What accessories do you guys run on you or CCW? I’m looking at options and debating on weapons. A 9mm on my side and a 45 auto for the house. I am also looking at picking up a SR22 to teach the kids pistol usage.
Disclaimer – likely getting my permit soon so I come from an inexperienced place to give any kind of advice. I’m interested to see if others put items on the rail for their CCW option.
That said, it’s hard to not throw an opinion in the ring 
.45 vs 9mm – I think the endless caliber debates are stupid, both of these are handgun not rifle rounds and fair choices.
Hits on target and under stress are what’s important. If you can have two different ones and be very proficient with both, awesome! If the cost of .45 means you practice less, wrong choice. If the recoil of .45 means you aren’t as proficient, wrong choice.
I’m somewhat in the same boat as you and dig a quote from the old west. “Beware the man who has only one gun, he knows how to use it”. For CCW do I buy a completely different platform than my current full size?(which I really like) If yes, do I then sell what I have? Do I keep my full size and then buy the smaller version in the same platform? These are the questions I’m asking myself.
At least for now, I’m going to stay one caliber. Just easier and 9mm allows me to practice more. Now what do I buy…
Had a .40 HK USP full size.
Have a 9mm FN FNS 9 full size.
Looking at an HK P2000, FNS9 compact, S&W Shield, or nothing for now. Will stay in 9mm though.
I am also looking at picking up a SR22 to teach the kids pistol usage.
Good call on the .22 for teaching. Makes all the sense in the world to me
9mm is great due to size. If you have never Carried before a pistol will not look “big” until you carry it around concealed daily, then you will wish it was smaller. I run a ruger LC9s. I like a manual safety on any carry weapon, many people argue that under duress you wont be able to get the safety off, thus you will die. I Like to think of it as a manual safety gives a TON more reassurance I will never have an accidental discharge situation, while still being armed. I have made it past my 30th birthday and never needed a pistol, I am hoping I never will.
The safety issue is why I’m leaning towards weapons like the XDM. I like the idea of not having to switch off a safety. I haven’t handled a sub-compact pistol yet where the safety switch was in a convenient place for my thumb.
The “right” carry weapon depends on the individual. What’s right for me more then likely will not be right for you.
I had an XD-45 and simply LOVED it for shooting but with 14 rounds of 45 lead in the mag it was simply too heavy to carry as much as I wanted to carry.
I chose the Glock 26 with a Crimson Trace laser for it’s compactness, light weight, inexpensive to shoot (comparatively) target acquisition and reliability. It conceals well. I’m not as careful about it peeking out as I once was. When I reach above my head it peaks out once in a while. Around here most people are getting use to seeing a side arm. (not open carry)
Over 10 years of carry pretty much full time and it’s never came close to going off at least without my finger on the trigger. But it’s what YOU feel safe with.
I’m not a fan of lights or lasers that I can not control. I don’t want to be seen before I’m ready to be seen.
A laser allows a round or two to be fired before the weapon is shoulder high.
It also helps with trigger control by using an unloaded gun, squeezing the trigger and watching for the dot to jump. Muscle training.
There are some that will say a laser won’t work in bright light.
I have two comments about that…no, three.
1) Crimson Trace has free batteries for life. Use it.
2) If you can’t see the laser in daylight on your target… you best be running away from the trouble. If your target is more then 15 20′ away, running away and calling 911 is MUCH better the discharging your weapon in most cases if not all cases.
3) Always practice with your iron sights as well. Just in case.
Selling your non carry weapons? Well, you can if you need the money or just don’t want them laying around (figure of speech). Up to each person.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Ps just watched the first video. I will not be “clearing” my house or anyone else’s. That’s what the police are for…
I have been carrying as long as Brian. I run no accessories. I use to carry weapons that were easy to carry and conceal. Started with a small revolver then went to an LCP. Carried that a lot just because its easy. Now I carry a weapon that gives me a better chance of surviving a confrontation close up AND at distance. I mostly practice at distance. 25-30 yards. I carry a G23.
I carry the Ruger LCR with Crimson trace grips. I was concerned about having to deal with a safety and did not like the idea of an open hammer, I wanted a revolver never an issue with jamming. There is no way in hell the LCR can go off accidently. It fits in a pocket or holster and darn accurate for being a short barrel.
Any one CCing should practice a ton moving while shooting it will hone your skills.
I plan on taking a defensive shooting class (or 4).
I carry a LC9CT. I like the laser, but I’m aware that in certain light conditions it may not be visible. Every weapon I’ve ever carried including in the Army, or the Taser at work had a safety so, I feel like no safety is counter intuitive. To each his own. Please, please do not rely on the bare minimum training requirements
I mostly practice at distance. 25-30 yards.
Damn. That’s a long shot with a little pistol.
That is a long shot. I practice at 7-10 yards. I carry a glock 26 and sometimes my glock 27 and have no problems.
I carry a m&p shield 9mm. Has the manual safety and a trigger style. Shoots well. As for caliber if I needed to use I figure it would be less then ten feet so no need for a cannon. P,us with the ammo these days the 9mm is more then enough.
I am a fan of the Walther PPS in 9mm. no lights etc
Having run the biggest and pronounced gun range in the metro area, I have seen and sold hundreds of carry setups. Most people who are new to the carry world, prefer a smaller gun. I sold more Ruger LC9 and LC9S’ than just about any other gun. The second runner up was the G42. Having been carrying for a number of years, I went through the small gun phase. Carrying a small gun has its advantages, but it also has its numerous disadvantages. I now carry a G19 in an appendix holster. Some would say an appendix holster is dangerous, I challenge anyone who says that to find a report of a negligent discharge happening while gun is holstered.
The biggest concern when carrying a gun, isn’t the gun itself, it’s the holster. You NEED a quality holster that fits you right. Once you find that holster, you will not only carry more often, but also conceal the weapon better while carrying. A good starting point is a gun shop with a large selection of holsters. I am a lefty, so there is no such thing as a good selection at a store for me. Sitting in my basement, is a drawer completely full of holster that I no longer wear…It’s all trial and error. The style I like is most certainly not going to be the style you like, so try different things.
Great input! I went though my small gun phase too and too many holsters.
I got the S & W Bodyguard in .380 with the laser, when I started carrying 2 years ago… still carry it daily and feel confident in my proficiency and safety. Some say .380 is not BIG enough to stop a threat… but as Grouse likes to say, “I don’t see anyone stepping up and volunteering to take a round to the chest to see if it will stop them” 
Was it not the “38 Special” that was a gun of choice? Is this something different?
Hang on now!
I’m in the learning stages here gentlemen.
.38 special was a revolver… here is the Bodyguard
380.jpg
The safety issue is why I’m leaning towards weapons like the XDM. I like the idea of not having to switch off a safety. I haven’t handled a sub-compact pistol yet where the safety switch was in a convenient place for my thumb. [/quote
I am biased towards Springfield. They are headquartered about 13 miles from my house. I have an XDM in 9mm. Good piece, no doubt but heavy when loaded with a full magazine and large. They do make an XDS with is compact and thin and I believe the new models care available with a built in laser. It features a single stack magazine to accomplish small size. I know several people that carry XDSs in 9mm, 40 cal, or .45 acp. I have shot all. The 9mm and .45 are very manageable for me. I’m not as fond of the .40 cal bit many like it. CCWs get dirty from day to day carry. Simple dust, dander, clothing fibers etc.. I may get an XDS in .45 but am actually leaning towards a Charter Arms revolver in .44 special. This is simply due to stopping power, and reliability. If anyone knows of any other smallish, light .44 specials still made please advise.
Springfield’s are a good solid brand, but there is one thing I wanted to ensure you knew. The XD and XDM are not a Springfield design, they are an HS products design from Croatia. In fact, they are still made in Croatia. This does not make them a bad gun at all, as many quality guns come from eastern Europe.
When the S&W shield first came out, you could only get them with a physical safety, and on the left side of the gun. I purchased one right away knowing the safety would do nothing for me other than be accidentally turned on…I sold the gun shortly after, it was the only non-1911 style gun I have ever owned with a safety, never again.
The combination of having the trigger guard fully covered by the holster and the practice of keeping your finger off the trigger, will not let the gun negligently go off. I am not telling you to load up your gun, turn the safety off and throw it on the ground, but it will not go off if you do. (Unless you own a Taurus, not brand bashing, read the recalls…)
I have owned everything from an NAA mini in .22LR to a S&W 629 .44mag. I have carried all of them concealed, it comes down to preference. And I prefer Kahr and Glock pistols for carry. Regardless of what people choose, no one is wrong or right in what they like. It comes down to what is comfortable and what the owner is proficient with.
Having any type of gun is better than having no gun at all…
I’ll toss this out here from conversations I had with dealers (range owners/managers) and law enforcement guys while at shot. This came up a frequent and I thought it was very note worthy. This is mostly paraphrased from range owners and not my opinion.
Most conceal carry individuals buy a small compact at first. So many different ones on the market and they all have a similar fault that leads to not practicing enough. In most cases, the small hand grip of a compact ends before extending out of the grip of your hand. Most users like the small package and light weight for CC, but find after regular use, it is not comfortable for repeated shooting. The argument is made to the dealer that it is for defense and not sporting, so the need to be able to shoot a lot is insignificant.
Law enforcement guys, dealers, and most people agree the most effective handgun is the one in the hand of an individual that practices all aspects. Regular shooting, scenarios, loading, and so on. However, what they see is that many people with compact frames don’t like to shoot often, and don’t enhance their skills as they should. This doesn’t mean everyone, but they see a majority of frequent shooters in the range are full frame crowd. These guys are more comfortable with repeated shooting and practice more regularly.
I found this interesting, as I hadn’t given it much thought until the subject came up in the ATI booth. After more thought, I see that it applies to myself as I like to shoot a larger frame handgun much more than compacts.
The best one is the one you actually are carrying when you need it, whether it is compact or bulky. I know for me, I will carry my compact daily, a big framed gun, I know I would not. I also think going to the range every month would be nice, but like said earlier, with a laser, you can practice dry firing and see how your doing to an extent. Then again, when you actually have to use your weapon to defend your life, I am betting most bets are off. Ideally if we are talking “like to shoot weapons” I would “like” to walk around with my AR… but that is not practical either…
Most conceal carry individuals buy a small compact at first. So many different ones on the market and they all have a similar fault that leads to not practicing enough. In most cases, the small hand grip of a compact ends before extending out of the grip of your hand. Most users like the small package and light weight for CC, but find after regular use, it is not comfortable for repeated shooting.
That hit the nail on the head! Walking into the range every single day and seeing all my regular customers out there shooting their fullsize guns, then they come upstairs and talk about how much they love carrying their (insert small gun name here). I almost never saw my regular customers who I knew carried daily, actually shoot and practice with their carry guns. I have gone as far as shooting a match or two of USPSA with my carry gun. It is great training and great fun.
Small guns are great to carry. And having one is better than not having anything.
The reason I got away from them was range and firepower. Its very difficult to hit anything very var away with a 2-3″ barrel. And usually the sights on such belly guns leave a lot to be desired. Then there’s round count. I hope I never need my sidearm but if it ever happens I dont want the life of my wife or myself depending on an LCP size weapon if I can help it.
I am NOT putting anyone or any weapons down. I like them all! Once I’m back to summer apparel the ole LCP will once again accompany me most of the time. squeak squeak. 
When people say repeated shooting, their talking at the range I hope, not fending off would be attackers… 
I also believe talking to range owners and LE are a totally different “carry” animal than most of the general public. Most LE I know, open carry even when off duty. I would also suspect a range owner/operator, would open carry at work all day long too ! This coming from a guy who interacts with 50+ customers a day, in an office type setting. Heck, like I said, is it ideal to carry a LCP or is there better options out there…? Absolutely, that’s where my AR comes in at the top of the list 
G, that was there observarion, opinions on the general public. And yes, repeated shooting referring to regularly shooting their primary CC weapon
X2 on the LCR .357. I carried a Security Six since forever but got tired of the weight and the possibility of the hammer hanging up. I’ve a 9mm semi and just don’t feel comfy with it. I can only hope the day never comes that I’m forced to use it- – jerr
Gotcha Randy…. sometimes I ask dumb questions, just to hear myself type.
To my comment about when confronted and having to use the weapon, even with all the range time and practice, all bets are off…. case in point, the officer in Cleveland a couple years ago after a high speed chase, who got off 49 shots in 20 seconds.. the last clip emptied while standing on the hood of the suspects vehicle and shot through the windshield at 3 feet… 
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