Posted: 1/29/2003 8:15:12 PM EDT
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First, let me admit I know very little about handguns. I have a USP9 (full size) but I want to get my concealed permit and I've been looking at the Sig P245. I'd like some more ideas so let's have them. I'm not a big guy and I don't have big hands. Could that be to my advantage when shopping for a concealed handgun? Thanks in advance - Marc |
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Most any handgun (Except maybe the new S&W X frame) can be concealed. The key is to make sure that whatever holster type you end up with is supported by a good belt designed for carry. Dress belts just don't work. That said, here are a few pointers. Thin guns conceal easier than thicker ones. Shorter grips are easier to conceal than longer grips. I've carried SiGPros and fullsized SiG P-Series so it can be done. My favorites though are the smaller SiG 230 or Makarov (the Mak is considerably heavier than my alloy SiG 230) in a pocket holster or my Colt Detective Special in a Lou Alessi pocket holster. In a mid-range the easiest to conceal have been my S&W K frame revolvers, followed by my STAR UltraStar. In fullsize the easiest to conceal have been my HiPowers. |
| If I were you I would haunt gunshops and ranges. I would hold a lot handguns, the ones I liked I would rent and shoot. I would look for the lightest and smallest handgun that felt good in my hand and was in a caliber I could live with. For me this is a 9mm Kahr K9/E9 for warm weather and a 45acp S&W Model 457 for the cold. Remember, what works for me may not work for you. You are also going to need a good holster and belt or a pocket holster if you want to keep it in your pants. Regards, Richard:D |
I would tend to disagree just a bit. I think that a handgun intended for concealed carry should be the biggest gun you can shoot well and conceal effectively. Large handguns can be just as concealable as small handguns, depending on the handgun sometimes they can be even more concealable, and often times a larger handgun carried in the correct holster will balance itself out better than one with smaller dimensions. A major factor in concealability will be the thickness of the handgun. Like Sig 230 stated thin guns are much easier to conceal. I can conceal a full size 1911 under only a tee shirt but I can not do the same with a Glock 30 or even a Glock 19. A good holster and just as important a sturdy gun belt will make carrying any gun much easier and more comfortable. The most important factor, however, will not be which gun you choose but you ability with that gun. And to that end, just choosing a handgun that you can shoot isn’t enough. As with all other things in life a consistent practice regiment is the key to continued proficiency. Don’t just choose a mouse gun (or any gun for that matter) slip it in your pocket and expect to know how to use it when the time comes. Remember all your going to do is be betting your life on the gun you choose to carry.... not only would I want it to “fit” but I’d also like to know how to use it. |
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Wow, thanks guys! I've handled a bunch and so far the Sig P245 and Springfield XD feel the best. I'm going to go rent them and a few others that you all suggested at the gun shop/range up the street. Like AJohnston said, I do want one that I can become very proficient with and I'm hoping that because I'm a smaller guy I can find a nice happy medium between concealment and perfect all around gun for me. That may be impossible but I’m willing to give up some concealment if need be. One more question...has anyone used or heard of the PagerPal? Once again, thanks to all that replied. Marc |
Just say NO! Forget the gimicks and stick to what works. Once you find the gun, get a GOD belt that was designed to support a holster. With a good belt, even inexpensive holster will work but with the average dress belt, even the best, most expensive holster will move around too much and be uncomfortable. |
That's sound advice. Not only is the draw from this type of concealment pretty awkward but it's also much slower than a more conventional style of holster. There's a reason why designs like the Summer Special, "pancake", and Bruce Nelson's #1 Professional holster (just to name a few) have been widely used for many years.... they flat out work. Stick with proven designs and you'll be much happier in the long run, YMMV. |
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I carry a Glock 19 with a Fobus holster. Granted, it's not the best concealment rig around (don't think that's it's intended purpose either), but it's REAL comfortable and quick to draw from. I've been cursed with sloping shoulders so there's not much room between my arms and my upper torso (if that makes sense), thus making a shoulder holster standout, let alone impractical. The Fobus is the only holster I've found that works well for me. At one point I was carrying an Entreprise Titleist in a Wild Bill IWB leather rig. If it wasn't for the fact that the gun was so heavy it would have worked, the G19 in a Fobus is weightless in comparison. Not that any of this answered your question... |
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As much as I "dislike" Glocks, if I ever need to replace my carry gun I will look seriously at a Glock 26/27. I simply find large guns uncomfortable to carry concealed. I DO carry my Beretta 92 full size gun occasionally but find it is JUST to big and heavy to carry all the time. The glocks have no manual safety (that IS a plus), seem to be reliable, and are fairly compact. If I shot a lot I'd go with the 26 (9mm - cheap). If I didn't shoot often... the 27 (.40 cal might perform a little better than the 9mm.) Just my .02! Good luck! Logistar |
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Marc W, As you say you no very little about handguns, let me throw my two cents in. First, congrats on admitting where you need to learn instead of just blustering forward. That will save you a lot of grief and $$ in the long-run. For what it's worth, I would strongly suggest getting a revolver for your first handgun. The manual of arms is amazingly simple: open cylinder, insert bullets, close cylinder, pull trigger. Revolvers are easy to check to see if they're unloaded. Revolvers need less maintenance and will digest a wider range of ammo without complaint. Admittedly, they are hard to shoot accurately due to the heavier trigger pull, but man are they rewarding once you learn to do your part. Semi-autos have their own operational quirks. You've got to learn where the safety is (OK the SIG lets you off on that one), where's the decocker, where's the magazine release. They just require a little more thought and knowledge to use and have higher maintenance needs. If you do go semi-auto, I would say do not get a Glock as your first gun. Glocks are great; my carry is a 23, but they make higher demands on the user than most semi-autos in my mind. Having that safety on the trigger makes proper gun handling paramount. Finally, I agree get a solid belt and IWB holster. Welcome to the club of those who practice their constitutional rights. Happy and safe shooting no matter what you get. |
| Up here in Ohio we arnt alout to carry yet but were supposed to be getting it soon . I would say use a 45 my three picks are the Para ordnance p12 ,the glock 30, and the hk usp 45 compact. Just be glad you guys have the right to protect yourselfs . All Im aloud to carry is pepper spray and a knife under 4 inches that will do alot of good against a attacker with a gun ! |
From one Beretta fan to another, have you thought about the Beretta 9000? I have one in the 9mm and absolutely love it! It has the poly frame, but metal rails and slide. Its light enough to be carried around all day comfortably, but heavy enough to take out most of the 9mm recoil. Check one out the next time you go to the funstore. WAS |
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MarcW, I've carried openly and concealed for years on three continents. Big guns and small frames, large caliber and small ones. Go with the advice of carrying the biggest thing that you can handled and conceal. I carry IWB with both Milt Sparks and Bruce Nelson Summer Specials for 92/1911/CZ75s. DO get a good belt preferable one with a contour and good holster(s). Also if carrying IWB get your pants one size larger in carrying a thick gun. Don't be surprised that you go thru several guns and holster combinations before you find something that fits your lifestyle and needs. Once or before you select get proper training on use of a handgun in a self defensive role. Obtain the skills (practice) and proper mindset (always win) is what will get you thru. |