Looking for a Good Carry Weapon

When it comes to a conceal carry weapon, many people don’t realize what they need or want.  All they know is they want to carry and want something good to carry.  There are all different kind of pistols and revolvers out there to choose from.  I’m not going to recommend a particular manufacturer here, just put out some ideas that may help you in deciding.

1911’s or Glocks

Two of the most popular types of firearms to carry is the Glock or a 1911.  I, personally, carry a Glock 22.  It is a full-size Glock in .40 S&W.  Prior to that I carried a 1911 GI, which has a slightly shorter barrel than a normal 1911.

I changed from the 1911 to the G22 for two reasons.  Magazine capacity and weight.  My Glock, even as a larger pistol, seems lighter than my 1911 did.  With 2 spare mags at 15 rounds each, I can easily carry 45 rounds of Zombie Max.  This definitely give me an advantage over most possible opposition in the street.  While I doubt I’ll ever be in a firefight that required that much ammo, think of it as insurance.  I hope I never need it, but it’s there just in case.

Ultimately, the choice is yours to make if your interested in either type of arm.  I love both.  I carry the Glock now and I tend to like full-size.

Auto or revolver

There are debates of what is better to carry.  I have carried both revolvers and autos.  I tend to prefer the auto just for ammo capacity, but I wouldn’t be opposed to a nice revolver to carry either.  There’s just something about a snub-nosed revolver that harkens back to the day of Humphrey Bogart as a old-timey detective.

Basically, look at it this way.  If you have strong wrists and like the auto, go with it.  If you prefer a revolver or have weaker wrists carry the six-shooter, as you’ll eliminate the chance of a jam.

Full-size, compact, or sub-compact

The next choice is the size of the sidearm to carry.  I carry a full-size pistol and can carry it without “printing” too much.  Printing refers to your sidearm making an outline in your clothes.

You’re carry style, body size, and personal preference has a lot to do with the size of pistol you choose.  I’m a kind of tall, slender guy and I can carry most sizes fine.  I’ve carried full-size to sub-compact and while the sub-compact seemed to “disappear” and I barely noticed it, I tend to like to feel my gun there a bit.  Lets me know it has my back if ever needed.

You may choose differently.  Find the handgun that works for your needs and get good with it.  Keep it, carry it, and defend your rights to do so.

What caliber should I carry?

I would never carry anything smaller than a .380.  Yes, guys, I said a .380.  The reason is that modern ammo fires hotter than older stuff.  So today’s .380 ammo is plenty of power to stop someone.  I would also not call anything larger than a .45, but that’s just personal preference and state law in Oklahoma. 

Fire different calibers and look at ballistic info for the caliber you’re thinking of going with.  You can Google the caliber and the word “ballistics data” to find all kinds of info.  Go to the range and pop off a few rounds to see what you like.  There may be a caliber that better fits than others. 

So with all that said, get out there, get a gun, learn to shoot well, get a carry license, and start carrying.  Exercise your 2nd Amendment.