After seeing that awesome looking Kimber, I wanted to see what your preferences are for concealed carry.
I would use the pistol for "home defense", would be first go to if needed, probably. Mainly for carry with me when hunting, especially b/c I spend so much time out in the dark, early spring with mama bears out with cubs. And for some shooting, but a .22 is not an option. This will be my first pistol and I have no time frame for purchase.
Good thread, Ray. I am looking forward to seeing what people prefer. I have a handful of pistols that will suffice, but I am open to any and all suggestions..Mike
(http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx49/mebasser69/85115983.jpg)
I love my Beretta. Mine is a .22 but they also make this same gun in a .25, .32 and .380 They are all fairly compact with not a lot of weight to fight. You can drop them in a pocket or carry in a holster.
Sig Sauer P228 40 cal.
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I switched from carrying my .380 made by keltec to a .40 cal made by khar arms. This 40 cal is unreal super accurate and real compact which is important when concealing a gun you dont want to flag everyone. The 40 cal round has great stopping power which is needed for any real big person who is attempting to harm.
I have carried several guns before and I am real comfortable with this .40 made by khar the model is mk 40
as far as carrying in the woods I use a 38 revolver. wont jam and can run snake loads which is needed in the south.
Tarus The Judge 3 in 410 with 410 "home defense" buchshot loads; don't have to worry too much about "precise aiming"; I hope that the Good Lord will spare me from EVER having to use it on another human being but believe me I won't hesitate if the need to arises; one just doesn't know who or what he/she will run into in the day that we live in now....................rem
Aside from "Customs Like Kimber, Ed Brown, etc. the best in my opinion is a Sig Sauer
glock 33
kimbers, ed browns, springfields and sigs are nice, but at the end of the day the only own and dirty, tried and true, go BANG when you need it to is glock.
low maintenance, 7 movable parts, accurate, reliable and almost indestructible: Glock
Glock 23 .40 call or Ruger LCP .380.
But if in the woods, that .380 is no where near enough for a bear. :emoticon-cartoon-012:
I have a Taurus pt111 in 9mm.
Ray
Get you a Mountain Gun .44cal S&W nickle it will work on mama bear if you ever need it.... :icon_thumright:
this is just one of my hand guns BUT if i go out at night i have a Sig Sauer 9 mm concealed .
(http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh97/STRIKER1300/101_2994-1.jpg)
For concealed everyday carry, my modified S&W CS45
But it would not be suitable for bear protection. A large bore S&W mountain gun would be the best choice. An everyday carry and a bear gun are pretty much mutually exclusive. Any gun suitable for bear protection is going to be too large and heavy for comfortable everyday carry all seasons. Bout all your going to be able to do with it is shoulder harness under a heavy coat. As far as semi-autos there are a few that could suffice on bear, the massive Desert Eagle in 44mag or a 10mm glock or S&W. 10mm is useless though unless you are going to reload for it. And forget hollow points. While manstoppers, they are not suitable on bear. Heavy solids or preferably hard cast lead is necessary.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/stcb/CS45-1.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/stcb/CS45-2.jpg)
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My Carry gun is a Ruger LCR 38+P,,,,Very concealable 5 shot revolver.
(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j222/kdog2fish/4e95ab41.jpg)
Ruger LCP for the pant pocket , if If I have a jacket or something it is my S&W .40 loaded up with HP's bang...bang ...bang
There are loads of scumbag repeat felons {who cant legally own a gun} everywhere.... but still do anyway .... Ive seen enough violence and criminal activity in my life to validate my personal opinion that you have to be out of your mind not to own and carry a gun in today's world
I carry the Bersa 380 Thunder if its in my pocket or the springfield XDSC 9mm if Im wearing a shirt and not just a T shirt.
In all honesty, it doesn't matter what "Joe Bob" carries. You need to find something which feels good in your hands, and you are comfortable in shooting, and carrying. In my own personal opinion, within reason, you get what you pay for in firearms. I certainly don't want to have a jam or misfeed when it comes to defending my life. As long as it goes "Bang Bang" every time you pull the trigger, and you are able to hit with it consistently from 3- 12 feet, it's a good gun. Just my thoughts, and I have some others, but I'll hold off..
God Bless,
David B.
I used to carry Colt 45 officers model, sometimes I would carry my walthers ppk 380, My carry gun now is a North American Arms .22 mag, birdshot in the first hole and .22 mag hollow points in the others, weights 5oz,maybe 4" long, with a pocket holster nobody will ever know, the barrel flash out of it at night is like a .357. Sweet little gun
My carry gun is a Glock 23 with Crimson Trace grips.
Springfield XD SC 40
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x72/chiefsfreak/XDsupertuck.jpg)
I hardly ever carry a gun on me out in public even though i do have my conceal carry but i do carry one in the truck and it is a pt945 .45cal
(http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a408/HUNTERING/DSCN5857.jpg)
I carry this one on me alot when out in the woods .44 ruger super red hawk
(http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a408/HUNTERING/DSCN5858.jpg)
Either one of these would take care of mama bear with right bullet placement.
I acquired my first handgun about 18 months ago.Knowing very little about them I was steered by some friends{law enforcement/military}that I needed to look at Glocks.I ended up with a Glock 21 in 45 acp,its alittle big for daily carry but I'm not quite there yet.Even though I would,I'm not interested in having to shoot the bad guy 4-5 times.Glocks do not have a traditional on/off safety but its very safe,just different.Its also got the laser/light accessory.There are alot of choices out there so gather the info and make your decesion.
Glock 23 The only gun I use...... The only safety is your finger....
Quote from: busta biggun on July 15, 2011, 08:14:13 AM
Springfield XD SC 40
(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x72/chiefsfreak/XDsupertuck.jpg)
Which holster is this. Looks like a crossbreed, but the clips are different.
Is it a Maxtuck?
God Bless,
David B.
I don't have my concelaed carry permit yet (just moved to WV). I have a Glock 17 Gen 4. A bit big for concealed carry but I'm a big guy (6'8", 245lbs) so concealement shouldn't be a problem. Plus my wife can shoot the hell out of it which is the main thing since it sleeps in my bedside nightstand as a home defense weapon first.
Quote from: BOFF on July 15, 2011, 10:14:03 AM
Quote from: busta biggun on July 15, 2011, 08:14:13 AM
Springfield XD SC 40
Which holster is this. Looks like a crossbreed, but the clips are different.
Is it a Maxtuck?
God Bless,
David B.
This is a Crossbreed Supertuck.
When I carried on the job I had a Bretta 92 ( I am pretty sure thats the modle) in a 40 cal. A little bulky but it was a dependable piece.
Ive seen some big handguns on here for conceal...you guys must have some big pants.. :TooFunny: The LCP and 380 are perfect. Also if interested look at the new Taurus 380's they are getting better reviews that Ruger.
(http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af29/huntiowa/Sig%20Sauer%20P229/IMG_20110225_2029351.jpg)
(http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af29/huntiowa/Sig%20Sauer%20P229/IMG_20110309_1914061.jpg)
Its a Sig Sauer 229 -9mm. Pretty large to conceal unless you wear a coat. But I carry it in the woods on the outside in plain view. The blackhawk holster comes with belt loo holster and paddle holster. The are adjustable for positioning to your preference for easy removal. one button release whinch is pressed during removal by your trigger finger. Which inturn falls right were you want it when drawing.
Quote from: Preacher on July 15, 2011, 11:32:14 AM
When I carried on the job I had a Bretta 92 ( I am pretty sure thats the modle) in a 40 cal. A little bulky but it was a dependable piece.
Preacher model 92 would be a 9mm. The 40 cal is the model 96. I have a 96G myself, fine weapon. A bit large for concealing though.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/stcb/beretta-2.jpg)
for hunting i like to carry my stainless security six ruger in 357loaded with hydra shock no jams no safety if it dont fire the first time just squeeze again
but like others have said find what you like and works best ....those are some awesome weapons and ideas guy's
Quote from: BOFF on July 15, 2011, 12:25:02 AM
In all honesty, it doesn't matter what "Joe Bob" carries. You need to find something which feels good in your hands, and you are comfortable in shooting, and carrying. In my own personal opinion, within reason, you get what you pay for in firearms. I certainly don't want to have a jam or misfeed when it comes to defending my life. As long as it goes "Bang Bang" every time you pull the trigger, and you are able to hit with it consistently from 3- 12 feet, it's a good gun. Just my thoughts, and I have some others, but I'll hold off..
God Bless,
David B.
:icon_thumright:
I don't understand how some of this stuff is considered too big to conceal. Ain't like we're carrying a Dirty Harry 44 Mag.
I keep a Ruger P95 9mm in the truck and cary a 357mag in the woods. My next hand gun will be a 10mm. A bit much for my budget now but someday.
You have a greater chance of being hit by lightning than needing a firearm to protect yourself from a bear, esp. in the Eastern U.S.. With that caveat, watch the weather and choose a firearm which you "Will Carry". I've carried a handgun for over 35 years to the point that I wouldn't go out of the house without one. I've tried to carry about 8 different guns for concealed carry and the primary factor for what I carry is size and weight. The meanest, baddest caliber doesn't do you any good at home in the gun safe, which is where it will be if it's too heavy, cumbersome, and non-concealable to stick in your pocket. I have had the right front pocket of numerous pairs of pants and shorts modified for pocket carry to accommodate a S&W Mod. 60, 2", 38 or a Kel-Tec P3AT, 380. This allows you to carry without a jacket or sportscoat with your shirt tucked in. Carry in the woods with an external belt holster is a whole different story and opens up the possibility of carrying everything from large single action revolvers, large frame double action revolvers, and pistols of any caliber. Whatever you choose to carry, practice/practice/practice pulling out your firearm and shooting at various ranges and circumstances and practice with the ammo which you intend to carry, preferably Cor-Bon's or ammo of similar construction and velocity. God forbid, if you ever need to draw a firearm in defense, "Shoot to Kill".
GP100 357 magnum
Springfield Arms XD 40 Sub compact . Awesome little carry. And a S&W 38 SP.
Ruger LCP 380, you don't even realize your carring it
A Glock .45 that i carry around the farm. And a Taurus TCP .380 that i carry in my pocket about every day...no one notices it....Danny
Glock 40 cal. compact.
Springfield XD 45.
Kel-Tec P-3AT 380ACP.
I don't know how'd you would wrap up concealed carry, home defense and bear control into one gun. For concealed carry, I ended up with the Rohrbaugh 9mm loaded with Hornady's critical defense loads. I've have a variety of revolvers and autos over the years but found that if it wasn't light and small it stayed home especially during the summer. Also the 9mm was my minimum caliber as I've seen people carrying lesser calibers well. The last being a 6'5" 285lbs gent who was carrying two 38 rounds and talking on his cell phone as he flagged me down. I thought he was locked out of his vehicle.
For home defense especially sands a lot of handgun training would be a pump shotgun.
Lastly, bear defense would be a .41 or larger revolver or a 10mm/45 auto.
Good luck.
CB
I saw one mention of a North American Arms pistol in this thread. This is a weapon that I have long admired simply for its miniscule size and ease of concealment. I always thought they would be too small to be effective... until...
I had the pleasure of hunting with a gentleman who makes custom predator calls. He is a retired Arkansas State Trooper whose title was sniper/counter sniper. This gentleman, from all appearances is the most humble, gentle person you could meet. After he dispatched a coyote on our hunt with a 204 Ruger, I drug the dog back up the hill, where it continued to display some creepy nerve responses of it's head and neck rotating. (Not like the scene from poltergeist) Anyway, my friend pulled out his little NAA .22 pistol from his pocket and said "cover your ears". He squeezed off a round and the neck rotation stopped. I told him I had always had a thing for those little guns but never knew what they were good for. Without hesitation, Joe said "5 men". Coming from a gentleman who doesn't mince words and has the life experience to back his statement, I'm still considering it. As was previously stated, anything that goes bang on your person is more effective than a hand cannon in a gun safe or night stand at home. This is the model that catches my eye...
(http://www.northamericanarms.com/pix/pug03.jpg)
It weighs in at 6.4 oz unloaded and comes with an optional tritium sight. This one is .22 mag. Even the .22 lr has a thunderous bark out of the little 1" barrel.
On a related note, I have been delivering pizza several evenings a week for about a year. In this economy, it has helped pay off all of my credit cards and now working off the medical bills. Just last week a pizza delivery guy on the other side of town was hit with a stun gun while making a delivery inside a privacy fenced yard. Fortunately he was o.k. afterwards and was carrying less than $20 at the time. It's sad to say, but even in residential areas, you just can't be certain anymore of your safety.
I LOVE my Kimber CDP II 45 cal with Crimson laser and Marine Corps grip, also occasionally carry a Sig P220 in 45 cal.
I'd have to go with one of the top two on this list:
http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-huge-personal-firearms.php
Look at #4 and your sure to say........"thats gonna leave a mark"
I love that Beretta, that is my carry gun when I am doing my daily 5.3 mile hike around town. It is lightweight and dependable. Excellent firearm.
Quote from: Basser69 on July 14, 2011, 04:40:03 PM
(http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx49/mebasser69/85115983.jpg)
I love my Beretta. Mine is a .22 but they also make this same gun in a .25, .32 and .380 They are all fairly compact with not a lot of weight to fight. You can drop them in a pocket or carry in a holster.
I have three basic carry guns. I keep "The Judge" in the truck, the first two cylinders have .410 shot shells (buckshot) and the last three cylinders are .45 Colt Long. The Judge is an excellent weapon to end a car-jacking. On my person I carry a Colt Defender in a .45 ACP during the day. When I am walking to get some exercise I carry the Beretta Mod 21A chambered in a .22. The .22 is enough to stop an attack by another person with decent shot placement. I just gave my daughter who is a college student an S&W Lady Smith wheel gun (revolver) chambered in a .38 Special. If you shoot a wheel gun and reload an excellent self defend round is to use lead wad cutters loaded backwards in the casing. It makes a huge hollow point.
To answer your questions as to what is a good carry gun and a caliber that will slow down a bear. You might want to consider the S&W Mod. 19 chambered in a .44 Special. This gun should be effective on people and bears with proper shot placement.
Here is a link for some other considerations: http://www.gunblast.com/Butch_SizeMatters.htm
Colt Combat Commander .45 ACP if I'm wearing a jacket or coat or a Kel Tec P10 9mm if I don't have a jacket and carry a pocket pistol.
I don't carry while hunting, but I also don't hunt in bear country. If I did, it would be a revolver in at least .44 magnum.
My concealed carry gun is a Glock 27, a compact .40 caliber. Never once jammed, very accurate, small enough to carry without being noticed.
(http://www.tuffsteel.com/images/glock27-500x372.jpg)
Quote from: CamoMan4025 on July 18, 2011, 07:44:35 PM
Sugar................are ya confused yet ??? ??? ??? ???
Sugar Ray it about like asking what is your favorite deer rifle.
Yeah, I know, but I have minimal experience with hand guns and might not see something that would be right at my local shops. Always a good idea to get the most information you can!!
I agree with everybody that says they want a gun small enough to be easily carried so they don't leave it at home. Here's my thoughts. I ended up with a decent caliber (Springfield XD40 SC) because I want to be able to stop a drug crazed attacker. Not fill him full of holes and know that he will die soon. I also want a bullet that would be able to shoot through the door of a car in the unlikely event of a carjacking. .40 should do that fine. The Sub-Compact allows for easy concealment. I have never printed to my knowledge or been called out by friends and family that know I carry. Now the only downside to carrying a weapon that is .40 caliber and so small is the fact that it is going to be less accurate. But the overwhelming majority of self defense shootings are at a very close range, so I am not that concerned. Sure a .22 derringer or a small .38 with a small clip will be easier to carry, but I don't even notice my gun any more and I like knowing I have 10 effective rounds even with my short clip in. I can always stick my extended magazine in my pocket if needed. I just feel better with this rig and as many have pointed out it's all about what each person feels comfortable with!
Can never go wrong with a .357 mag or a 40 cal. I am bias to S&W and Ruger but I would buy a Taurus, Kimber, and others with no hesitation. The .357 you can shoot 125 grains to I think 180grains and for lower recoil you can shoot 38s in it. The 40 will give you anything from 180 to 135 grains. I like a revolver in the woods and a pistol on the streets. Revolver in my opinion is better than a pistol as far a functioning and power, but the pistol holds the advantage of holding more rounds.Good luck and let us know what you decide on.
With all due respect...You actually carry a single shot, scoped pistol for self defense? And an SAA on your hip? Talk about cumbersome. I don't doubt you, Preacher, but they do make a lot of smaller handguns that are not, in fact, made out of plastic.
Are you pullin' my chain? I mean. I was born at night, but not last night..Mike
I carry a Colt Mustang 380. I've bought it back in the mid 80's and have had no issues with it. I keep it loaded with Win. 85gr. silvertip hp's.
I have two that I carry concealed. The first is a Sig P239 9mm in a side holster. The other is a little Keltec .380. I can throw that gun in my front pocket and forget its there
Like others have said try as many different guns as you can to find one that fits you and your needs the best. Mine is a springfield xdm compact .40 in a tennessee holster company in the waist band holster. I forget that I am even wearing it.
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(http://i553.photobucket.com/albums/jj388/msz0001/DSC00230.jpg)
Quote from: sugarray on July 19, 2011, 08:14:41 AM
Yeah, I know, but I have minimal experience with hand guns and might not see something that would be right at my local shops. Always a good idea to get the most information you can!!
There is a shop at Flatwoods that used to have a nice selection.