Trunk Monkey
member
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea of a 6906 being a brick
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea of a 6906 being a brick
Let's just say it's some old guy desperately looking for a logical reason (okay, one that my wife of fifty years will buy into and she's getting harder and harder to convince) to buy a new gun. After my agency transitioned from revolvers to autos, the Model 6906 was my duty gun for over ten years before I retired in 1998. I have carried it concealed as a "civilian" ever since that time. Familiarity doesn't breed contempt in this case, only respect; but we're getting tired of looking at each other. Heck, it's been over five years (an inordinately long time between guns for this old-timer) since I bought my last gun (a used Browning Medalist at an OGCA gun show) and I'm on the prowl again. A great way to stay young, if you ask me.
Let's just say it's some old guy desperately looking for a logical reason (okay, one that my wife of fifty years will buy into and she's getting harder and harder to convince) to buy a new gun. After my agency transitioned from revolvers to autos, the Model 6906 was my duty gun for over ten years before I retired in 1998. I have carried it concealed as a "civilian" ever since that time. Familiarity doesn't breed contempt in this case, only respect; but we're getting tired of looking at each other. Heck, it's been over five years (an inordinately long time between guns for this old-timer) since I bought my last gun (a used Browning Medalist at an OGCA gun show) and I'm on the prowl again. A great way to stay young, if you ask me.
Let's just say it's some old guy desperately looking for a logical reason (okay, one that my wife of fifty years will buy into and she's getting harder and harder to convince) to buy a new gun.
Familiarity doesn't breed contempt in this case, only respect; but we're getting tired of looking at each other.
I'm planning on replacing the pistol I carry concealed every day (a Smith Model 6906) for something lighter, flatter and thinner-but for one that's just as reliable. I like hammers and safeties on pistols I carry close to my body. At this time, I'm considering the SA Model XD-E, the Ruger Model SR 9c and the SIG Model 365. Though a hammer is not essential, a manually operated safety is. Also, for capacity reasons, the pistol has to be chambered in 9mm Luger.
Finally, I want a quality IWB holster with a thumb-break to carry the pistol comfortably concealed in.
Thanks for any comments, opinions and especially inputs from those that might have experience with the pistols in question. Recommendations for other candidates sharing the same features are also welcome.
I can't recommend a holster, as mine does not have a thumb break.
I would be looking at https://www.miltsparks.com/store.php thenBased on all the replies thus far, it appears as though I will have to do without an iwb holster having a thumb-break and settle for one that features a good friction retention system.
From the post right above yours:Based on all the replies thus far, it appears as though I will have to do without an iwb holster having a thumb-break and settle for one that features a good friction retention system.
I have a horsehide IWB holster with a strap that was made by C. Rusty Sherrick. Very well made holster.
In doing my research for finding a new EDC pistol, I've learned something about myself: I'm not a fan of sub-compact pistols, especially when chambered for cartridges larger than the .380 ACP. I have a Ruger LCP for those few times I have to arm myself minimally (due to weather factors or social circumstances); generally a "niche" situation for me.
I tried handling pistols like the SIG 365 XL and SA's "Hellcat" and, as much as I wanted to like them, they felt way too small for my tastes. I like a pistol grip that affords plenty of room for my hand and a pistol heavy enough to control recoil and quick repeat shots better (which is why I've always been a fan of my Smith Model 6906 and why the Springfield XD E had such an appeal for me initially ), all of which, of course, goes a long way in negating the concealment factor an edc pistol should possess. It's just a reminder that all guns are compromises and none of them are everything.
The search goes on.
Would this work? https://www.falcoholsters.com/iwb-concealed-leather-holster-with-thumb-break-a108-eagle?variant=802I've been trying to find the specific holster sparkyfender referenced but haven't located it yet. By "strap", I'm not sure if he means a thumb-break retention strap or a more conventional one that goes over the back of the pistol and snaps to the body of the holster.
No need to feel bad about that. I'm sure folks are tired of hearing my pitch for the Shield, too. But I'll tell you right now that I'm about to do it again.....No doubt that you esteemed folks are tired of seeing this boring suggestion, over and over.....
I'll reiterate my suggestion that you handle a Shield, especially if you can lay hands on one that has an extended magazine. The 8-rounder for the 9mm, or 7 rounder for the .45, if you're looking at .45s. Shoot one if you can. Traditionally, I have not liked pistols that use a magazine sleeve to extend the grip. With one exception, every one I've handled had at least a tiny bit of wiggle where the sleeve meets the grip. I've elected not to buy several pistols for that factor alone. The one exception that I mentioned is the Shield. I carry it with an 8 round magazine and 2 spare mags. It's absolutely rock-solid through the grip. And when I say rock-solid, I mean I can't tell that it uses a mag sleeve to extend the grip by feel alone, not even when shooting. It also handles recoil surprisingly well.In doing my research for finding a new EDC pistol, I've learned something about myself: I'm not a fan of sub-compact pistols, especially when chambered for cartridges larger than the .380 ACP. . . . .I tried handling pistols like the SIG 365 XL and SA's "Hellcat" and, as much as I wanted to like them, they felt way too small for my tastes. I like a pistol grip that affords plenty of room for my hand and a pistol heavy enough to control recoil and quick repeat shots better (which is why I've always been a fan of my Smith Model 6906 and why the Springfield XD E had such an appeal for me initially ), all of which, of course, goes a long way in negating the concealment factor an edc pistol should possess. It's just a reminder that all guns are compromises and none of them are everything.
The search goes on.
Yep, I agree. My sweet spot is Glock 19 ish size (around a 4" barrel and about 5" height. Allows a full grip but still conceals well for me).
Agreed. I've long thought that the 1911 commander was pretty much the perfect size for carry. The G19 is almost the exact same height and length, and a smidge thicker. Well, maybe I should say it's the perfect size for carry for me. That's one of the reasons I was so excited to find that 4" Shield. I'll be equally excited to see how it performs when it gets back from S&W.My first and only conceal-carry was a 1911 commander for a long time....
Agreed. I've long thought that the 1911 commander was pretty much the perfect size for carry.
I've decided that my comfort zone is right around 25 rounds, all total. A G19 with a spare mag got me to 30, but a Shield with 8 and 2 spares gets me to 24, 25 if I top off. And in terms of weight, my Shield 45 comes in at 24.8 oz, as compared to 23 and some change for a G19, & 36+ for an SR1911 Commander. (According to S&W and handgunhero.comAdd a bobtail and slimline grips and a commander conceals just as well as a Glock 19 size gun on me, add an aluminum frame and it's pretty close in weight. 10+1 9mm or 8+1 .45 isn't exactly unarmed either.
https://www.apextactical.com/blog/apex-news/upgrade-your-mp-shield-with-apex-trigger-kits/....If I could get over my dislike of the M&P hinged trigger I'd really like the shields....
I've decided that my comfort zone is right around 25 rounds, all total. A G19 with a spare mag got me to 30, but a Shield with 8 and 2 spares gets me to 24, 25 if I top off. And in terms of weight, my Shield 45 comes in at 24.8 oz, as compared to 23 and some change for a G19, & 36+ for an SR1911 Commander. (According to S&W and handgunhero.com
https://www.apextactical.com/blog/apex-news/upgrade-your-mp-shield-with-apex-trigger-kits/