AKB: Advice on concealed carry handgun?

BostonNit

Well-known member
Oct 27, 2021
905
1,827
93
I'm looking for a subcompact handgun for concealed carry, and am wondering what others carry?

Background: I currently have a Ruger SR1911 Commander 9mm. And while its got a shorter barrel than standard 1911's, it's still a little too big to comfortably carry. Plus. I'm not a big guy... About 5'9, 190.

I'd like to stay w/9mm so I only have to buy one caliber of ammo, but I might be able to be convinced to go with a .380 if ppl have had great experiences.

Also, would prefer another 1911, but talk to me about revolvers too.

Yes I can read up online and have done a bunch of that. Yes I've spoken to the guys at the rod & gun. Just curious what you all carry?

Disclaimer: I live in MA and our Draconian laws may eliminate some (many!) otherwise great choices.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nittering Nabob

Nitt1300

Well-known member
Oct 12, 2021
5,463
10,415
113
 

Ghost of OM

Member
Oct 30, 2021
137
228
43
For concealed carry, I have a Kahr CM9. It’s been a great little gun, shoots well, never jams and is very easily concealable. And, made in PA.

I’d stay with a 9mm if I were you. There really is no significant size difference from a .380 but much better stopping power with a 9 and much more choice in ammo available.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BostonNit

mfb5053

Active member
Oct 12, 2021
148
269
63
Glock 43....fits in your pocket

I use a pocket holster as a safety precaution

Magazine extender by Pearce adds capacity without adding bulk

Pretty darn accurate at 5 to 7 yards too
I’ve got a Glock for work and love it. FBI ran over 100,000 rounds through the Glock 19M without a single malfunction during their RFP process a few years back. Good enough for me. My only complaint on the 43 is the small magazine which limits capacity but also can make it difficult to grip if you’ve got meat hooks for hands like me. Full disclosure, I was trying out the 43 after shooting the 19 for a few years.
 

Moogy

Well-known member
Nov 23, 2021
2,529
1,705
113
I'm looking for a subcompact handgun for concealed carry, and am wondering what others carry?

Background: I currently have a Ruger SR1911 Commander 9mm. And while its got a shorter barrel than standard 1911's, it's still a little too big to comfortably carry. Plus. I'm not a big guy... About 5'9, 190.

I'd like to stay w/9mm so I only have to buy one caliber of ammo, but I might be able to be convinced to go with a .380 if ppl have had great experiences.

Also, would prefer another 1911, but talk to me about revolvers too.

Yes I can read up online and have done a bunch of that. Yes I've spoken to the guys at the rod & gun. Just curious what you all carry?

Disclaimer: I live in MA and our Draconian laws may eliminate some (many!) otherwise great choices.

Just use this as your penis substitute, instead ...

1748783201161.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: massimoManca II

Nitt1300

Well-known member
Oct 12, 2021
5,463
10,415
113
I have one of these

pros- very light, Kimber quality, six rounds, as reliable as an anvil
con- only comes in .357 mag, and that doesn't meet your one caliber criteria, which I agree with
 
  • Like
Reactions: MtNittany

Nitt1300

Well-known member
Oct 12, 2021
5,463
10,415
113
- Little Bill Daggett: First off, Corky never carried two guns. Though he should have.
- W.W. Beauchamp: No, no, he was, he was called "Two-Gun Corcoran".
- Little Bill Daggett: Yeah well, a lot of folks did call him "Two-Gun" but that wasn't because he was sporting two pistols. That was because he had a dick that was so big it was longer than the barrel of that Walker Colt that he carried. And the only "insultin' to a lady" he ever did was to stick that thing of his into this French lady that Bob here was kind of sweet on.
Little Bill tells the real story of English Bob's gunfight
 

Pennst8

Active member
Oct 25, 2021
361
391
63
#subjectlinesmatter is all I can say. Scroll on by, no harm no foul.
Okay, I could respond with a lot of disgusting sample "Subject Lines" but, see, I won't because it's not right. Nor, is it right to place a stupid Gun Nut subject line on a chat board intended for PSU football and sports talk. As I suggested, search "Idiots who like to talk about conceal and carry", then, go there and enjoy the many high brow discussions.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Split T

BostonNit

Well-known member
Oct 27, 2021
905
1,827
93
For concealed carry, I have a Kahr CM9. It’s been a great little gun, shoots well, never jams and is very easily concealable. And, made in PA.

I’d stay with a 9mm if I were you. There really is no significant size difference from a .380 but much better stopping power with a 9 and much more choice in ammo available.
Looks like the CM9 is not MA-compliant although the similar MK9 is. Looks like the MK9 is even slightly smaller. Will check it out. Thanks.
 

BostonNit

Well-known member
Oct 27, 2021
905
1,827
93
I have one of these

pros- very light, Kimber quality, six rounds, as reliable as an anvil
con- only comes in .357 mag, and that doesn't meet your one caliber criteria, which I agree with
Nice ... What did you pay for that?
 

Nitt1300

Well-known member
Oct 12, 2021
5,463
10,415
113
They make really nice revolvers.
I was actually looking for another Ruger when I bought it- I hadn't realized that Kimber even made revolvers. All of my Rugers have needed trigger jobs- but this Kimber was like silk right out of the box.
 

MtNittany

Well-known member
Oct 12, 2021
2,034
2,685
113
I was actually looking for another Ruger when I bought it- I hadn't realized that Kimber even made revolvers. All of my Rugers have needed trigger jobs- but this Kimber was like silk right out of the box.
A friend has one - forget which model. He's out in the farms - where he can shoot it. He showed it to me out there one night, but we were all drinking so there wasn't no shootin'.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nitt1300

Mr. Potter

Well-known member
Oct 18, 2021
1,457
2,898
113
If you tote iron.
Was told in shootouts, stay low and keep firin'
Keep extra clips for extra ****.
 

JohnJumba

Well-known member
Oct 7, 2021
985
645
93
I'm looking for a subcompact handgun for concealed carry, and am wondering what others carry?

Background: I currently have a Ruger SR1911 Commander 9mm. And while its got a shorter barrel than standard 1911's, it's still a little too big to comfortably carry. Plus. I'm not a big guy... About 5'9, 190.

I'd like to stay w/9mm so I only have to buy one caliber of ammo, but I might be able to be convinced to go with a .380 if ppl have had great experiences.

Also, would prefer another 1911, but talk to me about revolvers too.

Yes I can read up online and have done a bunch of that. Yes I've spoken to the guys at the rod & gun. Just curious what you all carry?

Disclaimer: I live in MA and our Draconian laws may eliminate some (many!) otherwise great choices.
Bersa Thunder 380 or 45.
 

Nittering Nabob

Well-known member
Sep 17, 2024
1,158
976
113
I'm looking for a subcompact handgun for concealed carry, and am wondering what others carry?

Background: I currently have a Ruger SR1911 Commander 9mm. And while its got a shorter barrel than standard 1911's, it's still a little too big to comfortably carry. Plus. I'm not a big guy... About 5'9, 190.

I'd like to stay w/9mm so I only have to buy one caliber of ammo, but I might be able to be convinced to go with a .380 if ppl have had great experiences.

Also, would prefer another 1911, but talk to me about revolvers too.

Yes I can read up online and have done a bunch of that. Yes I've spoken to the guys at the rod & gun. Just curious what you all carry?

Disclaimer: I live in MA and our Draconian laws may eliminate some (many!) otherwise great choices.
Sig Sauer P365X. Barrel length is only 3.1 inches. They make them in versions with smaller (12 round) magazines compliant with laws in Colorado, Massachusetts etc….

The X signifies the straight trigger (which I prefer) vs the conventional curved trigger (which is also available)
 
Last edited:

BostonNit

Well-known member
Oct 27, 2021
905
1,827
93
Sig Sauer P365X. Barrel length is only 3.1 inches. They make them in versions with smaller (12 round) magazines compliant with laws in Colorado, Massachusetts etc….

The X signifies the straight trigger (which I prefer) vs the conventional curved trigger (which is also available)
What's the benefit of a straight trigger?
 

Tgar

Well-known member
Oct 13, 2021
5,057
11,220
113
Would love to know where everyone goes that they think they need to carry. Always fascinating. @BostonNit it may help to have a better understanding of where you roam that you feel you need protection.


Just a little practical advice to consider for all of you that routinely find yourself in tense “carry” situations. ( eyes rolling )

Urban assault situations now call for advanced strategies:

Tough to be steady when **** is hitting the fan. Tgar is accurate with a Glock at about four to six feet, anything past that is a crap shoot. OTOH, with his canister of Counter Assault Bear Spray, he is accurate up to 40 feet or more. Spray first, then shoot from four feet while your attacker is writhing on the ground in agony. It is legal to carry bear spray just about everywhere. Make sure it is under its expiration date for effective distance.

So, where and why does everyone carry?
 
  • Love
Reactions: Nitt1300

ClarkstonMark

Well-known member
Oct 12, 2021
627
870
93
Would love to know where everyone goes that they think they need to carry. Always fascinating. @BostonNit it may help to have a better understanding of where you roam that you feel you need protection.


Just a little practical advice to consider for all of you that routinely find yourself in tense “carry” situations. ( eyes rolling )

Urban assault situations now call for advanced strategies:

Tough to be steady when **** is hitting the fan. Tgar is accurate with a Glock at about four to six feet, anything past that is a crap shoot. OTOH, with his canister of Counter Assault Bear Spray, he is accurate up to 40 feet or more. Spray first, then shoot from four feet while your attacker is writhing on the ground in agony. It is legal to carry bear spray just about everywhere. Make sure it is under its expiration date for effective distance.

So, where and why does everyone carry?
I am more interested in the decision on whether to open carry vs concealed carry ... what goes into that?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tgar

Nitt1300

Well-known member
Oct 12, 2021
5,463
10,415
113
Would love to know where everyone goes that they think they need to carry. Always fascinating. @BostonNit it may help to have a better understanding of where you roam that you feel you need protection.


Just a little practical advice to consider for all of you that routinely find yourself in tense “carry” situations. ( eyes rolling )

Urban assault situations now call for advanced strategies:

Tough to be steady when **** is hitting the fan. Tgar is accurate with a Glock at about four to six feet, anything past that is a crap shoot. OTOH, with his canister of Counter Assault Bear Spray, he is accurate up to 40 feet or more. Spray first, then shoot from four feet while your attacker is writhing on the ground in agony. It is legal to carry bear spray just about everywhere. Make sure it is under its expiration date for effective distance.

So, where and why does everyone carry?
Pretty much to the range and back, and not on me,

EDIT: I have no issue with those who choose to carry concealed as long as they have had proper training and are legal.
 

psuro

Well-known member
Oct 12, 2021
8,430
18,293
113
Here's my advice for carrying a concealed weapon in Boston:

Don't be a minority and you will be fine.
 

PSU Mike

Well-known member
Oct 6, 2021
2,629
4,302
113
Personally, I just don’t like @$$h0le$. And I avoid conflict even though I know some people will attempt to bring it to you.

I’ll never say definitively whether I possess any firing weapons, or where I keep them - better to keep people guessing, IMO.

I’ve lived my working life in DC, Seattle and Chicago. I’ve had a few moments of uneasiness in 30+ years, but despite being out after dark hundreds of times (yes, I know bad things can happen anytime) I have never had a weapon raised at me. Maybe I’m just overdue. My philosophy - stupid or not - has been to avoid what I expect to be the worst spots and most dangerous people, and make myself look and behave like I’m not worth the trouble otherwise.

The social unrest in the past decade had me more concerned that a mob would descend on my neighborhood to pillage than any day-to-day stuff, and frankly planning for something like that is damned near impossible.
 

laKavosiey-st lion

Well-known member
Oct 30, 2021
9,672
6,773
113
Would love to know where everyone goes that they think they need to carry. Always fascinating. @BostonNit it may help to have a better understanding of where you roam that you feel you need protection.


Just a little practical advice to consider for all of you that routinely find yourself in tense “carry” situations. ( eyes rolling )

Urban assault situations now call for advanced strategies:

Tough to be steady when **** is hitting the fan. Tgar is accurate with a Glock at about four to six feet, anything past that is a crap shoot. OTOH, with his canister of Counter Assault Bear Spray, he is accurate up to 40 feet or more. Spray first, then shoot from four feet while your attacker is writhing on the ground in agony. It is legal to carry bear spray just about everywhere. Make sure it is under its expiration date for effective distance.

So, where and why does everyone carry?
IMO, if youre going to cc, you should do it every day every where all the time. Your carry piece should be as natural as grabbing your wallet. I’m way too irresponsible to pull that off so I dont carry.
‘Some personal instances where I’d love to have a gun? Walking the 2 miles at 11pm from the Union transfer back to son 2s apt. Anywhere on the subway. Lastly, we brought simple cub to Philly a few weekends ago when 1 n gf visited. We saw some great music Friday and Saturday nites, hit the bars then found ourselves drinking beers in Rittenhouse square at 2am watching cubbie poop and watching the park breath. Those were 2 great nights catching up with 1 but a carry piece would have been a ok with me.
I also just bought my first expensive car, I’d love to carry parking in Philly. every summer I’m going to road-trip for a few weeks around the US, 85%solo, I’d love to carry on these trips too.
 
Last edited:

LionJim

Well-known member
Oct 12, 2021
11,771
16,125
113
IMO, if youre going to cc, you should do it every day every where all the time. Your carry piece should be as natural as grabbing your wallet. I’m way too irresponsible to pull that off so I dont carry.
‘Some personal instances where I’d love to have a gun? Walking the 2 miles at 11pm from the Union transfer back to son 2s apt. Anywhere on the subway. Lastly, we brought simple cub to Philly a few weekends ago whe 1 n gf visited. We saw some great music Friday and Saturday nites, hit the bars then found ourselves drinking beers in Rittenhouse square at 2am watching cubbie poop and watching the park breath. Those were 2 great nights catching up with 1 but a carry piece would have been a ok with me.
Instructive post.
 

Tgar

Well-known member
Oct 13, 2021
5,057
11,220
113
IMO, if youre going to cc, you should do it every day every where all the time. Your carry piece should be as natural as grabbing your wallet. I’m way too irresponsible to pull that off so I dont carry.
‘Some personal instances where I’d love to have a gun? Walking the 2 miles at 11pm from the Union transfer back to son 2s apt. Anywhere on the subway. Lastly, we brought simple cub to Philly a few weekends ago when 1 n gf visited. We saw some great music Friday and Saturday nites, hit the bars then found ourselves drinking beers in Rittenhouse square at 2am watching cubbie poop and watching the park breath. Those were 2 great nights catching up with 1 but a carry piece would have been a ok with me.
I also just bought my first expensive car, I’d love to carry parking in Philly. every summer I’m going to road-trip for a few weeks around the US, 85%solo, I’d love to carry on these trips too.
Son 1 carried in Philly when he was doing a lot of late night gigs back in grad school. Philly can be rough for sure. You qualify.
 
  • Like
Reactions: laKavosiey-st lion