Thoughts on switching from Compact Carry to Micro Carry?

[usmarine0352_2005]

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I currently carry a 1911 compact carry Springfield .45 in a Crossbreed Supertuck, which works well for me. I'm a small guy, about 124lbs.


I was thinking about picking up a SW .380 Bodyguard Semi-Auto now that they are about $250-$300.





What can you think the benefits and detraction's of switching would be?



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[Orance Fine]

What if the question were asked this way: "If I were a bad guy, would I rather be shot with a .45 or a .380?"

IMO, you may wish to consider the carrying the .45 as usual and adding the .380 as a BUG.

YMMD

 

[2wheels]

I'm about your size, I'm pretty darned skinny. I only carry my .380 when I'm riding my motorcycle, or on rare occasions when I don't feel I can conceal anything bigger.

I have no problem running around town all day with either my Colt New Agent or Springfield XD40-SC in an IWB holster. Why do you want to switch? You already said it works well for you, I personally wouldn't want to step down to a .380 for daily carry without good reason. If I were you I'd buy the Bodyguard as a backup gun, and to have a "deep concealment" gun, but not as my daily carry.

I like to carry a service caliber when I leave the house, that's just me.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Marine,

Just make sure you can shoot that micro pistol as good as the compact.

Fights are 'come as you are' affairs. It don't matter if all you have is a P3AT, snub J .38, Glock 19, 1911, 12 gauge 870, etc.... you have better be able to use what you have very well. And if you can't, find something you can use very well.

Deaf

 

[bigfatdave]

Just make sure you can shoot that micro pistol as good as the compact.

If you can conceal the mini-1911 well, what's the point of going to a little bitty mousegun? Do you want to be buying/stocking .380 ammo? Do you want to buy a new holster setup?

If you want a new gun, by all means, get it and enjoy it! But if you're carrying a mid-size gun in that Springer ("compact carry" = officer's size, right?) then I don't see how you'd get any actual benefit out of a mousegun, unless you feel the need for an ankle/pocket gun.

 

[Giterboosted]

That's my exact setup for edc and I mean EVERYDAY, I carry my kimber ultra and a S&W bg380 as a bug, I wouldn't carry the 380 only unless I had a reason like If I was at the gym or something, but different folks may think otherwise

 

[Stover954rr]

BG .380's are still $390. Also I have one (wifes primary carry). I only carry it when we are dressed up and going somewhere. Otherwise its the M&P9c

 

[DasFriek]

The only way id make that change is you swapped the .380 out for a micro 9mm.
Im a 100% 1911 ccw guy, But ive had times i didnt have time to holster up one and i bought a Kahr MK9 just for this exact reason.
It may be no .45, But it is alot more effective than a .380 and only slightly larger.
Mines heavier due to wanting an all steel gun, But i could have went polymer and not been far off from the BG's weight.
If money is the issue id say several micro 9mm's with more affordable prices will be hitting the market soon if they haven't already.

 

[usmarine0352_2005]

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One of the reasons I want it is for work.



When I go to work I walk from my parking ramp about 200 yards to the department.



It'd be easier to have the pocket pistol then having to put a holster on and the 1911 every time.

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[Prince Yamato]

I carry a Kel-Tec p32. Pocket carry is the way to go in my opinion. I don't feel out-gunned. Stick it in your pocket you are good to go. What could be simpler?

 

[nathan]

My big carry if im with my family is a Glock 23. If im alone going out, i favor a lighter one. Thats my Russian Mkarov in 9mm mak . Its light for me and hits harder than a .380.

 

[merlinfire]

a subcompact in 9mm might be more appropriate given your concerns. LC9 for instance. It splits the difference between true subcompact and regular compact but its a service caliber

 

[usmarine0352_2005]

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I think I am going to order the S&W Bodyguard.....however, I heard that place I'm trying to order them from won't have them in until October.


:-(




Although they are $299, which sounds like a good price.



1.) Anyone else know where I could order one for cheaper and/or get it quicker?



2.) What is a good pocket holster for said pistol?



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[psyshack]

Look into a PF-9 or the new Ruger. At least keep it at 9mm or above and loose the weight the .45 demands. If you feel you must carry a bug as job blow citizen then go .380. Or two of the smaller lighter 9mm. When i carry a bug, which isn't often another PF-p is called to duty.

 

[Deaf Smith]

If you can conceal the mini-1911 well, what's the point of going to a little bitty mousegun? Do you want to be buying/stocking .380 ammo? Do you want to buy a new holster setup?

If you want a new gun, by all means, get it and enjoy it! But if you're carrying a mid-size gun in that Springer ("compact carry" = officer's size, right?) then I don't see how you'd get any actual benefit out of a mousegun, unless you feel the need for an ankle/pocket gun.

Concealing and shooting well are not the same thing.

Deaf

 

[millertyme]

With that rationale pretty soon you'll end up with a bunch of zip guns.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I don't think much of a pocket .380 as your only gun.

When I go to work I walk from my parking ramp about 200 yards to the department.

Here is a use for temporary "off body" carry. You can put the gun in some kind of case (camera, etc.), a folded-up newspaper ... use your imagination.