changes over time

[thefamcnaj]

I've been carrying eight plus years now. Over that period of time I've changed a lot. I've learned a lo and researched a lot. I've also developed degenerative disc disease in my back.
I've carried: all steel guns, polymer guns, high capacity guns, and ive carried 9MMS to 10MMS.
Now that I understand, I'm highly unlikely to ever be in a situation where a gun will be used I've rethought my position on: capacity and caliber. I know that there are pros and cons to everything.
Now rethinking my feelings on the above coupled with my back hurting a majority of the time I've had to down size for comfort.
I primarily carry a Kahr p380 now. I've sacrificed power and capacity, but anything larger is becoming more and more uncomfortable.
I the small 380 is better than nothing though.
I was wondering if anyone else has had to change their carry options over time for any reason or just changed over time with circumstances they didn't for see.

 

[pacerdude]

I'm young (26) and new to carrying. However, back in December I had a major staph infection on my pacemaker leads that ended up in my heart, resulting in open-heart surgery.

Long story short, the mid-to full size guns I purchased for carrying, have been too heavy to deal with lately as I'm still worn out from the surgery and infection.

I've been carrying a S&W Bodyguard .380 almost every day, with the exception of a Glock 43 that I sometimes carry.

Last Saturday I tried carrying my M&P 40 and it was a bit too heavy for my comfort.

 

[WardenWolf]

I'm 34, and I've been carrying a Polish P-64 for many years. I found the Makarov, just slightly larger, to be a bit too large for my tastes. I've sacrificed capacity (6+1) and power for size and reliability (you can always count on a military firearm), but I don't feel undergunned. It's very accurate and will get the job done.

 

[thefamcnaj]

Pacer dude I don't feel under gunned with the Kahr but it's substantially different than carrying my sigs or even my Glocks.
Good luck on getting your strength back and getting back to health.

 

[jeepnik]

Interesting. In light of recent events in my state I've gone back to larger caliber and or capacity handguns. I'm likely over reacting. But then Mr. Murphy always seems to pop up at the least expected times.

 

[pacerdude]

thefamcnaj thanks, I've heard great things about the Kahrs, I need to try one out sometime.

 

[Kingcreek]

I'm 58 years old. Blew a lumbar disc in a martial arts injury at 26, got fat and sedentary because I couldn't do what I used to, and developed degenerative disc disease and arthritis in my low back and left knee.
Then I lost the weight and started working out. I still have trouble sometimes but nothing like it used to be. The rowing machine, squats and lunges seem to help me the most and I swim 3x per week. The X-rays now look a lot worse than I feel.
That's not really what you asked for though is it?
I carry a kahr pm9 most of the time but I also carry a Glock 23 at other times and a full size 1911 occasionally with no problems.

 

[Fast Frank]

Yeah, I started carrying a full size 1911 about ten years ago, and it's just too big and heavy to tote around now. I'm going to be sixty next month and after carrying for ten years without ever needing to pull it out the extra weight just doesn't seem worth it.

I'm. Carrying a Ruger LC9S pro.

It's light as a feather and just as skinny as possible, yet manages to put full power 9mm rounds right where I point it.

Seems like a good compromise to me.

 

[1911 guy]

I've always been of the opinion that one should carry the largest handgun one can easily carry and conceal. With your physical limitations, the Kahr might be that limit. It is what it is.

Age, arthritis, back issues, etc. All of these can be contributing factors limiting the size and weight of the equipment you can carry.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I used to carry a Ruger SP101 IWB in a cheap Galco holster. Then I lost 50 lbs. suddenly my little revolver felt like it was burrowing through my hip. I decided a thinner gun was needed and switched to a SA XDs.

I still carry the Ruger, but in a simply rugged pancake holster, OWB. I'd like to get a hybrid holster and try carrying that revolver. IWB again.

So mine is a positive change.

 

[rcmodel]

When I was 18-21, I carried a 1911, or Ruger .357 Blackhawk stuffed in my pants when the situation demanded I carried at all.

When I was 30, I had better sense, and carried a 9mm single stack S&W Model 39 when the situation demanded it.

By 40-50, I had learned to stay out of rough neighborhoods and bars at night, and carried a J-Frame .38 revolver.
Sometimes.

At 60 & 70, I have found I still haven't needed a gun.

Now, I sleep with a 8 shot SIG P232 and two extra mags under my pillow.

And the boogie man still hasn't got me yet.

But, I live a sheltered life now, with no jealous husbands or drug dealers out to kill me,,

rc

 

[AZAndy]

Started with a full-size 1911, went to an SP-101, then a 642 or 438, then an LCP in my pocket. Now it's a Colt Compact 1911-- a little heavy, but I shoot it better than I do revolvers, and it's 7 rounds of freaking .45, so it seems a good middle ground.

 

[Fiv3r]

I've carried all manner of guns over the last 8 or so years. From a 6.5" Blackhawk in a shoulder holster, to a full size 1911 to a Glock 21.

I'm be 35 years old next week, and a big gun just doesnt fit my needs or lifestyle. My job requires that my carry gun be invisible and/or easily and safely removable.

Most days, a 642 .38 revolver or a bodyguard. 380. If I'm out and about or going some place more likely to be higher risk, I may strap on a compact .40.

Truth be told, I could be forced to pair down to my 92fs by my bed and the little j frame for carry and still most likely be over armed for what I am most likely to run into.

But thankfully we live in a country where I don't have to choose so few

 

[bannockburn]

Have carried quite a few different size (and weight), handguns over the years but still go with smaller, lightweight guns for most applications. Three of my favorites are: a S&W Model 638, a Kahr CM9, and a SIG P238.

 

[Coyote3855]

I'm in the same boat with rc, an old guy who's seldom out after dark unless I'm going home from teaching an evening NRA basic pistol class. Like the OP, my main carry is a Kahr .380. If I'm traveling, the Kahr is supported by a Glock 19. I live in a rural and isolated area, so my home defense gun is a Remington 870. As rc implies, the best way to win a gun fight is to not have one. Don't deal drugs, brag about your guns/money, or mess with another man's wife.

 

[Warp]

I've only been carrying for a little over 10 years, but my most-carried gun today is the one I started out with 10+ years ago when it was my first and only gun, and of course only carry gun.

Maybe in another 10 years something will have changed. Time will tell.

(Glock 26)

 

[JohnKSa]

When I first started carrying, concealment was pretty critical, and it wasn't feasible for me to change my mode of dress. In addition, the selection of carry guns wasn't nearly as wide as it is today.

I carried a small steel blowback .380ACP (6+1) pistol in a bellyband. The pistol was a reflection of what I could find at the time and the carry method was all I could manage given the limitations of my mode of dress.

I got to a point where I could change how I dressed somewhat without raising undue attention and that allowed me to change to IWB with an untucked shirt. I found that allowed me to carry a larger gun without compromising comfort or concealment. By that time, there was a much wider selection of guns. I went with a compact, single-stack polymer frame 9mm (7+1) in a leather IWB holster.

I sometimes carry a full-sized pistol OWB with a heavier cover garment if weather allows, or with a long untucked shirt if I'm only going to be out of the house for a short time and won't be expected to sit/stretch/etc. in ways that would cause the gun to be exposed.

 

[WestKentucky]

I normally carry a glock 42, but when I go places I feel nervous about, I step it up. I either carry my Delta Elite 8+1 10mm or my taurus pt99afs 9mm 17+1.

 

[rskent]

I normally carry a glock 42, but when I go places I feel nervous about, I step it up.

I generally carry a 380 as well. If I feel nervous about a place, I don't go there.

 

[jad0110]

I am 37 and currently in the best shape of my adult life. Though I frequently carry full size, there are days when my lower back just gets to me and my trusty S&W 642 is just perfect.

 

[CDW4ME]

20 - 25 years ago I carried a Colt Mustang 380 or 38 snub.
Over the years, I moved to a Glock 26/27/33 then up to a 19/23/32 or 30SF.
For the last few months, I've stuck with a 21SF or 30SF.
Over time, I figured out that I could effectively conceal a larger pistol.
Even in hot weather, I can conceal a 19/23/32 or the 30SF
I will never go back to a 380 or 38 snub as a primary carry.

 

[Tallball]

I am 50. I used to carry larger pieces. But like others have said, I almost never go out at night anymore, and I stay away from bars, drugs, married women, etc. I am usually driving a highly recognizable ancient pickup truck that is not worth $500 - so carjacking seems highly unlikely. A small 380 or snub 38 is good enough for an attempted mugging, imho. In the winter I might carry a 44 special in my coat pocket instead, but that is probably just because I like 44's so much.

 

[bikerdoc]

67 here with the attendant health and mobility problems.
Depending on the day it can be a 1911 or 357. Or a hi-cap 9.
On really bad days a 380 in a jean pocket.

 

[230RN]

pacerdude remarked.

thefamcnaj thanks, I've heard great things about the Kahrs, I need to try one out sometime.

Single-point datum: I've gone over from my favorite arm, the 1911, to a Kahr CW9 for EDC.

I had my doubts about it, but now love it, all 0.9 inches of thickness and all 17-18 ounces of it. Very reliable, too.

I put a laser sight on it for 200 additional American dollars, so that ought to tell you something.

Oh, and I got a spare mag for it for something like $35 additional, too.

Very happy with it.

Terry, 230RN

 

[JohnKSa]

I've been carrying a CW9 for a few years now with good results. I don't get to shoot it as much as I would like, but so far it's been 100%. It's quite accurate as well.