Carry Gun Recommendations

[B5Ben]

My wife was convinced this was "Just the ticket" for concealed carry. So I purchased one.

Now, before I get into too much trouble here, I would like to establish that I have been married to the love of my life for over 40 years and wouldn't change anything about her for any reason...

I would like to point out to anyone who might not have noticed that the model in the advertisement was a fairly buxom young woman with a reinforced, armor plated, steel gusseted brassiere.

Did I point out that I love my wife? By the way, (not that it makes any difference), she reads my posts. I can assure you- That isn't her in the picture.

So, I ordered one of the Flashbang Holsters for a Smith and Wesson Airweight she wanted to carry. When the package arrived, we went into the Master Suite to fit the holster and try out the concealment properties. It didn't end up like the picture in the advertisement.

Several problems-
1. The weight of the holster and unloaded handgun combined to pull her brassiere down to just below her navel.

2. When she tried to pull the gun out of the holster it didn't release and the brassiere came with it.

3. I found myself in a room with my topless 60 year old wife holding a holstered handgun wrapped in a bra. I'm lucky it was unloaded because she wasn't real happy about her husband rolling around on the bed laughing his a$$ off.

4. Once she reassembled the holster to a more substantial support garment we tried having her wear it around the house with various blouses and sweaters to see how well it concealed. It was amazing. You really couldn't tell she was carrying a handgun. Of course it looked like she had a third breast with lots of sharp corners.

I got her a shoulder holster and a nice sweater.

I have taught a lot of mature housewife types how to safely handle and shoot a handgun over the past couple of years. Invariably, I get questions about the Flashbang holster. I hand them the holster with the unloaded smith in it and escort them to the restroom. Not a one of them has asked to purchase one. I would recommend anyone who is considering purchasing one of these to try one out first. If you can't borrow one, just take a large padlock and attach it to the center of the brassiere. See what happens when you hang the weight there.
Then give it a tug...

I kind of pictured something like this happening when the link first opened. I noticed they had a Ruger small auto as the display and wondered how that would go over with something a little heavier. Great story though

 

[pdx2211]

Seems like 98.5% of the people on NW Firearms are "legally" insane! The post are all based on 'paranoia' and insanity! You never have enough bullets or guns and U act like your just around the corner from a gun fight! Must be the lack of sunshine in the NW. The lack of vitamin D your brains never fully developed. How can I get removed from this website?

 

[B5Ben]

.....How can I get removed from this website?

Many would appreciate you figuring that out.

 

[Brutus57]

Seems like 98.5% of the people on NW Firearms are "legally" insane! The post are all based on 'paranoia' and insanity! You never have enough bullets or guns and U act like your just around the corner from a gun fight! Must be the lack of sunshine in the NW. The lack of vitamin D your brains never fully developed. How can I get removed from this website?[/QUOTe

Is English your second language or are you just texting? Your fragmented sentences leads one to believe Common Core has failed you miserably. Many people are able to find the exit door here so just keep at it.

Brutus Out

 

[teflon6string]

Okay, reporting back a week after taking my GF to the gunshow to fondle potential carry pieces. Today we ended up in the indoor range at my club where she fired:
- S&W 638 (shrouded hammer)
- Ruger LC9 (w/o safety)
- Walther PPK .380
- S&W M&P Shield 9 (w/ safety)
- SA 1911 with custom everything

The 1911 was most fun to shoot for all 3 of us, but a lot bigger and heavier than she wants. Of the 4 small pistols, the Shield was her favorite for a number of reasons (mine too after the 1911 - my own).

So I'll get her the Shield 9 for Xmas. And she'll probably want to add a laser on her own dime. Criteria for that will be:
- No rail mount (the Shield doesn't have one)
- Easy one-hand on off
- Red or green, not sure yet
- Trying not to break the bank

This'll be for purse, backpack, camelback, glovebox, coat pocket, holster, etc.
Appreciate suggestions.

 

[RicInOR]

Since it doesn't sound like grip length will be an issue, buy extra of the long mags for the pistol and the backup carry mags.


When you get it, many people will tell you to drop in an Apex trigger kit.
I find the stock trigger is pretty good.

However, if you have a gritty one - S&W is running as fast as they can - then you'll need to pull the rear sight* and ream the striker block channel. (not the striker channel) As that is the most likely place for unfinished machining leading to gritty feelings.

I also recommend the 25c trigger job. (Mother's mag polish & a micro fibre cloth, if you don't already own something) Plenty of U-Tuby videos, including on Apex's channel, on how to detail dis-assemble.

Only after you have done that should you evaluate the pistol for an aftermarket trigger / components.

IANAL, This is NOT legal advice:
if bad stuff ever happens, you will have to justify why you modified a firearm. I don't think "I followed advice of people on the internet, or I just did it, is really going to carry weight with a DA.
However, if you have a good reason. Then you have a good reason.
<legal />

I have nothing bad to say about the Apex parts, I use an Apex sear in my competition gun.

I had installed by my gun smith a set of XS Big Dots (tritium) for my EDC Shield. I use an Fibre Optic Front and stock, but blacked out rear (no white dots) for my competition shield.
You can remove sights your self, but having a Smith sight pusher makes the job much easier.
Also, [*] the set screw on the rear sight is secured with Red Loc-Tite (or its equivalent - heat is needed to break loose)

I have broken about 3 lasers. So, while they are on the expensive end, I now recommend only Crimson Trace.


Finally, how ever she will carry, have her practice getting to the pistol and drawing. One advantage for purse carry is if she has a good one, then she can put her dominant hand on the gun, with out pulling the gun from the purse. If a situation can be de-escalated without pulling the pistol, all the better.
A Remora or Sticky Holster can be used in side of many other bags/boxes - Purse, Camelback, Glovebox etc. A bit of velcro can be added to help secure it in place in those other containers as needed.



This advice is worth what you paid for it.

 

[ZigZagZeke]

OK, after handling several of the recommended pistols in person I have refocused on a compact in the 3" barrel range. I'm a jeans and T-shirt type guy, and everything larger is just going to be too inconvenient to carry all the time. As I said, I've handled several now, and I'm down to either a Glock 43 or a Ruger LC9s Pro in 9x19mm. I know, I know, I said double stack, but the reality is that it's just too cumbersome. Both of these pistols are about the same size and weight. The Glock is about $100 more expensive. I plan to shoot both next week before making a purchase. Any caveats, recommendations, or items to consider?

 

[cheesehead]

H&K P30 or the Sig p320


*since your a 1911 guy the HK can be had with an external safety and carried cocked and locked, (or hammer down if you choose)

*the new sig is a modular design..... its the action that is seeialized, not the frame. What this means is anytime you can swap the compact grip for a fullsize, same for the slide and barrel where you can also swap calibers....

I moved from a HK USP40 to a SIG P320 Compact Medium. The SIG is so much nicer to carry and shoot.

 

[edslhead]

Seems like 98.5% of the people on NW Firearms are "legally" insane! The post are all based on 'paranoia' and insanity! You never have enough bullets or guns and U act like your just around the corner from a gun fight! Must be the lack of sunshine in the NW. The lack of vitamin D your brains never fully developed. How can I get removed from this website?

You think this is crazy? Go get on a kids baseball forum, that chits crazy.
To leave? = Don't log in and your gone genius.

 

[CoastRange57]

I'm down to either a Glock 43 or a Ruger LC9s Pro in 9x19mm. I know,

Been carrying a Ruger LC9 for a couple years now. Carries well, fairly lightweight and shoots good. Carry a couple of 10 round mags for it also. Very concealable.

 

[Koda]

I'm thinkin of getting the Colt O6891 Mustang Series 6+1 380ACP. I know nothing about em but its so cute if I don't use it for carry I might mount it in a picture frame and hang on the wall to look at.

This is actually a very capable gun for its size, it shoots well and is a tiny bit smaller and lighter than all the new 9mm variants in this style being made, depending on your needs does make a difference in deep concealment. Its still a small gun, I find if I dont have a proper grip my thumb bumps the safety to the on position during recoil.

 

[teflon6string]

UOTE="titsonritz, post: 1360575, member: 9302"]Don't get hung up on safeties. Modern striker fired auto loaders are equipped with passive safeties (Glocks have 3) , simply use a holster that provides trigger protection and a manual safety is not needed and IMO undesirable, just one more thing to screw with under stress.[/QUOTE]

Good point. If this were going to be an openly holstered sidearm at work, one of the larger caliber/capacity Glocks would certainly be on my short list.

But after carrying/concealing various weapons in countless ways for decades (back into mid-last century), I've developed a distinct preference for revolvers with very heavy DA trigger pulls (and shrouded hammers), and semi-autos with active safeties. Just my personal taste.

 

[Pops1911]

Okay, reporting back a week after taking my GF to the gunshow to fondle potential carry pieces. Today we ended up in the indoor range at my club where she fired:
- S&W 638 (shrouded hammer)
- Ruger LC9 (w/o safety)
- Walther PPK .380
- S&W M&P Shield 9 (w/ safety)
- SA 1911 with custom everything

The 1911 was most fun to shoot for all 3 of us, but a lot bigger and heavier than she wants. Of the 4 small pistols, the Shield was her favorite for a number of reasons (mine too after the 1911 - my own).

So I'll get her the Shield 9 for Xmas. And she'll probably want to add a laser on her own dime. Criteria for that will be:
- No rail mount (the Shield doesn't have one)
- Easy one-hand on off
- Red or green, not sure yet
- Trying not to break the bank

This'll be for purse, backpack, camelback, glovebox, coat pocket, holster, etc.
Appreciate suggestions.

Just added a LaserMax CenterFire red laser to my Shield. Very happy with it so far. $87 and free shipping from Amazon.

 

[ZigZagZeke]

Barrel length has very little to with concealability unless you insist on carrying OWB. I've been know to AIWB two Glock 19s plus a spare mag wearing jeans or shorts and a T-shirt. Proper belt, proper holsters and proper sized T-shirt, no problem.

I appreciate the wisdom, but if I wanted to go that route I have a Remington R1 Enhanced that I can carry. I want something quick and easy to install and uninstall, and as unobtrusive on my life as possible. OWB works better for that and so does small and light.

 

[CoastRange57]

I've been know to AIWB two Glock 19s plus a spare mag wearing jeans or shorts and a T-shirt. Proper belt, proper holsters and proper sized T-shirt, no problem.

This takes us back to the dress to conceal or conceal how you can how you dress. To me the carry is the most important thing. I am old and not vain and do not give a shot what ohters think of my dress. I do like to dress neatly and functionally. I am in an office environment part time, but I make the rules there.

I have an LEO friend who carries a Glock .40, two spare mags and a set of cuffs off duty under a tee shirt untucked over jeans. Never even know it was there. y son carries a Springfiled sub compact 45 IWB with a tee shirt. I buy collared shirts a size large and and make sure the tails are long enough. One advantage of being a Goodwill shopper for clothes. Even in summer in shorts, and collared shirt I never have concealment problems. one Ruger LC9 in a belt holster. Tarus TCP 380, in a back pocket holster, 2 spare 9 mm mags, and a collapsible baton in a belt holster.

I am not cracking on the guys that carry occasionally, or as they feel the need, but after 20 years of carry it is a pretty ingrained habit for me.

 

[edslhead]

This is actually a very capable gun for its size, it shoots well and is a tiny bit smaller and lighter than all the new 9mm variants in this style being made, depending on your needs does make a difference in deep concealment. Its still a small gun, I find if I dont have a proper grip my thumb bumps the safety to the on position during recoil.

Good to know. I got the one from Bud's . Has the laser and a pistol rug came with it. Seems very well made but I haven't actually shot it yet. Hope it works cause I carry it quite a bit. This seems to be the most compact gun this side of a derringer.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...t+Mustang+Pocketlite+Cerakote+Ion+Bond+Finish

 

[teflon6string]

You had that time and experience to form your preference, what about your girl friend?

She also wants a safety. Influenced by her own experience, preference and reinforcement exactly 7 days ago firing small 9mm pistols with and without safeties. And a .380 she didn't like much.

 

[Koda]

Good to know. I got the one from Bud's . Has the laser and a pistol rug came with it. Seems very well made but I haven't actually shot it yet. Hope it works cause I carry it quite a bit. This seems to be the most compact gun this side of a derringer.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...t+Mustang+Pocketlite+Cerakote+Ion+Bond+Finish

Hope it doesn't need to be broken in...

when you field strip it for cleaning don't push the extractor down into the frame to get the slide back on....

 

[edslhead]

"Hope it doesn't need to be broken in...

when you field strip it for cleaning don't push the extractor down into the frame to get the slide back on...."



I've got a CM9 , break in 500 rounds. As much as I shoot it ( not too fun ) It'll never get broken in. My 40 cal RAMI was ready to go outa the box, way they should be. Guess I'm putin a little blind faith in the Mustang, hopefully I can get out and shoot it soon. Thanks for the tip on the extractor.

 

[teflon6string]

Just added a LaserMax CenterFire red laser to my Shield. Very happy with it so far. $87 and free shipping from Amazon.

GF and I reviewed some rapid deployment scenarios with various lasers on semi-autos and revolvers at the gunshow on Saturday. We compared Laser Max, Crimson Trace and Viridian. Each has plus/minus points as far as feel, control, etc. When I'm not stuck at work I'm going to ask Laser Max if they're planning to make a green one for the Shield 9. That'd be sweet.