[txpossum]

Why the emphasis on "lightweight" carry guns? I personally prefer carrying a weapon with a little heft.

I could carry just about any handgun I cared to, and I own many to choose from; however, my two carry companions for the last 15 years (that all alternating -- I don't carry two at the same time) have been either a full size 1911, or a .40 caliber Firestar, which was the first compact .40 caliber. Y'all all know the shape and size of a 1911; the Firestar is about the size of the Colt Officer's ACP that was my carry prior to switching to the Firestar. (Although different internally, the controls of the Firestar are the same as a 1911 -- a very underrated little gun, but that's another story).

I carry in either a IWB holster behind my hip, or, if more concealment is needed, in a "bellyband" under my shirt, without printing or discomfort; their weight and size is so unnoticeable that I frequently forget that I'm wearing them -- I'll have been home a couple of hours before I realize I haven't taken them off yet. (I'm an average sized person)

Why do I carry these guns instead of a smaller, lighter "concealment" gun?

1. Caliber. I like self defense calibers that start with a "4". The .380 used to be known as a "mousegun" (yes, I know advances in ammo has increased it's stopping power), and I've never been a fan of the 9mm (but let's not get into that discussion here).

2. Accuracy. Both of my carry guns are reasonably accurate up to 25 yards. (Yes, I know studies have shown that most gunfights occurs at less than 7 yards. My guns work just fine at this distance too.) Decent sight radius and you can get a good grip on 'em.

3. Control. I believe that the ability to re-acquire a target (or multiple targets) is an important aspect of a self defense firearm. With my carry guns the ability go get back on target quickly is not a problem, even when shooting one-handed.

So . . . why the preference for "little" guns?

[StainlessSteel215]

I understand your perspective on your justification for carrying bigger guns but its quite simple for most people who choose subcompact/small frame/lightweight guns: better conceal-ability.

[txpossum]

Okay, but I still maintain that with the proper holster, it is just as easy to conceal a 1911 as it is a smaller gun.

[dragunovsks]

Originally Posted by txpossum

Okay, but I still maintain that with the proper holster, it is just as easy to conceal a 1911 as it is a smaller gun.

Yes sir, i do it everyday.

[StainlessSteel215]

Most people dont want to carry a large, heavy steel framed gun even with a decent holster. I'm 6'1 225lbs and I still prefer my compact Glock30 because its more comfortable and doesnt pull my pants down throughout the day. Thats what I prefer and Ive tried carrying my commander length 1911. I always go back to the Glock for its size and weight, while accommodating 10rds of hard hitting .45 ACP which is 2+ rounds than my 1911

[eatmydust]

Txpossum - I have "ZERO" ass and choose to pocket carry. Stuff a mid-size in yer pocket & get back to me. I live in PA, open carry is legal, but not practical or practiced.

I choose compact (LC9) for fit and lessened print.

[dragunovsks]

I prefer a bigger gun over a smaller one, although i sometimes do take my bersa .380 over the .45. Yes the full size 1911 is heavy but i have little trouble sticking it in my blackhawk serpa paddle under a tshirt and going on.

[JTJ]

In my case due to a back injury I cant carry more than 30 oz on my belt without additional support. The best holster in the world wont change that. I agree that too hot a caliber in too light a gun is going be a problem to control which affects how well and how quickly you will be able to engage a target or multiple targets. One of the reasons I have a Sig P238 instead of a micro 9. That little Firestar is nice little pistol. My SP101 is a lot easier to shoot with 38+P than a light J Frame and falls within my weight limit. It gets very hot where I live so I usually pocket carry the P238. When clothing permits, I carry an SR9c. The SR9c and the G36 (45) are almost identical in loaded weight but the SR9c is faster, more controllable and it carries 4 more rounds.

[Sentry18]

A long time ago my duty gun was the venerable S&W 4506-1 and my off duty gun was the S&W 4566. With a good belt and a good holster it carried just fine, but I did find myself being fatigued at the end of the day. Either that or just really pleased to take off that big hunk of steel. Then I purchased a compact S&W 3914 for the Mrs. and decided to carry it myself for a few weeks. Never went back to that 4566. Carrying that slim and light 3914 was pure joy. I even had to touch it from time to time to remember it was on my hip. For me it was and is all about finding balance between ease and comfort of carry and shootability.

[HOSSFLY]

Its just personal preferance -