Need advice on holster & carry weapon choice...

[cowtownup]

I am new to carrying concealed and need help deciding which gun to carry and which holster to use... Should I carry 380 bodyguard or sigma series 40 S&W? I am more proficient with the 40 S&W but I wasn't sure if I could truly conceal it as compared to the 380 bodyguard. I think I would like to carry in the 4 oclock position with an IWB holster. I eventually want to get a subcompact 40 to carry, but I invested that money into a reloading setup.. Any help would be greatly appreciated..

 

[Coltdriver]

In over 20 years of carry I have never pulled my weapon on anyone.

So smaller, lighter and easier to carry tend to trump large bulky pain in the keester weapons. It should not be an ordeal to carry.

You will forget you have that little 380 in 30 minutes. The bigger pistol will always make its presence felt.

There are lots of nice inside waist band holsters that keep the pistol handy but easily covered by a t shirt or light jacket. Winter time is easy, summer not so easy.

You will end up with a drawer full of holsters before you find the one you like best. Used holsters are usually available at the gun show at reasonable prices. Very specialized holsters are expensive everywhere but they do show up on this board and others at reasonable prices from time to time.

 

[JTQ]

For the other point of view, lots of forum members carry full size pistols, 1911's, G17's, Beretta's, etc. If you would rather carry a particular gun, you can make it work.

One example that comes to mind is forum member Shipwreck who carries a Beretta 92FS in a Comp-Tac holster. The current version of his holster is called the Infidel.

http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=68

He makes a good argument for his carry choice in post #13 in this thread.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=7885654#post7885654

 

[Deer_Freak]

If you are tall and slender you can carry almost anything. I am a big fellow. I carry a Ruger P95 in a 3 slot pancake holster. I can carry it IWB but the hammer is unforgiving. It's very easy to leave the P95 at home so I acquired pocket pistols.

You have to make a decision on what you need the most right now. Either a gun you can carry all the time but it won't be any fun at the range or a gun that will be fun at the range but hard to carry. It's just that simple but only you can make this decision.

 

[smalls]

If you are tall and slender you can carry almost anything.

With a proper belt and holster, anyone can carry anything.

OP, I carried a SW9VE for the first year I carried. Holsters are kind of difficult to find, though. I ended up buying one from Tagua for like $35. For the price it was a great holster. I believe you should carry the gun you shoot better.

Buy a good belt, and the extra size of the Sigma will be unnoticed.

 

[Takem406]

The Sigma is a junk pistol. Probably fun for the range but they are S&W's "value" priced gun.
You can get a used Glock for $450 even with night sights. The trigger is a lot better too.
If you want a Smith look at the M&P. Though the triggers are gritty IMHO.
The Springfield XD or XDS are excellent too! I love my XDM, my dad loves his XDM 9 compact. My buddy has an XD 45 that shot pretty good. Though the trigger had a lot of uptake.

I wouldn't trust my life on a cheap gun. I'm not rich but I love my family enough to buy a quality life saving device.

I use Crossbreed Supertucks. Very secure and comfortable!

In God and Glock we Trust

 

[smalls]

That's ridiculous. The trigger may leave something to be desired, but calling it a "junk gun" is a giant leap. I have over 4000 rounds through mine with zero, none , nada, zip problems.

In fact, I've heard of more problems with the M&P than the sigmas...

Please, inform yourself before spouting opinion as fact.

 

[BossHogg]

The Sigma is a junk pistol.

Please. I have thousands of rounds downrange with no failure what so ever. May be the best buy ever for a gun.

 

[Teachu2]

The Sigma is a junk pistol. Probably fun for the range but they are S&W's "value" priced gun.
You can get a used Glock for $450 even with night sights. The trigger is a lot better too.
If you want a Smith look at the M&P. Though the triggers are gritty IMHO.
The Springfield XD or XDS are excellent too! I love my XDM, my dad loves his XDM 9 compact. My buddy has an XD 45 that shot pretty good. Though the trigger had a lot of uptake.

I wouldn't trust my life on a cheap gun. I'm not rich but I love my family enough to buy a quality life saving device.

I use Crossbreed Supertucks. Very secure and comfortable!

In God and Glock we Trust

Nothing wrong with any gun you shoot well if it's reliable. Don't let the snobbery bother you.

The Crossbreed Supertuck is a great IWB holster.

 

[s9601694]

I carry Theis IWB (www.theisholsters.com) holsters, great workmanship and cheaper than Crossbreed

 

[Teachu2]

HR member TAKital also make a similar product. He's even cheaper, but he's about five-six weeks backordered.

My LGS had CB Supertucks in stock for $69.95 less 10%.

 

[Elm Creek Smith]

I used to be 5'10" when I was younger. I'm down to 5'8", now and a bit heavier than I should be. On occasion, I carry my issued 4 inch S&W Model 686-6 concealed. Normally I carry my 3 inch S&W Model 13-3 concealed with my S&W 37 backing it up.

Given your choices, I'd carry the Sigma.

ECS

 

[radar1972]

I have both those pistols also and I carry the Bodyguard 380 daily in a Simply Rugged Cuda (OWB) holster or a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster, depending on season of the year. Great concealment and comfort.

 

[SouthernYankee]

I have CC Beretta, Walther, Kimber over the past few decades. Presently, I carry a SIG P938 that is a very easy and concealable carry. Get then gun that you can handle and use effectively that has earned your trust. A Quality Belt and Holster will round out your package. If you get the best belt/holster you can that makes it MUCH easier to CC. Good luck.

 

[scaatylobo]

YOUR nightmare ?

I CCW for my worst case scenario.

I was LEO and had to draw a few times off duty and even as retiree.

The facts as I see um [ my not so humble opinion ] is that IF/when you draw your CCW - that moment you would do anything to have the BIGGEST GUN & CALIBER you could imagine.

If you accept that fact,then you will find your own answer.

Right now as I sit here I am wearing a Springfield XDs with 6 rounds of high end HP's and a spare mag with 7 more of the same.Note I am in my locked house and not expecting any trouble.

I am old and wise enough to allow all to do as they see fit,I just try to point out how and why I reached my conclusions.

Good luck.

 

[jogar80]

I think, being new to CCW, you will find it a bit difficult to conceal and carry a full size gun all day, every day. The easiest thing would be something you can easily conceal and that will not weigh you down so much that you get tired of carrying it, after all, the first rule of CCW is "Always carry a gun". I don't really agree with those that say .380 is insufficient, although if you can carry a bigger caliber, then why not? My suggestion would be something more in the middle, such as a Ruger LC9. Nice, SLIM, lightweight subcompact in a great caliber.

 

[bill3424]

Regarding IWB carry, I have to throw the MTAC out there. It has been super comfortable for me ever since they came out. I'd also opt for mid or compact size (Glock 19/26).