Derringer for pocket carry? for pincus and others

[fightingquaker13]

 I traded in a kel-tec P-11 on a a bond arms .357 derringer simply because the the keltec printed in a jeans pocket carry, and the Bond doesn't. I also know that the bond is going to go bang on the 2nd shot whereas I was optimistic that the keltec would.(I carry a Glock 19 IWB if I can get away with an untucked shirt). The Bond is accurate enough (3"-4" groups at 10 yds), but it does take that extra 2-3 seconds (yes I practice with snap caps) to draw and cock. Am I better served with something less conceable that will leave an unsightly bulge, or just spend more time getting my draw and cock down? (No comments from the peanut gallery). Its a great gun and I have absolute confindence it will go bang and put the BBs where I want them, its just that small time delay that worries me. Having been suckered into riding a bull once by one of my "adoring" students, I know full well how long two seconds can be. The question is; am I ok with what I have for jeans pocket carry, or should I look elsewhere, and if so, where.
Thanks for your time
fightingquaker13 

[Badgersmilk]

One thing I do when pocket carrying is put the gun in a cheap brand zip lock bag.  It helps a little with the visible print problem, but more important it keeps lint and such out of the barrel and inner workings of the gun.  Come time to use the gun you'll rip through the very thin plastic just by griping the gun without even noticing it (why you want the cheap brand bags).  I've practiced with my Bobcat this way and it works well for me.  Just something to consider.

[saltydogbk]

I have a Bond 410/45 that I carry in a DeSantis Nemesis for a Kahr PM9 pocket holster.  Works well for me.

[Michael Bane]

You guys know I'm a fan of the Bond Arms .45/.410, my ultimate dog walk gun. I also have barrels for .22 LR and .44 Special. I was thinking that additional barrels might be handy.

Depending on my threat level, the Bond is just fine. I used to carry 2 .410s and 2.45 Colt SilverTips on a belt slide. Now I go for 4 .410s on one Tuff strip and 5 .45 Colts on the other. I mean, it won't handle a firefight or anything, but it'll get me home. I also use the Bond as a second gun, especially on long car traps, with that super Bond driving crossdraw holster. I like to know that even if I jump out of the car for a quick ice tea, I've still got a gat.

Michael B

[tumblebug]

 Love my TEXAS Defender 

[Sponsor]

[Rob Pincus]

As we've said on TBD and elsewhere, choosing a concealed carry firearm is all about compromises. As MB said, the derringer may be a great second gun, but it wouldn't be any of our choices (I think...) as a primary if we are really trying to be prepared for a worst case scenario.

In the last 4 weeks, I have carried on 2 days. I have spent most of my time in Europe, where it wasn't a practical/legal option. I am writing this now from Hollywood, where it is not a legal option for me. So, for me, ANY derringer would've been better than what I had (knives, pens, creativity, etc).

So the real question isn't "is this gun good enough?" because we can't predict what you'll actually need. I think the real question is "how much compromise is enough?"

Some people ask that question, especially from a keyboard, and then rant about how their safety and their family's safety is worth never flying on a plane, never going to Manhattan and generally never being without 2 guns, a knife, a cell phone and a chem light. I don't feel that way. Obviously, I compromise my ability to protect myself and those I am with very frequently. As long as you realize that you are doing so when you choose to carry the derringer instead of something else, you are making an educated choice.

Now, all that said, for me, if I am going to go to the effort to carry a gun, I generally want it to be a fair amount of gun. The hoops you have to jump through to carry a 5 or 6 shot revolver instead of the derringer are only a small percentage increase... one that I think is worth it most of the time.

-RJP

**edited to add***:

as for what to go to after the derringer, a lot of that will depend on your body type/shape. I carry my j-frame appendix carry frequently with only an untucked t-shirt or button-up and jeans.... but there are plenty of flatter solutions that should work in a variety of areas. At the end of the day, it may come down to compromising your dress habits for the sake of gun.. which may or may not be worth it to you.

[2HOW]

I used to carry a western .357 derringer . Now a days I dont think it can take the place of a Kel-Teck or another multi shot pistol. JMO

[ericire12]

You guys know I'm a fan of the Bond Arms .45/.410, my ultimate dog walk gun. I also have barrels for .22 LR and .44 Special. I was thinking that additional barrels might be handy.

Depending on my threat level, the Bond is just fine. I used to carry 2 .410s and 2.45 Colt SilverTips on a belt slide. Now I go for 4 .410s on one Tuff strip and 5 .45 Colts on the other. I mean, it won't handle a firefight or anything, but it'll get me home. I also use the Bond as a second gun, especially on long car traps, with that super Bond driving crossdraw holster. I like to know that even if I jump out of the car for a quick ice tea, I've still got a gat.

Michael B

He said "Gat"   

[Michael Bane]

"Gat" is long overdue for a revival!

mb

[BAC]

"Gat" is long overdue for a revival!

mb

I second that!