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Posted: 7/23/2018 2:50:45 PM EDT
I thought it would be interesting to read about how your concealed carry has evolved over time. Some of you have probably been carrying decades and some my switch your EDC faster than others switch underwear so full details might not be necessary....but a general thought process in where you started and how you got to where you are now might be good.
For my contribution: I started out with a 1911. I just preferred the 1911 triggers when I started shooting pistols and carrying. Ultimately, I still do I guess. I carried a full sized 1911 for years with an IWB holster at 3 O'Clock. When the XDS came out, I jumped on that so that I could save some weight and have a more concealable package. I went with the .45 because I was coming from a 1911 and had plenty of ammo and was happy with the "stopping power" argument. Because it has a neutered round count, I started with AIWB in a sidecar holster so that I could have a spare mag. I like this carry position for a lot of reasons. Some of them are defense specific, but I also find it more comfortable and with kids it is easier to keep it concealed when they are playing with your shirt or something and an excited 4 year old can't run up on me and accidentally headbutt the gun while trying to hug me (it happened once) Over the years, 9mm has really improved in terms of ballistics. That got me thinking about that as a caliber option. When I started looking at 9mm options the primary concern was reliability, but I also started considering SHTF scenarios. In other words, what am I likely to come across that is useful if the world melts down. I ended up at Glock and specifically a G19. I've only had it a short time, but like it and have AIWB holster on the way. After some trigger time, I will transition to that as a daily carry. It is already outfitted with a Streamlight TRL-1 HL. A weapon light is also new for me. I never believed in them much until my kids were old enough to be up without my knowledge. When it was the wife and I, anything that moved in my house was fair game. Between that scenario and a presentation that I watched where the weapon light was what made contact and allowed the gun to keep running, I knew it was time to change my mindset on these as well. That's where I stand. From Glock hater to Glock fan, from .45 to 9mm, from 3 O'Clock and no spare mag to AIWB with a mag and finally no light to weapon mounted light. What's your story? |
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I started off with a 1911 as well. Stainless Springfield Loaded Champion. I carried that for about a year in a DeSantis Mad Max (IWB 4:00).
After that year I decided I didn't like the weight of the Springer. Migrated to an XDs 45 IWB at 4:00. The few times I did carry a spare mag, I carried it in a thin leather holder in my back pocket. Eventually I grew somewhat uncomfortable with the limited capacity of the XDs and went to a P320 carry......right before the drop safe trigger issue came to light While my Sig was away getting it's internals fixed I picked up a HK VP9SK and that is where I am today. Weapon light wise, I have not yet made that transition. My nightstand gun is a VP9 Tactical with night sights although I keep telling myself that I should purchase a light for it. Probably will in the next few months. |
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I ebb and flow, from small, to big, and back.
I started pretty broke in Florida, so it was a walther p99, GP100, or walther p22. I got nervous about printig so I went to a NAA mini revolver or nothing. got over that when I moved to PA and carried a 1911, EMP, or mostly a Ruger LCP. then I moved to texas and started looking for little guns that hit harder, so an XDs, LCP again, etc. Now I have a wife and kid and realized a belly gun wasn't going to cut it. I also spend too much time on this website. So now it's Shield 9mm with light/laser for my "tiny" gun M&P 2.0 with TRL HL when I may be somewhere dark Les Ber TRS full size when I want to. I care less about printing and more about making good hits at speed. I also upped the car gun selection from nothing to, um, more than that ;) |
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Started with a Springfield mil spec I got as a teenager for idpa/ipsc. Carried it for years then tried some revolvers to include my 4" Redhawk and 4 5/8 Blackhawk. Then a p226 for a couple years. Then a g19 for a few years, then a 92fs for a year, then a M9A1 Compact for a year, then my current edc of a Springfield loaded maybe 2 years ago.
I switched to aiwb back during the g19 years. I still carry the g19 and Berettas on occasion as well and once I get the holster I'll be carrying my new to me M19-3 or M64. If you factor in the M9 I carried at 18 in the Marines I've been carrying mostly full sized guns for the last 16 years. |
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The first handgun I bought as a poor college student was an XDm 5.25 in 9mm for USPSA, we had a local club that gave pretty significant discounts to students so I decided it would be fun, initially I had no interest in carrying a pistol at all so the larger size was of no consequence.
Of course as time went on I decided that bad things can actually happen, so I bought a crossbreed supertuck for the XDm as I was too poor for another gun. I carried that tank for a few years. After the muzzle rubbing through half a dozen pairs of jeans, and graduating college I decided I needed something smaller for carry. So I went to GD and naturally bought a G19 and another crossbreed. After a few more years of that setup I became more and more interested in both RMRs (carry optics is becoming a thing) and AIWB. So I sold the gen 3 G19 (mistake) to a buddy of mine, bought a gen 4 MOS G19, an RMR, an XC1, and ordered a Guncraft AIWB holster. I've been using that setup ever since. If Surefire gets off their ass and builds a X300U-A with the XH30 emitter I'll buy one of those and a new holster to carry it. Looking back, about the only things I would have done differently is, 1) dont sell the Gen 3 G19, I should have just had the slide milled, but I was scared of permanent modifications. And 2) I should have skipped the XC1 and just gone all the way to the X300U-A, the XC1 is just not bright enough, but now my holster is built around the XC1 so I need to replace more than just the light to upgrade. Live and learn. |
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Started out carrying a J-frame. Only carried when I went to work at the gas station. It was small, and light, and dropped right in my pocket when I left the cage, but inside, I could just lay it on the shelf right under the register for quick access. Drew down on a couple would be robbers once, and after that, started carrying about as often as I could. Also switched to a Glock 23, and a spare magazine.
Carried primarily the Glock for 5 years, every now and then the J-frame. After a while, I got sick of trying to conceal the grip on the 23, and got a 27. That became the primary carry gun until the small single stack 9's hit the market. Went with a Shield, because I got sick of waiting on Glock to come out with one. Drug my feet for about a year after the 43 came out, but now that is my go to carry gun. When I'm at work, the 27 or 43 is most likely what you're going to catch me carrying. Every now and then, I still carry a j-frame, and sometimes have my LCP on me as well. At work for me, concealment is a must, so I've really gravitated towards smaller carry guns. Even though I CCW'ed a 23 for years, I just won't carry my 19 at work anymore, because I know it prints too much. I know printing isn't a big deal, and outside of work, I don't give a fuck, but at work, it does matter. I prefer OWB carry outside of work, but do carry AIWB the vast majority of the time, because unlike Arfcom GD, I do have liberal friends, and hang out with people based on common interests, and don't talk politics. Sometimes it's just easier to be the gray man. |
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Started out carrying a J-frame. Only carried when I went to work at the gas station. It was small, and light, and dropped right in my pocket when I left the cage, but inside, I could just lay it on the shelf right under the register for quick access. Drew down on a couple would be robbers once, and after that, started carrying about as often as I could. Also switched to a Glock 23, and a spare magazine. Carried primarily the Glock for 5 years, every now and then the J-frame. After a while, I got sick of trying to conceal the grip on the 23, and got a 27. That became the primary carry gun until the small single stack 9's hit the market. Went with a Shield, because I got sick of waiting on Glock to come out with one. Drug my feet for about a year after the 43 came out, but now that is my go to carry gun. When I'm at work, the 27 or 43 is most likely what you're going to catch me carrying. Every now and then, I still carry a j-frame, and sometimes have my LCP on me as well. At work for me, concealment is a must, so I've really gravitated towards smaller carry guns. Even though I CCW'ed a 23 for years, I just won't carry my 19 at work anymore, because I know it prints too much. I know printing isn't a big deal, and outside of work, I don't give a fuck, but at work, it does matter. I prefer OWB carry outside of work, but do carry AIWB the vast majority of the time, because unlike Arfcom GD, I do have liberal friends, and hang out with people based on common interests, and don't talk politics. Sometimes it's just easier to be the gray man. View Quote |
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Started out carrying a J-frame. Only carried when I went to work at the gas station. It was small, and light, and dropped right in my pocket when I left the cage, but inside, I could just lay it on the shelf right under the register for quick access. Drew down on a couple would be robbers once, and after that, started carrying about as often as I could. Also switched to a Glock 23, and a spare magazine. Carried primarily the Glock for 5 years, every now and then the J-frame. After a while, I got sick of trying to conceal the grip on the 23, and got a 27. That became the primary carry gun until the small single stack 9's hit the market. Went with a Shield, because I got sick of waiting on Glock to come out with one. Drug my feet for about a year after the 43 came out, but now that is my go to carry gun. When I'm at work, the 27 or 43 is most likely what you're going to catch me carrying. Every now and then, I still carry a j-frame, and sometimes have my LCP on me as well. At work for me, concealment is a must, so I've really gravitated towards smaller carry guns. Even though I CCW'ed a 23 for years, I just won't carry my 19 at work anymore, because I know it prints too much. I know printing isn't a big deal, and outside of work, I don't give a fuck, but at work, it does matter. I prefer OWB carry outside of work, but do carry AIWB the vast majority of the time, because unlike Arfcom GD, I do have liberal friends, and hang out with people based on common interests, and don't talk politics. Sometimes it's just easier to be the gray man. I have one for my 19 as well. I got the extra tuck, which is just a molded bulge on the back of the kydex, I haven't tried any of the foam wedges yet. With the 43, I see no reason to try a wedge, I might with the 19 holster one of these days, but I really just use the holster with my 27 mainly. The extra length with short barrel guns helps a lot for me. |
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I've been a USPSA competitor since 1982, and one of the first 5000 permit holders in Fla... at the time I was a public school classroom teacher, so could not legally carry (or transport) at work...my decision at that time was to carry off body, in a bag or fanny pack... started with a 1911, P35, SW457,G19, G26, Colt Pocket lite Mustang... after retirement in 2009 switched to daily pocket carry with a Seecamp 32, P3AT, LCP, G42 and G43... currently IWB with Tulster holster, with a G43 and Pearce +1 with Taran +2 on the spare magazine... G43 has Dawson tritium front sight and black rear...shoots Speer Gold Dot 124+P at 1135fps and very accurate
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JM Custom Kydex with my 43. There's an option to get it with an extended length, due to the short slide length. Makes the holster just about a 19 length. I have one for my 19 as well. I got the extra tuck, which is just a molded bulge on the back of the kydex, I haven't tried any of the foam wedges yet. With the 43, I see no reason to try a wedge, I might with the 19 holster one of these days, but I really just use the holster with my 27 mainly. The extra length with short barrel guns helps a lot for me. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Started out carrying a J-frame. Only carried when I went to work at the gas station. It was small, and light, and dropped right in my pocket when I left the cage, but inside, I could just lay it on the shelf right under the register for quick access. Drew down on a couple would be robbers once, and after that, started carrying about as often as I could. Also switched to a Glock 23, and a spare magazine. Carried primarily the Glock for 5 years, every now and then the J-frame. After a while, I got sick of trying to conceal the grip on the 23, and got a 27. That became the primary carry gun until the small single stack 9's hit the market. Went with a Shield, because I got sick of waiting on Glock to come out with one. Drug my feet for about a year after the 43 came out, but now that is my go to carry gun. When I'm at work, the 27 or 43 is most likely what you're going to catch me carrying. Every now and then, I still carry a j-frame, and sometimes have my LCP on me as well. At work for me, concealment is a must, so I've really gravitated towards smaller carry guns. Even though I CCW'ed a 23 for years, I just won't carry my 19 at work anymore, because I know it prints too much. I know printing isn't a big deal, and outside of work, I don't give a fuck, but at work, it does matter. I prefer OWB carry outside of work, but do carry AIWB the vast majority of the time, because unlike Arfcom GD, I do have liberal friends, and hang out with people based on common interests, and don't talk politics. Sometimes it's just easier to be the gray man. I have one for my 19 as well. I got the extra tuck, which is just a molded bulge on the back of the kydex, I haven't tried any of the foam wedges yet. With the 43, I see no reason to try a wedge, I might with the 19 holster one of these days, but I really just use the holster with my 27 mainly. The extra length with short barrel guns helps a lot for me. That's what I use. Surprised you're having printing isses. Attached File |
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. That's what I use. Surprised you're having printing isses. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/433221/KIMG0694-617696.JPG View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Started out carrying a J-frame. Only carried when I went to work at the gas station. It was small, and light, and dropped right in my pocket when I left the cage, but inside, I could just lay it on the shelf right under the register for quick access. Drew down on a couple would be robbers once, and after that, started carrying about as often as I could. Also switched to a Glock 23, and a spare magazine. Carried primarily the Glock for 5 years, every now and then the J-frame. After a while, I got sick of trying to conceal the grip on the 23, and got a 27. That became the primary carry gun until the small single stack 9's hit the market. Went with a Shield, because I got sick of waiting on Glock to come out with one. Drug my feet for about a year after the 43 came out, but now that is my go to carry gun. When I'm at work, the 27 or 43 is most likely what you're going to catch me carrying. Every now and then, I still carry a j-frame, and sometimes have my LCP on me as well. At work for me, concealment is a must, so I've really gravitated towards smaller carry guns. Even though I CCW'ed a 23 for years, I just won't carry my 19 at work anymore, because I know it prints too much. I know printing isn't a big deal, and outside of work, I don't give a fuck, but at work, it does matter. I prefer OWB carry outside of work, but do carry AIWB the vast majority of the time, because unlike Arfcom GD, I do have liberal friends, and hang out with people based on common interests, and don't talk politics. Sometimes it's just easier to be the gray man. I have one for my 19 as well. I got the extra tuck, which is just a molded bulge on the back of the kydex, I haven't tried any of the foam wedges yet. With the 43, I see no reason to try a wedge, I might with the 19 holster one of these days, but I really just use the holster with my 27 mainly. The extra length with short barrel guns helps a lot for me. That's what I use. Surprised you're having printing isses. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/433221/KIMG0694-617696.JPG I'm 5'11", 170 lbs, but do have a bit of a gut from beer drinking. |
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. That's what I use. Surprised you're having printing isses. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/433221/KIMG0694-617696.JPG View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Started out carrying a J-frame. Only carried when I went to work at the gas station. It was small, and light, and dropped right in my pocket when I left the cage, but inside, I could just lay it on the shelf right under the register for quick access. Drew down on a couple would be robbers once, and after that, started carrying about as often as I could. Also switched to a Glock 23, and a spare magazine. Carried primarily the Glock for 5 years, every now and then the J-frame. After a while, I got sick of trying to conceal the grip on the 23, and got a 27. That became the primary carry gun until the small single stack 9's hit the market. Went with a Shield, because I got sick of waiting on Glock to come out with one. Drug my feet for about a year after the 43 came out, but now that is my go to carry gun. When I'm at work, the 27 or 43 is most likely what you're going to catch me carrying. Every now and then, I still carry a j-frame, and sometimes have my LCP on me as well. At work for me, concealment is a must, so I've really gravitated towards smaller carry guns. Even though I CCW'ed a 23 for years, I just won't carry my 19 at work anymore, because I know it prints too much. I know printing isn't a big deal, and outside of work, I don't give a fuck, but at work, it does matter. I prefer OWB carry outside of work, but do carry AIWB the vast majority of the time, because unlike Arfcom GD, I do have liberal friends, and hang out with people based on common interests, and don't talk politics. Sometimes it's just easier to be the gray man. I have one for my 19 as well. I got the extra tuck, which is just a molded bulge on the back of the kydex, I haven't tried any of the foam wedges yet. With the 43, I see no reason to try a wedge, I might with the 19 holster one of these days, but I really just use the holster with my 27 mainly. The extra length with short barrel guns helps a lot for me. That's what I use. Surprised you're having printing isses. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/433221/KIMG0694-617696.JPG I don't have the claw on either of my JM AIWB holsters. |
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Been carrying since the early nineties. I went from more is better because I was a stupid ignorant young and dumb wannabe operator serviceman, to less is just as good because I finally understood with age and years, decades of experiences that concealed carry was for self defense for me and my family and possibly some others situation dictating only and to let cops do cop things.
As for my further evolution, well... I've had to draw once, the scumbag retreated. Responding cops said that I had him dead to rights to legally ventilate the douche, but I saw different because he was no longer a threat the second he dropped his crowbar and ran back to his car and speed off. Everyone here talks a good game. Many of the noise has more than likely never had to be in a shit situation. Some maybe, most not or they're making a mountain out of a molehill to overcompensate. I've had enough of war and killing, so whatever. You do you, I'll keep doing me. |
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I started off in college with a Utah out of state permit. In MO at the time you had to be 23 for a CCW but they honored all out of state permits, which could be had at age 21. A good gun story should always start out with some backwards gun laws.....
I carried a S&W 3953 with a spare mag in a Smart Carry. This was the best option since printing was not an option on campus. After college I went into LE and was forced to carry 40 S&W Glocks....... so it was a 27 in a CTAC. But I didnt carry off duty very often. I would carry when going certain places, etc etc. I was involved in a shooting, during which time I had a weapon failure. I learned one very important lesson. Always carry a spare mag. When I transitioned to civilian CCW again I went to a G19 in the same CTAC and LCP in a bladetech IWB. The LCP being the primary carry option. Always with a spare mag. I am in the market for a G43 to see if it bridges the gap between the G19 and LCP. I have ordered a NSR IWB for it. Dave |
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Been carrying since the early nineties. I went from more is better because I was a stupid ignorant young and dumb wannabe operator serviceman, to less is just as good because I finally understood with age and years, decades of experiences that concealed carry was for self defense for me and my family and possibly some others situation dictating only and to let cops do cop things. As for my further evolution, well... I've had to draw once, the scumbag retreated. Responding cops said that I had him dead to rights to legally ventilate the douche, but I saw different because he was no longer a threat the second he dropped his crowbar and ran back to his car and speed off. Everyone here talks a good game. Many of the noise has more than likely never had to be in a shit situation. Some maybe, most not or they're making a mountain out of a molehill to overcompensate. I've had enough of war and killing, so whatever. You do you, I'll keep doing me. View Quote P.S. Thanks for your service |
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1. G27 - hated the size but I carried it for awhile because I could deep conceal it at my job I could not carry at or could not be caught carrying
2. G30SF - to thick liked the other aspect foot print size retired quickly in place of the G32 3. 1911 - to heavy 4. G32 - was perfect size and weight 5. P7 PSP - carried very well little heavy but it alternated between it and G32 if it was a M13 I would still carry it 6. Walther PPS - Loved everything about this pistol except not lack of accessories and no lights\holster combo - gave it to my dad 7. G19 - retired the G32 in for a 9mm because ammo was cheaper and I wanted to shoot my carry gun 8. G17 - winter carry 9. G43 - work carry I sit at a desk and it is more comfortable to sit with it in my pant - replaced the PPS sadly because I could get a light for the 43 |
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My 1st carry gun was a HK USP45 compact. This was in 2000 when I got my 1st permit ( finially left shitcago for Iowa). Carried it for I guess a year then moved to the G36 ( for the life of me I cannot remember how that happened). Then in 2002 I shot my first G19 and fell in love and have carried on since. Getting ready to move to the G19x that I’ve been putting thru it’s paces. The only thing I ever wished for from a G19 was a grip that was just a tad longer and now that I’ve started carrying AWIB I can pull it off.
Like others here as I’ve matured I’ve become the protector of me and mine and the youngsters thought of glory and heroics have faded into the past. These days I’ll fight to get me and mine to the door and out of harms way but that’s where my fight ends. I’ll let the real hero’s be the hero’s and I’ll just go on being a middle aged family man. |
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I started carrying in 1995 when Virginia went shall-issue. I cannot possibly list all the guns I have carried in that time. I’ll try and hit the highlights:
-Beretta 92FS Compact, Federal 9BPLE, first carry gun -S&W 442 in nickel, Federal 125 grain Nyclad, mostly carried as a BUG for the above -S&W 3913 when I decided Beretta was too big plus it wasn’t effected by the magazine ban, same 9BPLE Then I got hired as a police officer and for the first year I was only allowed to carry my duty gun, so: -Beretta 92 SB, Winchester 115 grain (+P+) JHP Once I could qualify with a personal weapon I qualified with a Kahr K40 that I carried off-duty and as a BUG (this was before polymer frame Kahrs). I went through a bunch of off-duty weapons over the years including a SIG-Sauer P220 45, H&K P7M8, S&W 4516-1, Glock 23, S&W 640-1, S&W 342 PD, Beretta Cougar 8000 G, Browning Hi-Power, Kimber 1911 45, Glock 26, Glock 27, S&W M&P40 Compact, and probably some others I have forgotten. I also carried a number of issued duty guns off-duty regularly: - S&W 6946 - H&K USP40 Compact - Glock 22 Gen3 - Glock 23 RTF2 These days my duty-gun is a S&W M&P40. Off-duty I mostly carry a Walther PPSM2 with 124 grain +P Gold Dot. |
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I bought my first pistol while in college back in ‘88. A Taurus PT99 AF. Lived in California so I never carried. I moved to Phoenix in ‘91 and OC’d a little but never on a regular basis. Got my CCW in ‘95 or ‘96 and bought a Galco fanny pack for my Taurus. Carried that way till I moved to San Fran in ‘99 and stopped carrying. Moved to Oregon in ‘00 and got my OR CHL.
Carried a Glock 19 OWB at 3:00 for years. For the last three years I’ve carried a 19 or 26 IWB in a Comptac CTac at 4:00 (this is my preferred carry option now).. I sometimes carry a Shield 9 AIWB when I’m really dressing light. I often wear a Galco ankle holster with my 26 to church if I don’t wear a jacket. That about covers it. It’s been a fun journey and I have the box of holsters that we all do to tell our story. |
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For those who carry AIWB, I've read that it's best to use an overlong holster for the pistol to carry properly (G26 in a G19 length holster etc.). Does anyone make a holster where the bottom extra inches are solid foam or rubber instead of hard plastic?
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For those who carry AIWB, I've read that it's best to use an overlong holster for the pistol to carry properly (G26 in a G19 length holster etc.). Does anyone make a holster where the bottom extra inches are solid foam or rubber instead of hard plastic? View Quote |
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For those who carry AIWB, I've read that it's best to use an overlong holster for the pistol to carry properly (G26 in a G19 length holster etc.). Does anyone make a holster where the bottom extra inches are solid foam or rubber instead of hard plastic? View Quote |
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For those who carry AIWB, I've read that it's best to use an overlong holster for the pistol to carry properly (G26 in a G19 length holster etc.). Does anyone make a holster where the bottom extra inches are solid foam or rubber instead of hard plastic? View Quote |
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OP, this is a great thread. Learning a ton just reading it from others experience.
I've not been carrying nearly as long as most of you. Just a few years. We only got CCL in Illinois recently, and I got mine in 2015. Even in just a few years I've learned a lot from others, from reading here, from reading other places, and most of all from just trying new things. What no one tells you in class or the community when you CCW is that the majority of the money you spend isn't on a pistol, ammo, holster, or belt....its on trying new things in that quest for what meets your criteria; your own personal idea of balance between concealment, shootability, and comfort; and just plain what works for you and what doesn't. I started with a Glock 26 in a Crossbreed IWB at 4-5 o'clock. It still felt like I had a brick in my waistband though. I got used to it. My own journey has been "challenging" because I'm not a big dude. I'm short, and thin. I wear a 28" waist in jeans. So the way a Glock 19 fits on someone of more average size is how a Glock 26 fits on me. And while a double-stack 9mm might be a bit "thick" for some, its very thick for me. Like others above, the Glock 43 wasn't out yet so I picked up a M&P Shield. Single-stack 9mm carried SO much better for me. I carried it in a crossbreed IWB at 4-5' o'clock and it was so much more comfy than the glock 26 and it didn't feel like I had a brick in my waistband. I was never quite happy with the Shield though. I was always trying to "Make it better". It started with 3-dot sights that I replaced with Trijicon HD's. I shot it alright but I hated the hinged trigger. I replaced that with an Apex flat trigger and that helped a lot. The slick sides made it hop a lot under recoil and made it hard for me to track the sights so I added Talon grips. Eventually I was wanting something "simpler" that was closer to the way I wanted it right out of the box. My first winter I discovered I could carry a Glock 19 OWB in a Raven Phantom at 4 o'clock with my typical winter leather jacket. That was awesome, much more comfortable, much faster and easier to get to (for me at least), and felt much better carrying a larger pistol, that was much more shootable, with more ammo. Next up was the Walther PPS M2 that came with XS F8 sights. That was the winner for me. Push button mag release. It "felt" and "shot" like a larger pistol but was pretty close to the same size as the Shield. It had 6, 7, and 8 round mags available so that allowed me to tailor the grip length to my own carry, body, and amount of printing I would allow. The XS F8 sights turned out to be awesome. I shot it well. The trigger was fantastic for a subcompact. I tried several holsters. Comp-Tac MTAC was too bulky for me and felt like I had a brick there again. Crossbreed Mini-Tuck at 4-5 o'clock worked great. However, then I picked up a Stealthgear IWB and matching Stealthgear OWB holster. Those have been fantastic so far. The IWB was surprisingly comfortable at 4 o'clock. I'm still experimenting with it though. Then, as an experiment, with aging eyes and more and more difficulty focusing hard on that front sight I picked up a Walther PPS M2 that came from the factory with a Shield RMSc red dot. Crossbreed made a holster with an RMR cut on it, and I also modified my Stealthgear holsters for the RMR. So far, I'm training with the red dot and getting used to it and I'm really liking it. Having to get used to focusing on the target instead of the front sight...has a lot of advantages, and a hefty set of disadvantages as well. Still trying to decide whether OWB or IWB carry works best for me and still experimenting. |
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OP, this is a great thread. Learning a ton just reading it from others experience. View Quote I am also a pretty skinny guy. 6'2" and 150ish lbs in the morning. It is definitely more of a challenge if you aren't real broad shouldered or have a massive chest. With my G19 looming as a new carry pistol, I am going to try to add a couple of inches to my chest and shoulders to make it a bit easier. Dressing around the gun makes a huge difference also. To your point, you can get away with a lot more in the winter under heavier clothes. |
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Quoted: Glad you like it. I figured we would have all kinds of replies based on how long people have carried. I am also a pretty skinny guy. 6'2" and 150ish lbs in the morning. It is definitely more of a challenge if you aren't real broad shouldered or have a massive chest. With my G19 looming as a new carry pistol, I am going to try to add a couple of inches to my chest and shoulders to make it a bit easier. Dressing around the gun makes a huge difference also. To your point, you can get away with a lot more in the winter under heavier clothes. View Quote |
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Started carrying not too long before the AWB kicked in. Winter of '93?
First carry pistol was a Beretta Tomcat, carried in a jacket pocket. Second was a Kahr MK9, walked around with that for several years, good little gun, realized I just didn't shoot it very well, too small of a grip, so I sold it. Carried an H&K P7, and a 3913 S&W for a couple of years, along with a couple of others. Right now I'm usually with a CZ Rami or Sig 239 when out and about, GLOCK 19x when out on my small acreage. |
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1997- started with owb Glock 23 and one spare g23 mag
1998 - Quickly switched to owb glock 26 and one spare g26 mag 2000 - Slowly switched to owb glock 19 and two spare g17 mags 2000 to 2015 -Back and forth between owb/iwb 19 and 26 and two spare g17 mags w/plus 2 bottoms 2016 - Nothing because i was fat and lazy 2017 to present - iwb Glock 43 (still fat) with 8 rnd mag in gun and one spare 8 round mag Also mix in a j frame from time to time |
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1. Keltec P32 for about 6 months because I was afraid of printing. Quickly sold it after realizing I shot bigger guns better.
2. Glock 19 Gen 3 have carried that in different Holsters and configurations for 5 years now. 3. Smith and Wesson 442 mixed in with the G19 especially in the summer. |
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Started with a USP 40 Compact, Variant 1 with Hydrashocks
Transitioned to a Colt 1911 Combat Commander in .45 ACP, with Speer Gold Dots Then to a Springfield TRP 1911 in .45 ACP, with Federal Hydrashocks Then to a Kimber Warrior 1911 in .45 ACP, with Federal HST Then to a Nighthawk GRP Recon 1911 in .45 ACP, with Federal HST Now I carry an APEXed M&P 9 Full size either strongside at 3 o'clock or AIWB with an APEXed Shield on the ankle. Both with HST inside. Not afraid to still carry the 1911s, but if I am cut off from my Jeep or my kit I just want more ammunition available. Always backing everything but the ankle piece up with extra mags. Still carry the 1911 on duty where hiding my mags is not an issue. I can open carry a quad pouch on the duty belt in the same space as everyone else's double mag pouch. Off duty I need to hide everything. |
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Quoted:
Yep...just before it really kicked in! It wasn't much of a thing even 10 years ago when I started carrying...at least that I noticed. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes |
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I’m seriously considering going back to a 3913/3914/3953 if I can find one in good shape (I never should have sold mine). The PPSM2 I carry is great, but I just really miss those all metal hammer fired guns.
I understand why S&W dropped most of the 3rd Gens as nice as they were, but I think dropping the 39XX series was a mistake. |
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Quoted:
Yeah. It definitely affected the choices people like me were making in carry guns. I din't want to pay big $ for standard capacity mags, and I didn't want to carry a mere 10 rounds in something like a GLOCK 17. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Started carrying not too long before the AWB kicked in. Winter of '93? |
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Quoted:
I’m seriously considering going back to a 3913/3914/3953 if I can find one in good shape (I never should have sold mine). The PPSM2 I carry is great, but I just really miss those all metal hammer fired guns. I understand why S&W dropped most of the 3rd Gens as nice as they were, but I think dropping the 39XX series was a mistake. View Quote |
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1. S&W 686 4". Carried for about a year in a Safariland Paddle Holster or a Uncle Mikes Belt Slide. (1991)
2. Glock 23. I only owned this for approximately 4 hours. I purchased it, took it to the range, shot it and back to the store it went. (Didn't know it at the time but it had the NY Trigger. Found this out later from the Store clerk because he bought it after I traded it in) 3. Beretta Centurion 40 S&W. Carried this for about a year and a half. Carried this in either a Safariland Paddle Holster or a Galco Royal Guard IWB. (1992) 4. Sig 229 40 S&W/357 Sig. Carried this as a civilian as well as a issued Duty Weapon. (1993-2005) Carried in a Galco Concealable/Royal Guard 5. Glock 22/27. Carried this about a year. (2005-2006) Carried in a Galco Concealable/Galco Ankle Glove 6. USP 40 LEM/P2000LEM. Carried this for approximately 3 years. (2006-2009) Carried in a Galco Concealable. 7. Glock 22/27. Went back to this combination from (2009-2015) Carried in a RCS Gear Phantom. 8. Glock 19. Went to the 19 due to cost of 40 S&W ammo and wanted one gun to cover many roles, and found the G19 filled this role. Currently carrying a G19.4 with either a Surefire X300u or Streamlight TLR7, in either a KnightFall Customs AIWB/IWB Light Bearring Holster,or a Bravo Concealment DOS IWB Light Bearing Holster. Both of these are running Trijicon RMR's as well. (2015-Present) |
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Over the last couple of decades of CCW, I've tried many different firearms, but I keep coming back to the Glock 19 as my mainstay. The only big permanent change I've made is transitioning from IWB to OWB exclusively.
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CZ P-01
Bulgarian Makarov Ruger LCP Sig Sauer P226 Manurhin PPK S&W Model 10 Ruger SP101 S&W 442 Beretta M9 Ruger LCR Glock 22 Colt Government Model Glock 19 Gen 5 There have been a few others but they weren't reliable enough to carry for long. My favorite is the LCR. |
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I haven't been carrying nearly as long as many here, but I do carry 100% of the time it is legally viable to do so (including at home).
Started with a Glock 19.4, added night sights immediately. With a tuckable holster, it worked fairly well for concealment but wasn't ideal in light summer clothing or at social functions where more discretion was needed. Still carry this one if I am working hard outdoors or will be sweating a lot, no fear of it rusting or getting abused a bit. A year or so later, bought a Glock 43 to address the prior concerns. Also added night sights immediately. This one carries easy at home in workout/lounge apparel and is great for when I just can't print, period. Later decided I needed something full sized and didn't want another Glock since the 19 handles quite comparably to a full size in my experience. Picked up a Gov't model in .45. I carry this one more than the 19 these days and it actually conceals better for me since it is slimmer. Changed grips, invested in some WC mags, and it has served bedside duty and frequent carry roles for a year and a half. This is also the only gun I carry both inside and outside the waistband. OWB is preferred if going into the outdoors for recreational purposes. There are others, but these are carried. Daily carry also includes a Benchmade folder (and a Streamlight protac if I'll be out past dark). |
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I started carrying in 1988 when I turned 21. Back then Pennsylvania was not a shall issue state, and you needed a local LE to sign off on your application. Where i grew up we had no local police department, only state police coverage. Since I didn't know any state troopers or anyone in PSP, the chances of me getting my concealed carry permit were slim. Luckily for me, my great uncle knew the local constable, and he owed my great uncle some favors. He agreed to sign off on my permit, as well as my fathers. When I went to have him sign my application, he flat out told me he didnt sign many of them, and was only doing it because him and my great uncle went way back. I guess I didn't realize it then, but that was probably my first experience with nepotism and how corrupt things can be, albeit on a very small local scale. To the best of my memory, here is a list of the handguns that I have carried over the years:
Taurus 85 Colt Commander Glock 19 Beretta 96D Back to Glock 19 Smith & Wesson 3953 Glock 23 Kahr P9 Smith & Wesson Shield Springfield XDS Sig 938 Springfield Champion RO Elite Looking at my list, I guess in a sense I came full circle back to the 1911 platform. I know the Springfield Champion isn't the lightest gun out there, but I flat out shoot 1911's better than anything I've tried. I carry it in a Milt Sparks Versa Max II, and the weight really isn't an issue with a good belt. I load HST's in Wilson 10 round mags with one reload and don't worry about running out of ammo in any reasonable self defense scenario that I'm likely to encounter. As a small side note, you may notice I listed the Glock 19 twice. I had a relatively early model when they first came available. That gun went back to Glock twice for light primer strikes. It was never reliable and I got rid of it. The experience left a bad taste in my mouth regarding Glocks. Not trying to bash Glock cause I still have a 19 and a 17, but there it is. |
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I started with a S&W 915 and a Tagua generic IWB quickly progressed to a Crossbreed Supertuck.
Flirted with a Makarov in the Tagua. Went to a 1911 in a Bianci Model 100 Professional (IWB full length coverage) then tried a Fobus paddle. Currently carrying a G19 with a Don Hume leather paddle, although I think a belt slide would have been a better choice. OWB is much more confortable to me and I can wear pants that are not a size too big. Yes, I do print a tad more but in NE MS, NOBODY cares. If I need deeper concelament for whatever reason, I would probably go back to the 915/Supertuck combo or maybe the ToreAss PT709Slim/Galco IWB that I picked up really cheap as a dedicated console gun. The 709 has been surprisingly reliable and accurate given the manufacturer. I guess even Taurus screws up and makes a winner now and then. |
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1911 - I shot it the best.
S&W 638 - Got tired of carrying the boat anchor and found I naturally shoot j frames pretty well. S&W 66 4" - I got really into revolvers and bought into the "power" of a magnum load. Glock 19- I realized 9mm has plenty of "power" and if faced with multiple attackers higher capacity is needed. Now I carry Glock 26, 19, 17, or 20 depending on my mood and the occasion. I rarely carry anything other than one of my Glocks. |
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I stared with a Glock 19, and that is still what I carry. Only thing is I went from Fobus (Yuck!) to Kydex.
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I've carried for about 10 years pretty consistently. The evolution is easy to explain.
Started with bigger guns, like glock 23 or colt defender. Found I was only carrying when it was an extended or planned outing. This due to the need of good belt, time to get geared up, etc. I still put on the bigger stuff now and then, but I keep a colt xsp 380 in an IWB holster with steel spring clip next to my car keys. I put this on no pretty much without fail because it packs so well and is so light. Its nice being able to use public restroom and not have to hang on to pants for dear life to keep them from falling to my ankles. Summertime lots of my shorts have a little belt built in and this is all that it takes with this light of a gun. Extra mag is easy to drop in a pocket. |
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I've been carrying since around 2003. Started with a Glock 23, then switched to a Glock 26. Also had a Taurus 850 in .38 Special that I carried when it was hard to conceal the 26
Now I rotate a few different pistols for concealed carry, depending on what I'm wearing. Most of the time it's a Sig 320 sub-compact in 9mm. I'm issued the full-size at work and I qualified with the sub-compact for a back-up and authorized off duty weapon. It is loaded with agency duty ammo, Speer 124gr +P. I occasionally carry a Shield in 9mm. I put an Apex trigger in it and really like the gun. It's loaded with Federal HST 147 I sometimes carry a S&W Bodyguard in .380, rare, but for times when it's hard to conceal the other two. I also always have a full size pistol with me. Either my duty Sig with TLR-1HL and a spare mag or a Glock 17 with TLR-1 and spare mag. Those are carried in a Mazpedition pouch with spare mag, Surefire light, TQ, and OC spray. |
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I started with a S&W .38 in a no-name suede IWB holster from the gun store. Hated it.
Then, I discovered actual "gun belts," and hated the S&W much less. Next, I carried a Beretta Centurian in .40 in a Fobus pancake holster at 4:00. I then found a special on the H&K USPc in .40 with the LEM trigger and night sights (marketed as the "sky marshal special'), that I carried for about 10 years at 3:30 in a Tucker Answer (leather backed CTAC). Little did I know the cost of extra magazines would drive me out of my mind. :) Now, I no longer feel the need for .40, and carry a Glock 19 w/RMR in a Vedder Light Tuck AIWB. Sometimes with WML, which then rides in a Dara AIWB light-bearing holster. I do flirt with the Sig P365 a little bit in a Vedder Light Tuck, while I continue to break it in. |
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Shit, this is gonna be a fucking novel.
I started carrying when I started part time in LE in 1991 at 22 YOA. At that time, the Chief was so anti-gun that part timers carrying off duty or out of uniform was strictly forbidden under any circumstances. No on duty backups permitted for any reason (they are drop guns, donchaknow). Even full timers were strictly forbidden from carrying out of town while off duty, in town only. That changed shortly after when one of our banks got robbed and everyone that showed up to help the guy on duty was unarmed. The first one there got the shotgun out of the car, everyone else was empty handed. Luckily, the perp had already fled. Policy changed after that and everyone was allowed to carry off duty in town. Policy for backup guns didn't change for a while after that, but did eventually change to allow us to carry them. I started off carrying my W German Sig P226 duty gun when off duty. At the time, it was all I had besides a crappy Auto Ordinance 1911 that I wasn't allowed to carry anyway because policy didn't allow SAO. Carried this for about a year when it started having constant malfunctions of all types. Sig couldn't care less, refused to do anything about it and the CS rep copped a major attitude when I questioned her about it, so it went away. Never had another Sig (except for the below) and never wanted one because of the extremely poor customer service. Next was a Sig P230 in stainless. I actually bought this before the above P226 started having problems. Never had a problem with it, just realized it was kinda big for a .380 and, despite policy saying we could carry .380s, the instructor at the PD tried everything he could to forbid me from carrying it because he didn't want to bother with buying .380 ammo. Always shot VERY well, though, just got tired of fighting with the instructor every year during qualifications. Then I carried my ancient 2nd Gen Glock 21 duty gun. Great gun but like trying to conceal a cereal box in my pants. I still occasionally carried it off duty, especially during the winter, when heavier clothes made it at least mostly concealable. Next was a stainless Taurus 85 that I bought used from a fellow cop for a good price. Despite being a Taurus, it always worked and was accurate. Carried it for about a year, then sold it to another rookie cop who didn't have any money so he had something for backup and off duty. I had other things to carry by then and felt sorry for him because he was new and broke. Next was an ancient Glock 26 I bought off a neighboring PD when they bought a bunch from Glock. Like the G21, it was a very early example, one of the first imported. Loved the gun and carried it on and off for a long time while trying to find carry perfection. Always reliable and accurate, if a little blocky and sometimes uncomfortable to carry. Next was a S&W 4516 since I had decided that .45 was king because we used cheap, crappy hollow points at the PD. Absolute boat anchor but VERY accurate and reliable. I LOVED shooting it but didn't like carrying it since it was so heavy. Selling this gun is one of my greatest gun sale regrets. Next was a used H&K P7M8 that was a W German police trade in. Great gun, very comfortable, accurate as hell, smooth and gentle shooter. However, mine would consistently start to start locking up with the slide about halfway back after about 150 rds or so. Every time. Type of ammo didn't matter at all. Clean it, especially the gas tube and piston, and it would go back to reliable function...for another 150 rds. H&K said it was a used gun, nothing we can do. They were sympathetic, unlike Sig above, they just wouldn't do anything because it was bought used, even when I offered to pay to have it fixed. Carried it for a few months anyway, then sold it. I realize that the problem was with this particular gun, but kinda left a bad taste in my mouth for H&K. Not as bad as Sig, though. Next was a S&W M649, right when S&W started making .357 J Frames. It had MIM parts but was the last model without the lock. Put Uncle Mike's Boot Grips on it for maximum concealability. Shot VERY well for .38+Ps, hard to shoot with .357s. PD Policy said .38+P only, even for .357s, so not a big deal. Next was a Ruger SP101. A little bulkier than the S&W but shot much better for me because of the factory rubber grips and I was perfectly happy with it. Thought I had found carry perfection till budget cuts at the PD resulted in shifts being cut and just one guy working per shift and it was mandated that we were to be considered on call 24/7 if the guy on duty needed backup. The thought of running towards a man with a gun with just the SP101 didn't give me the warm and fuzzies, so I went back to the G26 for a while. Next was a S&W 9mm Shield. A friend had bought one right when they came out and let me borrow it for a couple weeks to shoot and play with. I LOVED it, so I went and bought the first one I could find. This was right after they first came out and it took me a few weeks to find any place that actually had them in stock. This was also when they only made them with manual safeties. I LOVE this gun and still carry it to this day. For me, carry perfection finally found, for the most part. Works VERY well for me when carried IWB and conceals well even under just a light t-shirt during the summer. Small enough to carry but big enough to shoot like a full sized gun and enough capacity that I wouldn't feel bad running towards a man with a gun with just it. In fact, I have responded off duty to back up the on duty guy with the Shield and never felt underarmed. Thousands of rounds and never a malfunction. A few years after they came out, I ended up with a Ruger LCP in a trade. I have had times when even the Shield was a little big, so I started occasionally pocket carrying it, mainly if I had to put on actual dress clothes and couldn't effectively conceal my Shield. Worked well, but was too small for my gorilla hands. Still carried it occasionally till....... Right after they came out, a guy at the PD brought his new G42 to qualifications and let me try it out. It was everything the LCP wasn't. Small enough for me to pocket carry but large enough for my hands. As with the Shield, I bought the first Blue Label G42 I could find (and, as with the Shield, it took me a while, several months in this case) and still occasionally pocket carry it if I need really low profile carry. Well, there is the novel. LOTS of carry guns over the years to get to where I am now, and that's not even counting duty guns. It's been a long, strange trip but I'm happy with where I am now, and that's all that matters. Bub75 |
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Similar but different routes on and off duty...My first duty weapon was 686 then an issued S&W 5946 and I carried a Rossi Snub back up and off duty, Didn't really like the Smith so I picked up a P226 that started my Sig addiction...When Glock first became cool, the department switched to 23's and I carried one for a while with a 27 back up and off duty and a Bodyguard 380 when I didnt want to conceal anything larger...Finally decided that for me, Sig P series fit me better, so I switched back to a P226 on duty and a P239 off duty...Carried this for a while and eventually swapped the P226 for a P229 and a Shield off duty...dropped the shield for a P224 off duty......Looks like I may make one more swap, as I just picked up a P320 and P365...Have been carrying the P365 for a couple months and love it, but think I want something a little bigger. I have a P320 Carry and one in Full Size I think I am going to start carrying when I get back to work (surgery) and keep the P365 for the light clothing days...
As for carrying technique, I have pretty much been a gun pack guy, with intermittent OWB or pocket carry for the smaller guns....I carry a gun pack designed as such, not a fanny pack picked up at Wally world...This tends to be a good solution right now as I have a son with allergies and asthma, so I keep his necessities close by too...When I carry OWB it is usually a leather holster at about 4:30 or so..I have been a die hard 40 SW fan but have lately considered switching to 9mm, although I still feel the 40 is a more effective caliber and being a large guy, don't mind the recoil........Haven't shot a 9mm until I switched to the P365..Really picked it up to replace the Bodyguard 380 that I don't is enough...Almost forgot that I had short stints early with a Ruger SP101 and a Kahr PM40 off duty and a ...... Model 28 on duty Really my preferred way now is the P365 in an OWB leather... |
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The first handgun I ever fired was an HK USP40 at age 18. At that point, I thought .40 was for all intents and purposes "the shit". I carried the Beretta M9 off and on during my brief time in the Army (2004-2010) and didn't think too highly of it or the 9mm cartridge. Now, I believe that was purely because I was young and dumb. Becoming an LEO in 2010 at an agency that mandated 9mm for duty carry, I was a little disappointed; still young and dumb and ignorant in the capabilities of 9mm.
Nearly a decade of LE service, an OIS, firearms training/instructing, and READING would change my feelings about 9mm. My first duty gun was a Gen 3 G17 (which I still have), then I went to the VP9, and now I am carrying the M&P9 2.0. Off-duty, I always carried a gun of at least G19 size or bigger. I always fancied having the largest gun I could conceal that would also afford more grip, more ammo, and more sight radius. As time marched on and I became a father, constantly juggling kids and their crap, my attitude towards how I carry has changed dramatically. I often find myself carrying my Gen 1 M&P9 Shield off-duty more and more these days. When I am off, I am usually with my kids. I am not one to go stupid places and do stupid things with stupid people. With my kids, that philosophy is exercised ten fold. With my kids, I am less inclined to stay and fight it out if SHTF unless time/space dictate otherwise or my point of egress is blocked by a threat. The Shield is comfortable to carry (and even take a nap in), discreet, and yet just big enough to use effectively. I can keep all my rounds on an 8.5x11" sheet of paper at 25m and on a palm sized group at 15m; while I shoot larger guns much better, the Shield is plenty accurate for such a small gun. I carried the Shield with two spare 8rd mags on my body and a third in the glove box on a road trip from WI to TN and back and never felt uncomfortable or undergunned. About 6 or 7 years ago, I would've never dreamed of such a little fun as my go-to... |
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