jwkimber45
Member
In that price range take a hard look at the HK USP line. Especially the compacts. I think you may like them. 
What guns for Texas concealed carry?
- Thread starter RodneyKSig
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CC in Texas
I'm not advising anything--just telling what I have done after about a year of concealed carry in Texas. First off, if you get caught with a pistol in a class your law degree will be over. I started off with a Llama .380, just because I had it. I replaced it with a Star PD .45 (24 oz.) because it was reasonably priced. I never had the confidence to carry the pistol with a round in the chamber because it only had the thumb safety. I have recently bought a Para P12 (25 oz.)and carry it IWB in a Mika's Iwb holster that I have modified so the gun is tilted with the barrel toward the rear. It disappears under a T-shirt. I do wear long undershirts under the T to keep the holster from rubbing. I carry the Para cocked & locked, and have complete confidence in the 1911 action.
I'm not advising anything--just telling what I have done after about a year of concealed carry in Texas. First off, if you get caught with a pistol in a class your law degree will be over. I started off with a Llama .380, just because I had it. I replaced it with a Star PD .45 (24 oz.) because it was reasonably priced. I never had the confidence to carry the pistol with a round in the chamber because it only had the thumb safety. I have recently bought a Para P12 (25 oz.)and carry it IWB in a Mika's Iwb holster that I have modified so the gun is tilted with the barrel toward the rear. It disappears under a T-shirt. I do wear long undershirts under the T to keep the holster from rubbing. I carry the Para cocked & locked, and have complete confidence in the 1911 action.
RodneyKSig
Member
I am going to get a Springfield XD
Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it. I am glad to have experienced shooters as a resource via THR. Yesterday, I shot my buddy's Springfield XD Service Model(?) (the four inch barrel one). His was a 9mm, but I found it fit my hand the best out of any pistol I have ever used. The trigger safety took a little bit of getting used to, but once I got the hang of it, it wan't so hard. I put about 100 rounds through it, and it felt very controllable. Furthermore, I could fit the whole pistol in my cargo shorts front pocket, or one of the leg pockets. If I wear a long shirt, it disappears. I guess all I need to find is a pocket holster for it, and I will be set. I can then spend the rest of my money on ammo and training.
Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it. I am glad to have experienced shooters as a resource via THR. Yesterday, I shot my buddy's Springfield XD Service Model(?) (the four inch barrel one). His was a 9mm, but I found it fit my hand the best out of any pistol I have ever used. The trigger safety took a little bit of getting used to, but once I got the hang of it, it wan't so hard. I put about 100 rounds through it, and it felt very controllable. Furthermore, I could fit the whole pistol in my cargo shorts front pocket, or one of the leg pockets. If I wear a long shirt, it disappears. I guess all I need to find is a pocket holster for it, and I will be set. I can then spend the rest of my money on ammo and training.
MCgunner
Member
Only if you never intend to leave the comfort of air conditioning in summer. Heck, I can't even wear a light vest in summer to cover a bulge. It's quite opressive when it hits 100 degrees and the humidity ain't far behind. Ts only for me, please.
The_Shootist
Member
Texas CCW?
I shot my last range test for my CHL with a Glock 19 - and it is close to being my primary carry for "summer" CCW (ie about 9 mos of the year here!). Its accurate, concealable in an IWB rig (even with 2 standard caps on the belt) and the manual of arms is favorable to Texas CCW post Katrina (gang bangers approach, take cover, draw fast and shoot if needed by simply pulling the trigger ).
I like carrying my Mak in my pocket as well along with 2 backup mags. Its just that the G19's higher capacity is likely more appropriate to the threat level we see today in the Houston area.
I shot my last range test for my CHL with a Glock 19 - and it is close to being my primary carry for "summer" CCW (ie about 9 mos of the year here!). Its accurate, concealable in an IWB rig (even with 2 standard caps on the belt) and the manual of arms is favorable to Texas CCW post Katrina (gang bangers approach, take cover, draw fast and shoot if needed by simply pulling the trigger
).I like carrying my Mak in my pocket as well along with 2 backup mags. Its just that the G19's higher capacity is likely more appropriate to the threat level we see today in the Houston area.
The_Shootist
Member
HK?
As a side note, I handled an HK compact (.45 version) and it just seemed TOO BIG for usual CCW carry.
I thought of buying one (especially after the movie "Collateral"
) but they just seemd to bulky, compared to the G19 or similiar sized pistols.
As a side note, I handled an HK compact (.45 version) and it just seemed TOO BIG for usual CCW carry.
I thought of buying one (especially after the movie "Collateral"
) but they just seemd to bulky, compared to the G19 or similiar sized pistols.MCgunner
Member
Where's the sweat going when the air is saturated???? I'd be like a walkin' swimmin' pool. LOL! Am, anyway, with a T. But, most days when I'm workin', it's outside maybe if I'm lucky under the shade of a pole barn type structure. I'm thinkin' of dumpin' that gig once I build up enough business at my home shop, though. Save me a bunch of commuting expense, too. My shop here has an AC in it.
Texas Bob
Member
What does not seem heavy "at the range" may be a different story after 10 hours. Pocket carry wearing jeans, a Rohrbaugh R9s. If wearing "cargo" or "Docker stlye" pants a Kahr PM9. IWB with sweat dripping down you a Kahr P9 in a Blade-tech holster will do. When cooler weather arrives(Dec-Mar) a BHP in a VMII under the jacket will do. Always "as a young man" wear clean clothes, washed hair, and be clean shaven or have your facial hair "neat". LEO will preceive you as one of the "good guys" as will any witnesses that see you if you are ever "in that position." Good luck.
MCgunner
Member
Yep, Texas Bob, through much wearing of hardware I've decided that about 24-25 ounces unloaded IWB is my limit. Much beyond that and it just ain't an all day gun. I think the SP101 would push the limits. Better than a heavy autoloader because it only carries 5 rounds loaded, but about the limit. The 15 ounce or so little Taurus 85UL or the Kel Tec's 15 ounces with magazine are not a problem.
That might vary with build or what not. Some folks claim to carry a full size 1911 all day. More power to 'em. I know it's flat and hides well, but 40 ounces? Not for me, thanks. I have a Milt Sparks summer special, too, so don't pull the comfortable leather thing on me.
That might vary with build or what not. Some folks claim to carry a full size 1911 all day. More power to 'em. I know it's flat and hides well, but 40 ounces? Not for me, thanks. I have a Milt Sparks summer special, too, so don't pull the comfortable leather thing on me.
HankB
Member
A few suggestions . . . beware of small polymer pistols. Now, some of them work fine, but both Kahr and KelTec have produced (and it would seem are still producing) a high percentage of "Jammamatics."
Don't buy a new design pistol until you've read SEVERAL reviews at forums like The High Road, The Firing Line, and GlockTalk. These forums are more reliable "real world" indicators than any gun rag.
Here are my choices for concealed carry.
1. Browning Mk III High Power in a Milt Sparks Versa-Max II holster meant for a 1911. With Spegel grips it's quite ergonomic for people with smallish hands, the manual of arms is simple, it's a natural pointer, and it's reliable with the Remington 115 JHP +P I carry it with. Removing the magazine disconnect was a 5-minute job and greatly improves the trigger pull.
2. Glock 26 in a Comp-Tac CTAC holster. Glocks are a little too chunky for me to carry in a pocket, so an adjustable IWB holster is just the ticket. I use Speer Gold Dot 115 JHP +P+ ammo in this pistol. Carried IWB, a G19 would probably be just as concealable, with more rounds, and easier to shoot well to boot.
3. S&W 340SC in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. Disappears in the pocket of cargo shorts or khakis, most jeans pockets don't work well. Gave this revolver a trigger job myself, "fixed" the lock, and added a set of Crimson Trace LG-305 laser grips. Loaded with Winchester 145 grain Silvertip .357 hollowpoints, it's my "always" gun . . . anywhere it's legal, I "always" have it unless I'm carrying (1) or (2) above. Only downside is it's attention-getting recoil.
Don't buy a new design pistol until you've read SEVERAL reviews at forums like The High Road, The Firing Line, and GlockTalk. These forums are more reliable "real world" indicators than any gun rag.
Here are my choices for concealed carry.
1. Browning Mk III High Power in a Milt Sparks Versa-Max II holster meant for a 1911. With Spegel grips it's quite ergonomic for people with smallish hands, the manual of arms is simple, it's a natural pointer, and it's reliable with the Remington 115 JHP +P I carry it with. Removing the magazine disconnect was a 5-minute job and greatly improves the trigger pull.
2. Glock 26 in a Comp-Tac CTAC holster. Glocks are a little too chunky for me to carry in a pocket, so an adjustable IWB holster is just the ticket. I use Speer Gold Dot 115 JHP +P+ ammo in this pistol. Carried IWB, a G19 would probably be just as concealable, with more rounds, and easier to shoot well to boot.
3. S&W 340SC in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. Disappears in the pocket of cargo shorts or khakis, most jeans pockets don't work well. Gave this revolver a trigger job myself, "fixed" the lock, and added a set of Crimson Trace LG-305 laser grips. Loaded with Winchester 145 grain Silvertip .357 hollowpoints, it's my "always" gun . . . anywhere it's legal, I "always" have it unless I'm carrying (1) or (2) above. Only downside is it's attention-getting recoil.
MCgunner
Member
My KT P11 hasn't jammed in 9 years and I bought it in the first year of production. Never done anything to it, but load it, shoot it, and clean it afterwards.
http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi#10
Any manufacturer will produce a turkey once in a while. At least KT backs their stuff well. Check the above site if you want some idea of Kel Tec the company or the products.
I cannot speak for Kahr, cause I've never owned one. But, I don't know of anyone that bought a hundred of 'em and had a "high percentage of jammamatics."
Never done anything to it, but load it, shoot it, and clean it afterwards.http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi#10
Any manufacturer will produce a turkey once in a while. At least KT backs their stuff well. Check the above site if you want some idea of Kel Tec the company or the products.
I cannot speak for Kahr, cause I've never owned one. But, I don't know of anyone that bought a hundred of 'em and had a "high percentage of jammamatics."
Other than my XD45 I have two "plastic" pistols. A KelTec P11 in 9mm and my favorite a Taurus PT-145 in 45acp. I have put several thousand rounds through both without any problems. I carry the Taurus daily in my pant pocket and it literally disappears. It backs up all my 1911's and the XD45.
The days of the junky plastic pistols has come and gone!!!
The days of the junky plastic pistols has come and gone!!!
HankB
Member
TX1911fan, I suggest you get Jerry Miculek's DVD titled, appropriately enough, Trigger Job. This little instructional gem has a wealth of information from basic disassembly (for example, you do NOT pry off the sideplate, you "walk" it off by tapping on the frame while you're holding the revolver in your hand) to smoothing out the parts. It tells you which parts you can stone the heck out of, and what parts you should leave strictly alone.
It assumes what you have is basically a good gun, and that you don't have any real problems that need to be repaired or corrected.
Miculek works on a K-frame, and there are a couple of significant differences between it and a J-frame, but once you watch the DVD a time or two you'll be able to pick up on these yourself.
The only cautions I have to offer is that first, if you remove the cylinder bolt from it's position inside the frame BEWARE of the teeny tiny spring which loads it. If it gets away from you, you'll have a devil of a time finding it. Second, don't put in lighter springs - J-frames, especially those carried for protection, don't have the excess force available that larger revolvers do in their lockwork.Third - don't overdo it and get carried away with your buffing.
A real "pro" would probably do a better action tune than I did, but overall, the improvement in my gun after I worked on it is very noticeable.
bigdaddyb
Member
I carry a S&W 1911Sc. Commander sized 1911's are great carry guns. In an auto, thin is in. S&W J-frame revolvers are a choice you can't go wrong with.
Quality gun leather can not be underestimated in this discussion. Buy quality. You won't regret it. I'm a huge fan of High Noon for my belt holsters and Milt Sparks for IWB.
Quality leather doesn't cost much more than buying Galco at the local gun store. The comfort and reliability differences are massive.
Sorry for deviating the topic, but I felt this shouldn't be left out of the 'what to carry' discussion.
Quality gun leather can not be underestimated in this discussion. Buy quality. You won't regret it. I'm a huge fan of High Noon for my belt holsters and Milt Sparks for IWB.
Quality leather doesn't cost much more than buying Galco at the local gun store. The comfort and reliability differences are massive.
Sorry for deviating the topic, but I felt this shouldn't be left out of the 'what to carry' discussion.
LiquidTension
Member
Recommendations for small revolvers and pocket pistols are great for carry but not so great for a HD gun. A good compromise between carry and HD is a commander size 1911. They're flat, and not horribly heavy if you get one with an alloy frame. I've carried a Pro Carry almost every day for 5 years and have never been encumbered by the weight. If you can afford to get a pocket gun and a HD gun, by all means do so. A Keltec for carry ($260) and an XD ($525) for home and you're right at $800.
If you can only get one, I recommend getting the carry gun since you have scatterguns at home already for HD.
If you can only get one, I recommend getting the carry gun since you have scatterguns at home already for HD.
Plainmark
Member
I had a firearms instructor who said,
Shoot everything. ... then buy what you like and carry it. Build the clothes or the purse around the gun.. not visa versa...
I carry a 14-45 LDA Para.. that is a double stack full sized .45 if you did not know. In every situation for which I have trained, I can nail every target consistently with this machine.
Style and comfort mean ZERO when you need confidence!
plain
Shoot everything. ... then buy what you like and carry it. Build the clothes or the purse around the gun.. not visa versa...
I carry a 14-45 LDA Para.. that is a double stack full sized .45 if you did not know. In every situation for which I have trained, I can nail every target consistently with this machine.
Style and comfort mean ZERO when you need confidence!
plain
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