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.....
K80 !?!?!?!? You win the lotto ???
Those are sweet. Shoot 5 stand with a coworker who owns one that was part of an estate left to him. Me....still in love with a Citori Featherweight w/ briley tubes and my Model 12’s......
Colt 1917.....very nice ! Fitz is what those were made from originally I think.
I recently scored a 1917 S&W that has A.E.C. stamped into it.....:o)
It was / is in bad condition yet functions flawless.
Nice.
It’s a used one. The big deal now is the high rib guns with longer barrels. I shoot 28” barrels the best, so there are deals to be had. Has Kolar tubes, adjustable comb and buttplate.
I’m shooting 4 guns at skeet right now, and although doing OK, it’s time to make the plunge.
I like M12’s myself. Have a nice 16 and 20, and the Browning 28 repro. I did pick up a nice 42 with deluxe wood and a factory Cutts not too long ago.
A lot of the 1917’s were hammered by corrosive primers. The S&W is a great one, much nicer shooter than the Colts. That New Service frame is just honking huge.
Mrs. L has a 4" model 629 and it's a lot more concealable than most folks realize. It's a bit heavy, but it can sure be done.
I'm really really sorry I ever sold my 19. It was an Illinois State Police one they sold off when they went to the 39's. Biggest mistake they ever made if you ask me. But their loss was my gain. Really wish I had that pistol back.
I hear you. I’ve had and parted with a couple 19’s and always end up buying more. The 2 1/2” version is the best K frame snubby IMO. (Only because the 696 is an L frame)
If you have no regrets over your deals, you’re not really a gun guy.
Brother ain't that the truth. I still see the guy I sold it to. He says he doesn't shoot it much as he prefers his Glock. I wonder if he'll sell it back to me. The premium I pay will be a good lesson for me. LOL
Brother ain't that the truth. I still see the guy I sold it to. He says he doesn't shoot it much as he prefers his Glock. I wonder if he'll sell it back to me. The premium I pay will be a good lesson for me. LOL
I’ve bought back guns knowingly, but the best one was a Browning A-5 16 gauge I sold and a couple years later I saw one in a gun rack and thought “I wish I hadn’t sold that one I had” and bought it.
Then you check the serial number in your records.... :D
One good thing about gun deals is that when your 401K dives, you think “that isn’t as bad as the beating I took on the pre-war Model 70 I traded...”
Thus far I’ve put about 500 rounds through it.
I’m a happy guy!
I bought that 19 for $200.00 and sold it for $350.00. It'll probably cost me 500.00 to get it back but it'd be worth every dime.
Smith prices aren’t accelerating the way there were about 5 years back. I picked up a 19-4 2 1/2 of early 80’s vintage (still P&R)for $350 about 97% a couple months ago.
Sometimes though, the best deal is just being able to get what you want.
OOPS, it was about $540, what stuck in my head was the cash needed after I applied some trade bait.
A selective memory is not a bad thing in this line of work.
Me too makes for .38 hammerless airweight.
This one was a 19-4 probably from around the same period. Like I said this was an Illinois State Police model with a combat hammer, adjustable sights, and a target trigger. It'd had an action job and the DA pull was about 6 pounds or so and smooth as a baby's butt.
The only finish issues were a bit of honest holster wear. When the ISP went to those 39's the entire lot of them found their way onto the surplus market. They were a damn bargain at 2 bills a piece.
I think I'll give my friend a call and feel him out on the subject.
Nice Tuck....
Getting some popcorn....
: )
Me too, either a hammerless 38 Special, or my hammerless Ruger SP 101 357 Magnum.
Me too, either a hammerless 38 Special, or my hammerless Ruger SP 101 357 Magnum.
It’s a POS Bond Scum
http://world.guns.ru/handguns/glock26.jpg
Favorite all around concealed carry for moi is Baby Glock or Glock 26 9mm, for versatility, reliability, accuracy, finish, capacity and shape..because of it’s abbreviated grip folks aren’t sure you have a gun on you.
Snugs into small of back or back pocket, add an extra 15 round mag in front pocket and it feels like a Glock 19 in hand. All loaded with a diet of +P+ Winchester Ranger T’s 127 grain and +P+ Buffalo Bore Gold Dot or XTP 115 grain.
Also have 33 round happy stick in car loaded 124 grain HP with flash suppressant powder and lower half FMJ as at that point want suppression of fire and better penetration for barriers.
Friend was impressed shooting mine, he prefers it over his Glock 17 and purchased one with nite sites; it’s lovely.
For second (but never only gun) the beloved fav Smith and Wesson 642 Airweight.
http://www.snubnose.info/images/Model_642_10_450.jpg
Simple, light, conceals well in pocket or anywhere IWB, fed with Buffalo Bore +P 158 grain semi-wadcutter hollowpoints.
As far as medium frame piece the SIG Sauer P228 fits/hides small of back, shoots smooth like butter.
http://www.nazarian.no/images/wep/83_sig-p228.jpg
Mec-gar mags are excellent quality give you 15 rds of love.
And less concealable moving up in size the Glock 20 in a pouch bag or grocery plastic bag inside cereal box lined with bubble wrap (I need Bran baby)
http://www.randymays.com/glock20.gif
Loaded with Winchester 175 grain Silvertip HP and extra mags Double Tap 230 grain flat nose.
Some personal options, excluding code red.
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