Good Concealed-Carry Weapon?

skkjester

Inactive
Greetings! I am new to TFL. In fact, I am new to firearms, period. I recently purchased a Ruger P95DC with the aid of another TFL member (the irrepressible Daddycat), and so far am very happy with its performance (fired 200 rounds out of the box with no feed problems and decent accuracy). However, it is a tad chunky for concealed carry. Does anyone have suggestions for a good weapon to carry? I'm thinking for a holster fitted in the small of my back.

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"Those who would sacrifice liberty in the name of security, deserve neither liberty nor security."
 
How much money do you want to spend and what caliber? Single action or double? How big are you? Depending on your lifestyle, s.o.b. can be hazardous to your health. Strong side behind the hip might be a better alternative, if it hides there on you well. To a large degree, the pistol will dictate the type carry as well as your body type and clothing choices. Give us some more info please.
 
There are many quality subcompact sized pistols out there. I have carried a Glock 27 and Kahr 9mm concealed without any problems.

I would suggest that you shop around and if you get the opportunity, shoot several subcompact sized pistols before buying. Also, I would avoid having a holster that fits in the small of your back. Simply from the standpoint of what does it do to your back when you sit down.

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It is the people who are prisoners of their own ignorance about firearms that pose the greatest threat to our 2nd Amendment Rights.
 
I will second Matt's choices and add two more. I am very fond of S&W J Frames. I have a model 60 and model 37. Due to its light weight the model 37 is a good choice, My second choice, do not laugh, is a Kel-Tec P32. It is small, light, and won't bite the hand that feeds it. A 32acp in your hand beats a 45acp in your safe. This little pistol is so small and light that there is no excuse not to carry it. Regards, Richard.
 
A good weapon to carry concealed is (a.) one you can conceal given your body and means of dress and (b.) one you shoot well with and (c.) one that is reliable every time and you trust your life with.

Having said that, I switch between two guns even though some will advocate about using the same game constantly for familiarity under stress. Through most of the year I carry a Kimber Compact. When I want to go to lighter clothing or lighter carry it's a S&W Model 60.

There is a lot to consider about where to carry. Try some inexpensive holsters first in different locations. You'll quickly know what is right for you.
 
I recently moved deep into the hot & humid Florida swamps where it reaches the 80's even in the cold of winter. So, concealment is a real issue with me. I can conceal a Kahr MK9 in an inside the waist belly band without the slightest bulge. The MK9 holds 7 (6+1) rounds of 9mm and the belly band has a little slot for holding another magazine with 6 rounds in it. Some may question the effectiveness of a 9mm but loaded with the proper ammo, it has acheived a 90% one shot stopping capability in actual shooting encounters and it's a whole lot better than a .32 or .380. If you want something even more powerful, Kahr also offers one in a .40S&W called the MK40 -- it's the exact same size as the MK9 but holds one less round.

The Kahr guns are reliable, accurate and made with all steel construction and built like a tank.

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Everyone is going to have different standards as far as what is good them. I carry a G30. I'm 6'0 225 w/ 32 in. waist and I have no problems carrying and concealing it. But I have seen posts from many who feel it's too big for them. You have to find what is most comfortable for you. If you want to good combo of concealment and firepower go with one of the baby glocks (26,27,etc.) they are concealed well regardless of body size.
 
I know what you mean about the ruger its nice but a booger to carry. I have a taurus PT111, it has a long trigger pull and is quite light it has been a good gun regardless what others say it just takes some getting used to
 
As someone else suggested, it all depends on body size, etc.

I have three guns I carry concealed:

1) a Kel-Tec P11 (very light and concealable) 10-16 rounds, depending on magazine. Accurate, once you learn to shoot it.

2) a Star 40 (very concealable, but about as light as an anchor). Very accurate, very reliable. 8+1

3) a S&W Model 669. Bulkier than the Kel-Tec but lighter than the Star. 12+1.

The Kel-Tec gets carried most frequently. Its sometimes carried as a pocket gun.

The new polymer Kahrs might be a good choice. I don't like (but have tried) the small Glocks.
 
SK

You have received a lot of good advice here and let me add some more. Whatever you choose it ought to add up to a combination of gun, holster, etc. that you will really carry. I can't tell you how many of my "gunny" friends have drawers full of holsters that they tried and discarded - me too as a matter of fact. I've tried the SOB(small of the back holster) by Galco. Nice setup but when I sit down in a straight back chair it is really uncomfortable (for me). For what its worth I have settled down to the S&W 60 with a Galco IWB - that's good for me, maybe not for you. A little experimentation is called for. Get what fits you and what you'll consistently carry! Bottom line!
 
Skkjester,

Why don't you join us at Hot Shots in Marietta on Saturday (4/8) @ 3:00... I live in Atlanta too. I hope you already have your carry permit because it's supposed to take 6 months to recieve it if you apply in Fulton County. I applied for mine two months ago (2/4/2000)... & still no word.

I have a P-95 also, I'm waiting to get a holster until I get the permit. My first choice is probably going to be a Blade Tech IWB.

Hope to see ya Saturday,
Ben

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"Gun Control Is Being Able To Hit Your Target"
 
With respect to everyone's tastes, I have chosen the HK USP .40C. This little brute of mine is perfect "for me" as far as concealability goes. And it packs a punch as well. I have never encountered any misfeeds or malfunctions for that matter. I have fired Hydra-shoks, Cor-Bon, Ranger SXT/Black Talons endlessly with no problems.
Just my thoughts. Good luck.

JJC
 
In winter I can carry most any gun in a leather jacket. Otherwise, I am carrying my little Keltec P32 all the time now, and my taurus ul ti also fits well in the pocket.
 
One word, Makarov. Here's why: economical ($140 or $148 shipped to FFL for unissued military Mak), economical ammo ($5.20/50 delivered to your door), parts aplenty and cheap, mags almost free (slightly used $1.50), slim, compact, very reliable, and extremely accurate. Check out www.makarov.com

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So many pistols, so little money.

[This message has been edited by Tecolote (edited April 06, 2000).]
 
If you're new to firearms, I suggest getting a good revolver or a DAO semi. Glock is good if you have relatively big hands. Kahr MK9's are also very nice. Very concealable too.

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Svt
1911 Addiction
"Rangers Lead the Way!"
 
Many thanks for the replies so far. Some have asked for more information about my body type and what I am looking for. I would ideally like a 9mm automatic, although I would also consider a .38. I'm 5'7", and an unsvelte 155 lbs. I spend a lot of time sitting, so that would be a consideration as to where I would keep the pistol.

BTW, I will be at Hot Shots this weekend, and look forward to seeing other TFL members there!

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"Those who would sacrifice liberty in the name of security, deserve neither liberty nor security."
 
Sounds to me like a Keltec P-11 with the factory belt clip would be just perfect for you. 12.5oz.,very small with no sharp edges, the belt clip avoids the bulk and weight of a holster. I carry mine everyday even in the hottest weather. It conceals unbelievably well even under just an untucked T shirt. Marcus
 
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