Grading your carry gun..

[TheProf]

Just for fun... I thought of a grading system for my carry guns..

(1= lowest rank; 5 = highest rank)

For the Glock 27

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 4
Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 3
Ease of follow up shots = 4
Total Score = 26

For my LCP

Reliability = 4 (Mine has been 100%...but since its a small auto...I was a bit harsh in the grading.)
Firepower = 2
Caliber = 2
Ergonomics =3
Concealable = 5
Ease of follow up shots = 1
Total Score = 17


My scores are, of course, subjective.
How would you score your CCW?

 

[EddieNFL]

30.

 

[Deaf Smith]

For the Glock 26

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 4
Caliber = 4.5
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 3
Ease of follow up shots = 5
Total Score = 26

Not quite as powerful as the 27 but a bit easier to make follow up shots.

For the Smith&Wesson Centennial .38 642/640 .. I have both.

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 2
Caliber = 3.5
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 4.5
Ease of follow up shots = 3
Total Score = 23


TCP .380 (it's a backup for either the Glock or Smith, but not a primary.)

Reliability = 4 (I agree it just can't be as reliable as my 642)
Firepower = 2
Caliber = 2
Ergonomics = 4 (not bad at all.)
Concealable = 5
Ease of follow up shots = 2 (suprisingly easy to fire fast.)
Total Score = 19


Deaf

 

[Nick5182]

Beretta 92FS

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 5
Caliber = 4
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 4
Ease of follow up shots = 5
Total Score = 28

Glock 22

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 5
Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 4
Ease of follow up shots = 5
Total Score = 29

Here it is for my carry guns. I usually carry the Glock, but both have been flawless. They are a bit bulky, but I carry in a shoulder holster and they conceal pretty darn good.

 

[481]

Mine are:


Glock 19:

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 5
Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 4.5 (the grip is just a little "short" for my hand)
Concealable = 5
Ease of follow up shots = 5
Total Score = 29.5


Glock 17:

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 5
Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 5
Ease of follow up shots = 5
Total Score = 30


HK USP45:

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 5
Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 4 (the grip is a bit wider for my hand than I'd like)
Concealable = 5
Ease of follow up shots = 5
Total Score = 29

 

[josephbw]

XD40SC

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 5
Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 4
Ease of follow up shots = 5
Total Score = 29

Kel Tec P-11

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 5
Caliber = 4
Ergonomics = 3
Concealable = 5
Ease of follow up shots = 4
Total Score = 26

 

[gofastman]

KEL TEC PF9:
Reliability = 4 (3 before I replaced the extractor)
Firepower = 3.5
Caliber = 4
Ergonomics = 2.5
Concealable = 5
Ease of follow up shots = 2

 

[easyg]

Glock 27:
9+1 .40S&W

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 3
Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 3
Concealable = 3
Ease of follow up shots = 3.5
Total Score = 22.5

But if a Pearce +1 magazine extension is used:
Firepower = 3.5
Ergonomics = 3.5
Total = 23.5



Glock 23:
13+1 .40S&W

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 4
Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 4
Concealable = 2.5
Ease of follow up shots = 4
Total Score = 24.5



SA XD45 Tactical:
13+1 .45ACP

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 4
Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 4
Concealable = 1
Ease of follow up shots = 4
Total Score = 23



S&W 637 .38 snubbie:
5-shot .38 Special +P

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 2
Caliber = 3
Ergonomics = 3
Concealable = 4
Ease of follow up shots = 2
Total Score = 19



Ruger P95:
15+1 9mm para

Reliability = 4
Firepower = 5
Caliber = 4
Ergonomics = 3
Concealable = 1
Ease of follow up shots = 4
Total Score = 21




Easy

 

[easyg]

I think that a little context should be established.

Take "concealable" for example....
In my opinion, a weapom like the NAA .22 revolver is probably a 5 in "concealable".
After all, it can fit in the inside pocket on some swim trunks, or in a lady's bra....you really don't have to dress around the gun.
In no way could a full-sized pistol like a Beretta 92SF or a Glock 17 be considered a 5 in the "concealable" category.


And "firepower"....
In my opinion any handgun with 15+ rounds of ammo in the magazine should probably be a 5 in the "firepower" category.
After all, most full-sized service pistols offer at least 15 rounds in the magazine these days.
Less than 15 rounds I just couldn't consider to be a 5.
And any handgun with less than 10 rounds I don't think even deserves a 4 in "firepower".
5 and 6 shot handguns I would give a 2, and single-shot or two-shot derringer style handguns would only get a 1 in firepower.

Easy

 

[Bovice]

What grade would I give mine?

69

Just because.

 

[ForumSurfer]

Kimber Pro CDP II

Reliability = 4
(I would say 5, but internet rumors are greater than my own personal experience (no non-ammo related failures in 2500+ rounds) from what I've been told)

Firepower = 4

Less than 15 rounds I just couldn't consider to be a 5.

Your opinion, not mine. I disagree, but I'll say 4 for argument's sake.

Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 4
Ease of follow up shots = 5
Total Score = 27

Glock 19
Reliability = 5
Firepower = 4
Caliber = 3
Ergonomics = 3
Edit:: I gave it a 3 for various reasons. It is marginally lighter than my kimber, but not enough to make a difference to me. I do have to dress for the glock a little more consciously. It's slightly thicker and prints with some of t shirts whereas the kimber doesn't. I would think that all the levers, the exposed hammer, the large beavertail and the pointy butt would print more...but it just isn't the case. I can wear a lighter t shirt when I carry the kimber. It's still, however good to go (for me) in most t shirts and shorts I wear while not working.

Concealable = 3
Ease of follow up shots = 4
I'm getting better with it, but I'm still not as comfortable as I am with a 1911.
Total Score = 19

 

[Nasty]

I like your concept of side by side honest comparisons...as long as the individual uses it to make their own decision as opposed to folks trying to use it to convince others that *their* scoring is correct.


As for concealable (as opposed to usual dress and comfort), full size weapons *can* be easily concealed but there are usually other areas that will suffer. For example...the use of chest/belly bands. I am faster from the band than I am from an ankle holster *but* my usual manner of dress *supports* the band use.

 

[Cosmoline]

"Firepower" to me implies the amount of lead that can be thrown down range from it. It's distinct from power in the sense of ft. lbs. or wound size.

 

[481]

I like your concept of side by side honest comparisons...as long as the individual uses it to make their own decision as opposed to folks trying to use it to convince others that *their* scoring is correct.


As for concealable (as opposed to usual dress and comfort), full size weapons *can* be easily concealed but there are usually other areas that will suffer. For example...the use of chest/belly bands. I am faster from the band than I am from an ankle holster *but* my usual manner of dress *supports* the band use.

Good points, Nasty.

There never seems to be a shortage of people who seem to want to impose upon others their subjective views as "the standard" against which we all should compare our perceptions as to what works best for us. The suggested scoring system, while fun, is also a highly subjective one that does not permit comparison against anything other than one's own perceptions as to what works best for them.

What might be easily concealable or ergonomically acceptable for me (due to my physical structure, experience and comfort preferences) may not be so for another and I'd never criticize someone for their preferences.

 

[benzy2]

Taurus 1911
Reliability = 4
Firepower = 3
Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 3
Ease of follow up shots = 4
Total Score = 24

Never had a problem with feeding but occasionally on the last round of the mag it will stovepipe. I figure from a capacity point of view it is middle of the road. I don't know many instances where 8 rounds of .45ACP wouldn't end a problem, but more is always better. Pretty big pistol but I'm a fairly tall guy.

Ruger LCP
Reliability = 5
Firepower = 3
Caliber = 3
Ergonomics = 3
Concealable = 5
Ease of follow up shots = 4
Total Score = 23

Never had a failure of any kind with any ammo. 7 rounds seems like enough to get me to a spot to reload and 13 seems like enough to get me out of the situation, for better or worse. While the .380 is on the smaller side I think it fits the middle of the pistol road and is what I consider the bottom of acceptable. The little guy isn't like holding a full size but I seem to get a decent grip on mine. The thing disappears in a pocket. I personally find follow up shots fairly easy within self defense ranges. I can unload a mag about as fast as I can pull the trigger, all into center mass at 7 yards.

That is how I rate the two pistols I have. I'm sure other samples perform differently and people of different sizes and shapes find their handling/concealability different.

 

[Nasty]

I'd like you IRL 481.

FWIW, I am 6'4" and 250, mostly in the chest and shoulders.

I can conceal a lot.

 

[Apple a Day]

Makarov:
pi cubed

 

[481]

Nasty,

Yours is much like my build, mine bein' a bit smaller at 6'2" and 235, mostly in my head. ha ha

My shirts drape broadly from my shoulders and I could probably hide a DE in .44 IWB if I wanted to 'cept that my pants would soon be pulled too low by that kinda weight.

Been carrying for decades (LE) and if I can get away with comfortably carrying a full size service weapon (OWB) I figure, "Why the heck not?"

 

[JEB]

ruger sp101 .357 mag

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 3.5
Caliber = 5
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 4.5
Ease of follow up shots = 5 (i dont shoot the hottest loads made and the factory grips are great at absorbing recoil)
Total Score = 28


Glock 22

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 5
Caliber = 4.5
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 3
Ease of follow up shots = 5
Total Score = 27.5


Glock 27

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 4
Caliber = 4.5
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 5
Ease of follow up shots = 5
Total Score = 28.5



i agree that the rating system is rather subjective from person to person but i could easily see this as being helpful as an overview of various guns for those looking for a new carry gun.

with a good holster (*cough* crossbreed supertuck delux *cough* *cough*) even the fullsize golck 22 conceals well with no more than a t-shirt.

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

RG40 Six shot .38spl. Medium frame size, 2" barrel DA/SA revolver.

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 2.5
Caliber = 3
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 3
Ease of Follow up shots = 4
Total Score = 22.5

Keep in mind this is about scoring your (my) particular carry gun, meaning the fact that Rohm/RG revolvers are, as a general rule, low grade/unreliable/inaccurate is irrelevant because I am grading my particular gun based on how it performs for me.

 

[Nasty]

Yup...20" difference between shoulders and waist gives us a lot of working room.



Standardization Afterthoughts: No one can fault your count. If a BAR is concealable in your use, rate it as highly for concealment as you want and so on. If you think your 22 lr is a bear stopper, go ahead and rate it as powerfully as you want. You can only fool yourself.


Reliability = Only revolvers properly maintained with premium ammo get a 5 while perhaps rimfire or firearms with known issues get a 0 or a 1. Only *you* can know *your* weapon and the level of trust it has earned through regualr range work.

Firepower = Single shots get a 1, double derringers get a 2, 5 shot pistols get a 3, low cap autos and 6 to 9 shot revolvers get a 4, while only hi cap autos get a 5.

Caliber = 22 gets a 1, 25 gets a 2, 32 gets a 3, 380 or 9x18 get a 4, 9mm and above get a 5.

Ergonomics = Able to barely get a grip gets a 1, 2 finger grip gets a 2, 3 fingers get a 3, full grip but poor pointing gets a 4 while a Full grip with great natural pointing gets a 5.

Concealable = Desert Eagle and original Automag size weapons get a 1, Full size service weapons get a 2, compacts get a 3, true pocket pistols get a 4 while Belt buckle guns get 5.

Ease of follow up shots = Have to go pick it up after each shot gets a 1, not changing hands or dropping it after a shot gets a 2, can actually fire more than 2 shots without regripping gets a 3, easy to fire to empty then reload and empty again without regripping firing hand gets a 4, able to do rapid fire accurate stings even with wet hands gets a 5.


Scoring: Only you know the truth about your weapons and your skill level. Your results have no bearing on anyone else's results or score. Only you will pay the price if you pretend to know instead of getting out to the range and learning.

This might be a fun exercise for your own weapon selections.

 

[Mags]

Smith & Wesson M&P 9c

Reliability = 5
Firepower = 3 (only holds 12+1)
Caliber = 3
Ergonomics = 5
Concealable = 4
Ease of follow up shots = 5
Total Score = 25

 

[bikerdoc]

cz 75 COMPACT 29

 

[LawofThirds]

So.....9mm gets a 5, just like a .44 mag. Sounds like someone skewing for their favorite caliber. You know, the same way if someone said .41 mag/10mm was the baseline for 5's.

Also, if I can conceal a pocket auto as well as I can a "buckle" gun (I'm assuming you're saying the NAA mini revolvers), why shouldn't the pocket gun get a 5?

So by your scoring, a colt 1903 would get a:

R: 5
F: 4
C: 3
E: 5
C: 4
Ease of follow up: 5

26 for a colt 1903 by those measurements (in .32 acp no less)

vs 4" 629

R: 5
F: 4
C: 5
E: 5
C: 2
E: 3

For a mighty mighty 24.

Now obviously I cherry picked two weapons with which I'm a) familiar and b) have carried at one time or another, but it's not really accurate on the power scale.

.32, .380 9mm non +p, .38 non +p and other .32/.30 caliber offerings should be a 3, 5.7 should be a 2, and 25acp should be in the 1's with 22, especially considering that .22 mag develops a lot more energy than .25 ACP.

You know, if we're gonna get all standardized.

 

[Nasty]

No skew was intended...was going by what is generally accepted as major caliber. My rough draft can be picked all over however it makes anyone happy.

It still boils down to folks being honest and responsible to themselves and realizing the tradeoffs they have to make.

As with cars, you can make it safe, you can make it long lasting, you can make it cheap.

Pick any two.