Posted: 3/10/2011 1:10:56 PM EDT
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Ok, I have a problem that is coming up fast!
I am only 20 at the moment soon to be 21, roughly 6 months. I can't decide what gun to carry. I am also a college student so I don't have a ton of spare cash to test guns / holsters. (As in buy them) I have a fairly impressive collection of guns for a 20 year old, mainly rifles. I have 2 1911's and a few revolvers. I do not have a Glock / M&P style pistol. Many people complain about carrying 1911's. Should I just carry what I have until I can feel around with others? I have a SA Commander, and a Colt Gold Cup Trophy. They would use the same holster. Also, I am looking into getting a Crossbreed or maybe MTAC holster. Any pros / cons would be good too. Any input would be much appreciated. |
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I dont carry yet, but I sound just like you without the extra handguns. I only have a few handguns. Right now I would suggest considering if you can deal wit the weight and size of the gun you want to carry. It seems everybody has their own ideal carry sized gun. I have a glock 19, but I thibk it's just a bit too big and fat for me. I'll probably be going with the kahr CM9.
Just dont rush yourself. I was eager to get my permit, and it's 4 months past my birthday and I still dont have it. I been waiting for the right gun to come along, and it has in either the form of the Kahr CM9, Ruger LC9, or S&W J frame. |
Lol, I'm 22 and have been carrying for three years and I still can't decide what gun to carry
I started carrying a 1911, didn't care what anyone said, I just wanted to carry one because I liked them and practiced with them. Then I started opening up to other designs and tried out several including a couple M&P's, Glocks, some revolvers, and a couple Sigs, all through a little buying, but mostly trading around or selling. After trying out at least 8 different guns/platforms, I have slowed way down in buying/trading and there are a couple handguns that have stuck around. I still have the 1911 after three years and my Glock 19. My point is, there is no real way to tell what will work best without trying out as much as you can. Since you already have a great platform to work with, 1911 or revolver, I would say go ahead with getting a good quality holster and start carrying it. Yes, the 1911 is heavy but it really is a good carry gun if you can be patient in getting used to it. |
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I was looking at a G19 when I took a Bushido Advanced Handgun class (awesome class btw). Another guy in it had a G19 as his backup and let me shoot it during the class. I was sold and bought it when I found the right one. My best advice would be to try and find a buddy who has one that will let you test it out so you are 100% confident with your purchase. ETA: I have a Sig 226 and it is difficult to clear malfunctions left handed due to the position of the slide release which is one reason I shifted focus to a Glock. |
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Quoted:
Lol, I'm 22 and have been carrying for three years and I still can't decide what gun to carry
I started carrying a 1911, didn't care what anyone said, I just wanted to carry one because I liked them and practiced with them. Then I started opening up to other designs and tried out several including a couple M&P's, Glocks, some revolvers, and a couple Sigs, all through a little buying, but mostly trading around or selling. After trying out at least 8 different guns/platforms, I have slowed way down in buying/trading and there are a couple handguns that have stuck around. I still have the 1911 after three years and my Glock 19. My point is, there is no real way to tell what will work best without trying out as much as you can. Since you already have a great platform to work with, 1911 or revolver, I would say go ahead with getting a good quality holster and start carrying it. Yes, the 1911 is heavy but it really is a good carry gun if you can be patient in getting used to it. Yeah, I wont be carrying my revolvers. One hardly works, one is to nice ( )
I am about to buy a Crossbreed and test it out. Just so happens my brother called me about 10 minutes ago informing me of his new MP .40 purchase from a friend. I hope it finds its way along the 400 mile trip to my house for a month or 2 of testing. Thanks for the input. ETA: To bad I want a MP 45 to test. |
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First off you will hear a lot of the following:
1. Carry the biggest pistol you feel comfortable with and can conceal. There is no such thing as to much gun, or too much ammo if SHTF 2. Invest into a GOOD belt and holster. A lot of people here use the MTAC, CTAC, or Crossbreads. There are other options but most have a long wait<raven off the top of my head> 3. Carry a spare mag. After some training at home, or in a class you will see why they come in handy. 4. You will most likely change a few things after you start. I started off with a Springfield armory 1911, changed to a S&W m&p9, than to my now M&P9 or my new toy the S&W bodyguard. Not to mention all the other stuff I have on me. 5. As for what to carry, the best bet is to go out and find what fits your hand the best. If you can spend a little cash to rent a pistol, or try a buddys it will make it worth it in the long run. Dont drink the cool-aid from people how one gun is the best of them all. Remember you should trust your life to what your carrying so going cheap and getting a llama 1911 isnt the best idea in the world. Now as for me personally. I carry a M&P 9c all day every day in a MTAC. I have just recently picked up a bodyguard to fill the gaps for when I cant carry my normal set up. I also dont kid myself about what it can do. There are a lot of great pistols out there, but you need to find what works for you. Me and glocks dont get along. I know its a great pistol but it isnt for me. I shot H&K's when I was shopping but the price for the pistol and $50 a mag was more than what I wanted to pay. CZ's are awesome, but id rather carry a 1911. I would go into a shop tell them you are looking for a concealable firearm. Hold them, play with the trigger a little if they will let you, and see what feels the best. Also a lot of local NRA places are a good place to go for info about a specific pistol. I see your in FL so try to find a IDPA match you can go see and talk to the folks there even. A lot of CCW stuff that has come out has come from ideas from people who shoot competitions. Best of luck on whatever you get, and as always post pics! |
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I carried a Colt government model for about the first 5 years of having my CWL. All I had at that time. I then got a HK usp /c and carried it for awhile. I carry a Glock 19 & 26 now. I like the Glocks for the capacity and not having to worry about sweating on them. No reason you can`t carry a 1911 or anything else, if it works and you`re confident in your ability with it.
I don`t have any experince with the holsters you mentioned. Strap on whatever you want to carry and you will figure out if it`s going to work for you. Don`t skimp on the belt, get one that is strong and stiff enough the first time out. It will save you money in the long run. |
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Wow, great info coming though. I think I am just going to carry what I have since I am happy and confident with it. I will start the hunt for a possible new carry gun testing Glocks, MP's and HK's, and anything else I can get my paws on.
I really appreciate the information yall have given me and as soon as I get a set up going, pics will come. |
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I lived in Illinois for the first 23.5 years of my life so I had my collection before I moved to Indiana. When I got here, I decided that I wanted to carry one of my 5" 1911's. It just so happens that the 1911 is a great carry gun. If your Springfield is reliable, I'd suggest you carry that. I'm assuming the Colt has an adjustable rear sight and that's going to be regarded as less than ideal for a number of reasons for carry. I'm carrying either a Springfield GI or a Customized Springfield Loaded in a Horse Hide Crossbreed Supertuck 17hrs a day, every darn day possible. 
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| When I turned 21 my dad gave me his Beretta 92FS pistol as a gift. I carried that pistol for a few years since it was very reliable and it was the only pistol I owned. Since then I've tried several other pistols. I found the 1911 platform to be great for conceal carry being so thin and chambered in the powerful .45acp caliber. The lightweight commander bobtailed 1911 is perfect for carry. Of course I also find pocket carry is great when I can't conceal the 1911. I have an S&W 642 snub for pocket carry. |
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Quoted:
First off you will hear a lot of the following: 1. Carry the biggest pistol you feel comfortable with and can conceal. There is no such thing as to much gun, or too much ammo if SHTF 2. Invest into a GOOD belt and holster. A lot of people here use the MTAC, CTAC, or Crossbreads. There are other options but most have a long wait<raven off the top of my head> 3. Carry a spare mag. After some training at home, or in a class you will see why they come in handy. 4. You will most likely change a few things after you start. I started off with a Springfield armory 1911, changed to a S&W m&p9, than to my now M&P9 or my new toy the S&W bodyguard. Not to mention all the other stuff I have on me. 5. As for what to carry, the best bet is to go out and find what fits your hand the best. If you can spend a little cash to rent a pistol, or try a buddys it will make it worth it in the long run. Dont drink the cool-aid from people how one gun is the best of them all. Remember you should trust your life to what your carrying so going cheap and getting a llama 1911 isnt the best idea in the world. Now as for me personally. I carry a M&P 9c all day every day in a MTAC. I have just recently picked up a bodyguard to fill the gaps for when I cant carry my normal set up. I also dont kid myself about what it can do. There are a lot of great pistols out there, but you need to find what works for you. Me and glocks dont get along. I know its a great pistol but it isnt for me. I shot H&K's when I was shopping but the price for the pistol and $50 a mag was more than what I wanted to pay. CZ's are awesome, but id rather carry a 1911. I would go into a shop tell them you are looking for a concealable firearm. Hold them, play with the trigger a little if they will let you, and see what feels the best. Also a lot of local NRA places are a good place to go for info about a specific pistol. I see your in FL so try to find a IDPA match you can go see and talk to the folks there even. A lot of CCW stuff that has come out has come from ideas from people who shoot competitions. Best of luck on whatever you get, and as always post pics! +1 No 1 - Too much ammo will make you sink or walk lopsided. No 2 - A must No 3 yes I carry an extra. No 4 Most likely No 5 If they won't let you fondle the merchandice - LEAVE 
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How to decide? You use your experience guided by your wisdom. If that doesn't work you use someone elses. Pick people's brains and make the best choice possible. And remember that while your first choice may be acceptable, you're likely to change your mind several times as you gain experience. I started carrying a 1911, switched to a High Power, then to a Sig P220, then to a S&W 3913, then a Glock 26, then a Glock 29, then back to the 26, then to a S&W 4553, back to the 26 again, then to a S&W 3953 where I'm at right now. There were several revolvers in there too, but none lasted for long. And as long as nothing changes, I'll probably stick with the 3953 for a while. It's thin, light, accurate, reliable, very easy to conceal and carry and I shoot it very well. If I didn't have to be so concerned with concealment I'd probably opt for the 29 in a high, tight OWB holster as the best of all options. And I have to mention the many, many changes in holsters and carry positions too. Of course all this took over 30 years. And I've had numerous different BUGS and pocket guns as well during the whole time. What works great for one person and their situation may not work for you. That's why you have to try things yourself. Getting advice is good, but until you try it you won't know. How many hours a day you intend to carry will also play a role, as well as your style of dress, job and lifestyle. One of my problems is I sometimes have to sit in chairs meant for people much smaller than me, lay on the floor or crawl under desks. A thick gun like the G29 makes this difficult where a thin gun like the 3953 makes it much easier. I also carry whenever I have pants on, which usually means 14-17 hours a day. While a 40oz gun might be comfortable for 6 hours and bearable for 8 or 9, after 12 they really start to wear on me and I tend to take them off as soon as I can. Whereas a 26 oz gun I'll leave on till bed time. So back to what I said before, everyone is different. Pick people's brains so you don't make any really bad choices, but understand that only with experience and some trial and erro will come the right choice for you. The good news is it's kind of fun. At least I've always thought so. If I were you I'd start with the Commander, probably in a Supertuck, assuming it's reliable with your chosen carry load and you're comfortable carrying C&L. But unless it's a LW Commander it's going to be somewhat heavy for all day carry and unless you're fairly thick bodied you might have trouble with concealing it. While it's thin, the long grip will print easily. A holster with a lot of cant will help this, but then the sharp point at the bottom of the frame will be even more noticeable.
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Quoted:
How to decide? You use your experience guided by your wisdom. If that doesn't work you use someone elses. Pick people's brains and make the best choice possible. And remember that while your first choice may be acceptable, you're likely to change your mind several times as you gain experience. I started carrying a 1911, switched to a High Power, then to a Sig P220, then to a S&W 3913, then a Glock 26, then a Glock 29, then back to the 26, then to a S&W 4553, back to the 26 again, then to a S&W 3953 where I'm at right now. There were several revolvers in there too, but none lasted for long. And as long as nothing changes, I'll probably stick with the 3953 for a while. It's thin, light, accurate, reliable, very easy to conceal and carry and I shoot it very well. If I didn't have to be so concerned with concealment I'd probably opt for the 29 in a high, tight OWB holster as the best of all options. And I have to mention the many, many changes in holsters and carry positions too. Of course all this took over 30 years. And I've had numerous different BUGS and pocket guns as well during the whole time. What works great for one person and their situation may not work for you. That's why you have to try things yourself. Getting advice is good, but until you try it you won't know. How many hours a day you intend to carry will also play a role, as well as your style of dress, job and lifestyle. One of my problems is I sometimes have to sit in chairs meant for people much smaller than me, lay on the floor or crawl under desks. A thick gun like the G29 makes this difficult where a thin gun like the 3953 makes it much easier. I also carry whenever I have pants on, which usually means 14-17 hours a day. While a 40oz gun might be comfortable for 6 hours and bearable for 8 or 9, after 12 they really start to wear on me and I tend to take them off as soon as I can. Whereas a 26 oz gun I'll leave on till bed time. So back to what I said before, everyone is different. Pick people's brains so you don't make any really bad choices, but understand that only with experience and some trial and erro will come the right choice for you. The good news is it's kind of fun. At least I've always thought so. If I were you I'd start with the Commander, probably in a Supertuck, assuming it's reliable with your chosen carry load and you're comfortable carrying C&L. But unless it's a LW Commander it's going to be somewhat heavy for all day carry and unless you're fairly thick bodied you might have trouble with concealing it. While it's thin, the long grip will print easily. A holster with a lot of cant will help this, but then the sharp point at the bottom of the frame will be even more noticeable. How refreshing. A post here that is void of testosterone, absolutes, and imaturity. Good Stuff and well done. |
| I like the Glock series. Just check out a few guns and see what you like. If those 1911s are a gift or inheritance, just keep them and save up for a Glock or whatever strikes your fancy. Just get a good belt and good holster as well as spare magazine pouch. You will be good to go. Don't skimp on the belt as many people try to do. |
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Thank you guys for all the replies. I am going to try out the 1911 and see what I think then move on just like every one is saying.
The 1911's are bought by me. I introduced my family to shooting. 
I ordered a Crossbreed for the 1911's I have. I guess Ill see if I like it. |
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If your strapped for cash and wanting something like a Crossbreed might I suggest the Kholster.
Its the same style holster at almost half the cost. Youll also receive it in days instead of weeks. A poly gun isnt paramount or even necessary for CC. How do YOU feel about carrying your 1911's? |
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Carry around the house (unloaded OK) every day when you get your holster to get used to it. Try different clothing combinations. Try different seated positions. Practice drawing from concealment (make sure your gun is not loaded and the ammunition is in a separate part of your home.)
Good luck!
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Carry around the house (unloaded OK) every day when you get your holster to get used to it. Try different clothing combinations. Try different seated positions. Practice drawing from concealment (make sure your gun is not loaded and the ammunition is in a separate part of your home.) Good luck! This is what I am gonna be doing. Hopefully by the time I can carry legally I will completely used to it. Ill be working my way around the other guns when business picks up. |
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Quoted: I can't decide what gun to carry. Should I just carry what I have until I can feel around with others? You should carry what you shoot best. Everything else can be a workaround, however, when the day comes that you have to use your CCW, you had better know the weapon and be proficient enough that when sending rounds downrange, your shots are going where you want them to. The other considerations like the size of the weapon, holster, position of carry, etc...can be easily accommodated.
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I can't decide what gun to carry. Should I just carry what I have until I can feel around with others? You should carry what you shoot best. Everything else can be a workaround, however, when the day comes that you have to use your CCW, you had better know the weapon and be proficient enough that when sending rounds downrange, your shots are going where you want them to. The other considerations like the size of the weapon, holster, position of carry, etc...can be easily accommodated. Very good advice. Thank you. I am very proficient and accurate with all the guns I own. So that helps. |