CHL in process...what to carry?

[Quoheleth]

Next Saturday I'll be taking the Texas CHL class. In the near future I want to get a LCP or Kel-Tek for carry on Sundays and "deep concealment" events. But, for day in and day out - and until I can afford the LCP/KelTek - I have a choice of three pistols in my stable for daily use: M&P9, Springfield 1911 (full-size) and Ruger SP101 (3"). I shoot all three pretty well, perhaps the SP101 just a shade better than the two auto loaders. I'm a southpaw, if that matters.

As I consider what to carry, I spent the day paging through Midway's #32 catalog. Holy leathergoods, Batman - I didn't know there were so many styles! Budgetary value is of high importance, but I would rather buy one $50 holster that will work than three $20 holsters that sort of work, but not really and then have to drop more money again.

I'm going to think "outloud" for a minute - feel free to redirect me, point me in another direction, or otherwise shoot me out of the electronic saddle.

I'm a parish pastor, so I spend most of my workdays at church or in homes or in the car going to homes, church, or hospitals. In my office, I can drop the weapon in an open desk drawer, so if I wanted to carry the Smith or the Springer in something like a Bianchi #7 or a Hume JIT, I could do that without a problem. (FWIW, I have the LH plastic paddle holster from Springfield - not a great choice, but I do have it.) Obviously, for travel days, the pistol needs to be hidden well. I'm thinking IWB, a tuckable model of some sort.

I'm thinking using the Ruger or the Smith as my daily carry weapon for the time being. They are about the same size & weight, with teh Smith topping the scales fully loaded.

I guess I'm asking a couple things here:
One, given my three pistol choices, which would you pick for daily carry? [note: don't bother saying, "Get a [blank]." I have what I have and will work towards an LCP/KT.]
Two, based on that choice, do you have a value-based holster suggestion that will fit the need (tuckable, IWB)?
Three, I know ankle holsters are poor choices. Given the fact I wear full clergy vestments on Sunday, making an IWB even harder to reach, what do you think of the sp101 in an ankle rig for Sundays, until a LCP/KT can be purchased?

Thanks for listening...

Q

 

[TIMC]

I carry a full size 1911 daily in a IWB holster from High Noon. I really like the Mr. Softy, it's a very comfortable holster and it makes for a very easy draw. The price is also very reasonable at $24.95.
http://highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/_Mr_Softy/_mr_softy.html

 

[loneviking]

You want to make sure that you get a quality leather or kydex holster that will protect the trigger from being accidentally tripped. I would suggest the Ruger in a pancake holster from simplyrugged.com. I have three of these holsters for my revolvers and they are very comfortable. They can be used OWB/IWB, strong side or cross draw. Check 'em out!

 

[CoRoMo]

I can't recommend THE P11 enough.
I carry it everywhere/everyday, and it only makes me want another one. It has suited me perfectly.

 

[P90shooter]

I carry my Ruger P90 with me normally. The LCP when I cant hide the big boy. Have fun with the waiting period for your CHL. I took my class last July before the elections and I had to wait until late Nov before I finally got it in the mail.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

J frame revolver in .38 Special +P...

 

[4Freedom]

Would the SP101 not be a better alternative than the Ruger LCP or Kel Tec? I hear a hammerless SP101 is almost as easy to conceal than an LCP or Kel Tec and it is much more reliable and hold a .357 round. I am thinking of skipping the LCP and Kel Tec and going for SP101 without a hammer. I will just avoid wearing pants with very tight pockets during the hot months.

 

[Prince Yamato]

I hear a hammerless SP101 is almost as easy to conceal than an LCP or Kel Tec and it is much more reliable and hold a .357 round

Heck no! Unless you have huge pockets, there are basically 2 or 3 real common pocket guns. Ruger LCP, the Kel-Tecs, and Kahrs (like the p380). A Kel-tec is only like $299 at MOST. Remember that you're going to be buying holsters too and that will all add up. Put a Kel-Tec p3at or p32 on layaway. Buy an Uncle Mike's Inside-the-Pocket holster. I used to carry larger guns (snub nose revolvers, my Glock 26), but once you get a real pocket gun, you don't go back.

 

[Quoheleth]

Remember that you're going to be buying holsters too and that will all add up.

Right - that's part of the reason behind my original question. If I'm saving toward a LCP/KT (roughly $350 at my LGS for the LCP; a little less for the KT) and add another $25 for a pocket holster, I'm at or over the $400 mark after tax. So, I don't want to sink $100 in a IWB holster right now. (FWIW, I did look at the KT11, but it's big enough that as a pocket gun it would be obvious something is in there. I need something I can drop in a suit pants pocket and it be unnoticed.)

That said, I did look at the simplyrugged website. While his holsters are a little bit more expensive, each holster allows carry in two or three positions. With the added snap loops, a pistol can be carried IWB, OWB canted forward or OWB almost straight up & down. I haven't seen any other holster that offers that for about $70.

Anyway, my original question was re. the Ruger SP101 or S&W MP9 as *for now* carry weapon, and holster recommendations for either. If there are any other suggestions, fire away. For all others, thanks for the suggestions.

Q

 

[Quoheleth]

Doubletap.