Summer Carry Gun

[newglockguy]

Since it's bound to get hot here soon in Arizona I decided to look for a summer carry gun. I went to a local range and shot a Walter PPS in the 9mm and a Springfield xds in .45. Liked them both but maybe prefer the xds a little more. Any insight on these two or any other suggestions.

 

[pinehtr]

Try all you can .The khar CM9 works for me.

 

[kimbershot]

xds--with hartwell appendix carry-clips on, easy off, doesn't interfere with my junk and conceals wonderfully. sold my colt officers model--to bulky/heavy in my new state of south carolina (it get's hot here to).

 

[peacemaker45]

My gun of last resort in the heat is a Kel-Tec P32. I'd probably have bought the P3AT had both been available at the time, but this was before that one was born. I haven't seen the need to switch over since, though. For carry, either a pocket holster or a Beltster. The Beltster was actually built for a 1911, but I use it way more for the 32. Fits fine, and the little skeeter gun disappears under anything.

 

[frank c]

sig P938

 

[bannockburn]

1) Kahr PM9
2) SIG P-238
3) KelTec P3AT

 

[Mainsail]

I don't see anything that indicates you want to carry concealed, so how about a 1911 or glock in .45 or 10mm?

 

[JohnBiltz]

I live in Phoenix and I carry my G26 year round.

 

[tarosean]

There is winter carry in Tempe?

 

[surjimmy]

Right front pocket, S&W Model 38. Airweight Bodyguard

 

[mljdeckard]

I don't understand. Are guns more or less effective as the seasons change?

 

[TylerS]

I am surprised no one has said it yet... get both. I just picked up a p64 from Classic Arms. Couldn't be happier for conceal carry and believe it or not the 9x18 is easier to get than 9mm, for now anyway.

 

[m3mh0g]

XDS everyday with a crossbreed style holster.

 

[newglockguy]

mljdeckard. It has nothing to do with effectiveness. I'm just looking for something lighter to carry than my G23 when it gets really hot out here. It would also be nice to have a gun to put in the car or quickly put it in my pocket so I don't have to worry about a belt

 

[mljdeckard]

I'm yanking your cord a little bit. I have always carried an all-steel, full-size 1911 year round, including 100+ degree summers. It has never once occurred to me to switch to something lighter.

 

[Elkins45]

Kahr P9 for IWB, J frame for pocket carry

 

[OregonJohnny]

Unless you start talking about the ultra micro-sized options like the NAA Mini revolvers, you just can't really beat the size and weight of the Ruger LCP/Kel-Tec P32/3AT guns. I love my Kahr CM9, and it's one of the smallest 9mm firearms made, but even the CM9 is like a big heavy brick in the pocket or on the hip compared to my LCP.

When it's t-shirt and cargo shorts weather, the LCP gets carried almost exclusively, in my front pocket, in a Galco pocket holster. I've added the Ruger finger extension on the mag, the Hogue Hybrid grip sleeve (helps a lot with control), and a dot of white Testers paint to the sights. Even fully loaded with 6+1, with the Hogue sleeve, inside the Galco pocket holster, the LCP still weighs only 14oz! That's 1oz. lighter than an empty S&W 642 Airweight revolver. You pretty much forget the LCP is on you.

 

[Averageman]

I was looking for something similar and put my hands on every available pistol in the pocket nine, .380 line up.
I ended up with something I never would have guessed, a Polish P64 in 9X18.
Shoots great pocket concealable and smaller than anything else I found capable.
It isn't sexy, but it is extreamly accurate and pocket concealable.

 

[Inebriated]

Well my summer gun is a Glock 26... compliments my winter guns (Glock 21 and 19) pretty well... I'm sure a 27 would compliment your 23 well.

If it's pocket carry you want, the Kahr CM9 wouldn't be a bad option. Neither would the Ruger or Kahr .380's.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

J-frame in my shorts left font pocket.

 

[Derry 1946]

J-frame in my shorts left font pocket.

Yep. 642 works well since it's reasonably resistant to moisture and salt.

 

[Airbrush Artist]

All year long ...

 

[OregonJohnny]

J-frame in my shorts left font pocket.

Yep. 642 works well since it's reasonably resistant to moisture and salt.

J frame for pocket carry

I love my 642. For me it's a great coat pocket gun. I even carried it in a pants/shorts pocket a few times one summer. Then I got the LCP. For those that wear any kind of normal (not baggy or Carhartt style) or fitted pants or shorts, or have a smaller, thinner build - the J frame might just feel like trying to smuggle a softball in your pocket.

It works for a lot of people as a pocket gun. But if you have the opportunity to try wearing a J frame in a pocket holster inside a jeans pocket all day, you might realize a small thin semi-auto is better for the pocket.

If you aren't even considering pocket carry, well, your options open up big time - and the J Frame is an excellent choice.

 

[guyfromohio]

I keep buying carry guns, but I keep carrying the 642.

 

[Byrd666]

My Summer, Winter, etc. pistol for now is a Ruger SR9 or CZ83. It will be my Smith M&P c9 as soon as my holster arrives. I know, by way of experience, how challenging it can be to find "the one" pistol or revolver that works well in warm/HOT weather. And I did try a whole lot more weapons than I care to admit to. The Smith just works well for me, my lifestyle, and my dress style. Mostly jeans and t-shirts or work shirts. By the way. And in the years that I have had my CHL and have been carrying, I've yet to have a major problem.

So, as others have suggested, try as many different brands and models you can. Everything and anything. The 1911 5" a friend of mine carries is a perfect fit for him, but, not me. Neither is the XD 3" another friend carries a good fit for me. Yet it fits him perfectly. And yet once again, another friend will only carry a Sig 226 5". Because that is what he carried on and off duty when he was a Trooper. And yes he did/does carry a bug.