For those who conceal carry heres your time to give advice or opinions

[apoallo]

In your opinion, what is the best handgun all-around for daily concealed carry? I've done some searches on this topic, and of course answers always vary, and would like any advice or insight- especially if you've been happy with a particular model, or dissatisfied with another. I am currently looking into two different pistols. the Sig p250 subcompact 9mm or .40 and the Smith & Wesson M&P shield, 9mm or .40 as well

Basic criteria is (in order of importance)

1. reliability

2. accuracy

3. concealability/size considerations

4. firepower/ ammo capacity

5. Other (whatever feature you might view as important)

[moose]

40 cal. hits harder if you are going to carry this will put them to there knees

[Lawdwaz]

Tough to beat a S&W J frame. Plenty of variations to choose from......

I have been carrying, on & off, a M37 Airweight since 1986. It is easy to forget that it is on your ankle (my favorite carry) and do some dumb things like crossing creeks & streams. <grin>

If it is NOT small & compact, you will not carry all the times that you should/would if it was a smaller gun.

Sometimes a Keltec P32 is the choice depending on clothing.

Good luck. Lots of great choices these days.

[pistolp71]

Concealability/size considerations should be at the top of the list. The best gun is the one that you will be carrying all the time. For me, in the summer it's a SW Bodyguard .380, and in the winter a Glock. Like what was said before, there are lots of great choices these days. Good luck.

[fasteddie]

Mine is a Ruger LCP 380 with a Crimson Lazer Beam . Only problem is ...... can't see the beam worth a darn in daylight .

[WNYBuckHunter]

For concealed carry, you want small and light. Of the two on your list, Id like the M&P Shield in 40 if it wasnt for the stupid hinged trigger, which I cant stand. Take a look at the Springfield XDs, currently its available only in 45, but its very small and the 's are great to shoot and very reliable. I love my XD40. The only couple of times it has stuck have been with Wolf FMJ ammo, and Im pretty sure it has to do with the shape of the bullet. It feeds them 99% of the time. I have never had a jam with any other ammo, even after 200 consecutive rounds without cleaning. If you can wait a bit, they will be releasing the XDs in 40 and 9mm soon.

Also, look into Kahr pistols. They make some very compact models perfect for CC, but I hear mixed reviews which is why I havent bought one yet.

[Lawdwaz]

I have a Kahr CW9 and it has been very good. I'd trust it if the chips were down.

[dave6x6]

For 26 years My glock 19 goes on my hip when i get out of bed and only comes off when i go to bed at night. It goes everywhere i am legally able to including church. Bianchi holster keeps her snug and warm..

Edited July 28, 2012 by dave6x6

[ants]

This time of year I go with a Kel-Tec P3AT. It's very similar to the Ruger LCP .380. I can just slip it into the front pocket of my shorts. Very concealable. After summer time (when I'm not showing off my beach bod...BIG LOL) I go with a Kahr MK40. Also very concealable, a hair on the heavy side, because its all steel, but a very reliable well made gun and in .40 cal. Kahr also has a line of very small, light poly framed guns in .380, 9mm and I think .40 . Kahr is a very good gun. Give them a look.

Whet ever you decide on make sure it's small and comfortable enough so you'll carry it. Good luck

[nybuckboy]

Concealability/size considerations should be at the top of the list. The best gun is the one that you will be carrying all the time. For me, in the summer it's a SW Bodyguard .380, and in the winter a Glock. Like what was said before, there are lots of great choices these days. Good luck.

I too would agree the SW Bodygaurd .380 or it's competitor the Ruger LCP .380 for everyday carry. Same gun really but I do like the way the laser activates a bit better on the Ruger than the SW. I have the SW.

Edited July 29, 2012 by nybuckboy

[MuzzyLoader]

I too would agree the SW Bodygaurd .380 or it's competitor the Ruger LCP .380 for everyday carry. Same gun really but I do like the way the laser activates a bit better on the Ruger than the SW. I have the SW.

Thanks for that review... I was looking at these for my wife.

[apoallo]

thanks for your comments. I held the springfield in subcompact 45 it was comfy but i dont want to have a .45 and i herd the .40 is a bit snappy and i think the .380 is too small. i figured id go with the 9mm. The only downfall to the is the pricepoint. I know for personal protection it shouldnt be a concern but I like the price of the sig p250 Ive seen as low as $350 and I have a 5 month old so i am on a budget. I will look into the Kahr pistols more. the glock 26 is nice as well but the price tag is a little more then i want to spend

[apoallo]

the smile faces are X D i dont know why the cpmouter is doing this

[pistolp71]

I too would agree the SW Bodygaurd .380 or it's competitor the Ruger LCP .380 for everyday carry. Same gun really but I do like the way the laser activates a bit better on the Ruger than the SW. I have the SW.

They are similar but definetly not the same gun. I had the LCP and sold it to buy the bodyguard. The bodyguard has much better sights, has a built in laser(not aftermarket clamp on) and stays open on the last shot. All the LCP doesn't. The S/W is much more accurate. The only plus for the LCP is the price and it's approximately 2 ounces lighter.

[Nomad]

Biggest cal. you can shoot well. Myself I have carried most days since the late 80's Started out with a SW 586 .357 mag. Since Glock came out with the .40 cal mod. 23 its mostly that with 13rd mags.

My small light gun is a .38 snub with plus p's

I do own a LCP .380 with houge handalls grip ( really really nice grips) and Critical defense ammo. I'm not a big fan of .380 and not for first line self defense.

Small guns are hard to shoot well and a small gun in so so cal. beats a sharp stick at a distance up close not so sure.... though.

The basic rule is look at what the cops carry 9, 40,45 ...

I'm on the waiting list for a SW Sheild along with 70 others......

Edited August 2, 2012 by Larry302

[WNYBuckHunter]

the smile faces are X D i dont know why the cpmouter is doing this

Annoying isnt it?

Hey if youre in Monroe county, Id be more than happy to let you shoot my 4 inch XD40 just to see how it is before you decide. Ask Culvercreek how it shoots, shes a smooth little rig and recoil isnt that bad.

[ants]

Larry302... I hear ya. But I was never a big "bash the 380" guy. for a real small, really concealable in your face and up close pistol it's real good.( especially with modern ammo) My first carry gun was a Ruger 2" Security six .357mag. It was so big I never carried it. Then I bought a Walther PPK in .380 and carried it every day for 20 plus years. I still carry a .380 in the summer time. do your homework and test your ammo at the range. I fire into wet phone books. The cridical defense stuff is good at close reange. Mag-tech Gaurdian gold is real good too.

[Nomad]

Ants, I agree. I don't want to bash the .380 I do have 800 rounds through mine and carry it from time to time. But here is what I struggle with and yes one can what if anything to death...

But I want a gun that has a good chance of stopping someone coming after a family member.

Lets say a road rager is chasing my 19y/o daughter with a bat, can i hit him across the driveway and stop him better with my .40 or small .380 ? Me shooting the LCP is a couple car lengths gun then groups open way up. Way better then the pre Larry Secamp small guns,Raven,Bobcat etc.though.

I used to carry a 4 inch SW L frame in the 80's, the Glock is easy and a .38 snub with plus p I shoot well at 3xs the distance of the LCP and almost as easy to carry. Yet I own one....... Great front camo pocket gun for times when guns are not allowed .

[ants]

I hear ya...you're right...... the bigger the cal. the better. But when someone wants a really small, concealable gun its .380 all the way. There are good effective loads out there for close range. In cooler months, when I wear a little more clothes, I carry a .40 S&W. I just don't want people to see that I carry.

I was in Wallyworld (Central Square) this past week. There was a guy in there , did'nt look to be a cop', he was in shorts, T-shirt and flip flops. He was showing off his full sized Glock on his hip. It was like he wanted everyone to see how big and bad he was!!! (GAY!) I just kept thinking that if some nut wanted to come from behind him and grab that gun...he would have a good chance of getting it..... Just me I guess..... Conceal

[WNYBuckHunter]

Its illegal to open carry in NY.

[kgun12]

Glock 19, then check out the Glock 19, if there still a question on what to carry check out the Glock 19! Never have to worry about reliability, it will go boom every time you pull the trigger.

[dave6x6]

Glock 19, then check out the Glock 19, if there still a question on what to carry check out the Glock 19! Never have to worry about reliability, it will go boom every time you pull the trigger.

Welcome to the site kgun. I agree with the 19. If i'm awake, it's on my hip. Well, even when i'm asleep sometimes..LOL

[kgun12]

Welcome to the site kgun. I agree with the 19. If i'm awake, it's on my hip. Well, even when i'm asleep sometimes..LOL

Thanks! Can't beat the Glock!

[Dom]

I dont have a short arm' permit yet.But my opinion is the mossberg 16 guage with the 16inch barrell would be a good carry.Not to heavy and fit's in most backpack's.This is just a joke lol haha

[apoallo]

[

Annoying isnt it?

Hey if youre in Monroe county, Id be more than happy to let you shoot my 4 inch XD40 just to see how it is before you decide. Ask Culvercreek how it shoots, shes a smooth little rig and recoil isnt that bad.

thanks for the offer I live in the town of monroe but it is in Orange county. There is a indoor range locally and the next time I get a chance Im gonna see if he has any 40 cal's in the range gun case. (rental guns). and ill give it a try. however,

I have decided that i am more then likely to go with an M&P shield, my secondary choice is an M&P compact, if I cant get a shield, they are a hot item right now and nobody has them in stock and most wont know when they will get them in stock again..... still havnt figured out if i want 9mm or 40. Ive talked to a few of my law enforcement buddies and they all carry 9mm. so that says something right there to me.chances are if SHTF most would fire off a few rounds center mass anyways whether you have a 380 9mm 40 45 or 357. My thought is I just want to be able to know that I get a few quick shots off without messing up my follow up shots. I want them all to connect. I just have to try the 40 i guess

Edited August 3, 2012 by apoallo