Looking for a new carry gun

[Atom Smasher]

I currently run a CZ 85 as my carry weapon, and it's a little too difficult to carry with my everyday wear (bit too big!). I was thinking about using the gun and its accessories to fund a new carry gun. I figure that I've got about $500 or so worth of gun+stuff, enough to get at least started toward something new. I'm interested in all calibers and platforms, autoloaders or revolvers. Just something reliable, easy to conceal, with enough punch to take down a bad guy. Full-size pistols are okay, but the problem I'm running into is the thing is too wide. We're moving soon to a bad part of town so-to-speak and I'm a little more concerned about things that way. Obviously the 1911 is super popular, but I want to hear about all the stuff you guys carry.

Thanks!

 

[frankiestoys]

My summer edc is a J frame .38 spl or a Bersa .380 ! I can stick the Smith in my front pocket its so light sometimes I forget I'm carrying it. In the winter its either a CZ 75 compact or a 1911 I've owned a variety of polymer pistols but never seem to keep them long, nothing wrong with them I just can't warm up to plastic. There's a lot of excellent choices have fun shopping

 

[Twiki357]

I’ve gone through a few different semi-auto pocket pistols (steel, alloy & plastic) in 380 and 9mm but they keep ending up as safe clutter when I go back to a J frame.

 

[ljnowell]

I just recently picked up a new j frame, I used to carry an LCR. I could never be without a compact 38 revolver. An officers sized 1911 is an option. I had a RIA officers model that was dead reliable. Over 3k rounds and not a single malfunction. That's right, NOT A SINGLE ONE! Of course it ate a steady diet of my 230gr LRN handloads and about 100 GDHPs.

A Glock 30s is a possibility it's got a considerably slimmer slide than a normal 30 and gives a very nice payload. The fact that it accepts 13 rd Glock 21 mags is a bonus too.

 

[zerobarrier]

I carry a PX4 subcompact with a viridian light in 40s&w, kimber custom cdp 5" 45acp, and Taurus 455 revolver in 45acp all year around. With the right holster and carry position you can carry anything. I also carry two mags or 4 moon clips. I am average sized 5'11 160lbs. Whatever you are comfortable and proficient shooting is best.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I carry a J frame daily and that works for me. Loaded with the Speer Gold Dot .38 Special +P ammo it's no wimp and will stop the bad guy. There is nothing wrong with a 3" M13 or M65 either.

For a thin semi-auto that packs a big punch, try a alloy frame 1911. It's very flat, lighter than a steel frame 1911 and the 45 Auto is a big punch for sure.

If you want a small semi-auto give the S&W M&P Shield a try in either 9mm or 40 S&W. It's a really small package but much more punch than a .380 Auto.

I would suggest a Sig P229 but I'm not sure if that pistol is any thinner than the CZ you are now carrying but if it is, it's also a good choice IMO.

 

[zerobarrier]

The new S&W model 69 looks real nice. Its a 44mag, but poaded with 44 specail would make a nice carry gun IMHO

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

I'm 6'1", and 190lbs, so that may make a difference. I currently carry a WC Colt Commander in a Milt Sparks holster without issue. A commander sized 1911 or smaller conceals and carries nicely with a good holster and belt. I will say that I'm probably going to purchase an XDs when I'm home from Afghanistan to try out.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

i like my XDs in 45acp for EDC i will carry my XDsc in 9mm when its cooler out
and a wear a sweatshirt but the little XDs just disappears under a t-shirt

 

[skoro]

something reliable, easy to conceal, with enough punch to take down a bad guy.

I have several weapons in my carry rotation. Believe it or not, the one I've grown fondest of is a S&W 642 that I pocket carry in a Mika holster. It's just SO handy and very easy to draw quickly.

As always, YMMV.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I'm 155 lbs and 5' 7". I have no problem carrying a Kimber UCC II in .45 ACP IWB at 4:30 under an untucked summer shirt over a T-shirt.

 

[SigP229R]

I carry a P30 or a Sig P229 most ll the time (luckily they both will work w/the same custom leather holster) sometimes I will carry my Sig P6 . They all do O K for me as far as concealing. You know though this IS a personal preference thing so go with what you feel comfortable with.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

If you decide on a 380 be prepared to lighten your wallet when it comes to ammo for it. Lately when you can find defensive ammo for it, it has been over $1.00 a round unless buying in bulk or you get lucky. I would go with a 9mm if you are wanting to save money since you can get not only the pistols cheap but ammo as well.

 

[Hometeached1]

The j-frame a nice carry gun, but not the best for most people. As a BUG they are hard to beat, I love mine.

Have you thought about a CZ P-01? It's a little thinner than the 85.

If you are moving to a "bad part of town" I would try to stick to mid size pistols like the G19, Colt commander, P-01, etc.

What would be good is go to shoot and handle different handguns to see what fits and shoots best for you.

 

[Scarpia]

J-frame and/or P238

I can't help but reply to this thread. I am not at all comfortable with a round chambered in a semi-auto even those with loaded indicator and a dozen safeties, however, I do carry a Sig P238 though while riding my motorcycle. It neatly fits my riding vest's internal holster without a bulge or a jacket pocket. When not on the bike, I prefer a J-frame.

The P238 is a reliable, very smooth but pricey piece and is a 6+1 with the extended magazine. You can argue all day as to the stopping power of the 380 but I'm OK with it. A spare magazine is easy to stuff in a pocket so you have a bunch of fire power.

My J-frames are a S&W M36, Rossi late 1960's vintage S&W clone and Rossi M68 and M88. The Rossi M68 (blue) and M88's (stainless) are older 1980-90's vintage of their current small revolvers. These are terrific 38 Spl revolvers and highly recommended. They won't break the bank like a S&W.

 

[cc-hangfire]

I pocket carry a Kel Tec P3AT - Kel Tecs are good if you like don't mind fussing with your guns, they aren't "set it & forget it" guns. Ruger's & Kahr's .380's are better quality. With the office environment & dress code I live with, pocket carry is the best prion & size is the main consideration.

That said, I'd gladly carry a S&W 9mm M&P Shield if waistband could work for me.

 

[Haywood]

You can't beat a Snub in the pocket. There are so many different models it's hard to choose.

 

[DrBozack]

If width is the only issue, you could put some thin aluminum grips on your current CZ, such as those sold by CZ Customs or Cajun Gun Works.

The CZ's frame is slightly less than 1 inch wide--almost as thin as a single-stack like the S&W Shield or many 1911s. The CZ's factory grips make the gun significantly wider.

 

[Armor Snail]

If width is the only issue, you could put some thin aluminum grips on your current CZ, such as those sold by CZ Customs or Cajun Gun Works.

The CZ's frame is slightly less than 1 inch wide--almost as thin as a single-stack like the S&W Shield or many 1911s. The CZ's factory grips make the gun significantly wider.

I agree. Huge difference and worth every penny of their $85 cost.

Just remember though that the alloy framed CZs are slightly wider than the steel frames if you are considering a PCR or P01.

They still carry nice with thin AL grips though too.

If you like the Condition 1 functionality of the 85 consider the Canik C-100.

 

[gbran]

My little guns

The Kahr PM9 is an absolute joy to carry, even in a pocket. The J-Frame is a little bigger, but also pretty easy to carry, but only 5 rounds. The Glock G26 is pretty small, but bigger than the other two and is difficult to carry in pockets unless baggy. It does have 10+1 capacity.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Sub-compacts; choices....

2014 is a good time for concealed carry/gun owners.
You have a few well made choices in the compact/sub compact format(s).
My first choice would be the new version for the M&P Shield in 9x19mm or .40 with the non-manual safety design. It's compact, light, easy to clean, and offers a lifetime service plan. They run $360-450.00. After market night sights & holsters are more common too.
Other brands include the XDs 4.0 .45acp, the Glock 36 or 30S in .45acp, the Kahr CM9 or CM40, S&W 442/642 .38spl +P(no security lock), Ruger LCR .38spl +P, the SIG P290RS 9mm, the SIG P224 DAK(Double Action Kellerman).
Trijicon steel 3 dot night sights are a smart add on. A green or red laser aimer helps too. They are bright & help in low light/night time events.
I like the new Sticky Holsters, www.stickyholsters.com . You can convert them quickly & they are made in the USA. Another good holster firm is www.Wrightleatherworks.com . They offer a side protector & easy one hand holstering.
Good holster firms include: Galco, Alessi, Kramer, Mitch Rosen, Milt Sparks, Blade-tech, DeSantis, Ted Blocker, Blackhawk(SERPA), Safariland, Bianchi Intl.
Contact the shop first to make sure they can ship the holster or prepare your order correctly.

Rusty

 

[Thursday45]

$500 for gun and accessories; CZ P07 40 or 9mm. Fantastic pistols for their price and you should be able to get the gun and a holster or extra magazine for around $500.

 

[Atom Smasher]

If width is the only issue, you could put some thin aluminum grips on your current CZ, such as those sold by CZ Customs or Cajun Gun Works.

The CZ's frame is slightly less than 1 inch wide--almost as thin as a single-stack like the S&W Shield or many 1911s. The CZ's factory grips make the gun significantly wider.

This actually sounds like an interesting proposition. I'll have to check this out!