Posted: 1/1/2013 3:24:45 PM EDT
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Well guys, I'm in need of a bit of advice since I'm planning on getting my CC permit soon. All the pistols I have are either too big (Think Dirty Harry Big) or of a caliber that I feel is marginal. I have pretty well narrowed it down to are both 9mm S&W's, either a Shield (which is about impossible to find) or a M&P compact in 9mm. Unless you feel there is a better choice. Normally I'm sort of the .45 cal guy, but from everything I have read in the last few years seems to indicate the improvement in ammunition has negated much of the advantage of "bigger is better". I am kind of leaning with the C as I have pretty big mitts and like the idea of being able to use the higher capacity mags also.
Then again there are the carry issues, APEX, 5 o'clock, etc? Any comments or recommendations would be appreciated! 
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Also check out Old Faithful Holsters. They sell an IWB holster similar to the Crossbreed SuperTuck /Galco KingTuk and you can get it in kit form to save some money as well as a .mil discount. I have one on the way for a P226; I haven't used it yet but they get great reviews.
ETA: one of my favorite CCW pieces is the Kahr P9 or CW9. handles and shoots like a full-size handgun but very slim and lightweight so you forget it's there. |
| Since I'm in the same boat as you, I've kinda been thinking about the same thing. My favorite polymer pistol I own is a Springfield XDm40. I've been thinking about asking my family for cash to buy an XD40 subcompact. Like you said with the advancements in ammo, I'm now not sure whether to go with a 9mm or 40 S&W. I have for sure decided on the XD platform though. In regards to your question, if the added bulk isn't an issue for you, then I would go for what holds more bullets. |
| Definitely go with 9mm. The cost of .40 makes it hard to get as much practice as with a 9mm and with modern, proven JHPs like Federal HST 124 gr +P you don't gain much by going with a .40. I also dislike the sharp recoil of the .40. Around here .40 costs the same as .45 ACP. |
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Quoted:
Also check out Old Faithful Holsters. They sell an IWB holster similar to the Crossbreed SuperTuck /Galco KingTuk and you can get it in kit form to save some money as well as a .mil discount. I have one on the way for a P226; I haven't used it yet but they get great reviews. ETA: one of my favorite CCW pieces is the Kahr P9 or CW9. handles and shoots like a full-size handgun but very slim and lightweight so you forget it's there. Thanks Yoda, I'll look into the Old Faithful holsters also. The mil discount won't help though, (Edited: Looks like they give a discount to Vets aIso!) I've been out shortly after leaving Viet Nam. (I can still remember all the cheering upon lift off of the "Freedom Bird"   ) I also looked at the Kahr pistols but I read some conflicting reports; especially about them having some magazine issues. I like the idea of a small size, but that made it a deal breaker for me.
Edited to add: I've got a M&P 9mm C on the way. Damn, all this panic buying sure makes it difficult to find anything, I was lucky to find one without having to pay a Gunbroker premium price. OK, now where are all the damn magazines! 
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| Excellent choice on the 9c, man. As for holsters, if you're willing to look down the road a bit I highly recommend the Versa Max 2 from Milt Sparks. I know a guy local to NM/ABQ folks who makes Kydex IWB and OWB holsters on the level of Raven's products, but for quite a bit less. Lots of guys I run with have bought from him. I like my VM2 too much to switch, though. |
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Excellent choice on the 9c, man. As for holsters, if you're willing to look down the road a bit I highly recommend the Versa Max 2 from Milt Sparks. I know a guy local to NM/ABQ folks who makes Kydex IWB and OWB holsters on the level of Raven's products, but for quite a bit less. Lots of guys I run with have bought from him. I like my VM2 too much to switch, though. You talking about rabbittactical? I have been looking for a good Kydex IWB. |
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I just picked up my first two sheets of raw Kydex and 2 sq ft of 1/4" leather. I'll be making some hybrid IWB holsters, and some hip carry holsters. I'll also be messing with some "liquid transfer paint" patterns to make some interesting OWB, drop platforms, knife sheaths and mag carrier designs. If I can start making them with a semblance of consistency and style, I'll offer to make custom jobs for the NMWTF. I'll post pics of the progress as I make it.
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Also check out Old Faithful Holsters. They sell an IWB holster similar to the Crossbreed SuperTuck /Galco KingTuk and you can get it in kit form to save some money as well as a .mil discount. I have one on the way for a P226; I haven't used it yet but they get great reviews. ETA: one of my favorite CCW pieces is the Kahr P9 or CW9. handles and shoots like a full-size handgun but very slim and lightweight so you forget it's there. Thanks Yoda, I'll look into the Old Faithful holsters also. The mil discount won't help though, (Edited: Looks like they give a discount to Vets aIso!) I've been out shortly after leaving Viet Nam. (I can still remember all the cheering upon lift off of the "Freedom Bird" ) I also looked at the Kahr pistols but I read some conflicting reports; especially about them having some magazine issues. I like the idea of a small size, but that made it a deal breaker for me.
Edited to add: I've got a M&P 9mm C on the way. Damn, all this panic buying sure makes it difficult to find anything, I was lucky to find one without having to pay a Gunbroker premium price. OK, now where are all the damn magazines!
Good choice on the M&P. An Apex DCAEK makes a huge difference. I have an Old Faithful holster for my full-sized M&Ps and it hides them very well. Thanks, Lee |
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Good choice on the M&P. An Apex DCAEK makes a huge difference. I have an Old Faithful holster for my full-sized M&Ps and it hides them very well. Thanks, Lee Yes, I've already heard about some of the triggers and already have the Apex DCAEK kit on order from Brownells along with some mags that are back ordered. (OF COURSE) 
Since two of you have already recommended the Old Faithful's, I ordered an IWB "kit" that just requires assembly to save a few bucks; but upgraded to the horsehide leather option. Hopefully I don't screw it up, I haven't done any leather working since a class I took at Gadsen High School. (Anthony, NM in the '60's)
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Perhaps you should consider carrying one of those your most comfortable & competent with. That's always good advice CQW! |
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A Tucker Gunleather "The Answer" is on my list to get when funds allow.
It appears to be the most refined of the kydex/leather hybrid styles. The option of leather lining on the kydex piece is a nice option if you like quiet or dislike holster scratches. http://www.tuckergunleather.com/the-answer-iwb/ Thanks, Lee |
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Quoted: BADK A Tucker Gunleather "The Answer" is on my list to get when funds allow. It appears to be the most refined of the kydex/leather hybrid styles. The option of leather lining on the kydex piece is a nice option if you like quiet or dislike holster scratches. http://www.tuckergunleather.com/the-answer-iwb/ Thanks, Lee are you running an appendix carry set up? |
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The APEX kit makes a lot of difference. I need to getup with BKiii about some issues I had when Installing mine. Probably need to get my sights aligned as well. MAHA I think we owe you one for the help setting up 5 stand when you came out. Definitely if you help Lee set up while I'm suffering through that Ireland trip. |
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The APEX kit makes a lot of difference. I need to getup with BKiii about some issues I had when Installing mine. Probably need to get my sights aligned as well. MAHA I think we owe you one for the help setting up 5 stand when you came out. Definitely if you help Lee set up while I'm suffering through that Ireland trip. I know how it is to have no one help. I need to get back out there. Probably need to get my shotgun loader from my Brother and start really shooting again. I am renewing my FL CCW. I need to get finger printed. Where in ABW does them? Thanks MAHA |
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We'll do your prints for you. Call one of us.
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The APEX kit makes a lot of difference. I need to getup with BKiii about some issues I had when Installing mine. Probably need to get my sights aligned as well. MAHA I think we owe you one for the help setting up 5 stand when you came out. Definitely if you help Lee set up while I'm suffering through that Ireland trip. I know how it is to have no one help. I need to get back out there. Probably need to get my shotgun loader from my Brother and start really shooting again. I am renewing my FL CCW. I need to get finger printed. Where in ABW does them? Thanks MAHA |
