Concealed Carry

[Texas9]

I've been long overdue for a carry gun. I've got access to one of the finest firearms instructers in South Texas to teach me a one-on-one carry class, and I've finally decided to take the plunge. I'm not worried about that at all.

What I'm worried about is this: what the heck am I going to carry? Once the permit stuff is said and done, then what? Only handgun I currently own is a 92FS, and even at my size (6'3"x200lb) concealing that thing's a stretch, especially in the heat down here.

I'd like responses on this issue to include a firearm (or several) AND a method in which to carry it. I wear pretty baggy clothes (yes, the waist of my pants is around MY waist ). I wear blue jeans year-round. At work, it's polo's tucked in; at home it's short-sleeved button downs with shirttails out. Most of my jeans are "cargo" or "carpenter"-style, so I usually have pockets to spare.

As far as the gun goes, I like auto's more than wheelguns, but I'm not hopelessly biased. I prefer SA/DA, like my Beretta, but I've recently become (strangely) attracted to 1911's. I'm also not biased against any particular brand, but I demand a quality firearm (sub $650 range).

BTW, my next gun purchases will be a Px4 (9mm) and a 1911 (prob. Sprg. Mil-Spec), if that helps know what I like in a gun.

$0.01 for your thoughts?

 

[orionengnr]

I am not going to make a recomendation other than do some reading/looking on this forum. Lots of options, lots of opinions.

Also, might look at texaschlforums.com

Good luck!

 

[dawg23]

What did your instructor have to say about this?

There are plenty of threads here, and elsewhere, from top self defense pistol trainers, that will list the criteria you should consider. None of these top intructors will recommend going to a gun forum and asking a random sampling of readers what gun you should buy.

#1 criterion is reliability. If you think you can find a totally reliable 1911, or can make one reliable, well there you go. Except a full size 1911 is as big as your Beretta.

Other top criteria (only to be considered AFTER the RELIABILITY issue are usually:

* Revolver vs. Semiauto
* SA/Da vs. SA (like 1911's) vs. DAO (like Glocks)
* External Safeties ?
* Does it fit your hand ? (mainly applies to those with very small hands)
* Capacity (Number of rounds)
* Physical size of the weapon (Concealability)

At the bottom of most lists are things like:
* Is it pretty?
* Accuracy (Any quality handgun is probably more accurate than you or I)
* Price (If your life has a specific price tag, maybe the price of a gun is a factor)

Again - go do some research. But don't rely on gun rags, don't ask clerks in gun stores, and don't pose such a crucial question to a group of people you don't even know (like me and other members here at THR).

 

[BullfrogKen]

If you ask here what you should get, all the responses are going to be someone else's favorite gun, or sometimes a gun they want but don't even have yet. Yes. It happens in every "what gun" thread. Go look.


Go to that instructor, and discuss it with him. Go look at what you like in the store, and if you can rent one at the range to try, do so.


As far as carry methods, the standard method for over 100 years has been strong side. Its still the most preferred method when you ask an instructor. All others are usually an attempt to either satifsy a specific need (ie - driving), or a compromise because strong side isn't appropriate or feasible for that person's situation.

You'll likely be taught strong side techniques, so consider that type of carry unless its entirely impractical for you.

 

[Exmasonite]

ok... here's what/how i usually carry and it works for me:

Springfield XD .40 service, Tucker Texas Heritage IWB (winter)
Springfield XD 9 SC, Tucker Texas Heritage IWB (yr round), occasionally on ankle holster
Bersa thunder .380, cheap tuckable holster off of ebay IWB or on ankle

Been debating getting a comp-tac IWB holster that would accomadate both guns (open ended, takes any size barrel) as I have 1 tucker holster for each gun.

 

[up_onus]

just me...but i would get a gun that wont rust for a ccw...
other than that, too many factors as stated above

 

[GEM]

I think most of the South Texas folk find that:

1. Some regular sized pistol (like a Glock 19, Sig) in a quality IWB with a tee-shirt and floppy cover shirt is fine for casual wear.

2. A pocket gun for dress or just shorts and a shirt (no cover). Thus, a J frame or PM9 - some go down in power to a Keltec.

Just my observation from living here.

 

[1557]

Define to yourself the specifics of the mission of your pistol and then make your selection accordingly.Everyone's needs are different as are situations one is likely to find themselves in. Truthfully,a Glock 26 will do all that needs doing in most any defensive situation where a firearm is called for. Easily transportable with good capacity and you hardly know it's there.

 

[ezypikns]

I live in Dallas.

Not exactly South Texas, but as you may know it get's pretty miserable in the summer here. Ask your instructor what he thinks about the Kahr PM9. I've been carrying mine for a while and it pretty well fits all seasons.
I don't feel undergunned with a 9mm, although you only have six in the magazine and one in the chamber. Just carry an extra mag. I can pocket carry in a DeSantis nemesis holster in shorts, jeans, Dockers, whatever. It also fits real well under an untucked shirt in a CrossBreed IWB, or Milt Sparks SS.

 

[Glockamolie]

I have a Kahr CW9 for IWB carry, but I'm going for a PM9 for pocket carry.

Pocket carry has one great advantage - having your hand ON THE GUN if you feel necessary without bringing any attention to yourself, which would speed up your draw time should you need it. It's extremely fast, with no clothing to move aside during the draw.

 

[kengrubb]

On a firearm recommendation, I would recommend finding a range that rents guns. Rent one, put a hundred rounds thru it, and see how it feels.

There are lots of good shoe makers in the world, but not all of them fit me comfortably. I go to a store, try 'em one, see how they feel, walk around the store, and if the fit isn't just right there in the store then it ain't gonna get better by walking around in 'em.

On a carry recommendation, I've gone thru a couple of the "unconventional" carry methods. Only way I carry is strongside (mostly IWB, but I have a few pants that "shrunk" and I have to carry OWB) or in a waistpouch. I recommend both. There will be times when the pouch will just be easier and more convenient.

 

[GHF]

Thoughts

1. Make sure it fits your hand, and aims naturally.
2. Seriously look at rust issues - Polymer frames and good rust preventative coating on the slide are an issue for semi-autos.

 

[Texas9]

Thanks for suggestions.

I'm not looking so much for someone to "tell me what to get/how to carry it," per se. What I'm looking for is suggestions or experience, and maybe something like a "with your size/build, consider _______" type response. Maybe that way I don't spend too much time trying stuff that won't work. That said, you're right in that one's personal experience is the only right answer.

Actually, I haven't gotten any formal training yet, though I plan to do so in the near future, and I certainly will talk extensively to my instructor about it. I only know of one range around here that rents guns (if anyone else knows of one that'll help), but they have very little to offer and last time I was there the guy wasn't very helpful, either.

I'm taking a road trip over the holidays, and my brother and I are going to a very nice indoor facility in Memphis that has a few things to rent (course, you have to use THEIR ammo in their guns, and it's cheap reloads!). I could try something out there maybe.

Thanks for the info!

 

[BetaShooter]

I live in San Antonio. I've been carrying for about two years. FWIW, I'm 6' 185lbs. I went through the CHL class qualification with a Taurus PT92. I attempted to carry this gun, but it wasn't practical. It's just simply too large to conceal adequately. I also tried to carry a 1911, a stainless steel SA mil-spec, and found it to be more comfortable and concealable, but its weight was a factor. The 1911 required a "real" gun belt - I used a Kramer IWB holster and belt. But in the warmer months, it was difficult to carry this gun. Some shorts didn't have the right sized belt-loops to accommodate the heavier duty gun belt. I then bought a 9mm Taurus PT111 Mil-Pro and a Blade Tech IWB holster. However, the gun rusted because it wasn't stainless or some other corrosion resistant material. I ended up buying the same gun in stainless. This setup was better and it's still my primary carry rig using the Blade Tech or Smart-Carry. I also have a Kel-Tec P3AT that I carry frequently too. It's nice to be able to just toss the gun in my front pocket. When it's a 102 degrees and 95% relative humidity I don't necessarily want to have to wear an undershirt with an untucked overshirt! Also, A Place to Shoot and The Bullet Hole rent guns. I don't think they have any compact guns though.
Good Luck.

 

[Sean Dempsey]

How do you feel about a slick male carry-all bag?

 

[BullfrogKen]

If you are making the trip to Memphis, be sure to stop by RangeMaster and see Tom Givens' crew. They will steer you in the right direction.

Carrying a handgun is a very personal thing. What works for me may not work for you. You just have to go shopping and make your own decisions about it. But, I will suggest that you do not scrimp on your belt and holster. Eventually, you will find yourself spending that extra money on quality. Unless you carry very infrequently, you'll find low end gear uncomfortable and unstable. You'll certainly find it lacking stability in a good class.

 

[hungarayan]

Been in Tx for 4 years now. Have carried a Ruger p-90 in a yaqui slide holster for almost three years in Austin. I am 6' 220lbs and I have not had any problems carrying. As I am outdoors 90% of the time I'm usually wearing cargo shorts and t-shirts with the occasional polo or button down.
Tell me about the heat!!!, still not used to it!
Rent a few different pistols or revolvers and choose what feels right for you.
Have fun shooting in Memphis.

 

[dawg23]

Texas 9:

+1 on going to Rangemaster. If you check out Tom's website (www.rangemaster.com) you'll see his training schedule. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to be there at a time and date that would allow you to take one of his in-house classes.

Tom is first rate. His lectures on mindset and awareness alone are worth the tuition, but you'll also get solid instruction in handling and firing your handgun.

If you schedule a course, be aware that Tom teaches Weaver grip and stance (modified slightly from the "classic). But he will cheerfully allow students who prefer the modern isosceles stance to use it, if that is their preference (and if they are competent with it).

Also check on Tom's travel schedule. We've had him down here twice in the past three years teaching his Combative Pistol I class, and hope to have him back this year to teach Combative Pistol II. He may be coming to your area (and probably will if you can arrange a suitable venue and line up 10-12 students).

 

[Rickstir]

I am a big fella too. My primary carry is a 92FS, Orca Software Undercover IWB at 4:00 (right behind the love handle). I will sometimes carry a Taurus 650 CIA 2" snubby in .357. Same type of holster. I carry a Bersa Thunder Concealed Carry .380 at a front left pocket backup. I wear an outer floppy shirt and get along just fine.

 

[GEM]

Dittos on Givens. One of the best classes, I've taken. He gave me a great tip on a problem I had for years - and I've seen much better results since his class. His regime pointed out to me the weaknesses I had and I've tried to correct them.