I thought the idea of IDPA was to become comfortable with ones carry pistol/revolver. However, if the handgun you choose to compete with is too large to carry comfortably concealed why not look into a compact or subcompact version of the same gun?

Excellent advice XD-45.

You also need to mention price range, what you're shooting in IDPA/IPSC, caliber of choice, etc...

A day isn't a day w/o me recommending the P99 or P99 compact - but I'm gonna save the other guys here from reading the same stuff over and over, and save my fingers from typing the same stuff over and over. My opinion on the gun and why I like it are mingled throughout the Walther section of our website....

XD45 has it right. Since you already are familure with guns. Try smaller ones of the type you shoot in the league. Use the same caliber that you shoot the most. A gun you carry has to become a part of you. By all means get your permit to carry. Everybody in this country should get them. Good luck.

I carry either a full size 1911a1 or Double Eagle. Why well over 30 years with a 1911a1 and 15 years with the Double Eagle

For me, IDPA has been about competition, not carry. I use a Glock 34 in IDPA, too big a gun for carry. I have considered going to a smaller Glock in 9mm but I do have some concern about carrying around all day a gun that has no manual safety. I know, plenty of LEO's do it as well as folks with CCW permits. Nonetheless, it concerns me a little. I don't worry about it during competitions because of the limited time I carry the gun and the fact that everyone is so safety conscious during competitions. I just haven't decided how I want to approach CC yet; hence the thread.

I'm not so concerned about price range but I will say I am not going to get a $2000 1911. I use a Glock 34 in competition but that is too large to carry. I am not limiting myself to considering only 9 mm guns. I wanted to hear some opinions on 9mm versus higher calibers.

I carry this sucker in the front waist pocket of my cargo pants all the time - even with the pinky extension....

Well Martial I don't think it makes much difference what caliber you carry as long as your good with the whole package. Placing a shot is the most important thing. You know that from competion. Go to the range, and shoot a bunch of different guns, and you'll find the one you like. Good luck.

Since you are already familiar with the Glock, why not get a G26. This is the sub compact version of the gun you already use.
It has the same trigger and accepts the G34 mags. Indeed, the G26 was designed as a concealable back up to the G17/19. This, I think, would be the logical choice. Also, there is no change in the manual of arms.

I would personally go with a G19 or 23. Again, you are very familiar with the Glock system and the compact line offers enough gun to hold onto, but small enough to carry. The subcompacts for me are hard to get a decent, comfortable grip. I am also someday getting a Walther PPK/S, for both carry and because I really like it. Some say it has some reliability issues, I will see for myself, when I get one. The Walther will be heavy though, compared to the Glock. Kel-tecs would be worth looking at for when you need an extremely concealable weapon/ BUG, P3-AT or P-32.

Originally Posted by martial_field

For me, IDPA has been about competition, not carry. I use a Glock 34 in IDPA, too big a gun for carry. I have considered going to a smaller Glock in 9mm but I do have some concern about carrying around all day a gun that has no manual safety. I know, plenty of LEO's do it as well as folks with CCW permits. Nonetheless, it concerns me a little. I don't worry about it during competitions because of the limited time I carry the gun and the fact that everyone is so safety conscious during competitions. I just haven't decided how I want to approach CC yet; hence the thread.

The G19 would be the "obvious" choice, but since you have said that you don't want to carry a pistol without a manual safety, the S&W 3913 would be a good choice. However, it is not suggested, in fact it is discouraged, to carry it with the safety engaged.

Originally Posted by Baldy

Well Martial I don't think it makes much difference what caliber you carry as long as your good with the whole package. Placing a shot is the most important thing. You know that from competion. Go to the range, and shoot a bunch of different guns, and you'll find the one you like. Good luck.

+1
Find something YOU like and can shoot well.

...the S&W 3913 would be a good choice. However, it is not suggested, in fact it is discouraged, to carry it with the safety engaged.

Excellent concealed carry auto. But, as stated, the decocker is always (per PD training) "off" when holstered or in waist band. I've only carried three brand name auto's, SigSauer, S&W and Walther. Each have decockers, not a "safety" per say.

I carry a Glock 23 and don't worry about the safety. It's safe in my hands and other hands don't touch it without my say so. That said, I'm thinking about a Kel-Tec PF 9 for the concealability factor. If not the Kel-Tec I’ll probably get a G26.