We don't want that.
How Do You Choose Which Gun To Carry
- Thread starter Trunk Monkey
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Trunk Monkey
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This really wasn't supposed to be a smart ass thread. I was reading a discussion on another forum about how .40 S&W guns are selling at steep discounts and I got to think how much I'd really like a Glock 23. I
The problem is I tend to be a same gun, same way, same place person and can see myself going into brain lock every day trying to figure which one to carry.
So I started this thread to see how other people made the same decision.
Zaydok Allen
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Then that really simplifies the issue. I feel the best decision when dealing with easy to stop targets like humans, you are always better off going with the highest capacity gun in an effective cartridge. On humans I feel 9mm is adequate and leads to mor capacity to stop multiple attackers. So why go to a larger cartridge if you feel 9mm is effective? Seems to me you have your bases covered by your G26.
With as much 9mm ammo as you have, and given your requirements, I don't see that having a G23 will really benefit you.
If you really want something that will change the ballistics game you are playing, I say skip the 23 and go straight to the G29 as having the option of more thump is never a bad thing. 10mm is a nice balance of capacity and power if you do decide to wander from the Walmart scene, and at least it's different enough that you are covering more bases. Get a bit of practice ammo, and since you already know how to shoot and are well trained, I don't think you'd need to shoot it much each year to remain proficient, and then get some Underwood ammo for serious business.
Edit: If analysis paralysis is a thing for you, like you just said above, then I really don't think the G23 is a good idea. It's too close in purpose and will just be a source of aggravation. In 4 months I think we'll be hearing that you sold it.
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BSA1
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I never jumped on the 10mm / 40 S&W bandwagon. The infamous FBI Miami shooting was a huge multiple failure by the agents. The FBI choosing to place the blame on the agents deaths on a single 9mm bullet was a refusal to admit the agents screwed up.
As I have a “p*****r” mentality the 40 has a certain appeal as many Law Enforcement Agencies in my area issue Glock 40 calibers. However the 40 does not fill a performance hole anymore. Improvements with 9mm bullet design and the 45 ACP now overlap each other enough that the 40 isn’t needed.
The other reason I have never adopted the 40 is $$$$. Like you I like to own a lot of extra magazines, ammunition, brass and bullets for reloading and reloading dies. I made the decision that the money was better spent on what I already own. (However I will probably never admit that I have enough ammunition for the guns I currently own).
With all of that said the 40 is not going away. Too many law enforcement departments have adopted it over the years so you can make a strong case for owning it.
As I have a “p*****r” mentality the 40 has a certain appeal as many Law Enforcement Agencies in my area issue Glock 40 calibers. However the 40 does not fill a performance hole anymore. Improvements with 9mm bullet design and the 45 ACP now overlap each other enough that the 40 isn’t needed.
The other reason I have never adopted the 40 is $$$$. Like you I like to own a lot of extra magazines, ammunition, brass and bullets for reloading and reloading dies. I made the decision that the money was better spent on what I already own. (However I will probably never admit that I have enough ammunition for the guns I currently own).
With all of that said the 40 is not going away. Too many law enforcement departments have adopted it over the years so you can make a strong case for owning it.
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I'm really not treating it as one. Honest.
Generally speaking, I'm also a "same gun, same way, same place" guy. Of the times that I carry (which is everywhere I can), the Shield 9 goes into a DeSantis Speed Scabbard at 4 o'clock about 98% of the time. (The other 2%, I pocket carry an LCR.) The Shield 45 will be going into an OWB pancake at 4 o'clock.
I haven't looked into the prices of .40 caliber pistols, because I don't want to stock yet another cartridge. I don't know whether they're dirt cheap or not. I almost wish that I could honestly say "you need a G23." If you didn't have so much ammo tucked away, you might 'need' one to hedge against a possible ammo shortage. But you do.
You sound OCD. Like you're worried that you must pick the most effective gun or else your family will die. I'm not picking on you because that's basically how I am. This is important stuff. I have a 40 and I've racked my brains and I ended up deciding on the 9mm. Of coarse until you get the 40, it will probably keep calling your name.
John Joseph
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I can see owning two identical guns in the same caliber as being prudent should one ever need repair
I can see owning two identical guns with one being .22lr for inexpensive trigger time.
I cannot see owning two identical guns in two different centerfire calibers in the scenario you provide.
guyfromohio
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I have tons of range guns, emergency guns, hunting guns, collector guns, heirloom guns, etc.... They all live in the big safes. In my bathroom where I get dressed and ready in the morning and at night, I have a Gun Vault mini-safe with my carry gun in it. Occasionally, I’ll switch out the carry gun....but that is measured in intervals of weeks or months. Since I became more comfortable with my Glock 19, I see no reason to rotate any longer. To answer your question, there likely isn’t a wrong choice. Just make sure you have one.
choose the one you shoot the best that is the most reliable. if in doubt, listen closely to how they speak to you, and pick the one that is most likely to be your best friend when needed to get you out of trouble when called upon. carry that one. I carry a different one than the "best one" on paper - because it speaks to me more and we're better friends.
huntsman
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IMHO the only reason to own a .40 is that you want a heavier bullet than the 9mm gives, I do so I own 2.
this is the time to buy a .40S&W with a glut of LEO trade ins, I gave $250. For a clean M&P40 at a gunshow, my only issue is that they’re a bit heavier than I find comfortable for a EDC.
this is the time to buy a .40S&W with a glut of LEO trade ins, I gave $250. For a clean M&P40 at a gunshow, my only issue is that they’re a bit heavier than I find comfortable for a EDC.
Of the guns that I own, would I prefer this pistol in hand if I had to defend myself? If yes, proceed to #2. (If no, why the heck carry it)
Is it (the pistol in question) concealable and tolerable for me to carry IWB all day? I prefer Glock 35, 22, 21, but they are not as tolerable* to conceal/carry as 19/23.
Tolerable includes activity like walking dogs 2 miles.
Between the 19 or 23 which would I rather have in hand if I had to defend myself, 15 versus 13 rounds. - I carry a spare mag either way.
Although the difference in diameter (9 vs 40) may not be "significant" (debatable) I'm willing to sacrifice two rounds in exchange for slightly bigger bullets.
Glock 23 has been my primary EDC for quite awhile.
Is it (the pistol in question) concealable and tolerable for me to carry IWB all day? I prefer Glock 35, 22, 21, but they are not as tolerable* to conceal/carry as 19/23.
Tolerable includes activity like walking dogs 2 miles.
Between the 19 or 23 which would I rather have in hand if I had to defend myself, 15 versus 13 rounds. - I carry a spare mag either way.
Although the difference in diameter (9 vs 40) may not be "significant" (debatable) I'm willing to sacrifice two rounds in exchange for slightly bigger bullets.
Glock 23 has been my primary EDC for quite awhile.
FL-NC
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I just carry my carry gun- shield 9.
Boarhunter
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When I get bored with one, I carry another....
Since all of my carry guns are either 1911s or revolvers, and I practice literally almost every day, I do not feel at any disadvantage by frequent change.
BOARHUNTER
Since all of my carry guns are either 1911s or revolvers, and I practice literally almost every day, I do not feel at any disadvantage by frequent change.
BOARHUNTER
Hangingrock
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The S&W Shield 9x19mm EDC. Its that simple!
Cornhusker77
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If you sold your G19, bought a G23 and a 9mm conversion barrel, you'd have both calibers and the Wife wouldn't be mad.
You could still use your magazines and you'd have an excuse to get more
You could still use your magazines and you'd have an excuse to get more
It sounds like "cartridge envy." 40 just isn't going to do anything that 9mm won't other than cause strife in your life. I'm not a 9mm fanboy. I shoot .357, but I have plenty of opportunity to envy the big bores, 41, 44, 45, or whatever. I know it's a waste of time and thought, but it can nag me every once in a while, so maybe I can empathize why you'd be thinking about something like that.
If you really want to do something productive with respect to your carry capability, take more training. If you need to, ask yourself afterwards if having a 23 for the training would have been better than having a 19. Then ask yourself if having a 23 instead of a 19 could make a bigger difference in the outcome of what you trained for than the difference that even more training would make. If you're not sure, or still think the 23 will make some difference, ask yourself if that difference is urgent in the next 6 months. If it isn't, then do all this again 6 months from now.
If you really want to do something productive with respect to your carry capability, take more training. If you need to, ask yourself afterwards if having a 23 for the training would have been better than having a 19. Then ask yourself if having a 23 instead of a 19 could make a bigger difference in the outcome of what you trained for than the difference that even more training would make. If you're not sure, or still think the 23 will make some difference, ask yourself if that difference is urgent in the next 6 months. If it isn't, then do all this again 6 months from now.
Old Dog
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Well, it depends on what I'm wearing and if my holster for a particular pistol matches my belt and shoes ...
Just kidding. I'm almost strictly and OWB pancake holster guy. I'd like to say I have some scientific method, but the reality is that some days I just go with a lotta smaller bullets, and some days I have this thought that I want a bigger, harder-hitting round. I have S&W M&Ps, SIG P-series, Beretta 92s/96s and 1911s all in calibers 9mm to .40 S&W to .45 ACP. I'm more into commonality of holsters and operating mechanisms than caliber … so in the end, for me, it's just … whimsy.
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Trunk Monkey
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I never said I thought a .40 would make a difference.
And I've had quite a bit of training I've even been in the **** a couple times for real.
I've just always had a thing for Glock 23s.
Rule of thumb, if you have no idea what you're talking about you probably shouldn't
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Trunk Monkey
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This part is right.
This part isn't quite.
My real issue is dumping a thousand (plus) bucks into a new gun, a new holster (yes I know my 19 holster will work but we've already established that I'm OCD), a bunch of new magazines a bunch of new (different caliber) ammunition and pissing it all away on a safe queen.
I'm glad I started this thread because it helped me think my decision through and I think I'm better off investing that money in the platform that I have now.
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Zaydok Allen
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You know after thinking about this a little more, I guess I kind of feel that even though you have a lot of 9mm ammo, there’s something to be said for options and diversity. 40 cals can be had cheap, and you aren’t talking about getting into 20 different cartridges, and you aren’t talking about a real expensive gun.
Maybe executing on an affordable gun now, rather than during an ammo crisis due to politics isn’t a bad idea. If you feel the need to save a bit of 9mm in a shortage, at least you’d have the 23 around to shoot.
Just a thought. I have a VP9, and I enjoy it and have taken a training class with it. I shoot it well. I may pick up a VP40 as a “stash it” gun.
Don’t see it as a gun that NEEDS to be shot frequently, just as a gun you have on standby during rough times. It’s an option if others run dry.
I have no family though, so money is selfishly used for me on a daily basis. Your situation sounds different.
Maybe executing on an affordable gun now, rather than during an ammo crisis due to politics isn’t a bad idea. If you feel the need to save a bit of 9mm in a shortage, at least you’d have the 23 around to shoot.
Just a thought. I have a VP9, and I enjoy it and have taken a training class with it. I shoot it well. I may pick up a VP40 as a “stash it” gun.
Don’t see it as a gun that NEEDS to be shot frequently, just as a gun you have on standby during rough times. It’s an option if others run dry.
I have no family though, so money is selfishly used for me on a daily basis. Your situation sounds different.
Heir Kommt Die Sonne
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I feel you. A Glock 23 is definitely more versatile than a Glock 19. You can swap the barrel and use the same mags.
Plus the bulkier caliber in the same frame size just turns me on.
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Trunk Monkey
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I agree in principle but I actually own a Smith & Wesson 4006 that I'm already set up with. So if something came up where I thought I really needed a 40 caliber I do have one it's just not something that I really support and I never carry it because it's not Striker Fired.
Heir Kommt Die Sonne
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All I could say to you man is go ahead, get a Glock 23. It's something I'd like to keep in the safe as well, not particularly for my own use but maybe to lend to a friend, extra gun at the range, convert to .357 Sig, etc.
And if you ever do go the .357 sig route (not trying to assume anything) you could hunt with that if needed be. *I haven't heard reports of people hunting with .40 S&W but of .357
And if you ever do go the .357 sig route (not trying to assume anything) you could hunt with that if needed be. *I haven't heard reports of people hunting with .40 S&W but of .357
Zaydok Allen
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Oh right. Your Smith..... well the only advantage then would be the similarity of operation and shooting characteristics.
Guess I’m going back to my earlier opinion then.
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