I personally don't see the point of having a flashlight on ccw. Hence why I'm thinking about a G19 = )
I was gonna recommend the Glock 26 from reading the OP and was happy to see you went with that decision...but I would add if you foresee light or smaller/tighter shirts being worn it will still print some just because of the thickness...thinner will always print less just like shorter (example your G26 is shorter than my G19) will always print less. My part time gig of working at a range allows me the benefit of seeing people carry all the time (atleast when there) and undoubtedly with proper clothing I and other can IWB carry a Glock 19 or shoot even the longer-taller G17 and not be noticed...however my desk job where I work with at times people over a counter or in meetings a lot some polo shirts simply can't hide the fact I'm carrying.....hence why eventually I will be purchasing either the Glock 42 or a thin 9mm (the Shield or Kahr CM9 probably) for situations where attire needs a lighter, thinner, shorter gun to dissolve more so into my WB. I also though have a pocket Kel Tec P3AT (.380) which has never missed a beat and is in a back pocket everyday and inside suit jacket pocket if in a suit. Some people have discussed flash lights, lasers and such on your handguns. I understand the desire to but don't initially. Learn your handgun through and through before mounting a laser or flashlight on it (more so the laser). If you learn how to shoot a gun with a laser you lack proper sight alignment and control should something every go wrong...laser not work or you switch guns. As for the flashlight if it is going to be on your carry piece get a quick disconnecting one or very streamlined one to avoid any issues with holsters. I will be making my G19 my primary nightstand gun once I get my single stack 9mm which means a flashlight on it will occur and more than likely stay on it always for in home situations. So to me the greatest combo of handguns is as follows: -A large double stacked full frame pistol. (9mm, .40 or 45acp to name the norms) Great for OWB carry if you are so inclined, IWB carry and concealable given proper attire. This option gives you the most accuracy typically being more gun to help distribute and absorb recoil and get your sight picture back in focus faster. -A thinner/shorter single stack small framed pistol (wouldn't go smaller than .380) Amazingly good at dissolving into waistbands and some into larger pockets...not as many options for on the waistband but becoming more available. Can still many times get 9mm or .40 in the size which means increased recoil but you don't lack ballistic ability if a defensive situation arises. Takes more range time to learn/master this size especially if staying with 9mm or .40. -Small pocket sized pistol (.32, .380, .22mag.....shoot even 25acp is better than nothing) Huge fan of always having the pocket gun or as a lot of people view them "backup" guns. I always have a pocket .380 on me....just get used to and with proper practice you can be accurate enough should crap hit the fan to get yourself out of the situation. Granted these guns are limited in capacity and caliber at times but these guns are made for very close quarters and to get you out of the situation more than take over a situation (proper training though and you are still very deadly in defense). Just some thoughts....as for the S&W or Glock...throw in Ruger & Springfield & Beretta....shoot any manufacturer almost has at least a model or style or two that are solid guns...or maybe I just like stuff that goes bang (except when hunting )
tynimiller, thanks for your great response. I definitely won't train myself with lasers, im still one of the few guys who aren't into doing the magic pills to be great and still stick to the basics, atleast I try to. Im trying to talk myself out of hydroxycut right now, I know I can do it on my own, it'll just take longer. Different story! Anyways the thing which deterred me from M&P shield and Springfield xds, was that I did not like how the single stack felt in my hand. It didnt give me the solid feeling like the glock 26. In hindsight, in using it for running or having it in a pinch, that feel doesn't matter as much as you would basically be using it in close quarters. If a dog were to attack me, id have mace, but have the gun as backup and since id be in urban areas id definitely be putting the gun directly up to the dog to put it down. So accuracy wouldn't be a factor as much or even feel. Needless to say I plan on picking up a glock 42 or something equivalent in the near future as this is America and I buy what I want, with money I don't have because its America! Just kidding, I have more than enough money to fund all this and I also plan on buying a leather saddleback dufflebag because someone on here decided to introduce me to that website! Anyways, with the glock you carry, do you carry a round in the chamber? If so do you worry about an accidental discharge? The holster I linked N82 has a holster which many joggers wear, however, it does not have a trigger lock and I worry that somehow in some crazy way the gun's trigger will be pulled. I'm also weighing if having a round in the chamber will really hinder me in a self defense situation. Any thoughts anyone?
If your reasoning for wanting it is 90% the dog I would think one in the chamber is critical. A dog isn't going to recognize what you are doing or have done by drawing a firearm. Do you feel that an aggressive dog would allow you the time to pull, chamber, target and fire in the time it would take you? I understand we're not talking a full on attack dog, but you're going to be having fight or flight anxiety as well. For me I would want one in the chamber because you never know when that other hand will be needed in fending off. Not sure what types of dogs you are encountering, but as a child we had a highly trained doberman, I know how aggressive and quick they can be.
I know with headphones in and such that they would get a bite in without having a round chambered. What I'm betting is that they'll bite my leg first thus giving me the chance to load a round. Shooting a dog jumping at my chest would not be ideal in urban population. Is my assumption that the dog will most likely attack my leg a bad assumption?
As much as I disagree with you at most times I'll offer up a small bit advice as someone that carries 99% of the time...take it for what you will The crossbreed super tuck holster.....you'll never find a nicer iwb holster for any gun...period...great choice...I've tried em all....when I can carry my g30sf all day and forget it's there iwb that impresses me....what I did find is kholster.com...its a guy who makes one just like the crossbreed for less money....i bought one for every pistol I have and have had zero issues...plus his warranty is phenomenal....the screws on the belt clips do need a little locktite on them once you get it adjusted the way you want it but other than that they are just as functional as the crossbreed for much less....if someday you want multiple holsters for multiple guns he can def save you enough to buy some boxes of ammo....running wise....i enjoy the smart carry holster because it doesn't bounce around and I can wear mesh shorts and a tshirt yet still carry my 45 if I want with no issues.....stay away from belly bands....especially the cheap ones....junk Chamber a round.....once you are proficient with your weapon that is....i would highly suggest not carrying one chambered until you are comfortable with the way your holster rides draws and feels and you know the gun inside and out....the trigger safety as you know is the only safety on the glock which is why when I carry those the trigger gaurd must be fully covered imo....you never know what could happen if it's exposed Lasers and lights.....i have a tlr3 for the glock 30 for my night stand safe and the gun is equipped with night sights.....im a HUGE fan of tritium.....although useful for some I don't like lasers personally because you tend to become dependent on it...tynimiller covered it so I won't go any further on this.....the other reason is shaking... panic situations that laser is gonna dance something fierce and people often punch the trigger with a laser which will throw you way off target....the sights are a little easier to control imo....everyone's different but just some things to think about while you're figuring out what works for you Good luck....be safe
Well first (this is all theoretical in my mind with no real world application) I figure it only takes .5 seconds to chamber a round, secondly, it saves me the slim possibility of the trigger getting caught on something and going off. Third, I think I have enough time with a dog biting my leg to chamber one and shoot it. I would much rather carry a round chambered, but ill have to look into the holster backstrap assasin stated along with his holster. Guess being in the military makes me really scared of a round going off because that is the type of fear they put into you.
I promise you, unless you practice for literally dozens or even hundreds of hours pulling that pistol and chambering a round, every time; that when it really matters you will regret not having a round in the pipe at all times. Even with tons of practice, I highly recommend you don't do it. So many variables to go wrong in that moment of truth...are your hands sweaty? What if the dog has you by your hand (and there's at least a 50/50 chance that's where a dog is going to grab you as you instinctively try to fend it off with your hands)? Or in the case of a human assault, are you going to have the time to pull, rack, acquire your target (likely moving at this point) and defend yourself? I doubt it. Look, I venture to say I practice with my daily carry weapon as much as anyone on here (likely more than all but a few.) I'm good with a pistol. Many would say very good (I'm a bit more realistic- I've seen guys who are "very good" and they're better than me.) I have every confidence that if your everyday dirtbag has a pistol in their hand, even pointed at me- that I can pull, acquire, and engage if not before they press the trigger, then at least nearly the same time. (It has to do with act/react times.) Throw another step in that process, especially one that requires 2 hands and a sure grip, and there's no way I'm not going to get lead thrown at me by the bad guy if I try to defend myself.
Chambered or not.... It is a question we get a lot at the range/shop. And my opinion may differ from some of the other employees but in the end they usually agree with me just not personally...let me explain. My response is typically this short sweet response, "Carry as you are comfortable...not how I am, he is (pointing at someone) or your friend is comfortable...but carry." I then explain how I understand especially with new shooters or people new to carrying handguns on a daily occurrence are uneasy or at minimal worried about carrying the gun with one in the chamber...and while I don't hold that fear I get it. A gun is a tool which has the ability to quickly take, save or defend life and you are right to hold some fear of the device. Which is why I say get comfortable with the gun, holster and such anyway you can...whether a round is chambered or not. Take lessons with good trainers and hone your shooting stance, grip and overall shooting approach....in the end I bet nearly every single person will eventually see the value of having the gun chambered and ready to fire with no thought of loading. The truth is I hope I never have to pull my gun...I actually ask God for that blessing everyday I put a gun on "May the next time this gun be drawn be at the range or tonight to rest again on my dresser." With that said though I want no hesitation on my part in a defensive (usually quick) situation. This is why I personally don't desire a safety. With proper holster covering the trigger I have all the safeties I need: trigger finger and my brain. For that same reason I don't like to have to remember to rack a slide to load the gun either. I could slip my grip in rushed furry looking at a gun myself pointed my way....or bullets could already be being sprayed and in the rush I forget mine wasn't loaded and proceed to dry fire over and over again (if double strike gun). It's not a matter of safety because whether loaded or unloaded the procedures of safety (trigger control, finger location until on target, proper holster selection....and so on) do not change. The gun is to be treated as loaded at all times, and that is why I might as well carry it loaded. ALL THAT SAID though, I always tell people carry as THEY WILL be comfortable and if unloaded is that....I press them to just practice till their hands bleed and get it to where every time you draw you rack the slide (disengage any safeties)and then acquire target, decide if shot is needed, place trigger finger on trigger and proceed with proper shot technique. If you do not practice this to the point of it being natural and second nature to you carrying unloaded is not a viable or good option. As for holsters....any that don't cover trigger are not worth it. PERIOD.
^^^ that is probably the most well-thought, reasonable, and insightful non-hunting piece of advice I have read on this forum.
For any of you who care, I talked with the guy privately today. Talk about great customer service. He of course still thinks I have gen 3 prices, but he didn't want to leave me dissatisfied. He originally had me at 3 hours of range time, since it wasn't all his fault or doing, we compromised at 6 hours of range time. He upped it to 8 hours. Going to email the manager and mention his name. For those of you who think I'm partially wrong or totally wrong in this issue, let me put this from my perspective. Either I can be mature and address it as an adult with the guy to correct his "wrong" to have me as a repeat customer. Or, he can lose a customer forever and possibly lose future business. I'd say as a business owner as much pride as I have, the former is the way to go. More money. As for the G26. Definitely a lot easier than the beretta m9 92. Don't know if it was the grip, and how I was able to wrap my fingers around the grip, but it felt a lot more stable and not so much recoil. My shooting skills suck, but because of the customer service I plan on coming back for lessons. Also found out this hobby is going to be expensive. Once I run out of range time. One hour will be $15 plus price of ammo which will run about $50 for the amount you can shoot in the hour. Geez at least with a bow you can reuse the arrow.
Yea shooting can be expensive if you shoot a lot. I shoot at a min once per month so I stay proficient with my pistols now. I love to shoot though. I always carry a loaded concealed glock as well so it helps to know I can handle it well.
So when you guys see ammo how much do you buy? At freedom munitions just now I bought 1000 rounds of 9mm. I would buy more shotgun rounds but they're out of stock and I'd like to get some .45 for my eventual glock30s. But it's adding up. Trying to convince myself to wait a few months for glock30s but then I worry I won't have the ammo on hand. How much ammo do you guys buy at a time and what are some websites?
I use freedom munitions mainly only when they offer free shipping. I usually order at least 1000 rds to make it worth it. Sometimes PSA has good deals as well.
gun shows. Buy all of it. my glock 9s will run all day long on cheapo surplus non-jacketed 124 gr soft points. Ridiculously accurate with them as well. they're not what I carry but they're great for practice.
Glock in .40! Dont just go by model go and feel them in your hand... get what's comfortable to you... I like mine in compact Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Alright alright got a moral dilemna that I'm sure will make me come off as an outright ******* to some of you. But thought I'd pose the question. As you know I am foe the gun store now near me. Decided to hold off on g30s or sf and get a .22 due to the cost I would save in ammo. After hours of research I decided on ruger sr22 over the Walther p22 due to possible issues with Walther p22 even though they looked damn cooler. Regardless, I found a ruger sr22 for 289 free shipping no tax online from a reputable store. Locally it'll cost 336 plus tax which is about 360. I have not taken any of the local stores time to view their ruger in stock. 1) would I be a bad person for ordering online and using that gun store for ffl? I can actually use my base as ffl I just figured I'd use these guys. 2) will they make some money off this ffl transfer. Pretty sure answer is yes though probably minimal. 3) am I a bad person for doing this and buying online and using them as ffl. 4) do you think they will be mad, and do you think they have a right to be mad? I could avoid this all together and use my nearby base as ffl. In fact I also learned though I can shoot for free at this outdoor range. It is of course only a flat piece of land with wooden posts to put up your target. I also do plan on getting gun training lessons from my nearby gun store so it's not like I'm screwing them over. Would like to hear your thoughts on everything.
I'm slightly confused by this post, but I will do my best. I have a feeling you are not quite versed on how FFL transfers work. 1) you aren't "screwing them over" if they agree to use their FFL to transfer a firearm to you. If they felt screwed or "mad", they would refuse to do the transfer 2) most of the individual FFL holders I know personally, make +/- $20 for doing this (depending on how many they do per year.) They usually just try to cover the cost of their FFL renewal. Gun stores come out OK, believe me 3) Most gun stores will ask you how much you are paying for the firearm to be transferred, and if they can, will match/beat said price from their inventory or order it either direct or from a wholesaler for you
Oh by mad or angry, ive just read on the internet posts that some people get mad when people buy online and bring it to their store because it was cheaper to buy online. I personally think it's stupid as the business gets money either way through repairs and such. I figured they'd make the amount on FFL transfer, but I if they ask I will tell them the price, and I guess have them comp me for 2 hours of range time to make up the difference in taxes even though I dont need range time since I found a place that costs $0/hour. But I am a believer in supporting local businesses, which is why this is a bit of a moral dilemna for me.
