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This is a subjective question. Nobody can anticipate every circumstance and condition. So this discussion is about whats best for you.... Vote below and tell us why?
Shooting (Sport)
Crime
Self Defense
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 89
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The 9mm was adopted by the US military in the 1980's to help streamline supply within NATO countries. With that being said, the .45 auto has greater stopping power. Combine that with a hollow point round and one shot stops what is being targeted.
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I believe in the theory that the mouse gun you have with you is better than the small cannon you left at home, so I went with .380 just for the many concealed carry options. Currently I carry (concealed) a full size 9mm, (and like .45s) but on days I carry I'm severely limited in what I can wear, not to mention comfort issues. A .22mag might be OK too, but we're hitting diminishing returns at that point I think.
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SFC (Join to see)
I'll take a .22 over a pointy stick, but with calibers that's getting a little small. It'll kill, but I'd prefer it does so right then and there instead of 3 hours later in an emergency room. That gives the bad guy way too much time to cause me harm.
I do on the rare occasion carry a .380, but usually carry a larger gun. Even in hot weather and light clothing a good belt and good holster makes the difference. The belt, in my opinion, is even more important than the holster. The best gun belt I have is from The Belt Man. It's very thick and supports the gun. They're about $120, but he offers a generous military discount. I paid about $85 delivered. Next is a nylon and velcro 5.11 belt I bought at the Fort Sill PX. It was bout $35 which is $15 cheaper than I found anywhere else. This belt I usually wear in the summer with cargo shorts.
I do on the rare occasion carry a .380, but usually carry a larger gun. Even in hot weather and light clothing a good belt and good holster makes the difference. The belt, in my opinion, is even more important than the holster. The best gun belt I have is from The Belt Man. It's very thick and supports the gun. They're about $120, but he offers a generous military discount. I paid about $85 delivered. Next is a nylon and velcro 5.11 belt I bought at the Fort Sill PX. It was bout $35 which is $15 cheaper than I found anywhere else. This belt I usually wear in the summer with cargo shorts.
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PO1 John Pokrzywa
My 9mm conceals fine, but I have to be more selective with what I wear, and since my particular one wasn't designed for concealment (FNP9 USG) it's often uncomfortable. 9mm gets a bad rep because everyone thinks of military ammunition, which is all FMJ ball thanks to Geneva conventions. Under those circumstances a faster moving smaller 9mm bullet isn't as liked as the .45.
However, my carry weapon isn't subject to Geneva convention. That sucker has a full load of hydrashoks, and I'm sure they'll do the job, heaven forbid they need to.
However, my carry weapon isn't subject to Geneva convention. That sucker has a full load of hydrashoks, and I'm sure they'll do the job, heaven forbid they need to.
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IMHO, a .45 ACP is too impractical to carry as a concealed self defense weapon. That's not to say I would not carry it in an open carry capacity. The .380 or .22 Mag are perfect for concealed carry. My concealed carry weapon of choice is my Taurus .380. I've tried the Rugar LC9 and the Taurus PT145 Pro and both are just too bulky for concealed carry.
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SGT (Join to see)
That all comes down to body type and holster selection. I have a Glock 41 which is a 5.3" barrrel, double stack .45 that I can easily and effectively conceal...I carry in a Comp-Tac Minotaur M-Tac Holster. Very easy to conceal with.
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CPT Steven Harder
For younger folks, conceal of the full size auto's may be a problem. Older guys like me can carry in a fanny pack holster. Anyone asks . . . I'm carrying my meds, but I've only been asked a couple times. Most times, no one notices or cares.
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SFC (Join to see)
I was going to suggest a Springfield XDs in .45 ACP until I read the LC9 was too bulky for you. The LC9 is usually regarded as a very concealable firearm. You should look into a good holster and belt.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SSgt Alexander Ingram It's hard for me to conceal carry weapons inside the pants because of back issues, but I've found the .380 to be low profile and the most comfortable. I avoid carrying inside the pocket because of the obvious inherent dangers of doing that. That's why I say the LC9 is too bulky for me.
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I selected .45 because .40 wasn't available. I carry on a daily basis my .40 Glock 22
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EDC is 25 rounds of 230 grain Golden Saber and a 5" 1911. I have wide hands but short fingers, so single-stack for me.
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the wife carries a .380 (Ruger LCP) and I carry a 9mm (Ruger LC9S). Both are very accurate, dependable handguns. Even tested the .380 on some water jugs, and I have zero concern with the .380 the wife has.
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I have a Glock 19, I'm able to conceal it very well, and 9mm practice ammo is affordable for me. Federal HSTs (when you can find them) fit the bill perfectly for me.
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