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Joined: Feb 2004
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Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2004
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Thinking hard about getting cc lic and was wondering what you guys use for every day carry? Gotta be small and light as I dont dress well enough to conceal a .45 daily.
Looking at s&w 638 or kahr 9mm but wanted other opinions
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,450
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2012
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Summertime with shorts and such I carry a Ruger LC9 or LCP depending on my concealed needs.....fall and winter I carry a Glock 27 in .40
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
-Thomas Jefferson
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2005
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Pretty close to Boococky on my cc's.....scandi J-frame or G27. To me these two packages seem to be the most for the least and one or the other can be made to fit most any dress.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2009
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a little off topic, but in my opinion a concealed carry license makes sense for just about anyone, whether you plan to actually carry or not.
i have one but almost never "carry". But i do like the fact that my Sp101 locked in my glove box or rifle in the rack behind the back seat or in a case underneath the back seat can't get me in trouble with an over zealous or perhaps uninformed LEO
if i wanted to carry i would have no qualms about doing so with my 3" SP101 in a simply rugged silver dollar pancake, using IWB straps and an untucked, long tailed shirt for summer carry
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,008
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2001
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I live in Florida where it is friggen hot all the time and carry a full size 1911 .45 ACP year round. It is easily concealed under a t-shirt in a Kelley Gun Leather IWB holster on an A&G Custom Gun Leather belt. If you want a small light gun you might consider a Diamond Back DB9 9mm or Ruger LC9 in autos or a Ruger LCR .357 in a revolver
Guns don't kill people, it's mostly the bullets
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 15,864
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 15,864 |
A good holster makes all the difference in what you can comfortably carry. I'd say that is more important than the size of the gun frame. Still, size and weight are very valid concerns. I currently carry a Glock G-29 10mm, but am seriously considering switching to a G-19. I work in the corporate world in Alabama so my dress ranges from suit and tie to shorts and flip flops. I have found that a good holster makes this possible. For gym shorts that only have a loose fitting elastic band, I like the LC9 or PF-9 with the clip attachment on the side. Both guns are just as small as the kahr, with just as good if not better reliability reports, and about half the price. 
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." - John Adams
Turdlike, by default.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 32,044
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 32,044 |
Smith M&P Shield in 9mm or 40 S&W with Cross Breed Super Tuck Holster
A Doe walks out of the woods today and says, that is the last time I'm going to do that for Two Bucks.
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 254
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 254 |
Lubbock Dave,
I've carried a pistol everyday since 19 years of age, and continue to do so, every where I go. First as a young Marine MP and then through a long LE career, which ended this past January (retirement is AWESOME). I think you are on the right track with your choices.
No matter what my primary pistol was, my constant back up was always a hammerless, Airweight S&W, in a Kramer pocket holster carried either in my support side front or rear pocket.
The S&W was retired (sentimental reasons) and has been replaced by a Ruger LCR, which fits the same holster.
Even though I carry a LW Commander on a daily basis, I don't feel completely naked or under gunned when going out with the wife with a revolver in my front pocket and a speed strip in the watch pocket of my jeans.
If you decide on pocket carry here is what I would recommend and continue to do: For dress pants and slacks (uniform trousers, also) buy them one size larger and have them taken in at the waist to your proper size. Then have your tailor extend the pockets 1.5"-2". I have them extend all four, but you can go with one or two, only. The reason for this is that should you choose to carry in the rear pocket you are not sitting on it and causing lower back problems. It rides against your thigh, instead. In the front pocket it rides lower, also and will not bulge when sitting.
For jeans I always choose Wranglers (Levis are anti-gun)relaxed fit. I go with the proper waist size, as there is enought room for a revolver in a pocket holster in your front pocket. I find the pockets are deep enough that you don't have to have them modified. As an added bonus the watch pocket is a perfect place for a speed strip.
Buy a quality pocket holster, which breaks up the outline of the pistol/revolver. Never carry it in your pocket without one!! It's an accident waiting to happen. I'm extremely fond of the Kramer pocket holster. Yes, it's pricey. But, you buy quality once. I've had mine for 18+ years and other than re-dying it once a year, it is still in excellent shape.
As an instructor I see alot of people who don't give much thought on how or what they are going to carry. They don't consider their mode of dress and various seasons. Kudos to you for asking. I try to guide them in the right direction, but some of them have already read too many issues of Guns & BS magazines
They usually buy a large, full size handgun (there is nothing wrong with that)and find out that it is cumbersome and end up leaving it at home or in their vehicle.
For the average person a 5-shot revolver or a similar sized semi-auto will serve them well. You choices are right there.
That being said, I recently picked up an M&P Shield at a great price. With the 7 round magazine it rides nicely in the pocket. It feels good in the hand and shoots great. Once I run my required 500 rounds through it it will be a carry gun, also.
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 73,096
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 73,096 |
I carry a Glock 19 under either a tee shirt or Golf type shirt here in SW FL.
George Orwell was a Prophet, not a novelist. Read 1984 and then look around you!
Old cat turd!
"Some men just need killing." ~ Clay Allison.
I am too old to fight but I can still pull a trigger. ~ Me
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 39,301
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 39,301 |
Summer or Winter, it is a full sized 1911 in a Milt Sparks VMII for me. If you wear jeans or jean shorts with a good belt you will have no problem.
The first time I shot myself in the head...
Meniere's Sucks Big Time!!!
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,008
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2001
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I would say that you definitely want to use a good quality gun belt. Not just a thick belt but one designed specifically for carrying a gun
Guns don't kill people, it's mostly the bullets
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 46,253 Likes: 2
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 46,253 Likes: 2 |
Men, if i could make a humble suggestion, Pat [scenarshooter] makes a helluva belt for carry. Very thick, yet attractive, and I cant make it twist up or bind in any way yanking pistols or revolvers from there holsters.  Gunner
Trump Won!
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 59,177 Likes: 3
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 59,177 Likes: 3 |
I would say that you definitely want to use a good quality gun belt. Not just a thick belt but one designed specifically for carrying a gun +1000
Ex- USN (SS) '66-'69
Pro-Constitution.
LET'S GO BRANDON!!!
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 10,596 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2003
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I think a lot of it has to do with your level of experience and training when you start to carry and your lifestyle and mode of dress. Suggestions made in a vacuum may not work for you in reality.
"Don't believe everything you see on the Internet" - Abraham Lincoln
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,162
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2009
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The longer I've carried, the more I've gone toward lighter and smaller. I'm sure that's true for many. Most of the time I'm carrying one of the Kahr 9s and/or an LCP.
YMMV. Everyone's different. Some guys have the build to hide a howitzer and others have a difficult time hiding a full-size pistol.
If you're fixin' to put a hole in something,
make it a hole to remember.
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 39,301
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 39,301 |
Men, if i could make a humble suggestion, Pat [scenarshooter] makes a helluva belt for carry. Very thick, yet attractive, and I cant make it twist up or bind in any way yanking pistols or revolvers from there holsters. Gunner I use a Filson double layered belt. Guaranteed for life and $80 off the shelf with no wait.
The first time I shot myself in the head...
Meniere's Sucks Big Time!!!
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,923
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,923 |
Colt .45ACP Officer's Model. Comp-Tac IWB holster.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,036
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,036 |
Lubbock Dave,
I've carried a pistol everyday since 19 years of age, and continue to do so, every where I go. First as a young Marine MP and then through a long LE career, which ended this past January (retirement is AWESOME). I think you are on the right track with your choices.
No matter what my primary pistol was, my constant back up was always a hammerless, Airweight S&W, in a Kramer pocket holster carried either in my support side front or rear pocket.
The S&W was retired (sentimental reasons) and has been replaced by a Ruger LCR, which fits the same holster.
Even though I carry a LW Commander on a daily basis, I don't feel completely naked or under gunned when going out with the wife with a revolver in my front pocket and a speed strip in the watch pocket of my jeans.
If you decide on pocket carry here is what I would recommend and continue to do: For dress pants and slacks (uniform trousers, also) buy them one size larger and have them taken in at the waist to your proper size. Then have your tailor extend the pockets 1.5"-2". I have them extend all four, but you can go with one or two, only. The reason for this is that should you choose to carry in the rear pocket you are not sitting on it and causing lower back problems. It rides against your thigh, instead. In the front pocket it rides lower, also and will not bulge when sitting.
For jeans I always choose Wranglers (Levis are anti-gun)relaxed fit. I go with the proper waist size, as there is enought room for a revolver in a pocket holster in your front pocket. I find the pockets are deep enough that you don't have to have them modified. As an added bonus the watch pocket is a perfect place for a speed strip.
Buy a quality pocket holster, which breaks up the outline of the pistol/revolver. Never carry it in your pocket without one!! It's an accident waiting to happen. I'm extremely fond of the Kramer pocket holster. Yes, it's pricey. But, you buy quality once. I've had mine for 18+ years and other than re-dying it once a year, it is still in excellent shape.
As an instructor I see alot of people who don't give much thought on how or what they are going to carry. They don't consider their mode of dress and various seasons. Kudos to you for asking. I try to guide them in the right direction, but some of them have already read too many issues of Guns & BS magazines
They usually buy a large, full size handgun (there is nothing wrong with that)and find out that it is cumbersome and end up leaving it at home or in their vehicle.
For the average person a 5-shot revolver or a similar sized semi-auto will serve them well. You choices are right there.
That being said, I recently picked up an M&P Shield at a great price. With the 7 round magazine it rides nicely in the pocket. It feels good in the hand and shoots great. Once I run my required 500 rounds through it it will be a carry gun, also.
very nice reply!! I will check into the Kramer pocket holster. I appreciate the extra info my friend... Dave
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,154
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I use a Filson double layered belt. Guaranteed for life and $80 off the shelf with no wait. I use the same. I have for close to 15 years now.
Deserve's got nothing to do with it.
TripleA RV in Medford, OR SUCKS
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 18,881
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2001
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"Small and light" means different things to different people.
My S&L is a SIG 220 Combat. Comes with night sights and heavily protected with phosphate or chrome linings on it's internal parts.
Even lighter, is my 5.7 FN with similat salt protection. Try 19 ozs. empty or 24 ozs. loaded with 11 rds. E
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