Floppy_D
Member In Memoriam
I've been carrying for less than 5 years. My first carry gun (and my first handgun) was a P229 in 40S&W, because I absolutely loved the way it shot, and I shot it well. That worked for a while, but it was heavy for it's size, and hard to carry. Also, I had limited play-money at the time, wanted to own a couple different guns, and felt the need to change.
I moved to a Gov't size 1911, and found it to be a dream to shoot. It was a little easier to carry, but seemed so big. I just couldn't get comfortable with it's size. I sprung for a good carry belt and a Crossbreed Supertuck (which helped immensely, that might be my favorite holster yet), but it still felt like I was carrying a Trapper Keeper in my pants.
I moved to a Taurus Model 85 Ultra-Lite, which I still carry frequently. I shoot it adequately out to 5 or 7 yds (as far as I intend to shoot in a defensive situation outside my home). I almost never moved beyond this point, and still love it. Truth is, it's not a whole lot of fun to shoot on regular range trips, and the only handgun I have much interest in at the range is whatever my primary carry is at the time. I wanted something that would be a bit more fun to shoot... which means more practice and ultimately would breed proficiency over time. Nonetheless, the 85 is a tool to get the job done, that can go with me no matter what.
Recently, I acquired my first polymer, an XD9 compact. It carries well (at less weight than any auto I've ever carried) and ergonomically, fits very well. It points well, and despite my initial adversity to plastic, it's the right tool I was looking for.
I don't think I'm completely done looking, as I like wheelguns and leather, but for now I'm content... between the Model 85 and the XD9.
The question: What's your carry progression? What did you start with, and why? Why did you change, if at all? I hope this to be a discussion on specific firearms; which gun and for what reason, rather than a caliber battle (unless, you chose your carry gun specifically to accomodate a particular caliber, which makes sense.) Where did you start and where did you end up... and why?
I moved to a Gov't size 1911, and found it to be a dream to shoot. It was a little easier to carry, but seemed so big. I just couldn't get comfortable with it's size. I sprung for a good carry belt and a Crossbreed Supertuck (which helped immensely, that might be my favorite holster yet), but it still felt like I was carrying a Trapper Keeper in my pants.
I moved to a Taurus Model 85 Ultra-Lite, which I still carry frequently. I shoot it adequately out to 5 or 7 yds (as far as I intend to shoot in a defensive situation outside my home). I almost never moved beyond this point, and still love it. Truth is, it's not a whole lot of fun to shoot on regular range trips, and the only handgun I have much interest in at the range is whatever my primary carry is at the time. I wanted something that would be a bit more fun to shoot... which means more practice and ultimately would breed proficiency over time. Nonetheless, the 85 is a tool to get the job done, that can go with me no matter what.
Recently, I acquired my first polymer, an XD9 compact. It carries well (at less weight than any auto I've ever carried) and ergonomically, fits very well. It points well, and despite my initial adversity to plastic, it's the right tool I was looking for.
I don't think I'm completely done looking, as I like wheelguns and leather, but for now I'm content... between the Model 85 and the XD9.
The question: What's your carry progression? What did you start with, and why? Why did you change, if at all? I hope this to be a discussion on specific firearms; which gun and for what reason, rather than a caliber battle (unless, you chose your carry gun specifically to accomodate a particular caliber, which makes sense.) Where did you start and where did you end up... and why?