Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Need new CCW

I’ve come to the conclusion that, living in South Carolina now, I’m going to have to come up with a little different CCW strategy than what worked up north. I’ve not worn enough clothes to hide a 1911, Glock 20 or N frame since we arrived. I have decided to go with a 9x19. One son has a Glock 43 and one has the little version of the M&P. They both advocate for their choices. I tend to lean toward a Sig 365 but am open-minded. Thoughts?

Any of the 3 you listed Gock 43, S&W M&P Shield or SIg 365 will work well. I carry a Beretta Nano and you can get those at a good discount right now, or the newer Beretta APX Carry, but that is not being discounted. Both my brothers have the Sig 365 and really like it.

I think you can conceal any of those guns listed with a little effort if you really want to. But I'm not trying to talk you out of a new gun.

A 1911 is easily concealable with the right holster while wearing a T-shirt & shorts; just need a looser fitting shirt.

Some of the various kydex holsters work well as do the Remora, but a 4 or 4.25" barreled version makes it mo' easy.

Ditto for various mid-sized Glocks, S&W's & Sigs; if it's a not a 1911 for me, then it's a S&W Compact 2.0 with a 3.6" barrel..................just handles better for me than some of the smaller guns you mentioned.

N-frames are great guns, but not much for daily CCW unless you're wearing a big over-garment & even then, I'd much rather have a higher capacity semi any day for that purpose.

YMMV

MM

You should also check out the new Springfield Armory Hellcat......that looks like an interesting package....

If you are looking for a 1911 style 9mm, try the Sig 938. Typical 1911 style controls in a pocket pistol.

We have the same hot weather down here year round.
I adopted a Kahr PM9 for pocket carry ten years ago. Highly recommended.

Lots of good choices out there these days. I carry an M&P 2.0 Compact almost daily but when I have to be really discreet, I carry a J frame, either a 642 or a 640 depending on my activity. I had a Shield but sold it thinking the J frames and 2.0 Compact would be all I'd ever need. Then just last week I found a sale on a G43 and bought one of those too. New guns are better when they are on sale!

I've shot the Sig 365 and just can't warm up to it but it is a good pistol, just not for me.

Commander size 1911's conceal pretty easy for me in my Milt Sparks Versa Max II holster. Probably the most comfortable rig I've ever tried but even the horse hide soaks up more sweat than kydex does but it's not a bad choice.

I need to add we shoot a "pocket gun" match pretty often and I've seen nothing but good out of a Kahr, G43, Shield 2.0 and the Sig 365. They are all accurate and reliable so just take your pick if you need a sub compact.

I'm carrying a S&W Shield 45 wearing shorts and a loose shirt with no problems. Alien Gear 4.0 IWB holster. I'm going to get a version for my 1911 and don't foresee any many problems.

Of what's out there, I've shot the Kahr PM9 a little and like it. Of those you list, Glock 43 would be my first choice but I might be willing to drop to the Glock 42 if I could reliably get good ammo where I lived. I'm not a Glock fan but sometimes they are the right answer.

Tom

Lots of decent options out there.

In compact 9mms, I've had good experience with the S&W shield, a Kahr that I think was a CM9, The sig p365, and the Ruger LC9S Pro.

Of all of those, if I were buying today, it'd be the p365, hands down.

a couple of years ago I bought the ruger LC9S Pro, and was quite happy with it. And I still am happy, but damn sig anyway for releasing the p365 just weeks after I bought the Ruger.

My first thought when the p365 was released was that I had to have one. Even tried to leave cash with a local shop in case one turned up. I had a few friends that managed to connect with one early on, and I loved the way those things shot.
But they remained difficult to come by for long enough that I cooled off on them.

I can not fault the ruger for the way it shoots. It's reliability is flawless, and that with a large variety of ammo. The magazine capacity is less than the Sig, but 7+1 is not bad for a very compact 9mm. I am confident that this pistol will serve me well.

Today I can walk into any one of several shops that have the p365 on the shelf. If I didn't have the ruger that I'm very happy with I'd own the sig and be done with it.

And I bought my ruger (story of my life) before the sharp price drop, but today, if you're looking for a great pistol at a great price the LC9S pro can be had for less than half the price of the Sig p365.

And thinking back, I do believe that the price drop on the LC9S Pro came upon the announcement of the P365

Double damn that sig bunch.

All good choices, but the M&P Shield and the Glock 43 are more time proven designs. Don't fail to consider the Glock 26, either, which is the same size as the 43, just thicker, and holds 12 onboard rather than just 8. I'm a huge fan of the 26. It's my daily carry down here in Florida. Shoots great. Super reliable. Long proven. Carries great. Conceals great.

[quote=The_Real_Hawkeye
All good choices, but the M&P Shield and the Glock 43 are more time proven designs. [/quote]

Shirley you jest...

The Versa Max is a great holster but there are better choices when wearing a T-shirt & shorts, IMO.

YMMV

MM

Well I'm all ears, I've got 2 commanders and wear T-shirts and jeans or jean shorts everyday...

I choose and recommend the Sig P365

I would look at the SIG 938, or if you need a bit smaller and still a basic 1911 style/function the SIG 238 in .380. They are really quite accurate for a pocket pistol.

Both very high quality pieces, if you like the 1911 format.

I used a leather Brommeland, which is a virtual dupe of the VersaMax II, but thinner leather, for years, & like the Sparks, a great holster, but for minimal dress, just a tad too much hardware.

The ones below all work better for me with minimal dress & cover garments................but, everyone's taste & likes are different & holsters are a very personal choice so YMMV.

MM


For the Commanders

Raven Signature

Vedder Lightuck

Remora Holsters

Don't let the price of the Remora fool you..............they absolutely do work very well. You would want it with the reinforced mouth. Also the plush lining & a sweat shield. IIRC, RJM on here has mentioned using Remora's as well, so maybe he will comment.

For the S&W or Glock (In addition to the ones above; ones below don't make 1911 holsters, yet)

Harry's Holsters

TXC Holsters