Ideal gun for IWB CCW. . . .Just my opinion

N

Nathan

New member
Hmmm. . .Just want to get some chit chat going about comfortable vs not comfortable IWB CCW gun sizes.

First, super comfortable IMHO:
Gun: Kahr P40 6+1 40 s&w
L - 6.1
H - 4.6
W - .94
Weight - 23 oz
Holster - CompTac Spartan

My ideal CCW:
Gun: DW CCO 7+1 45 ACP
L - 8
H - 5
W - 1.45 (doesn't feel nearly this wide) Slide - .91"
Weight - 32 oz
Holster - Overland IWB

Others I've considered. . .

Gun: Glock 19 15+1 9x19
L - 7.4
H - 5.0
W - 1.18
Weight - 30 oz

Gun: SA XD Mod 2 9+1 40 S&W
L - 6.3
H - 4.8
W - 1.19
Weight - 32 oz

Something to throw in because others consider it the right size. . .

Gun: Sig 229 15+1 9x19
L - 7.1
H - 5.4
W - 1.5
Weight - 35 oz

Gun: 1911 5" 8+1 45ACP
L - 8.6
H - 5.5
W - 1.3 slide - .91
Weight - 50 oz
I carried this in a Milt Sparks holster and it wasn't awful, but too much if you own something smaller that you shoot well.


As you can see, I prefer 40 or 45, but I wonder how the XD mod 2 would so if added to the carry rotation?? Although, what is it doing that the CCO can't?

How is the Glock 19 to carry? I would love to here that opinion from someone who has carried a smaller AL framed 1911.

Post what you like to carry. . .Please use this format:

Gun: <make, model, barrel length, capacity, caliber>
L - <length>
H - <height>
W - <width> slide - <width>
Weight (loaded) - <weight> oz
 
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I've found the Glock 19 just slightly harder to conceal than a CCO style 1911 (or BHP, as they are very similar in proportion) and, loaded, not too different in weight from an AL framed CCO.

My preference is right there in that Glock 19 size if I'm going 9mm or .40.

For .45 I prefer to actually got a bit less concealable but better to shoot (IMO) in the all steel Commander Length 1911. Sure its a bit more work to carry, but I shoot them so much better than smaller, lighter .45's.

Current EDC:

CZ P-07
L: 7.3"
H: 5.1"
W: 1.5"
Weight: 27.2 oz
Holster: Winthrop IWB holster [Versa Max or V-hawk style]

Alternate EDC (when I'm feeling .45-y)

Ruger SR1911 CMD
L: 7.75"
H: 5.45"
W: 1.34 (frame is smaller)
Weight: 36.4 oz
Holster: Galco V-Hawk
 
My vote goes to a Colt combat commander with Novak sights in stainless.
Would love an Ed Brown Cobra carry or a DW Cbob but wouldn't be disappointed in a Colt.
 
Gun: Springfield Armory XD40 Sub Compact 3" 9+1 40S&W
L - 6.25"
H - 4.75"
W - 1.20"
Weight-33oz (W/10 Gold Dot 180gr.)


Gun: Kahr Arms CM9 3" 6+1 9MM Luger
L - 5.42"
H - 4.0"
W - .90"
Weight 19oz(W/7 Gold Dot 124gr.)

Ruger LCR 1.875" 5 38 Special +P
L- 6.5"
H-4.5"
W-14.6oz (W/5 Gold Dot 135gr.)

All three carried in Theis Holsters IWB Hybrid at various times
CM9, and LCR double as pocket carry in DeSantis Nemesis depending on weather conditions, and clothing worn.
Plus Ruger LCP pocket carried in DeSantis Superfly always!
 
I find the Glick 19 comfortable for IWB carry. When my wardrobe requires something smaller, I have been very happy with the Taurus 709 Slim (6.25 L, 4.25 H, .96 W).
 
My experience is that comfort is dictated much less by the gun than the belt and holster.
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Agreed, cheap IWB holsters are extremely uncomfortable. Although the size of the gun does play a big part. I find the S&W Shield to be the perfect carry gun for me since the grip is so thin on it and conceals very well.
 
Nathan said:
How is the Glock 19 to carry? I would love to here that opinion from someone who has carried a smaller AL framed 1911.
Click to expand...
I have not carried a smaller framed AL framed 1911. That said, I find the G19 to be very easy to carry. I got one almost 2 years ago and, despite my having had every intention to thoroughly dislike the little bugger, have found myself carrying it about 95% of the time. My set up: G19 in a CBST, extra mag and Leatherman multitool on the opposite side, all hung on a proper gunbelt.
 
As you can see, I prefer 40 or 45, but I wonder how the XD mod 2 would so if added to the carry rotation??
Click to expand...

I have the XD40 Subcompact, which is the same thing basically. Just a bit of recontouring, specs and size are the same. It's in the rotation.

Hows it work? Pretty good.

I prefer the short magazine, without a baseplate extender.

Aliengear IWB (came with the gun when I bought it).

Although, what is it doing that the CCO can't?
Click to expand...

Your call. Single action with thumb safety, vs. single action (yes, it is) without manual safety. 9 rounds of .40 vs. 7 of .45. Loaded weight is the same.
 
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