The never ending journey to the perfect CCW.

[camsdaddy]

THis is from a thread on our local forum. Its sorta babbling but feel free to follow if you will.
For 10 years the only carry gun I owned was a 3913. Over the past year I have found myself in a never ending tailspin. I had a SP101 w/ 3" barrell to buy a Glock 19 because I had a 642 and a Glock 26. I sold the 642 to buy a CM9 later to trade the Glock 26 for a LCR w/CT grips. I guess Im now full circle and cant remember what I didnt like about the SP101. I am reconsidering buying another SP101. I am also considering selling the LCR just because I find myself carrying the CM9.Wow after typing all of this out I think I need an intervention. Does the perfect carry gun exist.
I really like my 19. I carry my CM9 when I need something smaller. I know a 21 isn't it anything physically bigger than my 19 gripwise won't fit my hand. I have considered a 1911 just because I've never owned one. I also considered another SP101. I want comfortable shooting magnums so I guess it wouldn't be different than my LCR. I've considered a k frame snub just because I was quite accurate with the one I had. Yeah you guessed it sold it. I guess its all part of the game.The perfect EDC would be a single stack the size of a the height and length of a Glock 26 due to appendix carry with a smooth crisp trigger. I don't like DA/SA. Striker fire seems spongy. Never could shoot my 26 well. I shoot my 19 fairly well. I understand "combat accuracy" but I also realize there may come a time an armadillo is at 25 yards that needs to die. I thinking maybe a 1911 in 9mm. Maybe not as a EDC but on days when I can carry a little more. Then again on those days I can carry my 4" k frame which I do shoot quite well. Maybe a 2-3" k frame is the answer.If I could find a little smaller than a 19 that I could shoot as well as I shoot my 22A I would be perfct. Typing that what read was if I find a gun that the size of a 26 that feels like my 22A and I shoot it as much as I have my 22A I will have found the perfect gun.ve considered an M&P9C and lots of ammo. Focus 90% of my shooting and training on that single gun. Ive also thought of going back to my 642. I shot it well and cant imagine how much better I would be if I shot it more and maybe took Mr Ed Lovette's class next time he is in town. Then again I guess I have an LCR and could go the SP101 route. I just find a J frame at the limit of pocket carry and sometimes thats how I choose to carry. Ive also thought of a CW9 or a 3953 which would be a lot like my 3913 but DAO. I think its funny my dad has a 2" Model 19 K frame and a 2" model 36 J frame my grandfather only a Model 49 neither have ever felt undergunned.I really think had I been more accurate with my 26 I would have found and settled at the one. At least that and the combo of my 19. I think if I was able to carry in the 4 o clock position daily I would be perfectly satisfied with my 19. However for more discreet carry I use appendix carry and find the 19 just a little long. I have thought that since I shot the K frame snub that I had quite well that maybe the S&W 19 & Glock 19 combo may be perfect for me. Then again if I found a 2" SP101 that would put me between the J and K frame. Ive just about (yeah right) decided to sell my LCR and devote my practice time to my 19 and CM9 and stay with that combo. I have never been satisfied with "combat accuracy". I find the CM9 and the 19 better than that and Im sure with range and carry time I could improve still.

Then todayWell looks like I am adding a M&P9C. I really liked my M&P fullsize it was just a little larger than I cared for. I figure the 9C will fall size wise between the 26 and the 19. The M&P fits my hand better which I feel will lead to better shooting. Worse case scenario I get it shoot a new toy and will have an excuse to buy and sell for something else in a few months. Eventually I see my carry rotation going to 9C and CM9 for carry and selling my LCR and getting a 637 or 642 for pocket carry

 

[gbran]

I have been on an elusive quest for a 30 round, 600 Nitro pocket pistol that kicks like a .22 and is as accurate as a rifle. Until I find one, I'll just compromise and settle for my Glock G26.

 

[AFDavis11]

Yea, you need to slow down a bit and sort of zen out on carry options. I think the plethora of carry guns gets created by no gun being perfect, and yet any gun being good.

Consider choosing one gun, and getting good with it.

For me it's 1) Safe carry, 2) Effective manstopper (to include accuracy), and 3) Effective concealment (to include comfort while concealed).

To me, every gun is good, but no gun is perfect.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Consider choosing one gun, and getting good with it.

Thats good advice...but it does take some time to get there...took me 17 years.

I've had everything from custom 1911's to Beretta's to XD's...all were good, but none of them equals my lil G36 as a carry gun. (and I hate Glocks, or at least I used to)

 

[Sauer Grapes]

Pretty easy for me. I carry a full size in the colder months and a single stack sub-compact 9mm in the summer.

 

[jmorris]

There are no "perfect" CCW firearms, just one that are better depending on many variables. Some that I have carried, I would have been better off with a big stick...but that's not very CC. If you only have one for everything it will only be perfect part of the time.

 

[230therapy]

Maybe a 2-3" k frame is the answer.

The "answer" cannot be bought, only learned.

I have no problem with collecting and shooting guns for fun. Shooting many different guns gives you versatility. However, a certain mindset is required for concealed carry and defensive fighting. You will benefit greatly from proficiency in the fundamentals of several forms of handguns shooting.

The perfect EDC would be a single stack the size of a the height and length of a Glock 26 due to appendix carry with a smooth crisp trigger. I don't like DA/SA. Striker fire seems spongy. Never could shoot my 26 well. I shoot my 19 fairly well.

Then again on those days I can carry my 4" k frame which I do shoot quite well.

Ive also thought of going back to my 642. I shot it well and cant imagine how much better I would be if I shot it more

I see contradictory statements in your description of your accuracy. You also cannot make up your mind. Your shooting problems have nothing to do with gear and everything to do with mindset and training.

I find it interesting that you state you can manage a double action revolver trigger, but have difficulty with striker fired and DA/SA triggers. This leads me to believe that you're an undisciplined and inconsistent shooter. This is not necessarily a bad thing either; your mind is open to different platforms and techniques.

Your post makes it sound like you are ready to start some serious work. Your mindset seems to be more inclined toward target shooting and competition. Set this aside and learn the entire scope of combat shooting: shooting from contact, point shooting to a reasonable distance and sighted shooting to 50 yards. Concealed carry is about winning a fight as quickly as possible, not achieving tiny groups.

Start by working on your shooting technique. I recommend you attend a "Level 1" defensive handgun course that is at least two days long. Follow it up with a "Level 2" course. Four days of intense training should clear a few things up for you, including important features in a handgun. Become an exceptional shooter with ONE handgun. Once you have done that, add in other action types. Mastering the DA/SA action or DA revolver should make you a better shooter, but I'm also not present to diagnose your current shooting problems.

Suggested courses (in this order):

Level 1 of any defensive handgun course from reputable instructors such as Tom Givens, Larry Vickers, etc.
Level 2 of any defensive handgun course from the same instructor
Point Shooting Progressions with Roger Phillips
SouthNarc's ECQC course
Some sort of combatives/knifing course


NOTE: Trainers proficient in teaching the combat use of the revolver are few and far between. It is a mistake to go to an instructor who is not an expert in the combat use of the revolver. You must be exceptionally picky if you choose to train with revolvers. Be prepared for a longer path to proficiency. I recommend that you choose the semi-automatic pistol first. The listed instructors focus upon the semi-automatic and you will find it very difficult to find instructors who competently teach the revolver.

I also recommend that you use a handgun that provides palm support and longer sight radius such as that on the Glock 19. 9x19mm is just fine for training and defense. The larger gun will remove the uncertainty that is present with handguns with short grips.

 

[jackpinesavages]

G36 + 2 mags.

 

[chhodge69]

I have designated a small, medium and a large for carry. 90% of the time I carry the medium gun. With a good holster and belt purchase behind you, most CCW problems will be from your clothing, not the gun.

 

[Mac's Precision]

Sell all the guns you currently own. Go back and buy a Glock 19. Take the money you have left over and buy as much ammo as you can afford, a quality Inside the pants and a good outside the pants holsters.. Learn to run that 19 to it's peak ability. It is likely the most size efficient / easily concealed pistol / most likely to be useful in combat pistol you could buy. You have changed guns so much in the last year it is a wonder it isn't a surprise what you find when you open your night stand drawer. There is no perfect carry gun but the Glock 19 is damn close. You can thank me later. This intervention free of charge.

 

[harrygunner]

Imagine someone who calls him/herself a cabinet maker. Yet all he/she worries about is the best chisel or screwdriver to have.

Skills in the craft of cabinet making far outweigh the importance of the tools used to make cabinets.

Same with self-defense. Get a decent handgun, then spend time and thought on training.

 

[jeepnik]

Found mine years ago. Now that's not to say I don't on ocassion carry something else, but I always seem to come back to.

 

[Mr.510]

Wow. I am of the mindset that carrying the same gun in the same holster every day is an advantage since it eliminates many variables. I don't know if there is a truly 'perfect' CCW for anyone right off the bat. The thing is, if you pick something that works well for you and has no major shortcomings it will, in time, become the perfect CCW for you. I've been carrying my XD45C daily for many years. I've put almost 10k rounds through it and at this point it is pretty much an extension of my body. Both when shooting it and when carrying it. The XD was a good fit for me and I shot it quite well from the very beginning (that's why I bought it) but now I shoot it so much better than any other weapon that I can't imagine switching to something else. Practice makes perfect. I can no longer even feel it or the MTAC it rides in unless I consciously think about it *and* move at the same time.

 

[Pyro]

You need to spend some time..and cash..to find the right platform that works for you.
I couldn't stand carrying a gun IWB or on my hip, so now I carry almost exclusively in the pocket.

 

[royal barnes]

I suspect the quest for the best defensive pistol is just an excuse to buy more guns. That's my reason.

 

[Plan2Live]

I feel your pain but from an entirely different angle. I prefer DA/SA Exposed Hammer platforms for carry but am having trouble finding one that is smallish, lightish, thinish, in production, reliable and accurate. I wish Sig had scaled down the 239 slightly rather than upscaling the 238 to create the 938 or wish Kahr offered the PM9 in DA/SA with a hammer.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Like my dear ol' Pappy once told me - "A good golfer practices & a bad golfer...buys new clubs". Brother, it's not the arrow, it's the Indian!. Get settled then get GOOD.

 

[camsdaddy]

Wow havent been getting updates. There is a lot of good info here. Thanks guys.

 

[bergmen]

G36 + 2 mags.

THIS!

Dan

 

[NH_OPERATOR]

After starting handgun shooting and CCW at the age of 21, I believe it took me just over two years to achive my CCW perfection, and just cannot justifiy buying any more defensive pistols at this point. I started out with my XDm in 9mm and carried primarily that sense, but I found I needed something for when that wasnt practice. I went through a S&W 638 and a SIG P238 before I found my perfect pocket gun(I realized quickly after buying the Sig just how important all your guns having the same manual of arms is), which is a Ruger LCP. I recently bought a S&W M&P9C and now I have my full size gun (XDm 9) for the Winter months, the M&P9c for Spring, Summer and Fall, and my LCP for when I simply do not have time to strap one of the other two guns to my body, or my clothing will not allow it. I couldent be happier with my gun setup, and now that my defensive trifecta is complete, I have begun saving for defensive long guns.

 

[Loosedhorse]

Different perspective:

Choose the gun you'd want to have in a gunfight. Find out if you can shoot it well. If you can, then figure out how to wear and conceal it. That might mean expensive holsters, tailored jackets, etc.

In other words, maybe there should be more threads on the "perfect CCW garment" than on the "perfect CCW gun.

There are limitations to what can be carried concealed, especially if you are small, arthritic, female, or live in a hot climate (or work as a lifeguard ). But if you CAN carry (and shoot well) a larger, more effective gun concealed, I'm not sure why you'd CHOOSE to carry a smaller one.

But, I see folks buying them all the time.

$0.02

 

[Certaindeaf]

All choices in life are a compromise and or entail risk. We all have unlimited wants, needs and desires and limited resources. Everything man made is provably imperfect.
Any manmade given thing can be incrementally "improved".. it's what makes our world go 'round. Perhaps understand this and accept it.
We're not really talking rocket science here (gotta gets me a gyrojet though!), the true answers are always there would you ask yourself the simple and unchanging questions.

 

[RationalGun]

THis is from a thread on our local forum. Its sorta babbling but feel free to follow if you will.
For 10 years the only carry gun I owned was a 3913. Over the past year I have found myself in a never ending tailspin. I had a SP101 w/ 3" barrell to buy a Glock 19 because I had a 642 and a Glock 26. I sold the 642 to buy a CM9 later to trade the Glock 26 for a LCR w/CT grips. I guess Im now full circle and cant remember what I didnt like about the SP101. I am reconsidering buying another SP101. I am also considering selling the LCR just because I find myself carrying the CM9.Wow after typing all of this out I think I need an intervention. Does the perfect carry gun exist.
I really like my 19. I carry my CM9 when I need something smaller. I know a 21 isn't it anything physically bigger than my 19 gripwise won't fit my hand. I have considered a 1911 just because I've never owned one. I also considered another SP101. I want comfortable shooting magnums so I guess it wouldn't be different than my LCR. I've considered a k frame snub just because I was quite accurate with the one I had. Yeah you guessed it sold it. I guess its all part of the game.The perfect EDC would be a single stack the size of a the height and length of a Glock 26 due to appendix carry with a smooth crisp trigger. I don't like DA/SA. Striker fire seems spongy. Never could shoot my 26 well. I shoot my 19 fairly well. I understand "combat accuracy" but I also realize there may come a time an armadillo is at 25 yards that needs to die. I thinking maybe a 1911 in 9mm. Maybe not as a EDC but on days when I can carry a little more. Then again on those days I can carry my 4" k frame which I do shoot quite well. Maybe a 2-3" k frame is the answer.If I could find a little smaller than a 19 that I could shoot as well as I shoot my 22A I would be perfct. Typing that what read was if I find a gun that the size of a 26 that feels like my 22A and I shoot it as much as I have my 22A I will have found the perfect gun.ve considered an M&P9C and lots of ammo. Focus 90% of my shooting and training on that single gun. Ive also thought of going back to my 642. I shot it well and cant imagine how much better I would be if I shot it more and maybe took Mr Ed Lovette's class next time he is in town. Then again I guess I have an LCR and could go the SP101 route. I just find a J frame at the limit of pocket carry and sometimes thats how I choose to carry. Ive also thought of a CW9 or a 3953 which would be a lot like my 3913 but DAO. I think its funny my dad has a 2" Model 19 K frame and a 2" model 36 J frame my grandfather only a Model 49 neither have ever felt undergunned.I really think had I been more accurate with my 26 I would have found and settled at the one. At least that and the combo of my 19. I think if I was able to carry in the 4 o clock position daily I would be perfectly satisfied with my 19. However for more discreet carry I use appendix carry and find the 19 just a little long. I have thought that since I shot the K frame snub that I had quite well that maybe the S&W 19 & Glock 19 combo may be perfect for me. Then again if I found a 2" SP101 that would put me between the J and K frame. Ive just about (yeah right) decided to sell my LCR and devote my practice time to my 19 and CM9 and stay with that combo. I have never been satisfied with "combat accuracy". I find the CM9 and the 19 better than that and Im sure with range and carry time I could improve still.

Then todayWell looks like I am adding a M&P9C. I really liked my M&P fullsize it was just a little larger than I cared for. I figure the 9C will fall size wise between the 26 and the 19. The M&P fits my hand better which I feel will lead to better shooting. Worse case scenario I get it shoot a new toy and will have an excuse to buy and sell for something else in a few months. Eventually I see my carry rotation going to 9C and CM9 for carry and selling my LCR and getting a 637 or 642 for pocket carry

Wow, talk about a wall of text..... The Walther PPS is an excellent choice for a smaller carry gun that is still shootable.

 

[MICHAEL T]

3913 was one of the best choices out their . I have went to the Defender in a 1911 and the KelTecPF-9 in 9mm 380 still KelTec and Bersa depending on how dressed tha day.

PF-9 winning daily carry over all lately.

 

[788Ham]

From reading your post, you sound like a cricket in a hot skillet, not knowing which way to jump! You've had a lot, and guess you still have some, of the nicest firearms available.......... you need to sit down and decide on which is going to be the "best" for you, keep it and decide later { much later } which ones to get rid of, or give to family members. Finding which firearm is going to be your ideal weapon, there isn't going to be such an animal, is to start with what you have, learn to shoot it very well. Then you'll know which is the best for you.