This thread has been an interesting read. I've seen a lot of chest-thumping, and a lot of reasonably-minded folks post. My question for the guys who won't carry anything smaller than a full-size 1911 or else they'll be
"underpowered", what do all your wives carry? Anybody have a petite wife or girlfriend?
Are they able to conceal a G22 in their waistband? How about an XD45? And it's not the least bit noticeable? Hmmm.....
For the people on their soapboxes pontificating about how one shouldn't even carry or OWN a gun if it's just going to be a silly little, ineffective, pocket pistol, I have a very different perspective. I've read a LOT about "comfort carry". What about absolute concealability? I weigh about 120# and attempting to conceal one of the "big guns" is laughable.
I own two 9mm pistols, both for cc. I have taken quite a bit of training in marksmanship, as well as SD shooting with these guns. The largest gun I can safely conceal is a single-stack 9mm, so I own a PF-9. With a minituck holster, it's well-concealed for the summertime.
I also own a G26, which WAS going to be my EDC. However, the double stack stuck out like a sore thumb under any summer clothing. So that gun has been relegated to home protection, and I can cc it in the winter. Sometimes.
I just sit here a tad aghast at those of you who poo-poo smaller caliber "plastic guns". Again, what are your wives carrying?? I'm sure a lot of your wives do not carry, but I do and so do a lot of small-framed women. My very first consideration in what kind of gun to own for cc is ability to conceal; everything else works around that. Once I worked out what I am able to conceal, I bought those guns, learned how to use them, and practice regularly.
For those who think that because I'm female I could/should put a full-sized weapon in a purse, that is not a consideration at all. I believe if one is going to cc, the weapon needs to be on your body. Carrying around loaded guns in purses, bags, etc. can end up being used against you. Once the bg grabs your purse, then he's got your credit cards, etc. PLUS your gun. Then what? In my mind, the security of my weapon is as important as what I'm carrying.
As for these comments:
Originally Posted by Hastings
I can carry an N-frame in my front pocket with my shirt untucked and have nobody be the wiser, so a J-frame in a pocket holster seems perfectly reasonable unless fashion is more of an issue than security. In that case, perhaps you shouldn't be carrying at all.
Arrogant. Offensive. Short-sighted.
Originally Posted by Hastings
I simply think that many of the ultra-small, ultra-light guns on the market are ending up in the hands of people better served with a non-lethal weapon.
Ignorant.