Full-sized autos for CCW.

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bestseller92

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Like many people, I have various small revolvers and autos for concealed carry.

My primary concealed carry gun is a Glock 26 9mm.

Lately, though, I've taken to clipping on my Glock 22 as my concealed carry gun whenever I'm wearing enough clothing to properly hide it (and, with the cold weather we've had here lately, I'm usually wearing enough clothing to hide a Ma Deuce!).

As much as I like my G26, I just find the full sized, 16 shot G22 more comforting.

Clint Smith has said, "If you ever need a gun, you'll wish for a big one", and lately I find myself thinking that he's probably right about that.

Does anyone else here carry a full sized auto as their CCW when they can?
 
Government size 1911 99 percent of the time.

Clint also said, "A gun should be comforting, not comfortable."
 
I've just crossed over myself, opting for a full size Ruger.


Pocket guns were fun and convenient, but I wanted something multipurpose for the house and for carry.
 
I like the way the 1911 fits my hand but my all-steel Springfield is just too heavy, now that I'm used to the polymer framed Glocks and Rugers.

I would like a reliable alloy framed Govt Mod. or Commander sized 1911, though.

Having said that, the G22 fits my hand almost as well and gives me 16 shots of .40 155 grain JHP with uberreliability.
 
I carry my SW9VE or my M&P full size whenever I can, which is almost every day in the winter, and many days in the spring and fall. I have many smaller guns, but I like the full size, hi cap guns the best.
 
I always carry at least two handguns:

Option 1:
(Glock 17 or 19 as primary) with a Glock 26 as back-up.

or

Option 2:
(Colt Series 70 or Combat Commander as primary) with a Colt New Agent as back-up.

Geno
 
I've carried a full-size M1911 for more years than I care to think about. I designed and made my own IWB holster, with a high leather backing to go between the butt of the gun and the body. This allows me to carry in hot weather under a T-shirt.
 
I used to....

I finally realized that if I was going to carry all the time it had to be small and unnoticed, not just by others, but by me too.... otherwise it gets left home for *this reason or that*...

You're never going to know when you might need it.... it might be while you are sitting on the couch (I did)... it might be at a wedding reception... it might be anywhere...

This being said, it all depends on how big you are, and how much steel hanging off your body restricts you enough to annoy you... I am 5'9" 170 lbs, very active, and a full size gun of any sort is just too much often enough....
 
The XD 9 and / or Sig P250 have replaced my Glock 33 as my primary CCWs. I do like the size and control and I'm not complaining about having a few extra rounds.

Of course there are times I just slip the j-frame into my pocket...and there are times when I carry both.

There really is no "scientific" basis for my reasoning. It's based on where I'm going, who I'm with, and my mood, I guess :)
 
Usually XD-40 service model, sometimes Ruger P-944. I bought a P-11 last year but finances have been rough lately. I still need to get another mag, holster, & quality defensive ammo before I carry it. I'll probably do something by spriing just to have a smaller option.
 
...P90 or P97 with a backup(either Taurus .44Spl 431, GP100 3", or Bodyguard 2"...occasionally a P95) no problem hiding the P90 or P97 under a work Tshirt...once you decide...the do is easier....
 
For me it's all about the right holster. I did not like carrying my DW CBOB until I got a Milt Sparks Axiom holster for it. Makes all the difference in the world. It's still not my primary carry pistol, but at least when I choose to carry it now I can do so comfortably.
 
I usually carry a mid frame Revolver (4" Python) but if I'm in a pistol mood, it's a 5" 1911. Both are plenty easy to carry in a good holster under an untucked T shirt.


The key being a good holster. I honestly don't find either of those any more difficult to carry than my Cobra in a pocket holster.
Shirt tucked in for pics only.
IMG_0815.jpg
 
Clint Smith...

Was in law enforcement and had to carry a large pistol or revolver. He says a CCW gun should be comforting not comfortable; but he can afford to say what he wants and so can I . I believe he is full of it myself , as you would think he , above all, would realize that the vast majority of people are not going to carry some large 40 oz pistol all the time. It is best to have a small compact pistol or revolver that you are "Comfortable" with than leave it at home or in the car because it is a pain in the butt to carry all the time. Ask John Taffin what he carries and you will get a different perspective on this topic for sure. He carries a small revolver in his pocket .
 
I tend to notice my 15 oz Colt Cobra in my pocket, more than I notice my Python or 1911 on my hip, but that's just me I guess, and my holsters are super comfy, and don't drag my pants down. OTHER holsters I had, made carrying something that size a chore. A good holster still makes all the difference in the world IMO.
 
I have blathered in here many times about this.

I THINK, there is a push going on, propogated by the industry, perpetuated by gun publications, to convince everyone that if they don't buy three different versions of every gun, they aren't one of the cool kids. They frequently tag new models as "the perfect carry gun" or something to that effect, because it's compact.They use phrases like "Too big to carry" and "Can't be carried comfortably" when describing full-size guns. On the gun shows, you hear the commentators say "A little big for carry" when describing new guns.

I've been carrying since 1995, and I have determined a few things.

Comfort is relative. Most people who have never carried before have absolutely no idea what is comfortable or not. If you took someone who was uncomfortable with the idea of carry, and had them try several different tiny guns in various positions, they will say it feels like a tumor. No matter how far you go to accommodate them, you will never get them to say "It's like I don't feel anything at all." On the other hand, you can take a skinny kid who turned 21 61 days ago, just got his permit in the mail, and has been waiting a decade for this moment, you can hang a Desert Eagle under his left arm and he will swear he can't feel it at all.

No matter what gun it is, you are going to have to conceal a butt showing over your waistband. The only styles of carry made more feasable with compact guns are ankle and pocket carry. I've never been tempted to try either.

Bigger guns are easier to shoot. You have a better sight radius, more weight to soak up recoil, and usually higher capacity. Now, I could care less what you want to carry, do whatever you want, but I THINK, that compact guns are something experienced shooters should carry when they have graduated to them, not something you should get your wife because she is carrying because you want her to, but she is unwilling to adjust her lifestyle and wardrobe to match a gun she shoots better.
 
And snooperman,

If you aren't committed enough to protecting your life that you will carry REGARDLESS of how much it weighs, quit now. You will eventually quit anyway if you just think it's uncomfortable no matter how much it weighs or how big it is. This is a lifestyle change, get used to it or give up. (Oh yes, I said it.)
 
The key being a good holster. I honestly don't find either of those any more difficult to carry than my Cobra in a pocket holster.
Click to expand...

Amen. Carried a full-size in an IWB all last week while out of town. Two of those days I drove 1,400 miles. Maybe my skin is thicker, or maybe I inherited a little of my Dad's tolerance for pain.

Anytime I think I'm uncomfortable, I watch Band of Brothers.
 
I packed my full size norinco 1911a1 for the first time today iwb, seemed totally fine. not much different than carrying my glock 19 iwb.
 
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