What are your primary considerations in gun selection for CCW?

[cheygriz]

A quality weapon, well maintained, and fed quality ammo, will probably never malfunction.

You can get a nice weapon all gussied up for competition and destroy reliability, but as long as it's basically unmodified it will work well.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

"Then sooner or later you're going to eliminate every gun on the planet."

Maybe. But right now I have seven in my carry rotation that have never malfunctioned. My Makarov isn't in the rotation, but I've owned it for 30 years and it has never once malfunctioned, after thousands of rounds. Almost none of my revolvers ever have.

Why do you rotate between seven guns?

My "rotation" consists of a Glock 19 or a Glock 26 depending on how I'm dressed

 

[Tallball]

"Why do you rotate between seven guns?"

1 - "Can't carry a real gun" - LCPII
2 - "Cargo shorts" (most of the year) - LCR 38 special
3 - "Coat weather" - Charter Arms Bulldog or Pit Bull in coat pocket
4 - "Cool weather OWB with cover shirt/jacket" - 2" S&W Model 10, 2" Miroku Police, G43. G26

The last one is based on whimsy. I shoot the revolvers better, but the Glocks hold more bullets. I just carry whichever one I feel like carrying.

All of them are DA revolvers or DAO. There is no manual of arms to be concerned about.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

Does the reliability and accuracy requirement for an EDC need to be stated?
More important than an accurate handgun is one that I can shoot quickly with accuracy.
I prefer polymer strikers without a manual safety. They can take a lot of abuse and most have a very durable finish.
Most often I carry a mid size 9 but I do have a few full sized carry guns too. With a good holster there isn't much difference to me.
I have been carrying my LC9s Pro more often since getting a holster for it that I like. It's the smallest gun I've found that I can shoot well and it is more comfortable when I have to do much driving. It does not have the best corrosion resistance though.
I also prefer to have night sights (green 3 dot) and always carry a spare mag.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

"Why do you rotate between seven guns?"

1 - "Can't carry a real gun" - LCPII
2 - "Cargo shorts" (most of the year) - LCR 38 special
3 - "Coat weather" - Charter Arms Bulldog or Pit Bull in coat pocket
4 - "Cool weather OWB with cover shirt/jacket" - 2" S&W Model 10, 2" Miroku Police, G43. G26

The last one is based on whimsy. I shoot the revolvers better, but the Glocks hold more bullets. I just carry whichever one I feel like carrying.

All of them are DA revolvers or DAO. There is no manual of arms to be concerned about.

Having different guns for different circumstances isn't what I think of when I think of "rotation".

When I hear "rotation" I think "I have to carry the 1911 tonight because the Glock makes my ass look fat."

 

[HPCadm17]

First and foremost, the gun has to be reliable. If I ever have a jam at the range that's not due to anything I did (like limp-wristing, etc), I will not carry it unless/until the problem is fixed. If the problem can't be fixed, I'll sell it.

The rest are not in any particular order. For one, it has to be sized right in order to be a natural pointer for me. I love shooting a G30, but it's too large for me to just grab, aim, and maintain proper trigger control without making minimal effort. I don't want to have to think about that in a carry weapon; I want to just be able to draw, point, and shoot quickly and naturally.

I also prefer simplicity balanced with safety. Being able to just draw and shoot without having to manually do anything else is a plus. Also, I always carry with a round in the chamber, and the most dangerous aspect of carrying in my opinion is holstering the weapon. I often IWB a P229r and like being able to thumb the hammer when holstering; in case something gets caught in the trigger guard I'd be able to feel the hammer move and take corrective action. Can't do that with a Glock. But I also IWB a G23, and I usually just holster the gun first first before putting the holster on. If I ever need to remove the gun to enter a prohibited place, I'm extra cautious when re-holstering in any case, but a decocked DA/SA gives a little extra confidence.

Then there is the issue of the gun's value. The main reason I don't carry my SIG more often is because monetarily it's worth at least 2 Glocks. If ever an incident occurs, I'd be more disappointed in losing the SIG to an investigation than a cheaper weapon.

Finally there is weight and concealability. If I can get used to a gun to the point that I almost forget I'm wearing it, that's good. Otherwise I'd find myself constantly adjusting for comfort which would draw attention to it. I tested carrying a G21 IWB and while it's concealable under heavy clothing, it's always noticeable and not the most comfortable rig. For me, G23/P229 or smaller is perfect.

So in a nutshell, I overall prefer my G23 and carry it most often, although if I find used non-beavertail P229's or M11A1's in excellent condition for as cheap as a new Glock, I'd probably buy two and make them my primary EDCs.

 

[rpenmanparker]

I strongly disagree. IME,a 1911, or any other single action, is a poor choice for a defensive weapon.

There are good reasons most LE agencies do not allow them, and the world's military organizations dumped them.

We will have to disagree...not that there is anything wrong with that.

No semi-auto pistol is easier or safer to operate and shoot, field strip, clean, and generally maintain. Malfunctions with modern ammunition which once plagued the guns are eliminated by minor design modifications. The fear of the condition 1 carry which has driven much of the distaste for the 1911 and led to its loss of favor in LE and military organizations is purely irrational. Double stack magazines are easy to incorporate into the design if desired. And some of the most elite military and LE organizations still use them such as Los Angeles Police Department SWAT and S.I.S., the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, FBI regional SWAT teams, and 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment—Delta (Delta Force) (Wikipedia).

I should mention, however, that when I say 1911, I mean specifically a 9mm variant.

Your opinion is by far the majority, and there is something to be said for that. Nevertheless, I believe that the single action trigger and ergonomics of the 1911 are superior to any other pistol I have every handled. That does it for me right there.

 

[ATLDave]

1911's pose problems for cops that they do not pose for civilians. In many departments, cops routinely draw their guns and point them either at the ground or at a subject (depending on circumstances) for extended periods and with at least some frequency. This would require an officer using a 1911 (or other SAO, manual-safety gun) to do one of two things: avoid discharging a gun with a light and very short trigger*; or leave the safety switched on and require a conscious decision to take it off.

Civilian CC'ers are not going to do that very frequently. The gun is generally only going to come out of the holster at a time when the need to discharge is very high, and should return to the holster pretty darn quickly, too.** So CC'ers can go with the perfectly-reliable approach of taking the safety off during the draw - they're not going to be pointing the gun at people for several minutes while negotiating with a non-compliant suspect or trying to figure out if the passenger in the back seat really does match the most recent BOLO for a fleeing stick-up man.

Then you can toss in the lowest-common-denominator factor for LE agencies. Most agencies are going to approve and buy a very small number of models/types and will try to standardize duty gear as much as possible. They have to, therefore, select gear that is appropriate for the least-competent qualifying member of the force. Most cops aren't gun guys/gals.

On the other hand, sworn officers have to "run to the sounds of gunfire" and all that. They are generally charged with staying with a situation until it is under control. CC'er's, on the other hand, are generally only trying to extricate themselves from a situation. They aren't charged with apprehending all 4 bank robbers... just doing enough to get the one pointing a gun at them to desist long enough for the CC'er to go somewhere safer! So on-board ammo considerations are probably more significant for LE agencies than for most CC'ers.

In short, LE agency decisions can be informative, but they are dealing with very different factors than most individual CC'ers. It's a mistake to say that, because some CC'ers are well-served with a 1911, LE agencies made a mistake in steering away from them; it's equally a mistake to say that, because LE agencies have gone in a different direction, anyone not following their lead is choosing poorly.

* Difficult, apparently, for many cops, as reflected by vast evidences that, despite trigger discipline rules and training, routinely "finger" the trigger during tense situations that never reaching the "shoot" decision. Basically, the lighter and shorter the trigger pull, the more AD/ND's you start to see across the broad population of LEO's in those situations.

** See recent incidents of cops showing up and shooting private citizens, including a security guard, because the non-criminal civilian is the one with a gun in hand when they arrive. Don't be that guy.

 

[rpenmanparker]

1911's pose problems for cops that they do not pose for civilians. In many departments, cops routinely draw their guns and point them either at the ground or at a subject (depending on circumstances) for extended periods and with at least some frequency. This would require an officer using a 1911 (or other SAO, manual-safety gun) to do one of two things: avoid discharging a gun with a light and very short trigger*; or leave the safety switched on and require a conscious decision to take it off.

Civilian CC'ers are not going to do that very frequently. The gun is generally only going to come out of the holster at a time when the need to discharge is very high, and should return to the holster pretty darn quickly, too.** So CC'ers can go with the perfectly-reliable approach of taking the safety off during the draw - they're not going to be pointing the gun at people for several minutes while negotiating with a non-compliant suspect or trying to figure out if the passenger in the back seat really does match the most recent BOLO for a fleeing stick-up man.

Then you can toss in the lowest-common-denominator factor for LE agencies. Most agencies are going to approve and buy a very small number of models/types and will try to standardize duty gear as much as possible. They have to, therefore, select gear that is appropriate for the least-competent qualifying member of the force. Most cops aren't gun guys/gals.

On the other hand, sworn officers have to "run to the sounds of gunfire" and all that. They are generally charged with staying with a situation until it is under control. CC'er's, on the other hand, are generally only trying to extricate themselves from a situation. They aren't charged with apprehending all 4 bank robbers... just doing enough to get the one pointing a gun at them to desist long enough for the CC'er to go somewhere safer! So on-board ammo considerations are probably more significant for LE agencies than for most CC'ers.

In short, LE agency decisions can be informative, but they are dealing with very different factors than most individual CC'ers. It's a mistake to say that, because some CC'ers are well-served with a 1911, LE agencies made a mistake in steering away from them; it's equally a mistake to say that, because LE agencies have gone in a different direction, anyone not following their lead is choosing poorly.

* Difficult, apparently, for many cops, as reflected by vast evidences that, despite trigger discipline rules and training, routinely "finger" the trigger during tense situations that never reaching the "shoot" decision. Basically, the lighter and shorter the trigger pull, the more AD/ND's you start to see across the broad population of LEO's in those situations.

** See recent incidents of cops showing up and shooting private citizens, including a security guard, because the non-criminal civilian is the one with a gun in hand when they arrive. Don't be that guy.

This makes sense.

 

[cheygriz]

Robert, IME, the DA/SA is a more modern and inherently safer design. It's as safe as a DA revolver.

As for the keyboard commandos in the gun rags asserting that one cannot "learn" to make a double tap with a DA/SA, that's untrue.

I know from personal experience, and the training of over a hundred officers, that anyone can learn that with patience and practice.

It took me about a month, and about 2K rounds of ammo, but I learned to make a rapid, accurate double tap with our new Berettas when my department transitioned.

Some of the old time writers were just too lazy to bother learning anything new or different. Cooper being the worst by far.

I agree with ATL Dave that CCW and LE have a different need.

Perhaps I am guilty of falling into the same group of "old timers" that I often criticize, but somehow after carrying a 1911 in the military, and shooting 1911s in Bullseye competition for many years, I just cannot get over the idea that I would never holster a cocked single action with a loaded chamber. Perhaps I am also too old fashioned, but the thought of carrying a 1911 in condition one makes my skin crawl like someone running their fingernails across a chalkboard.

But, DA, SAO, etc are all out there and available. So we all have the opportunity to choose for ourselves.

 

[WheelGunMan]

Likability - Gotta like the gun
Shoot-ability - Must be able to shoot it accurately
Conceal-ability - Must conceal well
Reliability - Gotta work when I need it

All 4 of these must be met or it's a no go.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Robert, IME, the DA/SA is a more modern and inherently safer design. It's as safe as a DA revolver.

As for the keyboard commandos in the gun rags asserting that one cannot "learn" to make a double tap with a DA/SA, that's untrue.

I know from personal experience, and the training of over a hundred officers, that anyone can learn that with patience and practice.

It took me about a month, and about 2K rounds of ammo, but I learned to make a rapid, accurate double tap with our new Berettas when my department transitioned.

Some of the old time writers were just too lazy to bother learning anything new or different. Cooper being the worst by far.

I agree with ATL Dave that CCW and LE have a different need.

Perhaps I am guilty of falling into the same group of "old timers" that I often criticize, but somehow after carrying a 1911 in the military, and shooting 1911s in Bullseye competition for many years, I just cannot get over the idea that I would never holster a cocked single action with a loaded chamber. Perhaps I am also too old fashioned, but the thought of carrying a 1911 in condition one makes my skin crawl like someone running their fingernails across a chalkboard.

But, DA, SAO, etc are all out there and available. So we all have the opportunity to choose for ourselves.

Very well said. I appreciate your insights.

 

[ATLDave]

As for the keyboard commandos in the gun rags asserting that one cannot "learn" to make a double tap with a DA/SA, that's untrue.

Agreed 100%. That is objectively false. All you have to do is watch competitive shooters in USPSA or IPSC in the Production division. The last 8 national championships of USPSA production division have been won by guys "double tapping" with DA/SA guns. It takes some work to learn that DA pull, but it's still easier than a DA revolver (you're only having to move a hammer, not a hammer and cylinder together).

Perhaps I am guilty of falling into the same group of "old timers" that I often criticize, but somehow after carrying a 1911 in the military, and shooting 1911s in Bullseye competition for many years, I just cannot get over the idea that I would never holster a cocked single action with a loaded chamber.

Here again competition is a source of some of my views. I shoot Limited division most of the time in USPSA... that means I get to use a SAO gun with a safety. I holster a "hot, safe weapon" hundreds, if not thousands, of times per year. I feel far more comfortable holstering something like a 1911 with a safety on than a safety-less gun where something only has to move the trigger in order to get an AD/ND.

Still, I understand the reluctance. When I first started carrying a 1911, I spent quite a while carrying with an empty chamber, but cocked-and-locked. I wanted to see whether the safety would get bumped or, worse, the hammer fell. I eventually got to the point where I was comfortable that wasn't going to happen.

 

[Michael Tinker Pearce]

1) Is it reliable?
2) Can I can shoot it well- meaning tight rapid-fire groups at 7 yards and the ability to at least keep them on the target at 25 yards
3) Does it fire a bullet that will penetrate deeply enough to break the stuff it needs to break?
4) Can I easily conceal it in the sort of clothing I wear every day?
5) Do I like it? This takes in a broad swath of territory- ergonomics, recoil, appearance, history, will I enjoy shooting it regularly? I don't want to carry a gun I will not want to practice with.

 

[bassjam]

In no particular order:
microcompact size
DA trigger
appearance
easy to shoot at the range

I've tried subcompacts, for me they're large enough I just won't carry them so single stack micro's and j-frame sized revolvers are as large as I go. I've also found I'm more comfortable with a DA trigger pull. Part of this is because I've started carrying appendix, but part is because I have small kids at home so I want something safe if God forbid they ever got a hold of one. My guns go in my pistol box as soon as I get home, but JUST IN CASE I don't want a 5lb trigger pull. I also have discovered I like good looking guns. This isn't important to some, but in this day and age if I can have a "pretty" gun that meets all my criteria, why not carry it instead of some black plasticy appliance? And finally, I want something that I can take to the range and enjoy putting 100-200 rounds through in a session. This ensures that I practice with it, and it ends up meaning many of the guns I carry are steel or aluminum framed and pretty accurate.

I didn't list reliability, because I really think that goes without saying.

 

[Kendahl]

My top priority is concealability. I would rather have a .22, .25, .32 or .380, that is undetectable by anything less than a metal detector or a pat down, than a bigger, more powerful gun that requires a special effort to keep concealed. Even where concealed carry is legal, what other people don't know won't hurt them or me and just might save us.

 

[JR24]

Reliability is the obvious #1.

#2 is a mix of grip and trigger. It has to be something I enjoy shooting, and shoot well. I prefer SAO and Striker fired

#3 is caliber. I like 9mm and .45, but can live with anything bigger than 9mm

Size is a very distant #4, as I routinely carry full size guns, so I can conceal just about anything if I put my mind to it.

Right now, my perfect fit is a SAO SIG 226. During the hot months I may switch to something lighter, maybe a 938/micro9/911 style, or more likely ol' reliable Glock 26

 

[WYO]

It has to be concealable and capable of consistently hitting a 3" x 5" index card at 50 feet and well within an 8 inch circle at 25 yards off hand.

 

[darkcloud]

Light and compact so i don't leave it home when I should have it on me. Reliable, hence a S&W 638. Something I can shoot with quick follow up shots with close range accuracy. Another reason for the 638. Selection of ammo so again the 638 in 38 special. If I had a 1911 in 45 ACP that small and light and concealable I would have one of those.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Light and compact so i don't leave it home when I should have it on me. Reliable, hence a S&W 638. Something I can shoot with quick follow up shots with close range accuracy. Another reason for the 638. Selection of ammo so again the 638 in 38 special. If I had a 1911 in 45 ACP that small and light and concealable I would have one of those.

Why consider .38 Special interchangeable with .45 ACP? Why not settle on a 9mm 1911 in the appropriate size. Much easier to find. Better performing than .38 Special too.

 

[<*(((><]

In no particular order of importance:

1. Reliability
2. Safety (drop safe, etc)
3. 9mm or bigger (see exception below)
4. Capacity
5. Ergos
6. Carryability
7. Proficiency for myself

I carry...
90-95% CZ PCR
5-10% Ruger LCP (only when dress requires)

I would like to try out a Gen 5 Glock 19 when I get some cash to purchase. The fingergrips don't work for me but they've rectified that with the new Gen 5 and went back to "perfection". Don't know if it will every dethrone my PCR but we'll see.

 

[darkcloud]

Why consider .38 Special interchangeable with .45 ACP? Why not settle on a 9mm 1911 in the appropriate size. Much easier to find. Better performing than .38 Special too.

BECAUSE EVERY ammo available for the 38 special works in my S&W 638 no matter what I feed it for what ever reason. The 9mm has nothing over on the 38 special unless you consider capacity and I am not getting in a fire fight on the streets. It WILL be over in 3 shots. Him or me.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

It has to be A gun that I enjoy shooting often,

 

[IdaD]

BECAUSE EVERY ammo available for the 38 special works in my S&W 638 no matter what I feed it for what ever reason. The 9mm has nothing over on the 38 special unless you consider capacity and I am not getting in a fire fight on the streets. It WILL be over in 3 shots. Him or me.

Does 38 behave like 357 with regard to snub nose barrels versus longer barrels? Some of the specialty +p 38 stuff looks pretty potent on paper but I'm curious how it does through a snubby. 9mm seems to lose less velocity in shorter barrels than 357 and I'm wondering if 38 is similar.

 

[Trey Veston]

Still searching for the perfect carry gun. Been carrying concealed since 1993. Started with a S&W 686 with a 4" barrel. Current guns are a Springfield Armory XDS 40 and a S&W M&P40c. I like the size, capacity and power of the M&P40c, but the trigger was driving me nuts and it's not as accurate as I like. So I ordered an Apex trigger and installed it. It was defective and made it a paperweight. Put the stock trigger back in and am now considering selling it and getting a Gen 5 Glock 19.

But, I hate the dang mag well cutout. Digs into my pinky and is annoying. The new G19 gen 5 MOS doesn't have that cutout but is $50 more and I don't need the red dot capability.

I'd rather have a G23 in .40 S&W, but I've bought three different Gen 4 Glocks over the past three years and all had vastly different triggers; from 4lbs to 10lbs. I've heard the Gen 5s are more accurate and have much better triggers. The only question is if I can stomach the 9mm. I'm set up to load for it and I believe it is adequate as a self-defense round, but I really prefer the .40 S&W.

For me it boils down to carrying a pistol I absolutely trust and am very, very good with. Might be the G19, might be something else. It's getting expensive to find, though.