CC Guns

[78 Chevyrado]

That glock animation was too cool.   Thanks for the help, I have a bunch to read about now

[Lt.Del]

If you have any questions 'bout the Glock, just let me know.  I have three of them, 2  9mm (17)[I almost forgot I bought my service weapon back from the Sheriff's Office when we went to the 23--and I already had another]  and 1  .40 cal (23)
They are a cinch to clean.  Push down on the release tab and the slide comes off and only a spring holds the barrel in place---remove the spirng and plastic rod and the barrel comes off by removing the tension. 

In two seconds you can have it down to three pieces for cleaning.  It goes back even simpler.

[Captkaos]

Andy, What holster do you use for conceal carry?  I have a Glock 30 that I have a hip holster for, but I HATE wearing a belt.

I also have a Keltec P-3AT (.380) that I have on my person in a hip holster whenever I am out.  Although I really like the Ruger LCP, Toolmaster has one of these.

[Lt.Del]

you have a subcompact--never had one that small, never had a .45 either for that matter, with my big hands I would have difficulty holding that glock, but, I use a belt holster, Uncle Mike's black canvas while off duty.  Our Sheriff doesn't allow us to carry ankle holsters or an interior type holster while off duty.  It makes it kind of difficult during the summer months when i don't wear a big shirt or jacket for concealment. But, I keep her close by regardless. 

You could try an inside-the-waistband type holster--they have a clip to clip around the waistband without the need for a belt, but, i've never tried that kind.
 
I have a little Davis .380 with a 5 round mag. also.  That thing is extremely small and hurts my hand when firing it at the range.
 

[DnStClr]

Wearing a belt isn't too bad if you get one to go all the way around...
 

[JRConnieK10]

Hey Chris, look for a holster called Fobus its a paddle type holster. I use them you don't have to wear a belt it hooks over your waistband I also use it for carrying hand cuffs. You can put in the back and don't feel uncomfortable.

[Captkaos]

JR, that is what I have currently, but I need a belt, or I feel a belt would make it more secure. . I Guess I need new jeans

[GoatBeard]

If it's your first CC gun, I would personally stay away from a Glock and a 1911.

I suggest you first get a small revolver like was suggested above-- one of the S&W snubby Chief Special .38s would be a great choice.  You can get them new around here for $300 - $350.  Much less used.  It can be concealed very easily.  It is light and can be carried all day with no troubles.  If you get one with no hammer, you never have to give any thought to your hammer getting hung on something which makes the fact that you are carrying it disappear.

Here's 5 reasons to get that particular gun to start.

1.)  Don't waste a bunch of money on a gun that you aren't sure you will carry.  If you don't enjoy carrying the firearm, it's pointless.  I guarantee you that most of the people who REALLY carry a gun all the time have gone through A LOT of guns before they found one that was actually comfortable AND concealable.  Many of these people started with a big 1911 or Glock and ended up with something small that was suited to the purpose. 

2.)  Your first CC pistol shouldn't be complicated.  You cannot get less complicated than, "Pull the trigger, the gun goes BOOM".  If you are in a situation where you MUST use that firearm to defend your or your family's lives -- you don't want to have to think further than, "Pull the trigger, the gun goes BOOM".  What happens when that extra couple of seconds it takes you think is a couple of seconds more than you have? 

3.)  Take out the "cool" factor.  At 3 to 7 yards, most any gun you see will have the same lethality, so don't let anyone talk you into a bigger caliber gun.  No one but you will know you have this gun, so it's pointless to get something that looks cool.  It's been my experience that the cooler something looks, the bigger of a hassle it is -- the bigger the hassle, the less you will carry it (which is the whole point, right?).  Any true concealed carry firearm you get will get destroyed from everyday use.  Have you ever seen a nice looking police duty firearm? 

4.)  You will undoubtedly want another gun.  If you get the $1200 Kimber 1911 first, you will put off getting another gun even though that 1911 may be miserable to try to tote around concealed.  Start small rather than starting big and having to buy down.

5.)  You can always use the 38 as a reason to get your wife involved.  I bet most of the guys here have bought guns for their wifes.  "Honey, I got this little gun for you -- I was thinking about you -- I wanted you to be safe"  Then you walk out of the room and get yourself a new gun! 

Although it's a little bigger than the S&W Chief's Special -- you might consider something like The Tarus JUDGE.  Watch this:  http://www.taurususa.com/video/taurus-theJudge-video.cfm  If I were getting a new CCW gun, this is what I'd get.

[ccz145a]

A 410 shell in a pistol? wow!

[Captkaos]

Ooh, I like that.  I hadn't seen the Judge before and it shoots 45 Long Colts, Oh Toolmaster!

[GoatBeard]

Yeah, that thing is REALLY sweet!  I've got a buddy who swears by this thing and has hung up many expensive pistols stating none of them compare.  He just got a holster that holds it TIGHT against the body so it doesn't print, at all.  There are a lot of other cool accessories for it with more coming out as it's popularity goes up!  You can get the gun for under $450...that's a decent price...I want one!

There's a picture on this review site  http://www.gunblast.com/Taurus-Judge.htm  of a Judge beside a S&W Chief's Special -- it's really not much larger! 

[78 Chevyrado]

That judge is a wicked handgun .  Thanks for the info goatbeard.  I'll take all the help I can get

[Lt.Del]

That judge seems pretty cool--i like it.  I can see a forensic investigator reviewing a crime scene now---that's a shot gun shell, but, that is a pistol, hmmmm.

I'd like to get the judge.

I have issues with the statement that glocks cannot be concealed as easily--there are subcompact models that are slimmer and easier to conceal than revolvers

Your first CC pistol shouldn't be complicated.  You cannot get less complicated than, "Pull the trigger, the gun goes BOOM".  If you are in a situation where you MUST use that firearm to defend your or your family's lives -- you don't want to have to think further than, "Pull the trigger, the gun goes BOOM". 

Glocks are as simple as they get.  Put a mag in, rack it and you are set.  No safety to spend a couple of seconds to take off, no cocking like single action revolvers---just, as you say, "pull the trigger, the gun goes boom".  That describes a Glock.  Just ask Plaxico Burress--dropping the glock in his sweatpants and trying to grab it in his pants leg--BOOM!.  Plaxico would say the gun goes off quite easily without thinking. In fact, pull it many, many times and the gun goes Boom continuously for up to 17 times or more. They are extremely durable, which is why my department was one of the first in the nation in the early '90's to adopt the glock. We are on the 2nd edition advertising poster of Glock, a copy of which hangs in my office today.
 
Besides, if you buy a Glock, then decide, for some strange reason, you don't like it, you can sell it and it will retain most of its value--they are quite popular for a reason.

Don't get me wrong, i still like my model 65 S&W .38 Special/ .357 magnum with 4" barrel--she shoots so smoothly and i like freaking people out at the range..I put three .38 Spcl in it and 3 .357 magnums...shooting the .38's first, it goes, boom, boom, boom then it goes POW, POW, POW louder than a canon.  The expression on the faces of people is priceless.   

[GoatBeard]

I'm not here to debate the Glock.  In my opinion you pointed out exactly why it's not the best choice when trying to decide on your first concealed weapon.

No safety to spend a couple of seconds to take off...

Smoking used to be popular, too. 

[Lt.Del]

If you can't handle the tool, perhaps the Glock isn't the right tool, huh?  Then again, no weapon should be carried if one can't respect it.  If trained properly the Glock is the perfect, reliable weapon.  And, if you aren't trained correctly, don't carry one at all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1We3NHd-lwE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBzm50GlptQ