CCW, going from small to large

R

rickmelear

New member
Has anyone found that over the years their CCW piece has grown. My first EDC was a KT P32, then a Kahr P9, the last few months I've been carrying a Glock 17, all in a Crossbreed Supertuck. I've come to the realization that I may actually have to use my weapon to defend myself and I shoot a larger gun far better than a smaller one. How bout the rest of y'all .
 
I would respond by saying that the definition of small and large can vary from person to person. I know some folks that carry very small Colt Mustang sized pistols and would never carry anything larger as it's not comfortable for them. To them it's not that small and what I carry is enormous. I typically carry something on the order of a Glock 26 and as the weather gets cooler something more like a Glock 19. That would be my definition of large. I've tried carrying something Glock 17 size and honestly for my size and dress it just doesn't work to a point where I feel like I am truly concealing the weapon and am able to sit as needed with comfort. I also find that about a Glock 19 size and my improvement in shooting is little if anything by going bigger. Certainly I can shoot say a Glock 19 better than a Colt Mustang, but the Glock 19 vs. the Glock 26 gets very close and that's why it's about as small as I go. For me as long as I can get my pinky on there I am happy. Others are fine with just two fingers below the trigger guard and their pinky below the magazine. While I agree that you can never be too prepared, the reality is most shootings are within 10 feet, last 3 seconds, and 3 shots are fired. But most is not all. Frankly as long as you're happy with your choice that is all that matters. The only caution I give folks about carrying is to be realistic. A Glock 26 on the hip is better than a Glock 17 at home. Know your own limitations and what you will actually convince yourself to carry.
 
I still carry my LCP most, followed by the Shield that's almost a perfect combination of size and concealability.

I still enjoy CCin' my fullsized P220, P-09, and SR45 on occasion. For those times that are shorter than 3 or 4 hours and involved little walking.
 
When I first stated carrying I had a G26 and thought the whole world knew I was carrying. Now I realize with the right holster I can conceal most anything. If I have the option I choose a full size weapon with larger capacity. Other times it is a Kahr CM9 slipped into the back pocket. I shoot that gun well and am comfortable with it. Just depends on what the situation dictates.
 
When I first started carrying I had a SIG P220 which I carried fairly well. When the Ruger LCP came out I got one and carried it in a pocket holster. However, I felt a little under gunned, but also hated dedicating one entire pocket to a gun. So, I now carry a GLOCK G26 which seems like a good middle ground for me. So, guess I went from big to small to medium.
 
Too big, too small, just right...I was packing a P32 like yourself. Got a Crossbreed Supertuck and started with my G23. Now I have a PF-9 that is great IWB. That's what I usually carry, but the others go out also. Have the P32 in my pocket now. I go by the First Rule.
 
I went from a SW bg380, to a SA xds, to a Glock 19.
It's not often I have trouble concealing the Glock, and I'm extremely comfortable shooting it should the need ever arise.

I think part of it was just getting comfortable with the idea of carrying a gun, and realizing nobody seems to notice and freak out of it prints slightly when I bend over.

I'm also a pretty big guy, so that probably helps.
 
I carry what I can carry. I prefer a larger caliber gun but I prefer a smaller caliber to no gun. I carry what works with what I am wearing. Usually it's my Walter 9mm but I'll carry my 1911 TRP if it's cold weather and my LCP if it's hot weather.
 
Yep, if it isn't too hot I prefer larger sized guns (1911 commanders, Glock 21, thinking about a 22 or 17) since they seem to ride better on my belt.

In the warmer times I've been liking the Glock 30S, so that's not exactly small.
 
The first gun I got specifically for CCW was a Shield. I still carry it exclusively as, IMO, it is the perfect compromise between size/concealability/caliber.
 
It's always been larger for me. Even in the best shape of my life, I was a fairly large guy with big hands. Concealing a full size gun is not an issue for me. I do it regularly with a 4 inch GP100, a USP9, and used to do it with a G35. The smallest I ever pack is the 4.2 inch SP101 when I go backpacking. I have smaller guns I've used as backups, though, including a G23, 2 inch SP101, and a few J-frame Smiths. I think it just depends on the individual.
 
When I first got carry permit, I bought an LCP. From there it was an LC9 to and eventual Glock 26. After carrying all sorts of pistols, I've gone back to the old LCP. I just love the way it carries and feels on my persons.

Now I will OWB carry my 26, 19 or 17 if the occasion requires. But the LCP is just hard to beat for a hot Mississippi summer time carry.
 
First it was the j frame, then a pf 9, then a p30 and now a p2000. I really think the p2000 is about the perfect sized gun.

Still carry the j frame in my pocket on quick outings from time to time. But iwb with the p2000 is a breeze. When it's colder out, I may carry the p30 as well, but I really only gain 2 extra rounds. I shoot them equally well.
 
Heh, I'm all over the place...started out with a Star 30-P 9mm, then up to a DEagle .50ae,
then dropped to a Gen2 G20, then a Taurus 24/7 Pro-C 9mm (now the Wifey's),
then up to a Gen 3 G20-SF, now down to a S&W CS45 ;)

Although, things being as things are...we often place two Calico 9mm pistols
& 3 spare 100-rd mags in the bottom of the diaper bag...
just because you never know when a Flash Mob will take place...:D
We can take them ALL out...benefits of being Ret. Army & having a Ret. Jarhead Wifey!!

**My best friend says that we scare him, but he's coming to our place when the Zombie Outbreak begins ;)**
 
Going the other direction

I started witha 5" steel framed 40 oz. 1911 ....... now carry a 3" alloy framed 26 oz. 1911 ...... contemplating going to a 3" alloy framed 16 oz. 1911ish gun ......
 
Started with NAA Mini 22LR, then the 22 Mag. Moved to the KT P32 and moved up to the P3AT. Then... the KT P11...then Taurus 617 (7-shot 357)...finally a Taurus 608 with a barrel cut to 3". How's that for going tiny to big? :D

These days I switch between the 608 and the P11. I still carry the P3AT when I can't carry anything larger.
 
Had a woman in class a couple-three years ago who really challenged my thinking on this. She showed up for a two-day, 300-round class with a tiny little gun, her regular carry gun. It wasn't a high end gun, either, being a budget model. So of course the darn thing hiccupped and burped all weekend, multiple jams and misfires. She was a trouper, though, kept clearing the malfs and kept shooting despite growing blisters.

Some time on Day 2, another student loaned her a slightly larger gun, with which she finished the class.

At the end of class, she pulled me aside. "You're probably wondering why I brought that gun," she began (I wasn't; guns that hiccup are part of the job, and so are guns that don't quite fit the shooter. My job's teaching 'em how to shoot the equipment they bring, and sometimes teaching 'em how to make better gear choices in future, but it's certainly not ragging on 'em for mistakes in the past). Anyway.

She then went on to tell me that if she hadn't started with the cheap little gun, she would never have carried at all. Or even purchased a gun. No how, no way.

"I'm really glad I started with this gun," she told me, "because it's the one that taught me that I can do this. Now I know what I need to look for in my next gun. I'm going to try something I can shoot better, and your class really showed me why that matters!"

And that's about it. Shoot what you want. Change guns when you see reasons to do that and are prepared to do the work of learning a new gun. Enjoy life! :)

pax
 
Has anyone found that over the years their CCW piece has grown. My first EDC was a KT P32, then a Kahr P9, the last few months I've been carrying a Glock 17, all in a Crossbreed Supertuck. I've come to the realization that I may actually have to use my weapon to defend myself and I shoot a larger gun far better than a smaller one. How bout the rest of y'all .
Click to expand...

One of the things I realized pretty quickly, once I started carrying, was that what everyone says is true: People Just Don't Notice.

I have successfully carried my XD Service, IWB. It was comfortable, no one went screaming about "manwithagun!", and I shoot it well.

Don't know where this will end.

She then went on to tell me that if she hadn't started with the cheap little gun, she would never have carried at all. Or even purchased a gun. No how, no way.

"I'm really glad I started with this gun," she told me, "because it's the one that taught me that I can do this. Now I know what I need to look for in my next gun. I'm going to try something I can shoot better, and your class really showed me why that matters!"

And that's about it. Shoot what you want. Change guns when you see reasons to do that and are prepared to do the work of learning a new gun. Enjoy life!
Click to expand...

WE don't always start with the "Right Gun". Heck, the "right gun" will probably change for you over time. Has for me, and I'm sure it will change in the future. (And, there's such a thing as "good enough".)
 
She then went on to tell me that if she hadn't started with the cheap little gun, she would never have carried at all. Or even purchased a gun. No how, no way.
Click to expand...

I can totally relate! About 25 years ago, my carry piece was a Tanfoglio Titan 25 ACP. Bought it for all of $85 at an Ace Hardware by where I'd worked. Lived in Chicago at the time, so whatever CC piece HAD to be completely concealed. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top