YAGunT: What's your concealed carry?

[duragezic]

Check out: http://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy

The dude has tons of VERY detailed pistol reviews including a lot of good CCW options. He is of the type that doesn't believe in carrying full size because for most people it's just not feasible to do 24/7. He used to carry the Kahr PM9 heavily but has always had the Keltec PF9 as of late (partly due to the PM9 being so much more $).

He has mentioned it's a pretty snappy gun to shoot though, since it's so light but still shooting 9mm. Check out his review of the PF9.

If you go the .380, there are many more options for subcompact/CCW. Sure it's not as powerful, but they are all like that. 9mm is quite underpowered, with .40 being a bit better, and .45 being best. So .380 ACP being a step down from 9mm isn't a big problem IMO.

edit: Also a great video by another great youtuber:

A Beginners Guide to Concealed Carry by wranglerbarn

If you follow WB, he tried many options like the Glock 30, various .380 pistols like the Sig P238, Kahr PM9, and ended up going back to Glock (19). In the most recent video and others, he lays down his reasons for going to the Glock 26 for the most part in summer.

 

[GasX]

Smith & Wesson 3913

Small, concealable, uber-reliable, 9mm

 

[PrinceofWands]

Taurus Millennium Pro PT140, custom owb, spare mag (usually in pocket).

 

[deadlyapp]

I own a Mark III. It's fun for plinking. now i'm thinking of putting my concealed carry license to good use, and get a concealed weapon.

So far i've tried (all 9mm):
Glock 26: 3.5" barrel, 6.25" overall, 19.75oz
Smith + Wesson MP9 compact: 3.5", 6.7", 21.7oz
Springfield Armory XD subcompact: 3.1", 6.25" 20.5oz

went thru a box of the cheapest ammo the range sells for each. no jams.
the MP9 compact was the most accurate. but it was also the longest gun in the batch.

then i read about the smallest mass production 9mm:
KelTec PF9: 3.1" barrel, 5.85" overall, 12.7oz
Reviews say it's not a target range gun. After a box of ammo, your hand will start hurting. but great to fit in your pants pocket.


If you have a concealed carry gun, what is it? why did you choose it?
and has it ever jammed on you?

I didn't read through anyone elses post, but what you've posted here is accurate. I have the keltec P11, a very similar gun (9mm, 3" barrel), and I only use it as a backup carry. The super long double action pull is not useable to me unless it is an extreme case. It is also definitely not something I take to the range other than to shoot a few mags to make sure it's feeding properly. I've had no issues with it yet though.

My daily carry is a Kimber Ultra Carry II.

 

[Mutilator]

I've had my XD9 Service (4") for several years now and carried it quite a bit... usually in a smartcarry holster.

Yesterday I picked up my PF-9 and started the break in process... yes after 100 rounds your hand will hurt. Little bit of slide bite from one of the first rounds then after that just constant pounding of the web of your hand between your thumb and index finger. Not too bad, might go back tomorrow and put another 100 rounds through it.

After I got done and had 50 rounds left to finish off I picked my XD back up... damn that thing is like holding a brick in your hand after the PF-9 and the trigger pull and reset are nonexistent. Groups were as tight or tighter than I've had them before without even trying. From 1 extreme to another as far as 9mm go.

But since I had no malfunctions with the PF-9 I'm sure it'll make a fine carry gun once I'm done breaking it in... and unlike the XD I won't know it's there at the end of the day. Hell for $260 I couldn't really go wrong right?


Edit: Deadlyapp my range had a Kimber Ultra Carry II for sale... very sexy gun.

 

[pontifex]

Check out: http://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy

The dude has tons of VERY detailed pistol reviews including a lot of good CCW options. He is of the type that doesn't believe in carrying full size because for most people it's just not feasible to do 24/7. He used to carry the Kahr PM9 heavily but has always had the Keltec PF9 as of late (partly due to the PM9 being so much more $).

He has mentioned it's a pretty snappy gun to shoot though, since it's so light but still shooting 9mm. Check out his review of the PF9.

If you go the .380, there are many more options for subcompact/CCW. Sure it's not as powerful, but they are all like that. 9mm is quite underpowered, with .40 being a bit better, and .45 being best. So .380 ACP being a step down from 9mm isn't a big problem IMO.

edit: Also a great video by another great youtuber:

A Beginners Guide to Concealed Carry by wranglerbarn

If you follow WB, he tried many options like the Glock 30, various .380 pistols like the Sig P238, Kahr PM9, and ended up going back to Glock (19). In the most recent video and others, he lays down his reasons for going to the Glock 26 for the most part in summer.

underpowered for what exactly? best at what exactly?

 

[Spike]

I carry my Ruger LCP normally (.380) and my XD .45 compact when hiking in the woods.

 

[deadlyapp]

I've had my XD9 Service (4") for several years now and carried it quite a bit... usually in a smartcarry holster.

Yesterday I picked up my PF-9 and started the break in process... yes after 100 rounds your hand will hurt. Little bit of slide bite from one of the first rounds then after that just constant pounding of the web of your hand between your thumb and index finger. Not too bad, might go back tomorrow and put another 100 rounds through it.

After I got done and had 50 rounds left to finish off I picked my XD back up... damn that thing is like holding a brick in your hand after the PF-9 and the trigger pull and reset are nonexistent. Groups were as tight or tighter than I've had them before without even trying. From 1 extreme to another as far as 9mm go.

But since I had no malfunctions with the PF-9 I'm sure it'll make a fine carry gun once I'm done breaking it in... and unlike the XD I won't know it's there at the end of the day. Hell for $260 I couldn't really go wrong right?


Edit: Deadlyapp my range had a Kimber Ultra Carry II for sale... very sexy gun.

I wouldn't trade my kimber for the world. I'll probably pick up a pro carry or a fullsize at some point here for more range shooting after shooting my buddies custom covert this past weekend.

Your points about the PF-9 are good. I picked up my P11 for about 230 so in my eyes it's not much of a loss if I don't ever use it. I can strap it to my ankle if I need to be somewhere where I want full concealability or toss it in a pocket and forget about it.

Any 4" gun will be difficult to conceal carry in most cases. Most 4" guns that don't have a shortened grip will print pretty badly.

My advice: If you want something ultra-portable, go with a super subcompact like a Ruger LCP or Keltec, but you will have the tradeoffs of a smaller round and smaller capacity. If you're ok with a subcompact, the Glock subcompacts are nice, the XD subcompacts are pretty refined, or a 3" 1911.

Mutilator, you have the grip extensions on your magazines I hope? They made a huge difference for me on my P11.

 

[Sinsear]

Glock 19.

 

[Mutilator]

Mutilator, you have the grip extensions on your magazines I hope? They made a huge difference for me on my P11.

It came with 1 but I haven't put it on yet... about 1/2 my pinky fits on the grip now so putting that on would probably be just enough for a full grip. Otherwise I'll leave it alone or maybe put my pinky under the mag. I've got plenty of time to play around with it and see what works best.

The range also had a couple nice M4s... DPMS and Colt. One day I'll get a long gun. Took ~4 years before I bought gun #2... I don't know if I can wait that long for #3.

 

[deadlyapp]

It came with 1 but I haven't put it on yet... about 1/2 my pinky fits on the grip now so putting that on would probably be just enough for a full grip. Otherwise I'll leave it alone or maybe put my pinky under the mag. I've got plenty of time to play around with it and see what works best.

The range also had a couple nice M4s... DPMS and Colt. One day I'll get a long gun. Took ~4 years before I bought gun #2... I don't know if I can wait that long for #3.

It made a huge difference for me adding the grip extension. Way more control and the ability to move my hand down a bit so I got less irritation on my thumb.

Have you shot an AR yet? I won't lie, if you don't want to buy one right away, make sure you don't shoot one. If you shoot one you'll start looking immediately. I've got three friends that have bought AR's after shooting one, within a month. And it's a downhill slope after that. I've spent several grand on my AR and ammo for it =(

 

[Slapstick]

interesting.. never thought of .380.
Isnt it a little under powered?

and does your pinky fit on the handle, or does it dangle like the glock 26? and need a magazine extension like the XD subcompact?

Rugar LCR- How's the recoil of the .38specials with those short barrels?

I'm going to get flamed a little on this comment but the first thing you have learn is there really is no such thing as "knock down power" when referring to bullets. It's all about placement and penetration. With that being said the larger calibers generally penetrate deeper and due to their larger diameter do a little more damage. Again that's a very very general statement. Placement is the most import, striking a vital organ is what stops a person either trough rapid blood loss or destroying the nervous system.

On the LCP, the .380 can be an effect round. Ballisticly it's a little weak but it is a good self defense round. At the distances you would normally shoot in a self defense situation, (20 feet or so) it has the power to penetrate into the vital organs of a normal sized person. The recoil is quite noticeable, you don't shoot a 100 rounds through that at the range using factory SD ammo. I put the Pearson finger extensions on the magazine, they're bigger than the Ruger extensions but overly so. They allow for a decent grip with the first 3 fingers and the pinkie finger tucks nicely underneath. I only practice with it out to the 7 yard line and it accurate enough to put all shots in within the 8 ring. Good enough for it's intended purpose, that being a light SD gun that you actually carry with enough power to dissuade an attacker.

The LCR isn't a gun you want to shot a lot either. Being a very light gun it's recoil is also very noticeable. (Barrel length isn't important in recoil but the weight of firearm is and grip design can improve perceived recoil). Again it's a gun that is meant to be carried a lot and shot just enough to keep proficient with. The factory grips are great for concealment but lousy for reducing perceived recoil. Being .38 cal it has more power to penetrate. Again I only really practice with it at the 7 yard marker. It's accurate enough out to that point for a carry SD gun.

The thing that makes the LCP & LCR good SD guns is the fact that since they are small and light you're more likely to carry them instead of leaving them in the safe at home. They're effective at SD ranges and even if you don't hit your target they make a lot of noise and flash and I don't know anyone that sticks around to see if you're a good shot or not.

Right now I'm working up handloads that give me the same point of impact as SD loads with reduced power so I can practice more with each of them without getting banged up by recoil. It's my belief is that any gun can be an effective SD gun depending on where you put the bullet.

 

[deadlyapp]

Thank you slapstick. I was going to address the myth of knock down power and so on and so forth but decided to just let it ride.

Anyone who is relying on a super compact like an LCP or PF-9 should realize that outside of 10-15 yards you're going to be hard pressed to get much accuracy, especially in an emergency situation. With any case, your round is woefully unimportant if you are well trained with your gun and are accurate with your shot placement.

Anyone who purchases a super compact should not treat it as any more than a point and shoot sort of gun IMHO.

 

[Modelworks]

M1911 that belonged to an uncle who used it in Vietnam. Very well made gun and something that I never have doubts will get the job done also very easy to carry.

 

[Mutilator]

Anyone who is relying on a super compact like an LCP or PF-9 should realize that outside of 10-15 yards you're going to be hard pressed to get much accuracy, especially in an emergency situation. With any case, your round is woefully unimportant if you are well trained with your gun and are accurate with your shot placement.

Anyone who purchases a super compact should not treat it as any more than a point and shoot sort of gun IMHO.

Realistically you shouldn't be pulling your gun on someone more than 15 yards away anyway... if you need it you need it now and they're close so you may end up point and shooting regardless of your weapon of choice.

As for the AR15s - no I haven't shot one yet... the first one I shoot will probably be the first one I buy. I've had my eye on the Doublestar M4 @ Buds for a while but I keep holding myself back for one reason or another. Dunno how long I can restrain myself.

 

[killster1]

Taurus .38 ultralite desantis nemesis holster. Revolvers don't jam.

no they dont jam but ive seen them blow up. Once saw a .357 tarus shoot two shells at once and injure guy and ruin the gun. So i guess you can call that a jam.

I carry two glock 33's, .357 sig is best round to kill someone with if you ask me. Also once saw a guys kel tec trigger break at the gun range, was very funny. Ruger lcp is smallest carry gun to bad they had recall or something. I swear by glocks but own HK's as well. I dont know how many rounds ive put threw a glock 27 i have prob 66,000 i stopped counting at 50k and 0 fails. Better than i can say for the XD my friend put 25000 rounds threw before was jamming.

laser grips are nice if you have extra 120 bux and carry a mag of fmj if you want to shoot threw a car. I used to carry a .45 (HK45) always but now i trade more bullets and lighter gun. I also have rifle in trunk usually and a Hipoint under the spare tire as a throw away heh (they are impressive for 90$ but heavy as a brick of metal)

 

[Zebo]

S&W Mod 60 .357 5 shot revolver. But I hardly ever carry.... sits in glove box 99 percent of time.

Edit percent sign = % now??? What's up with that?

 

[deadlyapp]

Realistically you shouldn't be pulling your gun on someone more than 15 yards away anyway... if you need it you need it now and they're close so you may end up point and shooting regardless of your weapon of choice.

As for the AR15s - no I haven't shot one yet... the first one I shoot will probably be the first one I buy. I've had my eye on the Doublestar M4 @ Buds for a while but I keep holding myself back for one reason or another. Dunno how long I can restrain myself.

Agreed on the 15 yards part, but if I'm in a restaurant and a guy comes in with a gun out, you can bet i'll be unholstered pretty quickly. While I do agree that is an extreme case. Nearly every situation where you may need to use a concealed firearm you're going to be within several feet.

I'm finding it difficult to avoid buying a second AR at this point =(. I really want to get an AR-10 variant but the good ones are 1500+ =( I think the next purchase will be an MSAR.

 

[pontifex]

no they dont jam but ive seen them blow up. Once saw a .357 tarus shoot two shells at once and injure guy and ruin the gun. So i guess you can call that a jam.

I carry two glock 33's, .357 sig is best round to kill someone with if you ask me. Also once saw a guys kel tec trigger break at the gun range, was very funny. Ruger lcp is smallest carry gun to bad they had recall or something. I swear by glocks but own HK's as well. I dont know how many rounds ive put threw a glock 27 i have prob 66,000 i stopped counting at 50k and 0 fails. Better than i can say for the XD my friend put 25000 rounds threw before was jamming.

laser grips are nice if you have extra 120 bux and carry a mag of fmj if you want to shoot threw a car. I used to carry a .45 (HK45) always but now i trade more bullets and lighter gun. I also have rifle in trunk usually and a Hipoint under the spare tire as a throw away heh (they are impressive for 90$ but heavy as a brick of metal)

"through"

Not sure how it's physically possible for a revolver to shoot 2 rounds at once? The chambers in the cylinder would have to be lined up with the hammer...

I don't think you'll find a laser grip for $120 closer to $200+ for a semi-auto. Not sure what using a laser with fmj to shoot through a car is about, unless that was 2 separate thoughts?

I seriously hope "throwaway gun" isn't the term I'm thinking you're using it as.

 

[gooseman]

I have 3 that I rotate between. It depends on the season and what I'm wearing. They are:

Kimber Eclipse Pro II
S&W MP .40
Bersa Thunder .380

 

[duragezic]

underpowered for what exactly? best at what exactly?

Just speaking very generally of the most common semiauto pistol calibers. So yes .45 ACP is not the best for everything, for example it's slower and less flat trajectory than 9mm or .40. I think a 9mm (and .380) is adequate for CCW but for some, like most police, they want higher performance.

 

[Zebo]

underpowered for what exactly? best at what exactly?

well 50 cent was hit 9x with 9mm and survived.....Anywhere COM or head with a 357 or 10mm I bet he would not be in da club no mo

Both carry about 750 ftlbs energy vs half that for 9mm.


If I am going to shoot at someone likely they are shooting me and I'd prefer one shot knock downs for brevity/survival sake so 357 magnum for me. Plus goes through car doors and other urban barriers like butter.

 

[F1N3ST]

Everyone who carries a gun is a fucking mongoloid.
%

 

[Slapstick]

no they dont jam but ive seen them blow up. Once saw a .357 tarus shoot two shells at once and injure guy and ruin the gun. So i guess you can call that a jam.

I carry two glock 33's, .357 sig is best round to kill someone with if you ask me. Also once saw a guys kel tec trigger break at the gun range, was very funny. Ruger lcp is smallest carry gun to bad they had recall or something. I swear by glocks but own HK's as well. I dont know how many rounds ive put threw a glock 27 i have prob 66,000 i stopped counting at 50k and 0 fails. Better than i can say for the XD my friend put 25000 rounds threw before was jamming.

laser grips are nice if you have extra 120 bux and carry a mag of fmj if you want to shoot threw a car. I used to carry a .45 (HK45) always but now i trade more bullets and lighter gun. I also have rifle in trunk usually and a Hipoint under the spare tire as a throw away heh (they are impressive for 90$ but heavy as a brick of metal)

You do realize that the HK 45 carries 10 +1 rounds while the Glock 33 caries 9+1 rounds. I guess I'm trying to figure out your math when you state you traded for more bullets by switching? One other question, what were you shooting in that Glock that got 66,000 rounds through it and how many time have you changed out the barrel? There is so much else wrong with your post but I'll start there.

 

[Slapstick]

Everyone who carries a gun is a fucking mongoloid.
%

And those that don't are just sheep waiting to be preyed upon by the wolves.