Which pistol for summer carry?

[Big Bad Bob]

So I am in the market for a deep concealment pistol for summer/chuch carry etc. I live in the deep south, I carry a glock 26 which is quite easy in the winter but kinda not in summer.

I have narrowed my choices too these,

Bodyguard .380
Glock 42
Glock 43
M&P Shield

I can get them all on blue label so financially a S&W or Glock makes the most the sense. Im leaning toward the Glock 42, the bodyguard I like but is kinda too small. Given that I own the G26, what would y'all choose and why.

Thanks!

 

[righteoushoot]

I voted other because I recently picked up a Sig P938 SAS. I think it's the shiznitz! I have the shield, had a 42, handled a 43 and BG but not shot those 2. If you have an opportunity to check one out, do so. But otherwise, for Deep C., I might have voted the G43.

 

[BlindJustice]

Springfield Armory Range Officer Compact .45 ACP
in a Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 IWB

R-

 

[viking499]

I like something a little bigger than 380. That leaves the 43 and Shield. Since you already have a 26, I would get the 43.

I own and carry a Shield. I like it a lot. Don't know how the blue label pricing compares, but in a normal LGS, the Shield can be had a lot cheaper than the 43. At least around here anyway......

 

[phil dirt]

A Smith & Wesson CS9

 

[kokapelli]

Shoot them and then decide which you like the best.

 

[Capt. Ct.]

I voted other because you already have a G-26. The best bet may be a different holster rather than a new gun. Then again who doesn't need a new gun? Look into a Nate's squared tactical. N8 2 tactical holster. I can carry my G-26 in almost any situation with that.
Having said all that I mostly carry a Shield. Winter, summer, or whenever.

 

[RustyShackelford]

My choice, Glock 43 9x19mm ...

From your posted data, I'd pick the new Glock 43 9mm. It had a good review/write up in the recent Guns & Ammo. The Walther PPS 9mm & surprise the compact Taurus 709 slimline also did great in the T&E.
I own a M&P Shield 9mm no thumb safety model. It's not bad but I may trade it in for a NIB Glock 43 9mm.
The Glock 43 is well made and if you get the Blue Label discount, I'd go for it.
As for 9mm carry rounds; I'd choose the PDX1 124gr +P, Hornady Critical Duty +P 135gr, Corbon PowRball or DPX, Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P short barrel, Federal HST 124gr +P, Ranger T/T Series 124gr +P JHP.
Some armed professionals and CCW license holders like bonded ammunition but modern, well made 9mm rounds should be fine for a sub compact pistol.

Rusty
PS: if you do choose a new Glock 43, I'd suggest the new TruGlo TFX series sights. They are bright and fast to use day or in low light.

 

[Brin]

P-64

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

other Sig P938 SAS

 

[Hammer059]

I voted Glock 43 because:

1) It's a single stack and very concealable AND comfortable

2) Still fun to shoot, therefore you'll be more likely to want to practice with it

3) 9mm is inexpensive, widely available (at least near me), and plenty adequate for SD

4) Personally I prefer Glock over S&W. Nothing wrong with Smith though

I say sell the 26, and get a 43 and a 19. I doubt there's many times you could carry a 26 but not a 19, so why not get the 19? Then when you really need comfort or concealability, you have the 43

 

[StrutStopper]

I voted other. I checked out the shield at a LGS but it didn't float my boat. I picked up a LC9s Pro instead. I haven't carried it yet. I'm typically wearing shorts and a tee shirt now, and I'm not having any difficulty carrying my CZ75D PCR. If I absolutely need something small, the Ruger gets the nod, but the CZ is still my go to carry gun.

 

[guyfromohio]

Walther PPS is my go-to right now. Very accurate and melts away for concealment. If you are getting Glock discounts though, the 43 would be a good one too.

 

[bannockburn]

I voted "Other": my first choice would be a Kahr CM9. If I wanted to go really small I would go with a KelTec P3AT.

 

[snooperman]

All good choices that you have , but for summer carry where I live in the deep South, I carry a Taurus TCP 380 in a pocket.

 

[Gravedigger56]

I don't own any of the mentioned guns so I have to vote "other" also.

For summer I used to carry my P938 IWB but was looking for a true pocket carry gun. My P938 worked ok but was still a little heavy and just a little to large for me to consider it for 100% pocket, deep concealment. For that reason only, I switched to a Kimber Micro Carry. I love how it disappears in my pocket no matter what pants I have on, not too heavy, not too light. Just the right size.

 

[edmo01]

Other...

- GLOCK 19 & 27
- S&W 642 & 640
- Sig 4" 1911

OBTW, I might add my Shield 9mm to the rotation.

Edmo

 

[Lord Teapot]

whichever you have experienced the highest reliability rate with

 

[Wildbillz]

I voted other. I have shot both of the Glocks and like them well enough. If I was going to carry a 380Acp I think I would look at a Ruger LCP. Its small enough that it can be carried in the front pocket of most pants and no one will ever know that you have it. Plus it holds the same number of rounds as the G42 but in a smaller package. Now if I were not worried about caring it in my pocket and would be able to put it in a proper IWB holster? I would opt for the G42. But if I am going to wear a holster, I cam going to carry at least a 9mm. So I would then opt for the G43. It would be nice if it carried one or two more round though.

Just my .02 on it.
WB

 

[mavracer]

If I were you and actually liked a G26 I'd prolly opt for the G42, to me the G43 doesn't make sense as it's the same size and weight as the G26 weight and only a bit thinner.
I'd also suggest looking at the Ruger LC9s pro it's nearly the same size as the G42 and mine is an amazing shooter.
I also have a LCP for those summer days that gym shorts are the fair for the day.

 

[golden]

I would go with the GLOCK 42. I have found it to be a terrific carry gun. On the range, it is more accurate than you would expect for such a small gun. The sights are good and the trigger just right.
I honestly would not consider any single action auto.

Jim

 

[Evil-Twin]

This is my summer carry.. this is also my winter carry... reason? when it comes to defense , you don't have the luxury to think about the weapon your have " That particular Day "... I have lots of carry gun and over the years, I have honed the best personal defense solution for me... I don't want to second guess the guy who might be trying to take my life with body size and level of drug addiction.. so I would not carry anything smaller than a 45 ACP.... I've seen too many reports of drugged up bad guys carrying three 9mm rounds in the chest and still able to get off a few rounds..
So for me, bigger is better , especially at close quarters..

MY EDC summer and winter..



with the same load I use to practice weekly. At my age, its more important to keep your edge on a weekly basis.

Summer carry in the left pocket of my cargo shorts.

 

[gbran]

I have a really hard time concealing in my speedo's.

 

[kokapelli]

I've seen too many reports of drugged up bad guys carrying three 9mm rounds in the chest and still able to get off a few rounds..
So for me, bigger is better , especially at close quarters..
Skid Row

I'be seen the same type of reports with 40 and 45 cal too.

 

[Evil-Twin]

I'be seen the same type of reports with 40 and 45 cal too.

IM not exactly sure what " i'be seen " means.. but if it meant that you saw similar reports with the 40 and 45, then that's great... for you. In my 70 years of life, IM more confident in 45 ACP then any other caliber. That's just for me.. I've put down a few men with a 45 Ball ammo at close quarters and for the most part , they stay down.

IM only offering my very tenured opinion.. but not trying to ram what works for me down anyone's throat... everyone is entitled to their own research and conclusions...
Bill aka ET,, also I apologize to the OP because I did not pick one of his chosen choices...