Re: looking for a good CC handgun
I'm fairly new to the CC world, I've only been at it for a year now. That said, I would so much more today than I did way back when I first decided to obtain the CCW License. I like many handgun brands, but I'm mainly a Automatic type guy. While I live the 1911 45 cal Auto, I would not carry it on a daily basis. And carrying on a daily basis's is what's it's all about. At first I had to force myself to carry, it's a new habit and one that has many negative aspects. You have to get use to the responsibility of always having a hand gun ready and available...Trust me, if you're a conscientious guy, it is a major responsibility. Also, carrying a handgun 24/7 is not as easy as it sounds. Part of the problem is the size and the other problem the weight. Cops have huge duty belts, they were and that supports their gear, I do not have this, and neither does most CC people. You have to wear a belt, which is new, and then you have to find a comfortable holster, one that is easy to access and one that fits you and the gun. This is not easy, nor inexpensive. You will have to go thru several holster to find the right on, or at least the right one for that day. If you carry several different weapons, it will get very expensive very quickly, each gun needs its own holster. So far, the most comfortable holster I have fond, is a padded strong side hip holster, that fit on the belt and is worn outside the paints. Unfortunately, this means all your shirts have to be un-tucked... There are so many things to consider when buying a holster, I never would have thought of it as so complicated, without the CCW. You have fit of gun, fit to you, comfort, gun access and gun protection, how it looks, and how easy it is to hide, wear and tear and array of other factors. I have many quick draw, finger retention (Serta) type holsters, for most all my handguns, but don't were them for CC. Why, they are hard to wear, and don't protect the gun or your side. But, they look good.....
The handgun, is way more important, then one would think. usually, you think of quality of brand, caliber and style when buying a handgun, but with CC you have to think of weight, type of trigger, barrel length, caliber (?), finish, bullet capacity, bullet weight, type of sights, ease of use, safety, feel and controls. Most of these factors I never gave much thought to before the CCW, but now they mean the difference between me carrying a gun and not. Sorry, but I would never carry one of my better gun on a daily basis. They get to much were and tear. Anything large and long is out of the question, it has to be compact and light to carry all the time, otherwise it is just too much trouble. I know in the military it is not a big deal, you carry open and most consideration the CC guys have to deal with are not known. I never gave it a care when I was in. It is very hard to find a compromise of all the above, and still have a functional yet comfortable combination. I do not feel comfortable carrying only the weapons magazine, so I find holsters that have a small built-in mag pouch when I can. I have probably 15 different holsters, not a lot, but clearly a considerable investment. I have stash guns around the house, that I like to leave with 1 or 2 extra mags, and the holsters I don't wear. So they get used, kind of..... Personally i have come to terms with what i need, verses what i would like to carry. I carry a .380Auto, or 9mm in a small frame auto configuration. Yes, I know it would be best to carry my 45 auto or 357 Sig or even my 40 S&W, but it don't work for me. And if I am not comfortable, then I won't carry all the time, so which is more important? I would rather be caring something lethal, then having a hand gun at home when I needed one, you probably would too?? Presently, I am carrying a Walther PPK 380, it is big enough that it fits in my hand well, and I can shoot it without a lot of fuss or thinking about it, but small enough to hide well and it doesn't weigh a lot. There are smaller gun available, but I found my comfort level with these one. I also do not want to carry any hand gun without a hammer, it's just me, i like to leave a round in the chamber, but not feel worried all the time. The DA/SA trigger makes this possible, and I also require a de-cocker and safety. I want to be protected both physically and legally. I also only carry LE grade ammo, and never Home or hand loads, again legal protection. Good luck on your CCW, and find a gun and holster that fits you, your body and your lifestyle.