Should I CCW at college? Other questions...

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The Grand Baboon

The Grand Baboon

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I'm a sophomore at the University of Utah. The U of U is not a "gun free zone" (thankfully) and I've heard of other students that pack heat. In light of all the recent school shootings I'm really wanting to carry. Now, there are a couple problems. First, I turn 21 in November, so I can't buy a pistol or take a CCW class yet. Furthermore, I'm a small guy (5'5") and though I can shoot a 1911 with ease, it would be a massive pistol for me to try to carry, especially in the summer when jeans are out of the question. I'm leaning towards a compact 9mm, but I really have no idea where to start looking, or what things to look for on a concealed carry weapon (e.g. SA vs DA).

Thanks for the input
 
That decision is up to you but Ruger LC9 is very good choice. It is both large pocket and holster friendly. Another winner for best mass producer of firearms in USA.
 
For the ccw, how did you want to carry it?
Pocket- kel-tec pf9
Ruger lc9
Iwb- taurus 709 slim, any kahr will do, maybe a glock 26
I would check out the kahr, mainly the cw9 7rounds single stack mags very slim
 
Concealed is concealed. I'll leave it at that.

I recommend looking into:
Kahr PM9, K9, MK9
Dan Wesson CCO, ECO, Guardian
Springfield XDS
Smith and Wesson M&P 340 revolver
S&W J-frame revolver, especially the moonclip model at Budsguns.com
S&W M&P
Glock 19
 
True concealed is concealed.
I forgot to mention above is the kahr cm9. I'm saving up for one myself. Not to expensive and very concealable
 
I have been carrying my Ruger LCP at college since 2009 and had no issue. My todays choice would be Kahr P9, LCP isnt the gun I like to shoot and practise with...
 
I think only you can answer the question "Should I CCW?". At college or elsewhere shouldn't matter. All of the above options are good pistols to carry and each have their own pros and cons. You need to figure out how you want to carry along with any other requirements you may have. That will drive your choices about size, weight, thickness, capacity etc.
 
"Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6". In the end it's your choice.
 
As a college student, I would imagine you have a budget in mind?

Kinda hard to make realistic recommendations without price being a major factor.
 
Whether or not carry is right for you is something that only you can decide. As far as what to carry, if you like the 1911 platform, I'd recommend looking for a lightweight compact 1911 like a Springfield EMP, Smith & Wesson 1911 Compact ES, Sig Sauer C3, Sig Sauer 1911 Compact Stainless, or a Colt CCO.

If you wanted to get away from the 1911, I'd say take a good look at the HK P2000SK, the Smith and Wesson M&P Compact, Sig Sauer P239, Walther PPS, or any of the offerings from Kahr. The great thing that all of the aforementioned non -1911 options have going for them is that they are relatively thin and easy to carry in a concealed manner.

For what it's worth, I'm not a big guy by any stretch (5'8" and 130 lbs) and I EDC either a Springfield TRP (full size 1911) or a Wilson Combat CQB Compact both chambered for .45 ACP. I can carry either one with shorts and a t-shirt in the summer without worrying too much about printing.

The trick to concealing the gun is a good quality holster and just as important, but often overlooked a good quallity GUN BELT that's designed to handle the weight of the gun.
 
The Sig C3 1911 is what I carry summer and winter. The key to shorts carry with that 1911 is the belt-holster-gun system. I think a small pistol like the LCP is fine for campus carry where campus carry is allowed. Don't be concerned with being the guy who stops and active shooter on campus. Just be in charge of your own safety. If you ever get into trouble on campus and someone is threatening you personally, a small pistol will be enough to fix things.
 
Some posters are apparently unaware that the poster goes to school in Utah, where not only is it NOT against the law to carry on a college campus, state law preempts state colleges and universities from banning lawful carry. Ergo, there is zip preventing the OP from carrying lawfully and zip the school can do about it.

If you like 1911s, maybe a compact 1911? If money is less of an issue, a Springfield Armory EMP?
 
It's really not that hard to conceal a Government Model 1911, even while wearing shorts and a T-shirt. The belt/holster combination makes all the difference.

Given your age, you probably don't have a whole lot of experience shooting handguns yet. Best advice I can give is to handle and shoot as many as you can and figure out what you really like in a handgun. There is a world of choices out there.
 
Should I CCW at college?

First, I turn 21 in November, so I can't buy a pistol or take a CCW class yet.
Click to expand...
Unless I am misunderstanding, your question translates to "should I break the law?"

No, you should not. Not unless you are doing it as civil disobedience, of course, in which case you should arrange to be arrested so that everyone knows of your protest.

Even then, I'd think very carefully. :scrutiny:
 
I always found IWB carry with any decent holster to be the best fit. You can carry anything you like within reason that way, and we've learned over the decades that a good belt is the best place to attach a gun to your person. The only exception to belt=best is if you are in a wheelchair or cannot wear normal clothing.
 
Loosed, he is asking about in the future.

OP, I myself am in college, but we do not have the right to carry concealed on campus. However, I am allowed to inside of my vehicle, on my property, etc. I use this as practice for when I do turn 21 and am allowed to carry, be it on campus (if ever legal...) or anywhere else that I am legally entitled to.

My handgun of choice is a FS M&P9. If I was to be carrying on campus, it would be a no-go. It is too big and constantly walking and then sitting in class would be too uncomfortable. My Glock 19 is even a little bit large for that task.

Also, when I think about school shootings, it is most likely not going to be like your "average" <21 ft engagement should it ever happen. Considering the size of classrooms, a shot could have to be taken from greater than 15 yards. For this reason, I would not carry a "mouse gun" with poor sights. Just some of the things that I have thought about.
 
I'm pretty sure he is just addressing Late spring semester/summer semester/early fall semester when he says "summer".

I wasn't trying to be confrontational or call you an idiot or anything at all, I just had a lot to type up so I didn't have the effort to insert a smiley face or anything :eek:


Anddd now I'm off to class myself...
 
If you feel the need or desire, and are legal..Yes.

If you don't and you aren't, No.

Simple, easy to use, newb CC ? Small Glock.
 
Get a gun now either through a gift from a family member or private sale and take the ccw class ( I am not aware of a prohibition to getting the certificate) Then send in the application the day you turn 21.
I personally will carry anyplace I am allowed at a minimum and if I had to pick just one for your situation it would be one that would fit well in any pants pocket I might wear to school. To many of these school shootings could have been stopped with just a well placed 22LR but instead all they could do was lower their heads and say BAAA.
I'm not saying a 22 is the best choice but I bet the survivors of any school shooting will tell you they would have loved to have had six rounds of even that diminutive round.
If you can carry a full sized 1911 all the time then by all means do it but if you can't then get a gun that you can.
My choice would be a 380 and a couple spare mags if I were in your situation.
 
I'm a newby posting on this forum for the first time. I'm also a college employee here in Nebraska. I wish we would start looking at the cc thing like you in Utah and Colorado have. Until then we will remain vulnerable to these lunatics with guns. I and my wife plan to get a cc permit in the near future. I have had a Glock 36 .45 for about 10 yrs. My wife chose a Kahr CW 9 last month. Women have a harder time concealing because of their usual tight fitting fashions, but with the right holster there are many fine hand guns to pick from. We did not pick the very smallest such as the Kahr cm9 as many said they, especially women, found them not enjoyable to shoot. She and I really enjoy her new gun. Because a handgun takes lots of practice, which we both enjoy, we went with handguns that kind of fit both categories, ease of concealment and fun to take to the range. I'm sure you'll hear lots of opinions on this site which will help you make a good choice. Take your time and enjoy your new handgun. Here are pics of the Kahr CW9 and Glock 36.
Thanks,:)
Rod
20120307155054.jpg
20120401100329.jpg
 
I just got back from a Sportsman's Warehouse up the road here in Utah. I looked at a Ruger LC9 (with the laser sight, which was pretty nifty), a Kahr CW, a Walther PPS, and a "Diamondback." All were 9mm. I think the Ruger and the Walther were my favorites, but the Walther is a bit larger and more expensive than the Ruger. I would be looking to spend right around half a grand or less, if possible.

Also, to address an issue that seemed to come up: I have no intentions on attempting to purchase a handgun or carry concealed before my 21st birthday, or, for that matter, carrying concealed before getting my permit.
 
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