Posted on 09/05/2010 10:46:02 AM PDT by JoeProBono
What you are about to read is my take on the best concealed carry handguns, which you will find commented on tens of thousands of times elsewhere. But this is my site and it's my turn. These conclusions are based on my experience with these pistols, shooting and carrying them in various situations.
-My evaluation is based on "shootability" first, the ease with which the gun can be drawn, sighted and fired. -Second I considered caliber-the amount of power the bullet will strike with. -Third I considered size-the ease with which the best concealed carry handguns can be carried without them being inadvertently noticed by passersby. -Fourth I considered magazine capacity-the number of bullets you have in case something extreme goes down. In spite of all the internet commando gibberish about normal citizens needing extra magazines, backup guns, etc., I considered this one realistically to be least important.
I based the evaluations on how I dress casually in both summer and winter and different situations in which I might carry. I carry in casual clothes always, but not in my dress clothes, though I normally have a gun nearby somewhere. I may carry a different gun in the woods where I exercise than when walking around town or shopping. I have used broad strokes to describe what I do and why I chose these best concealed carry handguns, but I have a tendency to think this evaluation more closely represents most average citizens than some of the online Rambos.
Carry #1: All things considered, carrying this gun under the widest range of conditions, under all types of clothes, in all kinds of weather, in a briefcase, under the seat, the gun that goes with me most often is a GLOCK 23 .40 S&W. This gun replaces the G22 that sat in this spot for 3 years. The reason it now replaces the former champ is simply its more concealable size along with similar inherent accuracy. The GLOCK 23 has proven itself on the range and in the dependability category like all GLOCKS. It is now the gun that is carried daily when I can wear casual clothes and wear a belt or IWB holster. Shooting the gun is a pleasure with the same TruGlo TFO night sights that go on all my GLOCKS. The picture below did not have to be replaced because I carry this gun in exactly the same holster and the same way as the G22. It just conceals a bit better with all the other advantages of a GLOCK the same.....
I too will stick with my S&W642 .38spl+p
My private evaluation always comes up with a double action revolver of a suitable calibre.
Kahr PM9 or PM40. Fits my hand. Great group size. About as small as it can get. Holster: SmartCarry, or 5.11 Tactical Holster Shirt V-Neck. The shirt is spandex and fits great, but it is too warm for summer. SmartCarry is a very high quality product.
If I were to choose concealed carry, I would go for a Wallet Gun.
http://orangecountyshields.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/walletgunalert.jpg
I knew there was a reason to like you Joe :)
In summary it does the job but I would rather use the “magnum” version the 10mm.
Original carry pistol was the G29 with tritium sights, now that is only when on the m/c.
current bicycle and go-everywhere is the Taurus Titanium PT609 Pro 13+1 and the ammo is greater than 50% of the total weight. Modern ammo makes the argument of caliber almost moot. Though I wish Taurus would make something in the PT that fires the centimeter.
Agree that the HK USP Compact is a dependable workhorse. My current project is to convert a 40S&W into a true 10mm. It was dang near impossible to find someone willing to drill the barrel because of the liability. The slide ejection port was easy to cut, and springs could be made. Trouble is finding a magazine that can be modified reliably to finish it up.
I carry the PM9 too.
Got a I/O custom holster from DM Bullard in Texas-—light as a dream, sweet set-up all around.
The Kahr shoots straight for me and no misfires or jams, knock wood. But you definitely want to put a few boxes through it to loosen it up.
Thanks for the post.
Good review.....especially the part where you watch her change her shirt in the reflection on the dial soap bottle........
Yep, the 5.11 “shoot me first” look. Toss in a pair of Wiley X, Merrill boots, and the obligatory Spyderco clip in the pocket.
A buddy of mine who worked for the NSA dressed like Mr. Rogers with a baggy sweater, dockers and wingtips. He packed a 4” model 29 and nobody ever knew.
LMAO.... Yeah, it’s crazy what these folks wear and wonder why they get picked out of a crowd. One of my local PD buddies, sitting with 3 DPS troopers asked me one day at a local eatery if I packing my 50GI . Said yeah....he asked if I would mind letting them shoot it if they bought me a steak and me and food going waaaay back so I said sure !
We drove out of town a few miles to a small range we use and I pulled it out of my holster and one of the DPS sorts was like ....you CARRY that thing ?!?!? They thought it was stored in the truck.
It’s same size as a Glock 20 or 21 and is easy to conceal. All of em were impressed as they see me around many times a day in our small town and never knew I was packin that 50GI.
I let em kill some steel plates, slaughter some iron chickens and pick up the brass and we had a good time !
101 degrees today in poohville......whats yer temps like in the canyon ?
;-{)
80’s during the day and 50’s at night. Nice and dry.
Haven’t picked up anything interesting in handguns for a bit, although I was looking at a Colt 1917 at Ron’s as a possible candidate for making a “Fitz”.
I am looking for ways to explain to Mrs. Slim about the Kreighoff K-80 I’ve got coming. That’s gonna be tough.
Gave my old Baretta to my ex-wife
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