citizenconn
Member
I rotate between a 4" and a 4.25" lightweight 1911 in .45 acp, and an extra mag for if I need more capacity. I'll add a lightweight commander sized 10mm 1911 when I find one I like.
Help deciding next concealed carry
- Thread starter AUhiker
- Start date
SIG P365 Series pistols work for the Kid. Fits my hand, a good trigger. I also like the modularity of the Series. I have the P365, P365SAS, P365XL RomeoZero, all great, reliable carries. I carried the G43, 43X, and 48. Between those three the G48 was the winner and they all were reliable weapons, several hundred rounds through them all, and no hiccups. Sh
oot as many different pistols as you can, don't hurry the selection. Good luck with the search!
oot as many different pistols as you can, don't hurry the selection. Good luck with the search!
why not consider a 38sp snubbie revolver, except for lower capacity…
easily shoots mild to wild with customizable grips and various ammo loads.
one handed, ambidextrous operation.
simple, intuitive manual of arms.
almost universally ok everywhere one can have a handgun.
coat pocket useable.
something different.
easily shoots mild to wild with customizable grips and various ammo loads.
one handed, ambidextrous operation.
simple, intuitive manual of arms.
almost universally ok everywhere one can have a handgun.
coat pocket useable.
something different.
Old Dog
Member
Well, the OP did say he was currently packing a G43 (7+1) and wanted something a little bigger with more capacity, kinda pooh-pooing a 10-round pistol and implying he wanted a 15-round capacity pistol...
Big-bore-bob
Member
Maybe not the best for concealment but I'm fond of my sig p229 elite 9mm with hogue g10 piranha grips. Sig m17 124gr +p ammo. It's a really accurate pistol with an excellent trigger, albiet a bit thicc.
OP
OP
AUhiker
Member
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2023
- Messages
- 91
I have a 38 special but it’s a 4 in not a snubby. It’s a good shooter, but I shoot semis better so for carry that’s what I go with. Thanks for the suggestion!
Correct old dog I do want a longer grip and more capacity. I’m leaning towards the G48 with 10 rounds after holding it and a hellcat pro. I like the sight picture of the 48 better, technically it’s a G19 slimmed down. Even though I pooh poohed it’s capacity lol
Now just need to shoot both to confirm.
RetiredUSNChief
Member
This, in my opinion, is where gun shows are worth the price of admission alone. Any given gun show is almost certain to have a FAR larger variety of firearms than the typical LGS will have on hand.
Go to a gun show, find the handguns you're interested in, and check them out for fit/feel in your hand. I don't care how much you might like a gun in theory, until you handle it you will not know how it fits YOUR hand. A gun which does not fit your hand well or which simply does not "feel good" to you will be one that you won't want to shoot or carry compared to another that does fit you well.
Also, there are any number of features or designs that may or may not appeal to you in person.
As for my opinion on what to get...I rarely post them, and when I do I typically qualify my recommendations as things that work for ME. What I like, what feels good for me, what appeals to me, what I'm willing to carry or not carry, will not necessarily work or appeal for someone else. So I tend to post more on the process of how to find something suitable for the individual rather than specific recommendations.
The good news is that there is a HUGE selection of handguns to choose from.
On the subject of aftermarket parts: I hear you on your preference for stock. However, I would recommend you reconsider this with respect to aftermarket magazines. I don't really consider these as "parts" (like screws, sights, springs, etc.). The magazine can make a difference in grip for smaller handguns, whether stock or aftermarket. Case in point, the ergonomic rest magazines for my wife's PPK/S. This makes the smaller grip of her pistol MUCH better than with the standard magazines. I don't know much about Glock magazines and what they offer, but if the grip of a smaller Glock you like can be significantly improved in a similar fashion and if the only option is an aftermarket magazine, consider giving it a try. In perspective, they're not that expensive. Ultimately, the important thing is that the magazines function reliably. And if they do, when inserted the only thing visible is the butt plate of the magazine anyway.
And finally, remember that you don't have to settle on just one "ultimate" or "perfect" solution. The beauty of this is that you can make your best selection based on reasonable options and go with that...and 6 months, a year, or whatever later you can go with another choice. Keep or sell as you see fit.
Good luck...and be sure to post your final decision and a review after a trip to the range!
I rotate between 2 carry guns. In the hot weather with cargo shorts - a pocket carried Ruger LC9s Pro & 2 backup magazines. Heading to the big city of Springfield, MO - my Glock 43X worn OWB with 15rd Shield Arms mag and a backup 20rd Shield Arms mag that include a Taran Tactical +5 base plate & spring. My 43X has a metal Shield Arms mag release installed, plus night sights.
I prefer the 43X over the 48 as I like the shorter slide that doesn't extend past my untucked shirt when worn OWB.
If I were in your situation, I would keep the Glock 43 for pocket carry and invest in a couple mag extensions. There's a couple ways to do that. Then find another pistol for OWB / IWB / AIWB.
I have heard good things about MagGuts +2 replacement spring and follower $32.95:
magguts.com
Taran Tactical offers a +2 mag extension w/ replacement spring $29.99:
tarantacticalinnovations.com
The best buy is Vickers Tactical +2 mag extension with spring $12.84:
tangodown.com
Edited to add, I would pocket carry with the MagGuts mag system in the gun and carry a backup mag equipped with one of the other less expensive extended base plates.
I prefer the 43X over the 48 as I like the shorter slide that doesn't extend past my untucked shirt when worn OWB.
If I were in your situation, I would keep the Glock 43 for pocket carry and invest in a couple mag extensions. There's a couple ways to do that. Then find another pistol for OWB / IWB / AIWB.
I have heard good things about MagGuts +2 replacement spring and follower $32.95:
MagGuts +2 Magazine Conversion for Glock 43 - MagGuts
MagGuts™ - +2 Magazine Conversion for Glock 43 Converts your 6 round Glock 43 magazine into an 8 round magazine while adding less than ¼” to the length. This kit reuses your Glock magazine tube for OEM durability and fit while replacing all other components with MagGuts™ parts. It features our...
magguts.com
Taran Tactical offers a +2 mag extension w/ replacement spring $29.99:
Base Pad For Glock 43 9mm OEM Magazines
Gunsmith, Base Pad, Basepads, Firearms, John Wick, Glock, Taran Tactical
tarantacticalinnovations.com
The best buy is Vickers Tactical +2 mag extension with spring $12.84:
Vickers Tactical +2 Magazine Extension for the Glock® 43 VTMFP-006 43
TangoDown - Known for Vickers Tactical Upgrades for Glock. Our reputation for unique design and quality manufacturing of weapon components has earned us first choice when it comes to stepping into harm’s way.
tangodown.com
Edited to add, I would pocket carry with the MagGuts mag system in the gun and carry a backup mag equipped with one of the other less expensive extended base plates.
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TheHermit
Member
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2021
- Messages
- 36
Sounds like 43X with S15 15 round magazines is what you're looking for.
SAR9 SC
sarusa.com
.
SAR9 SUBCOMPACT GEN2 - SAR USA
The SAR9 SUBCOMPACT GEN2 package features a Cerakoted slide along with 17 and 19 round magazines and a full assortment of accessories for the range.
sarusa.com
.
Sig P365XL is 12+1 factory and can be made 14+1 if you were not opposed to doing the Mag Guts spring swap. CZ P-10S is another option if you don't want to bump up to a compact firearm like the CZ P-10C or Glock 19. Glock 26 if you're partial to Glock and don't want to bump up to a 19.
For hammer fired, CZ 2075 RAMI for subcompact or CZ 75D PCR (no rail), P-01 (if you want a rail), or P-07 (if you want polymer framed) for compact.
Scarpia
Member
If it hasn't been mentioned, the G26 might be the ticket. I have the G27 with a 9mm conversion barrel making it a G26 with 12+1 capacity. I do admit it's a tough call to realize that a single stack 7+1 is all you need for a real self-defense or home invasion scenario. Nearly all my EDCs are single stacks, usually in 9mm, 40S&W or 45ACP. Today's carry is a 6+1 Kahr PM9, stuffed with Hornady 115FTX Critical Defense. If I felt the need for more capacity, I could easily dig out a 12-15+1 semi and deal with the bulky size or pack an additional Kahr magazine.
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WisBorn
Contributing Member
Are the PSA Dagger magazines less expensive than the Shield magazines?
I have heard nothing but good things about the Shield mags. They run $49 at my LGS for the G48.
OP
OP
AUhiker
Member
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2023
- Messages
- 91
Yes the psa mags are around 30 ish. They are half polymer and half steel so you don’t have to replace the mag catch like with the sa mags
Tons of people have issues with Sheild arms 15 rd mags and the PSA micro dagger 15 rd magazines for the G43X. I don’t think those mags are ready for carry. You’ll always have best reliability with OEM Glock mags.
The P365 is fantastic. They have two different slide lengths, three different grip lengths, and 10/12/15/17 round mags readily available. It’s completely modular and you can mix and match slides or grips to get the gun that suits you. I currently carry the short slide with the 12 round grip (I think this is 365XL configuration). I carry the 17 round mag as my reload. Also, aftermarket companies sell grip frame modules so you can find the grip frame that fits your hand best and not alter the internals at all, so it’s still OEM reliable.
The P365 Macro is the best gun I have purchased in the last decade. It has the longer 3.7” barrel slide with the long 17 round grip frame. Feels amazing in the hand and shoot fast and accurate. It’s about the same size as a G43X or G48 but has 7 extra rounds in the mag.
I have a G43X but it just collects dust. I can find no real world use for the pistol, since I prefer the P365XL or a regular G26 over the G43X.
The P365 is fantastic. They have two different slide lengths, three different grip lengths, and 10/12/15/17 round mags readily available. It’s completely modular and you can mix and match slides or grips to get the gun that suits you. I currently carry the short slide with the 12 round grip (I think this is 365XL configuration). I carry the 17 round mag as my reload. Also, aftermarket companies sell grip frame modules so you can find the grip frame that fits your hand best and not alter the internals at all, so it’s still OEM reliable.
The P365 Macro is the best gun I have purchased in the last decade. It has the longer 3.7” barrel slide with the long 17 round grip frame. Feels amazing in the hand and shoot fast and accurate. It’s about the same size as a G43X or G48 but has 7 extra rounds in the mag.
I have a G43X but it just collects dust. I can find no real world use for the pistol, since I prefer the P365XL or a regular G26 over the G43X.
Shawn Dodson
Member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2002
- Messages
- 3,195
Get a Glock 19. It's proven and not hard to conceal.
Old Dog
Member
U.S. Marshal Gerard, is that you?
The Night Rider
Member
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- Feb 16, 2022
- Messages
- 2,133
He carried a 22
Old Dog
Member
C'mon, never let facts interrupt a good joke.
It was the "Get a Glock" reference...
Nice. Seems PSA is out of Micro Dagger mags but you might set an email reminder on these:
Good luck with it. Hope it suits you well.
