Just joined, switch my EDC from J-Frame to Glock 19?

[mrblenderson]

Hello everyone, I just joined the forum. I've read a lot on here over the last few years.

I currently carry a J-frame 642 AIWB, and it works well for me in terms of daily comfort and concealability. I'm in Miami so it's hot and humid for most of the year and I'm usually wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

The 642 was my first carry gun, I've also tried a Shield, LCP, and P30SK but I always come back to the 642.

I've been thinking about switching to a Glock 19 for two reasons:
1. I have a 1-year old and work a lot so I don't get to go to the range that much, so I'd rather spend time on just one gun that I use for carry, nightstand duty, and possibly shooting sports if I ever have the time.
2. The more that I think about potential scenarios I may find myself in the more I feel underprepared with just 5 rounds in a gun that I'm really only confident in shooting out to 10 yards. My home is in a very safe area but for business I'm often in less-than-desirable areas and I drive through some pretty rough places regularly.

My first pistol was a Glock 17, I sold it when I got into revolvers but I shot it well and it was reliable.

I know a lot of people carry 19's, but I'm concerned about how easy/comfortable it will be to carry AIWB all day. The J-frame is just so easy to carry I literally forget it's there!

I stopped carrying the LCP because I didn't find it to be reliable and wasn't thrilled about 380 as a carry round.

I had the Shield before I learned a lot about concealed carry and only ever carried it at 4-5 o'clock IWB.

I tried to carry the P30SK AIWB but I could never find a way to do it comfortably, it's quite thick and pokey.

 

[GRIZ22]

Forgetting a gun is there is a bad thing AFAIC.

FWIW I retired from a Federal investigative agency all plainclothes. When we switched to Glock 19s J frames were authorized as a backup or off duty gun. Most agents opted to just carry the 19. It is not "too big".

 

[357 Terms]

If you didn't like carrying the Shield, or the LCP the 19 is probably going to be replaced by the J-frame also.

 

[mrblenderson]

If you didn't like carrying the Shield, or the LCP the 19 is probably going to be replaced by the J-frame also.

I stopped carrying the Shield because I was only trying to carry at 4-5 o clock at the time and I couldn't stop printing. I never tried it appendix.

I dropped the LCP because I don't trust its reliability after malfunctions on every range trip.

 

[Old Dog]

Smart choice to switch. Not a G19 guy, but I formerly carried a Glock 23 (same size, of course, in .40 S&W), in a Kramer IWB #3 with no issues (in hot climates, too -- Southern California and Arizona). I carried at 3:30-4:00 -- not appendix carry and the Glock easily conceals with right belt/holster and shirt combo. As GRIZZ22 says, "not too big."

 

[Winkman822]

I'm not a Glock guy, though I do own a Glock 19 that I shoot on occasion. That said, carrying a gun isn't supposed to be comfortable, it's supposed to be comforting. That said, if you didn't like the P30SK in the AIWB position, you probably won't like the Glock 19 there either. You may want to look at something like a Smith & Wesson M&P 9C (not the M2.0 Compact). It's roughly Glock 26 sized but has a 12 round magazine capacity and will also accept the larger M&P mags if I recall correctly. I'd also recommend trying a few different holster options like the G-Code INCOG, Blackpoint Dual Point or Comp Tac AIWB options.

 

[jar]

Congrats on the 1 year old. Learn the song "The wheel on the gun goes round and round ..."

 

[Kendal Black]

The snubnose revolver's virtues are shown by its long-lasting popularity. I rather suspect you will be back to the 642 on the hottest days.

It will shoot better than you are shooting it.

I do not like appendix carry. Cross-draw, angled away from body parts to include the thigh and femoral artery, is as concealable.

That said, the Glock 19 gets my vote as one of the best pistols ever made, but it is bigger, not pocketable, a significant increase in size. If your wardrobe and activities will permit, carry that, but keep the snubnose.

 

[GEM]

A recent survey of gun stores shows that the G19 and J frame are the most popular semi and revolver offerings. Have both! Learn how to shoot both well.

 

[bannockburn]

mrblenderson

My two primary choices for CCW are a Kahr CM9 and a S&W Model 638. Both are lightweight, about the same size, easy and comfortable to carry concealed, and they use a very similar, very smooth DA trigger. The CM9 is faster to reload but with practice the Model 638 can hold it's own with speed strips or speed loaders. If I ever feel the need to go up in capacity I also have a Ruger SR9c and a CZ P01 which are also well suited for concealed carry.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

mrblenderson

My two primary choices for CCW are a Kahr CM9 and a S&W Model 638. Both are lightweight, about the same size, easy and comfortable to carry concealed, and they use a very similar, very smooth DA trigger. The CM9 is faster to reload but with practice the Model 638 can hold it's own with speed strips or speed loaders. If I ever feel the need to go up in capacity I also have a Ruger SR9c and a CZ P01 which are also well suited for concealed carry.

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Do you normally open carry or is that just for the pictures?

 

[bearcreek]

I know a lot of people carry 19's, but I'm concerned about how easy/comfortable it will be to carry AIWB all day. The J-frame is just so easy to carry I literally forget it's there!

I carried a 19 for years using several different methods. I finally settled on AIWB. With the right holster and body type it conceals well. I switched to a double action about a year ago. I assume you know this but keep in mind that you need to have trigger discipline down to a breathing level habit if you going to appendix carry a striker fired pistol like that.

 

[bannockburn]

Trunk Monkey

Do you normally open carry or is that just for the pictures?

That was just for the pictures. The "Before" looked like this:

 

[SteadyD]

A Shield will be much more comfortable than the 19 when carried AIWB. At least it is for me. It’s hard to beat the comfort of a snub carried AIWB though. Good luck on your decision.

 

[Tallball]

I am a revolver guy, but carry a G43 or G26 on occasion. The 26 can use G19 magazines.

 

[JONWILL]

I am a revolver guy, but carry a G43 or G26 on occasion. The 26 can use G19 magazines.

I am with this. I have a Glock 26. Can always stick a Glock 19 or 17 magazine in it.

It slips in the front pocket of my cargo shorts.

If you want to keep it small and thin here is another option. I picked up a Bersa Thunder 380 CC "Concealed Carry" It is the Nickle Plated version. It is a nice gun 9 rounds and is snag free.

Hardly any sights but I can hit point of aim out to 21 feet. It fits in a pocket also or on a belt.

 

[mrblenderson]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'll definitely be keeping the 642 regardless of what I do, it's far too useful for different types of dress to ever get rid of. Plus it was my first carry gun so I'm quite attached to it. It's been 100% reliable as well. I can't see myself ever getting rid of it or my 4" 686+, those two are keepers.

The G19 is actually thinner than the P30SK, so that may help. Part of what was uncomfortable was the hammer digging into my belly, I have the DA/SA version.

I'm certainly aware of the necessity of discipline with AIWB and a striker gun. I would only carry this in a nice tight Kydex holster.

I've thought about some of the midsize options, but what I really like about the G19 idea is that I wouldn't have a carry gun and nightstand gun to practice with separately, just one to get very competent with.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You should carry a gun you have confidence in and one you shoot well. There are no wrong answers here.

One thing, if you aren't married to the G19 take a look at the Sig P320 before you buy.

 

[paulsj]

The G19 is a large handgun for EDS. If I had to settle for such size gun I would pick G30S instead..

 

[Barry loyd]

Congrats on the baby. My 1yo will be 13 this year, time flies when you have kids. I couldn’t carry a G22 any way that was comfortable. I carry a 4” GP100 and forget its there. Five rounds in the 642 will probably be more than any of us ever need.

 

[Tallball]

If you haven't shot the G26 before, you might want to try it. I'm more accurate with it than I expected to be. Also, for about $7 you can get a plastic sleeve to put over a G19 magazine that makes it fit into a G26 without leaving that awkward little gap. The G26 with the G19 mag and sleeve was my nightstand gun when I was on the road this summer.

I still prefer my LCR for EDC, but the G26 is a nice compromise between that and a G19.

And congrats on the new family member. It seems like just a few weeks ago when ours were little. Now they're 14 and 20. Time flies; enjoy it while you can.

 

[bearcreek]

I've thought about some of the midsize options, but what I really like about the G19 idea is that I wouldn't have a carry gun and nightstand gun to practice with separately, just one to get very competent with.

Do you already have the 19 then?

 

[bearcreek]

The G19 is a large handgun for EDS. If I had to settle for such size gun I would pick G30S instead..

What is "EDS"? I'm not familiar with that acronym.

 

[BSA1]

I think going with a higher capacity handgun is a very good idea.

BUT I'm the guy on THR that carries a Beretta 92FS and a spare magazine regularly.

Up until February, 2016 I felt that packing my J-Frame snubby was enough gun for my little part of the world. Then a mass shooting and incident a couple of weeks later with a nut pointing a rifle at cars that ended up with him being shot and killed by the police caused me to reevaluate my little world. The result is I do not like what I see.

As Kansas as Open Carry Law concealment was not a consideration when making the switch from a small revolver to the large Beretta. The challenge was finding a comfortable holster that I can carry it in for hours. In my case the Sparks EX Companion iwb holster works very well. As I am a blue jean working type person I carry a spare magazine in a leather pouch that looks like the Leatherman tool type (very common in my parts) on my belt.

I always carry my Beretta in the Sparks holster in the same position on my body. It just happens to be concealed during cool & cold weather because I wear a jacket / hoodie.

My snubbies are now niche guns mostly for use when fishing and for varmint control.

 

[mrblenderson]

One thing, if you aren't married to the G19 take a look at the Sig P320 before you buy.

I've never owned a Sig, but I've shot them several times and tried to like them but they just don't feel right in my hand. Haven't tried the P320 but if it's anything like the rest of their models it probably won't work for me.

If you haven't shot the G26 before, you might want to try it. I'm more accurate with it than I expected to be. Also, for about $7 you can get a plastic sleeve to put over a G19 magazine that makes it fit into a G26 without leaving that awkward little gap. The G26 with the G19 mag and sleeve was my nightstand gun when I was on the road this summer.

I hadn't actually considered the 26, but a friend has one so maybe I can test-drive it. Seems pretty similar to the P30SK except striker vs DA/SA.

Do you already have the 19 then?

No, I need to sell my P30SK and LCP first! They're both just collecting dust in the safe.

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes for the baby, it's really hard to believe that he's already turning one next week.