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Rank: New Member
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In light of the recent string of armed robberies in the county, I have been reassessing my need for a more permanent carry of a concealed weapon. My problem lies in this: My curent pistol, a Glock 27, which is a subcompact .40S&W is a great gun however even as a subcompact it is still bulky and cumbersom to carry on my body. I have a thin frame and small-of-the-back hollster makes me appear like Quasimotto. I have an ankle hollster, but I need to wear really loose jeans in order for that not to be obvious.
What I'm looking for is advice on whether or not it would be worth it to move down to a 9mm in something with a smaller frame. I know most people would reccoment a .45acp for personal protection, however the sheer size makes it unlikely for me to carry it. I love my glock, but also, because of the size, I find that I most often leave it in my car which does no one any good. Also because of the short barrel and the high pressure of the Glock, it's not terribly accurate. If I were a person of larger frame I would most certainly be looking at something like a 1911 in .45acp where I have the power AND the accuracy...
So if any of you have any suggestions as to a quality gun...I preffer name brands unless I can be convinced by an expert otherwise...aka Beretta, S&W, Springield Armory...and I also I would like some feedback on whether or not I should be considering a 9mm or even a .38acp... oh yeah, and I'm looking for something below a $500 dealer cost
thanks
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Rank: New Member
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It is amazing you bring this up, because I've been pondering the same thing, and for the exact same reason. I do not own a hand gun, but have been giving very serious consideration to purchasing one. I know next to nothing about them. Dexter (PPP) seems to be well versed, and may chime in here with some good feedback.
I do know that I was visiting a gentleman some time ago who said he always carries. Always. Because you cannot anticipate when something is going to happen, be it in the soup aisle at Cost Cutter or while sitting at Wendy's eating a burger with the kids. People snap, but not at predictable times and in predictable places. So, he ALWAYS carries.
As we were visiting, we were sitting on his back deck, and the guy was wearing gym shorts and a Tee shirt. Thinking I was being so clever, I challenged him on his "always carry" policy, and to my stunned surprise, he pulled a nine millimeter out of the front his shorts. He has some sort of around-the-waist holster.
Something like that may work for you. I understand the concerns regarding the bulk of the weapon, but other than that observation, I have nothing to offer in the way of a solution.
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Rank: New Member
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vbuys,
I have a 38 special that I like alot, but with the barrel it can be a bit of a pain. I got it because my hands are small and I want to ensure I have control of any weapon in my hand. My husband has the same glock that you have, but he just has a metal clip on it so he can put it on the waistband of his slacks or jeans.
I think we will both be moving to the new Ruger LCP Ultr-Compact .380 ACP. It's small like mine, but automatic and slender since there is no barrel. They are currently taking pre orders on this model and I believe they are under $500. Another option would be the Cobra .380 single action with a 3.5 barrel and 7 round mag. That retails at $150.
Hope this helps. Understand your reasonings. I carry my 38 in my purse, but only carry purses where I can have it in it's own section and hangs low enough for me to access it quickly. As a matter of fact, over the Christmas holidays, I walked to and from my car with one hand in my purse. There were a lot of parking lot robberies.
I hope I never have to pull my weapon, but unfortunately in today's world, I'm rarely without it and won't hesitate to use it if needed.
Best of luck with your search.
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I'm swimming in ignorance here. Why the dramatic price difference between most of the weapons you're discussing and that Cobra .380 at $150? Is there that much difference in quality? Is it safe and reliable? Sorry. I'm really clueless here.
Mark Twain wrote:
A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting its shoes on.
Mark Twain
Baron Miller wrote:
Grace ruins the idea that you are fully in charge.
Baron Miller
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Rank: New Member
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As is the case with most retail items, name brand has a great deal to do with it as does popularity of certain models. Materials used also affects it and affects the weight and balance of the weapon. I've found that you can go pretty cheaply as long as you do your research and always always maintain your weapon to prevent misfires from dirt, etc.
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Rank: New Member
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My personal choice for concealed carry is the Para-Ordinance 14-45. It carries 14 rounds of .45 caliber in the magazine, and yes, it is large. It is very reliable when cleaned regularly. Kramer leather makes a deep concealment T-shirt for about 50 bucks that conceals it well under even dress shirts, or under a slightly baggy summer type shirt. (Button Down open collar.) You can wear your shirt tucked in this way and not look like a dirtbag with your shirt untucked. I also have a strong side holster for it, which is better for cold weather under a jacket. However, that being said, I think that the most reliable handgun for personal protection is an internal hammer snub nose .357 or .38+p at the very smallest. Both easily fit into the front pocket of a pair of jeans and with the internal hammer will not snag when drawn. I think that this is very important. Smith and Wesson makes a 5 shot version, which is better than a bulkier 6 shot version. My wife carries an airlight which is very light titanium S&W .38+p, but has a felt recoil harder than my Stainless .357 snubnose. I also like the dependability of a wheelgun (revolver) I am not a fan of .380 or 9mm handguns, because even if they kill an assailant who is on multiple chemicals such as Meth or PCP, they will keep coming at you even after they are dead, and can continue to do you harm. That is why I prefer the .45 or at the smallest, .357, but the rounds need to be powerful and heavy hollow point. for the .38 which I really am hesitant to reccomend, if you can find Hydra-shok in +p rounds. Knock down power is very critical. You will probably never face a clean and sober assailant. He will probably be on more chemicals than you can shake a stick at. As for tactics, I am oversimplifying my prefernce for 2 in the center of mass, 1 in the eyes. (Nuts, Chest, Eyes) None of this matters if you don't practice and practice correctly. There are some very good local instructors, both on legality of lethal force, and on safe and tactical usage. There are some ladies' handgun courses that yes, even men with all our preconceived notions can learn from. The instructors are excellent and they have tolerated me as a safety officer from time to time. I hope that one of our local instructors reads this and comments. If you find that you are not accurate, the bad news is: you need practice. The good news is: you need practice. There are two great ranges and if you are interested, I'd take anybody to the Custer Range as my guest and we can safely shoot and enjoy the day... 
You better laugh at yourself, Everyone else is. www.parkenfarkergroup.blogspot.com
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Rank: New Member
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I started digressing. No matter what you carry for personal protection, it is about a comfortable holster. This has been a challenge. Since one cannot test drive holsters, and for my .45, I have a number of holsters that are sitting in a drawer, that I will never use, because they were not correct for me. I have several that I use, and they depend on if I am wearing work clothes, dress clothes, or everyday clothes. I have this suspician that I know Brat, and that we have discussed these topics before...if not I know a couple that prefers the same hardware that you do,and have a similar thought process. Good input! There is much more to concealed carry than just choosing the right firearm. There is the comfort and concealment of a holster. There is practice, and safety, and legalities. All in all, Brain, I think that it may be more of an issue of a comfortable holster for you, rather than choice of firearm. Some of my friends say that the .45 was the 20th century's weapon of choice, but that the .40 is the 21st century's weapon of choice as it has better balistics, and has similar knock down power. Back to holsters, the Kramer leather Concealed Carry T-shirt isn't for that quick draws McGraw stuff. It is for deep concealment, usually on crossdraw, muzzle down, and designed for CIA and for those who's employers don't respect your second amendment rights. I carry a large frame .45 and you'd never even notice it. It goes great with button down shirts. If you wear a tie, even better. Sew a button on the outside of your shirts with a piece of velcro to hold the button spot. If you are a blue collar guy, it works well under hooded sweatshirts or button down flannel shirts as well. I'm done muddying up the waters. I'll bet Brat has a few good suggestions or corrections to add.
You better laugh at yourself, Everyone else is. www.parkenfarkergroup.blogspot.com
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So, who wants to go to the range? You can't do that in France!!! 
You better laugh at yourself, Everyone else is. www.parkenfarkergroup.blogspot.com
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Rank: Administration
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Poindexter Prometheus Parkenfarker wrote:So, who wants to go to the range? You can't do that in France!!! There are MANY things you can't do in France. I'd enjoy going to a range with you. I'd have to borrow a weapon from you, since I don't own one. If you're open to shooting with a newbie, I'd enjoy learning from you.
Mark Twain wrote:
A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting its shoes on.
Mark Twain
Baron Miller wrote:
Grace ruins the idea that you are fully in charge.
Baron Miller
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Rank: New Member
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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Location: Lynden
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I'm always up for going out shooting. I would love to get some great tips and such on being a better shot.
Also, just to let everyone know who is reading this post, there is a Gun and Knife show at the Deming Logging show grounds next weekend, March 1 and 2. I will most likely be heading out there Sat morning/early afternoon for a while. If you have never gone, there's an entrance fee of I think $6. Also, if you haven't already, I would highly suggest getting a NRA membership. There is a gentleman there who is a local rep and can sign you up for a discounted price.
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I think that I can fit my whole handgun collection in my saddlebags of my bike... might not have room for much ammo. Nice thing about the .357 magnums, is that one can use .38 ammo in them for practice and it doesn't leave your hand all bruised up after a couple of hundred rounds. Hmmm, we can get Brain (vbuys) and Brat and her hubby to bring theirs, and my itty bitty collection...we could let you "test drive" several, however I have only met one person who can effectively conceal a S&W .500. I need to add a lot more fat sauce and get about a foot and a half taller...makes a great hunting pistol, though!
You better laugh at yourself, Everyone else is. www.parkenfarkergroup.blogspot.com
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I just decided to get my CWP. Haven't had time to get fingerprinted yet but I've started to look at some guns to buy. Anybody have any good recommendations for me? Looking for some thing about average in size and not too much $$. I won't be carrying it all that much but after some of the stuff thats been happening around here I figure it's time protect myself a little.
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Gob, Welcome to EoW. Gob Bluth wrote:I just decided to get my CWP. What's the process for this? How does one get started?
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Flat Tire wrote:
What's the process for this? How does one get started?
If you live in the County, just stop by the Sheriff's office for an application...or at your local city police department if within one of the cities. You'll have to fill it out, pay the fee and then get fingerprinted. They will review your application (including, hopefully, background check...I don't know how extensive they do that) and then you will receive an approval and your license or a denial. I personally would prefer they require a gun safety class and some time at the range, but at this point in time, they do not.
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Brat wrote:Flat Tire wrote:
What's the process for this? How does one get started?
If you live in the County, just stop by the Sheriff's office for an application...or at your local city police department if within one of the cities. You'll have to fill it out, pay the fee and then get fingerprinted. They will review your application (including, hopefully, background check...I don't know how extensive they do that) and then you will receive an approval and your license or a denial. I personally would prefer they require a gun safety class and some time at the range, but at this point in time, they do not. I got my app from the Sheriff's office just trying to find a time to get fingerprinted. They only fingerprint on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a couple of hours.
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Brat, I think that one is foolish not to take a safety and skills class, and practice regularly. However, I totally disagree that those things should be a requirement for aquiring a CCP. I think it is absurd to have to have a permit. (even though I have had my CCP since I was 21) Now, driving is a priveledge and bearing arms is a right. So why is my drivers license recognized in All 50 States, our Territories and some other countries, but My CCP is only recognized in a handful of States? That is just plain wrong. I gotta give Rick Larsen credit for co-sponsoring several bills for CCP nationwide reciprocity. (that was hard for me to do) but no matter who has the idea, if it's a good one support it! "The Second Amendment is my concealed carry permit" -Ted Nugent
You better laugh at yourself, Everyone else is. www.parkenfarkergroup.blogspot.com
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Poindexter Prometheus Parkenfarker wrote:Brat,
I think that one is foolish not to take a safety and skills class, and practice regularly.
However, I totally disagree that those things should be a requirement for aquiring a CCP.
I think it is absurd to have to have a permit. (even though I have had my CCP since I was 21)
Now, driving is a priveledge and bearing arms is a right. So why is my drivers license recognized in All 50 States, our Territories and some other countries, but My CCP is only recognized in a handful of States?
That is just plain wrong.
PPP, Not everyone is as careful, lawabiding and concientious as you or I (I'm making an asumption on your part because we've never met!).  As a lawabiding citizen, I don't mind having to register my weapon and get a permit. I realize that criminals will get weapons regardless of the laws, but I like the fact that it is illegal for them to do so and, if caught, something can be done (whether it will or not is another subject). I 100% agree that I should be able to cross state lines with my weapon and permit and have that permit recognized. I'm not a huge "big brother" type of person, but some rules and guidelines are helpful to all. I certainly wouldn't want a lawless country where myself or a loved one can be victimized, whatever the circumstance, and not have any legal recourse or protection.
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Rank: New Member
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None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license.
-John Milton
there is also another quote I heard but I can't remember where I read it, but the gist of it is this:
licensing makes illegal that which would otherwise be legal
take for instance cars... Before the days of driver's licenses, your dad would teach you how to drive the family car or truck and when he felt that you were proficient, you were allowed to drive it... it was legal. Once lisenses were introduced, that same act became illegal. it didn't matter that you could be more skilled a driver than another who had attained their license, without a license, it made an act which was before legal, illegal...
it comes down to the difference of being free to, and being allowed to...
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One last reminder... gun show at Deming Logging grounds today and tomorrow (Mar 1 & 2) $5 at the door, or pick up a little nickel and clip the add for $1 off
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Hi Brat! You make some good points. Thankully, however as free citizens, we are not required to register our Firearms. The Subjects of the Queen (not citizens) in England, Canada, and Australia all were required to register their firearms. Now, they cannot be kept in homes, but at qualified ranges only and Handguns for personal proetection are banned in all 3 countries, period. Violent crime skyrocketed in Australia and England, and is increasing rapidly in Canada. In England if you harm a thief or a rapist in your own home in Self defense, you will suffer a worse penalty than the recidivistic scum who willed harm on you. Go figure? Registration is Step one towards confiscation, and as Free Citizens we should resisit any attempt to infringe on our First Freedom. Registration is an infringement. That is why I have to give Rep. Larsen credit for co-sponsoring the CCP national reciprocity bills. (we'll have to wait and see how he behaves now that he feels that he can't be defeated, and if the Democrats retain control of the house and possibly retake the Oval office. (this would not be a good thing for firearm owners, as Both Obama and Hillary favor banning handguns and are for limiting purchase of any kind of firearm, bb gun, pellet gun to one a month. Will they limit stamp collectors and coin collectors to one a month too? how about stock and mutual fund purchases?) As a collector of firearms for historical, sentimental, and as investments, I feel targeted by this kind of thinking. The both of them want to bring back the so-called assault weapons ban, which was purely aesthetic and want an all out ban on rifles over .30 caliber. Does this mean the Giant .50 how about many big game rifles from the .45-70 government to the venerable Weatherby .460 also? It is Targeting the .50 but as intended consequenses go. that would make trouble for black powder rifles, too. Most of which are .50 or larger. They want to ban anything that carries more than 3 rounds in the chamber and magazine combined. Selfishly, one of two things happens to my collection. 1) 70% of it becomes illegal, and if I refuse to register become a criminal. My actions didn't change, only my status. 2) I can retire by selling 70% of my collection as "pre-ban" legally. Violating the 2nd amendment will reate a new class of criminals, just like prohibition did. All prohibition did was create a shooting war with Al Capone and made John F. Kennedy's daddy, Joe Kennedy real rich running Cuban Rum. ( Joe Kennedy bribed the correct officials and Al Capone bribed the incorrect officials, but that is a topic for another time.) This brings me back to registration of firearms. No good will ever come of it. 1) Refusing to register will be one law broken. 2) Retaining any banned weopons that were lagal when I purchased them will be two laws broken. 3) Selling the same will be 3 laws broken 4) Over $1,000 value will make this action Felonies. One who refuses to bow down to these unconstitutional acts may find themselves guilty if prosecuted on multiple felonies that were previously legal actions for a free primate! Possibly a life sentence for exercising liberty. This becomes a bigger assault on our individual liberty as it confiscates private property, another of our God given rights that government is reminded of by the Bill Of Rights. Have I rambled on long enough? Well, Brat. If you didn't make such good points (that I disagree with) I wouldn't have engaged my little p-brane and started thinking before coffee on this fine morning...Have a great week!!! 
You better laugh at yourself, Everyone else is. www.parkenfarkergroup.blogspot.com
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