What should I carry? - The Firearms Forum

WhiteRhino · 06-29-2003, 08:55 PM

I am about to apply for my CC permit, and am trying to decide what hardware is best for me. I have limited the field to the Sig P229 in either .40 or .357Sig, or a Glock 27 in .40.

Any thoughts?

armedandsafe · 06-29-2003, 09:59 PM

I have always taught that you carry that one which you are most comfortable with, which fits your style of carry.

I carry a large piece, because I can conceal it well. Some can't. Others can't hit with a small piece. The weapon has to fit the purpose and the shooter.

In other words.......I dunno.

Sir Bug · 06-29-2003, 10:21 PM

Hello WhiteRhino,

What are you most confident firing? And like Armedandsafe says, the one you are most comfortable with? Therein lies your answer.

My primary weapon of choice to carry is a Colt M1903, .32 cal. with HP, steel jacketed +P's.

I have two others I carry dependent upon the weather due to our heat and humidity here in the South - a Ruger Security Six, .357 mag. for mild weather and a Kel-Tek .32 for the really hot weather.

Your Friend in Dixie,

Sir Bug

ps: welcome to the group.

WhiteRhino · 06-29-2003, 10:55 PM

I mostly shoot 1911s and I have a Les Baer Stinger, but am hesitant to carry that because of the weight of the steel slide and frame, and because I don't ever want to have to turn it over to the cops (even temporarily) if I am involved in an "incident." I suppose since I am used to shooting and pointing 1911s, I should look at aluminum frame guns of the same type like the Kimber Eclipse Pro CDP.

The other consideration for me is frame size. I am a very lean 6'4", 195#, so anything I am going to carry needs to be low profile.

Anyway, what do you think of .40 and 357Sig compared to the venerable .45 as defense loads?

Sir Bug · 06-29-2003, 11:17 PM

WhiteRhino,

Any of those you've mentioned have plenty of knock-down/kill power.

I am 5'8", 155 lbs., so I know what you're saying about low profile. That's why I prefer my M1903. I, like you, would hate to give it up to anyone for any amount of time.

If you are more confident with a 1911, you might consider the Kimber, or one of the other clones.

My local firing range has several different weapons for rent at $5.00 per session. Check with the ranges in your area to see if they have rentals. If so, try out some of the different ones before you invest - cheaper in the long run.

Good luck.

Your Friend in Dixie,

Sir Bug

Cow Caregiver · 06-30-2003, 07:36 AM

One of the better hide'em guns, and one that is sufficiently unattractive that the loss of it to Mr. Not-My-Friend for a stay in the arms locker would not cause undue pain is the old Tokarev in .30 Mauser persuasion. It's flat, it conceals well, and it hits a lot harder than the .32 ACP. If you are already dialed in with a 1911, though, you might be ahead to pick up one of the old aluminum frame Colt commanders and pack that. Grip angle on the Glocks or Tokarevs are different from the 1911, and that will play hob with hitting if you ever have to shoot without benefit of aiming.

Logansdad · 06-30-2003, 07:55 PM

I'd take a Glock over a Sig (I have both)

armedandsafe · 07-02-2003, 06:01 PM

You guys talk about difficulty in concealing a full sized piece. I'm 6' and 145#. I can conceal my Dan Wesson Trooper with the oversize grip and 6" bbl. Takes a little thought regarding dress and we don't have the 90 degree, 110% RH days some of you have. I can still do a 0.6 sec draw and fire for effect (6" bull in torso at 7 yards.) Work on it and remember: IF YOU DON'T CARRY IT, YOU CAN'T USE IT!

Pops

FN_Project90 · 07-08-2003, 12:23 AM

for carry the .357 sig is an awesome round, speer makes ammo for it that is $9.99 for 50, so its affordable to shoot (thats a buck more than .40 s&w). for carry I like my glock or my 1911 ( I want to get a 1911 full fram that shoots .357 sig with a fully ramped barrel, someone gave me that idea)

Cow Caregiver · 07-11-2003, 08:26 AM

Mine for years has been the VZ 52 in .30 Tok, with my handloads using a 60 grain gold dot pill at "too fast fer the rabbits to outrun....". The bottleneck feeds like grass through a goose, and the gun is flat and skinny, hides good under my overalls, and has a good safety with a safe hammer drop, which the Walther P.38 does not.

The .357 Sig is a bottleneck too, and I like the idea of making one up with a ramped 1911 tube. Wonder where you got that weird idea, FN? If the town folks keep getting rowdier, I may have to make up one just so's I can keep my side of the argument covered....

FN_Project90 · 07-11-2003, 11:14 AM

why from this cool guy named cow caregiver

know em?

Cow Caregiver · 07-11-2003, 11:19 AM

Kinda figgered it was some kinda old coot like that.... Just looked at one of the Caspian frames yesterday. They have come a long way in the "fit and finish" department, and hardness was good too, RC 37 at the three spots we tested....

merc · 07-11-2003, 03:24 PM

Hello White Rino.
While all the above are true what really counts is...
what are your preferences?
what is your intent?
how do you plan to carry?
Answer these questions and you will have the answer.
Then practice-practice-practice.
The lighter and smaller -- the easier it is to conceal.
Start with the lightest caliber you deem to be the minimum and work up from there.
Although the .45 is a nice powerful caliber, if you don't carry it because you can't hide it--it is then useless.
I am sure that the pistols you named will all last a lifetime with a little care and are of sufficient quality to be reliable when and if you ever need to trust your life to it.
Good Luck

06-29-2003, 08:55 PM	#1
WhiteRhino Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 27	What should I carry? I am about to apply for my CC permit, and am trying to decide what hardware is best for me. I have limited the field to the Sig P229 in either .40 or .357Sig, or a Glock 27 in .40. Any thoughts? -->

06-29-2003, 10:21 PM	#3
Sir Bug V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: North-Central, North Carolina Posts: 125	Hello WhiteRhino, What are you most confident firing? And like Armedandsafe says, the one you are most comfortable with? Therein lies your answer. My primary weapon of choice to carry is a Colt M1903, .32 cal. with HP, steel jacketed +P's. I have two others I carry dependent upon the weather due to our heat and humidity here in the South - a Ruger Security Six, .357 mag. for mild weather and a Kel-Tek .32 for the really hot weather. Your Friend in Dixie, Sir Bug ps: welcome to the group. Last edited by Sir Bug; 06-29-2003 at 10:26 PM..

06-30-2003, 07:36 AM	#6
Cow Caregiver V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 136	You'll probably think I've lost my marbles, but.... One of the better hide'em guns, and one that is sufficiently unattractive that the loss of it to Mr. Not-My-Friend for a stay in the arms locker would not cause undue pain is the old Tokarev in .30 Mauser persuasion. It's flat, it conceals well, and it hits a lot harder than the .32 ACP. If you are already dialed in with a 1911, though, you might be ahead to pick up one of the old aluminum frame Colt commanders and pack that. Grip angle on the Glocks or Tokarevs are different from the 1911, and that will play hob with hitting if you ever have to shoot without benefit of aiming. __________________ Freedom comes dear. Don't let anybody steal yours.... Last edited by Cow Caregiver; 06-30-2003 at 07:39 AM..

06-30-2003, 07:55 PM	#7
Logansdad V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Alabama's Gulf Coast Posts: 222	I'd take a Glock over a Sig (I have both) __________________ "Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." Jesus, Luke 22:36 "I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." Galileo It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it..

07-08-2003, 12:23 AM	#9
FN_Project90 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Posts: 803	for carry the .357 sig is an awesome round, speer makes ammo for it that is $9.99 for 50, so its affordable to shoot (thats a buck more than .40 s&w). for carry I like my glock or my 1911 ( I want to get a 1911 full fram that shoots .357 sig with a fully ramped barrel, someone gave me that idea) __________________ Things n' Stuff

06-29-2003, 09:59 PM	#2
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	I have always taught that you carry that one which you are most comfortable with, which fits your style of carry. I carry a large piece, because I can conceal it well. Some can't. Others can't hit with a small piece. The weapon has to fit the purpose and the shooter. In other words.......I dunno.

06-29-2003, 10:55 PM	#4
WhiteRhino Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 27	I mostly shoot 1911s and I have a Les Baer Stinger, but am hesitant to carry that because of the weight of the steel slide and frame, and because I don't ever want to have to turn it over to the cops (even temporarily) if I am involved in an "incident." I suppose since I am used to shooting and pointing 1911s, I should look at aluminum frame guns of the same type like the Kimber Eclipse Pro CDP. The other consideration for me is frame size. I am a very lean 6'4", 195#, so anything I am going to carry needs to be low profile. Anyway, what do you think of .40 and 357Sig compared to the venerable .45 as defense loads?

06-29-2003, 11:17 PM	#5
Sir Bug V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: North-Central, North Carolina Posts: 125	WhiteRhino, Any of those you've mentioned have plenty of knock-down/kill power. I am 5'8", 155 lbs., so I know what you're saying about low profile. That's why I prefer my M1903. I, like you, would hate to give it up to anyone for any amount of time. If you are more confident with a 1911, you might consider the Kimber, or one of the other clones. My local firing range has several different weapons for rent at $5.00 per session. Check with the ranges in your area to see if they have rentals. If so, try out some of the different ones before you invest - cheaper in the long run. Good luck. Your Friend in Dixie, Sir Bug

07-02-2003, 06:01 PM	#8
armedandsafe Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Moses Lake, WA Posts: 10,344	You guys talk about difficulty in concealing a full sized piece. I'm 6' and 145#. I can conceal my Dan Wesson Trooper with the oversize grip and 6" bbl. Takes a little thought regarding dress and we don't have the 90 degree, 110% RH days some of you have. I can still do a 0.6 sec draw and fire for effect (6" bull in torso at 7 yards.) Work on it and remember: IF YOU DON'T CARRY IT, YOU CAN'T USE IT! Pops

07-11-2003, 08:26 AM	#10
Cow Caregiver V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 136	The "goin' to town" gun Mine for years has been the VZ 52 in .30 Tok, with my handloads using a 60 grain gold dot pill at "too fast fer the rabbits to outrun....". The bottleneck feeds like grass through a goose, and the gun is flat and skinny, hides good under my overalls, and has a good safety with a safe hammer drop, which the Walther P.38 does not. The .357 Sig is a bottleneck too, and I like the idea of making one up with a ramped 1911 tube. Wonder where you got that weird idea, FN? If the town folks keep getting rowdier, I may have to make up one just so's I can keep my side of the argument covered.... __________________ Freedom comes dear. Don't let anybody steal yours....

07-11-2003, 11:14 AM	#11
FN_Project90 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Posts: 803	why from this cool guy named cow caregiver know em? __________________ Things n' Stuff

07-11-2003, 11:19 AM	#12
Cow Caregiver V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 136	Kinda figgered it was some kinda old coot like that.... Just looked at one of the Caspian frames yesterday. They have come a long way in the "fit and finish" department, and hardness was good too, RC 37 at the three spots we tested.... __________________ Freedom comes dear. Don't let anybody steal yours....

07-11-2003, 03:24 PM	#13
merc V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pelham, NH Posts: 309	Hello White Rino. While all the above are true what really counts is... what are your preferences? what is your intent? how do you plan to carry? Answer these questions and you will have the answer. Then practice-practice-practice. The lighter and smaller -- the easier it is to conceal. Start with the lightest caliber you deem to be the minimum and work up from there. Although the .45 is a nice powerful caliber, if you don't carry it because you can't hide it--it is then useless. I am sure that the pistols you named will all last a lifetime with a little care and are of sufficient quality to be reliable when and if you ever need to trust your life to it. Good Luck __________________ Merc Living without Liberty is not Living