CCW - If You Could Do It All Over Again, What Would You Change?

[1911GI Fan]

I found that out, and have had the constant ringing in my right ear ever since. I do have to admit that when a .45acp Hydra-Shok expands, it does some awesome damage, especially to disc brakes, LOL.

 

[TheProf]

1. Skip the .22 NAA mini revolvers.
2. Get a snub-nose revolver. Every gun owner needs one. Might as well pick the 642 (SW) right off the bat. I bought the 638 first...now saving for the 642 (hammerless version).
3. Instead of the LCP, get the higher quality Kahr .380. (Don't get me wrong...I love the LCP...but there is a difference in quality.)
4. The PM9 (Kahr) is the ideal CCW. (Stick with the 6 round and 7 round mags. Don't get the 8 round mag. It works better with what the factory had originally in mind...the 6 & 7 round mags.)
7. Before buying any type of alternate grips...might as well consider if you are going to buy a laser grip later on.

 

[ichiban]

If you carry a gun with safeties (like my 1911), check those safeties on a regular basis. I've had a grip safety break.
http://www.cylinder-slide.com/1911safetyck.shtml

 

[1911GI Fan]

Safety checks

Thanks Ichiban, that was great info. I'll do that.

 

[Dr_2_B]

There's not a lot I would have done differently.

1. Save $$$. Buy quality holsters from the start.
2. Perhaps I'd have bought fewer guns and more ammo... but I'm not entirely sure about this one.
3. Again, this one is on the bubble: Buy high quality handguns only. I.e. I love my Kel-tecs and Tauruses, etc., but if I ever were in a fight I'd want one of my Glocks or Sig or H&K or S&W or CZ.

 

[TheProf]

Here's a longer list that what I originally wrote...

1. "Always carry, never tell."

2. Think ahead of what you will need...and don't buy emotionally...but base it on your shopping list. (I know... I know... it less fun that way...but you will save $$$)

3. So...what do you need: a pocket gun, an IWB gun, a full size gun that will also function as your house gun. (You'll have to decide if you want to go with revolvers or pistols.) You really need to think about this...otherwise, you will end up with duplicates: LCP and Kahr .380; j-frame and PM9; 1911 and.... you get the picture.

Since the OP was asking about CCW guns, I wont mention the much important pump shotgun, .22 rifle, AK or AR, etc.

4. Invest in a good gun belt and holster. Yes, always use a holster, even when pocket carrying.

5. Did you know that a small piece of cloth stuffed over your pocket holster can really make that distinctive gun outline disappear from your front pocket. (Make sure that it doesn't interfere with the trigger guard!!! Obviously, you want a pocket holster that completely covers the trigger.)

6. Always buy one more box of ammo than you will use in the range.

7. Buy a safe and bolt it down.

8. Don't buy dark jeans. (Buy light blue jeans instead of dark blue jeans.) When you pocket carry and "print"...that "printing" becomes permanently etched in your jeans. You'll know what I'm talking about when the jeans fade around that area.

9. When buying IWB holsters, make sure that there is a "sweat guard"...so that the pistol does not directly touch your skin.

10. Oh...when IWB carrying...also wear a belt...even if your are a skinny guy and can get away with IWB carry without a belt. Wear a belt. (If you leave your fly open by accident and suddenly your front waist button becomes unfastened...not only will your barn be completely open....but your carry gun will come tumbling down the floor. This is embarrassing...especially if it happens in the mall.) (Don't ask....)

11. Yes...I said buy quality holsters... but the most expensive ones are not always the correct one for YOU. My $12 IWB holster works better than my $70 IWB holster.

12. And don't skip quality when buying guns. Get the best that YOU can afford.

13. Skip the .22 mini revolvers and derringers.

14. For really small pocket guns: LCP, Kahr .380,

15. For slightly larger pocket guns: Kahr PM9, SW 642