Sidearms & Scatterguns Carry Suggestions

[BigBen09]

I need some help. I am looking for a new cc gun. Currently I have a full size colt 1911 rail gun and sig sp2022 in 40s&w. I would carry the 1911 but I don't want to lose it to the evidence locker. Since I bought the sig, I have been losing confidence in it working when I need it most.
I am open to just about anything but my only preference is something full size. My hands don't feel comfortable holding anything smaller and I have no problem concealing a full size. Please explain why suggesting each.

 

[Kayakfish1]

Welp.....this is a can of worms being opened lol


I have several handguns from several manufacturers, in 9 and 45, my day in and day out carry is an rmr'd glock 19. It works, and it works very well.
My nightstand gun in a cz p10c, I am planning on picking up the f and quite possibly the s when funds allow, the cz is an absolute dream to shoot.
Occasionally I'll carry my fnx 45t (mostly owb while hunting or fishing but I do carry it aiwb just fine, quite comfortable and as long as I have a looser fitting shirt on it has zero print)
My other guns mostly just sit in the safe most of the time, 1911, glock 43, fns 9, .357 wheel gun, but on occasion I will carry one if I'm just in the mood to.

 

[M8541Reaper]

Honestly, when it comes to carrying, carry what you’re comfortable with. Based on your post, it seems you’re very comfortable with your 1911, so that’s what I’d suggest carrying. What’s more important to you, making it home alive or a replaceable tool being held in a locker for a year or two while your body (or your loved one’s) decomposes/recovers in the hospital?

Personally I carry a G19 and wouldn’t carry a 1911, but that’s just due to circumstances and my personal preference. I 100% recommend people only carrying systems they are confident in and capable with. Sounds like you should rock your 1911. If you’re dead-set on looking for another FS candidate, then try a G17.

 

[Cayenne6]

Depends on the situation. I have several different models of Glocks that I rotate depending on what I’m doing and how I’m dressed.

 

[candyx]

Kahr P45 appendix carry .

 

[powdahound76]

G19 is a good go to.
size, capacity, price.
not quite “full size” and darn near.

lots of nice pistols I shoot well that would work.
I chose the g19, have multiple holsters, parts, mags, etc and it just works.
all my buddies run em too, between friends and guys at church, so thats good too.

lots of options. The HK carry options all shoot really well. Probably my fav trigger for fast 2x and 3x taps out of the box. Im fast with mine now, but it took a little practice where the HK was happening on the 2nd mag easily.

 

[I Spot 4U - "Eagle Eyes"]

If you lost confidence in your sig, sell it and buy another Colt 1911A1 since you favor it.

 

[BigBen09]

Thanks for the input. I realize that may have opened a can of worms on this one. Is there anything to stay away from?

 

[M8541Reaper]

Thanks for the input. I realize that may have opened a can of worms on this one. Is there anything to stay away from?

Anything you aren’t comfortable with and anything you would have a problem with carrying (as in you get that voice saying “eh I don’t want to carry this today, it’s a hassle.”). Best of luck man!

 

[357Max]

Well I'd take a good look at the Walther P99. Grip feels great, very accurate, & very safe to carry with the anti stress trigger.
It's a very unique trigger set up for a striker fired pistol. The anti stress trigger allows you to de cock on loaded round before holstering.
This allows for a safe carry/holster condition requiring a double action pull on first shot. What that does is it enables a much lighter single action trigger pull, that is usually sacrificed for some measure of safety on striker fired pistols. It also allows for a second strike on a round if needed without racking.
I've got the P99C in .40 with 8 round + pinky extension and 12 round with grip extension for spare mag. So far only about 400 rounds through it and very pleased. Zero malfunctions.

They are discontinuing them but Buds still has a few. My guess is they cost a lot more for Walther to produce then PPQ.

Walther Arms P99 Anti-Stress Mode 9mm 15rd 4

As the first pistol equipped with a firing pin lock, the P99 AS combines the advantages of the traditional Double Action System with Single Action Anti-Stress trigger. The P99 provides the shooter wit

www.budsgunshop.com

 

[Milf Dots]

For a striker pistol I'd go with a new recent production Heckler and Koch vp9-B, a CZ p10c, or a sig p320c. All are proven pistols with great ergonomics, metal sights, and decent triggers, and none of them need anything to make them work better. I've owed many Glocks and put tens of thousands of rounds through them, good pistols, but the triggers, polymer sights, and ergonomics are mediocre.

For hammer fired, I'd be looking at CZ p07 or p09, HK p30, but the Sig 2022 is well regarded, so if I were you I'd probably send it back to Sig and get it fixed.

What problem are you having with the Sig?

 

[Last Chance]

I need some help. I am looking for a new cc gun. Currently I have a full size colt 1911 rail gun and sig sp2022 in 40s&w. I would carry the 1911 but I don't want to lose it to the evidence locker. Since I bought the sig, I have been losing confidence in it working when I need it most.
I am open to just about anything but my only preference is something full size. My hands don't feel comfortable holding anything smaller and I have no problem concealing a full size. Please explain why suggesting each.

Well, there are many out there...I own two H&K VP9's...Thousands of rounds through both, never a failure to feed, fire, or extract...I had a red-dot put on one along with night sights...I added a laser...I often carry it concealed... I have small hands and my everyday CCW is usually my Sig P938... (I also own 4. 911s in .45 ACP...Love them, but like either small and light or full-size and 15 rounds...

 

[Mooncake]

The HK Vp9 is an excellent choice. Shoot one you’ll love it.

 

[davsco]

man, if you love and are comfortable with your 1911, carry that. if you save the life of your family, in the rare instance you'd lose that gun temporarily or permanently, even at $4k (ie wilson, nighthawk) that would def be worth it to me.

same size but less $, definitely the glock 17/22/31. very reasonable price, and legendary reliability. plus boatloads of parts and accessories for it everywhere. but at least imo, the ergos aren't as good and the trigger def isn't as good as a 1911/2011. that said, i have a g31 as my bedside gun.

if you want to try something different, go handle a glock 43x (~single stack but 10+1 rounds). just got one, and a tulster aiwb holster with a belt clip, and it's a real game changer. pretty much a full size grip (with no mag/grip extension shenanigams) and being just a little thinner really helps it not be noticeable (ie you don't feel it). super easy on/off with the belt clip vs loops.

 

[BigBen09]

For a striker pistol I'd go with a new recent production Heckler and Koch vp9-B, a CZ p10c, or a sig p320c. All are proven pistols with great ergonomics, metal sights, and decent triggers, and none of them need anything to make them work better. I've owed many Glocks and put tens of thousands of rounds through them, good pistols, but the triggers, polymer sights, and ergonomics are mediocre.

For hammer fired, I'd be looking at CZ p07 or p09, HK p30, but the Sig 2022 is well regarded, so if I were you I'd probably send it back to Sig and get it fixed.

What problem are you having with the Sig?

Since it is a night stand gun at the moment. I have had a few failures to feed at the range. I had to pull the mag apart and stretch out the springs. While I assume that is normal maintenance for a carry weapon, I've never had to do it with my 1911.
Another issue I have could be fixed with more practice. I am having difficulty managing the recoil for follow up shots.

 

[Alabusa]

Ruger SR9C gives the option of full size with 17rnd mag or compact with a 10rnd mag. Mine has been 100% reliable with over 5000 rounds down range.

 

[briang7511]

I have recently added a 19x to the rotation. for those not familiar, 19 slide with 17 grip. from factory they come with better triggers than standard glocks. i prefer a larger grip but when wearing certain clothes i do carry a 43. Also recommend liberty ammunition. they are 50 gr instead of 115 or heavier. i believe velocity is around 2000 fps. makes a huge difference in weight when the mag is full.

 

[Strykervet]

1. The pistol isn't that important. Select a reliable one that fits you that you feel comfortable with and obviously isn't a piece of junk. I prefer Glocks because they're fairly accurate, simple and always go bang --They also don't cost a fortune, so in the worst case scenario you have to use it and it winds up in evidence it ain't that big of a deal. Not like with say, a $4k Ed Brown Custom. What you want in CC weapon. So IMO/E, that's a decision you'll have to make. Try some out.

2. The rig is very important. Regardless of choice of pistol, a proper rig makes a difference. I use Milt Sparks. VERY well made and priced, all handmade and, well, hard to beat. The VM2 is my favorite, I have 3 of 'em, all I use for CC. I do prefer a G27 for a compact IWB rig though. However, full size pistols conceal well too but a G17 will conceal a lot better than a G21 just due to thickness and some extra weight. I also recommend the extra IWB mag carriers, sure you get some extra rounds but it also offsets the weight.

3. Belt is very important too. Double thick, plastic insert, whatever, you don't want it to be able to roll or otherwise not be snugh. Can't really impress the importance of this enough.

4. Once you have a good rig and the pistol that suits you, practice with it.

Besides Glocks there are tons of great carry pistols in the $500 to $1000 depending on what you wanna spend. IMO/E .40 has been ideal for carry for SD, but that's just my opinion. In a compact you get about the same capacity as a 9mm, bigger hole and momentum with less opportunity for overpenetration. I like 10mm but in Glocks they weigh more and are thicker without bringing that much more to the table in this respect. Compact or full size.

I've considered the FN 5.7mm but just not convinced it's any better than a G17 ballistically, I do like the reduced recoil and weight though. If the available ammo wasn't so anemic or if handloading them were more feasible I may be more interested.

I know you mention full size, but IMO the ideal CC rig would probably be a G19 and that VM2 rig with a good belt. It'd conceal better than the G17 and is only shy 2 rounds.

Good luck. And FWIW, been CC for a couple decades and tried a quite a few options until I found the VM2 and G27 to be the best combination (and I have several Glocks, that's just the best one for CC IMO). You wanting more a full size though, I'd recommend a G19 or G23 maybe, however, I can conceal the G27 much better and with a pinky rest on the mag it's fairly comfortable. And the compact Glocks take full size mags, so if you have the mag carrier and swap mags it's like having a full size grip.

 

[Zeroit]

Me being a 1911 guy was always my personal preference my older carry guns full size colts been carrying for 40 years. Currently my normal is a kimber eclipse for being a compact it's heavy, stainless steel if you carry all day or do strenuous activities it takes a toll. I do sometime carry my wife's old carry gun a colt defender (aluminum frame) much more pleasant to carry especially if it's a all day affair or doing anything requires alot of physical activity. And yes as Stryker states a very good reinforced gun belt is a necessity.

 

[rob.sfo]

I like metal guns with hammers, m9/92fs was my first and only pistol for a long time. So I go with a CZ PCR.

I also compete with either a CZ SP01 (9mm) or CZ 97B (45ACP), so I echo what others have said, go with what you know and feel comfortable with.

 

[Maxduty]

Just buy this and keep on carrying a 1911

Cabelas in OKC

 

[powdahound76]

An external extractor means its not a 1911.......




?
Just have to throw a little smack talk in

Many guns work. The range I shoot at a lot has rentals (tons) so you can try a lot of guns. One you can hold them all, then pick 3-4 you want to shoot and try.

 

[clcustom1911]

CZ P07, P10c, or Glock model 45 or 19x chambered in 9mm. They're all awesome.


Do it.

 

[Macman25]

If you really like and are comfortable with a 1911 then carry one. I’m pretty sure I will be flayed and roasted over a fire pit for this. I would suggest a fairly inexpensive (NOT CHEAP) alternative if YOU are concerned about losing it to the evidence locker. I personally would rather be concerned about 100 % reliability over “the locker” but that is just me. With all of that being said, when I went to buy my 1911 I was on a very limited budget and did not yet have my CCW. All I could really afford at the time was a full size Citadel (same as a Rock Island, same mfg. plant and everything) because my local FFL gave me a good deal. I have sent a lot of lead down range with that pistol and so far it has been rock solid. It started out being my primary nightstand weapon. When I got my CCW it was the first one put on it. I trust it with my life, my families lives and others. If it winds up in the evidence locker then so be it. I will get it back at some point. I will just not be as uptight as if it were a Les Baer or Wilson or whatever. I know Colt makes a good one as well, friends have them and theirs have been rock solid. I now also have a Rock Island compact 1911, a Springfield XD full size and a few wheel guns on my CCW just so I can have options depending on the occasion but my main go to is the Citadel still. What it came down to for me was what I could afford at that time, since it was not a carry weapon, but it evolved into my carry weapon due to the reliability factor. It is nothing fancy but it is stone cold reliable. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

 

[flyright]

The Shield has been a reliable, accurate and compact choice for me... And, I always preferred 1911's and full sized Glocks until I shot the Shield a bit. I feel the compacts are more practical for EDC. My .02.

 

[Milf Dots]

Since it is a night stand gun at the moment. I have had a few failures to feed at the range. I had to pull the mag apart and stretch out the springs. While I assume that is normal maintenance for a carry weapon, I've never had to do it with my 1911.
Another issue I have could be fixed with more practice. I am having difficulty managing the recoil for follow up shots.

If I were you, I'd carry the 2022. Sigs have a lifetime warranty, but it isn't a problem with the pistol, at most it's 1-2 bad mag springs. Call Sig and RMA the mags, or they may just send you replacement springs. And like you said, more practice and training is the answer to recoil management.
Stay away from Taurus. Stick with pistols made in the U.S. or Europe.

 

[Crang]

When I switched to appendix carry striker fireds and SA only suddenly lost their charm and went back to DA/SA. HK P30 although if Im being lazy or its 110 out Ill grab a Makarov. They both fit my hand well and are dead nuts reliable and thats whats important to me.

 

[nn8734]

For concealed carry I like and use a Sig P365...for such a small gun it’s very precise and holds 12 rounds (9mm). A glock 19x is my regular side arm when just going into the desert.

 

[bbyars]

CZ P09, G17, G43x, and MP2.0 is what id suggest for cheaper full size carry guns.

 

[yakstone]

HK P30SK here most of the time. If I am wearing a heavy jacket I may opt for the HK 45

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I would avoid carrying the 1911 because it's a heavy tank of a pistol with limited capacity of a meh round, not because of losing it to an evidence locker. You get guns back from evidence, and in a nice souvenir box or baggy too... been there, done that. If you don't get it back then you probably have a much bigger problem to worry about than losing a gun.

I like guns with hammers and decockers for CCW because of my preferred carry method, that's why my main carry is a HK USP 9 Compact. I like the rubbery soft holsters over a kydex with a clip because of my typical attire and I'm not ok with a striker fired pistol pointing at my dick in a soft holster. Even if I carrier in a kydex I'd still probably carry the same gun.

If you want striker then you cannot beat a Glock 19 and the new gen 5's are freaking sweet. The 19 is big enough to fight with but small enough to comfortably carry and conceal.

 

[Blue Sky Country]

Late to the party... But to answer your dilemma, I would go with a Glock 21 or M&P .45. Both are .45 ACP powerhouses and both of them are 'utility' guns. If I had to use one for SD/HD and it gets the evidence locker treatment for the next month or so, my heart ain't going to be aching too much.

Now if you a REAL glutton for endurance, go with a YEET cannon (Hi-Point JCP-9 Improved) or it's .45 ACP big brother. Not recommended, but I bet this still floats somebody's boat out there...

 

[Cheyenne Bodie]

HK45C. Fully ambi, safety and decocker or decocker only, 50 state legal mag configurations and above, stiff but quality trigger (I like a stiff "combat" trigger), accurate as fuck, tough as shit. Downside is the price and price of mags. That's my opinion, lots of good answers in this thread already though.

 

[Deleted member 137765]

Like you I prefer a full size pistol and absolute dependability. two of my six registered carry guns are Glock 22s. They always fire and are lighter than many other sidearms. I have bigger, smaller, heavier and lighter carry guns but the G22 is my middle ground gun. Checks all the boxes on my list.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Small, second strike capability, six rounds, integrated crimson trace, S&W M&P 380 Bodyguard.

My Wife likes hers largely because her wrists are weak and the bodyguard is easy enough for her to rack.

Closer to full size, the M&P Shield EZ, also 380, but 8+1.

I know the 380 and the 45ACP are not that similar, but folks who don't think the 380 can handle a close threat might be well advised not to stand in front of my Wife and push the issue.

Greg

 

[gro]

HK45C. Fully ambi, safety and decocker or decocker only, 50 state legal mag configurations and above, stiff but quality trigger (I like a stiff "combat" trigger), accurate as fuck, tough as shit. Downside is the price and price of mags. That's my opinion, lots of good answers in this thread already though.

Ditto.

Have had minor issues with M&P, glock 19, Xdm.

Never an issue with my HK45c's.

 

[gunjunkie45]

Have you considered a CZ? I carry a P01. The omega version gives you the ability to have either a safety or a decocker. I've left mine in decocker mode because I carry it appendix.

 

[Delicatessen]

Out of curiosity what’s up with the sp2022? Generally they are good although a bit bigger for the capacity etc. If by chance it’s FDE, I have had issues with cerakote overspray directly from the factory other sigs before. Otherwise any p series sig, hk, cz of any variety (shadow 2 is probably the most accurate gun I own but very heavy), Glock etc...Just figure out what features you want and what points fairly naturally for you.

 

[346ci]

M&P compact 9mm in a Comptac Minotaur

 

[tspinaker]

I carry a G19. It is compact and concealable, but also holds 15+1. The most important answer is to get one that you'll carry. I have had plenty of conversations with people who bought a CCW, but never carried it.

 

[PBWalsh]

Depends, at the gym? Glock 26 in gym bag. Backup edc? Glock 34/RMR/X300.

Primary EDC? CZ Shadow 2/X300U, next year will add an RMR.

 

[EddieNFL]

An external extractor means its not a 1911.......




?
Just have to throw a little smack talk in

Many guns work. The range I shoot at a lot has rentals (tons) so you can try a lot of guns. One you can hold them all, then pick 3-4 you want to shoot and try.

It's a 1911 "style"...like the 9MMs. ?

 

[EddieNFL]

I carry a G19. It is compact and concealable, but also holds 15+1. The most important answer is to get one that you'll carry. I have had plenty of conversations with people who bought a CCW, but never carried it.

There ya go. The greatest, best all-around, never fails handgun is useless in the safe.

I started carrying long before polymer handguns were a thing. All guns were steel and heavy. The first handgun I had real experience with was the 1911. No one around to tell me it was too heavy to carry and too big to conceal. You would think after more than four decades I would have figured it out. Old dog, new tricks, I guess.

Here are the lightest guns I ever carried. Didn't conceal very well at six-years-old, but LE tended to look the other way.

 

[Milf Dots]

There ya go. The greatest, best all-around, never fails handgun is useless in the safe.

I started carrying long before polymer handguns were a thing. All guns were steel and heavy. The first handgun I had real experience with was the 1911. No one around to tell me it was too heavy to carry and too big to conceal. You would think after more than four decades I would have figured it out. Old dog, new tricks, I guess.

Here are the lightest guns I ever carried. Didn't conceal very well at six-years-old, but LE tended to look the other way.
View attachment 7192963

Those wheelguns in your pic are classy, but suffered from frequent feeding issues.

 

[EddieNFL]

Those wheelguns in your pic are classy, but suffered from frequent feeding issues.

You had to use quality caps and keep them dry. Also, that's why you carried two and practiced the border shift.

 

[Milf Dots]

You had to use quality caps and keep them dry. Also, that's why you carried two and practiced the border shift.

I assume those used the red paper roll type caps? Lots of great memories with those and the rifles, too.

 

[Alphatreedog]

Hit your buddies up and get them to bring everything they have to the range . Rent some pistols also . Rakc slides , manipulate , drop a mag and reload with your buddies stuff , check NPA and how easily you aquire sights . Run some drills .
Double taps , mag dump at 5 or 7 yards , mozambique . If its2 gonna be your wveryday lifesaver make sure it works and feels right . Ken Hackathorne refers to feel as an intangeable IIRC . I get his point and would argue that feel is a big tanveable in my world .

 

[OldSalty]

Get a trigger job and learn to shoot in DA.

Practice with speedloaders.