Yep another handgun thread. Going to buy a CCW. Need suggestion/pocket carry.

I've had my permit for far too long without actually owning a CCW handgun. I'm going tomorrow to look around again, and possibly make a purchase. I know that particular guns fit different individuals much like bows, but I'm pretty unsure as to what route I should go.

First, I'm not at all honestly sure how much I will carry. For one, my drive to and from and during work, I cannot have a weapon in my possession or even in my vehicle. That leaves 10hrs/5 days a week/~9 months of the year where I absolutely cannot be in possession of a firearm.

Secondly, I don't live or frequent places around us that have ever made me feel that I need to carry. With that being said, most people that find themselves in situations where they would have liked to be carrying probably thought the same thing.

Thirdly, I'm not comfortable with the idea of carrying or people knowing that I'm carrying. Believe me, I've shot my fair share of firearms, but there's something about carrying a LOADED firearm on my person, in public, that makes me already feel like it will be awkward.

However, after all of that, I still think I should give it a whirl. I'm almost 100% set on pocket carrying, because I don't like the idea of an ankle holster, an IWB would be uncomfortable, and I think an OWB would be likely to print given the clothes I wear.

So, since I want to pocket carry, right now the LCP is on the top of my list. The P238 looks nice, but is much pricier. The XDs looks awesome, and is slim, but being a .45 and that size, I'm sure it's snappy as all get out.

I know a few of you carry .380s (Greg has a Bersa), and I'm not overly concerned about the power vs. a .40 or .45, because frankly, if the situation arises, a .380 is going to be better than nothing.

Ideally, I want to now know this gun is on me until I need it. I don't want bulk, I don't want weight.

Suggestions?

Sorry for ranting:D

 

A decent IWB will not be uncomfortable. I just picked up a P238 because I have a lot of experience with my 1911, and everything works the same and it's muscle memory now. Last weekend one of my buds and I went to the local range, he had his LCP and I had my new P238. His sprayed roughly a 6-8" group even with quality ammo, and had the worst trigger I've likely ever felt in a gun. Add in the lack of sights and it was really difficult to do anything and the groups at 10 yards showed it. I just wouldn't feel confident in using the gun at anything more than arm distance. I think if I wanted a double action only pistol like that I'd look at the Bodyguard or the Kahr P380. My father inlaw carries a Bodyguard with him every day and I really like that little pistol quite a bit.

The P238 comes with tritium night sites, a clean 5ish lb trigger, and shot roughly a 2" group at 10 yards when shooting quality ammo. It's a bit heavier and likely not your best option for pocket carry because of it, but if you get a decent holster to carry it IWB you will never know it's there. I can tell you I also feel more comfortable with a single action pistol cocked and locked in an IWB holster. Not really sure I'd want to carry it in a pocket although a lot of people do.

I ordered a tuckable IWB from McCabe's Custom Leather to carry mine in, the holster should be here Monday and I can't wait to break it in.

 

You are the one that should be carrying....

Safe Like an elementary school?

I am not getting this part, Matt....maybe you shouldn't carry at all if you're not comfortable everywhere it is legal..

Matt, I have mad respect for you ... truly I do.. but you sound like you are approaching this a bit casual.... I could be reading it wrong?

Once you wear one for awhile, it will be like having a wallet...if you think about it, it will be noticeable ... but you will get used to it..

Good luck!

 

I want to get a Ruger LC9 for my carry, but they are hard to find right now.

Have the LCP 380, but my wife likes that one.

 

Gonna pick up a PT-145 next month. Looking at a N82 Tactical IWB holster.

 

Crossbreed Super Tuck Deluxe for the IWB holster.

PT, read wrong. Matt doesn't do anything "casual".

Where'd ya go to look Matt.

 

My two favorite shooters are the Glock 26 and the s&w m&p sub compact. To me they are the perfect happy medium. Just remember the smaller it is the harder it is to shoot. Good luck.



Btw how can they say no gun in Your car in the parking lot? Is that legal?


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M&P Shield... 9mm IF you can find one... I looked at one today for $629.... MSRP is $449. I left it in the display case.

But in reality, the LCP would be perfect for the unnoticeable feel. I used to have a Kel-Tec P3AT, same thing as the Lcp, Ruger actually based the lcp on the p3at. It was very comfortable to carry,but not so comfortable to shoot... as it's not designed to take to the range and have fun.

The shield is substantially larger and heavier(but we're still talking concealed carry),compared to the LCP, but a whole lot more pistol... for me.

 

I say if your going to carry carry at all times that it is legal. If your going to a place where you think you might need a gun. Don't go there.

Oh and by the way. I pocket carry an lcp and its great.

 

My wife carries a ruger LC9 and loves it. It's small for my hand, but very concealable, and we like the trigger pull on this particular gun. I'm going today to get a better look at a carry pistol for my pickup. Those of interest are the sig p250, Kimber super carry, and anything from the smith and Wesson M&P series.

 

Ben, I've only been to Gander and Troxxels lately. Troxxels really does beat prices of most places, their service just sucks.

So most of you recommend IWB for carry? I just had imagined it being uncomfortable, but I'll look into those two holsters, thanks Ben and Matt.

Any preferences on the action? I know Matt mentioned it, I was thinking it but forgot to ask, there's certain carry methods that I would be ok with SAO, but most times, I think I would like a DAO, or a DA/SA.

 

I believe it .... I just think guys like Matt SHOULD be the ones carrying and not to feel weird or guilty for doing so ... I wish all responsible Americans would carry ..... Matt, you fit the bill...

I have said before that if anyone came into our church and started shooting, they would get plugged pretty quickly ... it is a comfort to everyone there ...

 

If set on pocket carry, you're a lot like me. My job doesn't allow me to wear a bulky one or really one in the waist band period as it just makes too many people squirrelly (work in a public government building). I knew I was at most going to be able to go up to 9mm and more than likely a .380.

The basic choices that were in my price range were:

-9mm: Kahr CM9, Ruger LC9 and the Kel Tec PF9
-.380: Ruger LCP, Kel Tec P3AT, Taurus TCP, S&W Bodyguard

I first had a Kel Tec PF9, loved the thing. Shot great, was very affordable and never had problem feeding any defensive loads. The thing doesn't have the most amazing sights but it isn't made for shooting long distances and got the job done from close self defense distances. I really wish I didn't get rid of it, but while it fits in pockets it just simply didn't fit absolutely great in some of mine. So I elected to trade it in with a SKS I had for a Rossi .44mag lever + a Kel Tec P3AT.

I chose the Kel Tec over a LCP and a Bodyguard that was there for a few reasons. I personally loved the feel and contour of the LCP, but I got more hand contact with the style of grip on the Kel Tec. The Bodyguard didn't get picked because of at the time a lot of people were having issues with the laser system (since I think that's been changed some or enhanced I guess). The Kel Tec has no safety it's trigger pull in itself is the safety. That made me leary of it but not once I shot it. The trigger break when the gun actually goes off is at a great location in the pull as compared to the Ruger LCP, which I feel fires far too late into the trigger pull (oddly enough is the reason why I chose the PF9 over the LC9 the first go round).

Honestly if money isn't a problem, look at the Bodyguard, for a point and shoot pistol that laser would be handy but not needed really making the LCP possibly the top candidate. The Kel Tec though for quite a bit less $ will give you the same results, US made, and accessories are easy to come by like any of the others.

The TCP was the only gun I didn't personally look into much, however I did have a friend who works at the local gun shop I frequent pick one up off a guy who just didn't want it any more (like a $100). He loves the thing and swears by it out to around 20 yards. He put 300 rounds straight through it without a fail (no cleaning just firing). So who knows that's another option.

Good luck in your search.

 

The problem with my church is we also operate a school and no one seems to be able to tell me for sure whether I'm legal to carry there in IN law. I know public schools I can't, but private or church ones I have no clue but are seeking the information as I carry pretty much daily and it's always something I forget about come Sundays and have already had to dissemble the gun in the truck at the church just to be safe "in case".

 

Because its a "gun free school zone" on the campus regardless of in a personal vehicle or not. Thats my understanding of how it works.

 

It's state by state. Some states say no law can keep someone from keeping their legal firearms in their vehicle. Check your state laws and even local laws if your state still allows local town ordinances to override state law (luckily IN stopped that last July).

 

Yeah I should have put here at the end.

 

In my state, you can carry in a church but you need the pastor's approval.

Mine told me "Just stay close to me if something goes down."

Matt... lots of good advice here. I'd stick with .380 or 9mm TOPS, and definitely go with a single-stack mag, of course... I wear inside-the-waist almost always, and don't even know it's there... You'll get used to it, just like you'll get extremely comfortable carrying a loaded pistol.

 

Matt if you need any advice on any of the guns I listed in my long review/own experience just let me know. I handled and did a lot more testing, shooting than I said there.

 

Alright, went around and held a few and talked to a really knowledgeable guy at the one local shop. LCP is out. Too small, and I hate the relatively smooth slide and low lying sights. The guy at the shop (also went to Gander, but didn't talk tech to the guys there since I like the smaller shop atmosphere) doesn't like the heavy pull of the trigger on the LCP, and I sort of agreed. I also handled a Kel Tec P3AT, which was basically the same. Heavier trigger, but that certainly could be advantageous in a carry situation.

The PF9 was a bit better. Again, the guy there said he's not a fan of their trigger pull.

Held a Bersa Thunder, and LOVED the feel. Perfect weight (heavier than the Kel Tec and Ruger, but for obvious reasons). The frame size still looks to be ok for IWB or OWB carry without printing. The price at the local shop is VERY competitive. So much that I considered buying right then, but I hate "impulse" buying.

I also handled a Taurus PT140, which was nice, but doesn't get glowing reviews online.

The stores were pretty well picked over on some other models (wanted to handle the XDs), so that's all that fit the bill for now.

Still not sure.