CPL on its way...need a carry gun!

[jtheise4]

I recently applied for my CPL and am now looking for a small carry gun. I currently own a full size S&W M&P 9, which I love, but I think that is too large to comfortably carry everyday. I work in an office setting, so I often need to wear dress pants and tuck my shirt in. I've been very seriously considering the SIG P232 or the Bersa Thunder 380 CC. I've also considered the Kal-Tec P3AT, Kahr P380, or Ruger LCP. I've even considered the Ruger LCR or a S&W J-frame. I'd like peoples input and advice and the reasoning behind their decisons. Thanks in advance.

 

[c919]

im in the same market and after much debate and research i have decided on the NAA Guardian .380 but i also think that the s&w j frames and the LCR are great guns.

the sig p232 is also an amazing firearm but if i was gonna spent that ammount on a carry semi-auto it would be the walther PPS.

it is a very tough call between a semi-auto and a wheelgun when looking for a CCW.... the only reason i am going with the semi-auto is because the little j-frames are so hard on the hands thus making me less likely to practice and train with it. definitely consider that into your purchase because you dont want a gun you hate to practice with.

ps. if you like the kahr you should really look into the NAA Guardian, it is designed as a collaboration with kahr arms.

 

[benderx4]

In my case, I live in a tropical climate and didn't want to wear leather, so that narrowed down my focus to pocket guns.

First one I got was a NAA32 Guardian which was a great gun. I only replaced it when I had the opportunity (and funds) to get a Seecamp LWS380.

When I carry in the winter with jeans, I use a VM2 IWB with a HK P7M8.

 

[dbltp]

I also work in a setting that often requires wearing slacks and not having the option to wear at my belt (though i have been looking into on of the "tuckable" IWB holsters...)

For me personally 380 is too small. So I chose the PM9 ("bigger" brother to the P380 on your list) and I really like it. I am a skinny dude (6'1" 145#) but this gun slides right into a front pocket of khaki's or slacks and even some pretty tight Jeans with little printing. My cell phone makes as large an impression.

That being said it can be a real pain to draw from the jeans so I generally wear it in an IWB holster in that case.

When it comes to shorts it will fit into those from pockets not problem. I have not found a setup that I cannot wear yeat and easily conceal this gun...

If you go for a smaller 380 you will have no problems at all.

I use a Desantis (nemesis I think) pocket holster and a Mitch Rosen IWB Holster.

 

[harmon rabb]

i think i'm going to pocket carry a LCR as soon as my CWP shows up.

slacks tend to have much deeper pockets than jeans, so wearing slacks gives you better pocket carry options than jeans, imo.

 

[Dan Crocker]

For just about the same size, you can get the SIG P239, which comes in more fun varieties than the 232.

 

[hunter25]

I carry a glock 29 but that is probably to large for your needs. But I would suggest you checkout crossbreed supertuck IWB holsters. They make a huge difference.

 

[RSTX]

I just traded a XDm 9mm for a Taurus Model 85 Ultralite .38 Spl for this very reason: it fits in my pocket and is light and compact. The XDm was a fantastic weapon and I cried when I let it go, but carrying it was not a fit for me. Lots of guys do carry them, but I just could not get comfortable with it. I do miss the 19+1 capacity, but the five shot .38 in my pocket will be a better defense than the 20 round 9mm at home in my safe.

The gun is in my right top pocket in cargo shorts.

A few pictures...

 

[BlacklabelOP]

I carry a Ruger SP101 and LCP ( at the same time. )

I figure pulling the lcp out if I run out of shots in the SP is faster than a revolver reload ( :