The Best Concealed Carry Firearm/Holster

[ZalmanEmmes]

Does anyone have any views on the best concealed carry firearm? Is it just the firearm or is the holster also an integral part of what could be a lifesaving package? I would love to hear recommendations!!!

[leedesert]

For concealed carry you can't go wrong with a Glock. They're light, durable, and very reliable.

Most important is what's the largest caliber you can accuratly shoot under stress, and still conceal. I personally prefer the 45ACP and carry a Glock 30.

Holster's are a very personal thing so it depends on the size of the pistol, climate in your area, and you general build.

For my size many like IWB's but I don't like them and only use them when I have to and even then it's with a belly band. My pref is OWB in either leather or Kydex. I currently carry in an OWB Desantis belt slide. If it's really hot I'll use a waist pack.

You'll probably go through several holsters trying to find the one that's right for you.

[Sparky]

I'll second the vote for GLOCK.

They are AFFORDABLE.
They are RELIABLE.
They are USER FRIENDLY and easy to learn to handle and shoot.

I currently carry a model 19. I am rather smallish in stature compared to most guys, but the 19 is concealable depending on wardrobe.

One thing I like about the whole GLOCK family is that you can get a full size for use at home by the nightstand or for duty carry/training schools etc.

And you can also get the sub-compacts for better concealment off duty.

In 9mm I could get (plan to get) a model 26. I can still carry a back up magazine from my model 19 or model 17. The larger magazines can be used in the smaller pistols.

This also makes a GREAT combo for a duty weapon (17) with a backup (26) which is able to use your full sized mags.

Operation of the weapon is the exact same for ALL MODELS.

All in all, GLOCK is a great place to start. HOWEVER, if you don't like the GLOCK, then go with something else. It is more important for you to feel comfortable with what you choose.

I also have a S&W snubby that has served me well for years. It's small frame is very easy to conceal. (This is the weapon I carry when I don't need a gun. :) ) An IWB holster can easily be worn inside some shorts under a t-shirt. The airweight frames and the newer ULTRALIGHT frames will not make your panys sag.

With an auto, you should ALWAYS carry a spare mag because the number one cause of a malfunction in an auto is a bad magazine. One of the best factors about a revolver is that they do not need a magazine. You can, however, carry an extra set of bullets in a small "strip clip" that easily slides into a pocket.

As to method of carry, a "pancake" holster is best for both concealment and security. Since it is secured by your belt, it is not likely to come off, holster and all, if you get into a tussle. The design of the "pancake" hugs the weapon tight into the body which aids concealment. The only DRAWBCK to this is that you always have to wear a belt. I also suggest a good "paddle" holster so you can throw it on quick to run to the store.

I like the IWB for my snubby, but even a weapon that small requires me to get pants that are at least a size too big for me. There are several pairs of pants that I have that I cannot use with a "inside the waistband" holster. So if you think about going that route, keep in mind that you will have to buy new pants.

Hope some of this helps.

Oh...and when/if you start carrying....there is no secret to where to pput the gun when you have to No. 2 in a public toilet....you just gotta improvise! :)

[Wannabe2000]

Just to be a wise guy I'll recommend a compact 1911-style pistol. Just remember the average gun fight is 3-4 rounds so 7 in the mag. and 1 in the tube should keep you covered. Look at Springfield Armory, Kimber, or if you have the cash get a Wilson Combat pistol. www.wilsoncombat.com (http://www.wilsoncombat.com)

[lone ranger]

For a "pancake holster" here's a guy that does custom work. Check out the FBS or Full Belt Slide it is this persons pancake holster. I just bought a FBS from him for a Walther. It costs a little more but it's worth it. He also makes IWB's.
www.bulmangunleather.com (http://www.bulmangunleather.com)

[DeputyDan]

The subcompact Glocks no doubt. In a good IWB holster, you can make the things disappear. Good combo of size, power, accuracy, reliability, controllability, and ergonomics.

I would be carrying one right now off duty, but my department does not authorize Glocks for carry at all. :(

[Summer Rain]

I don't carry off duty as of yet But I've wondered how women carry concealed. I don't wear baggy clothes, and am not always wearing a belt. What's the alternative, or is there one? I was thinking that having one in the car will just have to be good enough.

[leedesert]

Having one in the car is great, as long as you can convince all the BG's to not bother you unless you're in your car.

When you carry off duty or CCW it always takes some kind of adjustment to your normal dress. I have multiple carry methods for different situation since there isn't one perfect way.
In the hot summer I will usually carry in a waist pack that I designed myself.
In the fall and spring I use a belly band in the IWB position (5 O'clock). In the winter, when jackets or heavy sweaters are justified, I use my Desantis pancake OWB holster.

Once you get use to concealed carry you really feel naked when you don't have it.

There's a representative in Texas who lost her mother and father when a lunatic crashed his car into the restaurant they were eating in and began shooting up the place at will. She had a concealed carry license and had plenty of chances during his raid to stop him cold. The problem is Texas law at the time didn't allow carry in eating establishments so she left her gun in her car.
Since then she has been a strong supporter for concealed carry and through sharing her heart breaking story has gotten that Texas law changed.

I shared that to illustrate how you never know when it will happen. Some of us have to lose loved ones in order to learn that. Some learn from other's mistakes. The choice is yours.

[ 09-07-2001: Message edited by: leedesert ]

[Mike Tx]

Correct if I am wrong, but I had heard the Rep. Hupp was carrying illegally as Texas didn't have ccw at the time of the Lubys massacre. She said she left it in the car so she wouldn't be 'breaking the law'.

Later, as I have read, she was instrumental in getting Texas to adopt the ccw law.


Summer rain, I'd have to say also that if you carry you might as well have it on you instead of leaving it in the car. You might need it. :)

[ 09-07-2001: Message edited by: Mike Sullivan ]

[Sparky]

Sidearms are worn. It does you little good if you cannot get to it when you may need it.

Wear it in one place as much as possible so that your muscle memory is reinforced. If you need that weapon, things have gone sideways, and there is no reson to waste precious moments by instinctively reaching for your strong side only to have to "remember" that the weapopn is behind your back.

[ 09-07-2001: Message edited by: Sparky ]

[Sarge465]

I think most of the major handgun makers are making a model suitable for concealed carry. Glock seems to be leading the way. Depends on if you like large or small, revolver or auto. Holsters are also a personal thing, you got IWB, OWB, MOB, sholder holster, pocket and ankle type carry. It depends mostly on how you want to dress. As a city cop in North Carolina, I am required to qualify every gun that I own, if I carry it off duty, just like I qualify my duty gun. That's 50 rds day and 50 rds night. It also has to be the same ammo as you carry when off duty. You can't use cheaper or reloads. This can run into some money, so I tend to carry just two guns. This first is a Smith Model 65 3 inch, loaded with Winchester 110 gr. JHP. I like bigger hanguns and I like revolvers, and the Winchester load is a decent load at a decent price. I usually carry the 65,in the summer months,in a DeSantis pancake or a Wild Bills Askin sytle holster, under an un-tucked tee shirt, one size too big. I also carry two speed loaders in a Wild Bills split six pouch. The 65 also doubles a backup with Barami hip grips. I just hook it on the straps of my vest. The other gun I carry is my duty gun, an H&K USP
full size 45. I usually carry this one in the colder months when I can wear a jacket or coat, in a Galco pancake or Fist kydex holster. If you like medium or small frame revolvrs, look into the Barami Hip Grip. It is a replacment grip that is worn IWB by hooking onto the belt or waist band of the pants. It eliminates the need for a holster and they are made to fit most medium and small frame revolvers including Taurus. They have a web site at www.baramihipgrip.com (http://www.baramihipgrip.com) if you would like to see how they work.
These are my choices, but I think the best thing to do is find a handgun you like and are comfortable with, in a proven caliber, with a proven load. Then practice, practice, practice. Find a holster that conceals well, that you can access the gun quickly and be worn comforably for long peroids. Good luck