I carry and train with my HK USP Compact with LEM trigger the most. I carry it at work 4 days a week (rent-a-cop, not LEO) so it makes since for me to carry it when I'm not working too. If I need something smaller it's the Kahr PM9 or Ruger LCP. All three are the same manual of arms.....no manual safety, just squeeze the trigger.
do you think its wise to change EDC guns?
- Thread starter Glockstar .40
- Start date
I switch back and forth, depending on weather, and what I'm wearing. However, if you look at my guns, you see that they all have similar manual of arms. For example, only a few have a safety. Those that do have one have the same operation.
For example, all of them are OFF safety when the lever is down. I wouldn't own one that worked opposite (like the Beretta 92).
All the rest are like revolvers, meaning they either ARE double-action revolvers, or they're double-action pistols without a safety (Glock and Kahr).
For example, all of them are OFF safety when the lever is down. I wouldn't own one that worked opposite (like the Beretta 92).
All the rest are like revolvers, meaning they either ARE double-action revolvers, or they're double-action pistols without a safety (Glock and Kahr).
I drive a sports car, a muscle car, a truck, another truck, a jeep, a 54 Chevy @ times, a 28 chevy @ times, a 2 ton truck, a tractor, fly different airplanes, and ride 2 different motorcycles. I can also drive a 18 wheeler, a combine, etc. as well.
Gee, I can handle more than one.... and I've never mistaken which one I'm in for another one. And, I seem to have no issues getting out of my car and go fly an airplane, or jump on my motorcycle. Or, messing up because I forgot whether it was an automatic or a stick shift on the column (54) or the floor (truck, tractor, 2 ton truck, etc) or how many gears the one I was in had, nor the shifting pattern.
So, why would anyone think, I can't handle carrying one gun today and a different one tomorrow ?? A revolver today, a semi tormorrow, a KAHR vs an XD because I'm wearing certain types of clothes one day and something different the next ?
If you can't pick up one gun vs another, and you can't go to the range without shooting more than one gun without getting confused.... then stick with one EDC gun and stick with it. But, if you are practicing with them, it should not be an issue switching from one to another.
I may carry a semi with a revolver back up , or a revolver with a semi back up..... I've never been confused about which gun was where, nor how to use them, even under high stress and being shot at.
Gee, I can handle more than one.... and I've never mistaken which one I'm in for another one. And, I seem to have no issues getting out of my car and go fly an airplane, or jump on my motorcycle. Or, messing up because I forgot whether it was an automatic or a stick shift on the column (54) or the floor (truck, tractor, 2 ton truck, etc) or how many gears the one I was in had, nor the shifting pattern.
So, why would anyone think, I can't handle carrying one gun today and a different one tomorrow ?? A revolver today, a semi tormorrow, a KAHR vs an XD because I'm wearing certain types of clothes one day and something different the next ?
If you can't pick up one gun vs another, and you can't go to the range without shooting more than one gun without getting confused.... then stick with one EDC gun and stick with it. But, if you are practicing with them, it should not be an issue switching from one to another.
I may carry a semi with a revolver back up , or a revolver with a semi back up..... I've never been confused about which gun was where, nor how to use them, even under high stress and being shot at.
Let's accept your claims at face value for the sake of argument.
That doesn't mean that everyone is that gifted. It's not hard to find people recounting incidents where they forgot to disengage the safety or moved it the wrong way--even when dealing with guns that they use frequently and even when under little or no pressure.
And, although you may have never had this problem, I have, on rare occasions, tried to depress a non-existent clutch pedal when first switching from a standard to an automatic. I kind of suspect that I'm not the only person in the world to have experienced that phenomenon.
That doesn't mean that everyone is that gifted. It's not hard to find people recounting incidents where they forgot to disengage the safety or moved it the wrong way--even when dealing with guns that they use frequently and even when under little or no pressure.
And, although you may have never had this problem, I have, on rare occasions, tried to depress a non-existent clutch pedal when first switching from a standard to an automatic. I kind of suspect that I'm not the only person in the world to have experienced that phenomenon.
I spent and still spend some time in England (English wife) and have a bit of a problem after a few weeks over there, when I come back home "Driving on the Right (and correct) side of the road" .
That being said my two gun rotation is a 1911 platform and a 2nd gen S&W platform, never had a problem with up/down, but that's just me. I can see why other people might have a problem.
I may not always carry the same gun, but will switch between similar pistols.
I like Glocks so its a G26, G19, G17, or a G30. All pretty much the same gun, just bigger, smaller or whatever. Sometimes I will carry my S&W M&P9 as well, still, pretty much the same system. Once in a while I will wonder off the reservation and strap on the full sized 1911 but not often. I do it in low risk environments, mostly to get more familier with the 1911 platform. Its good to be very familier with your carry gun, but its also good to be capable of handling all the most commom weapon systems as needed.
I like Glocks so its a G26, G19, G17, or a G30. All pretty much the same gun, just bigger, smaller or whatever. Sometimes I will carry my S&W M&P9 as well, still, pretty much the same system. Once in a while I will wonder off the reservation and strap on the full sized 1911 but not often. I do it in low risk environments, mostly to get more familier with the 1911 platform. Its good to be very familier with your carry gun, but its also good to be capable of handling all the most commom weapon systems as needed.
I don't have a problem switching between semiauto and revolver. What has caused me problems is carrying a decocker only then switching to a decocking safety.
Specifically, I carry a Ruger KP95DC or P89DC(decock only which returns to ready to fire double action when decocked). I also have both models in safety/decocker(decocks and safety remains engaged after dropping hammer).
During practice, I find numerous times that I have dropped the hammer to holster but left the safety on and failed to release the safety during drawing. This can/will get you killed in a real life situation, therefore, I don't carry the safety decock pistols for SD use.
I know it's simply a matter of practice since I used to carry a single action pistol and wiped the safety off each draw.
Specifically, I carry a Ruger KP95DC or P89DC(decock only which returns to ready to fire double action when decocked). I also have both models in safety/decocker(decocks and safety remains engaged after dropping hammer).
During practice, I find numerous times that I have dropped the hammer to holster but left the safety on and failed to release the safety during drawing. This can/will get you killed in a real life situation, therefore, I don't carry the safety decock pistols for SD use.
I know it's simply a matter of practice since I used to carry a single action pistol and wiped the safety off each draw.
My 90 percent-of-the-time EDC is a Kahr PM9, holstered in cool weather and pocket carried in the summer. I do on occasion carry a Kimber UCII when it's cool and I have something to cover it with ... I carry an NAA Pug on dog walks, mainly for the occasional snake or skunk ... never had to shoot either, we usually just turn around and go the other way ... too much variety is a bad thing, IMHO ... but if you decide to carry more than one gun on a regular basis, be sure you practice your draw with all of them ...
To be safe, I would only carry a gun that has the same or more simplistic controls to my primary carry. Example: if your primary carry is a 1911, you're not going to be in trouble if you instinctively swipe off the non existent Glock thumb safety. On the other hand, if you primarily carry a Glock, you will most definitely be in trouble if you do fail to swipe off the very existent thumb safety.
I think the same applies for the gear you use as well. If you normally carry in an IWB non retention holster, suddenly switching to a thumb break holster OWB will probably cause problems.
I think the same applies for the gear you use as well. If you normally carry in an IWB non retention holster, suddenly switching to a thumb break holster OWB will probably cause problems.
scottycoyote
New member
i switch guns quite a bit and i dont see a problem with it, im proficient with them all and theyve all proven themselves reliable to me.
Microgunner
New member
Hardly a week goes by that I don't change out my carry piece. I own so many and by golly, I want to carry them.
I almost always carry two handguns and the backup firearms are either my Kahr P380 or S&W BG38. These would be the two I carry consistently.
I almost always carry two handguns and the backup firearms are either my Kahr P380 or S&W BG38. These would be the two I carry consistently.
That's how I roll as well, because:
I carry a number of different DA revolvers (S&Ws, a Ruger and a Taurus). I've got my Taurus 431 .44 Special on my hip right now, and a 642 in my pocket. All operate in a very similar manner and all point quite naturally in my hands. I wouldn't carry a Colt revolver (as much as I like them), simply because of the reverse style cylinder release. I can see that being a problem for me under great stress. Not to mention I don't own a Colt, so that is small problem.
As for carry method, I always carry strong side IWB with very similar holsters which put the butt of the gun in nearly the exact same place at my side, and I practice draw with my carry guns (empty of course) very regularly. The exception to strong side IWB carry is when I pocket carry my little 642, or when I carry it in my Smartcarry rig. Usually the 642 is my BUG, but I do carry it by itself in my pocket on occasion, especially if I'm just tooling around the house for the day. As for reloads, I use HKS speedloaders for all my revolvers, and they go in the same pocket every day.
One system for Carry. If the crap hits the fan, I don't want to waste a micro-second figuring out which gun I have on me. Action beats reaction, so I'm already behind the curve- no sense in making it any more complicated than it needs to be.
One system: same gun, same holster type, same location, same ammo, same drawstroke. Muscle memory is expensive to install, and if you change things, it can cause a problem, exactly when and where you can not afford any problems.
One system: same gun, same holster type, same location, same ammo, same drawstroke. Muscle memory is expensive to install, and if you change things, it can cause a problem, exactly when and where you can not afford any problems.
checkmyswag
New member
I think the best answer is it's up to the individual, what's best for them is whatever they are comfortable with.
I have certainly switched guns, small, smaller, smallest.
Plan on carrying that until I can figure out how to carry something bigger easier.
I personally don't like switching guns frequently.
I have certainly switched guns, small, smaller, smallest.
Plan on carrying that until I can figure out how to carry something bigger easier.
I personally don't like switching guns frequently.
SauerGrapes
New member
I have 2 carry guns, one for warm weather and one for colder weather. I'm sure I could carry a bunch of different guns, but I choose not to.
Huh?
I generally have two systems: DA/SA automatics and revolvers. Switching between revolvers generally isn't an issue, since they're all medium-frame Smiths. If I switch to one of the automatics, it's usually after a couple of sessions at the range to reacquaint muscle memory.
If I'm switching to a single-action, usually several regular sessions are in order.
I think carrying pretty much in one location is a very good plan.
I normally conceal carry at 4 O'Clock.
Once in a great while I might open carry at 3 O'Clock. This will probably be carrying my 1911 or XDm in a Serpa holster at an LE class.
Same Basic Holsters:
I have 8 Lobo Pancake Holsters for my revolvers, all with Inner Hammer Shield. When I conceal carry I will normally be carrying in one of them.
When I carry my 1911 Colt I carry in a Rafter S Askens Avenger style holster.
Bumming around in the woods I will some times go to a Bianchi #5 or #8 with Thumb Break retention for better weapon retention.
Spare Ammunition:
This is the one area where things get different.
When I carry my 2-1/2" 66, or 4" 64 I will carry my spare ammunition in 6 round Quick Strips in an old Tan Bianchi #22 Dual Pouch, flaps up.
When I carry my 3" 625, 2-1/2" 310NG, or 4" 610 I carry either 1 or 2 Moon Clips in California Competion Moon Clip Carriers designed for the 7 shot 686 moon clips strong side infront of my holster.
When I belt carry my LCR 357 or 638 I will normally have one or two Quick Strips in my weak side front pants pocket, or 2 Quick Strips in a Tuff Products Carrier on the belt.
When I carry my LCR 22 I have a Tuff Products Quick Strip Carrier to carry 2 Number 1022 Quick Strips loaded with 7 rounds in pairs. OR for the LCR 22 and 4" 617 I will carry my spare ammunition in a Skoal Can in my weak side front pocket.
When carrying my 1911 I will normally carry 2 spare magazines on the weak side hip in a dual Rafter S magazine pouch in Black Shark to match my holster.
Match Ammunition Carry:
At the range shooting in our Defensive Pistol match with my 4" 64 S&W set up for SSR I will carry 2 Safariland Comp III speedloaders in a couple North Mountain carriers infront of my holster.
I will normally reload my 2-1/2" 66 using Safariland Comp II speedloaders carried in a vest or jacket pocket.
I will normally reload my LCR 357 with 7 round Quick Strips loaded with 5 rounds carried in a Tuff Products Quick Strip Pouch carried infront of the holster.
I will normally reload my LCR 22 with the model 1022 quick strips loaded with 6 rounds staged in pairs carried in a Tuff Products Quick Strip Pouch infront of the holster.
When shooting my 638 I will reload with Safariland Comp I speedloaders carried in a vest or jacket pocket.
The 625, 310NG, and 610 will all be loaded with moon clips carried in California Competion moon clip carriers infront of the holster.
I shoot quite a bit, and have no issues swapping around with the different handguns and equipment listed above. I live in a very low threat area, about 10 miles from Mayberry. For me concealed carry is a serious hobby. I like to work with different equipment and see what I find to work best. I have no problem changing from a revolver to a 1911, to the XDm, to an M&P 40.
I do have a few rules however:
No safetys that do not go down for Fire.
All magazine releases to be in the normal 1911 location. No problem with ones that work from either side, as long as located in the correct location.
All revolver cylinders rotate counter clock wise.
My next project will probably be a S&W 442 Pro Moon Clip gun (#178041). I will probably end up with custom fabricated moon clip carrers for this one. I see this as being a very neat carry gun.
Bob
I normally conceal carry at 4 O'Clock.
Once in a great while I might open carry at 3 O'Clock. This will probably be carrying my 1911 or XDm in a Serpa holster at an LE class.
Same Basic Holsters:
I have 8 Lobo Pancake Holsters for my revolvers, all with Inner Hammer Shield. When I conceal carry I will normally be carrying in one of them.
When I carry my 1911 Colt I carry in a Rafter S Askens Avenger style holster.
Bumming around in the woods I will some times go to a Bianchi #5 or #8 with Thumb Break retention for better weapon retention.
Spare Ammunition:
This is the one area where things get different.
When I carry my 2-1/2" 66, or 4" 64 I will carry my spare ammunition in 6 round Quick Strips in an old Tan Bianchi #22 Dual Pouch, flaps up.
When I carry my 3" 625, 2-1/2" 310NG, or 4" 610 I carry either 1 or 2 Moon Clips in California Competion Moon Clip Carriers designed for the 7 shot 686 moon clips strong side infront of my holster.
When I belt carry my LCR 357 or 638 I will normally have one or two Quick Strips in my weak side front pants pocket, or 2 Quick Strips in a Tuff Products Carrier on the belt.
When I carry my LCR 22 I have a Tuff Products Quick Strip Carrier to carry 2 Number 1022 Quick Strips loaded with 7 rounds in pairs. OR for the LCR 22 and 4" 617 I will carry my spare ammunition in a Skoal Can in my weak side front pocket.
When carrying my 1911 I will normally carry 2 spare magazines on the weak side hip in a dual Rafter S magazine pouch in Black Shark to match my holster.
Match Ammunition Carry:
At the range shooting in our Defensive Pistol match with my 4" 64 S&W set up for SSR I will carry 2 Safariland Comp III speedloaders in a couple North Mountain carriers infront of my holster.
I will normally reload my 2-1/2" 66 using Safariland Comp II speedloaders carried in a vest or jacket pocket.
I will normally reload my LCR 357 with 7 round Quick Strips loaded with 5 rounds carried in a Tuff Products Quick Strip Pouch carried infront of the holster.
I will normally reload my LCR 22 with the model 1022 quick strips loaded with 6 rounds staged in pairs carried in a Tuff Products Quick Strip Pouch infront of the holster.
When shooting my 638 I will reload with Safariland Comp I speedloaders carried in a vest or jacket pocket.
The 625, 310NG, and 610 will all be loaded with moon clips carried in California Competion moon clip carriers infront of the holster.
I shoot quite a bit, and have no issues swapping around with the different handguns and equipment listed above. I live in a very low threat area, about 10 miles from Mayberry. For me concealed carry is a serious hobby. I like to work with different equipment and see what I find to work best. I have no problem changing from a revolver to a 1911, to the XDm, to an M&P 40.
I do have a few rules however:
No safetys that do not go down for Fire.
All magazine releases to be in the normal 1911 location. No problem with ones that work from either side, as long as located in the correct location.
All revolver cylinders rotate counter clock wise.
My next project will probably be a S&W 442 Pro Moon Clip gun (#178041). I will probably end up with custom fabricated moon clip carrers for this one. I see this as being a very neat carry gun.
Bob
I know that some folks say they can jump into any car ever made and drive it and just know where all the controls are, and some folks say they can pick up any gun and just know all about it instinctively.
But you would really feel silly trying to pull the trigger of a cocked and locked 1911 because you thought you had your Glock that day. You could be just embarrassed to death!
Jim
But you would really feel silly trying to pull the trigger of a cocked and locked 1911 because you thought you had your Glock that day. You could be just embarrassed to death!
Jim
I might change the firearm that I carry based on various factors, but I seldom change the location of where the gun is holstered. But, what works for me, may not be workable for you.
I came of carry age in the era of the thumb break holster. I've used them extensively and I'm so comfortable with them that they're my preferred holster style. Open top holsters don't present much of a concern either as my hand will make he same reach (for a thumbreak release) before wrapping around the grip.
I have guns in 3 basic platforms: Modern DA revolvers, the 1911 and S&W Autos. From J-frame to N-Frame revolvers the manual of arms changes very little. Under stress, it's the front sight that I see, not the rear.
The S&W platform is relatively simple for me. I've owned these since about 1973 and I'm used to the "Walther-style" safety system. My S&W's are all single-stack alloy framed 9mm pistols which have a much different feel than the 1911. The Model 3914NL has a bobbed hammer so it's more likely to be carried than the service pistols.
The 1911's are mostly Commander sized pistols and with one exception, they're all steel. The size and extra weight tells me that I'm using a 1911.
A lot of words have been spilled regarding drawing and firing your gun "quickly" and/or "under stress". For me, the most important item is the carry location. It could be highly embarrassing (or fatal) to be reaching for your hip on the day you've decided on wearing a shoulder-holster or Thunderwear.
Which gun today?
If you have multiple guns then what you carry may be dictated by a host of criteria. Weather, clothing choices, your schedule of activities, the locations you'll be in, the hours you'll be away from home, etc.
Let's face it, I'm not going to be wearing my 6" Model 57 in a shoulder holster while attending Reno's Hot August Nights or the Air Races. Being forced to wear a jacket all day and night would not only be uncomfortable, but make me stand out.
Any time I'm carrying that extra vigilance kicks in. Situational awareness is a key component to EDC, regardless of your choice of weapon.
The sooner you can detect trouble brewing the more time you have to ...
a) Go elsewhere and avoid it.
b) Let others know about the possible trouble
c) Prepare for defending yourself and possibly others.
d) Envision your reaction of reach, release, draw, rock, present, safety, squeeze, recover.
That last step is based on your carry platform and carry location.
When I select the platform, I also evaluate my "capability" to engage. While dressing I run through the mental image of drawing, presenting and firing the choice of platform. During the day, any kind of suspicious behavior triggers this same mental image. If trouble is brewing I run through it again while evaluating options to avoid trouble.
That mental run through can get abbreviated to simply reminding yourself of what gun you're carrying and what kind of draw you need to make. This should remind you of the motion for deactivating any safety and any steps required to access the gun, such as lifting a shirt, hitting the safety strap, etc.
I came of carry age in the era of the thumb break holster. I've used them extensively and I'm so comfortable with them that they're my preferred holster style. Open top holsters don't present much of a concern either as my hand will make he same reach (for a thumbreak release) before wrapping around the grip.
I have guns in 3 basic platforms: Modern DA revolvers, the 1911 and S&W Autos. From J-frame to N-Frame revolvers the manual of arms changes very little. Under stress, it's the front sight that I see, not the rear.
The S&W platform is relatively simple for me. I've owned these since about 1973 and I'm used to the "Walther-style" safety system. My S&W's are all single-stack alloy framed 9mm pistols which have a much different feel than the 1911. The Model 3914NL has a bobbed hammer so it's more likely to be carried than the service pistols.
The 1911's are mostly Commander sized pistols and with one exception, they're all steel. The size and extra weight tells me that I'm using a 1911.
A lot of words have been spilled regarding drawing and firing your gun "quickly" and/or "under stress". For me, the most important item is the carry location. It could be highly embarrassing (or fatal) to be reaching for your hip on the day you've decided on wearing a shoulder-holster or Thunderwear.
Which gun today?
If you have multiple guns then what you carry may be dictated by a host of criteria. Weather, clothing choices, your schedule of activities, the locations you'll be in, the hours you'll be away from home, etc.
Let's face it, I'm not going to be wearing my 6" Model 57 in a shoulder holster while attending Reno's Hot August Nights or the Air Races. Being forced to wear a jacket all day and night would not only be uncomfortable, but make me stand out.
Any time I'm carrying that extra vigilance kicks in. Situational awareness is a key component to EDC, regardless of your choice of weapon.
The sooner you can detect trouble brewing the more time you have to ...
a) Go elsewhere and avoid it.
b) Let others know about the possible trouble
c) Prepare for defending yourself and possibly others.
d) Envision your reaction of reach, release, draw, rock, present, safety, squeeze, recover.
That last step is based on your carry platform and carry location.
When I select the platform, I also evaluate my "capability" to engage. While dressing I run through the mental image of drawing, presenting and firing the choice of platform. During the day, any kind of suspicious behavior triggers this same mental image. If trouble is brewing I run through it again while evaluating options to avoid trouble.
That mental run through can get abbreviated to simply reminding yourself of what gun you're carrying and what kind of draw you need to make. This should remind you of the motion for deactivating any safety and any steps required to access the gun, such as lifting a shirt, hitting the safety strap, etc.