Hot Summer: Downsizing anyone?

[Mad Magyar]

During the hot months, and it does get hot in the Southwest, the heat can be debilitating. If you add humidity to the mix like in other parts of the country, down right agony. I usually find myself grabbing the .380 for comfort and concealment rather than some of the larger bores…Even without a sport coat or long shirt; this is one pistol you can place in a pocket or holster w/o getting a hernia and tell-tale sag in the britches..
Much attention has been made about a piece should “be comforting and not comfortable” as if this axiom has to be taken for granted. When you think about what gun makers are putting out for the public; it makes you wonder.
The prolific downsizing and streamlining are all geared to the fast growing CCW market who are demanding some lgt wght comfort besides snag-free unholstering. I will agree with most that a .380 is about the lowest one should go for some decent firepower and protection, especially with all the PD ammo out there.
Is bigger better? Probably, as long as shot placement are somewhat equalized. Perhaps, my scenario fits my lifestyle and not others. Just a thought about the upcoming “Summer-Time Blues”. Do you downsize in the summer?

 

[19-3Ben]

yup. I too go from a .357mag to a .380ACP. Although I can still sometimes pull off the .357mag

 

[Zonamo]

Yep. Old Pueblo Summer = Colt Mustang Pocketlite.

And that buckle and watchband you're wearin' is gonna give you third degree burns in June.

 

[Eightball]

When I have the money and a decent rig, I plan on picking up a PPK .380/derivative for summer. Comforting/comfortable/whatever, the emphasis on CCW is "Concealed," and if you can't conceal it without causing a personal heat stroke/spontaneous combustion during the summer months, you need something smaller so you can wear it and not sweat to death.

Though, I don't think black jeans are good to keep the heat off of you, either.

 

[camper]

Colt Pocketlite or Khar PM9.

 

[lance22]

I'm transitioning from my 4 inch 1911 to my Kahr P40. Now that the lakes are unfroze I can say it's summer.

 

[PRazz]

I also agonize about carrying in the summer heat/humidity and recently switched from a .45 to a .45(not typo). Actually I didn't downsize just changed the materials for my summer carry. I chose to get a PT145 Pro, another .45 for redundancy and preference and as much as I hate plastic and stainless I figured it was either that or risk getting my blued Kimber all rusty. I've also started wearing undershirts in summer and that is working out great for keeping it dry.

 

[Catalina]

I move from under the coat OWB carry of a steel gun to IWB or Galco Belly Band of a plastic gun.

Sometimes a .380 or J-Frame in a pocket.

For swim trunks and a T or no shirt it's travel/shoulder bag carry a la

 

[GVMan]

Yep, I will be wearing the S&W J-frame 642 "when" it gets hot here in Michigan.

 

[sfmittels]

During Arizona summers (which last six months), most people wear shorts. This year, I bought two pairs of 5.11 brand shorts, and I carry a Glock 27 in the pocket inside a DeSantis Nemesis holster. Fully loaded, it's a bit heavy, but the 5.11s hold it fine. I have an order placed for a customized Kahr PM9 that should work even better in the same role.

In the winter, I usually have carried the same Glock but in a OWB holster. But I recently acquired a SIG P229 Elite in .40 that I think will take over that role next winter. The Glock is good, but the SIG is elegant.

 

[chris in va]

Switch from my P220 to the P11. This year though I'm installing the belt clip instead of using the fat IWB holster.

 

[The_Shootist]

Nod

Summer = Mak or P-32 / pocket carry
Winter = Glock 19 / 1911 / IWB carry

Although winter is kind of a misnomer here in SE Texas - some cold days true, but usually at worst its sweater weather. Often I end up carrying my Mak almost all year round.

 

[Phaetos]

Actually this year, I moved up. I went from my Bersa .380 to an XD9-SubCompact Though I will be getting a Kel-Tec PF9 or PF-11 if I can find one, if not then the P3-AT.

 

[jeepmor]

I'd select a Kahr PM40 personally, but I like big bores and that one is pretty small. But for now, it's my S&W CS40 or my Taurus PT145, both fit fine in my shorts with leg pockets that I just can't recall the name of at the moment.

 

[Ala Dan]

Summer Carry

S&W 642, KEL-TEC P3AT, Seecamp LWS-32, or a Kahr CW9~!

 

[GaryArkansas]

Bersa Thunder 380 with Winchester Silvertips

 

[JohnBT]

As soon as I shoot it a little more I'll be moving up from a P-32 and/or 442 to a used Rohrbaugh 9s.

John

 

[ARTiger]

S&W 642 in a Mika's pocket holster for me. Although am looking for a KelTec P3AT for when we start hitting triple digit temps (with humidity). Sometimes a Walther P99c or Taurus PT 140 Pro if I can get away with IWB. Fall/winter carry was a Glock 29 which I just sold. Gives me the whole summer and fall to shop for a CCW rig before it gets cold again (November here).

 

[Walkalong]

NAA .22 Mag. Thinking of getting a Kel-Tec.

 

[ravencon]

Yes and no.

I often pocket carry an Airlite snubby in summer. But, just as often, I carry a bigger gun than in cooler weather since it is very easy to conceal when wearing an untucked, square cut shirt. Easier access than when under layers of of heavy clothing.

 

[3rdpig]

No, not me. I made up my mind after failing to find one semi auto smaller than my Glock 26 that meets my criteria for a main carry weapon, that I would not downsize to a tiny auto of dubious reliability, accuracy or power (or all 3).

This summer it's either going to be the Glock 26 or the J frame 38. Those little autos and tiny .22 revolvers may be fine as BUGs, but IMHO, they're insufficient in just about every way possible as main carry guns. Comfort ain't that important.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

.

 

[obxned]

Hot weather - P3AT!

 

[BADUNAME13]

Carrying the same 45 and 357, in the same way, that I do all year long.

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

Anyone here bought a PF9 yet? I'm thinking about getting one to replace my 642 for pocket carry.