{Gun} Need some advice.

[vtelvr]

Gun guys, suggest me a good carry weapon. After an event today that I will likely NEVER forget, I need a firearm that I can carry AT ALL TIMES. I cannot discuss details at this time, but when I can, I will. Lets just say that I witnessed some crazy shit today, and had I a weapon, could have at least helped the investigation...by maiming the suspect to where he couldn't get away so fast.


Keep in mind that I normally wear cargo shorts, and a shirt, sometimes tucked in. Weapon and carry options are appreciated.

[C5Nate]

Either of these guns S&W 38 Bodyguard

http://www.tactical-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/smith-wesson-bodyguards.jpg


With this holster

Concealment Holster Review: SmartCarry Holster - YouTube

[vtelvr]

Either of these guns S&W 38 Bodyguard

http://www.tactical-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/smith-wesson-bodyguards.jpg


With this holster

Concealment Holster Review: SmartCarry Holster - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfW0bBgnSFw)

Any idea what I would look to pay for that weapon?

[C5Nate]

Any idea what I would look to pay for that weapon?



Around $450.00

[Torqaholic]

All use of firearms is considered deadly force by the authorities. Purposely shooting to wound is not allowed.

[C5Nate]

...by maiming the suspect to where he couldn't get away so fast.




All use of firearms is considered deadly force by the authorities. Purposely shooting to wound is not allowed.

:iagree:


Maiming is missing the target. Unless you maim first to stop or slow down for the kill shot. :seasix:

[vtelvr]

:iagree:


Maiming is missing the target. Unless you maim first to stop or slow down for the kill shot. :seasix:

You guys are right, but when there are three of them, and one of me, I'll shoot to the best of my ability. Which happens to be pretty damn good, so I'll shoot to kill, but likely would have been able to retain a suspect for questioning.

[Torqaholic]

Only 3? Lucky you, it's usually 4 of them on my case :rofl:
I like the Springfield XD9-SC. It's accurate, fast, and reliable.

Here's a review -
Springfield XD9 SC - Shooting & Review - YouTube

Carry methods are very personalized. You need to work that out for yourself. It takes some time and effort but once you find the perfect solution you'll know it.

[Sea Six]

I'm not entirely sure, because you haven't provided much detail, but it doesn't sound like you would have been in a good position to use a firearm if you had had it with you today.

Treat the concealed carry weapon as you would a fire extinguisher. It is there to provide a path to safety for you and your loved ones. It is NOT there to use to start enforcing the law. If you start doing stuff like that you are opening yourself up to a whole host of problems.

The world can be a terrible, dangerous place, and true evil is out there doing unspeakable things to other people. Your getting involved on a level that you have suggested, and quite possibly in a manner that could put you in jail or at least make you forfeit a huge chunk of everything you have ever worked for, doesn't really do you any good.

Ask yourself if you really, truly want to start enforcing the law. If the answer is yes, then you need to go to the law enforcement academy, pass the state exam, go through the rigorous hiring process, get hired and pass field training.

:seasix:

[69camfrk]

Only 3? Lucky you, it's usually 4 of them on my case :rofl:
I like the Springfield XD9-SC. It's accurate, fast, and reliable.

Here's a review -
Springfield XD9 SC - Shooting & Review - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0UDiZ_VQzo)

Carry methods are very personalized. You need to work that out for yourself. It takes some time and effort but once you find the perfect solution you'll know it.

Definitely not a bad choice there. I would choose it over the Ruger's. My buddy has one and loves it. Hell, you can put it in your pocket and no one would know. I believe his is a .45. Can't go wrong with that kind of stopping power.:seasix:

[vtelvr]

I'm not entirely sure, because you haven't provided much detail, but it doesn't sound like you would have been in a good position to use a firearm if you had had it with you today.

Treat the concealed carry weapon as you would a fire extinguisher. It is there to provide a path to safety for you and your loved ones. It is NOT there to use to start enforcing the law. If you start doing stuff like that you are opening yourself up to a whole host of problems.

The world can be a terrible, dangerous place, and true evil is out there doing unspeakable things to other people. Your getting involved on a level that you have suggested, and quite possibly in a manner that could put you in jail or at least make you forfeit a huge chunk of everything you have ever worked for, doesn't really do you any good.

Ask yourself if you really, truly want to start enforcing the law. If the answer is yes, then you need to go to the law enforcement academy, pass the state exam, go through the rigorous hiring process, get hired and pass field training.

:seasix:

You are correct. If I had a firearm today, I wouldn't have used it. Too many obstructions/dangers all around. However this inicident happened not too far from my office that I am at 40 hours a week. I have no idea if the guys were local, or from another area of town. I drive a bright orange camaro that has now been posted all over the news. The suspects are still out there, and I know its a long shot, but could be keeping their eyes out for me.

I want to start carrying a firearm for future protection if the SHTF. Plus with my very early start time for work, I am in the area at a very un-populated time of the day. If something happened, and I couldn't at least try to defend myself, I may not stand a chance. That is why I want to start carrying. Not to become a cop...that shit ain't for me.

[Cybercowboy]

S&W M&P Shield in 9mm is a nice carry piece, it has a safety and holds 9 rounds in a single-stack configuration, meaning it is very thin and it is also very light. They are around $500 or less.

Glock 19 holds 16 rounds if I remember correctly, no external safety, it is a very popular carry weapon but it is a little harder to conceal. They are around $550 or so if you can find one. The Glock 26 is a baby version of the Glock 19, and holds 13 rounds with the +2 magazine extension.

If you've never shot a semi-auto pistol you may want to consider a revolver. The small conceal carry revolvers often only hold 5 rounds, and that isn't a lot of fire power.

My current carry weapon is a Sig P938, which is a single-stack 9mm in a 1911-type configuration (although it does not have a grip safety.) It does have an ambidexterous safety and is single action only, meaning you carry it cocked and locked. It is very concealable. I recommend the SAS model (Sig Anti-Snag.) It will set you back around $700 however.

[C5Nate]

Just one last piece of advice.

Revolvers do not have a safety on them.

If you are new to CC, a gun with a safety on it is probably a good idea.

[Sea Six]

I do not recommend a gun with a safety on it for concealed carry.

The only exception I place on that is a 1911 variant.

[longhorn341]

I carry a Glock 36, .45 ACP 6 +1, in a Crossbreed Supertuck (horsehide) IWB holster. I carry it often wearing cargo shorts here in warm, sunny Florida.

[C5Nate]

The only exception I place on that is a 1911 variant.


Since revolvers dont have safetys and (most) 1911's do, I agree.

[Mirroredshades]

Ruger LCP.

:seasix:

[xXBUDXx]

I carry a Glock 36, .45 ACP 6 +1, in a Crossbreed Supertuck (horsehide) IWB holster. I carry it often wearing cargo shorts here in warm, sunny Florida.

Same manufacturer, different model, same holster*. I like the fire extinguisher analogy.

If you want to try out a few different weapons, holla at me. :seasix:



*Disclaimer- the afore mentioned weapons, holsters and associated ammo were lost in a tragic boating accident and are unrecoverable. This post is complete satire and shall bear no resemblance to any person living or nonliving.

[73sbVert]

I carry the smallest, lightest 9mm that was on the market, KelTec PF-9. Added smoother trigger and polished the moving parts.

7+1, JHP, 15oz loaded. Conceals anywhere.

[VITE1]

Go to a range that rents guns and pick a few to try. Then when you settle on something you are comfortable using and handling in a stressful situation buy it.

Then take classes in the proper use ( and when NOT to use) a firearm. And practice monthly.

With Rights come responsibility. You have the Right to carry a gun, you have the responsibility to do so within the law and without causing harm to the innocent.

[LisaJohn]

I'm liking my new S&W38 model 642. It's lightweight and hammerless. Paid $399.99 +tax in January. I waited over 2 months to get it. John, the salesman and a NRA certified friend that teaches and several others advised me not to get a weapon with a safety. Their reasoning was that I didn't need to be trying to find the safety or turn on a laser in case of emergency.

[TripleBlack]

I'm not entirely sure, because you haven't provided much detail, but it doesn't sound like you would have been in a good position to use a firearm if you had had it with you today.

Treat the concealed carry weapon as you would a fire extinguisher. It is there to provide a path to safety for you and your loved ones. It is NOT there to use to start enforcing the law. If you start doing stuff like that you are opening yourself up to a whole host of problems.

The world can be a terrible, dangerous place, and true evil is out there doing unspeakable things to other people. Your getting involved on a level that you have suggested, and quite possibly in a manner that could put you in jail or at least make you forfeit a huge chunk of everything you have ever worked for, doesn't really do you any good.

Ask yourself if you really, truly want to start enforcing the law. If the answer is yes, then you need to go to the law enforcement academy, pass the state exam, go through the rigorous hiring process, get hired and pass field training.

:seasix:

That is some outstanding advice. :seasix:

Strongly consider getting some training right away, and don't just learn how to shoot (EDIT: I see you are already accomplished here - sorry, RIF. The next part still applies.); learn how not to. In a self defense scenario, if you shoot, you do so to stop a threat, not to wound, maim, or kill.

Sorry to sound 'preachy' -- sounds like you've found yourself in a nasty spot. Lots of good advise in this thread on weapons. Hope you find something that works for you and that you never "need" it. :cert:

[69camfrk]

I'm liking my new S&W38 model 642. It's lightweight and hammerless. Paid $399.99 +tax in January. I waited over 2 months to get it. John, the salesman and a NRA certified friend that teaches and several others advised me not to get a weapon with a safety. Their reasoning was that I didn't need to be trying to find the safety or turn on a laser in case of emergency.

I have one too with the integrated crimson trace sight. BTW, it does too have a hammer, it's just internal!!!!:D:leaving:

[Chris Fowler]

Love my S&W Shield. I've got the .40. The 9mm is really nice too.

Friend of mine has a Springfield XDS .45 ACP. Very nice too.

My wife has a Ruger LC9. I'm not a fan of the trigger. It's one of the longest pulls I've ever tried. Other than the trigger, though, it shoots OK.

I'm a fan of single stack for concealed carry because of size. Mostly because I have to pocket carry because of the way I dress for work.

If you can carry inside the waistband (IWB) you have more options.

[Chris Fowler]

I do not recommend a gun with a safety on it for concealed carry.

The only exception I place on that is a 1911 variant.
Do you recommend carrying chambered and no safety?

If I'm going to carry chambered I either want a safety or a really long trigger pull. And I hate really long trigger pulls, so I carry with a safety.

I'm assuming your reason for not wanting a safety is because of the likelihood of forgetting to turn it off.

I have forced myself to drill drawing and turning the safety off as a single action trying to make it natural action.

Personal preference because I'm new to carrying. After I become more comfortable I may move to a gun without a safety or carry with my safety off.

[Sea Six]

Do you recommend carrying chambered and no safety?

If I'm going to carry chambered I either want a safety or a really long trigger pull. And I hate really long trigger pulls, so I carry with a safety.

I'm assuming your reason for not wanting a safety is because of the likelihood of forgetting to turn it off.

I have forced myself to drill drawing and turning the safety off as a single action trying to make it natural action.

Personal preference because I'm new to carrying. After I become more comfortable I may move to a gun without a safety or carry with my safety off.

Yes, I recommend carrying with a round in the chamber and no external safety (again, the exception is with a 1911 variant), for the reason you have mentioned.

If you're carrying a modern gun (say, built in the last ten years, probably even older than that) you should be ok carrying a round chambered and without a safety if the gun was designed to be carried like that. Most, but not all modern, quality-made guns are ok to be carried like this - check with the manufacturer.

If you're new to carrying and you are uncomfortable with the idea of a round in the chamber and either having a gun without an external safety, or a gun with the safety off, then try this: carry the gun in the concealed manner you plan to wear it, with no round in the chamber but with the gun in a "ready to fire" condition as if there were a round in the chamber. MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT WHILE YOU'RE DOING THIS, THERE IS NO AMMUNITION ANYWHERE ON YOUR PERSON OR IN THE GUN - INCLUDING THE MAGAZINE. Check the gun as often as you like to see if the trigger has been pulled to cause the gun to have fired, had there been a round in the chamber. When you're completely satisfied that the gun isn't going to go off accidentally, start carrying with a full magazine and a round in the chamber.

By adding steps to put the gun in a firing condition, you decrease the likelihood that you will be able to shoot when you need to. Most self-defense shootings happen under conditions where you have very, very little time to draw and fire. Modern firearms are designed with multiple safety mechanisms in place to prevent accidental and negligent discharges provided they are carried properly and handled properly.

Here's an example:

"Wait a second, Mr. Badguy. Let me draw my weapon. Wait a second, Mr. Badguy. Let me insert a magazine. Hold ON a second, Mr. Badguy! Let me put a round in the chamber. Will you just hold your horses, Mr. Badguy? Let me take the safety off. Jeez! You're so impatient, Mr. Badguy! Will you just wait a second and let me aim the gun at you?

Ok. NOW I'm ready, Mr. Badguy. Attack me!"

How many of the above steps can be eliminated by using a modern firearm, one with no external safety, that is designed to be (and in fact is... by millions of people for the past several years) safely carried in a ready-to-fire condition?

[Chris Fowler]

Yes, I recommend carrying with a round in the chamber and no external safety (again, the exception is with a 1911 variant), for the reason you have mentioned.

If you're carrying a modern gun (say, built in the last ten years, probably even older than that) you should be ok carrying a round chambered and without a safety if the gun was designed to be carried like that. Most, but not all modern, quality-made guns are ok to be carried like this - check with the manufacturer.

If you're new to carrying and you are uncomfortable with the idea of a round in the chamber and either having a gun without an external safety, or a gun with the safety off, then try this: carry the gun in the concealed manner you plan to wear it, with no round in the chamber but with the gun in a "ready to fire" condition as if there were a round in the chamber. MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT WHILE YOU'RE DOING THIS, THERE IS NO AMMUNITION ANYWHERE ON YOUR PERSON OR IN THE GUN - INCLUDING THE MAGAZINE. Check the gun as often as you like to see if the trigger has been pulled to cause the gun to have fired, had there been a round in the chamber. When you're completely satisfied that the gun isn't going to go off accidentally, start carrying with a full magazine and a round in the chamber.

By adding steps to put the gun in a firing condition, you decrease the likelihood that you will be able to shoot when you need to. Most self-defense shootings happen under conditions where you have very, very little time to draw and fire. Modern firearms are designed with multiple safety mechanisms in place to prevent accidental and negligent discharges provided they are carried properly and handled properly.

Here's an example:

"Wait a second, Mr. Badguy. Let me draw my weapon. Wait a second, Mr. Badguy. Let me insert a magazine. Hold ON a second, Mr. Badguy! Let me put a round in the chamber. Will you just hold your horses, Mr. Badguy? Let me take the safety off. Jeez! You're so impatient, Mr. Badguy! Will you just wait a second and let me aim the gun at you?

Ok. NOW I'm ready, Mr. Badguy. Attack me!"

How many of the above steps can be eliminated by using a modern firearm, one with no external safety, that is designed to be (and in fact is... by millions of people for the past several years) safely carried in a ready-to-fire condition?
I'm not really concerned with the gun going off on it's own. My concern is with me doing something stupid like putting my finger on the trigger too early when drawing.

It is somewhat irrational, I know that. Just what I'm comfortable with at this point.

I also know the bigger issue is for people who carry different pistols at different times and knowing exactly where the safety is on whatever gun they're carrying at the time.

[FasterTraffic]

I also know the bigger issue is for people who carry different pistols at different times and knowing exactly where the safety is on whatever gun they're carrying at the time.

There is a strong case for not doing that just for the reason you listed. Most automatics can be had in multiple calibers and frame sizes. Using H&K as an example, you can switch back and forth between a USP9 Compact and a USP45 full-size and the controls are all the same and in the same place.

[Sea Six]

I'm not really concerned with the gun going off on it's own. My concern is with me doing something stupid like putting my finger on the trigger too early when drawing.

It is somewhat irrational, I know that. Just what I'm comfortable with at this point.

I also know the bigger issue is for people who carry different pistols at different times and knowing exactly where the safety is on whatever gun they're carrying at the time.

Well, the main thing is that you're carrying, and you're practicing using that safety. :cheers:

You need to draw it about 5,000 times, each time clicking the safety off as you raise it up, and clicking it back on as you bring your arm back down and reholster. Make sure that all ammo is out of the gun and preferably locked in another room as you practice.

Then, do it another 5,000 times.

And maybe another eight or ten times just for good measure.

If you use a gun with a safety, it must be second nature to disengage and reengage it.

But really, you need to do whatever it takes to get over your uncomfortable feeling about carrying a gun that doesn't have an external safety. Millions of people have been carrying guns designed for safe concealed carry for many, many years with no problems.

Also, keep in mind that while the safety is off, you still have the exact same problem with keeping your finger (or anything else) from firing that weapon unintentionally. Seems to me that overall, you'd be better off dealing with whatever's preventing you from carrying a non-external safety weapon and not have accidental discharges.

[Fastguy]

:

You need to draw it about 5,000 times, each time clicking the safety off as you raise it up, and clicking it back on as you bring your arm back down and reholster. Make sure that all ammo is out of the gun and preferably locked in another room as you practice.

Then, do it another 5,000 times.

And maybe another eight or ten times just for good measure.

.

I know you are reading this thinking he is exaggerating, but he is not. What you need to do is instill muscle memory, second nature.
Personally, I like S&W J-frame revolvers. Long trigger pull, but not overly heavy.

[Chris Fowler]

I know you are reading this thinking he is exaggerating, but he is not. What you need to do is instill muscle memory, second nature.
Personally, I like S&W J-frame revolvers. Long trigger pull, but not overly heavy.
I know he's not. It's actually something I've spent a lot of time on and will spend a lot more on.

I've made it to the point where it's actually a conscious effort to not flip the safety off when I remove the gun from my pocket at the end of the day.

But I know that's not enough. I spend significant time weekly working on that muscle memory (with the magazine and all ammo in another room).

I know there's additional risk, but at this time I feel I have to take it.

Someday that will likely change.

[Sea Six]

I know you are reading this thinking he is exaggerating, but he is not. What you need to do is instill muscle memory, second nature.
Personally, I like S&W J-frame revolvers. Long trigger pull, but not overly heavy.

I love SW J frames. They are an ideal choice for concealed carry. I have a 340PD that I consider one of my finest guns I trust my life to implicitly.

[C5Nate]

Their reasoning was that I didn't need to be trying to find the safety or turn on a laser in case of emergency.


Its personal preference but I think his reasoning is flawed.

If you have to try to find the safety, then you have not been practicing enough. They are placed where your thumb naturally falls. Even if you do forget, its only a fraction of a second to click off.


All you have to do to turn on a laser sight is to grab the gun naturally. The switching mechanism turns it on when you grab it.


If I can get myself out of a situation with my gun without pulling the trigger I will be better off. A laser point on your chest will often stop the bad guy in his tracks.


I always shot at the range without the laser just to make sure that I dont rely on it.

[Chris Fowler]

Its personal preference but I think his reasoning is flawed.

If you have to try to find the safety, then you have not been practicing enough. They are placed where your thumb naturally falls. Even if you do forget, its only a fraction of a second to click off.


All you have to do to turn on a laser sight is to grab the gun naturally. The switching mechanism turns it on when you grab it.


If I can get myself out of a situation with my gun without pulling the trigger I will be better off. A laser point on your chest will often stop the bad guy in his tracks.


I always shot at the range without the laser just to make sure that I dont rely on it.
Some lasers require actually pushing a separate button to activate rather than just using your natural grip.

My issue with a laser is that you are taught and work to train yourself to look at the front sight when you shoot, but a laser requires you to focus on your target.

I can see the psychological advantage, but the practical use is nil to me.

[Sea Six]

I'll point out that any and all psychological benefits are likely lost on the insane, those under the influence of substances, adrenaline-fueled revenge seekers and someone who is just bound and determined to hurt or kill you in an attack.

Probably work just fine on rationally-thinking citizens, though. Although, I'm not certain just how likely a rationally-thinking person would be to attack you.

Bottom line is that if you are in a situation where you need to use deadly force, which is why you are carrying a gun in the first place, you probably won't have much time to spend exhausting options such as psychological deterrents. Besides, if you do, and it doesn't work, you might not get a second chance.

[C5Nate]

My issue with a laser is that you are taught and work to train yourself to look at the front sight when you shoot, but a laser requires you to focus on your target.

I can see the psychological advantage, but the practical use is nil to me.

Focusing on your target is a bad thing?


I'll point out that any and all psychological benefits are likely lost on the insane, those under the influence of substances, adrenaline-fueled revenge seekers and someone who is just bound and determined to hurt or kill you in an attack.

Probably work just fine on law-abiding citizens, though.

Bottom line is that if you are in a situation where you need to use deadly force, which is why you are carrying a gun in the first place, you probably won't have much time to spend exhausting options such as psychological deterrents. Besides, if you do, and it doesn't work, you might not get a second chance.


Pulling the trigger on the insane, those under the influence of substances, adrenaline-fueled revenge seekers and someone who is just bound and determined to hurt or kill you in an attack is probably your only option.


The psychological benefits of the laser on your common street thug whom the average person is likely to encounter is still viable.

I have no issues pulling the trigger if I fell threatened. But if I can avoid all the legal hassle of pulling the trigger, I will do this.

[Sea Six]

IMHO it probably won't make any difference if you have a laser on your gun or not, so long as you don't get distracted from the decision to use deadly force by trying to just use the laser by itself... assuming it's automatically activated and doesn't have a separate switch.

Personally I'd rather not have the extra 0.1 oz of weight and whatever volume of space the device might add to the carry weapon.

YMMV.

[vtelvr]

Headed to my local gun shop. Going to take a look at some of the firearms suggested here. Won't purchase one today, just want some touchy-feely time then some range time, before I lay down the cash. Thanks everyone:cheers:

[Sea Six]

The best carry gun for you is one that you can shoot accurately and are willing to carry often.

There is no one single right answer for any gun-related issue, since we are all different. That goes for laser sights as well. :funny:

[BADRACR1]

For a small carry I have a Kahr CM9 with a Galco IWB holster. Six + 1, 9mm, about $399 new. You can add an extended mag and pick up one round if you feel necessary. Since I bought the Kimber Pro Carry I have been using it in an IWB holster. With the McCormick mags it's eight+1 of .45 stopping power.

[Jeff '79]

The best carry gun for you is one that you can shoot accurately and are willing to carry often.

There is no one single right answer for any gun-related issue, since we are all different. That goes for laser sights as well. :funny:

:iagree:

I have a Ruger LC-9 that I carry and that I'm relatively good with, accuracy wise.
I really like my wife's S&W .357 640 Pro though.

I carry the Ruger with Laser-Max, but don't use the laser.

[vtelvr]

For a small carry I have a Kahr CM9 with a Galco IWB holster. Six + 1, 9mm, about $399 new. You can add an extended mag and pick up one round if you feel necessary. Since I bought the Kimber Pro Carry I have been using it in an IWB holster. With the McCormick mags it's eight+1 of .45 stopping power.


Funny you mention the CM9...my local gun shop has a Kahr CM40 on consignment for a VERY reasonable price. This gun:

Kahr CW40 - Style # CW4043, Kahr Arms Pistols (http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-CW40.asp)

More than $125 off suggested retail.

I really liked the way it felt, love the fact that it is a .40, and the price above all!

[73sbVert]

Funny you mention the CM9...my local gun shop has a Kahr CM40 on consignment for a VERY reasonable price. This gun:

Kahr CW40 - Style # CW4043, Kahr Arms Pistols (http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-CW40.asp)

More than $125 off suggested retail.

I really liked the way it felt, love the fact that it is a .40, and the price above all!
Shoot it first though! Every Kahr I've shot was so snappy, hurt my wrist to shoot it even only after a few rounds.
:(

The .40S&W is a pretty snappy round anyway

[Flatbush Harry]

My warm weather CCW is a S&W 642, my standard cold-weather CCW is a modded Colt Mk IV, ser. '70, rebuilt by James Hoag, both loaded with Hornady Critical Defense factory ammo.

Oh, and I practice regularly...it's a responsibility if you're going to carry. Also, spend time discussing with your lawyer since, if you ever shoot anybody, you're going to spend a lot of time in criminal and civil court. I'm very serious on this point...you'd best be able to prove you were in imminent danger of death, if not, leave the gun holstered.

No shit.

Harry, very serious

[vtelvr]

Shoot it first though! Every Kahr I've shot was so snappy, hurt my wrist to shoot it even only after a few rounds.
:(

The .40S&W is a pretty snappy round anyway

Good to know. Hell, even out 9mm that we shoot fairly regularly starts to hurt after the 400th or so round. However, something I depend on with my life, I HAVE to be comfortable with.

My warm weather CCW is a S&W 642, my standard cold-weather CCW is a modded Colt Mk IV, ser. '70, rebuilt by James Hoag, both loaded with Hornady Critical Defense factory ammo.

Oh, and I practice regularly...it's a responsibility if you're going to carry. Also, spend time discussing with your lawyer since, if you ever shoot anybody, you're going to spend a lot of time in criminal and civil court. I'm very serious on this point...you'd best be able to prove you were in imminent danger of death, if not, leave the gun holstered.

No shit.

Harry, very serious

Very true Harry. Always welcome insight, and yours above most.:cheers:

Like the situation that I was in Friday, I wouldn't have shot unless there was no other way to keep me alive. Just not the place for it. I would have shot had I a weapon and proof that I was going to lose my life otherwise.



This whole thing isn't me becoming a gun/firearm Rambo. This is and will only be a last ditch effort to keep myself alive and well for my wife and family. I know its not a toy, nor a show and tell piece. Even without the training I plan to go through, I do have a level enough head to know when and when not to pull it.

[vtelvr]

I did handle a couple wheel guns today...not my thing. Could'nt get a comfortable grip on it anyway I tried. I had to leave my feeling of not having my pinky on the stock at home...moving towards a compact/sub compact frame for carry purposes made that something I will have to train harder to get used to. Necessary evil.

[Jeff '79]

I did handle a couple wheel guns today...not my thing. Could'nt get a comfortable grip on it anyway I tried. I had to leave my feeling of not having my pinky on the stock at home...moving towards a compact/sub compact frame for carry purposes made that something I will have to train harder to get used to. Necessary evil.

I have the one on top. My entire hand fits on the grip. It's the .357 S&W 640 Pro. We usually fire .38 special out of it though. There is virtually no recoil using .38 and it's dead nuts on at 21ft.
This is my wife's gun, but I may just have to "acquire" it, as I like it so much.

http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af113/jeff79/Guns%20%20Ammo/Side-by-Side.jpg

[vtelvr]

Jeff, I held a .38SP today...felt too small, plus the width of the wheel kinda threw me off if I were going to carry it. I did like the way the sub compacts felt in my hand in a single stack mag form. What's right for someone else, isn't for others...all personal preference. I just want something that I feel good holding and firing, plus something that I can depend on.

[Sea Six]

I added some three-finger wood grips to replace the stock rubber two-finger ones that came with my SW340pd.

I carry .357 Magnums and shoot them regularly at the range, so I know I'm accurate with it.

[vtelvr]

I added some three-finger wood grips to replace the stock rubber two-finger ones that came with my SW340pd.

I carry .357 Magnums and shoot them regularly at the range, so I know I'm accurate with it.

See...this is what is so Greek to me. I know, like any other hobby, you can modify your stuff...I guess I just don't have enough experience to start changing things on my gun that I have currently. Plus, some of the firearms you guys talk about all the time are WELL above what I can justify spending...especially if it is not necessary...

[Sea Six]

See...this is what is so Greek to me. I know, like any other hobby, you can modify your stuff...I guess I just don't have enough experience to start changing things on my gun that I have currently. Plus, some of the firearms you guys talk about all the time are WELL above what I can justify spending...especially if it is not necessary...

Relax... you're doing just fine.

:seasix:

[Torqaholic]

...I guess I just don't have enough experience to start changing things on my gun that I have currently. ...

What gun would that be?

[Jeff '79]

Jeff, I held a .38SP today...felt too small, plus the width of the wheel kinda threw me off if I were going to carry it. I did like the way the sub compacts felt in my hand in a single stack mag form. What's right for someone else, isn't for others...all personal preference. I just want something that I feel good holding and firing, plus something that I can depend on.

Ya, I agree. Personal preference is key.
I actually put a slip on grip onto my LC-9 because it was too skinny. I have big hands.

http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af113/jeff79/Guns%20%20Ammo/DSC05655_zps9f45a4fd.jpg

[BADRACR1]

Originally Posted by 73sbVert
Shoot it first though! Every Kahr I've shot was so snappy, hurt my wrist to shoot it even only after a few rounds. The .40S&W is a pretty snappy round anyway.

[QUOTE=vtelvr;940659]Good to know. Hell, even out 9mm that we shoot fairly regularly starts to hurt after the 400th or so round. However, something I depend on with my life, I HAVE to be comfortable with.QUOTE]




.

I agree if possible to shoot as many as you can. if you don't like it you won't be comfortable with it. Any small weapon will be a little snappy. You just have to grip them a little tighter. I carried a G19 til I got the CM9. I love mine. First pull is long, but smooth, and it resets quickly. It's small and easy enough to conceal that I can carry it with a tshirt IWB. I usually put a hundred through it on a range trip without any complaints and I have carpal tunnel in both wrists. Like the above post I added a Hogue grip to in. Pads it and makes it a little thicker.

[Jeff '79]

What gun would that be?

:waiting:

[vtelvr]

What gun would that be?

Sorry guys...I went to another forum, looking for ways to spend even more money...Now my head hurts. I have a S&W SW9VE. A simple, cheap little plinker that my wife is VERY comfortable with. Hell, she even out shoots me sometimes at the range with it. The only thing I dislike about that gun is the trigger, but to level with you, I do like it because you have to MEAN to pull the trigger. It is a little rough, and could probably be smoothed out, but it works for us in its current form.

[Sea Six]

Sorry guys...I went to another forum, looking for ways to spend even more money...Now my head hurts. I have a S&W SW9VE. A simple, cheap little plinker that my wife is VERY comfortable with. Hell, she even out shoots me sometimes at the range with it. The only thing I dislike about that gun is the trigger, but to level with you, I do like it because you have to MEAN to pull the trigger. It is a little rough, and could probably be smoothed out, but it works for us in its current form.

See post #51.

You don't have to figure everything out by the end of this week.



:cheers:

[vtelvr]

See post #51.

You don't have to figure everything out by the end of this week.



:cheers:

And I am in no hurry. I do appreciate all of the help! Once I make a decision and lay some $$ down, I will post up some pictures. I PM'd Bud to see what he has, and if he is free for some range time soon. Maybe he loses another to a tragic boating accident??:leaving: