Switch from 642 to G19?

[Alex45ACP]

I have a Smith and Wesson 642 that I carry in a pocket holster, and a Glock 19 that stays in the safe. Lately, I've been thinking about carrying the Glock instead.

However, it is harder to conceal since it's larger. I've never actually tried carrying this gun before because I don't have a holster for it. I live in FL and frequently wear a Tshirt and shorts, so I would need to be able to conceal it with lighter clothing.

Does anyone else carry a G19 in lighter clothing? How do you do it?

Also, if I do end up switching to the G19, are there any situations where I'd be better off carrying the 642 instead? If not, I'd want to give the 642 to my sister. She's about to turn 21 and wants to apply for her CCW permit, and she likes the 642 a lot.

 

[Deanimator]

I regularly carry a Glock 19.

While I don't live in Florida, Ohio gets more than hot and humid enough in the summer.

I almost always carry IWB in a Don Hume 715M.

In the summer I never wear cover garments, nor do I EVER wear untucked shirts at work.

While the Don Hume isn't designed to be "tuckable", it does a reasonable job of doing so.

I wouldn't hesitate to carry a Glock 19 on a day to day basis, albeit in a purpose built "tuckable" holster like a Super Tuck.

I usually carry my Glock 19 or other full size handgun. The times that I don't are when I'll need to disarm frequently, such as trips to multiple prohibited areas, like the Post Office and restaurants with liquor licenses (currently prohibited here) I carry a S&W Model 36 in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. It's easier for me to just put holster and gun together in my glove box. I also walk long distances for exercise. I wear hiking shorts and usually carry the same S&W.

If I were you, I'd keep both guns, since they both have their appropriate uses.

 

[ArmedBear]

A 642 will go bang every time you pull the trigger, one-handed, in whatever odd position you are in, without spitting brass in your eye. For close-range self-defense, it's very hard to beat. No slide bite, no problem shooting from halfway inside a jacket, no problem shooting with my wrist bent 90 degrees.

The G19 offers more capacity, if you can assume a closer-to-ideal shooting position. The local PD still makes cadets qualify at 50 yards with a stock Glock. They don't exactly shoot tiny groups, but Glocks will stay on a silhouette target at 50 yards no problem. However, the shooters are standing in perfect isosceles position.

I sometimes carry an XD45 Service concealed. It's big, and it's heavy, but sometimes I'm just in the mood. Most of the time, though, I pocket carry a 642. It's easy, it's convenient, it's unobtrusive, and it's availalbe. If someone pulls out a knife and demands my wallet, I can reach into my pocket and come out shooting. With an IWB gun, particularly a larger one or one that's more sensitive to position or grip, I'm far less likely to be able to defend myself in the same way -- or draw the gun while retaining the element of surprise.

It depends on whether you envision a self-defense scenario, for your situation, to be a gunfight in an open area, or close range, immediate defense. Personally, I doubt I'll find myself in a gunfight in an open area, in town. Carjacking or the like is possible, though. Trail carry for animal or psycho defense is another matter, and I may want a bigger gun, but I still often carry a snubbie. I occasionally practice at 25 yards with a 642, and I can hit the target.

 

[9mmepiphany]

i've carried a G19 a lot in a simple paddle holster, on a good belt, under a loose shirt. if i wanted to be more discreet, there are many IWB holsters which almost make a G19 disappear.

the guns that replaced my 642 for discreet carry has been my Kahr 9mm and Springfield EMP...the thinness makes a huge difference in concealability

 

[ny32182]

G19 in Comptac Infidel here... I've carried it under a t-shirt before. Works for me.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Glock 19s can be carried concealed very well. There are plenty of people out there carrrying 1911s and BHPs to prove that.'

I would only think you are making a mediocre upgrade in carry guns though from a 642. I admit I carry a J frame most of the time as well but also carry a BHP twice a week or better. The Model 60 will go ANYWHERE. The BHP will go as long as the Georgia weather permits me certain wardrobe liberties.

 

[NG VI]

Buy a good holster, I like the Comp-Tac MTAC myself, though the FIST #1AK is the slimmest holster I have ever used and works wonderfully, it'll cost you $40-100, and then you have doubled your number of effective carry guns.

 

[jackg]

I carry a G19 in a Galco Trident Kydex IWB, works great for me

 

[D!rty H@rry]

YES!

 

[GRIZ22]

I see no big issues carrying a G19 concealed. The G19 was the standard handgun for the agency I retired from and it was carried by almost everyone. The 26 isn't that much smaller and the 17 not that much bigger.