[Hoosier Daddy]

Couldn't find an open thread this fits, just several threads of people talking about guns they owned and some about pros and cons of concealed carry.

I don't want to seem unsociable but would rather not post what I own lest helping big brother start/update some file. Everything bought before background checks so only records are in scattered 4473s. Never lived anywhere and still don't where a permit or license was needed.

Been shooting and collecting for almost 50 years. But haven't added to collection in ~30 years but it was a gun magazine cover story back then.

On the shooting side, almost exclusively high-powered long barrel revolvers for some hunting and a lot of target shooting, mostly 100 yards.

Decided it's time to get something for concealed carry for my wife or me. Not much of a pistol fan; my 11th commandment is: barrel and sights shall be joined at the hip. As such, we don't have many pistols and the smallest is a 45 long-slide. So, I need to get something just for carry. Back in the day would open carry sometimes but there are advantages to concealed beyond not freaking out the gunaphobes.

Reliability is top priority. Next size, weight, safety. Accuracy not so much. What I'm thinking, and tell me where I may be wrong: Something the size of a micro 9 for weight and concealment. Recoil not a concern with the light weight because I'm guessing a micro 9 wouldn't be worse than a 6" .454 Casull revolver which we both have no problem with. I'm not concerned about mag size. I'm guessing 1000 to 1 odds of ever needing more than even the smallest capacity offered anywhere we will be carrying. So, I might even prefer a single stack if cuts the weight and thickness. Don't want double/single action. All shots one or the other, preferably single (but since this will be first gun to be fired under stress, not sure). With our background, trigger weight and feel is maybe less important than the "must have" part of my brain tells me? Massively important for long range shooting; how important for surprise close in defense situations?

And if you think I'm on the right track, any recommendations on a gun? Price not much of a factor. Likewise wait times/availability not much of a factor. I already know of several that seem good on paper.

 

[Tripwire]

I agree on reliability ....if i had to do it again i would choose a revolver and not my MP40

 

[Mojo88]

I used to do a lot of competitive pistol shooting, mostly 45. I shot a lot of smaller pistols just for fun. And I had a CCP for many years, but my state got tougher and wouldn't renew a few years back, though they might now.

Anyway, one thing I found that improved reliability was called a 'fluff and buff'. That process (smoothing, polishing and fitting all the moving parts) goes by many names and means different things to different people. But for me, I always found the difference in reliability to be absolutely astonishing. Most new mass-produced pistols are shipped with a lot of rough edges.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I agree on reliability ....if i had to do it again i would choose a revolver and not my MP40

I (and my wife) also want the inch or less width of several micro 9s.

 

[Tripwire]

my wife and i want a inch more LOL

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I used to do a lot of competitive pistol shooting, mostly 45. I shot a lot of smaller pistols just for fun. And I had a CCP for many years, but my state got tougher and wouldn't renew a few years back, though they might now.

Anyway, one thing I found that improved reliability was called a 'fluff and buff'. That process (smoothing, polishing and fitting all the moving parts) goes by many names and means different things to different people. But for me, I always found the difference in reliability to be absolutely astonishing. Most new mass-produced pistols are shipped with a lot of rough edges.

Will do that.

This is when I miss my gunsmith even more. Colt farmed out some of their custom shop jobs to him.

Sadly, passed away many years ago. The 21 "gun" salute by some customers with a pinch of his ashes in the H110 was a nice touch.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

my wife and i want a inch more LOL

Want me to forward some of my spam to you?

Wish I didn't know you so I could use my "I'll bet she says that to all the guys" line.

 

[Tripwire]

No thanks.... the stuff doesn not work.........all it does is increase my inbox size....

 

[FTSS]

All the posts and nary a shot of a sidearm amongst the lot 'a yas'suns. Gad zooks.
I certainly go with the wheelgun for sure fire all day long, but not getting anything single action for self defense. I got this for the wife for her first nurse job in the city. Just your plain 'ol 2" Mdl.36 Chf. Detective Spl. in .38+P. Factory re-blue 15 years ago. It turned out security was forward-thinking at her hospital with a roving guard in the 4 fl. garage, so little needs there. And then a job in the county so not much call then either.

I used to do a lot of competitive pistol shooting, mostly 45. I shot a lot of smaller pistols just for fun. And I had a CCP for many years, but my state got tougher and wouldn't renew a few years back, though they might now.

Anyway, one thing I found that improved reliability was called a 'fluff and buff'. That process (smoothing, polishing and fitting all the moving parts) goes by many names and means different things to different people. But for me, I always found the difference in reliability to be absolutely astonishing. Most new mass-produced pistols are shipped with a lot of rough edges.

A big fat +1 on 'tuning', 'accurizing', whatever it's labeled. I have as much in the tuning and parts with my Python as the new purchase price. As you say, astounding improvements.

 

[Tripwire]

laser grips....

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I certainly go with the wheelgun for sure fire all day long

Will consider a defense caliber revolver with a sub 1" diameter cylinder but don't know of any.

But there was that time a gullible acquaintance was curious about a Hawkeye and I told him I accidentally ran over a Blackhawk with my truck.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

laser grips....

View attachment 628451

Not for me. Adds to width. If the pistol I buy has a lower rail would consider a laser there if it didn't add to width.

 

[LovemyDTS!]

Just throwing my thoughts into the ring. My first carry gun was a Glock 26, small 9mm. Terrific gun, never jammed on me once but I found the 9mm a little over powered for close quarters self defense C/C. I went from there to the Glock 30, smaller frame .45 and love it. I like the .45 for what it was designed for, taking big chunks out of your enemy at close quarters combat. I will say though, the most accurate gun I've ever owned out of the box was a stainless Springfield Arms 1911 .45. But I'd take the Glock, at least the two I've fired, hands down for reliability.

Just a quick edit: I carry the Glock 30 with Winchester Rangers and never had a jam.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Just throwing my thoughts into the ring. My first carry gun was a Glock 26, small 9mm. Terrific gun, never jammed on me once but I found the 9mm a little over powered for close quarters self defense C/C. I went from there to the Glock 30, smaller frame .45 and love it. I like the .45 for what it was designed for, taking big chunks out of your enemy at close quarters combat. I will say though, the most accurate gun I've ever owned out of the box was a stainless Springfield Arms 1911 .45. But I'd take the Glock, at least the two I've fired, hands down for reliability.

Just a quick edit: I carry the Glock 30 with Winchester Rangers and never had a jam.

Will consider a 36 but I'd like physically smaller. Even more width of the double stacks a nogo since I don't need more rounds.

 

[Byrdman]

my EDC is a Glock 26. Has never malfunctioned. If I want super concealment, it's a Glock 42. The wheel gun is a S&W .38 Chief Special. Also have a couple of Makarovs--very reliable but heavy.

 

[Jakerin]

My newest and smallest with .40 caliber punch. 3.1” barrel and just under an inch wide.

 

[silversport]

SIG P365 or a GLOCK 43 are good choices...the GLOCK 43 feels flatter to me but the 10 +1 of the standard sized SIG P365 is very close...both are reliable, accurate, rugged and not too expensive...

Bill

 

[Kad4Life]

My carry is a modified S&W Performance Center 637 revolver with a bobbed hammer and 'unfortunate Gunsmoke graphics' 5 shot 38+p and the clip grips it came with.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Narrowed it down to 9 micro 9s based on width (and other dimensions), weight, factory trigger, mind numbing number of reviews.

Started testing but some will be hard to find to rent at ranges.

First test session was a SIG 365 and Springfield Armory Hellcat. First test was also first time firing anything this small or light. We both shoot Casulls and similar power revolvers and pistols and don't mind the recoil at all. But recoil is not just the power but also the weight of the gun and grip. Turns out the micro 9s have much less felt recoil than the larger much higher power guns we own.

Both the Sig and Hellcat were accurate enough. Susan was putting all rounds into one ragged hole standing at 15, but with very deliberate aim. No rapid fire. My groups were a little larger which could only be because I need new glasses But accuracy of the gun isn't very important for pure defense use which is not going to be much more than a few feet.

Unfortunately, the Hellcat had a much heavier trigger and did not signal the release as clearly as the SIG. And surprisingly the Hellcat slide release was so heavy Susan couldn't do it most tries, at least with just the thumb holding the gun.

Since this was at a combination range and store I have to assume they wouldn't be renting out substandard examples of the guns when trying to sell the same models new.

So, Sig stays in the competition, and we would be happy with. Hellcat is out.

Glock 43 variation and Shield Plus next.

May not be able to find some others for live fire but can at least feel trigger and grip at a gun store. I'm sure recoil won't matter and I doubt accuracy would matter at the ranges we anticipate. But dry firing a few times in a gun store won't say much about natural pointability for us.

A few others on the list, I might not even be able to find in gun stores due to shortages or dealers not stocking the brand.

 

[LovemyDTS!]

Narrowed it down to 9 micro 9s based on width (and other dimensions), weight, factory trigger, mind numbing number of reviews.

Started testing but some will be hard to find to rent at ranges.

First test session was a SIG 365 and Springfield Armory Hellcat. First test was also first time firing anything this small or light. We both shoot Casulls and similar power revolvers and pistols and don't mind the recoil at all. But recoil is not just the power but also the weight of the gun and grip. Turns out the micro 9s have much less felt recoil than the larger much higher power guns we own.

Both the Sig and Hellcat were accurate enough. Susan was putting all rounds into one ragged hole standing at 15, but with very deliberate aim. No rapid fire. My groups were a little larger which could only be because I need new glasses But accuracy of the gun isn't very important for pure defense use which is not going to be much more than a few feet.

Unfortunately, the Hellcat had a much heavier trigger and did not signal the release as clearly as the SIG. And surprisingly the Hellcat slide release was so heavy Susan couldn't do it most tries, at least with just the thumb holding the gun.

Since this was at a combination range and store I have to assume they wouldn't be renting out substandard examples of the guns when trying to sell the same models new.

So, Sig stays in the competition, and we would be happy with. Hellcat is out.

Glock 43 variation and Shield Plus next.

May not be able to find some others for live fire but can at least feel trigger and grip at a gun store. I'm sure recoil won't matter and I doubt accuracy would matter at the ranges we anticipate. But dry firing a few times in a gun store won't say much about natural pointability for us.

A few others on the list, I might not even be able to find in gun stores due to shortages or dealers not stocking the brand.

Can't wait to hear what you think about the Glock!