Chicago Combination (not a pizza)

K

Kent White

New member
After going around in circles for years on the subject of what I should use for a CCW gun, I'm back where I started: a 1911 .45 auto and a .38 snub. In Indiana, where I grew up, I always heard this referred to as a "Chicago Combination". Anyone else ever hear this phrase?

Of course, now I'm considering a Ruger SP101 in .357 instead of .38 spl. Or a Taurus Ultralite...or both! Anybody out there with experience with the Taurus?
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kent White:
Anybody out there with experience with the Taurus?[/quote]

I've had the 85UL (Titanium barrel shroud and cylinder, aluminum frame) for about a year now.

Great revolver for pocket carry!
But here's the caveat: when you buy one, put a few hundred rounds thru it ASAP. Seems like Taurus has a a tendency to give some problems (mine was light strikes, wouldn't hit the primer hard enough 20% or so of the time).
But if there's a problem, Taurus does make it right (read their warranty on the web site).
Now, it's a very reliable "+P" rated handgun. I don't think I'd put a steady diet of "+P's" thru it though.
 
Hi Kent White;
I grew up in Chicago, but never heard the term "Chicago Combination" for the pair you describe, though it does represent the best choice for CCW primary & backup, IMNSHO.

------------------
"Potius sero quam nunquam."
 
Sawbones,

Well, it was what I had heard it called in Indiana. Maybe just a local term.

I had been considering a S&W Airweight Centennial, but too bad for them.
 
Sounds like a tasty combo to me...
But when Taurus comes out with the Millenium .45 - I bet that will replace the roundgun in a nanosecond.
 
Jerry Ahern called that a "chicago combo" in an article written years and years ago. I'd I'd gather (if there is any validity to the term at all) that it dates back from when detectives carried a .38 regularly.. and took a .45 on a "raid". Don't recall the "combo" showing up on the Untouchables or other shows.. so this might be pure fantasy?? Then again many cops opt for the 38 as a back-up.. so while the practice may be common the term is made up?? Just some food for thought.

Dr.Rob
 
A retired Detroit cop I know used to talk about being required to carry the 38 special, so they did, but they also carried the 45 auto concealed when they could.
 
I've heard that theory as well. The .38's were the only authorized 'primary' weapon, but the 1911 was on the authorized list as a backup.

.38 snubbie as a primary, 1911 as a backup.

Makes sense to me...in an inverted world. Oddly enough, I carry a little Magnum Carry as a backup to my P14.


A
 
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