I have made yet another change over time to my conceal carry choices. Weapon lights over night sights every time at this point. Would rather have hi viz with a weapon light than tritium glows. Holster selection narrows considerably though of course. Also learned that for me, I prefer sub 1K lumens. The super blinding lights are just as bad to me it seems like if eyes are adjusted to dark. Didn't like that at all. I also just can't really get the hang of a red dot on a carry. Still working on that though with practice and remains to be seen if I stick with that or nah. My newest "experimentation".

Just curious as to y'alls journeys over the years. With all the different genres of shooting and firearms out there, I definitely focused and have a passion for the CC range and have gone through a lot of experimentation over the years. Definitely not done either. I've carried a Five seveN and I've carried an LCP and everything in between it seems like. Extra mag and no extra mag. Done ankle carry, pocket carry, and everything position on the clock from appendix to small of back. Just endless tinkering. Just wanted to see some thoughts/revelations over the years of those like me. Or even those who found their perfect setup and will never change.

I am in between major "experiments" so current setup is simple and sweet:
Sig P365 w/TLR6 in a Tulster Kydex IWB at 4 oclock. With jacket weather I'll generally carry an extra mag as well at my 9 o'clock.

Two areas I have never dabbled in but curious are OWB and revolvers.

J frame in my pocket is about the only way I will CC. On a rare occasion depending on dress I will wear it in an IWB holster. But not often.

I have tried everything else and just cannot stand having anything attached to my belt. I even tried for a while carrying my phone on my belt to try get used to it. That lasted for about a week.

I do, cause I am a gun idiot, have four different J frames in three calibers and multiple kinds of ammo for each. The obvious problem is round count, so I typically carry a 32 mag now over my 38s.

I choose a J frame over a pocket 380 because I shoot them much better.

Like you, done a bit of everything over the years.

Red dots and lights are force multipliers, especially in low light.

The biggest thing I started a few years ago that I wish I started back when I first started carrying: take at least one class a year. Competition, defensive, whatever.

If I had started that back then, I would have been exposed to a ton more valuable knowledge. Its a continual goal moving forward to take at least one class a year, ideally from different instructors/ focuses if I can.

My first edc was a Walther ppk iwb kydex. Then sig p229 (.40) owb Tucker gun leather holster. Then carried a colt delta elite owb in a Tucker gun leather holster. Now I carry an HK P30 SK in a belly band.

S&W 3913
G19
Colt Officers Model
G27
Kimber CDP Pro
S&W 3913
Sig P229 Elite

I've used IWB and OWB but now use an Versacarry OWB

I started with a Glock 23 with an IWB holster. I was fat at the time and had to wear a pup tent sized shirt to hide it so I changed to a Kahr CM9 with an extended magazine because I wanted something smaller. The school district I worked at passed a policy allowing CHL holders to carry while on campus so I changed to an ankle holster for the Kahr. I used the ankle holster because I worked at an elementary campus and little kids like to give hugs. Now that I'm retired I just go with whatever I feel like. The only messing around with aiming devices was a laser I added to the Glock 23. When the battery went dead I took it off because I realized that when needed in a high stress situation I would Draw=>Shoot instead of Draw=>Fiddle with the laser switch =>Shoot.

I never liked a holster. This is a lot faster and comfortable.

OWB at times, but the lightest gun I can find - once it gets tested, my River 57 might replace my FN one.

Always, a j frame in my pocket. If I could find a 32 version, I'd carry one.

Appendix, again, usually a j frame, in urban/pedestrian areas. If I had smaller hands, it would be a Browning 1911-380, if I were less smashed up, a commander sized 1911/2011 or P7.

I used to shoulder carry while driving, post injuries, it's usually a Fanny or wilderness tactical holster, which I just take in with me, when I get out of the car.

In theory, I like the idea of a long-slide pistol/one with a red dot and light in a bag. So far, I just carry my usual OWB gun with a light and some extra mags in it.

I started carrying a XD mod2 IWB small of back around 10 years ago. Once open carry passed, I went to OWB with an XDm. I have since moved to carry pistols with optic and switch from IWB to OWB depending on my attire and occasion. I have never carried extra magazines and don't see myself doing so. I do not have a weapon mounted light on carry guns with the exception of my hunting setup.

https://instagr.am/p/CFLzfZ7B8bv

I started with large frame double stack 9mm's in tuckable kydex IWB holsters.
Eventually I felt that was too big and dropped to smaller frame, single stack guns.
Walther PPK, Kahr Arms K9, Sig 239, all in tuckable IWB holsters. I do miss the Kahr, the others were terrible.
I eventually ended up back at a larger frame gun, but in the form of a Sig 220 .45 ACP. I liked it.
I bought my first 1911 after that, a 4" Kimber and fell in love with it.
I then migrated to .45's almost exclusively for carry, and after I sold the 220, it was 1911's only.
I knew OWB was more comfortable but my Comp-Tac Kydex paddle Holsters didn't hide well enough to conceal, at least not without a dedicated gun belt.
I then ended up with an OWB holster and a legitimate, purpose built gun belt. That was a game changer.
Tucker Gun Leather Belt and Holster.
I've not looked back. I own Tucker style holsters for everything I own now.
I still carry my 5" 1911 primarily but when I travel I do convert to my Glock 17 because I wouldn't feel as bad if TSA or the airline lost it. If they lost my Les Baer I'd be super pissed.
Aside from that I occasionally carry a Springfield XDs when I want to conceal even more inconspicuously.

I've carried spare mags off and on through out all of that time but typically rely on simply having a spare mag in the center console. I know it's not good tactical priority. I will holster up a spare mag when I'm going to be a long way from the car for an extended period of time. I always carry a flashlight for my job so I have a light anyway.

I have owned many guns over almost 30 years. Not all were for carry...

But, for carry, I have carried the following guns, in no particular order - and time periods vary:

Glock 26
Keltec 32
Beretta Mod 90
Taurus PT22
Glock 19
Colt Pony
Springfield Milspec 1911 stainless
Walther P99c
Sig 224
Ruger LCP
Kahr PM9
Beretta 92FS
Beretta 92 compact
FNP 9mm
Beretta M9A1
Walther P99 A/S
Beretta PX4 compact
HK USPc 9mm
HK USPc 45
M&P Shield
HK P2000sk
Beretta APX Centurion
HK P2000
4" M&P Shield Performance Center
Glock 19 Gen 5

Right now, I carry a Gen 5 Glock 19

Single weight consistent pull of a striker fired for my EDCs.

G19
P10C
Sig P365 with red dot

All in rotation. All kydex appendix holsters with a claw

Carry a P10F with red dot OWB when doing outdoorsman activities. Kydex Holster with Speed Clips

p365 with the trigger holster

https://www.sigsauer.com/p365-xl-iwb-trigger-guard-holster-w-claw-raven-concealment.html

Trigger holster is a game changer. Only downside is it attaches to the same groove as a light would so no light.

Been carrying for 20 years. Evolved, gone back and forth, preferences change etc. Started with:

Gold Cup
DW Valkyrie
DW ECO
M&P 2.0
Glock 19
Glock 30S
Sig 365
LW Commander 45
LW Commander 9
Gemini SP101 9mm

RMR and light on Gen 5 19. For nostalgia, carrying custom Novak commanders most days now. An all time favorite is the 30S with 120 grain Defenders and vanguard 2 trigger holster. Gemini is in its own league and a favorite with Garrett appendix holster.

S&W fullsize .40 OWB
Kimber ultra .45 OWB
Keltec PF9 appendix on a clipdraw
Keltec p32 pocket or appendix on a clipdraw
Glock 42 pocket or appendix on a clipdraw

The evolution was less is more. Smaller pistols and smaller holsters over time. That changed when i shot a G42. It's noticeably longer than other 380s, but it has legit sights and low bore axis which makes it very accurate with hardly any recoil. G43 is a touch bigger still with much more recoil, so i stuck with G42. Great little pistol.

Stormchaser said:

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I never liked a holster. This is a lot faster and comfortable.

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Never seen this. Can you tell me more? I have a model 13 that I've had for a long time. Would love to carry it but a bit bulky for a holster. Thanks.

Google DeSantis Clip Grip for smith and Wesson J Frame revolvers. They have other models too, of course.

Only started carrying 18 months ago. G19 Gen 5 first then realized I could get same round count in a smaller package with the G43X and couple after-markets.

Currently:
G43X with RMRcc slide milling from Jagerwerks
Dawson Precision sights
Talon Grips
Shield S15 15-rd mags (2nd mag with +5 extension)
Shield steel mag release
Tier1 Concealed Axis for spare mag or Raven Concealment trigger guard for deeper concealment w/o spare mag.

Kinda unreal how small a total footprint you can get 36 rounds in if you want with that setup. Only thing i've considered trying instead is P365X.

Stormchaser said:

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Google DeSantis Clip Grip for smith and Wesson J Frame revolvers. They have other models too, of course.

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Appreciate it. I use some DeSantis holsters that I like.

Nm. Can't post the City Heat pistol measuring contest. You get the idea.

I started with a 1911. Tried numerous different setups, still have a 1911.

1911 .45acp
Taurus TCP .380acp
Springfield XDS .45acp
SCCY CPX-2 9mm
Daewoo DP-51 9mm
Coonan .357mag 1911 w/backup/summer carry Ruger LCP .380acp

For cooler days and wearing jeans, Colt lightweight commander in .45.

Shorts and lighter clothing SIG 938.

MisterShipWreck said:

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I have owned many guns over almost 30 years. Not all were for carry...

But, for carry, I have carried the following guns, in no particular order - and time periods vary:

Glock 26
Keltec 32
Beretta Mod 90
Taurus PT22
Glock 19
Colt Pony
Springfield Milspec 1911 stainless
Walther P99c
Sig 224
Ruger LCP
Kahr PM9
Beretta 92FS
Beretta 92 compact
FNP 9mm
Beretta M9A1
Walther P99 A/S
Beretta PX4 compact
HK USPc 9mm
HK USPc 45
M&P Shield
HK P2000sk
Beretta APX Centurion
HK P2000
4" M&P Shield Performance Center
Glock 19 Gen 5

Right now, I carry a Gen 5 Glock 19

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Dannngggg.

You either have a lot of money or no money.

Psych said:

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Dannngggg.

You either have a lot of money or no money.

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The nice thing about guns is as long as you don't abuse, damage or do really dumb mods to them….they hold value really well.

I've owned a lot of guns over the years. Most new purchases these days are funded by selling guns I don't shoot as much anymore for one reason or another.

I don't know for sure what percentage of guns I've ever bought that I still own but I know its under 50%.

Psych said:

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MisterShipWreck said:

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I have owned many guns over almost 30 years. Not all were for carry...

But, for carry, I have carried the following guns, in no particular order - and time periods vary:

Glock 26
Keltec 32
Beretta Mod 90
Taurus PT22
Glock 19
Colt Pony
Springfield Milspec 1911 stainless
Walther P99c
Sig 224
Ruger LCP
Kahr PM9
Beretta 92FS
Beretta 92 compact
FNP 9mm
Beretta M9A1
Walther P99 A/S
Beretta PX4 compact
HK USPc 9mm
HK USPc 45
M&P Shield
HK P2000sk
Beretta APX Centurion
HK P2000
4" M&P Shield Performance Center
Glock 19 Gen 5

Right now, I carry a Gen 5 Glock 19

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Dannngggg.

You either have a lot of money or no money.

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You should see my master list of ALL guns owned. Those were just the ones I've carried :P

Interesting that you brought this up now. For me, its all about weight. I've tried to cut every ounce out that I could get. Got rid of my venerable H&K USP-C and got a VP9sk. A find weapon but still a little heavy for a sub compact. I now have rethought my position on Glocks and picked up a G19. As a compact, its actually lighter than the VP9sk, plus the mags will fit a PDW I'm intending to get soon. I still think the H&K is overall the better handgun but there's nothing wrong with the Glock. At some point, I may decide to ditch the VP9 and just get a G26.

Nothing about the G19 is compact except the 30 yr old marketing category

JSKolache said:

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Nothing about the G19 is compact except the 30 yr old marketing category

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Sorry - but the Glock 19 fits into the size category of "compact."

There is fullsize, compact and subcompact

p365 since forever. Figured I wanted to be as singularly adept at this gun as any I have ever owned, as it might be the most important.

Started with the shield. So I'm boring.....

Quote:

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I've owned a lot of guns over the years. Most new purchases these days are funded by selling guns I don't shoot as much anymore for one reason or another.

I don't know for sure what percentage of guns I've ever bought that I still own but I know its under 50%.

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I'm the opposite, I've only ever sold 2 guns and that was just to get direct upgrades to a similar type gun that just had more features. I tell people I'm not in the business of selling guns, only buying, so I'm always increasing how many I have. I guess I sort of feel like I didnt do a good job of researching the purchase if I buy a gun and it sits around never being used, my guns are tools and the term "safe queen" is foreign to me.

Anyways, to get back to the OP question, my concealed carry evolution has centered around the thought that "the best gun you can carry, is the one that you'll actually carry consistently". I started with a Glock 23, I wanted the double stack and plenty of power..... and found that it was just too bulky and uncomfortable for me so I didnt carry it much (its one of the two guns I referenced above that I've ever sold). Next I went to a P938 as it's much more small and compact than the G23. I like and still occasionally carry the P938 but wanted something more that was still small with a higher capacity so I upgraded to the Springfield Hellcat which is my current primary carry. There are still a few situations where I'd really be more comfortable with an even smaller pistol and so I am looking to add an LCP II someday for super minimalistic carry, and would alternate between that and the hellcat for most of my carry.

When I first got my CHL, I carried a Sig P239SAS with the DAK trigger. While I was comfortable with long guns, it was not so much with drawing a loaded pistol from an IWB holster. I was concerned about an accidental discharge. That was about 13 years ago, also about the time I started shooting IDPA. I trained myself to KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL THE SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET. That started my evolution which included several M&Ps, Sigs, and occasional Glock.

Until about a year ago, I had landed on an M&P with CompTac infidel holster. When I decided to give IDPA Carry Optics a try, I moved back to Sig. I liked it and took a Red Dot Essentials class from Karl Rehn at KR. I have settled (for now) on the Sig P320X Compact with Trijicoin SRO. Since it is my EDC weapon, and although I have great confidence in Trijicon, I did not want to bet my life on a battery. I added suppressor height back up sights which caused a clearance problem with my Infidel holster. I now use a Crossbreed Reckoning holster which accommodates the taller sights and RDS, although I still prefer the single wide IWB clip from CompTac over the two wider clips from Crossbreed. I found it easier to slip the CompTac in and out of my waistband than the Crossbreed.

I also have been a big proponent, coming late to the game, of not underestimating the proper belt., I have gone exclusively to NexBelt EDC belts. They ratchet every 1/4" and the EDC have a stiffing reinforcement that their standard belt does not.


This is where I am, until it changes again.

My 99% carry gun is a Gen 4 G26 that I took my CHL class with in 2013 when I turned 21. I have a Comptac IWB and Stealthgear OWB holster.

I'll carry a G19x or G43x on occasion.

I do plan on picking up another G43x, Hellcat, or 365 with red dot soon. The G26 is kinda obsolete with these newer, smaller firearms that have higher capacity.

91AggieLawyer said:

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Interesting that you brought this up now. For me, its all about weight. I've tried to cut every ounce out that I could get. Got rid of my venerable H&K USP-C and got a VP9sk. A find weapon but still a little heavy for a sub compact. I now have rethought my position on Glocks and picked up a G19. As a compact, its actually lighter than the VP9sk, plus the mags will fit a PDW I'm intending to get soon. I still think the H&K is overall the better handgun but there's nothing wrong with the Glock. At some point, I may decide to ditch the VP9 and just get a G26.

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Curious where you are getting weights...The G19 is 23.6oz empty while the VP9SK is 23.1oz. While HK calls it a sub-compact, it isn't really comparable to a G26 IMO. G26 is bulky and the short grip sucks. I have a G27 that hasn't been carried in nearly 20yrs. A fat double stack, even with a short barrel and grip, is just as hard to conceal as a G19 or G17. Might as well carry a full size at that point

One plus of Glock like you mentioned is compatibility with a PDW.