[johncanfield]

Curious what's everybody carrying, either open or concealed. My very favorite now is the Sig P365XL. I've carried an M&P 9C, as my first EDC - flawless performer but almost twice the weight of my Sig.

I also carried a Sig P239 chambered in 357 Sig. It had a decocker and was SA/DA - first trigger pull was 10 pounds, then when in DA mode it was 5 pounds. I stopped carrying it when I had a fail to fire. I needed to put down an antelope (forgot why) - pulled the trigger and nothing happened. I sent it to Sig then later field stripped it and gave it an ultrasonic bath. So that one is now a safe queen.

Then I bought a Ruger LC9s. When I was breaking it in the magazine would randomly fall out - not my fault! 😯 Sent it back to Ruger and they replaced the frame. I was carrying it for a while but I never trusted it fully - not good for a carry gun to maybe save your life some day. So it's basically another safe queen.

Most of my friends also carry, some like a small revolver. You have to admit very little can go wrong with a wheel gun.

My favorite handgun (too large to carry for me) is a Sig P226 chambered in 357 Sig. Special Forces used to carry these. Close behind is a 1911 in 45ACP - great gun, quiet report and very fun to shoot.

 

[elff]

My Left Bicep is named Smith
My Right Bicep is name Wesson

These guns are too massive to carry concealed.

 

[Norminator]

I have two handguns. One is a P226 MK25 and the other a Colt 25 semi auto.

The Colt 25 is crazy concealable, but has some uncomfortable safety issues. The business end is too easy to get in front of and the slide spring is crazy strong. I have to pull back the slide with a full hand purchase. One answer would be to add some grip tape, but then there’s accuracy. I’m not willing to put in the work with it. It would be a great backup gun, but I don’t need that.

l love my P226 MK25. I know some say it’s large for a CCW, but with a Vedder IWB holster and their “claw,” it doesn’t print in average postures. I like that I feel confident about where I place rounds even out at distance. I like having 15 rds. in a mag. But foremost is accuracy. Sitting in front of lawyers even when you’re squeaky clean is ugly. Quite honestly, I’d rather take a bullet. I’m willing to put up with the less comfortable larger size for the shooting attributes it brings. I like the double action / single action. I can safely keep one in the pipe, defend with my secondary hand and still draw and get a shot. I won’t be getting another handgun. I want to put the time into one.

In reality, I’ll probably “gas“ with my left hand and if necessary escalate. If I can, I want to show I tried to use less force.

 

[elff]

My 2 are very different.

Baby Desert Eagle .40 Compact Polymer.
Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm

The Hellcat is a 13+1, and very concealable. It took me a while to get used to the trigger, but now that I am, it shoots really well for how small it is. It has become my go to as I can carry a total of 27 rounds with only a second magazine.

The Baby Desert Eagle has a great trigger and is very comfortable to shoot, but has way more of a kick.

 

[aeroshots]

Had a back procedure today. Doctor looked into the little basket they give you for personal effects. She said she just wanted to see what I was carrying today. She told her procedure nurse that it "depends on what he's wearing, where he's going, and if he has family with him". I'm thinking I've been seeing this Doctor for a long time now. 😆 Sig P320x (church weapon), Sig P365x, Glock 27 (moded to 9mm), M&P 9 Shield Performance Center. All with tac light and red dot except the M&P. Carried as doctor stated. That being said, guns bad....(can't find a tongue in cheek imogie).

 

[aeroshots]

I have two handguns. One is a P226 MK25 and the other a Colt 25 semi auto.

I have to pull back the slide with a full hand purchase. One answer would be to add some grip tape, but then there’s accuracy. I’m not willing to put in the work with it. It would be a great backup gun, but I don’t need that.

Suggestion--visualize and practice holding the slide overhand and holding it inplace. Push the weapon forward to cycle the slide verses pulling the slide rearward. Much more purchase from your primary hand and much more purchase/grip on the slide from your support hand. Remember, it will take hundreds of reps to untrain and retrain a new technique. JMHO. You might just like it.

 

[Mouse]

I like hammer-fired, 9mm for carry. The Smith and Wesson CSX fits the bill and holds 12 +1. Very compact and light for an all-metal gun:

CSX | Smith & Wesson

The CSX is built on an aluminum alloy frame with interchangeable polymer back straps, providing the user the ability to customize their level of concealment and ergonomic fit. Chambered in 9mm, the CSX holds an impressive 12+1 capacity and comes with an additional 10 round magazine for deeper...

www.smith-wesson.com

If I ever decide to open carry, I have a leg rig for an FNX45. Remarkably accurate for me (45ACP)

 

[Bad Bob]

Customized Sig 365X.

 

[coop5508]

I keep it simple and have used only one concealed carry gun for over 25 years. It's a stainless steel, snub nose S&W 640 in .357 magnum. I can conceal it no matter what I'm wearing and never have to worry about it imprinting when I bend over, lift my arms, etc. I utilize a Galco leather appendix holster. I generally carry at least one Bianchi speed strip with 6 extra rounds in my right rear pants pocket. I'm not a fan of speed loaders when carrying concealed as they're too bulky.

I prefer to stay consistent with my concealed carry gun, carry location, and location of ammo, which is why I don't carry any of my other suitable guns. When you consistently carry the same gun, the same way, all the time, you build solid muscle memory and conditioned response for drawing, operation, reloading, etc. Just my 2 cents.

I'm not a fan of open carry, unless I'm at the range or hunting. I prefer to not let people know I'm armed, especially when I go into private businesses which are posted with no firearms allowed. If they can't see it, then they won't know about it.

 

[Wildrat]

Most times I carry my 380, and a couple extra mags since I am riding.

 

[Blue Baby Sound]

I've been carrying a Ruger SR9c since that model came out and have thousands and thousands of rounds thru it. It's not my fave to shoot, but I like having the ability to carry 10 rounds deep, or a bulkier 17 rounds if I have on a lot of clothing.

Fave gun to shoot is my 1911, but its large enough I rarely carry it.

The wife picked up a Kimber Micro Woodland edition a while back, seems like lately I'm always carrying it (if she's not.) It's pretty small, comfortable and easy to shoot.

 

[Mouse]

Fave gun to shoot is my 1911, but its large enough I rarely carry it.

My favorite too; also what I shoot most accurately. My carry CSX is very similar to a 1911, but being so small not so accurate

 

[johncanfield]

Wow, glad I started this thread. It's fascinating to see what you guys carry and I can relate to practically all of the comments.

I do open carry in our little town, even in our little bank. Rarely do I open carry in our big city (population 15k), I open carry in the feed store there and I know the guys at the electrical supply house so I open carry there. Usually the guys start talking guns with me so that's always fun.

At my ortho Doc, I conceal carry and it's no big deal when they realize I'm carrying. Love our part of rural Texas.

I forgot to mention that I recently bought a mini (actually tiny) revolver from North American Arms chambered in 22 magnum (rimfire of course.) Six shots and surprisingly easy to shoot. I was expecting the ergonomics and recoil to be horrible but nothing of the sort. I was consistently on target at about five yards.

I'm carrying it in my right pocket just because. It's not a backup gun since it's not quickly accessible but instead a hidden gun of last resort. And for those dear readers that think I'm a paranoid goober hick gun nut, nothing of the sort. I enjoy shooting sports and couldn't resist this little revolver. (and I'm well educated )

 

[N7COF]

S&W shield in 9mm used mostly with MantisX that's saved me a small fortune in ammo.

Highly recommended, no affiliation just happy client: Mantis X3 - Shooting Performance System

 

[johncanfield]

We have a laser for our Sig P238 which which was extremely valuable in training - I would position the gun with the iron sights on a target and then compare to the laser. After many sessions I was able to usually get the iron sights on target which might sound trivial but the P238 is a very small gun with a very short sight radius.

 

[Norminator]

I never thought of using a laser to train in using iron sights. Good one.

 

[mac]

Curious what's everybody carrying, either open or concealed. My very favorite now is the Sig P365XL. I've carried an M&P 9C, as my first EDC - flawless performer but almost twice the weight of my Sig.

I also carried a Sig P239 chambered in 357 Sig. It had a decocker and was SA/DA - first trigger pull was 10 pounds, then when in DA mode it was 5 pounds. I stopped carrying it when I had a fail to fire. I needed to put down an antelope (forgot why) - pulled the trigger and nothing happened. I sent it to Sig then later field stripped it and gave it an ultrasonic bath. So that one is now a safe queen.

Then I bought a Ruger LC9s. When I was breaking it in the magazine would randomly fall out - not my fault! 😯 Sent it back to Ruger and they replaced the frame. I was carrying it for a while but I never trusted it fully - not good for a carry gun to maybe save your life some day. So it's basically another safe queen.

Most of my friends also carry, some like a small revolver. You have to admit very little can go wrong with a wheel gun.

My favorite handgun (too large to carry for me) is a Sig P226 chambered in 357 Sig. Special Forces used to carry these. Close behind is a 1911 in 45ACP - great gun, quiet report and very fun to shoot.

Sig 9mm compact

 

[Blue Baby Sound]

We have a laser for our Sig P238 which which was extremely valuable in training - I would position the gun with the iron sights on a target and then compare to the laser. After many sessions I was able to usually get the iron sights on target which might sound trivial but the P238 is a very small gun with a very short sight radius.

Interesting approach. My wife traded her P238 for the Kimber because she was never able to shoot it well.

Side note: The crimson trace grip on the Kimber is nice to have, but its placement isn't great. When my finger is off the trigger it covers the laser so I have to manipulate my grip. The crimson trace on my Ruger is in front of the trigger guard and doesn't have that issue.

 

[johncanfield]

I consider lasers on a handgun mostly useless and basically another gimmick to separate people from their money. However - my bedside P226 has the green laser/light combo from Streamlight and you can see it outdoors in a shady area. For a tiny laser it's very powerful.

I think over various crisis scenarios in our house or on the ranch, i.e., a 'home invasion' or a trespasser. What I come up with is it's impossible to game play everything but grabbing a handgun (long gun for a ranch trespasser) is the very first action. Then it's verbally confront if possible unless our lives are in immediate danger.

 

[MxRubicon]

I just read through the replies, no tupperware fans in the forum?