What do you carry and why ? - Page 2 - The Firearms Forum

Enfield · 12-02-2008, 11:36 PM

Sorry Guys I was only joking, I did not wish to upset anyone

For the record I think that you should be allowed to carry if you want to and that you should be allowed to defend yourself in any way that you choose.

The element of risk should be weighed against the villan - if they pick on you guys then they will loose, too bad.

I have been to the US a couple of times and thought that it was a great place and met loads of nice people but totaly understand your reference to the spare tyre, you may never need it, but when you do you really need it

All the best

Enfield

ponycar17 · 12-03-2008, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enfield

Sorry Guys I was only joking, I did not wish to upset anyone

I don't think you upset anyone. I only replied as I did because I thought your response was funny.

carver · 12-03-2008, 06:58 AM

I suppose I'm a little old fashioned. I like the old wheel guns, and I also like the 1911A. The wheel guns though just leave a little something out of the SD scenario, like only 5 or 6 rds. I know that some of the newer ones on the market now have 7 and 8 shot capacity. But, I feel better knowing I have a few more rds. with the .45, and that each one is a little better, IMHO, suited to SD than the .38's of .357's. I usually carry the .45, but have also started carrying a little .380. Both guns are carried cocked and locked, and both guns only require a swipe of the thumb to disengage the safety. Both carry the same # of rds., and both guns are very accurate at longer distances than I will ever be shooting at a BG. I am considering at this time purchasing the Taurus 58. That little bugger carries 20 rds. of .380. If I purchase this gun, and it shoots like I hope it will, then that just might become my everyday carry weapon.

Insulation Tim · 12-03-2008, 07:05 AM

Well, I need to wait until this Saturday when I take the Ohio CCW Class. I then take that certificate to the local sheriff's office and apply for the prmit.

Hopefully, I'll be able to legally carry my S&W AirLite TI 38 Special Snubnose.

I still haven't figured it out as to how I'm going to concel carry it, but small, slow steps for a newbie.

obxned · 12-03-2008, 07:53 AM

Summer carry is usually a P-3AT, and in cold weather a PF-9. I want light weight and don't want to have to dress differently to conceal than I otherwise would.

pap1105 · 12-03-2008, 10:19 AM

p3at pocket in pocket holster. pf9 owb in don hume jit slide. easy to conceal

Gorillaman · 12-03-2008, 10:35 AM

Springfield Armory XD in .45 Tactical model. 13+1 speer gold dots 230 gr. jhp

Im in the combat zone here in South East Arizona.

DWARREN123 · 12-04-2008, 05:29 AM

At this time it is a Springfield XDm in 40 S&W either IWB or a slide type holster.

Gabob · 12-04-2008, 07:18 AM

Around the farm I carry whichever large caliber revolver I pick up first, either 45 Colt or .44 Mag(We have wild hogs and other large varmints)
When I worked in a lab coat I carried a ,45 S&W 4516 in IWB holster
Retired now and carry Beretta Tomcat .32 acp in pocket holster at all times

Jay · 12-04-2008, 07:30 AM

I've carried a 1911 variant for 40 years, and I'm not gonna change now. I have several firearms available to carry, but I'm of the opinion that having to remind myself which handgun I'm carrying,may not be the best method for me to use. What muscle memory I have left is pretty well oriented towards, the 1911 platform, and I'm proficient there.

UncleFudd · 12-04-2008, 07:34 AM

Great to carry all those neat guns, but can you fight with it?
Can you get it out of your current holster with your "off hand" Be honest now>
Can you hit every time (after you draw with your off hand) using ONLY your off hand? Or do you even practice these maneuvers?
All day, every day at my range I watch guys and gals who claim to be serious about self defense and seldom to never except in class do I see a single one practice with their off hand.
It will not be enough to just have it with you. PRACTICE and remember to practice getting your gun out of its container with your off hand and being able to hit every single time with either hand.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE and then PRACTICE some more.
I still carry either my 9MM lightweight commander or the G19 and YES I CAN to all the above and I practice with the off hand 1/2 of every practice session.

I am about to begin a new evening practice session (after normal business hours) for a normal "lane rental fee" which will allow anyone who wants to participate. We will do low light, barricade, prone, sitting and laying down as well as shoot while you move to cover.
Most ranges don't allow this so I am going to do this primarily for that reason and because I do have a few serious members and people who have supported my range for a lot of years that I want to try to give back something special to them.
It will be interesting to see how many will turn out to take advantage of this once in a lifetime offer. If it goes OK I'll continue to offer it once a month. I'll keep you all posted on the reception.

God Speed and everyone have a wonderful, safe and Happy Holiday Season.

UF
WWW.caswells.com

45nut · 12-04-2008, 01:00 PM

My main carry gun is a Taurus P-140 in a strong side IWB holster. Same for my Rock Island Armory GI .45 ACP. I like that the safety for the P-140 is located in the same place as the 1911. My main back-up has been a Titan .25 that is reliable and accurate. I just bought a PF-9 and haven't decided if I'm going to use the PF-9 as a back or alternate.

I also have a concealed t-shirt with the holster under my left arm and it's hardly noticable with the Taurus, but I prefer it IWB for accessability.

I've been carrying the PF-9 in my strong side pants pocket.

bikemanutah · 12-04-2008, 06:59 PM

My wife and I both carry Sig Sauer P220, 45ACP's. I also carry a Springfield XD Compact in 45ACP. It holds enough rounds, 13 & 1 to hold up in a fire fight.

flannelman · 12-05-2008, 12:04 AM

I dno't carry yet but I plan to take the CCW course and get my permit just after the new year. I have a Ruger P-89 9mm and a Hi-Point 9mm that I might consider carrying but I will probably be out shopping for a carry gun soon. Any ideas you may have for me would be great. I am a big guy so large frame guns are no problem for me.

bikemanutah · 12-05-2008, 06:00 PM

Flannelman,

If you are going to carry a gun that you want your life to depend on, and I am not being an ass about this, get rid of the Ruger and the Hi-Point and buy a high dollar hand gun. I would consider a Glock or HK in 45ACP. I personally carry the Springfield XD or the Sig Sauer P220, both 45 caliber. After you buy your hand gun, go out to the range or wherever you can shoot, and put about 500 rounds through it the first day. Keep doing that for a few months and see why a high dollar hand gun is your best bet. Get your permit as soon as you can, they may not be available much longer if our government has its way.

doug66 · 12-05-2008, 07:48 PM

I carry a SP 101. Why? Because a Ruger revolver, loaded with 125 gr .357 mag. ammo is what I have confidence in.

threefeathers · 12-05-2008, 07:54 PM

An HK P2K and a Glock 32. Both in 357 Sig.

bluesea112 · 12-06-2008, 11:22 AM

Bersa Thunder .380. It is reliable and accurate.....and it doesn't pull my pants down or leave a bruise on my lower back like my p220 does.

sabashimon · 12-06-2008, 03:20 PM

My son just traded his Kimber 1911 for a Glock 19. He was finally swayed by the Hi-Cap argument (and he already had 9mil ammo for another piece)
Personally, I carry (from waking till bed) an HK45c, with 8+1 and usually one extra mag of 10, though sometimes I will carry two mags of 10.
It's not the smallest, nor the biggest EDC, but it conceals well enough, and I shoot well with it (most important consideration IMO).
On a hot summer day, as I rarely wear shorts, I may pare it down to my S&W 638 Bodyguard on the ankle, with two speedstrips or speedloaders available if needed. The .38 is also almost always on my ankle regardless of the weather.
Why? I like .45's, and because I've yet to have an issue of any kind with the HK after thousands of rounds, and because ultimately I'm confident that with 8+1 and another 10 on my side I am prepared for 99.9% of the scenarios that will confront me, with the .38 as BUG just one more layer of preparation.
My SA Marine Corps Operator full size 1911 remains next to my bed with a TLR-1 attached. I've tried to carry it daily (w/o the light), but I've found that for long term comfort (meaning I'll wear it), the HK wins out.

Pow ba te Pow · 12-08-2008, 11:59 PM

SIG 239 9mm

It's too hot here in Florida for anything bigger IMHO.

I'm waiting for my CCW to come in the mail, so I can start carrying.

flannelman · 12-09-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikemanutah

Flannelman,

If you are going to carry a gun that you want your life to depend on, and I am not being an ass about this, get rid of the Ruger and the Hi-Point and buy a high dollar hand gun. I would consider a Glock or HK in 45ACP. I personally carry the Springfield XD or the Sig Sauer P220, both 45 caliber. After you buy your hand gun, go out to the range or wherever you can shoot, and put about 500 rounds through it the first day. Keep doing that for a few months and see why a high dollar hand gun is your best bet. Get your permit as soon as you can, they may not be available much longer if our government has its way.

Hey thanks for the info.

I have always wanted a sig and those XD's look great. I have had a glock on my wish list forever to. I'm just not sure If I can go the price on that just yet. I'll have to look around and see what prices are like on those guns.

8NTX · 12-09-2008, 01:05 PM

I carry the Kel-Tec P3AT (.380) because of it's size and reliability. In Texas during our hot weather it's just not practical to bulk up enough to conceal anything much larger. I tried carrying a small 9mm for a while, but ended up leaving at home or in the truck most of the time due to the weight and size. The little Kel-Tec fits in the front pocket of my jeans or shorts. No need for a vest or jacket, and sitting down comfortably with it in there is absolutely no problem at all.

I'm one who loves my larger caliber pistols but for concealed carry - can't beat the Kel-Tec IMHO.

Howard Hoover · 12-09-2008, 05:59 PM

I carry a 44 special Bulldog Pug By Charter Arms
Reason: A piece of **** ex con c_ _n that moved in next door (but has since been evicted) Still dealing drugs after spending 7 years in prison, go figure! Threatened to kick my ass because he threw a dog food sack in my back yard T.C.B. I was talking to his mom to ask her about the dog food sack & he came out of the house & acted all innocent then told me he was going to kick me ass next time he saw me out side.
Not knowing what this ex con c_ _n was capable of I went & bought a pistol after never needing or owning one. I carry it with me everywhere I go except Govt buildings etc.

Old Timer · 12-11-2008, 12:24 PM

Albert, your question had more common sense in it than some of the answers.
I started carrying back a half century ago and made all the mistakes possible, partly because of ignorance, bad advice and lack of good equipment. All that is changed today. Your choice of the little .32 ACP isn't bad. I too carry in a low risk (growing higher) enviroment. I too have a P32, and I do carry it from time to time. It is my summer gun when I'm wearing shorts and knit shirt. It fits well in a pocket holster. My primary complaint against the tiny gun is ergonomics not power. It is difficult for me to shoot with any acceptable accuracy. My hand is too big, or the gun to small.
Consider this: Load the gun with Glaser Safety Slugs. I'd prefer MagSafes, but they won't work in some of my guns, so my rule is Glasers for autoloaders and MagSafes for revolvers. I don't guarantee instant one-shot stops, but I'd hate to be shot with one.
I usually carry a lightweight, sub-compact autoloader when I go out to take the air. I prefer the +P+ 9mmP for self defense. It is adequate, but doesn't take the hand off you with the first shot. Occasionally I carry a snubby, usually a titanium .357. I load it with +P MagSafes and feel safe and secure. When you carry a small gun the load is as important as the gun. If you load a marginal gun with a margunal load you get sub-marginal results.
I've carried a full-grown .357 and a 1911A. I still have a SIG 220 somewhere. Too much gun for self defense: too big, too heavy. I keep my son's old Ruger P-90 for a house gun. I've worn guns that pulled my pants half off. I've worn a shoulder holster (narrow shoulder strap) that gave me all the symptoms of a heart attack victim until I buffered it with a large sheepskin pad. I've tried the old steel carry guns (PPK and S&W M-36). Remember I was starting to carry when Lee Jurras began to tout lightweight JHPs. When I first carried the HP I could get was lead HPs for the .357. To put it in the mildest form - Things are different now. I'd rather have your P-32, loaded with Glasers, than a M-36 loaded with 158 RNs. And, no, they do not all fall to hard ball, even 230 grn RNs.
You have to balance weight, size, power and threat. It is all trade-offs. The .32 ACP, with optimized ammo, is adequate in a low-threat atmosphere. The .380 ACP is better and the 9mmP is best. I have a SIG 239 in .357 SIG. It is fantastic, but it weighs about a pound and a half. Too heavy. I can imagine a threat environment that would mandate the SIG, but I think it would be easier to just move to a safer place, unless they are paying bounty. I believe in power. I believe in my 12-ga, 8-shot autoloader, but I don't carry it around. For one thing it would be embarrassing and another it is heavy. I have, however, been considering, when I finally move to a walker, putting gun mounts on it for the 12 gauge.
I consider one pound (+ or - a few oz) to be about optimum (maximum for weight and minimum for recoil) to hang on my belt, or under my arm. My carry guns are all sub-compacts. I figure any contfrontations will occur under 10 yds, and most at touchy-feely range. They ain't called belly guns for nothing. I feel comfortable with my small autoloaders and revolvers loaded with hot 9mmP and .38 spl. I don't carry .357s in my titanium .357 because they would effectively make it a one-shot gun with recoil and muzzle flash being to great. Everything is a trade-off, but never trade off reliability. You have to decide how much you can trade power for comfort and concealment. Some people actually feel they need a 1911A to go to Wal-Mart. I don't. Just don't go too far the oppisite direction, and the P-32 is about as far as I'd go. I prefer my small 9mmP and I'll tolerate the extra 10 oz. That's my trade-off. Stay safe. Old Timer

bogus bill · 12-11-2008, 01:56 PM

When I bother to carry anymore its usualy this old S&W model 40. I used to carry a snub hammer model 60 for about 30 years but it got stolen along with my truck. Since I retired, its this one when I go to town. In the boonies where the wife and I ride quad a lot, it will be a belt gun, usualy a S&W model 66-3 3" lew horton special with trilijon night sight and ported. A lot of other times I like to take a S&W 24-3 4".
As you can see I am into lightweight and portable.

12-02-2008, 11:36 PM	#26
Enfield V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NZ Posts: 302	Re: What do you carry and why ? Sorry Guys I was only joking, I did not wish to upset anyone For the record I think that you should be allowed to carry if you want to and that you should be allowed to defend yourself in any way that you choose. The element of risk should be weighed against the villan - if they pick on you guys then they will loose, too bad. I have been to the US a couple of times and thought that it was a great place and met loads of nice people but totaly understand your reference to the spare tyre, you may never need it, but when you do you really need it All the best Enfield

12-03-2008, 06:58 AM	#28
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,280	Re: What do you carry and why ? I suppose I'm a little old fashioned. I like the old wheel guns, and I also like the 1911A. The wheel guns though just leave a little something out of the SD scenario, like only 5 or 6 rds. I know that some of the newer ones on the market now have 7 and 8 shot capacity. But, I feel better knowing I have a few more rds. with the .45, and that each one is a little better, IMHO, suited to SD than the .38's of .357's. I usually carry the .45, but have also started carrying a little .380. Both guns are carried cocked and locked, and both guns only require a swipe of the thumb to disengage the safety. Both carry the same # of rds., and both guns are very accurate at longer distances than I will ever be shooting at a BG. I am considering at this time purchasing the Taurus 58. That little bugger carries 20 rds. of .380. If I purchase this gun, and it shoots like I hope it will, then that just might become my everyday carry weapon. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

12-03-2008, 07:05 AM	#29
Insulation Tim Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,298	Re: What do you carry and why ? Well, I need to wait until this Saturday when I take the Ohio CCW Class. I then take that certificate to the local sheriff's office and apply for the prmit. Hopefully, I'll be able to legally carry my S&W AirLite TI 38 Special Snubnose. I still haven't figured it out as to how I'm going to concel carry it, but small, slow steps for a newbie. __________________ Tim *"Remember the Ark was built by amateurs....Professionals built the Titanic"*

12-03-2008, 07:53 AM	#30
obxned Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,342	Re: What do you carry and why ? Summer carry is usually a P-3AT, and in cold weather a PF-9. I want light weight and don't want to have to dress differently to conceal than I otherwise would. __________________ Proud member of a North Carolina Committee of Safety "If we loose Freedom here, there's no place to escape to. This is the Last Stand on Earth!" Ronald Reagan

12-03-2008, 10:19 AM	#31
pap1105 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: pittsburgh pa Posts: 4	Re: What do you carry and why ? p3at pocket in pocket holster. pf9 owb in don hume jit slide. easy to conceal

12-03-2008, 10:35 AM	#32
Gorillaman Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southeast Arizona Posts: 40	Re: What do you carry and why ? Springfield Armory XD in .45 Tactical model. 13+1 speer gold dots 230 gr. jhp Im in the combat zone here in South East Arizona.

12-04-2008, 05:29 AM	#33
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 764	Re: What do you carry and why ? At this time it is a Springfield XDm in 40 S&W either IWB or a slide type holster. __________________ Have a nice day!

12-04-2008, 07:18 AM	#34
Gabob Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SW GA CSA Posts: 1,161	Re: What do you carry and why ? Around the farm I carry whichever large caliber revolver I pick up first, either 45 Colt or .44 Mag(We have wild hogs and other large varmints) When I worked in a lab coat I carried a ,45 S&W 4516 in IWB holster Retired now and carry Beretta Tomcat .32 acp in pocket holster at all times __________________ NRA Endowment Member Keep Your Powder Dry

12-04-2008, 07:30 AM	#35
Jay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,286	Re: What do you carry and why ? I've carried a 1911 variant for 40 years, and I'm not gonna change now. I have several firearms available to carry, but I'm of the opinion that having to remind myself which handgun I'm carrying,may not be the best method for me to use. What muscle memory I have left is pretty well oriented towards, the 1911 platform, and I'm proficient there. __________________ "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected cannot taste." "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '67, - May 69"

12-04-2008, 07:34 AM	#36
UncleFudd Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phoenix, Az Contributor Posts: 549	Re: What do you carry and why ? Great to carry all those neat guns, but can you fight with it? Can you get it out of your current holster with your "off hand" Be honest now> Can you hit every time (after you draw with your off hand) using ONLY your off hand? Or do you even practice these maneuvers? All day, every day at my range I watch guys and gals who claim to be serious about self defense and seldom to never except in class do I see a single one practice with their off hand. It will not be enough to just have it with you. PRACTICE and remember to practice getting your gun out of its container with your off hand and being able to hit every single time with either hand. PRACTICE, PRACTICE and then PRACTICE some more. I still carry either my 9MM lightweight commander or the G19 and YES I CAN to all the above and I practice with the off hand 1/2 of every practice session. I am about to begin a new evening practice session (after normal business hours) for a normal "lane rental fee" which will allow anyone who wants to participate. We will do low light, barricade, prone, sitting and laying down as well as shoot while you move to cover. Most ranges don't allow this so I am going to do this primarily for that reason and because I do have a few serious members and people who have supported my range for a lot of years that I want to try to give back something special to them. It will be interesting to see how many will turn out to take advantage of this once in a lifetime offer. If it goes OK I'll continue to offer it once a month. I'll keep you all posted on the reception. God Speed and everyone have a wonderful, safe and Happy Holiday Season. UF WWW.caswells.com

12-04-2008, 01:00 PM	#37
45nut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,428	Re: What do you carry and why ? My main carry gun is a Taurus P-140 in a strong side IWB holster. Same for my Rock Island Armory GI .45 ACP. I like that the safety for the P-140 is located in the same place as the 1911. My main back-up has been a Titan .25 that is reliable and accurate. I just bought a PF-9 and haven't decided if I'm going to use the PF-9 as a back or alternate. I also have a concealed t-shirt with the holster under my left arm and it's hardly noticable with the Taurus, but I prefer it IWB for accessability. I've been carrying the PF-9 in my strong side pants pocket. __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that. Shane Nemo me impune lacesset We recall the case of the Shoshone war band which showed up complete with one 30-30 rifle per man the week after Pearl Harbor, and simply wanted to have the enemy pointed out to them. "We hear there's a war going on and we want to go fight it." Jeff Cooper *KCCO*

12-04-2008, 06:59 PM	#38
bikemanutah Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 45	Re: What do you carry and why ? My wife and I both carry Sig Sauer P220, 45ACP's. I also carry a Springfield XD Compact in 45ACP. It holds enough rounds, 13 & 1 to hold up in a fire fight.

12-05-2008, 12:04 AM	#39
flannelman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rural Arkansas. But isn't all of Arkansas rural? Posts: 1,176	Re: What do you carry and why ? I dno't carry yet but I plan to take the CCW course and get my permit just after the new year. I have a Ruger P-89 9mm and a Hi-Point 9mm that I might consider carrying but I will probably be out shopping for a carry gun soon. Any ideas you may have for me would be great. I am a big guy so large frame guns are no problem for me. __________________ What we do in life echoes in eternity! **** Liberals, they make about as much sense as a screen door on a submarine. If you want to be a looser the best way to get there is to hang around with other loosers.

12-05-2008, 06:00 PM	#40
bikemanutah Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 45	Re: What do you carry and why ? Flannelman, If you are going to carry a gun that you want your life to depend on, and I am not being an ass about this, get rid of the Ruger and the Hi-Point and buy a high dollar hand gun. I would consider a Glock or HK in 45ACP. I personally carry the Springfield XD or the Sig Sauer P220, both 45 caliber. After you buy your hand gun, go out to the range or wherever you can shoot, and put about 500 rounds through it the first day. Keep doing that for a few months and see why a high dollar hand gun is your best bet. Get your permit as soon as you can, they may not be available much longer if our government has its way.

12-05-2008, 07:48 PM	#41
doug66 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 538	Re: What do you carry and why ? I carry a SP 101. Why? Because a Ruger revolver, loaded with 125 gr .357 mag. ammo is what I have confidence in.

12-05-2008, 07:54 PM	#42
threefeathers Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 17	Re: What do you carry and why ? An HK P2K and a Glock 32. Both in 357 Sig. __________________ Scouts OutScouts Out

12-06-2008, 11:22 AM	#43
bluesea112 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: West, TX Contributor Posts: 1,257	Re: What do you carry and why ? Bersa Thunder .380. It is reliable and accurate.....and it doesn't pull my pants down or leave a bruise on my lower back like my p220 does. Last edited by bluesea112; 12-06-2008 at 11:24 AM..

12-06-2008, 03:20 PM	#44
sabashimon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: PNW/Israel Posts: 672	My son just traded his Kimber 1911 for a Glock 19. He was finally swayed by the Hi-Cap argument (and he already had 9mil ammo for another piece) Personally, I carry (from waking till bed) an HK45c, with 8+1 and usually one extra mag of 10, though sometimes I will carry two mags of 10. It's not the smallest, nor the biggest EDC, but it conceals well enough, and I shoot well with it (most important consideration IMO). On a hot summer day, as I rarely wear shorts, I may pare it down to my S&W 638 Bodyguard on the ankle, with two speedstrips or speedloaders available if needed. The .38 is also almost always on my ankle regardless of the weather. Why? I like .45's, and because I've yet to have an issue of any kind with the HK after thousands of rounds, and because ultimately I'm confident that with 8+1 and another 10 on my side I am prepared for 99.9% of the scenarios that will confront me, with the .38 as BUG just one more layer of preparation. My SA Marine Corps Operator full size 1911 remains next to my bed with a TLR-1 attached. I've tried to carry it daily (w/o the light), but I've found that for long term comfort (meaning I'll wear it), the HK wins out. Last edited by sabashimon; 12-06-2008 at 04:36 PM..

12-08-2008, 11:59 PM	#45
Pow ba te Pow V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 65	Re: What do you carry and why ? SIG 239 9mm It's too hot here in Florida for anything bigger IMHO. I'm waiting for my CCW to come in the mail, so I can start carrying.

12-09-2008, 01:05 PM	#47
8NTX Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NE Texas Posts: 25	Re: What do you carry and why ? I carry the Kel-Tec P3AT (.380) because of it's size and reliability. In Texas during our hot weather it's just not practical to bulk up enough to conceal anything much larger. I tried carrying a small 9mm for a while, but ended up leaving at home or in the truck most of the time due to the weight and size. The little Kel-Tec fits in the front pocket of my jeans or shorts. No need for a vest or jacket, and sitting down comfortably with it in there is absolutely no problem at all. I'm one who loves my larger caliber pistols but for concealed carry - can't beat the Kel-Tec IMHO.

12-09-2008, 05:59 PM	#48
Howard Hoover Former Guest Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 27	Re: What do you carry and why ? I carry a 44 special Bulldog Pug By Charter Arms Reason: A piece of **** ex con c_ _n that moved in next door (but has since been evicted) Still dealing drugs after spending 7 years in prison, go figure! Threatened to kick my ass because he threw a dog food sack in my back yard T.C.B. I was talking to his mom to ask her about the dog food sack & he came out of the house & acted all innocent then told me he was going to kick me ass next time he saw me out side. Not knowing what this ex con c_ _n was capable of I went & bought a pistol after never needing or owning one. I carry it with me everywhere I go except Govt buildings etc.

12-11-2008, 12:24 PM	#49
Old Timer Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 37	Re: What do you carry and why ? Albert, your question had more common sense in it than some of the answers. I started carrying back a half century ago and made all the mistakes possible, partly because of ignorance, bad advice and lack of good equipment. All that is changed today. Your choice of the little .32 ACP isn't bad. I too carry in a low risk (growing higher) enviroment. I too have a P32, and I do carry it from time to time. It is my summer gun when I'm wearing shorts and knit shirt. It fits well in a pocket holster. My primary complaint against the tiny gun is ergonomics not power. It is difficult for me to shoot with any acceptable accuracy. My hand is too big, or the gun to small. Consider this: Load the gun with Glaser Safety Slugs. I'd prefer MagSafes, but they won't work in some of my guns, so my rule is Glasers for autoloaders and MagSafes for revolvers. I don't guarantee instant one-shot stops, but I'd hate to be shot with one. I usually carry a lightweight, sub-compact autoloader when I go out to take the air. I prefer the +P+ 9mmP for self defense. It is adequate, but doesn't take the hand off you with the first shot. Occasionally I carry a snubby, usually a titanium .357. I load it with +P MagSafes and feel safe and secure. When you carry a small gun the load is as important as the gun. If you load a marginal gun with a margunal load you get sub-marginal results. I've carried a full-grown .357 and a 1911A. I still have a SIG 220 somewhere. Too much gun for self defense: too big, too heavy. I keep my son's old Ruger P-90 for a house gun. I've worn guns that pulled my pants half off. I've worn a shoulder holster (narrow shoulder strap) that gave me all the symptoms of a heart attack victim until I buffered it with a large sheepskin pad. I've tried the old steel carry guns (PPK and S&W M-36). Remember I was starting to carry when Lee Jurras began to tout lightweight JHPs. When I first carried the HP I could get was lead HPs for the .357. To put it in the mildest form - Things are different now. I'd rather have your P-32, loaded with Glasers, than a M-36 loaded with 158 RNs. And, no, they do not all fall to hard ball, even 230 grn RNs. You have to balance weight, size, power and threat. It is all trade-offs. The .32 ACP, with optimized ammo, is adequate in a low-threat atmosphere. The .380 ACP is better and the 9mmP is best. I have a SIG 239 in .357 SIG. It is fantastic, but it weighs about a pound and a half. Too heavy. I can imagine a threat environment that would mandate the SIG, but I think it would be easier to just move to a safer place, unless they are paying bounty. I believe in power. I believe in my 12-ga, 8-shot autoloader, but I don't carry it around. For one thing it would be embarrassing and another it is heavy. I have, however, been considering, when I finally move to a walker, putting gun mounts on it for the 12 gauge. I consider one pound (+ or - a few oz) to be about optimum (maximum for weight and minimum for recoil) to hang on my belt, or under my arm. My carry guns are all sub-compacts. I figure any contfrontations will occur under 10 yds, and most at touchy-feely range. They ain't called belly guns for nothing. I feel comfortable with my small autoloaders and revolvers loaded with hot 9mmP and .38 spl. I don't carry .357s in my titanium .357 because they would effectively make it a one-shot gun with recoil and muzzle flash being to great. Everything is a trade-off, but never trade off reliability. You have to decide how much you can trade power for comfort and concealment. Some people actually feel they need a 1911A to go to Wal-Mart. I don't. Just don't go too far the oppisite direction, and the P-32 is about as far as I'd go. I prefer my small 9mmP and I'll tolerate the extra 10 oz. That's my trade-off. Stay safe. Old Timer

12-11-2008, 01:56 PM	#50
bogus bill V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 124	Re: What do you carry and why ? When I bother to carry anymore its usualy this old S&W model 40. I used to carry a snub hammer model 60 for about 30 years but it got stolen along with my truck. Since I retired, its this one when I go to town. In the boonies where the wife and I ride quad a lot, it will be a belt gun, usualy a S&W model 66-3 3" lew horton special with trilijon night sight and ported. A lot of other times I like to take a S&W 24-3 4". As you can see I am into lightweight and portable.