Opinions on capacity vs caliber in a ccw

[cml03f]

Hi everyone new to the forum, I don't want this discussion to turn into a fight about what caliber is the best. I would like to hear what people would prefer. The question is in a concealed weapon would you rather have a 10+1 round capacity of 9mm, 6+1 of .40 s&w, or 5+1 round capacity of .45 acp. I own own several different guns but most of them are full size, I'm have been looking into something smaller to be able to carry and conceal in shorts and a t-shirt because it is dang hot 10 months out of the year here in florida. Would love to here everyone's opinion especially Rob and Michael.

[Fatman]

This is going to sound like a cop-out, but carry what you are comfortable with.  I carry my XD in .45 (13 + 1) almost exclusively. I'm comfortable with it, and found a nice location/holster that conceals it extremely well. I've also found that patterned shirts (tie dye, striped, hawaiian. textured) can make printing a non-issue, allowing me to carry a service/full size pistol.

[Ichiban]

I'm in shorts and t-shirts all summer long and I have a commander sized steel 1911 on my hip the whole time.  I prefer the 1911 for several reasons: it's slim profile makes it easier to conceal, I shoot a 1911 better than my hi capacity 9mms, I like the additional safeties and have practiced enough that I deal with them without thinking, it makes a big hole in whatever I shoot.  If I can't get myself out of a situation with nine rounds of .45acp I have serious doubts that I could do it with 15 rounds of 9mm.  Shot placement rules.

The cop-out answer is the correct answer - carry what you are the most comfortable with (not what is the most comfortable to carry) and that you can shoot well.  A wise man once said that carrying was supposed to be comforting, not comfortable.

[bulldog75]

Glock 26 10+1 it is easy to conceal and I hardly notice I have it with me.

Been thinking of going to a 1911. .45 Knocks the crap out of them with the first shot.

Use to carry a S&W model 66 .357 a real man stopper. Hard to conceal.

[tombogan03884]

Usually carry a 1911, considering a Para P-14, best of both worlds  

[Sponsor]

[TAB]

there is no replacement for displacement.

[twyacht]

Hey cml, as similar questions/posts like this come up, most folks also carry 1 if not 2 extra magazines for semi's, or some form of strip(s) for revolvers. I like Bianchi.

Caliber and capacity will ultimately be up to you, there is such a wide selection.

I tend to carry different things on different days, as I too live in the swamps of Fla. Your skills and abilities are also a major factor.
Some folks carry a snub, 5 or 6 shots, but they practice ALOT, and it works for them. Others want the added comfort of knowing they have 7,8,9-14+ rds. of "x" and it works for them also.

I don't feel undergunned when I carry my Taurus M85 loaded with 5 Rem GS +P .38's., or even my Kel-Tec P3AT .380 with Cor-Bon rds.

On other days, my FN9 or M+P .40 works, with Winchester SXT's.

Remember, 1 or 2 well placed "insert caliber", outweigh 10 or more rounds of misses, and those misses in an urban environment can include the potential of a bystander getting shot. You are responsible for every bullet.

Availability [You have to have it with you.]
Reliability [It has to 'go bang.']
Penetration [It has to reach important bits.]
Placement [You have to hit important bits.]

Welcome to DRTV.

[Ichiban]

Usually carry a 1911, considering a Para P-14, best of both worlds  

Tom,
You might want to look at a Springfield GI hi-cap http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=11.  Para quality and customer service doesn't seem to be what it once was.

[fightingquaker13]

I've been doing this little dance. I carry a G-26 and love it. When it hits 90 degrees, I love it less. I tried a Bond in .357. Loved it. Wish I never traded it. YET.....do I trust myself with an SA no matter how small it is? as a BUG, yes. Primary carry? I don't know. Likewise, I have looked at a P32. Light, small reliable, but a .32. I might rebuy the Bond, I might go kel-tec. Odds are good though that I'll just stick with the Glock and wear long pants as I trust it (and as importantly trust me using it) completely.
FQ13

[ericire12]

I dont think you should worry about having "only" 6 rounds of 45 acp. Its gonna give you every chance to get home in probably 99.999% of situations that might arise.

Personally, I start to feel uncomfortable around the 5 round mark < or = .38 special. Yes, it is a capable round but I worry about having to face multiple attackers with only five rounds.