40 S&W concealed carry

S

skkjester

Inactive
Now that everyone has been kind enough to share with me their thoughts on 9mm weapons that would be good for concealed carry, I have to say that I've begun to seriously consider moving up in caliber to 40 S&W. It would seem that the major players are the Glock 27, the Kahr MK40, and perhaps the Kel-Tec P40. Any thoughts on these weapons, or others, would be greatly appreciated.

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"Those who would sacrifice liberty in the name of security, deserve neither liberty nor security."
 
Greetings Sir, Can't speak for any thing other than the Glock 27. It's a winner;
small enough package for concealment, and
powerful enough to do the job!!! :)

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
It's a matter of horsepower to weight ratio.
The 40 is a serious caliber, and depending on the bullet, can have more recoil than a compareable 9mm.
Fit the round to the gun. Choose a gun that fits your hand, and practice. I carry a SIG P229 in 40 for daily carry, but resort to a Sigma 9mm for concealed carry due to my physical size. I don't feel undergunned.
If you move up to a pocket gun in 40, then make sure it's a solid weapon that fits your hand well, and has enough mass to effectively allow you to control it. Someone not too long ago did a test of the available latest Taurus and S&W titanium revolvers as compared to identical, but steel, guns. The measured recoil in the titanium guns was twice that of the steel versions. This greatly affected follow up shot ability.
The argument is often made that a lighter gun is more comfortable to tote around concealed all day, and therefore more likely to be on you. I agree, but i'd trade a few ounces for the peace of mind knowing that I can more easily handle my weapon when the chips are down.

Tom


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A "Miss" is the ultimate overpenetration!
You can never be too rich, too skinny, or too well armed!

[This message has been edited by Banzai (edited April 11, 2000).]
 
My K40 is a handful. Controllable, yes it is. But, I cannot fathom this puppy in the MK40 version. One LESS finger to hold onto it, and 1/2" LESS barrel and slide! Can you say "carpel(sp?)tunnel" syndrome! :(
 
Personally, I believe that the Glock G23 would be the best available balance available between size and handling/recoil control if you want a .40cal. I'd suggest that you find a range that rents Glocks and put a couple hundred rounds through a G23. I'd be willing to bet that you'll fall in love. :)

R6
 
Do not be scared away from the k40 by any talk of recoil or weight. It is slim, and carries easily in an IWB holster. It is , in my opinion the ultimate concealed weapon. A Desantis stealth brings a spare mag to the party, and you are well armed indeed.

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"If cowardly and dishonorable men sometimes shoot unarmed men with Army pistols or guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary and gallows, and not by a general deprivation of constitutional privilege." Wilson vs. State, Ark. 1878
 
My G23 is perfect for me, as the wide square grip prevents twisting. I changed the factory cheap sites to Trijicon 2 dot system, and with the 13 rd. mag fully loaded and home, it balances very nicely. If you like glocks, definitely check out this mid size model.

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Treason doth never prosper. What's the reason? For if it doth prosper, none dare call it treason." - John Barrington
 
Here's another vote for the G23. I finally found one of the older models without the finger grooves. The newer models don't fit my hand. It has become my carry gun. I shot a Kahr the other day, but did not like the long trigger pull.
 
I have a Glock 23 and a Kahr K40. The K40 is significantly smaller than the 23. It also has less magazine capacity. The thinner K40 is much easier to conceal. The K40 can have uncomfortable recoil. I've installed a Harrts Recoil Reducer, which seems to help. I don't think I'd try the Mk40 -- I think that would positively hurt. And I don't think you can get a recoil reducer that will fit in an Mk40. Jared
 
Can't attest to any of the above,but I sure do like my Beretta Cougar 8040 :)


Happy Shooting :)

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We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
I cast my vote for the Glock 23 as well. I just shot a Kahr for the first time this weekend and I think it isavery good choice as well.
 
i have carried concealed for the better part of 24 years. i have carried the majority of the popular pistols both in brand types and action types. the sizes have ranged from LARGE to very small. i have tried almost every holster type known to man (anybody want to buy some good used holsters?). during that time i always felt that what i had on was the best, carried the best way. it was always a combo of comfort and what i could hit with. i learned long ago not to sacrifice accuracy and control for comfort. today i sit here at my keyboard wearing a K40 Kahr. it rides in a Wilson Combat, Covert Companion IWB holster. it is the MOST comfortable rig i have EVER carried. the pistol is concealable, accurate, hard hitting and dependable. i trust my life to it. the holster is comfortable, well made and easy to get on and off. it holds the pistol securely while allowing a lighting fast draw. i regularly conceal it under a large T shirt with the tails out. i am using a Michaels Mirage gun belt as of late. it beats leather hands down for durability and retaining it's shape. i know that is hard to believe but at $29.95 you can afford to try it your self and see. the belt is stiff yet looks like a dress belt. it does not show scratches and it impervious to sweat and oils.

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Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what is for lunch.
Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the outcome of the vote.
Let he that hath no sword sell his garment and buy one. Luke 22-36
They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. Song of Solomon 3-8
The man that can keep his head and aims carefully when the situation has gone bad and lead is flying usually wins the fight.

[This message has been edited by riddleofsteel (edited April 12, 2000).]
 
One thing to keep in mind. "Will the size of the gun prevent me from carrying it when I want to? Will I leave the gun in the car instead of carrying it."

A 2 shot .22 cal derringer on you is better than a .44 mag revolver in your car.

If you are like a lot of people, after a while you will find excuses not to carry that larger gun. I recently bought a Kahr MK40 instead of a Glock 27. The Kahr lends itself to being carried more often. Go to a gun shop and compare the several guns that you have narrowed it down to. And be honest with yourself. And don't worry about the recoil. It is not bad. And believe me, when it comes down to using it to defend yourself, you will not even notice the recoil...or the sights.
 
Well, if you think a 9mm is not good enough for PD, and you think a .40 is better (debatable), then I would say a G27 or MK40 is your best bet for concealed carry.

My opinion of the .40 is that it was invented to sell guns. Really don't think it is a quantum leap over the 9mm in adequate load. There are many 9mm loads that are better than .45's.


However, the .357 SIG may have definite possibilities. Remember that velocity (energy) is always more important than mass.
 
The first time I went to the range with my G27, I noticed that it had a little recoil. However, now I don't even think about it. A little practice and you won't either. The G27 is a wonderful, accurate, reliable, concealable pistol. And it won't rust when you sweat on it. I don't think you could do better.
My opinion.
smile.gif


Will


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Mendacity is the system we live in.
 
I own four of the contestants: Kahr Economy 9, Kahr 40, Glock 23, and Glock 27. The pick of the litter, in my opinion, is the Glock 27. This little pistol can do it all. Regards, Richard.
 
There are 2 or 3 post above that summarized say "wow the recoil of that little MK40 must be really bad."

I am far from a big, strong, macho guy. 5'-10, 175, and a little light duty rec league tennis is about the extent of my athleticism.

And MK40 recoil just isn't that big a deal. Yes, if I cycle 75-100 rounds in a session, the web between the base of the thumb and the index finger gets a little bruised. And it's just not that big a deal. And I have no problems keeping it in the black at 7 yds on a 50' pistol target, which is all I ask of a small carry gun.

And is it ever small!

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The ultimate purpose of gun control is to render people incapable of the ultimate form of protest and resistance to tyranny.
 
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