bowhnter
Member
I chose the Springfield. I abide by the 'big bullet-big hole' theory.
Six Handguns: Pick one for CCW, Part Deux...
- Thread starter Tamara
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chaim
Member
While I don't live in a carry state I do occasionally holster a concealed handgun around the house and find a 3" K-frame or a nice thin full-sized 1911 conceal quite well with my usual clothing most of the year (I dress pretty conservatively most of the time, though I may need to wear a sport coat or blazer a little more often).
I've been doing a lot of thinking about carry lately since it looks increasingly likely that I may be moving next year to a carry state for graduate school and I think my first carry gun (and probable primary for good) will be a 3" K-frame .38 or .357 with some work done to it. I want a bobbed hammer, DAO job, Secret Service boot grips, trigger work, and matte finish (either blued or stainless would do). So far that seems to describe your 13 pretty well (I would add a few options I don't think it includes, including possible auto style sights with big white dots for speed or night sights).
In warm weather something like the snub that can fit in a pocket would be a nice second possibility for when the weather is too warm for a jacket (and I didn't feel like a suit, blazer or sport coat) and a good backup the rest of the time.
The 1911 would be my second choice for a primary (again w/ the snub as a back up and summer carry option).
I've been doing a lot of thinking about carry lately since it looks increasingly likely that I may be moving next year to a carry state for graduate school and I think my first carry gun (and probable primary for good) will be a 3" K-frame .38 or .357 with some work done to it. I want a bobbed hammer, DAO job, Secret Service boot grips, trigger work, and matte finish (either blued or stainless would do). So far that seems to describe your 13 pretty well (I would add a few options I don't think it includes, including possible auto style sights with big white dots for speed or night sights).
In warm weather something like the snub that can fit in a pocket would be a nice second possibility for when the weather is too warm for a jacket (and I didn't feel like a suit, blazer or sport coat) and a good backup the rest of the time.
The 1911 would be my second choice for a primary (again w/ the snub as a back up and summer carry option).
I voted for the Glock 30, but it was a close call with the Sig P228. I probably liked these two because my own two favorite carry guns are quite similar to these two. I favor a Glock 23 and a Sig P229, both in .40 caliber.
The S&W 442 is nice for a very lightweight concealment gun. I have the stainless 642 version of this, and it hides very easily. It would be first choice for backup.
The S&W 442 is nice for a very lightweight concealment gun. I have the stainless 642 version of this, and it hides very easily. It would be first choice for backup.
LiquidTension
Member
Springfield first. P7 second. Sig third.
I don't like wheelguns for carry because of the thickness of the cylinder. 1911 and P7 are very thin.
I don't like wheelguns for carry because of the thickness of the cylinder. 1911 and P7 are very thin.
blades67
Member
I voted for the P228 because I have one.
I'd also rather carry my P225 than a P7 (because I have one of those too).
I'd also rather carry my P225 than a P7 (because I have one of those too).I ended up voting for the P7, because I had an opportunity to try one out awhile back and was very impressed with it. Small, flat and reliable, with a single-stack mag and neglible recoil.
The PC13 was a very close 2nd, because I do love combat revolvers and that is definitely one of the best.
I'd be perfectly happy with either, but can afford neither, so carry the SP101 when I'm revolverin' and the P225 when I'm not.
Bob
The PC13 was a very close 2nd, because I do love combat revolvers and that is definitely one of the best.
I'd be perfectly happy with either, but can afford neither, so carry the SP101 when I'm revolverin' and the P225 when I'm not.
Bob
python1340
Member
Very cool poll! With pictures even. Great idea.
I went with the SIG, due to it's high -capacity, and still being relatively flat, unlike the bloated G30. Being a blued and not stainless SIG, it's quite light also. The SIG has a great trigger and outstanding accuracy.
I went with the SIG, due to it's high -capacity, and still being relatively flat, unlike the bloated G30. Being a blued and not stainless SIG, it's quite light also. The SIG has a great trigger and outstanding accuracy.
jimbo
Member
I voted Sig 228 but that is with the caveat that I have never shot a P7M8. It may very well be the best of the bunch and I think the voting so far reflects more on what people are familiar with rather than what is really the best for CCW.
On the other hand I am very much sold on DA first shot for CCW, eliminating the Springfield, the Glock and the P7M8. I can't see 5-rounds of .38 with all the outstanding choices available today (those who carry a J-frame, more power to you, it is just not for me).
That leaves only the 228 and PC-13. An excellent argument could be made for the PC-13 and I almost voted that way due to the much more powerful handgun round. I guess I am just out of my revolver phase, making the 228 the emotional favorite.
FWIW Sig 225 would be my choice long before the 228. The only downside with the 225 is the really terrible out of the box DA trigger screaming for Teddy treatment.
On the other hand I am very much sold on DA first shot for CCW, eliminating the Springfield, the Glock and the P7M8. I can't see 5-rounds of .38 with all the outstanding choices available today (those who carry a J-frame, more power to you, it is just not for me).
That leaves only the 228 and PC-13. An excellent argument could be made for the PC-13 and I almost voted that way due to the much more powerful handgun round. I guess I am just out of my revolver phase, making the 228 the emotional favorite.
FWIW Sig 225 would be my choice long before the 228. The only downside with the 225 is the really terrible out of the box DA trigger screaming for Teddy treatment.
rgc
Member
The 30 please.
I'll take that strong side IWB. Then, if you will, the 442 in my weak side pocket. I'm all smiles just thinking about it.
I'll take that strong side IWB. Then, if you will, the 442 in my weak side pocket. I'm all smiles just thinking about it.
22luvr
Member
Do you see a "trend" here ??
Smith and Wesson 442 by a wide margin for me. Why? I'm a die-hard pocket carrier and nothing on this list quite fits all the criteria for pocket carry like the 442. I prefer a revolver for self-defense; it can be fired from the pocket (if necessary); lightweight, simple battery, wide range of inexpensive ammo; yes-snubbies can be fired accurately with practice.....etc.
Holster? Uncle Mike's size 4 pocket holster or a DeSantis nemesis.
Both are soft, flexible, lightweight and inexpensive.
Smith and Wesson 442 by a wide margin for me. Why? I'm a die-hard pocket carrier and nothing on this list quite fits all the criteria for pocket carry like the 442. I prefer a revolver for self-defense; it can be fired from the pocket (if necessary); lightweight, simple battery, wide range of inexpensive ammo; yes-snubbies can be fired accurately with practice.....etc.
Holster? Uncle Mike's size 4 pocket holster or a DeSantis nemesis.
Both are soft, flexible, lightweight and inexpensive.
10-Ring
Member
P7M8
GrantLee63
Member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2002
- Messages
- 26
I chose the SIG P228, but would have chosen a Walther P99 if that was an option .....
Kahr carrier
Member
Springfield Professional ,Luv those 1911s
Island Beretta
Member
For a CCW piece..of the lot the Sig p228 by far!! under the pillow, in the car, in the office desk, owb, iwb, sob, mexican, shoulder holster, in the bathroom, in the briefcase, in the garage, playing golf, in da club, in the hand, in the gym etc. That is how carry-versatile my CCW piece has to be..of course if you had mentioned the Beretta compact L well....
The Springfield and Glock 30 for occasional carry!!
The Springfield and Glock 30 for occasional carry!!
Tamara
Senior Member
Interesting.
The 3" fixed-sight round-butt .357 K-frame (which won 40%+ of the votes in the last poll) comes in dead last here. Boy is this a fickle crowd!
The 3" fixed-sight round-butt .357 K-frame (which won 40%+ of the votes in the last poll) comes in dead last here. Boy is this a fickle crowd!
Marko Kloos
Moderator Emeritus
That's because in the last poll it went up against a bunch of guns that most folks consider "so-so".
pale horse
Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2002
- Messages
- 216
Since I carry a 1911 already and dont have a problem carrying it I would go with the Springfield Pro. All the other ones I am not as familiar with and I would not have to learn new manual of arms or get new leather. I am sure that the others are great firearms, but I dont know them like I know the 1911.
Poohgyrr
Member
This was tough. I'd really like to have that PC M13. But I picked the G30. Ten rounds of .45 ACP in a really accurate, reliable , easy to maintain pistol. I'm glad we have so many good choices available.
dav
Member
Springfield
I'd like to have lots more experience with all of them, so I could make a more informed choice.
I want to carry what I shoot, and what I shoot is a 1911.
I'd like to have lots more experience with all of them, so I could make a more informed choice.
I want to carry what I shoot, and what I shoot is a 1911.
Mute
Member
What? No plasma phase rifle in the 40 watt range? Hell, I guess I'll have to settle for the SA Pro. 
RustyHammer
Member
Springfield ... prefer non-Glock .45
modifiedbrowning
Member
I would go with the Sig 228 for capacity, but the P7 would be right behind it.
Sean Smith
Member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2002
- Messages
- 4,925
Springfield, though I'd rather not carry a 1911 with a magwell on it. After that, the P228. I've never really warmed up to the P7 myself, and I've actually shot a couple of them.
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