this way.
I have a Glock 19 and a Kahr PM9 - both 9mm.
Which one do I shoot best? Glock 19
Which one would I prefer to defend myself with? Glock 19
Which one would I pick for a walk, in case I have to defend myself? Glock 19 - Because that is the one I'd prefer to defend myself with.

I think you’re ignoring the other side.

Do you own an AR?

Assuming you do, why not carry the AR?

Do you merely prefer to defend yourself with the G19?

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Interesting thought for a gun forum.
Analogous to going on a car forum and a thread about oil changes and post: I don't care what interval others choose to change their oil, or why.

Ok fine.

No I don’t agree at all and I think the premise of this thread is flawed.

I believe preference is being confused with a choice based on several individual factors. A person carrying a smaller /lower capacity/less powerful gun for a specific occasion but who has the opportunity to carry something more capable is most likely choosing convenience, comfort, speed, or some other factor we aren’t thinking of over a better chance of fighting off a violent aggressor.

That doesn’t mean for a second they wouldn’t prefer to carry a more capable gun, it means circumstances in reality or in their mind dictated a less capable gun was an acceptable choice for that occasion. Two different things. Maybe the smaller gun is actually their preference, but assuming that is unfounded, and irrelevant.

I prefer to walk to my local grocery store to get good exercise, but when it’s cold or I’d have a lot to carry I drive my pickup truck. I’m choosing convenience and efficiency over my preferred mode of travel.

The problem with assuming and equating choice with preference in other people’s carry gun is it’s a slippery slope that is inherently judgmental. It’s just a side door into the same conversation that is had over and over, that some people believe a full size duty pistol is best for carry and self defense and people choosing otherwise need to be “educated”.

 

[CDW4ME]

I disagree. This implies that if you alter what and how you carry in any way, that that is your preference. Not true. I carry based on where I'm going and how I'll be dressed. My main carry piece is a Ruger LC9 and I find it appropriate the majority of the time. Everything pivots on that. I work from home, so if I'm just running to the convenience store, I may throw a small .380 in my pocket. Conversely, if I'm going to church where I always wear a suit or sport coat, I'll carry a full sized Beretta 92 due to its close proximity to a major highway and the increase in church shootings. If I'm going to Memphis for the day, the murder capitol of my state, I may opt for a .45ACP instead.

Even though we may vary our carry options, the fact remains that even if you spend every day in a violent city like Memphis, the odds that you'll ever have to use your carry gun are very, very low.

Threat(s) vary in difficulty of ASAP incapacitation based on where you are at?
One of those 4 handguns is likely preferred over the others in the unlikely even you had to try to stop threat(s) before they could inflict serious or lethal injury; my often ignored opinion is try to carry that gun (the one you would prefer in hand not necessarily prefer to carry) everywhere.
A threat in Memphis (45 acp) versus one at the convenience store (small 380) have exactly the same goal - ASAP incapacitation potential.
If 380 is deemed sufficient for threat(s) at the convenience store should work equally well (or not) in Memphis.

Me: Try to always carry the handgun you would want in hand.
Most on gun forums: LOL, Nah.

 

[trackskippy]

Me: Try to always carry the handgun you would want in hand.
Most on gun forums: LOL, Nah.

That pretty much sums it up.

If you feel the need to carry a gun, then you choose the gun that will give you the best chance of getting you through the worst cases and learn to always carry it.

And of course, you can always bring along the little back up guns too, that's smart thinking.

 

[Old_Grouch]

I say carrying the 22 implies they would prefer to defend themself with it instead of their other options.

Does eating a hotdog once in a while imply that hotdogs are a person's favorite food over all of the other options?

 

[Blkhrt13]

The tone and nature of this question makes it seem very forced. There is no nuance for reality. I read the situation more like this. I prefer an AR-15 for self defense. But it’s harder to fit in my pocket. I carry a 442 or Kahr p9 because they can be easier to accommodate given weather conditions in my area. It’s not that I like my CZ clones less. But an all metal midsize auto still weighs more. I will still carry one with a spare mag if I’m going somewhere that calls for it. You have to make educated guesses on risk vs mitigation.

 

[CraigC]

Threat(s) vary in difficulty of ASAP incapacitation based on where you are at?
One of those 4 handguns is likely preferred over the others in the unlikely even you had to try to stop threat(s) before they could inflict serious or lethal injury; my often ignored opinion is try to carry that gun (the one you would prefer in hand not necessarily prefer to carry) everywhere.
A threat in Memphis (45 acp) versus one at the convenience store (small 380) have exactly the same goal - ASAP incapacitation potential.
If 380 is deemed sufficient for threat(s) at the convenience store should work equally well (or not) in Memphis.

Me: Try to always carry the handgun you would want in hand.
Most on gun forums: LOL, Nah.

This is exactly why I almost deleted my post. No. Threats vary in their likelihood to occur and THAT is the basis for my variation in choice. Sure, I'd love to tote a friggin' AR wherever I went but that's not exactly practical, is it? Nope. Is the full size service auto preferable over a pocket .380? Absolutely. Is it practical for every situation? Nope. So we all make compromises based on our own situations and judgment. Mine is not really up for debate or subject to the opinions of others.

 

[trackskippy]

I will still carry one with a spare mag if I’m going somewhere that calls for it.

If where ever you go, calls for you to carry a handgun, why wouldn't you carry the best possible handgun you can, instead of limiting yourself to something that is basically a second or third line back up?

And just out of curiosity, regardless of what you're carrying, how often do you practice realistically with it, from how you carry it? Just "having" it, isnt going to do you much good, if you haven't put in the time and effort with it to be at least reasonably good with it, in a realistic manner, and that takes a lot of work.

I think the plan for a lot of people is just, "Hope for the Best", no matter what happens or which way something might go. Beyond throwing "something" in a pocket, I dont think there is much planning going on at all.

 

[film495]

this question is the common refrain, the .22 pocket pistol on me, is better than the .45 I left in the car. I take an NAA .22 Mag mini revolver hiking or walking the dog sometimes... and I have more than few posture and joint issues that I'm working through. never really thought about it, but yea - I really do need to focus on my stride, and if I'm going to have back spasm and get dropped to the ground, so - I don't want to mess with a full size firearm, when I'm basically doing physical therapy. you and anyone else can think whatever you want about that. maybe it will help me someday maybe it wont. If I was really concerned about a confrontation, I'd bring a rifle or not go.

 

[CDW4ME]

This is exactly why I almost deleted my post. No. Threats vary in their likelihood to occur and THAT is the basis for my variation in choice. Sure, I'd love to tote a friggin' AR wherever I went but that's not exactly practical, is it? Nope. Is the full size service auto preferable over a pocket .380? Absolutely. Is it practical for every situation? Nope. So we all make compromises based on our own situations and judgment. Mine is not really up for debate or subject to the opinions of others.

You posted what you do; my reply does not constitute a debate.
What you do is common, carry based on anticipated threat, local convenience store versus Memphis.
It is not a debate, but it is subject to my opinion ... (stranger on the internet benevolently provides his invaluable unsolicited opinion)

This is not to be taken as me trying to influence you (God forbid) rather for the entertainment of others reading the thread ...
Without knowing what the 45 acp is (1911/Glock?) I'd rather defend myself with that or the Beretta 92 than a small 380.
Does that mean I'd make the effort to carry the 45 acp or Beretta 92 to the convenience store instead of the 380? Yup.
Are most people going to do that? IME nope (Heck nope).
Does that dissuade me from posting the suggestion? Nope. (I'm generous like that)

This is spot on:

Me: Try to always carry the handgun you would want in hand.
Most on gun forums: LOL, Nah.

 

[CDW4ME]

If where ever you go, calls for you to carry a handgun, why wouldn't you carry the best possible handgun you can, instead of limiting yourself to something that is basically a second or third line back up?