Full-sized autos for CCW.
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Yes, I have carried several full-sized autos concealed: 1911s, SIG P220, Browning High-Power, G22, and presently, SIG P229. Yes, the P229 is quite full-sized, if one gets out a ruler and measures. Its barrel/slide may be a bit stubby, but not by much.
I will warn, however, that a G22 is NOT easy to conceal. One gun writer called full-sized Glocks boxes of Wheaties, when it comes to concealment.
Of the full-sized autoloaders I carried concealed, the BHP was the easiest, then the 1911 and P220 were about the same, and still quite easy. The P229, being double-stack, was a bit more challenging. The G22 was the most difficult. Notably, a "baby" G27 was almost as difficult as the G22, and more difficult than the SIGs, BHP, and 1911s, because the outside rear corner of the Glocks' slides tended to print against my clothing, when I wore them in my preferred location, as close to the point of my hip as comfort allowed. I can hide grip length, I can hide barrel/slide length, and I can manage width/chunkiness pretty well, but the protruding rear portion of the slide, made worse by the need to enclose a striker mechanism, is the hardest for me to conceal, all else being equal.
I used to be able to tell which of my co-workers were carrying Glocks concealed, because of the "Glock bump" where the outside rear corner of the slide touched their cover garment. Now, Glocks have been joined by other pistols with protruding slides, and the bumps are no longer just Glocks. Some folks think I am not carrying, because my bobbed-hammer DAK P229 pistols don't make the "bump" that shows up so distinctly. Folks have even thought I was not carrying, when I was carrying TWO of the P229s.
FWIW, nothing hides my SIGs like a Milt Sparks VM2 or a Garrity In-Cognito, though I actually mostly use a Bulman FDS, which being OWB, requires a slightly more substantial cover garment.
I will warn, however, that a G22 is NOT easy to conceal. One gun writer called full-sized Glocks boxes of Wheaties, when it comes to concealment.
Of the full-sized autoloaders I carried concealed, the BHP was the easiest, then the 1911 and P220 were about the same, and still quite easy. The P229, being double-stack, was a bit more challenging. The G22 was the most difficult. Notably, a "baby" G27 was almost as difficult as the G22, and more difficult than the SIGs, BHP, and 1911s, because the outside rear corner of the Glocks' slides tended to print against my clothing, when I wore them in my preferred location, as close to the point of my hip as comfort allowed. I can hide grip length, I can hide barrel/slide length, and I can manage width/chunkiness pretty well, but the protruding rear portion of the slide, made worse by the need to enclose a striker mechanism, is the hardest for me to conceal, all else being equal.
I used to be able to tell which of my co-workers were carrying Glocks concealed, because of the "Glock bump" where the outside rear corner of the slide touched their cover garment. Now, Glocks have been joined by other pistols with protruding slides, and the bumps are no longer just Glocks. Some folks think I am not carrying, because my bobbed-hammer DAK P229 pistols don't make the "bump" that shows up so distinctly. Folks have even thought I was not carrying, when I was carrying TWO of the P229s.
FWIW, nothing hides my SIGs like a Milt Sparks VM2 or a Garrity In-Cognito, though I actually mostly use a Bulman FDS, which being OWB, requires a slightly more substantial cover garment.
deputy tom
Member
Key words...when they can?
Yes when I can I carry a full size 1911.Otherwise I carry what fits the situation.YMMV.tom.
Yes when I can I carry a full size 1911.Otherwise I carry what fits the situation.YMMV.tom.
jad0110
Member
Not so fast. I am a big advocate of using quality gear to enable carrying larger, heavier handguns as comfortably as smaller ones. Then again, there are plenty of folks out there with lower back problems, hip problems, etc that do have problems with weight and bulk, regardless of the gear they are using and perhaps even regardless of their personal dedication.
For them, carrying a gun, even a light small one in 22 LR, is even more paramount because they are in a lesser position to retreat or fight hand to hand.
To each their own.
Absolutely correct, jad. But go back and look at the OP. He said he felt better carrying a full-size and asked if anyone else did likewise. Now there are several post saying it's unrealistic because you can't conceal one in a speedo (I guess that would depend on how big your other gun is).
Where do you plan to conceal that N-frame?
mljdeckard
Member
jad, if it's a legitimate medical problem, that isn't laziness. HOWEVER, I think it's a very narrow set of medical circumstances that makes carrying a full-size gun a problem, but also makes carrying a tiny one ok. I think that is a very small grey area.
Island Beretta
Member
I ccw a g17 with a magwell; optional ccw is a beretta 92f compact L: they are both a pain to ccw, believe me: g17 light but bulky; beretta sleek but heavy..thinking of going for a g26; btw had a g19 but sold it as it did not fit my hands..
orionengnr
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Steel 4" Kimber 1911 for the last few months.
4" S&W 45LC/.41 Mag revolver on occasion.
As long as the weather stays cold, I'm golden.
When the 100 degree days return, I'm probably going back to my Kahr P45.
4" S&W 45LC/.41 Mag revolver on occasion.
As long as the weather stays cold, I'm golden.
When the 100 degree days return, I'm probably going back to my Kahr P45.
Zach S
Member
My carry pistols have gotten bigger as time went on. Even at 6ft and 150lbs, a 5" 1911 is no problem for daily CC.
colorado_handgunner
Member
Glock 23. Technically not a full size (G22) but close enough. Blackhawk iwb holster and I don't even notice it's there.
bestseller92
Member
Ironically, when I went to town yesterday to pay the electric bill and pick up a few things, the gun that I carried was not a full sized auto.
I tucked my Taurus 85CH .38 into a coat pocket.
Oh well....
I tucked my Taurus 85CH .38 into a coat pocket.
Oh well....
P97
Member
I've carried either Ruger P90 or P97's, which is full size auto's, in Milt Sparks VM2HS holsters for over 5 years all the time.
Quack
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T. Bracker
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S&W M&P 9mm when, as you stated, the clothing allows, which is most of the year except for possibly shorts/t-shirt weather.
kentucky_smith
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After trying out a BHP in a Comptac MTAC, I'll not pocket carry much anymore.
lgjhn
Member
Each his own, but for me its a full-size M&P .45.
NVCZ
Member
Amen EddieNFL...
"....Anytime I think I'm uncomfortable, I watch Band of Brothers. "
Amen...
NVCZ
"....Anytime I think I'm uncomfortable, I watch Band of Brothers. "
Amen...
NVCZ
DawgFvr
Member
Wait...your primary CCW is a G26 and you want to consider a heavier, less dependable pistol?????
Naaaaw. If you can shoot with any kind of accuracy, stick with the G26...you don't need anything else.
Naaaaw. If you can shoot with any kind of accuracy, stick with the G26...you don't need anything else.
bestseller92
Member
I do love my G26.
Then again, my G22 has been 100 percent reliable since I got it in 2000, so it's not less dependable at all.
Then again, my G22 has been 100 percent reliable since I got it in 2000, so it's not less dependable at all.
ShadyScott999
Member
I believe, if your ever met or talked with Clint, you would know he practices what he preaches.
JLaw
Member
I have just recently started carrying a full sized gun, not a semi-auto but a 4" K frame .38 Spl. As comforting as that is and as much as I like revolvers, I may end up searching for a full sized s/a that I can get along with soon, and start carrying that instead.
JLaw
JLaw
FUll Size XD45
I carry a full size XD45 in a holster of my own making. Iwb Design, riveted leather with kydex reinforcing the lip.
I am a pretty stocky guy ( ie fat) and dont have a problem. I carried a TRP until I bought something that doubled the capacity.
I noticed quite a few guys mentioned self made holsters. I applaud people that make their own gear.
Here is a sample of my work.
I carry a full size XD45 in a holster of my own making. Iwb Design, riveted leather with kydex reinforcing the lip.
I am a pretty stocky guy ( ie fat) and dont have a problem. I carried a TRP until I bought something that doubled the capacity.
I noticed quite a few guys mentioned self made holsters. I applaud people that make their own gear.
Here is a sample of my work.
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