What's Your Real CCW?/Mr. Colion Noir

[KevininPa]

I think that this is it...

From Old Dog:

"And yeah, I suspect most folks -- those being the least dedicated gun-carriers -- carry the smallest gun with which they feel comfortable. But the folks who are really serious -- the most dedicated gun-carriers, which is for sure the minority of concealed-carriers -- carry the largest gun with which they feel comfortable, which typically is a pretty good-sized handgun ... "


I believe that some more serious carriers go with what they're good with. Could just be me, but I found that I'm not good with little guns that are lightweight and can't get a pinky on the grip. Once I discovered my HP clone, I fell in love with SA shooting. And then found out that HPs have such a thin slide........well. Not counting my NAA Black Widow, my smallest carrier is the Sig 232SL. Full grip, all steel for recoil, good pointability(is this even a word?) and long enough barrel to sight and not make the round too anemic.

Proper holsters and belts make anything possible.

 

[benzy2]

From a price point, if I thought one pistol was a better option to keep me breathing, I'd use it at any price. That said, I carry either an M&P 9 full size or M&P 9c which are neither expensive pistols. I like their set of compromises and how I tend to shoot them in fast/stressed situations. It also gives me the same trigger pull on both pistols. If at all possible I like to carry two full sized mags on a mag holster (with the grip extensions if carrying the compact) as well.

If you carry an expensive pistol, cool. If you carry a cheap pistol, cool. As long as you're doing what you feel is your best option I'm all for it. People do like to brag (consciously or not) and the Internet certainly brings that out in many. I can also see why someone would trust their life to a $2000+ hand built piece of perfection that's tuned for absolute reliability. I haven't seen proof that I'd see a benefit from say a $1500 1911 over the run of the mill polymer mass produced pistol. Because of that I stick with the more budget friendly options. If the price is justified to you, shoot it and enjoy it. No hard feelings from me. If something presents to change my opinion I'll be glad to pony up the cash for the better option.

 

[Glocktogo]

I carry a 5" S&W 1911PD with CTC grips, in a Milt Sparks EX IWB holster. I find that due to the thickness and profile, it prints less under an untucked polo or t-shirt than my G-19 carried IWB (for which I also have an excellent holster). I shoot 100% on qual days with both of these and my duty G-21SF, but I continually shoot tighter groups with the 1911PD.

I used to carry smaller guns a lot, but I know I can shoot better at speed and reload easier with a full size. It just gives me more peace of mind. The rig pictured below represents about a $1,500 total investment. Cheap insurance compared to a life.

FWIW, this is what a top quality daily carry holster looks like after years of use. It started as cordovan brown and is now a shade or two darker from wear in all types of conditions. Notice the panel has taken on a permanent curve that conforms to the body. Although the appearance suffers, retention and draw stroke are still excellent.

 

[Warp]

I also haven't seen any reasonable arguments against carrying expensive weapons showing up in this thread ...

Neither have I.

(and I just carry Glocks, for the record)

 

[Master Blaster]

I just love it when somone posts a picture of a 1911 in an IWB cocked and locked and I can already see where the pointy hammer and beavertail is digging a red welt in their side. The Hammer spur just digs a hole in my side on any full size service gun I have tried to carry IWB under a shirt.



Over the years I have tried many combinations and discovered for me anyway that the only way to carry a fullsize 1911 is in a belt Holster under a coat with a layer or two of clothes between me and the hammer and beavertail. Glock 26, 30 or a smith 642 are the biggest guns I can carry concealed IWB all day.

Some folks carry at work around a bunch of dedicated Anti-Gun liberal folks, and need to wear a tucked in shirt. So pocket carry may be the only viable option if one wants to carry all the time.

 

[AK103K]

I just love it when somone posts a picture of a 1911 in an IWB cocked and locked and I can already see where the pointy hammer and beavertail is digging a red welt in their side.

Poor choice of holster isnt the guns fault.

Ive carried 1911's C&L in an IWB holster, more than any other type of gun, and never had the hammer dig me in the side, and I lead a very active, physical lifestyle, and dont ride a desk or car seat. Then again, most of my holsters had a nice sweat guard on the back side that kept the gun away from me. Even with the holsters that didnt have one, getting poked by the hammer/grip safety spur, was rarely an issue.

I know body type and "distribution" can make a difference in how you choose to carry. For me, it wasnt much of an issue. Fat or skinny, and anywhere in between, IWB always worked the best for me, and was the most comfortable. One thing I learned early on though, was good gear makes a major difference in how things go.

One thing that always amazes me is, people will dump a bunch of money on a gun, and then put it in a generic $25 holster, supported by a skinny old dress belt and call it good. Funny how its the guns fault when it doesnt work

 

[Nite Ryder]

As I continue to read more of these posts on this thread, I can't help but wonder if the writer has any experience at all carrying a gun concealed. It is easy to have the equipment, gun and holster, but it takes a certain amount of dedication to actually have that gun with you when you go out the door to make a trip to the store or where ever you are going. When I know I'm in my house for the night I take my 386PD out of the holster and put it on the small round table beside my easy chair, or sometimes I set it on the floor beside the chair. It would be easy to get up and go to the store and forget about it, leaving it behind, but even if I did, my Diamondback is still in my back pocket. My wife doesn't look at me funny when I put a shoulder holster on under a heavy shirt, or if I put that pancake holster back on my belt, she already knows what I'm thinking, she knows what kind of work I've done in the past. I guess packing every day, day in and day out is just a life style, something you decide you are going to do, and do it because you are committed. I don't find it to be a bother because my equipment is comfortable. I do admit that I don't shoot this Diamondback 9 MM as well as I do the 386PD, my S&W 610, or my Kimber 1911, but at 10 yards I can shoot it well enough to satisfy myself.

 

[AK103K]

I guess packing every day, day in and day out is just a life style, something you decide you are going to do, and do it because you are committed.

Pretty much.

 

[phil dirt]

I carry a Smith and Wesson CS9, everyday, all day. It conceals well, is accurate and always goes boom.

 

[Master Blaster]

Poor choice of holster isnt the guns fault.Ive carried 1911's C&L in an IWB holster, more than any other type of gun, and never had the hammer dig me in the side, and I lead a very active, physical lifestyle, and dont ride a desk or car seat.*

And of course you know nothing about me or what hosters I have tried. Milt Sparks among others.... So no cheap holsters here.

 

[Master Blaster]

​

Double tap

 

[AK103K]

And of course you know nothing about me or what holsters I have tried.

Youre right, I dont.

Im simply saying, its been my experience, with a proper holster, its not an issue.

If you were having the issue, it leads me to believe you didnt have a proper holster, thats all.

 

[Master Blaster]

The Milt Sparks VMII and its lighter weight horse hide cousin both have the shield, it never stopped the hammer and beaver tail from digging into my side when seated or getting in and out of a car. My comment was directed at the pictures of some of the guns and rigs I see here.

 

[David E]

The Milt Sparks VMII and its lighter weight horse hide cousin both have the shield it never stopped tha hammer and beaver tail from digging into my side when seated or getting in and out of a car. My comment was directed at the pictures of some of the guns and rigs I see here.

Then one might wonder if body weight is an issue.

Of course, not all folks can accommodate IWB rigs, regardless of body type.

.

 

[Master Blaster]

Actually whether folks really carrry the extremely pointy guns IWB under a shirt, or they JUST SAY they carry them is the real issue. Most folks who are in shape like myself 6' 195lbs, have a wedge shape to their upper body. Body gets wider from the waist up.. A non pointy gun like a glock or other hammerless or non C&L designs will work fine and not Poke the wearer in an IWB. Big hammer and beaver tail guns work great in an outside the waistband holster but IWB all day, seated driiving etc. NOT LIKELY.

JMHO YMMV

 

[AK103K]

As I said earlier, Ive carried 1911's, SIG's, and a few other "pointy" things, IWB, fat and skinny, and never had an issue. Im 5'6", and have ranged over the years from 155 to 220, and am currently at 170.

Being skinny does make it easier to hide things, as, as you mentioned, you tend to have that more defined notch under your rib cage that the gun settles into and the cover garment hangs over. That area usually fills as your weight goes up. Its still very doable, but things do tend to compress.

Even when I was 220, I never had a problem with my 1911's poking or gouging me, even when swinging a brush hook or sledge, or climbing in and out of things.

I understand everyone is different, I also understand that many, if not most, probably dont carry all the time, which can also add to some of this, as they arent used to the gun always being there, and havent put the time in to really find that sweet spot, and especially with IWB, that lets your body get used to it constantly being there.

When youre not used to it, its "always" there, and you seem to notice every little thing. Once youre used to it, you rarely notice the gun is there, and about the only time you do, is when it isnt.

Just because, for whatever reason, you get poked, doesnt mean the rest of us do, or can expect it. I know a lot of people dont seem to like IWB, and thats fine, we're lucky enough now to have so many good choices available to us. 40 years ago, some of the things available now, would have been a wonderment.

Even with all the advancements, you still see people putting guns in cheap, $25 nylon holsters with a 70's era metal belt clip, and complain things dont feel good, or their guns are getting beat up. I suppose if they do it long enough, they will figure it out. Or not.

 

[tarosean]

Also while I am at it, I want to clarify, I really only wanted to know weather people were carrying such expensive weapons or just showing off their best, not spark off a class war LOL. Surely I can understand the appeal of carrying a higher priced weapon as much as I can understand the arguments against it.

I recently purchased the bellow CCO sized 1911. (officers frame and commander slide)
It's not in my CCW rotation yet because I haven't put my required amount of rounds down range (1.5-2k). However, since it's a "compact" it's not an ideal range/target gun. It's also down a round compared to full sized 1911, which many naysayers frown upon the capacity of 1911's in the first place. So your basically left with self defense uses.

I bought it specifically to save a couple ounces over my cone barreled Wilson that I currently CCW.

FWIW I attempted to carry my wife's G19 this weekend in a MS Summer Special. It's a tad larger than my 4" 1911. I liked the weight savings, but couldn't get used to the bulk and ended up taking it off after a few hours.

 

[Kaeto]

Sometimes if I don't feel like carrying my Undercover Southpaw I'll carry a PA-63 in 9 mm Mak or a Webley Mk VI in .455.

 

[Glocktogo]

Actually whether folks really carrry the extremely pointy guns IWB under a shirt, or they JUST SAY they carry them is the real issue. Most folks who are in shape like myself 6' 195lbs, have a wedge shape to their upper body. Body gets wider from the waist up.. A non pointy gun like a glock or other hammerless or non C&L designs will work fine and not Poke the wearer in an IWB. Big hammer and beaver tail guns work great in an outside the waistband holster but IWB all day, seated driiving etc. NOT LIKELY.

JMHO YMMV

You posted immedialtely after my post. Were you referring to mine? The wear on the rig is obvious. I carry it, a lot. FWIW, I'm 48, 6'0" and 228#. Glock, 1911, whatever, they all poke me. When I wear a gun all day, I ALWAYS have a reddish outline where the holster and gun rode. I can loosen the gun belt, but then it just flops around more, the belt itself rubs on the hip bones and I'm hitching my pants up all day.

So just because you're in shape, doesn't mean you're not a tendersides? Perhaps you just need to toughen up a little?

 

[JTMcC]

For many, many years I only carried a Colt Govt model because I had it. Since then I've carried it, a 2 1/2" Python, a 4" pre dash 586 and a Officer size Colt.

You say:

My initial reaction is that many of these people are just showing off their favorite gun, not the one they are necessarily carrying.


I've never "showed off" any gun, and I've never posted a picture of a gun on the webs. But I've had one on every day since I was a kid. Some (most, all?)of them larger than the present generation seems to be willing to tote.

I won't go there as I know too many men/women in their 20's who carry about like I do. They just don't live it out on the web.

JT


I'll add that a 5" Govt Model is easily carried year after year if you "want" to, you can carry two of them if need be. A Commander size is a little easier. The Officer size easier still but they come with problems that a 5" gun never had or has.
A 4" L frame S&W is also easy and I have friends that carry 4" N frames all day long.
Just depends on whatcha might think you need. A 5 shot .38 beats nothing, but shoot a few living things with those guns and your attitude might change.
I don't, and never have worn a suite to work, I'd think that would make a 5" gun even easier tho.

 

[atomd]

Yeah...just went on there and saw a guy that carries a 5" 1911 ankle carry. Ummmm....yeah..silly. His pant leg didn't even look like it would clear the grip. Also love the photos of brand spankin new $10 walmart belts with a full size semi auto in a shiny new serpa holster. Yeah, not gonna work for most people. On the other hand there are lots of good pics of carry options on there. You just gotta click through the bs. I actually saw a pic of a holster that I might consider buying based on a pic I saw on there.....so heck...can't be all that bad.

 

[1911 guy]

I carry one 1911 or another. Several in the drawer that are go-to guns for CCW. The bottom of the barrel is a Charles Daly that cost me $475 or so brand new. At the opposite end is a custom build on a Springfield G.I. frame and slide that cost around $2,000 in the end.

All of them have holster wear, the less expensive guns (and therefore so-so bluing jobs) show it faster. Guns can always be re-blued.

The cheap C.D. is fast losing its remaining rifling. So many rounds downrange in several decades that the low cost barrel has only about 1/3 of the rifling left toward the muzzle. But it still (for some unknown reason) shoots well.

The biggest issue when carrying a full size gun is a good gunbelt. I like the Wilderness Instructor 5-stitch. Wal-Mart does not carry good gunbelts.

Second is finding a holster that suits you. Most long-time CCW'ers have a drawer full of them and only a select two, maybe three get used because they suit the wearer best.

 

[1911austin]

My primary carry pistol is a 1911, usually a Les Baer or Ed Brown. I often carry a Sig P938 as backup. I don’t subscribe to the theory that expensive handguns should be relegated to impressing your friends. That seems kind of like having a Ferrari that never leaves the garage because it may get a scratch is you drive it. What’s the point of owning it in the first place?

I have lower cost handguns such as Glocks, M&Ps and CZs that are utterly reliable and suitable for self-protection. My 1911s get carried more because they are more effective in my hands and conceal better. If you even need a firearm to save your life, $3,000 will seem like chump change.

You don’t need to spend a ton of money to have a solid defensive handgun. I just can’t justify not using the best equipment that you own if you are talking about protecting your life.

 

[jolly roger]

Always...SW 638 with 2 added speed strips of 158+P lead hollow points. Also have found myself carrying my SW M&P 45 compact of late also. Perfect balance of being just right sized and not so "micro" that it has issues...seen that ALL too often with mini 9s and 45s. The M&P 45c is just about the size of a G19 and has been superb in 2 years of use as in zero malfunctions...zero. Very accurate as well. Poor G30 getting to be a safe queen

 

[Formula94]

Before moving to Illinois last year, my EDC was a Sig 229 and then when I got my Dan Wesson V-Bob I started carrying that only. The V-Bob, while bigger, was much easier to conceal and more comfortable to carry. I carry in a Cross Breed SuperTuck.