Best carry gun?

[wally]

IMHO best way to get good with a snubbie is to put on a set of CTC Lasergrips.

Watching the dot dance around gives very good feedback with which to improve your DA trigger work.

I've a Taurus 2" model 94 22LR ultra light snubbie with CTC lasergrips. Same size but a bit heavier than my SC360 Scandium .357 (also with CTC Lasergrips). Trigger is a bit heavier too, which is not such a bad thing for practice.


Since we have two seasons here, summer and not summer, a jacket is not practical 8-10 months of the year, and a moderately heavy coat is rarely needed more than a few weeks a year.

My carry rotation in order of preference:

Kimber Ultra Carry 45ACP with CTC Lasergrips
SC360 Scandium .357 with CTC Lasergrips
Kahr PM40 with night sights
Kel-Tec P3AT

I choose based on what I can conceal that day and try to dress to help hide the biggest, but I still endup only being able to carry the P3AT far too often.
If size didn't matter I go with a full size 1911, perhaps a hi-cap Para P14, but these are out of the question for me unless I carry it in backback or briefcase.

Other guns I used to carry until I found and could afford better (have had CHL ~8 years) include: Charter Arms Bulldog .357 (2.5" snubbie, lightest weight .357 available at that time), AMT 45ACP Backup, AMT .380 Backup, Kel-Tec 32, FIE "baby browning clone" 25ACP.


There is no single "best" choice. But "have a gun" is the first rule of a gunfight! Thankfully I've never had to be involved in any, but I'm convinced that discretely putting my hand on my piece has had some disreputable folks move on to look for easier pickings on a couple of occasions. Pre-CHL I succeeded in a bluff when some whacko pulled in front of me and slammed on the brakes to make me stop, when I reached over into the (empty, but unknown to them) glove compartment they sped away! This made me one of the fist in line to get a CHL once GW Bush signed off it.

I never miss a chance to tell my anti-Bush friends that Ann Richards might be president instead of GW has she not veto'd the CHL law!

--wally.

 

[shane1]

As a primary carry I am looking at either the CQB or G17.

 

[clipse]

CZ 75 P-01

Why: Because it is the one I shoot the best and is utterly reliable.



clipse

 

[charleym3]

I have a Glock 17 with the grip cut down to G19 length. I carry it whenever I carry. I have absolute faith it in.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Depends -- not concealed -- concealed (which depends on the weather, your clothes, etc...

1. Beretta 92FS compact M
2. Glock 26/27/19/30
3. Sig 239
4. Ruger GP100 3"
5. Ruger SP101 snubbie

If not concealed

1. Beretta 92FS
2. Glock 19/30
3. Sig Pro
4. Walther P99
5. Anything H&K
6. Argentine Sistema

A lot of variables...

 

[Dr.Rob]

BHP

Best compromise in size/weight/capacity/reliability out there.

But hey, that's just my opinion.

 

[varoadking]

I think I'm gonna hurl if I see another Beretta 92 being listed as the best anything other than a door stop. It was designed as a compromise and that's what they are.

As far as CZ's go, they are a very good piece, but if you really consider them the best, you need to get out more often.

People that say they "trust my life to my 1911" value their life less than I do mine.

A Ruger semi-auto? PLEASE! (It's actually a better door stop than the Beretta). :banghead:

Thank god no one has yet suggested a Taurus semi-auto on this latest iteration of "you need to buy what I bought" mental masturbation.

Let's see - who else can I get stirred up...

Now to - your point:

You listed an all steel full size single action low capacity manual safety .45ACP; a polymer framed full size safetyless (for all intent and purpose) "safe-action" hi-capacity 9mm; and a compact double-action/single-action alloy framed decocking hi-capacity 9mm.

Let's think outside your box to find your answer. Reliability, stopping power, comfortable, hi-capacity, accurate as hell- only one auto pistol comes to my mind: The SiG P229 in .357SiG. If hi-capacity is not as big a deal as comfort, then it must be the SiG P239 in .357SiG.

There - problem solved...

BTW - I had a 340PD - for 50 rounds. Keep looking for your BUG...

Good luck, YMMV...

BTW - we need some new smilie options...

 

[shane1]

Wow. varoadking you covered a lot there. I shoot 38spl. in the 340. varoadking what do you use for a back up?

 

[varoadking]

Yeah - I can be a real pain in the ???...

OK - good move - .38's in the 340PD. Still, the grip was so small, I could not get used to it.

No BUG for me - I carry a P239 - guess that qualifies as a BUG...

See if you can rent the .357SiG's at a range - you will be impressed with them. If you find yourself in Richmond, you're welcome to give mine a whirl...anytime...

 

[Mitty]

The best carry gun is the one that you shoot the best. No need to worry about make, type, or caliber.

 

[clubsoda22]

out of your selections, i'd say the sig. The glock is rather large and the wilson is...well, actually, the wilson would work too if you're comfortable with cocked and locked.

 

[shane1]

Thanks everyone. My real problem is that I have been too concerned about the "carry gun of the week" and not focused on training and the reasons why I carry. I have a number of pistols inlcuding an Ed Brown, Wilson, Baer, etc. I am going to pick one gun and that is ALL I am going to carry and train with. I am not going to sell the others because they are fun to own and take to the range occasionally. I just need to finally decide.

shane

 

[txgolfer45]

You probably already know this, but there is no one best carry gun. All three you list are fine handguns. But, they are all pretty much full size handguns. Carry guns need to be easily concealed. You might consider going down in size from full size to compact.

Personally, I like Glocks. Mine have been 100% reliable. I like the G23, G19 and G26. I don't own a G30, but it seemed pretty nice when I tried one on the range.

Scott

 

[Safety First]

Welcome to THR Shane..

If you have not checked out the spec's on the Sig P239, don't buy a handgun for concealment until you do. I have had mine for a little over a year now and love it. It is the 9mm flavor. I know my favorite is not the best choice for everyone, but I still have'nt found a CCW gun that "I wish" I had bought instead of the P239. You will be hard pressed to find anyone who has one and wish they had spent their money on something else. But anyway good luck and do your research and I am sure you will make the choice that is right for you...

 

[Ak Guy]

I think several responses are right on re: there are several "best" carry guns. But reliability and power, IMHO, have to be the most important considerations. When the time comes, accuracy won't be the deciding factor, nor will capacity probably matter much either (as long as it's got 5 or 6). But it damn well better work, and have some knockdown power !! Therefore, I'd say if you like revolvers, get a Smith or Ruger in .357 or bigger; get most any one that fits your hand and suits your eye, and that you can conceal in the manner you prefere. If you prefere semi-autos, get a Sig or HK in .45 or .357 Sig. Again, most any that fit your hand and eye , and can conceal, will do the trick.

For me, I went with a HK USP Compact .45 w/ a finger tab extension on the mag (8+1 is plenty) and a Smith 640 (DAO) .357 BUG. Both have been 100% reliable, and also work great for IDPA, which is great fun and good "practical practice".

 

[cratz2]

Well, now that you edited your original post with the three options, I must say that the larger guns can be considerably more difficult to conceal, esp depending on what clothing you are wearing.

No experience with the SIG but the 17 and the 1911 are largish guns... guns that, while concealable, require more forethought to be put into deciding things like which holster and what garments. And they will both more than likely require a solid belt.

 

[care-less]

I'll go with the " there is no best carry gun" ! It all depends on how you carry it, your size, dress habits, what you feel comfortable with, etc. All of that said; and while I have lots to choose from; I currently have a fascination going with the Makarov. Small, light, built like a tank, reliable in the extreme, acceptable caliber. For 150.00 it is one hell of a deal. For the price of a new glock, sig, etc. you could buy three or four! One last point; in the aftermath of a shooting, the police will take your pistol. Depending on the jurisdiction; even if ruled as justified; you may never see that pistol again. I don't know about you, but I would be quite ticked off if I lost a P7, Browning HP, Glock, Sig, XD, etc. to some damned fool who happens to be a judge. If they never gave me my Mak back; while I wouldn't be happy about it; I'd just go buy three more!

 

[Sulaco]

I think this way;

Reliability
Accuracy
Simplicity (to appease Mr. Murphy)
Durability
Stopping Power
Capacity
Ease of Concealment

For me the answer is a Glock 21 and/or a Glock 19.

 

[SSGAUTEN]

Best carry gun

Kel Tec P-11!
9mm
10+1 ammo mag.
DAO
Light weight!

Great carry gun.

 

[Jonesy9]

used to be a Gloick 19 but now I'm thinking .38 snubbie, I like the SW 642's and it will probably be my next ccw.

 

[jercamp45]

the question.......

Of those listed I'd chose the Wilson handsdown. Nothing wrong with the Glock and Sig..they work well, are accurate enough, but each limited to 9mm power. But, It is really what feels best in your hand, and on your hip.....what works for you.
I have carried 1911's for years, and all but one(an autoordnance experiment) worked well(maybe I was lucky). I like the Gov't model and sometimes carry it off duty too. But I normally carry a LW Officer's for concealed carry...mine had been very reliable over the last 15 years(had three)! Have a Commander that I have had for two decades and it had been a good friend.
I am used to the 1911 and want to simplify my carry needs...when Life gets very interesting, I want a weapon that I am comfortable with, has proven to be reliable, that I can operate with ease and has plenty of thump! So the Government and LW Officer's are my two primaries.
I DO trust my life to a 1911....from Alaska to Florida, southern California to New York and a lot of places in between in 28 years since I first got one(oh, yeah six months in Asia too). Mountains, Cities, deserts, 40 below and 118 above, rain, snow, sleet and hail, canoeing, hiking, climbing, guarding, hunting, pistol matches and various classes...it works for me.
My next pistol will be one of the Officer frame, 4 inch barrel combos...i.e. Kimber Compact, Colt CCO and after thoroughly testing it and tweaking-if required, then I'll fall into my holster some.
As an aside...I have had many Jay frames over the years too as BUG/deep concealment. Yes, they are tough to master, and I never bothered with the .357 scandie/titanium ones. Grips to small? Buy some that fit...thus far the only gun that can even compare to the reliability, power and size of the Chief's Special is the new Kahr PM9.
Everyone has their opinions, some are even based on experience!
Jercamp45

 

[Sean Smith]

The best carry gun varies from person to person. Rather than ask a bunch of prejudiced stranges for answers, consider what questions you should really be asking yourself.

Which of your guns are most reliable? Asking us which of your guns is most reliable is stupid. YOU own them. Ergo, you decide which one is most reliable based on first-hand observation shooting the things. People on this forum may or may not make sensible statements about generalities, but don't forget Rule Zero: if it is stupid and it works, it isn't stupid. Hence some forum tough guy saying that 1911s are unreliable means nothing if your 1911 works better than any Glock you've ever seen (for example).

So that narrows things down to several guns that don't jam. Now what?

Next, ask yourself which weapon YOU shoot best. Remember, the name of the game is to actually hit the bad person with hot lead if you have to. What gun design total strangers say you ought to use based on various claimed merits is, once again, totally irrelevant to the specific quesion of what you ought to use yourself. You are the one who has to hit the target with the gun, not them, so screw 'em. The forumites can make generalizations with varying degress of merit, but these are of only limited value. Lots of things go into YOUR ability to use a weapon, e.g. ergonomics, sights, recoil and trigger pull. But these are all subjective, so nobody can make a statement that YOU should use gun X.

Bottom line is, once you establish that your gun choice delivers the required objective performance, everything else is a matter of personal preference, and thus largely beyond the insight of total strangers.

 

[TheEgg]

Shane1 --

I have some experience with the Wilson CQB Compact -- I don't know if you have the compact or the full-size, but here goes.

I have carried the Wilson CQB now for almost three years. It is a fine choice -- it has been reliable, concealable, comfortable, etc. I have great confidence in both the gun and my ability to use it if needed.

I probably have something around 8,000 rounds through this gun now, and after the initial break-in period of about 500 rounds, it has eaten every kind of ammo I feed it.

It is accurate to about 2" groups from 25 yards in my hands -- a better shot could probably get better results, but that is good enough for me.

The armor tuff finish is fine -- I know that on some of the original armor tuff pistols Wilson had some trouble with durability, but on mine I have only slight wear in the usual places that come with carrying a gun everyday -- and the armor tuff, in my experience, WILL NOT RUST!

I carry this gun in a Milt Sparks Watch Six Dual Talon iwb holster, made of horsehide, on a Milt Sparks belt, 1 1/2" in width. This combination will hide under about anything, even in hot weather. In the hottest Texas sun, I usually wear blue jean shorts (so that I have sturdy belt loops for the belt) and a polo shirt or camp type shirt, tail out.

As others have said, there is no "best" gun, but I can highly recommend this one from personal experience. If you like the 1911 style handgun, this one is a very good one to use as a CCW. The flat, narrow 1911 frame hides well, and the .45 ACP round in a good loading will, I think, be suitable for the intended usage.