Does the circumstances you're carrying in dictate what you pack? For instance, if you're out and about on private land, are you carrying openly with a belt or shoulder holster?
Best scenario is 2 guns; XD40 and KelTec P3AT as a BUG. Sometimes I'll just carry the KelTec though if my outfit doesn't permit the carrying of a full size gun. IWB for the XD and pocket for the KelTec.
It's May in Texas so we already have warm weather so I will be going with an IWB most of the time. For me the M&P compact is almost the perfect carry gun. Works great IWB, OWB, shoulder, belly band, pocket (vest), Daily planner holster, Sissy pack, and put in the mag with flush plate and it even works well on the ankle.
Truthfully, I was having a hard time deciding how to group the calibers. Since they are roughly the same diameter, I threw the .380, .38, and the 9mm together. It seems most gun pundits place the .380 in the "barely acceptable for self-defense" category. Bigger than the .32, which was the largest mouse gun I could think of, but certainly not in the .40 or better class.
Yeah, I should have added an ankle option. I was thinking about it, and went brain dead for some reason. I guess that fits in the "other" option.
I had the feeling that most of us carried in multiple styles and manners. Looks like I was right.
Gun pundits seem to be unanimous in the assertion that you should only carry what you have practiced extensively with, and stick to one method and weapon for familiarity's sake. I think this is close to impossible (or at least highly impractical) for an average concealed carrying citizen who is not an LEO. It seems different situations call for different carry methods and weapons. As Maximo pointed out, us Texans don't get to wear jackets year-round, so our carry options narrow as the mercury rises.
I'm still holding out for a single-stack pocket 9mm. I'm tempted to try a Kahr, and I have hopes for the new Walther to suit my pocket preferences. Let's hope they get it right. The Glock website appears to hint they might have one in the works as well. About darn time.
Gun pundits seem to be unanimous in the assertion that you should only carry what you have practiced extensively with, and stick to one method and weapon for familiarity's sake. I think this is close to impossible (or at least highly impractical) for an average concealed carrying citizen who is not an LEO. It seems different situations call for different carry methods and weapons. As Maximo pointed out, us Texans don't get to wear jackets year-round, so our carry options narrow as the mercury rises.
There are smaller variants of many full sized sidearms available if that's what you meant. So I would say it is possible. Personally, I don't go smaller than a K frame and I'm quite proficient with them. It's also not unusual for me to wear a jacket of some sort during the heat and humidity(which is always in FL) as my primary source of transportation has two wheels.
I carry a Smith & Wesson 2 1/2" Model 19 .357 Magnum, in a Don Hume belt holster. Sometimes I've grabbed up a Smith 442 and stuffed it in my hip pocket for a quick outing and return.
Tennessee does not require concealed carry, but I've found it more prudent. In cool weather I cover my gun with a sport coat or jacket.
It seldom gets over 100 degrees here, so in summer I can cover with a Western style vest that is long enough.
I carry a G26 in a custom IWB holster. Tried pocket carry with a P-3AT and it always felt really weird and I guess I just carry too much stuff in my pockets for it to not be intrusive.
How big a pistol can you get away with on the ankle? I read a ridiculous detective book wherein the lead character carried a Beretta mini-Cougar in an ankle holster. He would have walked like an extra from NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD in reality.
Around the house, and when the outfit won't permit carry of my larger guns, I carry a P3AT in my front pocket...actually had to draw it recently when some guy walked into my house!! :smt107 :smt104 :smt108
I prefer to carry my HK USPc 9mm or XD-9sc IWB in a Crossbreed Super Tuck. I can even get away carrying my Beretta 96 in the same holster- it's great!
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