Maximum carry gun weight

[ellis4538]

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. 

[Fatman]

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.

[sideshot]

i have a 229 ss its no problem

[SigShooter]

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?

[sig232]

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.

[Sponsor]

[HAWKFISH]

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..

[tombogan03884]

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.

[SigShooter]

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.

[mmszbi]

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.

[tombogan03884]

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)