| Author | Message | ||
     Mikef5000 |
Since there's been a handful of gun related threads, I figured one more wouldn't hurt. Those of you with your concealed carry, or considering it, what is your gun of choice? I took the class today, and will be getting my permit next week. I don't need to, and don't plan on carrying around the house or work, but I would like to on long motorcycle rides or drives that take me into the hills. While exploring back (dirt) roads in southern Ohio or West Virginia, I'd like to have a weapon. You never know who will find you out there. My Factors: Smaller is better More Powerful the better Less expensive is better Cheaper ammo is good, but not crucial Many will say not to skimp. Say it all you want. If I can find a $300 gun that gets as good reviews as a $600 gun, I'm going to get the $300 gun. So here are the two guns I like: Rossi 461 2" Barrel, 357 Magnum, 6 Shot, Rubber Grips, Blued, $325  The biggest advantages is it also takes 38 special ammo, which is less expensive, for target or practice shooting. Disadvantage is it only holds 6 rounds, and is not easily reloaded (ie. you can't throw another magazine in. 50 Rounds of 357 Magnum = $28 50 Rounds of 38 Special = $20 Taurus PT145 Millennium Pro DUO 3.25" Barrel, 45 ACP, 10+1 Rounds, Black Synthetic, $375  This one holds 10 rounds and has a quickly and easily swapped out magazine. It also has better sights (at least my preferred type of sights) and is also slightly (barely) smaller and lighter than the other. 50 Rounds of 45 ACP = $26 I shot a gun similar to each of these today, and was more successful with the semi-auto. Most likely because I'm used to those types of sights. This was my first time shooting a revolver with the type of sights found on these tiny models. I'm sure with an hour at the range I'd be confident with it too. With the 38 Special I was hitting towards the center of the silhouette, but no good groupings. With the sub-compact semi-auto I kept it within a 3" group. Gun and ammo pricing vary. Gun prices are from http://www.budsgunshop.com and include a $25 charge to ship the gun to the local shop. Ammo pricing is from http://www.luckygunner.com and will have shipping added. I posted them mainly to reference between the different kinds. | ||
| Cycleaddict |
i carry a KEL-TEC .32 or a 2"TAURUS-85 "Ti" revolver loaded with 38spl.hollowpoints.the snubnose guns do not behave well shooting .357mag. (try it you will see ). the keltec's have a decent reputation as a easily concealable self-defense weapon. TAURUS makes a good revolver , but i've read about realibility problems with their autos. | ||
| Swordsman |
I got a metal beatin' stick.... Also, the cheapest of the cheap: a Hi-point C9.  Call me crazy, but I like the little thing. Only downside is the clip spring... too tight, wants to jam the 1 round in a full clip of 8. If you only load 7, works just fine. I haven't even gone through 200 rounds yet, so it could just need more breaking in. ~SM (Message edited by Swordsman on February 01, 2010) | ||
| Rah7777777 |
Next time I come across a Ruger LCP 380 i'm picking it up! One of the cops at work has one (fellow Bueller too) and I love that little gun! Ive saved my pennies for months now! So now I just need to find the time to go to a gun shop. | ||
| Oldog |
Mike 45 acp = STAY THE HELL DOWN less muzzle blast and report in enclosed spaces see if you can find a range facility with arms to rent and try each hot loads = high recoil forces in the respective frame size, blinding flash in a low light situation, and a concussive report in an enclosed space, all bad things in a tactical situation the only reason the US millitary went to the 9mm was nato, 45 will stop a tweek intent on harm DEAD in his tracks, I personaly know of a theater manager in atlanta area who capped a guy wired on PCP 2 center of mass end of threat, the local pd, well thats another storry | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
I was always told that the reason the military went from the 45 to the 9mm was because of the amount of rounds per magazine. There has been talks for a few years now of the military going back to the 45. | ||
| Rt_performance |
Good choice the LCP is a great pistol and what i carry the most. sw m&p and springfield loaded champion don't se much carry time now. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Oldog, I tried one very similar to the Rossi above, but with 38 special ammo. I liked it, the kick wasn't a problem, and I was hitting the target, although not great groups. But that's to be expected with no experience with that type of sight. I also shot a semi-auto about the same size as the P145 posted above, although it only shot 22LR. I had a much better grouping with this gun. I already own a medium size frame 9mm semi-auto. I was hoping for my CC gun to be of smaller size with larger ammo. An alternative would be a Taurus PT111. It's the same gun as the P145 posted above, but shoots 9mm and holds 12+1 rounds. Then I could use the cheap ammo (50 rounds for $15) for target shooting, same as my other handgun, and for CC use just get some hardcore hallow point. I was hoping to get a larger caliber though. | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
I've owned the PT145, and hated it. I'm only 5'8" 135 lbs, so consider that when I say this - the PT is just a tad too wide for concealed carry. Also it's a major PITA to shoot. LOTS of recoil in a tiny, lightweight frame. I guess that's sort of the point, but it's not at all what I was expecting when I bought it. My next pistol will be a Colt Special Agent. Compared to the PT145, it's got a slightly heavier frame but is also thinner. The Special Agents run $8-$900, but my RIA 1911 govt. model has me sold on the idea of a compact 1911. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Ruger SP101 hammer less 5 shot 38/357 | ||
| Andyss1w |
my cc is a ruger lcr. i love it, but now i have my eye on a sig 238. | ||
| Cowboy |
My favorate is my Glock 40 (model 23) I cary 8 to 12 hrs. a day you will need a light weapon if you carry for long periords of time. | ||
| Mr1spd |
Ok just one question? If it is for personal defense shouldn't a six round revolver be enough? | ||
| Cecil1 |
I usually carry a Springfield XD subcompact in a Galco matrix holster. Fairly small,Very comfortable, has a accessory rail on the dust cover for light/laser, and has a loaded chamber indicator you can see and feel(low light situation). | ||
| Swampy |
Personally I don't like the bulk of a revolver. I have only carried semi-autos. The one I carried for years was an AMT 380 Backup in stainless. I was shooting for my re-qualification for the CC permit and asked the instructor if it would be OK if I used that after I got done shooting my other firearms. He said by all means and I went to the target and pulled the Little AMT from my pocket, pulled the trigger and........CLICK!, nothing happened. I racked another and CLICK! I hadn't taken the stupid thing from my pocket for years, except when I changed pants, or thought it was a good idea to blow the pocket lint from the thing that would accumulate in the holster. Upon further inspection it was full of pocket lint and it was insulating the hammer from hitting the firing pin. I have also seen revolvers with so much (in this case ankle)lint in them the cylinder turn nor would it fire either. The moral to the story is, keep your tool clean and use it! | ||
| Aeholton |
Used to carry the S&W airweight .38spl. However, found that I didn't always carry, due to size. It was tough concealing with shorts and t-shirt, unless in a smart carry holster. Bought a Keltec P32 at the beginning of the year and never have an issue carrying now. It's a great little reliable gun easily concealed in a pocket holster. | ||
| Slowride |
Ruger SP101 hammer less 5 shot 38/357 +1 Nothing says hello like a small hand cannon. Every range I shoot this pistol on, I get people asking me what the @#(Q#*@# was I shooting. LoL, just a lil o' .357 mag. The sheer destruction and penetration offered by this load is the sole reason I carry it. AS to the question of is 6 rounds enough... well that depends completely on you. You always have to access the situation and determine if you are willing to take part or is it better to evade. } | ||
| Ourdee |
When I carried I went to the range every week and put a box through whatever I was carrying that week. I carried an AMT .380 for back-up to my Colt Officer's lightweight .45 ACP most of the time and a Marlin 45 carbine in the trunk. Sometimes a Cobray M-11 with 4 30 round mags. and a spas 12 in the vehicle just in case. I lived in a bad neighborhood and would search and clear my house whenever I got home. | ||
| Slowride |
Sorry, forgot the pic...  | ||
| Bcordb3 |
Bersa .380 for me. small good bang for the buck. | ||
| Mm128 |
Shorty M4... 10" barrell with Gemtech Suppressor. Optics are flipups and a COMP M2 Aimpoint. But... its my personal duty weapon.... Primary carry is a Glock 22 (.40 Cal) and a Glcok 27 (.40 cal - ankle gun). Matt (LEO SOUTH GA.) | ||
| Ratbuell |
I'm just getting back into firearms after many years away...my father gifting me his 1950 Colt OP 4" .38 is giving me the momentum. He carried it through 2 tours in Korea and it has a lot of sentimental value to both of us (and a bitchin' handcarved ivory grip set!). And, now that I've cleaned it - before he gave it to me the last time it had chambered a round was 1976 - it even WORKS the way it should! The 4" is a little large for concealment unless I find a nice shoulder rig, and loading individual rounds is cumbersome especially this time of year (cold hands). I am contemplating getting a speedloader or 2 - still not clip-quick, but better than fumbling six seperate rounds. Just food for thought on the revolver front. Now I just need to keep practicing so I can get my permit... | ||
| Trackdad |
After collecting, firing and buying many my current favorite is a Kahr MK9, 9MM stainless with a crossbreed IWB. My other is an ASP, 9MM, at the range this is my ultimate!!! Anyone interested in an H&K SP89, about 18 YO, NIB???? | ||
| A_s_r |
Ruber LCP, hands down. AWESOME. One of those with a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster and you'll be all set. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
The usefulness of a CC weapon depends more on the skills of the user, than the design of the weapon. Sort of like sport bikes. The two most important things for CC for a non professional user are light weight, ease of use, and reliability. Professionals may have greater skills, and a wider variety of appropriate weapons, (or not). To me, this means a lightweight,perhaps titanium, hammerless 38.cal revolver, as mentioned above in this thread. Lightweight, because if you're not carrying it, it won't do much good. Heavy guns get left home. Hammerless revolver because all you have to do is point and shoot. Too many people have been killed when their auto didn't fire, either because of the complication of operating it, because of lack of maintenance, or because they were unable to get it into play quick enough. .38 cal because only a real expert can get off an effective second shot with a pocket size .357: the recoil is just too punishing. In addition most self defense gun fights are at close range, and end quickly, usually in favor of the gun who could get the first shot off properly. just my .02¢ | ||
| Nukeblue |
i carry a kahr cw9. excellent piece. they can be had for bout $400. thin, light, reliable single stack 9mm. and fits the whole hand | ||
| Nm5150 |
Just a few observations.If you carry a revolver in a shoulder holtser and you fall on that side you are likely to break some ribs and if you carry it in the small of your back position it is very uncomfortable in a cage(personal experiance).I prefer a light,DAO semi auto in a paddle holster of some type(no safety,just pull and shoot).Shoot it often and make sure you try your carry ammo as some pistols don't like certain ammo.If you carry a small .380 I have found a few of the hollow point designs don't expand.I guess they don't develope enough velocity to make them work so I always just carry ball ammo in a .380.It is also more reliable.Just my opinions. | ||
| Sifo |
If we had concealed carry in our state I would carry the Springfield Armory XD subcompact 9mm. The 9mm round is reasonable in it's stopping power and has manageable recoil for most people. The XD series pistol is very easy to use in that all the safety devices are automatic. The safety in the trigger is pressed when pulling the trigger. The safety in the backstrap is depressed when you grip the pistol, but will also help discharge in the event that the gun is being wrestled out of your hand. It is very easy to use however like a revolver in that you pull it out and shoot (assuming you have a round chambered). Revolver is nice for CC except for the bulk. They tend to be a bit wide for CC making you less likely to bring it along. They are simple to use and reliable though. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Having had the great opportunity to go through an interesting collection of older firearms, for concealed carry, I would probably choose a CZ-82. $200 or so used, single or double action semi automatic (near as I can figure from handling it, didn't get to shoot it yet) and a nice simple design in a reasonably compact package. http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F3CZ82&groupid=3 The colt 1908 was pretty cool as well, and it would be a lot of fun to have a 100 year old semi automatic as a concealed carry piece. (Message edited by reepicheep on February 01, 2010) | ||
| Oldog |
model has me sold on the idea of a compact 1911 Colts combat commander. there was a light weight that I cant remember the name of.. 45 acp is my SD round of choice, not much more recoil than 38, more stopping power. the secret with any hand gun is practice and care of the machine. } good luck on your search |
