Micro vs. Sub-Compact vs. Compact?

[Harleytoo]

I too work in an area that would be considered by most sketchy. However, also, most everyone I have met there have not been and in this day and time the bad guys are sticking to the better parts of town; because who wants to rob a minimum wage worker?

However, to your point I admit to keeping my EMP becuse while I prefer to carry one of my PX4's or the P229 I have, there are times when I need the concealment of the EMP's size.

However, the EMP is a pretty heavy carry. I really put it up with the others on "perceived" carry weight. I really need to consider a lighter single stack becuse the EMP is really heavier than I prefer.

Ultimately, the reason I am so big on the PX4 platform is that I can carry the same gun in multiple configurations. In fact while many would feel the width of the PX4 subcompact to be too wide (and it is pretty wide), I can carry it with 13,15 or 17 round mag's. That's pretty flexible.

With the 13 round mag that gun carries pretty easily and works quite well.

 

[Zendude]

Risk is a sliding scale. Just depends on your comfort level.

 

[Texzig]

Hey Harleytoo I checked out the px4 subcompact the other day and amazed that gun for its size can hold 13rounds. Pretty amazing actually.

 

[Harleytoo]

Hey Harleytoo I checked out the px4 subcompact the other day and amazed that gun for its size can hold 13rounds. Pretty amazing actually

13, 15 or 17 remember. I have all three mags and can tell you that if you liked it in stock form try it with a 17 round mag with an X-Grip extender. Even my wife likes the way it feels with the extended setup.

 

[Texzig]

Yeah I'm sure. But if I were to choose one I'd probably look more at the compact size. I tend to prefer and shoot better the compacts. Especially given the weight is so close. Although knowing how I am, I'd prefer to do as you've done and get both. While I tend to prefer the tda, I really do love my Sig 320sc. What's interesting though is by looking at the dimensions to the storm compact, they seem to be really close in size. The 320sc is kind of an in betweener, which is one reason I like it so much I think. I really like the 15 round grip option.

May need to meet up with you in the near future. I'm concerned though because I know I'll end up spending more money on a new gun if I do. . I have very little will power when it comes to shiny new guns.

Enjoy Memorial Day

 

[Harleytoo]

Sounds like a plan.

The only complaint I have with the Storm's is their width. They are hefty in that category, easily as wide as the grip on my P229.

I fondled a P239 at the range the other day. Man I really like that gun. I am trying to avoid even considering it right now.

Have a great rest of your day Tex!

 

[Texzig]

Haha, I have one in 357sig if you want to shoot it. It's awesome.

 

[Harleytoo]

Ooooh very nice! I will have to take you up on that soon.

 

[HGM22]

Thanks for all the responses guys, a lot of very good info. I'm still trying to digest.

To be a bit more clear, having a gun I could leave in my car is doable. While I work in a very bad part of town, and the commute there is the most likely place I'd ever be attacked, the employer actually has a fenced-in parking lot with multiple security guards and LOTS of very good (HD, NV) cameras, so I'm not too worried about theft. There are also a ton of cars so the chances of mine being picked would be very low.

As far as avoidance and situational awareness, I do practice these things already and agree that they are the most effective measures to take. I constantly scan for anything out of the ordinary, keep my doors locked and windows up, and keep space in front of my car at red lights so I don't get hemmed in. I also avoid showing any valuables including cell phone, and keep full stops to a minimum by coasting towards red lights. I never leave my vehicle unless it breaks down (the only time this happened I was close enough to work that I turned around and parked inside the fence before changing the tire). I don't currently vary my routes or times, but I think these would be simple enough to start.

I'm thinking at this point the best option is to go with two guns, one that is whatever I can conceal under tight, tucked-in clothing (hopefully a S&W Shield, but maybe smaller like Ruger LCP) and the other a CZ P01. I figure I can have the smaller gun on me no matter what the day's attire is, and the P01 can be carried as a car gun or a carry gun depending on the day (or not at all for days I wouldn't be able to conceal it nor would I feel comfortable leaving in car). I think these two sizes give me a lot more options with regards to attire, neighborhoods I'd be parking in, and threat level. Also, the smaller gun would make a great back up gun for the P01.

With regards to dressing around the gun, I definitely understand the sentiment that safety > fashion, but at the same time I don't want to stunt how I want to live my life. I'm a single young man, so wearing tighter, more fashionable clothing is important to me to look good for the opposite sex. I don't want to look frumpy and miss out on a potential date because I wanted to conceal a larger gun on the very off-chance I might be attacked. This is of course assuming that I'm in one of the safer neighborhoods I live or play in, and not a neighborhood like the one I work in (in which case I very much think dressing around the gun is in good order). There are also times when one simply does not have a choice i.e. wedding or funeral, where dress slacks and shirt are pretty much mandatory.

 

[SDGlock23]

To me compact sized guns like for example the G19/G23 are the most useful size as you can carry them well and they're big enough to fight with. Micro guns are good when you want to slide something in your pocket and run to the store real quick, but I always bring a spare mag or two. My small guns are a G43 and an LCP...small and really small.

To me subcompacts like the G26/G27 for example are good guns but they're too big to pocket carry so why not something a little larger with more capacity and options?? Just my .02

 

[entropy]

Thanks for all the responses guys, a lot of very good info. I'm still trying to digest.

To be a bit more clear, having a gun I could leave in my car is doable. While I work in a very bad part of town, and the commute there is the most likely place I'd ever be attacked, the employer actually has a fenced-in parking lot with multiple security guards and LOTS of very good (HD, NV) cameras, so I'm not too worried about theft. There are also a ton of cars so the chances of mine being picked would be very low.

As far as avoidance and situational awareness, I do practice these things already and agree that they are the most effective measures to take. I constantly scan for anything out of the ordinary, keep my doors locked and windows up, and keep space in front of my car at red lights so I don't get hemmed in. I also avoid showing any valuables including cell phone, and keep full stops to a minimum by coasting towards red lights. I never leave my vehicle unless it breaks down (the only time this happened I was close enough to work that I turned around and parked inside the fence before changing the tire). I don't currently vary my routes or times, but I think these would be simple enough to start.

I'm thinking at this point the best option is to go with two guns, one that is whatever I can conceal under tight, tucked-in clothing (hopefully a S&W Shield, but maybe smaller like Ruger LCP) and the other a CZ P01. I figure I can have the smaller gun on me no matter what the day's attire is, and the P01 can be carried as a car gun or a carry gun depending on the day (or not at all for days I wouldn't be able to conceal it nor would I feel comfortable leaving in car). I think these two sizes give me a lot more options with regards to attire, neighborhoods I'd be parking in, and threat level. Also, the smaller gun would make a great back up gun for the P01.

With regards to dressing around the gun, I definitely understand the sentiment that safety > fashion, but at the same time I don't want to stunt how I want to live my life. I'm a single young man, so wearing tighter, more fashionable clothing is important to me to look good for the opposite sex. I don't want to look frumpy and miss out on a potential date because I wanted to conceal a larger gun on the very off-chance I might be attacked. This is of course assuming that I'm in one of the safer neighborhoods I live or play in, and not a neighborhood like the one I work in (in which case I very much think dressing around the gun is in good order). There are also times when one simply does not have a choice i.e. wedding or funeral, where dress slacks and shirt are pretty much mandatory.

There are ways to dress fashionably and still carry G-19 sized guns. (Good Lord, there I go recommending a Glock again ) You won't be able to conceal something that size wearing comprssion shirts and running shorts or skinny jeans, carrying at the gym is out, but there are ways to do it while still wearing flattering, stylish clothes.

'm a single young man, so wearing tighter, more fashionable clothing is important to me to look good for the opposite sex. I don't want to look frumpy and miss out on a potential date because I wanted to conceal a larger gun on the very off-chance I might be attacked.

You're young, I understand your message here, but life is about learning when and how to compromise. I'm not the guy to do it, but if there are men on here in better shape than me who do carry in stylish clothes, perhaps some examples posted would help. Heck, even an old codger like me might pick up some fashion tips!

As for weddings and funerals, I carry at church all the time in the same type of attire; the hardest thing there is taking charge of the hugs, to divert the hugger's arms form your carry. Do some research on various positions of carry, and the holsters available for them.(Massad Ayoob's book on the subject is great, though getting dated....Time for a new edition, Mas!) You'd be amazed at what you can carry with the right holster. About 95% of the population doesn't notice even when you think you are printing, and the 5% who do are either CCW'rs or cops themselves. SWMBO knows I carry, and still has to ask because she doesn't notice, even with my 1911. (Which I only carry @ 20% of the time.)

 

[Hanshi]

I have a Kimber Ultra Carry, a Colt Combat Commander and a full size 1911. If I want to go armed I take the Kimber.

 

[JR24]

o me subcompacts like the G26/G27 for example are good guns but they're too big to pocket carry so why not something a little larger with more capacity and options??

I used to feel this very way, until I bought a G26. Now I find it is much easier to carry, great to shoot AND I can use a grip extension and mag and carry essentially a G19 or G17 should I feel that 10+1 isn't enough.

So for the OP, if you can swing it, I would go with something like a Sig P320 SC, Glock 26/27, XDm SC or similar and on the drives, carry it with a full size mag.

That said, have you checked out the CZ Rami? Small, close to the CZ P01 in style, and can still "mag up" to a full size mag.

Sadly how well any gun will fit your preferred clothing (should you not decide to change your style some to match carrying) cannot be determined until you try, the best we can give is hints. For instance, with my body type and an only slightly baggy t-shirt (my preferred style) I can conceal a Glock 21 almost as easy as a Glock 26, but the 26 is far more pleasant to carry.

 

[polarisgold]

Just got my Colt Defender 45. I love it. The size is perfect! Exactly what I was looking for.

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