The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: On the Marc on December 02, 2008, 04:04:59 PM

Title: Carry guns
Post by: On the Marc on December 02, 2008, 04:04:59 PM
what are the best choices in carry guns?
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: shooter32 on December 02, 2008, 04:33:59 PM
Are you looking to buy?
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: cooptire on December 02, 2008, 04:59:01 PM
That is as open ended of question as their is. That is really a very personal choice dictated by your own situation, preferances, experiences and abilities. I would suggest finding a good self defense gun trainer and going from there. I wouldn't buy first. Get some experience and  training and then go from there. What you want or think you want might change after some training. Go from there. YMMV  ;)
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: HAWKFISH on December 02, 2008, 05:01:11 PM
There are many choices. It depends on what you need/ or are looking to carry it for. If you search posts, reviews, and videos on here you will get many different answers. Some prefer Semi-auto..some revolvers.. some big ..some small.. etc.. It just all depends.. everyone has a different answer and prefers something to their own-liking.. It depends heavily on what kind of carry.. it a pocket?.. a small..snubbie revolver is great or perhaps a kel-tec/ ruger lcp .380..  some carry small Glocks..but it is better to carry Glocks in or around the waistband area.. in a holster..secured in place (don't ever just stick a gun in your pants). etc.. some prefer ankle holsters ..some people carry in a pack when travel in a car etc..   just been sensable and safe and research things. Then go from there..  
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: shooter32 on December 02, 2008, 05:05:11 PM
 Has to feel good in your hand and you have to be able to hit what your aiming at. Your life might depend on it!
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: ericire12 on December 02, 2008, 05:08:39 PM
There are many choices. It depends on what you need/ or are looking to carry it for. If you search posts, reviews, and videos on here you will get many different answers. Some prefer Semi-auto..some revolvers.. some big ..some small.. etc.. It just all depends.. everyone has a different answer and prefers something to their own-liking.. It depends heavily on what kind of carry.. it a pocket?.. a small..snubbie revolver is great or perhaps a kel-tec/ ruger lcp .380..  some carry small Glocks..but it is better to carry Glocks in or around the waistband area.. in a holster..secured in place (don't ever just stick a gun in your pants). etc.. some prefer ankle holsters ..some people carry in a pack when travel in a car etc..   just been sensable and safe and research things. Then go from there..  

Plaxico Burress can testify to that!



I carry a Glock 26.... Its a great carry gun and I highly recommend it.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: PegLeg45 on December 02, 2008, 05:59:17 PM
I carry a Glock 27 probably 75% of the time and a 1911 colt Commander the other 25%.
They work for me and I trust them as much as one can trust a mechanical device.

Giving advice in this area is tricky. As stated previously by Cooptire, I would not buy first. First, learn as much as possible about the various types and styles of handguns. If you have access to a local area range, go and ask questions. Most shooters will allow you to 'feel-up' their babies and even shoot them if you'd like. When I first got into shooting, some of the guys at the local range seemed like they were almost fighting to see which one of their guns I was going to shoot first. That time was fun.
Shoot as many different types and calibers as you can before you make a purchasing decision. Pick something that is comfortable and that you are comfortable with.

Good Luck, and happy hunting.    8)
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: ellis4538 on December 02, 2008, 06:40:07 PM
I posted a reply to your Glock 34 question, so I will post one for this question also.  For whatever type of weapon you choose to compete with there is most likely at least one compact or subcompact model  in the same or larger cal., to choose from as a carry gun.  You might even want to compete with what you carry (the "Beware of the man with only one gun" theory).  You might not do as well in the standings but...

You might choose to carry something entirely different.

JMHOFWIW

Richard

PS:  A good excuse to buy another gun
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Jim Urban on December 02, 2008, 07:15:01 PM
PS:  A good excuse to buy More Guns

There ya go ellis, I fixed it for ya.


Marc
If you don't already have a preference,
I'd recommend you research as many models as possible, both semi-auto and revolvers.
Definitely,try before you buy.

Jim
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Big Frank on December 02, 2008, 07:31:09 PM
The best carry gun is one you always have on you and will always work if you ever need to use it. I like .45 autos but most are pretty big, and I've been thinking about getting a 9mm just because I don't have one yet. I don't know whether I should get one or trade in one of my double-stack Paras for a slimmer .45, like a Para Carry or CCO - Companion Carry Option. I know I want an auto-pistol but that's as far as I've gotten so far.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: mudman on December 02, 2008, 07:44:13 PM
 Para Carry 9 LDA +1.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Ichiban on December 02, 2008, 08:20:18 PM
You, sir, appear to be a man of great intelligence, impeccable breading, and are a fine judge of firearms.  ;- )
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Ichiban on December 02, 2008, 08:21:34 PM
Oh yeah, your breeding is impeccable as well.  :P
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: mudman on December 03, 2008, 10:20:54 AM
Right back atchaaaaa. 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) ::)
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: PegLeg45 on December 03, 2008, 10:24:42 AM
You, sir, appear to be a man of great intelligence, impeccable breading, and are a fine judge of firearms.  ;- )

Yes, sounds like he has a fine crust.          ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Fatman on December 03, 2008, 10:33:48 AM
The best carry gun is one you always have on you and will always work if you ever need to use it. I like .45 autos but most are pretty big, and I've been thinking about getting a 9mm just because I don't have one yet. I don't know whether I should get one or trade in one of my double-stack Paras for a slimmer .45, like a Para Carry or CCO - Companion Carry Option. I know I want an auto-pistol but that's as far as I've gotten so far.

No one in their right mind would sell you a pistol, what with you looking like that and all.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: cooptire on December 03, 2008, 10:34:52 AM
No one in their right mind would sell you a pistol, what with you looking like that and all.

What do you mean? Wasn't that just his pic for his Christmas card?
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: PegLeg45 on December 03, 2008, 10:37:08 AM
Somebody mail jumbofrank a comb.
 ;D
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: MikeO on December 06, 2008, 12:25:11 PM
Best for me are Ruger SR9, GP100 and S&W M&P45c. YMMV.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Galeth005 on December 09, 2008, 10:57:15 PM
Best for me are Ruger SR9, GP100 and S&W M&P45c. YMMV.
Vote 2 for the sr9... when not sr9 i go glock
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: TAB on December 09, 2008, 11:46:22 PM
when I had my ccw I started out with a colt commander, then went to a DE.  Every once in awhile I'd  carry a snubby, but I'd much rather have a full size gun that I know I can shoot well.

I'd also like to point out that a 1911 pattern gun cocked and locked is about the safest pistol you can have.  3 things must happen for it to go bang. 
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: IndependentRealist on December 18, 2008, 10:55:37 AM
I carry a 4 1/4 " 1911. I decided on this pistol for myself years ago when shooting a Glock 22 40S&W along side a Commander Colt 45ACP. The handling is better in "my opinion only". They seem to just cycle better when you have one that is reliability tuned. So with that said I carry a CBOB DW-PT 45ACP daily. I will sometimes pack my 32ACP Seecamp (ultra-deep CCW) on certain situations.

IR
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: 1Buckshot on December 18, 2008, 11:51:46 AM
Glock 19 with one mag. All the ammo I need, because after that im still alive, dead or running like hell. :o :o :o ;D
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: sideshot on December 29, 2008, 10:45:06 PM
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp5337%3B%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E4%3B7%3E2%3B8%3EWSNRCG%3D32378687%3C%3A%3A%3A8nu0mrj)
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: sig232 on January 06, 2009, 03:06:52 PM
I like to carry my Kimber compact 45 acp as my first choice.

But many times I am not able to pack big iron and will carry my Kel-tec P3AT instead. Its lightweight and flat, you hardly know its in your pocket. Not the best choice for a gunfight but the odds of me ever getting into an extended gun exchange are almost nil.

I suggest that you carry what you feel most comfortable with and the weapon that you can handle well.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Buck45 on January 21, 2009, 04:07:42 PM
Kel Tec PF-9 w/ 115 gr Federal HP's. It carries and disappears in so many different ways I can't list them all. My favorite is the top pocket in my flannel shirt while driving. Doesn't even need to come out of the pocket for a stop light hijacker. Just grab it thru the shirt,  rotate 90 degrees and pull the trigger.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

"A gun in the hands of a bad man is a very dangerous thing. A gun in the hands of a good person is no danger to anyone except the bad guys."      Charlton Heston - 1997
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: mmszbi on February 10, 2009, 09:13:50 AM
Could spend literally years on this topic, and have thread degrade to an argument at best.....

It simple and has already been said, worth saying again....a good carry gun is one you WILL CARRY. ALL the time. It just may not be the same gun all the time.  I carry 4,  my Kimber .45, a Taurus Model 85 in 38 and a Walther PPK (yes original German made) in .32, or a FEG .380. Depends on occasion, clothing requirements and temperature. But always have 1 (sometimes more!) with me.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: PegLeg45 on February 10, 2009, 01:35:03 PM
Could spend literally years on this topic, and have thread degrade to an argument at best.....

It simple and has already been said, worth saying again....a good carry gun is one you WILL CARRY. ALL the time. It just may not be the same gun all the time.  I carry 4,  my Kimber .45, a Taurus Model 85 in 38 and a Walther PPK (yes original German made) in .32, or a FEG .380. Depends on occasion, clothing requirements and temperature. But always have 1 (sometimes more!) with me.

Agreed 100%......I always have a gun......and, welcome to the forum.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Galeth005 on February 11, 2009, 12:30:57 AM
(http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp5337%3B%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E4%3B7%3E2%3B8%3EWSNRCG%3D32378687%3C%3A%3A%3A8nu0mrj)

what gun is that? i'm not familiar with sig
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: SigShooter on February 11, 2009, 02:37:40 AM
what gun is that? i'm not familiar with sig

That's a proper carry gun. Love my 229. It's got an extended beavertail and the excellent SRT trigger. I can carry all day long with two spare mags no problem. But, if I have to go in and out of "magic safety zones," I'm thinking about a BUG, probably a J-frame. Unfortunately, Sig doesn't make anything that can truely fill that niche yet.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: ericire12 on February 11, 2009, 06:47:58 AM
They showed off a .380 at SHOT
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: jaybet on February 11, 2009, 03:19:55 PM
OK...I've gotten a little encouragement from Ms Maggie after she fired a friend's Springfield EMP. For 9mm 1911 it had very little  recoil and was very accurate. So I'm asking for input on what is the best (read, "least problematic") tiny 1911- 3-3-1/2" barrel.

The EMP WAS nice, but I prefer 45 especially for SD gun. But I also would rather not be restricted to 6 rd. Any ideas?
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: SigShooter on February 11, 2009, 03:41:39 PM
They showed off a .380 at SHOT

I'm not too excited about that one. I'm not excited about a 1911 in my pocket. I know it's been done in the early 1900's, but it's just not the right gun for me.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Ichiban on February 11, 2009, 03:44:50 PM
I've been thinking of upgrading from a 9mm to a 45 for carry as well.  You trade off a couple of rounds (depending) for the larger caliber.  I've been eyeballing a Kimber Pro Carry II (commander length) pretty hard.  I carry IWB so I think the extra inch of barrel wouldn't be any problem at all and I can always use a longer sight radius.  I haven't seen anything bad about them - well, except that Kimber price tag.  They sure fit my hand well and I like their trigger.

Springfield also makes the EMP in 40 S&W if you have deep pockets.

Or, you could wait until Ruger comes out with a compact SR9 in 45ACP.   ::)
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Galeth005 on February 11, 2009, 08:32:51 PM


Or, you could wait until Ruger comes out with a compact SR9 in 45ACP.   ::)

wouldn't that be the sr45??? if/ when it comes out
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Big Frank on February 11, 2009, 08:35:46 PM
coughing *recall* *recall*  ;D
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: jaybet on February 11, 2009, 09:42:16 PM

Or, you could wait until Ruger comes out with a compact SR9 in 45ACP.   ::)
Ichiban is trying to goad me into misbehaving. They could make an SR9 that give you Happy Ending and I still wouldn't get one.

I hate to bring it up....Taurus Millenium 145- 3-1/4" barrel, 10 rounds of .45 acp. It's just not a steel gun.
Or how about the mini Hawgs...can't you get them with 9 or 10 rounds for cost just under a whole donut?

Also ....Jumbo....it's "Cough, cough, Upgrade, upgrade"
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: CJS3 on February 15, 2009, 08:37:30 AM
Ichiban is trying to goad me into misbehaving. They could make an SR9 that give you Happy Ending and I still wouldn't get one.

I hate to bring it up....Taurus Millenium 145- 3-1/4" barrel, 10 rounds of .45 acp. It's just not a steel gun.
Or how about the mini Hawgs...can't you get them with 9 or 10 rounds for cost just under a whole donut?

Also ....Jumbo....it's "Cough, cough, Upgrade, upgrade"

I've carried a PT145 since May. 1500 rds, no problems. No coughs.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Ping on February 15, 2009, 10:28:44 AM
I have been looking real hard at the Glock 26 or Glock 27. But after squeezing the trigger of a Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm Compact, I may be sold on it!!!
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: GOOFA on February 17, 2009, 12:39:23 AM
One of my favorites. ;D

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/3003276941_4047d2797a.jpg)


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/3001593573_844a06a8b9.jpg)
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: PegLeg45 on February 17, 2009, 03:59:14 PM
One fine lookin' lead-slinger you got there.     ;)

How does it shoot?

Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: kmbrman on February 17, 2009, 10:33:06 PM
Ping   The trigger on the M&P 9s get much smoother after a few rounds down the tube ,I like my full size a lot ,especially the lack of recoil! ;D
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Ping on February 19, 2009, 08:29:39 PM
I will have to find out since I picked up a Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm Compact for my wife the other day. We have yet to arrange time to blow off some rounds. I will get back with you once we get time to send rounds down range.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: sparker56 on February 20, 2009, 08:37:21 AM
I like .45 autos but most are pretty big,

I carry a Rock Island Armory (RIA) .45 in a compact size, roughly equivilent to a Colt Officer size.  It's a 3.5 inch barrel in a sturdy all steel 1911A1 package. and for a budget of up to 800.00, you can but two of them!.  One in 5" full size, and one compact size  ;D
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 20, 2009, 12:20:25 PM
I carry a Rock Island Armory (RIA) .45 in a compact size, roughly equivilent to a Colt Officer size.  It's a 3.5 inch barrel in a sturdy all steel 1911A1 package. and for a budget of up to 800.00, you can but two of them!.  One in 5" full size, and one compact size  ;D

I carry the full size and love it. More importantly, I TRUST it.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: Ping on February 20, 2009, 02:05:47 PM
Fired the Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm Compact today with my wife. It was one of my best experiences on the range with a handgun right out of the box.  Fired 30 rounds and all were in the X or 9 ring. Excellent to me for a compact.
Title: Re: Carry guns
Post by: tt11758 on February 20, 2009, 04:33:41 PM
Quote
I picked up a Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm Compact for my wife the other day.

Good trade!!  ;D