The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: SigShooter on December 22, 2008, 12:17:42 AM
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I been considering carry gun weight recently. I've recently picked out a P229 which weights about 32 oz empty. I'm really starting to wonder if maybe I've got too much gun to carry, but I'll find that out personally soon enough. My other consideration for a carry gun was a 21 oz Glock 19 for primary carry. But when I agreed to buy the P229 on GB, I was thinking about hand feel and ergonomics, not weight. We'd all like a gun that literally weights nothing, at least until we crank a round off. Then we want a solid mass of metal, possibly depleted uranium, for its natural recoil absorbing abilities. My question is, how much is too much in terms of weight for a primary carry gun? What is the ideal balance between carrying weight and recoil absorbing weight in a carry gun?
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I agree with your thoughts on carry weight. I must say I prefer to carry all steel guns my 45ACP weights in around 36oz. Thats heavy but I've tried to lower the weight some with different weight cutting options. You will have to decide on if it weighs to much? If the gun is not going with you out the door and you are choosing to not carry over discomfort than you may have to look for a different handgun. Good Luck.
IR
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If you carry it EVERY DAY the weight issue will go away, you will forget you have it on. I carry a full size 1911 EVERY DAY, IWB, no belt, no problem.
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I agree with the guys above. Weight, like all things concerning carry weapons, is up to you. I wear shorts and tee shirts so I like small, light guns. I carry A P3AT but have had light snubbies as well. Either works for me. I'd say for me it is 'heavy' around 20 ozs and my shorts will start to look like I'm an (old) wanna be rapper. ;D
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If you carry it EVERY DAY the weight issue will go away, you will forget you have it on. I carry a full size 1911 EVERY DAY, IWB, no belt, no problem.
No Belt? Tom how do your pants stay up? :-)
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No Belt? Tom how do your pants stay up? :-)
I wondered the same thing when I read that!
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Duct tape.
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If you carry it EVERY DAY the weight issue will go away, you will forget you have it on. I carry a full size 1911 EVERY DAY, IWB, no belt, no problem.
I would have to say that it is the opposite.... if you carry everyday, weight really becomes an issue.
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The best answer may be a quality holster that spreads the weight. A Tucker, Comp-Tac or Crossbreed IWB may be the ticket.
Tucker Gun leather
http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/iwbholsters1.html
Comp-Tac
http://www.comp-tac.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=28&osCsid=3217ddc9fe0cfcd3fad7674bc9341783
Crossbreed Holster
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/
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I have a friend that used to carry a S&W Model 29, (Dirty Harry size) and that's gotta be about 4 pounds. It depends on the person and what they are wearing on a day to day basis...
I have a little more around the waist than I did thirty years ago so an IWB kinda jabs me in the hip, and not my good hip! It's the side that's been replaced four times. My High Noon holster rides high and carry's a Commander size Para at about 32 oz loaded. Never know I have it on, sometimes I gotta check to make sure...I think the holster can make a heavier frame gun feel much lighter..
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Ok, I’m new here, but I’ll chime in with a couple of general observations.
I help run a practice group in the Salt Lake City area that runs live fire defensive simulations on a monthly basis. Our only equipment guideline is to use your carry gun and related gear when shooting our simulations. We’ve been running these simulations for about four years, and I’ve noticed some general trends over this time.
We have about a dozen guys who shoot with us on a regular basis and many more who just show up occasionally. In observing the folks who’ve been carrying for a while and who’ve been using our simulations for practice, I’ve noticed most seem to follow the same progression.
Most of us started off carrying smaller guns on an occasional basis. Over the years, almost every one of us have moved to full-sized guns of one kind or another, and carry these pretty much all day, every day. As someone mentioned earlier, weight isn’t an issue in most circumstances.
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"No Belt? Tom how do your pants stay up? :-) "
I have the same problem. When I carry a heavy gun my pants slowly... slide... down. Even with a belt.
I have begun carrying a J frame in a Nemesus pocket holster. I carry one reload in a speed loader. I figure that the pistol is only to keep the bad guys back until I can reach something more authoritive, like my Remington 870. :) Who ain't afraid of a 12 gauge?
I bet Tom uses a spray on adhesive to keep his pants up.
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No Belt? Tom how do your pants stay up? :-)
Tight fit ;D
I didn't buy them that way I just kind of "grew" into them ;D
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Tight fit ;D
I didn't buy them that way I just kind of "grew" into them ;D
Yeah, my pants keep 'shrinking', too. Never used to happen, must be cheap material they use these days. ::)
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Tight fit ;D
I didn't buy them that way I just kind of "grew" into them ;D
That's called "custom fitted". ;D
Weight has never been an issue (gun-wise anyway....don't say it Haz ;)) with me for strong side carry with OWB or Ted Blocker IWB.
I carry the Glock 27 mostly, but when I transition to the heavier 1911 commander (all steel) it really don't bother me.
But, I've been carrying for almost 20 years so I may be accustomed to it by now.
8)
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I thought it was custom if the pants fit you and putting on a few pounds when you fit the pants ;D
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I'm planning on getting a quality holster and belt, which I've heard will greatly reduce felt weight by distribution. I'm not too worried about it's loaded weight though, since I chose it based on hand felt and shootability. And since it's a Sig, any weight it might have over a Glock 19 is offset by the weight reduction of my wallet ;D
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Since moving to a warmer less clothing climate, I have noticed a HUGE difference in my carry pistol. Most of the time my P3AT is like its not even there. However, My PPK/S is heavy in shorts, BUT fine with jeans. IWB.
My EAA Witness compact .40 is even heavier, and more difficult when seated, bending, etc,..
If I am only walking around town, the full size M+P or FN works IWB, but I'm a tuck-in kind of dresser and the "bulge" becomes more prominent.
I guess if I went back to the Don Johnson Miami Vice style I could carry my full size 1911. ::)
(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/vice.jpg)
Nevermind,.... 8)
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Way beyond maximum carry gun weight. http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=4476.0 I don't care how big your pockets are.
I'm still trying to decide what pitol to buy. Maybe a Walther PPS?
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I think weight is very relative, once you begin to carry even a very light gun, you will notice the difference, and favor it until you get used to it, I have carried ankle holster, belly band, IWB, pocket carry, shoulder holster and on the belt. On the belt and shoulder holster are the most comfortable, IWB comes in a close second, but after it all, get a good rig, wear it and carry it and the weight disappears, except I notice it, when it's not there! If I went to a lighter pistol, it would feel weird for a couple of days, and then it would be the new normal. Is there too much weight? Sure, but in what situation? when hunting, I carry a 5" S&W 29 classic hunter with a scope in a cross draw holster, I don't really notice it, except when I have to let my pants down, then they go down very fast. ;) I have a home made Kydex holster, IWB for my 5" S&W 625, that I have used for years, it hides well, and is very fast. I use it for hunting too, as it fits my 4" and 3" N frame revolvers as well. On the belt and IWB with a belt, definitely puts the weight in an area that is one of your strongest body parts, and most able to carry weight.
It's amazing what you can get used to. ;D
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I carry a Para P14 with 4 fully loaded mags at matches but for eveyrday CCW I choose a lightly modified Colt lightweight Officers ACP or S&W 642 in a fanny pack (summer) or good belt holster in colder weather. Weight is a concern even though I was a big guy 283 lbs. It is even more of a concern now that I am down to 200 soon to be 170. Will have to look at different holsters now also.
Richard
PS: I shoot IDPA matches with both guns for practice.
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Weight has never really bothered me. It was the occasional jab or two from the tang on the older model P14 that had me looking smaller.
On a side note, 'too much weight' seems to be a very individual thing, guys much bigger than me gave up their .45s for .40s. Weight difference of just a few ounces.
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(http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp35%3A%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E4%3B7%3E2%3B8%3EWSNRCG%3D3234%3B574684%3B8nu0mrj)
i have a 229 ss its no problem
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(http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp35%3A%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E4%3B7%3E2%3B8%3EWSNRCG%3D3234%3B574684%3B8nu0mrj)
i have a 229 ss its no problem
Glad to hear it since I'm going with near the same gun (not SS). Is that a Galco SSS?
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My max weight is about 27 oz for an unloaded lightweight compact 45 acp.
The pocket Kel-tec P3AT in 380 caliber weighs in at about 7 oz unloaded. Nice compromise for warm weather carry.
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This is a topic that nobody can just simply answer... "oh..this is what you need to do.. because it works for me." Not-true. Why? Because, everyone is different. Everyone lives in different places (different weather, environments). The physical abilities and agilities of one person are very different than other. Reflexes and reactions are different for different ages of people. Do you live in a summer climate were you wear shorts and a t-shirt everyday.. or in the cold were you wear layers and a jacket everyday. That influences how you can carry to conceal a weapon. But, getting back to the heart of the issue.. the lighter the gun is you carry.. the more you will carry it. A snubbie..small semi-auto.. will be easier to carry all day than a bigger ..heavier gun. Now, if you can support a bigger..heavy gun ...with a bigger ..heavier gun..and thicker holster.. this will help and will make it easier to carry. But, there you go...because it makes it harder to conceal for carrying purposes. What does a carry gun mean to you? How will you be dressed when you are carrying? Can you carry your Sig.. yes.. but would a G19 be more comfortable..in my opinion and experience yes ..it would be easier to carry than a Sig.. but would a smaller Glock (G26) or a Ruger LCP or a snubbie be easier to carry than the compact G19 Glock.. yes.. the smaller and lighter the better.. but it depends on so many things. Do you own or want to carry something smaller? Do you want/feel comfortable with something smaller...? When I look at a carry gun.. I go for the smallest I can get a way with..that I feel like can do the job for me or for why I'm carrying on that day.. If it's snowing and cold.. I would carry any bigger handgun.. if it's over 100 degrees out side.. the small snubbie or semi-auto.. is a better choice.. Can you carry your Sig.. yes.. should you.. that's up to you and nobody else.. what's good for the goose is not always good for the gander.. ;)
Now, that you have my recommendation.. I can tell you what I did. I started off with a full-size Springfield XD for carry. It was good..but it was a tad on the heavy side and a times hard to conceal. Then I swithced to a Glock 27 .. and that was a great day :) because it was lighter and easier to carry, more concealable, and just as accurate as the bigger heavier gun. So the G27 was the primary carry gun. Then, along came the S&W 638 snubbie. Even lighter, even more concealable, and yet again..I downsize to a lighter gun. It carrys lighter than my Glock. As of now the snubbie is the best "carry gun" for hot weather and that's what I use it for. If I wear a jacket or have a way to conceal better.. I go back to the Glock etc. What do I like the best.. without a doubt I love my Glocks and much prefer a Glock to any other kind of handgun on the market today. Do I always carry one..no I don't. Carrying changes somethings.. If I had to grab a handgun for any given situation.. I'd grab the Glock.. G23. ;).. perhaps you should get the G19 too and rotate with the Sig..
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After some thought about what Hawkfish posted I have to say that while I have no problems at all carrying my 1911 in warmer weather, I might be better served by something like a J frame or Kel Tec during the winter. since it has seldom been above 30 degrees this winter my IWB pistol is under my jacket as well as my usual cover garment, (sweat shirt) making it more difficult to draw. I would probably be better served by the smaller pistol that will fit in the coat pocket where my hands generally are.
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Thanks to everyone who's contributed to this topic so far. I was curious as to how much emphasis those who carry place on weight concerns over say, cost or number of rounds available before a reload.
I'm happy I got myself another Sig. It's a platform I've learned to love in the same way some learn to love 1911s or Glocks. I'm looking forward to carrying it, after I've function tested it and received my permit (it's going in on the 13th).
I still want a J frame for my pocket though. I'll wait a few months for that.
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Weight has never been a consideration for me, concealment ability is the main issue when it comes to deciding among my 3 main carry guns each day. A good holster and the weight becomes secondary, IMHO.
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Carrying IWB the only thing I have to consider with concealment is the grip. And NH does not regulate open carry so if I print and someone notices, So what, (though no one has yet, whether it's because the pistol does not print or they don't notice I'm not sure)
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Carrying IWB the only thing I have to consider with concealment is the grip. And NH does not regulate open carry so if I print and someone notices, So what, (though no one has yet, whether it's because the pistol does not print or they don't notice I'm not sure)
The average societal lemming walking the street isn't going to look for, or notice a funny bulge around someones waste. Another gun owner might but even the local gang banger is probably too self absorbed to notice because he's too busy hiking up his own pants...
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That's my take as well, we have some real freaking socialists around here who would probably call the cops, like the so called "Peace activists" that I walk past most Saturday mornings, While I'm wearing a jacket with a 12 inch USMC emblem on the back.
Once during the summer a friend of mine asked me if I was carrying, and pointed to where my trac phone was on my waist band under my shirt. ;D