Has your CCW gotten bigger, smaller or stayed the same over the years?

[Richard.Howe]

A bit smaller -- after several disappointing tries to like the commander-size 1911, I fell back to a Sig P245.

Rich

 

[Haymaker]

Got 3 CCW's = One BIG, 2 lightweights.
Seldom carry more than 2

 

[roo_ster]

CCW Gets Larger Over Time

(Primary/Secondary/Tertiary)
SW686 .357mag
AMT BU DAO .45ACP/Beretta 21A .22LR
AMT BU DAO .45ACP/Kel-Tec P32 .32ACP
Kel-Tec P40 .40S&W*/Kel-Tec P32 .32ACP
SW1911 .45ACP/Kel-Tec P40 .40S&W/Kel-Tec P32 .32ACP
SW1911 .45ACP/Taurus 651 Total Ti Snubby .357mag/Kel-Tec P32 .32ACP
* First CCW with useable sights

With the exception of my first handgun (SW686), my preferred carry has gotten larger. I suspect that this correlates to my knowledge of gun-carrying techniques, especially the value of good leather. Also, I put more value on being able to shoot the weapon well and quickly.

(hate .40 caliber, why do I keep going back)

I, too, have not been able to warm up to .40S&W. If I want a big hole, I'll choose .45ACP. If I want less recoil, I choose 9mm.

I would actually consider the AMT my first REAL CCW pistol.

Same here.

 

[Marshall]

My carry gun is one of several but my J Frame .357 is always with me. So I'll vote stay the same.

 

[Pappy John]

The size hasn't changed all that much, but the power's been going up.

I went from a Walther PPK in .380, trading that up to a S&W 642 in .38 Spec., and in turn trading that on my present Ruger SP101 in .357 magnum.

I've carried larger stuff now and then, but these three have been my main "grab and go" guns over the last ten years.

 

[41 magnum fan]

I started out carrying either a S&W model 36 or a Colt 25 AUTO.My main carry guns now are either a S&W model 657 Mountain Gun(41 magnum) or a full size blued steel 1911.

 

[j1133s]

As I get better at shooting, I feel more comfortable carrying a smaller pistol. Now, if I stop practicing for a while, I may have to go back and carry something w/ lots of ammo again.

But right now, given my skill level, I'm comfortable w/ a PM9 w/ only 6 shots (which I think I can handle 2-3 attackers). Note the Kahr PM9 can be loaded w/ 6+1 rounds, but I only have 6.

I used to carry a G19 w/ 16 rounds plus a backup mag w/ 15 rounds.

 

[.45FMJoe]

Went from a Kel-tec .380 to a Glock 32 and now a full size Colt 1911. I still use the Kel-tec as a BUG and the Glock has nightstand duty (soon with a surefire attached to it).

 

[Zach S]

Bigger. I started with a Para Companion (or a Kimber Compact), now I carry a 5" Kimber.

 

[Old John]

Smaller for me

Started out carrying a Taurus Mod.85, 38 Spec. about 16 yrs.
ago. I felt kinda under gunned

In '94, I went to a Ruger KP 90, .45acp. Carried that a few years.
Like a block of wood on your hip. But it shot well.

In '99, Went to a 1991A1, Colt Comm., .45acp.carried that 'til
early last year.
I switched to a SP101, .357Mag. I don't feel undergunned.
I'm Real content with it.

Bottom line........whatever works for you.
Diverse Folks like diverse options.
Have Fun.
Take Care.

 

[xd9fan]

goin sound like a girl here......but it all about the accessories.....is it summerwear or winter wear? Need a gun to match the weather!!

 

[Anna's Dad]

Carry

I got the Springfield XD-9 *thinking* I would carry it. I just can't get used to IWB carry--especially here in South Florida.

I then bought a Beretta Tomcat INOX (.32ACP) and carried it happily for several months.

Finally I bought a Kel-Tec P32 and that is what I carry today in a De Santis Gunhide pocket holster.

My guns have definately gotten smaller (can't get much smaller that the Kel-Tec P32, actually)!

This trend may change, however, with the release of the Skyy Industries MPX-9. Its the smallest 9mm I've seen (especially the width). If they turn out to be reliable guns, I'd definately prefer to carry a 9mm.

 

[meef]

How about a check option for "all over the board"?

 

[Slow]

I voted gotten smaller...everywhere gun is P32 but I also keep a .357 snub as always real close too

 

[deputy tom]

Same sizes just getting lighter(alloys).tom.

 

[aryfrosty]

Size of the CCW

In the late 1960s and early 1970s I carried many handcannons because they were big, because I was bad, (badly naive), and because I was a cop and nearly everyone I saw knew me. Also in the south seeing someone carrying in civvies wasn't earthshaking during those years.
Now I have been retired for a few years and live in a different place, so: I need something completely concealable yet reliable and serviceable. My usual CCW in 1971 was a Remington Rand version of the 1911 .45ACP. In 2006 it's an AMT BackUp DAO in .45ACP. I have my permit from where I live in ... addition to my retired ID and badge, but the best defense against getting put on the wall and embarrassed is CONCEALED carry.

 

[Still 2 Many Choices!?]

Smaller...

But the caliber got bigger!!! Glock 23 in .40, went to a Taurus PT-145 in .45...
I still carry the Glock more times than not, unless it is unseasonably hot.

 

[30 cal slob]

I've carried the same sized CCW more or less.

However, I've grown wider.

Does that make my CCW smaller?

No?

What if I'm wearing black?

 

[LiquidTension]

My primary carry has stayed the same but I started carrying a backup about a year ago. Sometimes I'm slack and just take the pocket gun, but my original is still my primary so I voted "stayed the same."

 

[Zundfolge]

My overall trend has been from larger to smaller, however its gone up and down over the years.


Steyr M40 -> Kahr MK40 -> Makarov -> Steyr S40 -> Kahr MK9 (and occasionally my wife's P3AT at the gym).

If I was to move from my MK9 to a different CCW piece it would be a Commander sized 1911 in 10mm (which I don't see the funds appearing for any time soon). Actually if I start feeling undergunned with the MK9 I'll just go back to the S40 (which while larger, weighs almost the same).

 

[GroovedG19]

My carry piece has remained the same for the past 3 years.Glock model 19.

 

[leadcounsel]

Same. I always carry the biggest gun that the situation will allow. Sometimes that's a P3AT, sometimes that's a 5" Glock 35, sometimes it's in between.

 

[southlandarms]

My first carry gun was a Tomcat. I changed when the P3AT first came out. A few month ago I started carrying a PM9. The PM9 is by no means large, but it is not a pocket gun for a man my size. I have had to adapt to IWB carry instead of simple back pocket carry.

All these guns are excellent choices. They have worked great for me. Of course, I like the idea of the 9mm over the .32 and .380.

 

[TimboKhan]

I went smaller, sort of. I started off carrying a Springfield Compact, but I ended up trading it away because it just wasn't reliable enough for me, plus, I found it to be too heavy to be used as a daily rig. I went somewhat smaller in the sense that my main carry gun now is a Taurus 605 (.357 mag), and that fits my bill perfectly. On rare occasions, I have packed my P90 with success, but it really is too big and certainly too heavy to ever be a good carry gun. My situation is such that I don't actually carry all that often: I am in and out of high schools and college all day, and neither place allows concealed carry. I am NEVER without a gun in my truck however, and in that case, my gun choice is one of my two Taurus PT99's, both of which are hi-cap. With all of that having been said, I find myself wanting an even smaller gun for quick trips to the store and what not, and I fully intend on purchasing a Keltec within the next couple of months to accomplish that. So, smaller for my person, larger for my truck!

 

[GlenJ]

Started with a Ruger P97. Now carry P3AT daily.