Carry what you can use
I carry several different guns. It depends on the circumstances.
If I am working, it is the agency gun. I don't have a choice and I do not have to conceal it.
If I am off duty, I want my own gun. I use a BERETTA 9m.m. or .40 S&W as my house gun because I shoot these guns a lot and know them well. THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT. YOU MUST KNOW THE GUN AND PRACTICE WITH IT.
The BERETTA 92/96 is hard to conceal most of the time in Florida, so I use something else. A BERETTA Tomcat .32ACP or 5 shot .38 Special in a pocket holster with at least 1 reload.
I also usually have my care near by with 9m.m. or .40 S&W in the trunk, so the pocket pistol is acceptable.
During the cold weather like now, I can wear something heavier like a compact 9m.m.
I like to go for walks in the evening and will carry a S&W model 12 with a 2 inch barrel because it is so light (18 ounces). I carry 2 reloads for that gun.
My formula for a carry gun is:
1. Reliable, if not, don't use it for carry.
2. Controllable, I have to be able to hit the target. I had a KAHR CW-9 and found it recoiled hard for me. That limited my practice with it. So I sold it. It is a good gun, just not for me.
3. It must fit the situation, my BERETTA 84 is a really good .380ACP, but too big for most concealment situations, so I carry the Tomcat or revolver.
4. Most power for the situation. .22 rimfire and .25ACP are out. I consider the .32ACP with hollowpoint ammo the minimum and just barely.
5. Practice, practice and more practice. Don't forget training, it can be a life saver.
Just my opinions.
Jim
I carry several different guns. It depends on the circumstances.
If I am working, it is the agency gun. I don't have a choice and I do not have to conceal it.
If I am off duty, I want my own gun. I use a BERETTA 9m.m. or .40 S&W as my house gun because I shoot these guns a lot and know them well. THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT. YOU MUST KNOW THE GUN AND PRACTICE WITH IT.
The BERETTA 92/96 is hard to conceal most of the time in Florida, so I use something else. A BERETTA Tomcat .32ACP or 5 shot .38 Special in a pocket holster with at least 1 reload.
I also usually have my care near by with 9m.m. or .40 S&W in the trunk, so the pocket pistol is acceptable.
During the cold weather like now, I can wear something heavier like a compact 9m.m.
I like to go for walks in the evening and will carry a S&W model 12 with a 2 inch barrel because it is so light (18 ounces). I carry 2 reloads for that gun.
My formula for a carry gun is:
1. Reliable, if not, don't use it for carry.
2. Controllable, I have to be able to hit the target. I had a KAHR CW-9 and found it recoiled hard for me. That limited my practice with it. So I sold it. It is a good gun, just not for me.
3. It must fit the situation, my BERETTA 84 is a really good .380ACP, but too big for most concealment situations, so I carry the Tomcat or revolver.
4. Most power for the situation. .22 rimfire and .25ACP are out. I consider the .32ACP with hollowpoint ammo the minimum and just barely.
5. Practice, practice and more practice. Don't forget training, it can be a life saver.
Just my opinions.
Jim
