Posted: 11/16/2010 1:27:26 PM EDT
Livin' in the Cheese Head Capitol of the world may be different come 2011... We may have enough reps in office to actually get a CCW bill passed.  Question is, IN GENERAL what's the better choice for CCW? Then, specifically, is there any platform that is BETTER? For *example*, I have a S&W 686 and a Chief's Special for wheel guns, and a HK P7M10 and a Kahr MK40 for autos. Big and little. But, what's better and why? Any thoughts to share? |
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Choosing a CCW is one of the most subjective/personal choices one will ever make IMO. IMHO, there is no "better" –– there's better for me, better for you, better for him, etc. It has everything to do with what you shoot well, what you're comfortable with carrying and how, how you routinely dress and how much you are willing to change/sacrifice for the sake of CCW, etc. FWIW, I've been CCWing daily now for almost 30 years and I have carried almost everything either as a primary or as a BUG –– revolvers, autos, derringers, full-size, compact, sub-compact, small-enough-to-fit-completely-in-the-change-pocket-of-my-jeans. After many years of trial and error, I settled on the G19 for my primary 15+ years ago and nothing (and I own a lot of guns) has made me want to change since. For an AD/ED pocket-gun/BUG, I've carried a P3AT for that last several years and have had no issues with it... even so, I'd say it stands a better chance of being replaced than the G19 (I've been eying the Rohrbaugh for some time now). Best of luck –– hope you find the one that's best for you.  |
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Choosing a CCW is one of the most subjective/personal choices one will ever make IMO. IMHO, there is no "better" –– there's better for me, better for you, better for him, etc. Yup, that's a personal decision. I started with a wheel gun for CCW (S&W Model 66) but every gun after that has been an auto. When the ban lifted on 10+ round mags, 9mm autos started to shine again. |
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Quoted: Livin' in the Cheese Head Capitol of the world may be different come 2011... We may have enough reps in office to actually get a CCW bill passed. Question is, IN GENERAL what's the better choice for CCW? Then, specifically, is there any platform that is BETTER? For *example*, I have a S&W 686 and a Chief's Special for wheel guns, and a HK P7M10 and a Kahr MK40 for autos. Big and little. But, what's better and why? Any thoughts to share? Above all, your carry gun should be carry-able. That big ol' horse pistol in the safe doesn't do you any good when you need a pistola in your pocket.
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I have bolth and use bolth depending on the situation. Some times I just dont feel like carrying a big auto and a J frame is small , light and comfortable. Not to mention ultra simple. I will almost always recommend a hammerless J frame for somones 1st CCW over an auto especiallu if they arent an expierenced shooter.
BTW I voted OH SNAP! because there is no real anwser for me to give you 
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Choosing a CCW is one of the most subjective/personal choices one will ever make IMO. IMHO, there is no "better" –– there's better for me, better for you, better for him, etc. It has everything to do with what you shoot well, what you're comfortable with carrying and how, how you routinely dress and how much you are willing to change/sacrifice for the sake of CCW, etc. FWIW, I've been CCWing daily now for almost 30 years and I have carried almost everything either as a primary or as a BUG –– revolvers, autos, derringers, full-size, compact, sub-compact, small-enough-to-fit-completely-in-the-change-pocket-of-my-jeans. After many years of trial and error, I settled on the G19 for my primary 15+ years ago and nothing (and I own a lot of guns) has made me want to change since. For an AD/ED pocket-gun/BUG, I've carried a P3AT for that last several years and have had no issues with it... even so, I'd say it stands a better chance of being replaced than the G19 (I've been eying the Rohrbaugh for some time now). Best of luck –– hope you find the one that's best for you.
Quite true.. When I choose to carry, I often carry a Seecamp because it just disappears into my clothes. Some guys live a 'Concealed Lifestyle' and will modify their dress accordingly, but I choose not to do that. This being said, if I'm going into the hood, I'll have something more substantial beside me in the car... This is perfectly rational, as the threat level goes up. 
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Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Does it always go BANG! when you pull the trigger? Can you shoot it proficiently? Can you hide it well? In a way that is easy to get to? I'm sure that there are others that people here could add. Having more than one firearm that you carry, even if not at the same time, is also something to think about because there might be times when your normal carry pistol is to big to conceal or something of the sort, though make sure that any differences in how they operate aren't going to get you killed because you had a brainfart and practiced with one more than the other. If I'm out and about in the winter, it wouldn't be that hard for me to conceal a Desert Eagle. Not so much in the summer, though. I don't have a problem concealing a full sized pistol, however, I'm also 6'2" and over 200lbs. If you are 5'5" and 135lbs, you might have to think about what you are going to carry a bit differently than I. BTW, I normally carry an XD 357SIG. I know for a fact that bad guys don't know that I'm carrying it. It's also about the smallest thing that I feel comfortable carrying when I'm wearing normal clothing. Now, if only they'd produce an XD in 10mm... |
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I voted auto but the real answer is that it depends. In the winter when I have a lot of clothes and a heavy coat on I often stick a .357 revolver in an outside coat pocket. Its pretty easy just to shoot through the pocket. Otherwise its my XD45 IWB. Even with the .357 in the coat pocket I'll still have my XD with me. |
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Quoted: There is nothing easier to carry than a S&W J frame. The larger and more uncomfortable it is, the less you will carry it. There are many firearms easier to carry than a J-frame... but usually there's a trade-off (ballistics and/or controllability) to get down to that size and weight. I love a J-frame (own several) and if I could get one to disappear in the pockets of my lightweight suits/dress slacks I wear 6-7 days a week I'd never bother again with a tiny BUG. But I have tried for years and can't, so flat and light goes into my pants pocket instead. (FTR, for the few days each year when it's cold enough here to wear an outer coat of some kind, a J-frame goes into my coat pocket. ) |
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get both. This.. Although I am partial to carrying the 1911 or an xd it all depends on what the user is comfortable with carrying. I also am guilty of carrying both the 1911 and the XD while having a "truck gun" in the form of an M-4gery,at the same time some days.. Hey, You can never have too much back-up when it comes to "Goblins" |
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I have bolth and use bolth depending on the situation. Some times I just dont feel like carrying a big auto and a J frame is small , light and comfortable. Not to mention ultra simple. I will almost always recommend a hammerless J frame for somones 1st CCW over an auto especiallu if they arent an expierenced shooter. BTW I voted OH SNAP! because there is no real anwser for me to give you  That's the same answer I have in mind. Good advice to a personal preference decision.
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There is nothing easier to carry than a S&W J frame. The larger and more uncomfortable it is, the less you will carry it. There are many firearms easier to carry than a J-frame... but usually there's a trade-off (ballistics and/or controllability) to get down to that size and weight. I love a J-frame (own several) and if I could get one to disappear in the pockets of my lightweight suits/dress slacks I wear 6-7 days a week I'd never bother again with a tiny BUG. But I have tried for years and can't, so flat and light goes into my pants pocket instead. (FTR, for the few days each year when it's cold enough here to wear an outer coat of some kind, a J-frame goes into my coat pocket. )
You're right. I have a little Beretta Bobcat that's pretty small. But , I wouldnt consider it a real CCW piece for someone. |
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We're only allowed to carry one at a time. Otherwise its my XD45 IWB. Even with the .357 in the coat pocket I'll still have my XD with me.   That's both silly and sad –– my sincere condolences. 
I know. Having something dinky that I can just throw in my back pocket looks a lot more appealing when it is a backup and not a primary means of defense. |
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no best answer. I keep thinking I will switch over to a tuck-able holster and just go with a compact auto (need the belt, holster, and motivation). Till then I get by with what is in my pocket - and generally have something more substantial nearby. I have often considered getting a mouse gun (ultra compact auto), but don't see it talking the place of the something more substantial, so just have never bothered to get one. –––– but to answer the true question. Is long as I kept it clean enough to function. I prefer substantial auto's to substantial revolvers. If it is in a lint filled pocket, I would probably prefer an air-weight J frame. |
| Comfort in particular situations varies as well. Walking around my HK is very comfy in the VM2 holster, but the best place to carry it for comfort and concealment while walking around is distinctly UNCOMFORTABLE in the car for any length of time. Other options are a lot more comfy in the car but not always as easily concealed. This is actually why my compact 1911 in a vm2 is my primary carry, it's comfy in and out of the car, relatively light weight and concealable. Then you get into all sorts of pocket carry, bags, belt buckle derringers.... |