Sidearm Selection.

[M118LR]

I own quite a few handguns, but for defensive purposes, I stick to Glock, Sig, and S&W.
Sig 320 series in 9mm. Have a full size and the subcompact
Glock I usually carry a 17 with Tirijicon RMR, and I like the Glock 30s
Usual carry gun is a S&W Shield in 9mm

Gunporn seems to be a one way street!
Defensive purposes may be linked to where you are standing and what the circumstances are when you find the need to defend yourself? Please expound for clarification.

 

[Bowhntr6pt]

First off... any gun is better than no gun, followed up with the best gun is the one you can operate effectively.

With that out of the way, for me it's Glock Mid-size and above in 9mm or .40 S&W, or .45 ACP.

I've always been outspoken against smaller pistols. For almost 15 years I've watched between 300-600 retired LEO's each year shoot the qualification course for the HR218 carry, many of whom bring pocket pistols. A fair portion of those have issues with function and accuracy due to the short and sometimes non-existent sight situation. Same can be said for people who bring small pistol to classes.

Recently, my distain for small pistols as protective pieces when out in the public domain was strengthened by an incident involving two close friends, and cops, who both survived as Armed Robbery attempt... both are experienced shooters with solid tactics... and both had malfunctions mid-gun fight at about the same time.

My friend said when he popped up from cover and had a perfect sight picture, but no matter how hard he pulled the trigger, the gun would not fire, he had a flash thought he was going to die because his fighting pistol choice. Their aforementioned skills kept them alive along with the suspect being a complete idiot when it comes to tactics... he could have easily executed one of my friends.

Both platforms were 100% performers pre-shoot, a Glock and a Kahr. But the dynamics of a street fight are much different than flat range time. Both have since swore off small pistol carry because they experienced what they had already known existed, and that is small pistols of any kind are more prone to the physics that create malfunctions.

As for 1911 pistols, great guns, I have four, three of which are what I consider Mid-High End. But I'll never carry one for SD in the public domain. The jokes about 1911 jams are there for a reason... with the exception of a USGI 1911 pistol shooting 230gr Ball, they can be problematic. I was an armor crewman and that's all we shot was wore ass out 1911 pistols and I remember they ran like sewing machines, not exceptionally accurate, but the worked. Again, I've watched people shooting top of the line 1911's and ever so once in a while, the jam fairy makes an appearance. I know, I know, tuned extractors, polished feed ramp, open ejection port, yada, yada, yada. But there's a reason Hilton Yam says the 1911 is not for the inexperienced.

Now, on to the most common reply I get from people in class when this comes up, "how do you conceal a full-size or mid-size pistol"? Easy, I use a paddle back holster and locate the pistol right under my strong side elbow. My elbow rests in that area creating a covering effect. I am aware of my surroundings and position to others so I choose my movements accordingly. I don't bend over carelessly thrusting my pistol out in all it's glory for the lady next to me to see. Gym shorts, jeans, it matters not when I put an under belt on. I've carried a G34 and G35 in this manner for years and have yet to print to discovery. 99% of the people around you are clueless with their heads in the clouds and their minds are on everything other than their surroundings... I take advantage of that. If you get caught printing, you failed at situational awareness IMO.

Dependable firepower is what I want if the situation arises I have to fight in place. Plan for the worst case, having to stand and fight. In that case, a pocket rocket with limited capacity won't cut it. I'm not one who subscribes to the "I carry enough gun to get out of the situation" or "I carry in case I have to defend myself while I make it to my car". You might not be able to dictate the situation or tempo. Case in point, my friends. Firepower means capacity, not chamberings IMO.

Lastly, since my friends encounter I 100% include a reload. One of my friends performed a belt-located reload and was successful in hitting the suspect. I use to carry a reload 1% of the time, I have changed that mentality.

So... to sum it up... at least carry something you're good with. If that can include a mid to full size pistol, all the better. Dependability and firepower is why I carry a G19, G31, G34, or G35 vs. any other the other pistols I own.

 

[M118LR]

First off... any gun is better than no gun, followed up with the best gun is the one you can operate effectively.

With that out of the way, for me it's Glock Mid-size and above in 9mm or .40 S&W, or .45 ACP.

I've always been outspoken against smaller pistols. For almost 15 years I've watched between 300-600 retired LEO's each year shoot the qualification course for the HR218 carry, many of whom bring pocket pistols. A fair portion of those have issues with function and accuracy due to the short and sometimes non-existent sight situation. Same can be said for people who bring small pistol to classes.

Recently, my distain for small pistols as protective pieces when out in the public domain was strengthened by an incident involving two close friends, and cops, who both survived as Armed Robbery attempt... both are experienced shooters with solid tactics... and both had malfunctions mid-gun fight at about the same time.

My friend said when he popped up from cover and had a perfect sight picture, but no matter how hard he pulled the trigger, the gun would not fire, he had a flash thought he was going to die because his fighting pistol choice. Their aforementioned skills kept them alive along with the suspect being a complete idiot when it comes to tactics... he could have easily executed one of my friends.

Both platforms were 100% performers pre-shoot, a Glock and a Kahr. But the dynamics of a street fight are much different than flat range time. Both have since swore off small pistol carry because they experienced what they had already known existed, and that is small pistols of any kind are more prone to the physics that create malfunctions.

As for 1911 pistols, great guns, I have four, three of which are what I consider Mid-High End. But I'll never carry one for SD in the public domain. The jokes about 1911 jams are there for a reason... with the exception of a USGI 1911 pistol shooting 230gr Ball, they can be problematic. I was an armor crewman and that's all we shot was wore ass out 1911 pistols and I remember they ran like sewing machines, not exceptionally accurate, but the worked. Again, I've watched people shooting top of the line 1911's and ever so once in a while, the jam fairy makes an appearance. I know, I know, tuned extractors, polished feed ramp, open ejection port, yada, yada, yada. But there's a reason Hilton Yam says the 1911 is not for the inexperienced.

Now, on to the most common reply I get from people in class when this comes up, "how do you conceal a full-size or mid-size pistol"? Easy, I use a paddle back holster and locate the pistol right under my strong side elbow. My elbow rests in that area creating a covering effect. I am aware of my surroundings and position to others so I choose my movements accordingly. I don't bend over carelessly thrusting my pistol out in all it's glory for the lady next to me to see. Gym shorts, jeans, it matters not when I put an under belt on. I've carried a G34 and G35 in this manner for years and have yet to print to discovery. 99% of the people around you are clueless with their heads in the clouds and their minds are on everything other than their surroundings... I take advantage of that. If you get caught printing, you failed at situational awareness IMO.

Dependable firepower is what I want if the situation arises I have to fight in place. Plan for the worst case, having to stand and fight. In that case, a pocket rocket with limited capacity won't cut it. I'm not one who subscribes to the "I carry enough gun to get out of the situation" or "I carry in case I have to defend myself while I make it to my car". You might not be able to dictate the situation or tempo. Case in point, my friends. Firepower means capacity, not chamberings IMO.

Lastly, since my friends encounter I 100% include a reload. One of my friends performed a belt-located reload and was successful in hitting the suspect. I use to carry a reload 1% of the time, I have changed that mentality.

So... to sum it up... at least carry something you're good with. If that can include a mid to full size pistol, all the better. Dependability and firepower is why I carry a G19, G31, G34, or G35 vs. any other the other pistols I own.

Now we are getting to the Crux of the biscuit!
Inside of 21 feet you may have to eat a little crow?
But prior to pounding the Glock pulpit, what have you carried that failed you prior to your conversion? (feel like I have a ladle in a caldron) and wasn't a Glock listed as one of the sidearms that failed to fire under duress? (model if you please?)
Would you care to explain why the .40 S&W Glocks have been the subject of failure and ridicule?

As to dependable firepower, they are all dependable until the first time they fail to fire in a firefight. JMHO.

 

[Bowhntr6pt]

Now we are getting to the Crux of the biscuit!
But prior to pounding the Glock pulpit, what have you carried that failed you prior to your conversion? (feel like I have a ladle in a caldron)

Fortunately no personal failures led me down the Glock brick road LOL.

I never started carrying as a habit until after I became a cop... which was after I retired from the Army in 2001.

At that time, I was introduced to the Glock platform. I was aware of them, but never owned or fired one. On the rare chance I had a pistol out and about it was either a S&W 586 4" or a S&W 4506, which I also carried as a Reserve Deputy prior to retirement from the Army. Also, I had nowhere near the training or experiences back then that I do now... which has certainly molded my opinions on the matter.

I have a few other "worthy" pistols that I'd give the nod to, I'm not a Glock only guy per se, they include a Beretta 96 INOX, a Springfield Armory XD Tactical in .40S&W, and same in .45ACP, and a S&W 410. I have enough time with them to consider them dependable firepower.

With that said, I much prefer the Glock feel even though I find the XD to be similar, stands to reason as I've carried and shot one extensively for a living for almost 20 years. I do feel I can shoot the others mentioned equally as well and they all are the same as far as draw and pull the trigger to play. .

 

[Jerry]

Glock 21, Kimber Pro Carry, Sig P320, Colt 38 detective Spcl, Sig P229, Beretta, S&W, etc.
I like the one that feels natural in my hand, like pointing my finger.
The one that I have the utmost confidence in.
The one I can carry comfortably, safely and concealed.
The one I have practiced enough with to know where it's going and quickly, if I need it.
The one that has the most ammo in the mag that I can comfortably carry. With extras.
The one that gets me home the night something happens - rather nothing happens.
It's my primary EDC.
I have a BUG that I'm just as happy with and others I like, and may rotate.
I have different weapons for different requirements. Home, truck, night, travel, sport etc.

I believe yours should be your best friend, and ready when you need it. Hopefully you will carry it the rest of your life without needing it, but you should have it with you in your holster everyday. You may need it when least expected.
I learned a lot of this from guys on here. This forum is like spring football practice. The same thing you heard last month or last year, are the fundamentals. We need to practice.

 

[M118LR]

Fortunately no personal failures led me down the Glock brick road LOL.

I never started carrying as a habit until after I became a cop... which was after I retired from the Army in 2001.

At that time, I was introduced to the Glock platform. I was aware of them, but never owned or fired one. On the rare chance I had a pistol out and about it was either a S&W 586 4" or a S&W 4506, which I also carried as a Reserve Deputy prior to retirement from the Army. Also, I had nowhere near the training or experiences back then that I do now... which has certainly molded my opinions on the matter.

I have a few other "worthy" pistols that I'd give the nod to, I'm not a Glock only guy per se, they include a Beretta 96 INOX, a Springfield Armory XD Tactical in .40S&W, and same in .45ACP, and a S&W 410. I have enough time with them to consider them dependable firepower.

With that said, I much prefer the Glock feel even though I find the XD to be similar, stands to reason as I've carried and shot one extensively for a living for almost 20 years. I do feel I can shoot the others mentioned equally as well and they all are the same as far as draw and pull the trigger to play. .

I envy your experiences Sir, unfortunately I've had to deal with failures to fire afield.
From something as small as a second pull on a Dan Wesson .44 Mag Revolver to drop a critter while hunting,to having the plunger tube on a 1911 separate after I pulled the cords on my ALICE and was beating feet, and I had to thumb the slide forward on a model 1951 when the locking block disintegrated. Not to mention that I actually own a S&W L-Frame Revolver that failed to fire "On the Street" and actually accidentally discharged when the Officer tossed it aground to subdue the perp.

None of them failed in any form prior to the instant that they actually failed. They all were professionally maintained and feed the highest quality factory loads. (Stuff Happens, and Murphy's Law Rules!)

 

[fl57caveman]

Glock 21, Kimber Pro Carry, Sig P320, Colt 38 detective Spcl, Sig P229, Beretta, S&W, etc.
I like the one that feels natural in my hand, like pointing my finger.
The one that I have the utmost confidence in.
The one I can carry comfortably, safely and concealed.
The one I have practiced enough with to know where it's going and quickly, if I need it.
The one that has the most ammo in the mag that I can comfortably carry. With extras.
The one that gets me home the night something happens - rather nothing happens.
It's my primary EDC.
I have a BUG that I'm just as happy with and others I like, and may rotate.
I have different weapons for different requirements. Home, truck, night, travel, sport etc.

I believe yours should be your best friend, and ready when you need it. Hopefully you will carry it the rest of your life without needing it, but you should have it with you in your holster everyday. You may need it when least expected.
I learned a lot of this from guys on here. This forum is like spring football practice. The same thing you heard last month or last year, are the fundamentals. We need to practice.

i like the way a colt detective special feels in my hand, but i can't hit the broadside of a barn with one...

it is a hideout bellygun to me....push it someone's belly and pull the trigger til it goes click...

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Nice Glock WML!

Works really great. I got it from a very cool guy.

 

[M118LR]

i like the way a colt detective special feels in my hand, but i can't hit the broadside of a barn with one...

it is a hideout bellygun to me....push it someone's belly and pull the trigger til it goes click...

Sounds like a preplanned failure to me.
Want to share a pre planning success?
Actual circumstances may vary? YMMV (LOL)

 

[M118LR]

Works really great. I got it from a very cool guy.

Probably the best that a 9MM NATO shall perform to date. JMHO.

 

[Jerry]

i like the way a colt detective special feels in my hand, but i can't hit the broadside of a barn with one...

it is a hideout bellygun to me....push it someone's belly and pull the trigger til it goes click...

You called it perfectly. It's a BUG for sure.

 

[M118LR]

You called it perfectly. It's a BUG for sure.

Is that all Y'all really want to hang your hat upon?
There are so many other sidearms that Y'all could actually depend upon to protect your loved ones. Yet Y'all depend on Belly Busters?
Failures to plan equal planned failures. JMHO

 

[timc]

Gunporn seems to be a one way street!
Defensive purposes may be linked to where you are standing and what the circumstances are when you find the need to defend yourself? Please expound for clarification.

My work guns are the Sigs. So most of the time it’s a Sig that I’m carrying.
At home, the full size 320 sometimes is utilized as the bedside/beside the recliner gun. Other times it’s the Glock 17
If I’m not carrying the sub-compact 320, I’ll have the Shield on me. This is my off-duty, carry everywhere gun.

I’m a fan of the striker fired handguns and prefer a semi-auto over a revolver for serious work. I love revolvers, but I’ve spent most of my time shooting with a semi-auto and feel more proficient with the auto. And I like the higher round count and ability to reload quickly with mags. I also prefer 9mm. Don’t get me wrong, 45 is great as well, but I can shoot faster, and more accurate with a 9mm. And current 9mm self defense offerings are pretty effective. My 9mm’s are loaded with either Speer Gold Dots or Federal HST. Usually a 124gr +P or 147gr bullet.

 

[M118LR]

My work guns are the Sigs. So most of the time it’s a Sig that I’m carrying.
At home, the full size 320 sometimes is utilized as the bedside/beside the recliner gun. Other times it’s the Glock 17
If I’m not carrying the sub-compact 320, I’ll have the Shield on me. This is my off-duty, carry everywhere gun.

I’m a fan of the striker fired handguns and prefer a semi-auto over a revolver for serious work. I love revolvers, but I’ve spent most of my time shooting with a semi-auto and feel more proficient with the auto. And I like the higher round count and ability to reload quickly with mags. I also prefer 9mm. Don’t get me wrong, 45 is great as well, but I can shoot faster, and more accurate with a 9mm. And current 9mm self defense offerings are pretty effective. My 9mm’s are loaded with either Speer Gold Dots or Federal HST. Usually a 124gr +P or 147gr bullet.

Ever heard the expression that nothing beats cubic inch displacement.
Anything that can be done with a small block (lesser caliber) can be accomplished with a bigger bore (larger caliber) provided that the operator is up to the task.

Now I will give a little on muzzle flash vs night vision for untrained individuals. But Y'all have yet to explain your reaction time in the dark?

 

[fl57caveman]

Is that all Y'all really want to hang your hat upon?
There are so many other sidearms that Y'all could actually depend upon to protect your loved ones. Yet Y'all depend on Belly Busters?
Failures to plan equal planned failures. JMHO

I do not own one...as my ability to hit with it sucks...I just like the way one feels in the hand.
never carried one...good 2nd backup gun maybe, ankle holster if one is in to that....

 

[M118LR]

I do not own one...as my ability to hit with it sucks...I just like the way one feels in the hand.
never carried one...good 2nd backup gun maybe, ankle holster if one is in to that....

As others may hang thier hat on your opinion, perhaps you should revisit how you express yourself. Or perhaps you may not be offended should folks rebuke your opinions? But they are yours and they are requested. But perhaps there is other wisdom that folks should ponder??

Been there done that and survived may have a little more weight perhaps than I would carry that but I don't. Not to mention that you don't believe that you could survive if you by chance had to carry that sidearm actually. So why would you tell others that this is the cats meow??????

 

[Raven]

Fork that chit . . I bought my own. Traded many of those and the K-Bar's for various items.
The S&W was my own also. --- SAWMAN View attachment 90651

This marine bought his own, too. A Buck, full tang, micarta, coated, inverted serrated edge, chopping edge, easily convertible to a spear point, etc etc etc. Far and above better than any issued Kbar, and the only things wrong with it were that it lacked a bayonet ring and a lug catch. I took bets on how many wacks it would take to get through ammo cans. One and done, every time. Like a hot knife through butter! I still have it. It's put away for posterity. This is a stock photo of the same make and model. Mine is very much worse for wear.

 

[fl57caveman]

As others may hang thier hat on your opinion, perhaps you should revisit how you express yourself. Or perhaps you may not be offended should folks rebuke your opinions? But they are yours and they are requested. But perhaps there is other wisdom that folks should ponder??

not quite sure what you are saying...

I am not offended by anything you said, I thought I was clarifying myself...

if others are hanging their hat on my opinion, they in a bunch of trouble, they should do their own due diligence...

I prefer a 9mm also, with 147 grain jhp, and an extra mag of fmj

but there is nothing at all wrong with a 1911, either 9mm or .45

 

[M118LR]

This marine bought his own, too. A Buck, full tang, micarta, coated, inverted serrated edge, chopping edge, easily convertible to a spear point, etc etc etc. Far and above better than any issued Kbar, and the only things wrong with it were that it lacked a bayonet ring and a lug catch. I took bets on how many wacks it would take to get through ammo cans. One and done, every time. Like a hot knife through butter! I still have it. It's put away for posterity. This is a stock photo of the same make and model. Mine is very much worse for wear.

I have not been blessed with being a Marine. I respect and have drawn KILROYS in the sand for them. But since Y'all are incapable of effecting Uncle Sams Result with a simple Kabar, perhaps it's time to rethink your training. Since you can't accomplish the Mission with the tools you have been provided, perhaps the ability to overcome & adapt are not your strong points.(LOL,LOL, LMAO)

 

[Jerry]

As others may hang thier hat on your opinion, perhaps you should revisit how you express yourself. Or perhaps you may not be offended should folks rebuke your opinions? But they are yours and they are requested. But perhaps there is other wisdom that folks should ponder??

Been there done that and survived may have a little more weight perhaps than I would carry that but I don't. Not to mention that you don't believe that you could survive if you by chance had to carry that sidearm actually. So why would you tell others that this is the cats meow??????

I don't think anyone has to respond to a question like that.