Question re: concealed carry

K

Kermit

New member
Been playing with the idea of picking up a carry gun. I have full size USPs, 1991a1, Glock 17, Beretta 92 and *&* 586 w/ 6" barrel.
Anyway, I know all these manufacturers make compact versions of these guns, but I'm not gaining ALOT in concealability by going with a compact Beretta for example and the weight is about the same...so, why go compact? Wouldn't I be better off going with a gun I'm already very comfortable with instead of having to learn a new gun? :confused:

PS...Not looking to carry everyday. I just need to occasionally for work. Usually wear suit and carry brief case.
 
I carry my Taurus 100AFS in 40 S&W all the time. Keep it behind the back and have no problem keeping it hidden. Mostly tee shirts and shorts down here in AZ. Just more comfortable with my Taurus. I have had alot of practice with her and am comfortable with her in my hands. I have been thinking about going compact. But I keep spending all my money on wheel guns. Looking for a hunting rig now.
 
Wearing a suit greatly expands your carry options. Any of the autoloaders you mentioned could be carried IWB with the aid of a good carry rig.
 
I would suggest trying on these pistols while wearing your suit and walk around the house a bit to get a "feel" for it and to see if you can be comfortable that way. It also helps to enlist a spouse or good freind to check you to make sure you don't print too much while you have the weapon strapped on.

There is nothing wrong with carrying your full size weapons and I highly reccomend it if you can comfortably do so. There is really no need to go with a compact model unless you just can't carry the full size model, or if being discovered may cause certain problems with co workers/company policy.

PS...Not looking to carry everyday. I just need to occasionally for work. Usually wear suit and carry brief case.
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I would try to make it a routine to carry. The one day that you don't carry will be the day your really need it. Just something to think about...

Good Shooting
RED
 
What you wear and the holster gear you have will do a lot to conceal even very large guns. For the 1911, shrinking the barrel length does not seem to do as much for concealment as shrinking the grip. I have found that the concealed carry officer's size gun with the commander length barrel and officer's-sized grip is a good overall compromise for concealment without giving up too much velocity. With a set of thin grips, concealment is that much easier.
 
The "compact" version of the Glock 17 is the Glock 19, and from my perspective, there's just not enough difference in the size to make it worthwhile to go the 19 route. (Glock makes smaller 9mms, but there too damned chunky and hard to grip, for me.)

The biggest deal is finding a well-made, comfortable holster suitable for concealment. That's far more important than the weapon's size... YOu may end up buying more than one before you find the right one.
 
I agree with Red -- not a bad idea to have one all the time. And, as for wearing a suit, you're not going to want to keep your jacket on all the time I imagine. I'd recommend not limiting yourself to a smaller version of something you already have. How about a airweight centenniel in a bellyband? I have a variety of guns I carry depending on where I'm going and what I have to wear. That's not for everyone, but throwing an NAA Minimag or Gaurdian in my pocket when I cant chance something bigger keeps my blood pressure down.
 
I carry a full size USP all the time. With the right holster (I use a FIST pancake, and occasionally a Blade-Tech IWB) it will disappear under an untucked shirt.

If you wear a suitcoat, and don't have to remove it, you could CCW an 870.

Personally, if it won't fit nicely in a pocket, I don't see the point of anything but a full size gun.
 
I only carry on occasion-that occasion being out of bed. I also wear a helmet on the motorcycle and use the seat belt in the cars, even if just going around the block. I carry health insurance always as well as car insurance and fire insurance on my home even though I've never had to use them. Principle seems the same to me. If you feel you have reason to carry, carry always, even around home. Seems to me that beats having guns stashed everywhere (so one willl be handy) and kids won't find guns in drawers. Besides, the more you carry, the more comfortable it becomes and, with your wife's help, less likely to "print". I would add, though, I'm retired and my attire consists of loose t-shirts in summer and sweat shirts in colder times. YMMV.
:rolleyes:
 
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