Semi-Auto Carry Pistol?

[Veldy]

Eventually, I am going to consider a carry pistol. On my person perhaps, but generally, to keep close at hand. I am a big guy, well over 6 feet tall and about 220 pounds, but don't particularly look that heavy. I have considered the S&W 1911PD (very light for a 1911 due to the alloy). But, I am partial to Glock, interested in XD and would be happy with Sig or another quality brand. Capacity is an issue ... I would like it to hold at least 8 rounds, and preferably more than 10 rounds. I have big hands with relatively thick fingers. My thoughts are along the line of an in the waste band holster or perhaps something to keep under heavy clothing or a jacket. Typically, I shoot 38 special (with the occasional 357mag for fun), 9mm and 45ACP. I shoot 45ACP by far more than any other ammunition. I shoot well with the 9mm as well. I am willing to consider a new caliber, perhaps a 40cal to get a little more power over a 9mm, but I am not sure it is really necessary.

Thoughts? What do other people like? What type of holster? How do you conceal in various conditions [assuming you carry on your person ... not sure how much I would do that should I pursue a carry permit]. What guns is popular; forget the price .... but let's exclude Kimber for now, as I believe them to be overpriced compared to about equal capability competition; certainly the name is included in the price. For me, a manual safety is not that important [I shoot full size Glocks and am quite happy there]. I want a firearm that I can draw and be ready to use immediately without worrying about flipping too many mechanisms. It is important to be able to draw and shoot should the circumstance warrant [which I hope NEVER happens].

I am completely unsure about what to do for situations in the summer ... perhaps a snub nosed revolver or 380 ... not sure, but that is a different subject, but related.

I know this is a can of worms where everybody has a different opinion, so it would be nice to see lots of answers and pick out the information that I think pertains most to me and help narrow my choices. That could give me an idea of a gun to rent and try out for myself [I simply do not want to rent EVERY potential carry pistol].

BTW ... unless it is a revolver, Ruger is out. I shot the SR-9 and couldn't stand it and simply don't want to consider any other weapon by a company that can put out a pistol like that [no offense intended to those that enjoy them].

[Widge]

Sig 228 for a 9mm, or a 229 for a .40. I carry a 226 or 225/P6 myself, but they double up as duty weapon and BUG. if I was just buying a gun for CCW, I'd look for a 228/229.

Nothing wrong with Grocks, Springers, or S&W either, just not my thing. I don't know enough about 1911s to comment, other than saying the capacity always strikes me as a bit short, although single stack mags and grips do make CCW a little easier.

[jgalt]

1. You wonder whether or not to get the permit as you don't know if you'll carry all that often. Think about it this way - if you have a permit, you can legally choose not to carry (obviously!), but if you don't have a permit, you cannot legally choose to carry. The permit really doesn't cost that much, and it allows you to make the choice - get a permit!

2. I carry a Glock 19. I chose it over the 1911 I already owned, and over the XD. I don't have much experience with other firearms, and I'm sure there are plenty of other options that may be "better" in some way, but I really don't think you can go wrong with a Glock. It is blocky & ugly, but the darned thing just works. And since you already have a G17, you can use the magazine(s) you already own as your backups.

3. I'm one of those guys who believes (based on a whole bunch of reading and talking to folks I trust) that all handgun rounds are marginal for effective self-defense. Unfortunately, I haven't yet found a good IWB holster for my AR, so the Glock will have to do. As I said, it is a 19, so it is 9mm. I certainly cannot dispute the concept that a bigger hole is a better hole, but any 9mm or better round is going to do the job if you put it on target.

4. You'd probably be surprised at how easy it is to conceal the G19 (I know I was), and I can only assume that any other similarly-sized handgun will conceal just as well, with the right holster. I use an M-Tac, but there are a lot of good holster makers out there, including some local guys. My wife likes the one she has from Srigs. I know there are others, but I don't have any personal experience with them so I can't give any informed opinions on them. And yes, I'm talking about summer concealment. Obviously, the more clothes you are wearing, the easier it is to hide

-- Based on the my own experience and the little that you wrote, I'd go with a G19. Especially if you already have a bunch of magazines for the G17 since that'll save you a bunch of money. But of course, collect as many opinions as you can, and try out everything you can find. Enjoy the search, but definitely get the permit. You won't regret it!

-- Last thing - you might be surprised at how well you can hide your G17 with a good belt & holster. If you can find some holsters to try out, that could be the cheapest answer you'll find. And of course, that G17 is no slouch...

[Pinnacle]

Get the gun that shoots the best in YOUR hands that you are comfortable with and call it a day. 9mm is a ton of fun to shoot and has plenty of power for SD.

I am really liking my M&P 40 -the 9mm shoots very well.

[selurcspi]

Get the gun that shoots the best in YOUR hands that you are comfortable with and call it a day. 9mm is a ton of fun to shoot and has plenty of power for SD.

I am really liking my M&P 40 -the 9mm shoots very well.

Pinnacle, which one do I choose

[EAJuggalo]

I carry a Glock 21SF in .45 that conceals very well for me in a Comp-Tac MTAC. I'm 6'2" 215lbs and didn't have any trouble concealing a Glock 31 which is the same size as a Glock 17 but in 357Sig. If you're interested I am looking to sell my G31 since I don't carry it anymore, including both the 357Sig barrel and a .40 Barrel. Capacity is 15+1.

[Srigs]

Get the gun that shoots the best in YOUR hands that you are comfortable with and call it a day. 9mm is a ton of fun to shoot and has plenty of power for SD.

I am really liking my M&P 40 -the 9mm shoots very well.

I could not said it better myself. Lots of good guns out there so choose the one that fits your hands, points well for you and one your willing to carry the majority of the time.

Note: There is nothing saying you need only one carry gun in your stables and many people carry two.

[RobD]

6"5' - 250 here...

I carry a Full-Size Glock 17 daily.

My daily attire consists of untucked polo/button down and khakis.
I have an Comp-Tac MTAC IWB, and a Blackhawk CQC Serpa OWB (Thanks EAJuggalo). 90% of the time I use the Blackhawk. It's VERY comfortable, and I like the retention plus has interchangable paddle/belt attachment and cant adjustment.
I am not super concerned with deep concealment, but I don't want it to be completely out there either. Given my body frame, daily clothing, and comfort preference, the Serpa is perfect.

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I also have a Maxpedition Versapack bag(Thanks Westberg) that I use for bag carry/deep concealment... I took a cheap $5 Balistic nylon holster, sewed on some velcro, and got a very nice, function holster that is much better than the elastic POS holster they try to sell you that's "made for" the bag.

maxpedition-jumbo-versapack2_2037531683_p.jpg (34.09 KB) Viewed 4474 times

Let me know if you want to try anything out.

Yay, my 100th Post!

[Belgiboy]

Most Kimbers may be spendy but there is the Custom Target II, which you can get for in between $600-700, and that is a great value. Mine has almost 10.000 rounds thru it with never a failure. It's accurate, dependable and cool, basically all you need in a carry gun. That said, do I carry my Kimber? Not really, my gun of choice is the SIG P220 Equinox. I like the excellent trigger and the Single/double action option with the decocker. I have a Galco leather holster for it but while that concealed really well, reholstering was a struggle so I got the Blackhawk Serpa. That one doesn't hold the gun so close to the body but in the winter, it is not an issue at all. For summer I'm gonna turn to one of the local makers here on this board to make me an IWB.

[Holland&Holland]

[quote="Veldy"]

.... but let's exclude Kimber for now, as I believe them to be overpriced compared to about equal capability competition; certainly the name is included in the price.

Quality Counts and Quality costs...

[elmerfuddem]

I carry a S&W 442 in a pocket holster. +p hollow points. Within 21 feet, it will put the hurt on angry pit bulls, as well as rabid bulked up ex con's.

It is a revolver, double action only, hidden hammer. It will work. Semi-auto's will probably work.

Only five rounds is the only thing I don't like.

Not even my mother knows I am carrying.

I could carry others, but I prefer light weight, and minimal print.

Try a few different platforms out. See what works best for you.

[JoeH]

Veldy-

As others have said, try several guns before buying. I did pick up that you are partial to Glocks. Although you may find something that you like better, you have established some preference. Look hard at the G19 and G26.

Do not buy a .40S&W without some trigger time first. The recoil isn't an average between the 9x19 and .45acp. It is different altogether. Some like it, others don't.

[zonk]

Try Arcus98DAC . If you like 1911s most likely you like Browning hith power . The country were I come from has adapted this wepon for their military and police .Cabelas can get you one of these for under $400 , but again get something that fits your hand and needs .Sig 228 sounds pretty good to me . If you don't care for the money the ultimate wepon for me is Sig 226 . Navy seals baby .

[Einthoven's Triangle]

Veldy,
Things to consider:
Whatever you decide carry, have complete confidence in the gun and the manual of arms for it.
The holster,other then pocket carry, should allow for one handed reholstering, cover the trigger guard, and be secured on your belt.
The caliber does not matter, for the most part, your shot placement matters way more!
Additional ammo is a must.

[macphisto]

I carry a S&W 442 in a pocket holster. +p hollow points. Within 21 feet, it will put the hurt on angry pit bulls, as well as rabid bulked up ex con's.

What about aggressive soccer moms or pre-teens with sugar highs