Conceal Carry Pick

B

Br_Mark

New member
I'm going to apply for my conceal carry permit this Spring and I'm seeking advice on the type of handgun I should get. I have a few biggish 9mm pistols, but my CC weapon will be primarily for when I'm riding rails to trails solo on my bicycle. Should I get a wheel gun or a semi-auto? My main criteria are price and able to hold up to rain and dirt. I don't plan to carry the weapon on me but in my bike bag, but it would be nice if it could do duty as a CC when I'm not on the bike. Thanks, Br Mark
 
When I was still riding a bike I had a S&W model 36 in a frame bag hanging from top support between the knees. Bike tool on one side, M. 36 on the other, quick zip and pistol was at hand even while moving.
 
I have both an LCR and an LC9. The LCR is rock-sold reliable and there's nothing wrong with 5 rounds of .38+p.

The LC9 is a nice, slim gun that holds 8 rounds of 9mm. It's not a pocket gun, but it's very small.

Either would work as a CC piece. I would still recommend a decent holster if you're throwing it in your bike bag.
 
I have a S&W 438 and it's pretty handy, light and definitely reliable. It's just not very enjoyable to shoot (for practice). I'm thinking I'll pick up an LC9 and see how I like that.

Check out the Wingnut hydration packs, they have zip pouches on the flanks that are easily accessible without removing the pack.
 
Find out what's the minimum caliber allowed before buying a gun and what you are required to have for CC class.

For example, here in Texas .32 is the minimum, 200 rounds and two mags for the auto. I don't know what's required for revolvers here though but you get the idea. Good luck.
 
If you have a gun shop/range in your area that rents guns the best advise is for you to try several to see what you are most comfortable with. That would be the first step. Many people on TFL can tell you what they like, or what they think you should have. Only you can make the proper choice!
 
bm, 3/5/12

I do a lot of running and hiking/hunting where my pistols always get wet and have learned which ones tolerate moisture and which don't. In general the polymer pistols stand up to being wet better than my steel/aluminum framed pistols. This means that I take either my HK-USPc .45 or Glock 19. I would suggest, as some others have, on renting some of the compact polymer pistols and see which one fits your hands best, for example the Glock 26 and compact versions of the SW M&P and Springfield XD and HK. Good luck.

best wishes- oldandslow
 
Rent some that fit your hands and then worry about concealability. If it's too small to control, it'll be useless for its intended purpose...too large and you won't carry it when needed. For our family, the S&W J frame revolvers fit the bill.

The old revolver vs. automatic goes like this: revolver...simple, point and shoot, no safeties, magazine's, racking of the slide and ammunition reliability issues. Automatic...flatter and that may help concealment wise, larger magazine capacity, and quicker reload.

For a woman with weak hands or a man for that matter, or anyone who's not dedicated to the shooting sports, the slide racking, and complexity of an automatic may be serious issues. In the heat of an unthinkable encounter with thugs, you may not have time for complexity. A revolver made sense for us for the above reasons, and a two inch barreled J-frame is every bit as concealable as the sub compact autos.

Here's one solution...light with that alloy frame, all but waterproof...and accurate...it's good for sub 2" gps double action from the 15 yd line. We've since put Crimson Trace grips on it for night use...it's my wife's gun.

Rod

SWAirweight38.jpg
 
The only drawbacks I can see with a revolver are low capacity and poor sights; the later can be dealt with on most guns. Many consider the low capacity of a revolver to be a no go on a primary ccw but that is a decision that you have to make. If you can shoot a revolver well then they make a fine no frills, go "bang" every time ccw.

I personally feel that a semi-auto is a better choice for a primary ccw. Larger range of service calibers to choose from, higher capacity, better sights overall and better triggers for the most part. An M&P compact would be a good choice. Generally I would recommend Glock as well but the new Gen 4 Glocks are apparently having issues with the new extractors. A 2nd or early 3rd Gen Glock 19 or 26 would be a good choice. Kahr Arms makes a very nice concealed carry gun as well with a number of choices in different price ranges.
 
My favorite CCW is exactly that shown by rodfac. Even the grips on mine are nearly identical to those. I have a CT lazergrip for it, but haven't had it on the gun since last June.

It's small, so easy to conceal, accurate, and has been ultra-reliable. I've carried this 637-2 for about 10 years now as an "always, everywhere" gun. There's just no reason to leave it behind anywhere it's legal to carry.

IMO, when you go small, a revolver makes a great carry gun. Small semi-autos are prone to jamming if not handled "just so" when shooting them. 'Course, I prefer a good revolver anyway, so I may be biased to some extent. :)

Daryl
 
i fall in oldandslow's camp on this one....you never know what the weather is going to be like, go with something thats not going to get all brown and gritty on ya. Right now my primary carry is a glock 27, but i see a 10mm woods gun in my future, that being either a glock 20 or 29....high capacity, easy to carry, weather resistant and will stop 2 and 4 legged critters (thinking black bear).
 
Thank you all!

Thanks so much for your thoughts and advice. The option of renting a gun at the range unfortunately is something that is not available in my area. The good news is that since this is West “By God” Virginia, I'm sure that if the handgun is not available from my circle of friends it maybe available for a try via a friend of a friend. Please keep the suggestions coming; this is looking like a fun homework list. Again, thank you all. :)
 
Shadi....as I recall, my wife's 637 came with pretty good grips as shown on yours...they fit well, in her hand and were nearly indestructible. The ones shown in my pic were dress up models that came on a M-60 S&W with a 5" barrel...just thought they would make for a better picture.

Crimson Trace's are the way to go in my opinion...good at night obviously, but a great feeling grip as well. Rod
 
What kind of 9mm do you own already?

If they are well proven reliable pistols, such as Glock, SIG or HK, etc then save yourself a wad of money and carry a full size 9mm. Having saved all that money, treat yourself to some gear for your bike!
 
Depending on what kind of clothes I'm wearing, I carry either a Glock 19 or a Ruger LC9. Either way, they ride in a Crossbreed holster. Very comfortable.
 
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