Posted on 08/13/2010 9:46:25 AM PDT by Pessimist
Hey All!
Seems like a bit of a slow news day, so I thought I'd crank out my first vanity.
I've been shooting for a couple of years now (since around October of '08 - go figure) and I'm looking at getting my CCW. I'd like some opinions of caliber / make and also holster options and ramifications.
And the reason for the implementation of the 1911 in the first place is because of the Phillipine/American war. This conflict happened as America colonized the Phillipines after the Spainish American war. The Army was fighting Phillipine Guirillas named the Morros. These Phillipinos would get all worked up on drugs and charge the American positions. The Officers found that their .38 service revolvers would take multiple shots to put the Moros down. After that, the Army was in search of a round that would have more stopping power.
Two inches is what I train to perform. Don’t always get it but I can hit in regularly on the range in no stress and about 50/50 on speed drills. I stress 2” because most people under stress will increase that radius 2x or even 3x. I figure 6” in close quarters battle will be good enough to hit the heart or head.
If I did force myself to go IWB, I would have to consider a Crossbreed SuperTuck in horsehide. More of a rig than just a holster...could be comfortable.
They are rated very well, have a smooth trigger pull, and since the PT145 is a 45ACP it packs a punch.
I put a ArmaLaser red dot on mine (it is made just for the PT145 front rail) and use 230gr +P Hydra-Shok ammo. It will put down an attacker ASAP.
I like the Taurus Millennium series so much that I just replaced my wife's carry weapon with the PT111 MilPro (9mm). Load that with the 124gr +P Hydra-Shok ammo and she can do what is needed too (my wife is a GREAT shot even under pressure).
The Taurus Millennium series are built very well and are not hard on the wallet. I got mine via one of the auction web sites and saved a ton of money, even with the transfer fees. The PT11 cost me $370 with shipping and all fees while a local store wants $435 just for the pistol alone. An ArmaLaser costs about $175.
I used to carry either a Colt Gold Cup Int’l Match MkIV (top line 1911) or a Dan Wesson 15-2V with a 2” barrel (revolver). They are both great but the Colt is big and the Dan Wesson is thick, being a revolver. The Taurus is a smaller frame and light weight.
I do not work for, or have any financial dealings with Taurus. I just like their prices and quality. I have expensive weapons too but most are too large to carry and I just do not want to fork over over $1000 for a handgun right now; especially since you can find some great ones at a better price point.
No worries. Two inch groups at 10 - 12 feet, no stress *SHOULD* be doable ... with two hands, ‘rapid’ fire.
See you at the range.
For caliber, there is a good discussion here:
The consensus seems to be that there is no proof that any of the major calibers is better than another at stopping a man.
For carry, think light. The smallest gun I can comfortably shoot accurately is a S&W Model 60. I use 38+P ammo because it has a long record of success with 158 grain bullets, and is a little easier on follow-up shots than when loaded with 357 Mags.
But since you seem to like semiautos OK, I’d say you have a choice of several hundred excellent guns in multiple calibers...
If your size makes concealability difficult, you may have to settle on something like a fanny pack. I don't like them myself. Cross draw can be very difficult for those with a large belly, so consider your physical limitations as well
I’ll have to check on of those out at the range.
Sounds just about right for me.
http://gunblast.com/Ruger-LCP.htm
I looked at the site.
Is that circle leather? Almost looks like wood! :)
So if you wear this on the side, don’t you need pansts with a bigger waist?
I should recuse myself from these things, really.
I reload, and shoot a lot. A lot, for free, because I have a life membership at our range. My wife is a Certified Instructor.
We don't miss. Especially at powder burn range. So maybe our situation is not normal...
I have low caliber weapons for the range that I love to shoot a lot and it definitely is cheaper.
I was referring to being in a situation where you need to use it outside a range...my view is that a larger caliber is better than smaller in that situation.
I have the original shoulder holster and cartridge loop holder. It is a Navy pilot version.
I have been looking at the Taurus 24/7 Compact in .45. I like the rubber grips like on my Judge and the 12+1 capacity is nice. Anybody have any experience with this?
I have a belt holster - likewise, Navy pilot issue (my grandfather was on a carrier on WWII, and got it from a pilot). But IMO it was meant for external carry, not concealed - that big honkin' hammer would catch too easily on clothing.
btw...picked these up for the Judge...they are great and really well made.
http://www.5starfirearms.com/44_45_5shot.html
I agree. It was over the neck and shoulder over the flight suit. Only problem with it is that it isn’t a +P capable one, otherwise it’s tight, accurate and damn well made.
http://www.bersafirearmsusa.com/bersa-firearms/thunder-380-concealed-carry.html
Bersa Thunder 380 cc
I have a standard Thunder 380 and the cc version is a bit more tapered and comes with a holster.
It’s helpful to me to have two guns that don’t create two learning curves for me.
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