Best Semi-Auto for Concealed Carry

Best Concealed Weapon for LEO Carry

  • Sig Sauer - P-220/245

    Votes: 7 18.9%

  • Sig Sauer P-225

    Votes: 7 18.9%

  • H&K P7M8/M13

    Votes: 23 62.2%
  • Total voters
    37
  • Poll closed .
D

DocSWAT

New member
Lets say you are an LEO. Plain clothes division (detective/investigator)

You may carry ANY primary weapon you desire -9mm, 10mm, 40, 45- but it MUST be ACCURATE, RELIABLE, with 6 Mags, an excellent holster system (Mitch Rosen, Milt Sparks, Bulman Leather...), and it MUST be fitted with ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS!

-- it must not exceed $1600.00.

What would you carry?

Why?

What Caliber?

What brand name?

Whatmodifications?
 
A Glock 27 is in my pocket right now. Keep all the leather and adjustable sights. I rarely even carry an extra mag (although it wouldn't hurt). if I need more than 9 - 10 shots, I'll rely on another unit to back me up. I would feel equally confident with a 5 shot 357 in my pocket, but I would probably carry a reload more often.
 
One or two extra mag would be fine but six mag? Gun fights don't last that long only a few seconds at most.

I would go for a Glock in 9mm (M19), but other brand like Sig and HK should be fine.
 
I carry a P220 every day that I'm not carrying something else.;) (Like my P225 or G19 or Mustang PocketLite or you get the idea.)
 
I'm not LE, so my comments are not coming from experience, but FWIW I carry a 10mm G29 and wouldn't trade it for anything...except maybe a Dane Burns Grey Ghost... :cool:

I'm confused about why you would need or even want adjustable sights on a carry gun? Seems like a mistake to me. Also, frankly, if I were an undercover LEO, I'd give serious thought to not using a holster. Good guys use holsters, bad guys carry Mexican. If I were impersonating a bad guy, I'd carry like they do. I'll also echo the sentiments that 6 mags on a plainclothes officer seems like trouble.

As for your other questions re: my reasoning for the Glock:

Why:
- The bang for the buck in terms of power-to-bulk is very high with this gun.

- It's in a reputable solidly performing magnum caliber in a reliable well-built tough semiauto from a major manufacturer.

- It's an exceedingly simple design, therefore a bit closer to idiot-proof with fewer possible points-of-failure.

- I can shoot it as well or better than I can shoot anything else I own or have considered for CCW.

Mods: It's stock except for:

- Peace grip extenders on all the magazines (the carry magazines are selected to be drop-free)

- a set of tritium small-dot Ashley Express sights (very highly recommended).


Hope this helps,

- Gabe
 
A Few Clarifications

1. 6 Mags because I carry 3 (1 in weapon and two in pouch) and rotate them every 30 days. This saves on springs and its what I do when purchasing ANY semi-auto.

2. Plain Clothes, but not undercover. I do homicide and other major felonies. Looking for something that I can carry 8-12 hours a day and still be comfortable. The instant I drive up in my Ford 'they' will know who I am.

3. Adjustable sights because I have to qualify at 50 yards. When doing this ACCURACY is important. Plus I have always needed adjustables for my sight pictures and have never had any problems with them on several other autos.

BASIC RANGE QUALIFICATION

6 rds -50 yards all torso
6 -25 " "
18 -15 6 head, 12 torso
18 -7 6 head
18 -3 6 head
 
Looks LIke H&K is WINNING

and it is a great weapon.

If one of the moderators would add a Glock 30 (small 45 ACP) to the poll we can see the results that way>>>

:rolleyes:

Thanks Again
 
In light of your clarifications, I think I'd put up a couple of contenders (although the P7-M8 or -PSP is a great piece, I'd stay away from the 13):

- the Glock 29 (or 30, if that's your pref.) with the tritium Ashley Express sights (the rear is adjustable for windage, you have to get diff. height front sights to adjust there, but at 50yds. I bet you'll be fine)

- a Dane Burns custom single stack on a Springfield or Kimber frame with BoMars. (see them here: http://www.burnscustom.com/)

My only complaint with the Glock, is that I wish it were just a *hair* thinner. The 36 might be something to look into in that respect. The only other piece I'm looking into as a replacement for my G29 in the carry position is one of the Burns Custom 1911's...but they are not cheap!

Happy hunting

- Gabe
 
I was a LEO in the suit and tie division. Wore a Glock 23 in a Ted Blocker Lifeline shoulder holster and a M638 in an Alessi ankle holster.

Now in private practice I can carry whatever I chose. Government size 1911, Les Baer TRS in .45 acp, no modifications nescessary, in Milt Sparks Executive Companion with 2 spare mags.

Adjustable sights? Whose going to fiddle with hex wrench during a fight? Most adj. sights too Murphy-prone. I want my sights machined out of same piece of steel they made slide out of.

PF, no extra magazine because you'll rely on backup??? First, do you trust government to back you up? Second, who guaranteed that you would pick the conditions of a fight? What if no back-up? Fight will last as long as you have ammo. Did you bring enough?
 
Top choices would be:

1. Glock 23, .40 caliber, in a Milt Sparks Versa-max IWB holster or Kramer MSP holster. The Glock is ultra reliable, with high-capacity, and plenty of power. The added advantage is that you can buy a Glock 27 with full ammo and magazine compatibility with the 23. The 27 fits in an Alessi ankle holster "relatively" comfortably, considering size and weight, and shoots close to the 23. This is my present set-up and creates a full handgun "system" in one caliber with interchangeable magazines. LE prices on Glocks are pretty good also.

2. 1911 design, in a Milt Sparks Versa-max IWB holster or Kramer MSP holster. I shoot the 1911 design better than my Glock, so I prefer to carry a .45 under certain circumstances. I have a Kimber Gold Combat Stainless. The Springfield Armory TRP is just as nice, with a better warranty. Both go for about $1200 from discount sources. E.g., I'd prefer a 1911 on an entry or serving felony warrants.

3. HK P7M8 or P7M13, 9mm, in a Milt Sparks or Kramer holster. Supremely easy to shoot and very accurate. Definitely a professional's weapon. Drawback is that because of the unique cocking mechanism, this should be your only primary carry. I'm happy with my P7M13, but I go to the Glock 23 or 1911 first. Another drawback is cost for the weapon and even for LE mags. Very expensive.

Other notes:

Sights. I would get night sights and stay away from adjustable sights. I've seen all sorts of adjustable sights break/fly off during qualification. Trijicon is good. PT sights look interesting because of the color variation between front and rear.

Magazines. I always have at least six, and usually more mags for any weapon that I carry regularly. Glock law enforcement hi-cap mags are only about $20/each with letterhead. That's 1/2 or 1/3 the cost of most LE hi-cap mags. I'd get Wilson mags for a 1911.

Holsters. My favorite is the Milt Sparks Versa-max, in cordovan horsehide with shark trim. Wears well. Horsehide is denser than cowhide and is good for IWB carry, especially if your sweat is corrosive like mine. The cordovan horsehide and darker shark accents look awfully purty too. ; ) Paddles are a good bet and often more comfortable, especially after holidays when you gain weight. My favorite is the Kramer MSP in horsehide. The paddle requires heavier covering garments -- jacket or coat. The IWB holster will work with an open Hawaiin shirt.

Good luck.
 
The Sigs you picked are both huge guns leaving the H&K to be the only real choice for everyday civilian CCW. Need to add G26-27, Kahr (any model), Kel-Tec, and Taurus even have some little pocket rockets. There are better choices than those Sigs like the 239, but the H&K is a good choice.
 
Bullitt,

I don't know what planet you're on, but on Earth the P225 and P245 are about the same size as a P7 and the P220 is only a half inch longer and taller.

Also, the SIG's won't try to set your hand on fire after a rapidly fired magazine like the P7 is prone to do.:eek:
 
blades67,
Interesting, I have a 228 and its slightly smaller than a 225 and 220 and its difficult to carry. The H&K I have never shot, but I know the size because I've handled them and a fellow at IDPA member shoots one. Personally, on my planet where people wear dress pants and shirts tucked in, I find it very difficult to conceal a 220, but what do I know.:rolleyes:
 
Glock 30

Now your talk'in!!! The G30 is a vertual tack driver right out of the box, although the addition of several excellent aftermarket sights make it even better. In your case, I would give serious consideration to tritium night sights. They could become invaluable in a low light confrontation. They can be had in an adustable format. I would also include a grip enhancer such as the Agrip, or Hogue Handall. The .45ACP is a proven manstopper, and the G30 has a three, or four round advantage over the 1911 type weapon. Another advantage for the LEO is that 13rd G21 magazines can be had for a very reasonable price, and the G30 accepts them. As a licensed civilian, I carry the G30 with complete confidence!!!!!
 
While the P-225 is a fine choice and eminently 'toteable', it's somewhat scarce and available ones are frequently overpriced due to that fact.

If you have the bucks, the P7M8 is arguably one of the best CCW guns on the planet...
 
I was in exactly the position you described (plain clothes detective) and from February 1977 through July 1981 carried a lightly customized alloy framed Commander in an original (Bruce Nelson) Summer Special.

Customizing consisted of: Installation of S&W sight, Checkering of the front strap, installation of long tang grip safety and flat mainspring housing, and finally electroless nickle finish. No fancy accurizing or trigger jobs. The gun worked reliably and shot accurately enough for social intercourse.

I eventually wore that Commander out (my second) and had another built, differing only in fixed sights and beavertail grip safety for the third one. It wore out too. Now I carry Glocks. They're ugly and the trigger sucks but so far they don't seem to be wearing out.
 
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