Looking for ideas/suggestions for a good CCH for personal defense. Suggestions from your experience?

Capt Tom Brown — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 14:10:18 -0500

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jan 31 at 2018 2:17 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 14:17:35 -0500

Used to carry a Kimber, but it became too heavy and awkward in warm weather to conceal. I think Guns and Ammo ran a story on your question just a couple of months ago. The key, regardless of which you pick, is training on the weapon, as I am sure you are aware. I can't tell you how many times people that I have given lessons to never practice on their CCH. The argument always is that "this gun is so cool, though." I tell them, maybe, but it isn't the one that is going to save your life...

Response by MSgt George Cater made Jan 31 at 2018 2:18 PM

MSgt George Cater — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 14:18:08 -0500

I absolutely love my Sig P320 Compact. It is larger than many, but I carry it in a Sneaky Pete OWB marked as a medical device. Never a problem in just under 2 years.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Jan 31 at 2018 2:21 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 14:21:09 -0500

It depends on your needs. A .38+P / .357 revolver will work for most people, either the S&W Chief Special, the Colt Cobra, the Kimber K6S, or the Ruger SP101. I carry one on a regular basis in a pocket holster. If I'm in a very low risk environment, I carry a Walther PPK in .380. Or, if I think I need more, I use a commander-sized Kimber in .45ACP.

If you are not going to do much training, I would recommend the revolvers.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 31 at 2018 2:26 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 14:26:32 -0500

My dad used to pack a .38 Special, 3 inch barrel. I fired it a couple of times, wasn't too bad of a little handgun.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jan 31 at 2018 2:30 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 14:30:54 -0500

.45 ACP, because shooting twice is just silly.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jan 31 at 2018 2:46 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 14:46:08 -0500

Big question! My revolver choice S&W model 65 .357 3inch round but. Carry Glock 19 9mm alot especially if I am outdoors. Also SIG commander size 1911 in 45acp. Shot all of these alot. When I have to go small a Smith model 36 revolver at times but normall SIG M1911 style 380. If you can shoot the model you think you want before you buy.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jan 31 at 2018 3:32 PM

TSgt David L. — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 15:32:49 -0500

Lots of good recommendations here, Capt Tom Brown. You need to get to a range that loans/rents guns and try a bunch of them on. Then figure how you want or need to carry comfortably.

Response by SPC David Willis made Jan 31 at 2018 3:36 PM

SPC David Willis — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 15:36:46 -0500

I usually just go with my glock 19. Smaller profile than my sig 228. I used to have a .380 but I could hardly get through an entire magazine without a misfeed not sure if it was the weapon or if the ammo is known for misfeeding but either way I figure it wasn't a good sign haha.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2018 3:39 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 15:39:39 -0500

Great question CPT Brown; other than why does the Army not allow beards of course. There are a ton of variables here so it will all come down to what you personally like. I do agree with CPT Prickett on the revolver. The S&W Bodyguard and Ruger LCR are nice quality weapons to fire and will not overpower the user and they maintain a low profile. The key, in my opinion, to concealed carry is to actually carry the weapon, every day. So, you also need to look at the holster ad belt that you will be wearing. Then look at where you go. There will several 30.06 and 30.07 establishments. Figure out what you are going to do. Also, think about a small vehicle lock box to keep your weapon in- in case you go somewhere that does not allow weapons like a military base. My weapon of choice is my S&W M&P Shield and I have a Sig AR 516 patrolman in my truck. Plus ammo will be a consideration as well. There is training ammunition and then your carry load. Check out Cabelas as well. You can sign up with them as a Veteran and get 10% off your purchase. They also have great deals twice a year with bigger savings for Veterans, July 4th and Black Friday.

Response by SGT David T. made Jan 31 at 2018 3:50 PM

SGT David T. — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 15:50:28 -0500

I've tried several over the years. My first one was a .45 but that was too bulky and heavy so I kept having to pull my pants up even wearing a belt. Now I will carry either (or both) my Springfield XD .40 subcompact or the Ruger LCP 2 .380). Mostly, it depends on what I am wearing. If am wearing comfy clothes, I usually carry the Ruger. If I am wearing a belt or anticipate going to a more dangerous area, I opt for my Springfield. Really it comes down to personal preference as others have said. The best option is the one you can carry comfortably and put rounds on target. One thing, if you do IWB carry with a decent sized pistol, go up one pant size (assuming you wear the size that fits). It can get a bit uncomfortable if the waistband is too tight.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jan 31 at 2018 7:51 PM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 19:51:11 -0500

I prefer revolvers to semi's, other than that, I think the next most important thing is how it feels in your hand. Only you can answer that, but a gun shop can help.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2018 12:40 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 00:40:34 -0500

The best one is the one you carry every day.
First thing you need to decide on comfort. How do you dress? Would your style facilitate a full size handgun or a small frame? Do you care about printing? Do you have an instinct to how many rounds you want to carry. Size and weight considered with desire to every day carry.
Then I would recommend the largest round you are comfortable with and can shoot accurately. Must be chosen with consideration to the size and weight criteria from above.
But a 1911 is worthless if you hardly carry it. Or if the 45 round intimidates you or causes poor technique.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2018 7:06 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 07:06:41 -0500

S&W M&P Shield (9mm .40 or .45) pair with a DeSantis Cozy Partner IWB holster.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 22 at 2018 9:59 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 09:59:05 -0500

I am a Glock guy so I am biased, but my never fail firearm of all time and is the size of a Walther PPK is a Mak (the PPK is a great gun, but the Mak is less than half the cost).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAEbbhRJNYw

Makarov Torture Test

Just how reliable is the Makarov pistol? I take a Bulgarian Makarov out and do my best to cause a malfunction by running over it with a Jeep in the mud, thro...

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Feb 22 at 2018 12:03 PM

SFC Robert Walton — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 12:03:55 -0500

Capt. Brown I grew up around Weapons My Favorite CC is a 9MM it is light easy to conceal and will have the effect you need as long as you remember the double shot rule, pull the trigger twice. You will hear plenty of argument about this but as long as you are shooting as a protection you DO NOT NEED A CANNON. Us Necessary Force move away if you can if not shoot twice and accurate. Good Luck.