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weapon · 01-24-2013, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate882004

Everything I've seen points to Glock 19 for best and most reliable concealed carry weapon.

There is no such creature as the "best" concealed carry weapon...well, other than a lightweight commander in .45acp

Back to being serious - there is no such thing as an across-the-board "best" concealed handgun (even though many gun manufacturers, fan boys and gun mag writers will try to tell you otherwise). There are far too many factors such as regional weather conditions (you can easily conceal a rocket launcher in winter), body type, occupational dress requirements, all sorts of individual-specific hand-fit issues (hence, the "try before you buy" rule), etc. -- all of which come into play. As such, it is impossible to say there is a "best" gun for everyone.

For example, I 6'4" and right around 250lbs - I can conceal pistols the size of a Glock 21 in spring, fall and winter without any problem - in part because my occupation normally has me in a suit and tie. Additionally, the thickness of the Glock 21 doesn't bother me because I have relatively large hands. In contrast, a Glock 21 sized pistol is not going to work for a guy that is 5'7" 165lbs that goes to work in a polo and khakis...well, unless he works in a gun store.

While I can carry really large pistols, I usually do not carry anything the size/thickness of a Glock 21. A single stack .45 is a much more realistic option for me when it comes to day-to-day carry. In fact, I find it considerably easier to carry a single stack .45, 1-2 spare mags, a single stack 9mm backup and a really small .380 (backup-backup) than most double-stack pistols along with one spare double stack mag. I am sure plenty of people believe the opposite is true and it likely is for their particular situation.

The fact that there is no best gun for all conditions is actually a good thing -- it's a perfect excuse to keep buying more guns.

Hawkeye3030 · 01-24-2013, 11:17 PM

I carry a Walther PPK on my belt and a LCP on an ankle holster.

Nate882004 · 01-25-2013, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weapon

There is no such creature as the "best" concealed carry weapon...well, other than a lightweight commander in .45acp

Back to being serious - there is no such thing as an across-the-board "best" concealed handgun (even though many gun manufacturers, fan boys and gun mag writers will try to tell you otherwise). There are far too many factors such as regional weather conditions (you can easily conceal a rocket launcher in winter), body type, occupational dress requirements, all sorts of individual-specific hand-fit issues (hence, the "try before you buy" rule), etc. -- all of which come into play. As such, it is impossible to say there is a "best" gun for everyone.

For example, I 6'4" and right around 250lbs - I can conceal pistols the size of a Glock 21 in spring, fall and winter without any problem - in part because my occupation normally has me in a suit and tie. Additionally, the thickness of the Glock 21 doesn't bother me because I have relatively large hands. In contrast, a Glock 21 sized pistol is not going to work for a guy that is 5'7" 165lbs that goes to work in a polo and khakis...well, unless he works in a gun store.

While I can carry really large pistols, I usually do not carry anything the size/thickness of a Glock 21. A single stack .45 is a much more realistic option for me when it comes to day-to-day carry. In fact, I find it considerably easier to carry a single stack .45, 1-2 spare mags, a single stack 9mm backup and a really small .380 (backup-backup) than most double-stack pistols along with one spare double stack mag. I am sure plenty of people believe the opposite is true and it likely is for their particular situation.

The fact that there is no best gun for all conditions is actually a good thing -- it's a perfect excuse to keep buying more guns.

Very good advice. I am a khaki and dress shirt person so I do need something smaller and probably an ankle gun. The problem I'm having is the gun shops are running thin so I can't get my hands on the guns I want. But I'll keep looking and trying to educate myself on the pros and cons of as many handguns as I can.

weapon · 01-26-2013, 07:46 AM

A Ruger LC9 is a decent option if you have to have a high degree of concealability. The trigger is not great by any means and Ruger definitely could have left off the stupid magazine safety but both problems can be fixed with little effort. If you need something really small, take a look at the Ruger LCP -- while it is a .380, it is an amazingly small .380. Unless I am sent to Hell and I have nothing more than a Speedo in my wardrobe, I can carry a LCP and no one will ever know it -- if nothing else, it is a great backup after you get used to it. It is one of those pistols that is so small you may run into problems at first for that very reason if you have larger hands. Tiny guns and big hands can take some time before they decide to like each other (good excuse to go to the range more often).

Other than those, there are several great single stacks that are options - the new .45 XDS is one of them. I normally hate the feel of chopped pistols but that one actually feels great in a firing grip and it packs a good amount of firepower into a very compact package. YMMV, so, as always, try before you buy.