Posted on 09/05/2010 10:46:02 AM PDT by JoeProBono
What you are about to read is my take on the best concealed carry handguns, which you will find commented on tens of thousands of times elsewhere. But this is my site and it's my turn. These conclusions are based on my experience with these pistols, shooting and carrying them in various situations.
-My evaluation is based on "shootability" first, the ease with which the gun can be drawn, sighted and fired. -Second I considered caliber-the amount of power the bullet will strike with. -Third I considered size-the ease with which the best concealed carry handguns can be carried without them being inadvertently noticed by passersby. -Fourth I considered magazine capacity-the number of bullets you have in case something extreme goes down. In spite of all the internet commando gibberish about normal citizens needing extra magazines, backup guns, etc., I considered this one realistically to be least important.
I based the evaluations on how I dress casually in both summer and winter and different situations in which I might carry. I carry in casual clothes always, but not in my dress clothes, though I normally have a gun nearby somewhere. I may carry a different gun in the woods where I exercise than when walking around town or shopping. I have used broad strokes to describe what I do and why I chose these best concealed carry handguns, but I have a tendency to think this evaluation more closely represents most average citizens than some of the online Rambos.
Carry #1: All things considered, carrying this gun under the widest range of conditions, under all types of clothes, in all kinds of weather, in a briefcase, under the seat, the gun that goes with me most often is a GLOCK 23 .40 S&W. This gun replaces the G22 that sat in this spot for 3 years. The reason it now replaces the former champ is simply its more concealable size along with similar inherent accuracy. The GLOCK 23 has proven itself on the range and in the dependability category like all GLOCKS. It is now the gun that is carried daily when I can wear casual clothes and wear a belt or IWB holster. Shooting the gun is a pleasure with the same TruGlo TFO night sights that go on all my GLOCKS. The picture below did not have to be replaced because I carry this gun in exactly the same holster and the same way as the G22. It just conceals a bit better with all the other advantages of a GLOCK the same.....
Sig P238 Equinox with nightsites.....
It seems odd that you would not carry while dressed up, suit, etc.
I’ll stick with my S&W Airweight 38 caliber Hammerless
with hollowpoint ammo.
“internet commandos” “online Rambos”
Rather undiplomatic language there, JoeProBono. Designed to insult people?
I’m not very familiar with firearms. Are you wearing a holster on the inside of your belt?
I live in Florida and have enough of a belly that a Glock is either too uncomfortable or not enough well-concealed for me. I’ve tried a lot of handguns for concealed carry over the last 17 years and always come back to the good old J-frame S&W. It’s comfortable, easy to hide, easy to use. I admit that it doesn’t carry the ammo for a long gunfight, but the 5 shots should be enough to get away. Just to be safe, I carry 6 spare rounds in a Bianchi Speed Strip. Again, it’s easy to hide, but lacks some tactical advantage due to it being a little slower to deploy than a speedloader or spare magazine.
If I was going into a really bad situation, I would likely carry the Glock or Beretta 92D in a variety of non-gun containers, such as a zippered Day Planner, netbook case, or messenger bag.
I’ve had to use my concealed weapon twice and both times I was fortunate enough that just showing that I’m armed was enough to end the encounter.
I do agree with you that if I was going to carry a concealed semi-auto, it would be a medium-frame Glock in an IWB, but I tend to carry behind the hipbone.
Walther PPK.
Bond...James Bond.
Im looking at a beretta PX4 Storm in .40
Anyone with firsthand knowledge of that?
I’ve carried a black subdued finish Colt Commander since about 1993. I always pack two extra magazines as well. To quote Commander Spock: “Primitive but highly effective.” I go with what I know.
>>I’ll stick with my S&W Airweight 38 caliber Hammerless
with hollowpoint ammo.
You can always tell the guy that REALLY carries, because he always chooses the Airweight J-frame—the original Point and Click Interface. :-)
Inside waistband [IWB]. Hides inside the pant plus the shirt can be tucked between the clip and the holster.
nice
As an off duty deputy I made certain I didn’t wear any “tactical” surplus or 5.11 style clothing with or without LEO or Firearms Logos. Don’t recommend such as a civilian now. It screams GUN .....in my opinion !
Close as I get to tactical is a baggy Hawaiian shirt, a pair of carhart or levi carpenter jeans , using the ruler pocket on left thigh as a spare magazine pouch.
Have to agree on a glock 19/23 size CHL / CCW......they are comfortable to carry yet if one carries a round in the chamber you MUST have a holster. MUST !
I carry a Guncrafters Industries Glock conversion slide for my Glock 21 in 50GI. IWB Crossbreed holster if round is chambered. Otherwise a cheapo home made OSS string holster from kite string with chamber empty inside my waist band.
My likes of the glock are they are dehorned, durable finish against oils and acids human sweat generates and no extra cost.
Close second choice handgun I have is a Clark 1911A1 Meltdown that is smooth as a baby’s butt and stainless.
My next choice for CHL / CCW carry would be a SIG239 in 40S&W. Dehorned fairly well and comfy and reliable.
For folks that carry every day , look at the damaged clothing, furniture, upholstery etc and consider the carry a lot and use little or none guidelines.
My opinion.....Stay Safe Joe !
;-(
I've had to show it twice, once when I was just in gym shorts and a t-shirt. However, because it is SO small and light, it is ALWAYS with me. It's really not much bigger - in size or weight - than my cell phone. And just the look of the pistol (not even brought all the way up) was enough to end the confrontation.
A concealed pistol needs to be small enough to always be carried and still be concealed, and ideally in ALL situations.
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