Help choosing gun for concealed carry

[Tswitz109]

Hey guys, I am getting my CWP soon so I'm looking at buying my first handgun. I have never really been into handguns, just hunting rifles, but I've been trying to decide on a gun specifically to conceal carry. After everything I have heard about glocks, my initial thought was a glock 43. I have heard the Springfield XDS and Walther PPS are really good as well. However, (although I cannot say for sure because I have never carried before) I think I am most interested in pocket carrying in my front pocket, as I like to wear lighter t shirts and am not a really big guy, and I really don't want to have to worry about any printing through the tshirt. The XDS and PPS seem a little big and the glock 43 seems doable, but less than ideal for pocket carrying. I have also looked into the ruger LCP and Kahr cw380, but I have heard mixed things about them in terms of reliability (especially with the cw380). Does anyone have a good semiautomatic pistol for pocket carry that they can recommend me? (I prefer 9mm, but I am aware that most small handguns are 380's, so I am not necessarily opposed to a 380). Reliability and quality are of the utmost importance. I am trying to keep my budget under $600. By the way, I am also interested in pocket carrying because I like the idea that I can have my hands in my pockets (with the gun in a holster and my finger off of the trigger of course) and no one can tell that I am ready to draw if I ever, God forbid, get in a life treating situation. To me, that seems like a huge advantage compared to IWB or other forms of concealed carry. I do have experience shooting handguns, just not carrying them, so I may be way off in left field, but those have just been my thoughts. Any advice is appreciated, thanks guys.

 

[click clack]

Don't go on what you've "heard" go on what YOU like.

Your best bet will be be to go to a gun shop preferably one with a range that does rentals. Hold, fondle, put in your pocket, and of course SHOOT all these guns and let your hand/body will decide for you.

All the guns you mentioned are perfectly acceptable. Kinda been wanting an xds myself to tell ya the truth

 

[Sav .250]

Do your own home work as far as which weapon to purchase! You`ll learn a lot more
than having folks "tell" you what`s what.

 

[Warp]

Hey guys, I am getting my CWP soon so I'm looking at buying my first handgun. I have never really been into handguns, just hunting rifles, but I've been trying to decide on a gun specifically to conceal carry. After everything I have heard about glocks, my initial thought was a glock 43. I have heard the Springfield XDS and Walther PPS are really good as well. However, (although I cannot say for sure because I have never carried before) I think I am most interested in pocket carrying in my front pocket, as I like to wear lighter t shirts and am not a really big guy, and I really don't want to have to worry about any printing through the tshirt. The XDS and PPS seem a little big and the glock 43 seems doable, but less than ideal for pocket carrying. I have also looked into the ruger LCP and Kahr cw380, but I have heard mixed things about them in terms of reliability (especially with the cw380). Does anyone have a good semiautomatic pistol for pocket carry that they can recommend me? (I prefer 9mm, but I am aware that most small handguns are 380's, so I am not necessarily opposed to a 380). Reliability and quality are of the utmost importance. I am trying to keep my budget under $600. By the way, I am also interested in pocket carrying because I like the idea that I can have my hands in my pockets (with the gun in a holster and my finger off of the trigger of course) and no one can tell that I am ready to draw if I ever, God forbid, get in a life treating situation. To me, that seems like a huge advantage compared to IWB or other forms of concealed carry. I do have experience shooting handguns, just not carrying them, so I may be way off in left field, but those have just been my thoughts. Any advice is appreciated, thanks guys.

Don't forget that when you don't have a chance to prepare to draw ahead of time (violent attacks are often suddenly/without much notice), drawing from a pocket is almost always slower than from a belt holster. It can also be extremely difficult to draw from the pocket when seated, and almost impossible, seemingly if seated and belted in a vehicle.

A reliable and large-enough-to-shoot-well 9mm in the front pocket is probably going to print too, just in a different way.

Pocket carry is certainly a viable option that many people use, but by far the most common method is a belt holster for good reason. A little bigger gun can easily be carried and drawing is more natural/quicker/accessible from more positions

Try to get a 9mm and not a .380. Get good holsters, not cheap flimsy uncle mikes universal fits. Get a good IWB concealment holster, and a gun belt, for whatever you pick and try belt carry too

 

[hydra]

For carry purposes, it doesn't get any better than a Ruger LCP. Fits right in a pocket, weighs next to nothing and is not easily seen. The new "baby" Glocks are nice, but they are too small and too big at the same time. Too big for summer carry compared to a LCP and too small for much fun at the range. As far as the best all purpose gun and one better suited for regular range use, I strongly recommend a Glock 23 or any other compact model. No better a reliable pistol than a Glock.

 

[CZ9shooter]

I wouldnt discount belt carry. If you try it and dont like it, fine. But printing isnt as big a deal as you probably think. I was worried about it at one time too. I have now realized that practically nobody is looking.

I'd recommend you try different options.

I personally think pocket carry sucks. It requires too small of a gun and, like mentioned earlier, can be awkward on the draw unless you walk around with your hands in your pockets all day. Some guys like it. I don't.

IWB CrossBreed-type carry is my preferred method.

Edit: Don't forget about small revolvers. They are still relavent as a carry choice IMO.

 

[mesinge2]

I carried a S&W Shield for a few years as a pocket carry and still carry a S&W J frame in a pocket. With practice and proper technique pocket carry can be quite quick. As for the guns you mentioned; I would probably pick either the Glock or the Springer, just from my own experience.

As an firearms instructor I have students come to class with all kinds of guns and, as new shooters, sometimes they are holding the gun incorrectly and need more guidance to get the technique down. The point here is that I have seen guns jam from an improper grip, like one you might have during a struggle in a self-defense encounter. The Glock 43/42 and the SA XDs are apparently very popular at least with students that I have had in my classes from the sheer numbers of them I have seen. And I have yet to have a student with a Glock 42 or 43 that has jammed, nor have any of my students experienced a jam with an XDs so far.

Another one I will throw out there is the S&W .380 bodyguard. I am not an uber fan of pocket 380s but that little 380 is very reliable. A bit of a heavy trigger but again, a very reliable little shooter that many of my students seem to like.

Now with all that said, it really matters what YOU like and you can shoot well just like "click clack" stated above. What fits my hand and I shoot well might not be the gun for you. If the gun is uncomfortable in your hand you will have trouble shooting it well.

 

[1911 guy]

If you want someone to tell you what to get, I'll oblige with a very workable set up. Springfield XDS in whatever caliber you like. Wilderness Instructor belt. Single mag pouch from Galco. Inside the waistband holster from Alien Gear. Ball ammo for the range, Federal Hydra-Shok for carry. The magazine will print far more than the pistol, even under just a t-shirt.

Having said all that, you're much better off finding a handgun that fits your hands, a holster that is compatible with your desired method of carry (even pocket carry requires a holster to do it efficiently) and a belt and mag pouch you like and fit you budget and needs.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Just a few notes on what I have learned over the years. Very few who are new to concealed carry buy the gun they end up carrying on the first try so buy something that will hold its value on resale . It's not that we don't know what we want, it's just as we carry we find out what we Really want lol.

Also, find a good size box for your closet to hold all the holsters you are going to buy! :banghead:

 

[mesinge2]

Also, find a good size box for your closet to hold all the holsters you are going to buy! :banghead:

Very True!!

I have two holster drawers now!

After many trials I have decided that this style of holster below works best for me but it took many many different purchases to get to this holster.

 

[bannockburn]

Tswitz109

Typically if I'm going to pocket carry it's going to be something really small, like my KelTec P3AT. In a DeSantis Nemesis holster it's pretty much invisible in my front right pocket. If I'm going up in caliber and size then it's a Kahr CM9 or a S&W Model 638 in a DeSantis SOF-TUCK and a good belt to hold it in place. Very easy and comfortable to wear and conceals very nicely under a lightweight Polo shirt.

 

[lebyrn2]

I pocket carry either a Glock 42 (380acp) or Glock 43 (9mm). Go to a tailor and pay $15 to get your pockets deepened by 2 inches and slightly widened to your side. It makes a huge difference and makes carrying the 42 and 43 easy in a pocket holster. Best of luck!


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[sigarms228]

I love my Walther PPS and I use a Garrett Silent Thunder IWB holster for it. I have no interest in pocket carry as I want maximum comfort, safety, and ease/speed of access. My PPS disappears on me with a normal sized T shirt. It can take 6 round magazines for deep concealment.

I won't go any smaller than a PPS/Shield sized pistol as for me proficiency in shooting drops off dramatically if I do.

 

[unclenunzie]

Many considerations, but for me it has come down to reliability, accuracy/handling, concealing, capacity, speed/power.

I seem to be OK with loaded weight of 28 oz or less in a handgun (holster not included). For all day comfort.

I found that I could not conceal a pistol well IWB/OWB unless I wore oversized, loose-fitting shirts, like those from Duluth trading. Until I lost 40 pounds or 4 inches off my belt size. Then some things that didn't work suddenly began to work quite well.

Around my home and local area (very low crime rate), during the day I am OK with a pocket 380 - (RM380 mostly these days, but have gone with LCP and NAA Guardian in 32 acp also). However I prefer a Kahr PM9 but do not generally pocket carry it.

At night or going into a larger town I will IWB my PPS .40 with 6+1. It carries well and has proven completely reliable for me. Lately I carry it daytime too, simply because it has more of what I like in a slim concealable package.

However...

Last night in my town - not known for violent encounters - a man shot 3 different people with a shotgun in different parts of town, seemingly at random. He was rather quickly hunted down and killed by police when he violently resisted after the third shooting, but he managed to kill 3 and hurts several others. This event has given me pause to consider carrying a 380 at all, as I wonder if I would want to draw and fire on a shotgun wielder.

All the above is to say that after reliability, you may want to consider what makes you comfortable and confident. Confidence in remaining concealed but accessible, with sufficient capacity and power for your needs.

 

[Polar Express]

Although I'm not new to CC, I'm in the same boat you're in. I've recently decided to re-evaluate my CC choice, and the difficult part has been to remove all pre-conceived notions and biases. Right now, the Gen 4, Glock 19 a strong lead on the options I've looked at, and held. My preference for CC is appendix carry, the way I'm built, and the way I move, 5 o'clock just doesn't stay (even kinda) concealed. I also am a believer in significant training with your CC piece, ( I know opinions vary) and therefore, I want something big enough to actually hang on to, comfortably. 9mm is significantly cheaper to train with, the ballistics of modern rounds has surprised me with how close the 9mm options are to the 45ACP options. Since I personally (again, just my opinion) don't favor pocket-carry, that size of the G19 appears to be 'juuuuusssst riiiiiiight' (think Goldilocks here). Small enough to conceal, large enough to actually use and train extensively with.

I agree about the holster box.... wish I could get even 10% of the money back I spent on holsters I tried and don't care for. One significant (IMO) plus for the Glock lineup... the holster options are vast.

PE

 

[entropy]

I have two holster drawers now!

Me, too, and for only three guns! Plus a box of oddball and belly bands.

Best way is to find a range where you can test different guns, or shoot with friends that have different models.

Ignore the caliber wars. I have my own preferences, but what works for you might be different. Modern self defense ammo makes all of the popular calibers good for CCW, and some that aren't so popular.

There's lots of good advice here (both in this thread and on THR) on holsters, so once you select a handgun, take advantage of that. For instance, in the above thread, PE has a good point about Glock holster options- they are numerous. And the G19 Gen4 is an excellent CCW gun. But there are many other good gun/holster options also. Select the gun first, them the holster.

As for pocket carry, Warp outlined the pros and cons fairly well. I sometimes pocket carry my J-Frame, but usually as a bug to another gun on the belt.

A hand on the gun in a front pocket is harder to do than it sounds, unless you have huge pockets. And as mentioned, drawing is not very easy either.

I agree 100% with cz9shooter:

I wouldnt discount belt carry. If you try it and dont like it, fine. But printing isnt as big a deal as you probably think. I was worried about it at one time too. I have now realized that practically nobody is looking.

I'd recommend you try different options.

I personally think pocket carry sucks. It requires too small of a gun and, like mentioned earlier, can be awkward on the draw unless you walk around with your hands in your pockets all day. Some guys like it. I don't.

IWB CrossBreed-type carry is my preferred method.

Edit: Don't forget about small revolvers. They are still relavent as a carry choice IMO.

 

[PzGren]

Don't forget that when you don't have a chance to prepare to draw ahead of time (violent attacks are often suddenly/without much notice), drawing from a pocket is almost always slower than from a belt holster.

It is less obtrusive to have your hand in the pocket than lifting your shirt and gripping the gun.

Being slow? Hikok45 does not seem to think so.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT3gkXyxhuA

 

[Warp]

It is less obtrusive to have your hand in the pocket than lifting your shirt and gripping the gun.

This assume you have a warning ahead of time and already have your hand in your pocket on the gun.

Or that you literally never take your hand out of your pocket.

Get some folks together and put on a shot timer on it. It's (usually) slower, and slower on average.

 

[Tirod]

Being aware of what the situation is and why you chose to be there prevents most armed encounters in the first place. There is a near legendary emphasis on having a fast draw due to some sudden attack - but frankly, the people inclined to do that to you also come from the rear with large heavy objects and direct severe blows to the head first.

There won't be any showdown, just searching thru pockets and taking whatever. Muggings usually employ the ambush and striking from behind is the preferred tactic. It takes a lot of the risk away from the perpetrator.

Look to a gun for it's features and then choose. The top priorities are a good trigger, a slide hold open for quicker reloads, good sights, proven working magazines, and ammo that feeds and ejects reliably. You have to prove the latter two are acceptable by actually shooting it thru the recommended manufacturer's or tacticool instructors minimum number of rounds break in. That takes range time and a pleasant shooting gun increases your confidence, plus, one with a slide hold open that doesn't require slow laborious racking to reload every magazine improves handling and reduces errors. At that point you can focus more on sight alignment and trigger use - where a good trigger helps but a bad one hinders.

Not to leave out you get what you pay for, and use the gun long enough, you get used to how it functions rather than choose emotionally what you prefer. Plenty of military and LEO use what's handed to them and get along with the guns well. BUT - for the most part they have the features detailed above, too. That's another indicator of how important they are. It's telling that the cheaper guns being carried by owners with heavy long triggers, which require racking the slide every magazine, and which also have harsh recoil are touted as "OK, because all I do is carry it in my pocket."

I thought there was some point in it being a firearm for self defense - and it's not in your pocket then, is it?

You pay for what you get, in the .380 pocket gun class a polymer lower keeps the weight down and a slide hold open keeps the gun functioning faster during a reload. It also tells you when you need to - rather than having the gun let you down with nothing more than the sound of the hammer falling on an empty chamber. Again, duty grade guns where the operator doesn't get to make choices over what make and model include that distinct and necessary feature.

I fell into the same trap - bought a gun for cheap but sold it because of a heavy long trigger pull, difficult recoil, and no slide hold open. It made practicing with it a two or three magazine affair. The one I bought I can shoot pleasantly thru a box of ammo, which is getting it broken in and me comfortable with using the sights. You are much better off handling the firearms yourself, finding out what trigger you like (or can tolerate) and which is actually pleasant to shoot. If all it's going to be is a gun in the pocket, tho, then pick the cheapest one as the others won't be much different and you can spend the money on other stuff.