Very helpful and informative video. I started out with a glock 26, moved to the glock 19, then settled on the glock 43 for now. I noticed @1:53 in your comparison chart, the measurements you have listed are the overall length of the gun and not the barrel length. Just wanted to point that out as size plays a huge part in selecting the best suited carry gun. Keep up the great content!
I love the P365, my brother carries a 365x and i really want one but it will have to wait a little bit, just grabbed a Shield Plus that im loving. So many great guns and not enough money lol.
You guys take any classes running them pretty good? I brought mine to a 16 hour class a few weeks ago and did not perform well. My recoil spring popped out of place requiring disassembly to fix. Another guys trigger reset spring completely broke. A third guy had another catastrophic failure, I can’t remember what exactly. Every single other pistol did fine. Me and one of the guys that also had an issue wound up at a 16 hour low light class last weekend (I don’t really know him, wasn’t planned) and we both had Glock 19’s this time.
I just purchased my first firearm in March of this year, so almost two months ago. I went with the Sig P365 X Macro because of the capacity. I've put about 800 to 1000 rounds through it and I couldn't be happier. I also have to give you a shout out for your amazing and in debth holster videos because I also just purchased the Phlster Enigma! I cant wait for it to arrive so i can start to dry fire practice drawing from concealment. Thank you for all of the great content you put out here. You've been a huge help!!
Solid breakdown of your experiences. It's humbling to trace our origins in this realm. Vids like these are very valuable to help guide others who don't know what they don't know.
I’m a shield guy. That was my first carry. But about two years ago, I got the Shield Plus and Im loving it. There is now a 15 round mag for them. I also used to pocket carry a Ruger LCP II. But always struggled with capacity and power. So I sold it and got a Glock 43. Again struggled with capacity but the power was there. I still own it but then purchased a Sig P365. That’s what I carry now. And I also carry a 15 round spare. Also bought a X frame module for it so I can carry appendix sometimes.
Ive been carrying a MR920 but wanted something smaller for warmer months. Ive had some many different carry guns, Hellcat, glock 43/42/48, CZ P07. Years back i owned a shield in 45acp that i loved and wish i never sold so i decided to pick up a new Shield Plus in 9mm and i couldnt agree more. I absolutely love it, carries great, small but holds plenty of ammo and comes stock with a great trigger, optic ready and night sights. One of these days id love to grab one of those M&P 2.0s in FDE with the 5” barrel.
I’m an old guy, so my story is longer. I’m also a bigger guy, so measuring the percentage of my hip to hip real estate has never even crossed my mind. I’ve carried a heavy barrel smith model 10. I started carrying long before micro compact striker fired guns were a twinkle in the eye of gun designers world wide. I started with a smith 908, then a smith 469, a ppk/s for a time. A Glock 19 for many years, with occasional revolvers here and there. My present carry gun is a bone stock 365. I also carry a glock 42 from time to time. Shot placement is indeed a thing.
I'm new to this world of gun ownership, even tho I have not gotten it( yet) However I am glad to be learning more about this. What do you recommend for a small carry for a first timer? Not every day carry, just something for the home. Something with multiple safety features that can prevent newbie mistakes. That's what I have been struggling to find.
Don't ever knock your .380. I'm a big guy 5'11", 235# down from 280 and have and still carry a ..380. I do occasionally carry other firearms up to ..45. I always go back to my .380.
Carried a Colt Govt. MkIV .380 for about 20 years, until it achieved heirloom status and switched to a S&W BG. I carry it as default setting, unless I choose something else goes in my pocket at the same time my wallet does.
My EDC, which I decided on after watching your video on hip-to-hip spacing is a stock P365 XL with the flush fit mag of 12 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense. Another 12 round mag of the same is either on me (depending on my attire for the day) or in my briefcase (which as a lawyer is never far from me)
I am very glad to have found this channel. Currently helping my girlfriend become more familiar with guns and I think your content would encourage her! This video is very interesting to me because it is a very different perspective from how I approach handgun selection, being a resident of a rural, mountainous area where I need to stretch pistol calibers to their maximum capability and capacity.
I ran a G17 then cz 75 compact pcr. Cz 97 B, G19 gen3 for a short time then on to a cz p10c and sig 365 with a 12 round mag. My current rotation includes the p10c p10f pdp pro sd full sized 5 inch, and a sig macro. I have a large enough frame to conceal a full sized which is part of my rotation. 😊
I took a ten year hiatus. Used to carry a 19 and shot it competently. Now I’m getting back into it and getting used to my 43x. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Oh jeez. FNP-45 5" RIA 1911 Springfield XDs 45 Chiappa Rhino 4" M&P Shield Ruger SP101 Glock 19 (evolved to include a wml and rds) Glock 19X (dot and wml) P365 P356XL P365X Now, the P365X is my EDC 90% of the time. Occasionally, I'll rotate in my 19x or Maxim 9 (full size Friday)
My every day carry is a Glock 42 with Trijicon HD XR Night Sights and a 9 round ETS magazine fitted with an XGRIP for a full three-finger grip. I load the magazine with 8 rounds maximum, plus one in the chamber, to ensure 100% reliability. Ammo of choice is Underwood Extreme Penetrator 380+P. This combination has very little recoil, is very controllable and EXTREMELY accurate! I carry it 24/7 in a pocket holster and honestly it's so light and compact that I forget it's there. The best self-defense pistol is the one you never leave home without!
1) Glock 19 G5, which I eventually decided to just buy every known accessory for and store it with an AR15. 2) Sig p365 XL - red dot, light, hogue grp for extra texture. Still the official carry. Honorable mentions for funs with lghts/holsters/etc that I can carry based on weather - Canik TP9 SC, Shield Plus
I also started out with a revolver, went to the Glock 42 (which I still have) and have gone thru quite a few others before settling on the Walther PDP ( I have a lot more room to conceal a bigger firearm than you have😊). Really enjoy your videos!
I love the Glock 42, capacity sucks but its so easy to shoot, it’s accurate and loaded with some 90gr +P Xtreme Penetrators from Underwood its definitely a good carry.
Some people land on "the one" immediately. Some people like to or need to experiment. Guns are fun. It's fun to try out different things, though expensive. I started with a Ruger SR9c. Great gun, great shooter, very smooth shape. Before the modern micro-9s came out it was about as slim as you could get with a double-stack mag but still thicker than a Shield or G43. I picked up a cheap SCCY that was slightly smaller and carried that occasionally but the DAO trigger and sharp recoil and 2x4 ergonomics just weren't comfortable. I replaced both with a Smith & Wesson Shield Plus longslide with a Holosun 507k that I like. I like the balance and ergonomics. I just picked up a Sig P365 and I think I'm going to like it. It's a little more petite than my Shield Plus and the trigger is much better. If I like it I may just trade my Shield Plus for a second P365 in L config. My SR9c is rarely carried but I like it too much to sell it. My SCCY isn't worth anything and has been perfectly reliable so it'll probably get stashed in a lockbox somewhere. I bought a S&W 642 because I felt like I was ready for a snubnose but I forgot how painful they are to shoot and how bad the sights are. That one may get sold soon because my P365 does everything better.
I'm only like 10 seconds in, but if you haven't tried the M&P Shield Plus Optics Ready, it's one of the best out, imho. I had the 43x MOS, which I liked in terms of feel, but it was a little snappy and the trigger was butt in comparison to the some of the other micro compacts out there on the market. The grip, although nice, was, at times, a little too long for deep concealment in the summer months. Was gonna go with the 48 MOS and, although I haven't thoroughly tested the trigger in the 48 MOS to give a good accord of it's quality, from what I remember, it wasn't as bad as the 43x. I've had a lot of the popular micros, and the M&P Shield Plus Optics Ready is definitely one of, if not the best imo. The trigger is top tier. They come with night sights. The grip is about as long as the P365, but feels almost full size in comparison to the P365. The ingenuity of the firearm is superb! The M&P Shield platform has been around for years, so it's stood the test of time in terms of a reliable tool. The one draw back is mounting a light, and the most streamline option there is for the Shield is the Streamlight TLR6, which puts out only 100 lumens and rated at IPX4, so it can get some water on it and be okay, but submersion into water is a no go and I imagine a heavy rainfall would get sketchy in a bad situation lol, but we're not operators out there taking out ISIS, so it's all good. The TLR6 is a solid little light, though, and it will definitely get the job done clearing a house or lighting up an armed perp in a dark alley. In terms of snappiness, the Shield Plus is a dreamboat. I'm telling you, I've never held and shot a micro that shoots like the Shield Plus. I'm very very impressed, and it actually opened my eyes to how dope Smith and Wesson actually is, and there putting out recent options like a 5.7, which I believe operates by a gas system and the newest one they put out is their new pistol caliber carbine, which comesnin at an affordable price. I was sleeping on the company, but man they're doing their thing and unfortunately I don't hear too many people giving them credit like Canik. Anyways, get you a Shield Plus. I think you'd like it!
It is true the M&P Shield Plus doesn't get the love it deserves on the internet, as it is indeed a worthy competitor to the P365. A new shooter absolutely should fire both (and likely the Hellcat) before deciding on a carry gun. However once someone has made the investment in one of those platforms, bought requisite accessories to go with it and logged significant training and range time with it, then whatever they've chosen is certainly good enough to not bother changing. Guns are not cheap. My opinion.
I started with a Glock 43 because that's what all the ex spec ops guys on RU-vid had at the time. I got pretty good with it, then I wanted to move up to a traditional compact. I went with the Shadow Systems MR920 because it's a Glock design that already had everything I might want to do to a Glock in the future for a good price. I put a dot on it, and I love it.
You are correct, shot placement and penetration is way more important than “stopping power”. 380 is a good round. It’s an easy recoiling gun so you can get more shots off quicker. One thing I would recommend though when carrying it is carry with full metal jackets instead of hollow points. Most 380 hollow points do not have good penetration. Some do, but carrying with full metal jacket will eliminate that issue. Just select a reliable FMJ like federal.
My Carry Gun when i 1st started caring was a LCP MAX 380 , Now I am caring a Taurus G3 9mm , Yeah it is gonna take time to get use to because I am a 164 pound small left handed 5'8 male
I'm in the midst of redoing my concealed carry options so it's kind of funny this video came up as I was thinking about the evolution of my own carry choices. Started with a gov't size 1911 when I turned 21 and learned a lot of lessons from trying to conceal that and pushing it and myself in training courses. A few years and thousands of rounds later I ended up with a Glock 19 to improve capacity and reduce weight, but even with the reduced size it never concealed like I wanted. Glock 43 came out and I got it almost immediately, and over the years I confirmed that I need just a bit more grip and capacity and really value the light rail. So the 'solution' for me settles in between the gen 3 G19 and G43 in size, in 9mm, with a light rail. Current best option is a p365 x macro w/ the stippled xl frame and larger macro's mag release. Or getting a spare x macro frame and have someone with better talent than me trim it down to accept the flush 12rd mags so I have a better light mount than the xl frame's.
Thanks for speaking up about using .380 ammo. I have a Sig 365 and love it. My husband was watching gun videos on RU-vid, and now has become worried about my safety using only 380. He had me doubting, too. So, your video came at just the right time. Thanks.
Being an older and bigger guy lol. I’ve carried so many over my lifetime that there’s no way I could ever list them all. I hear you on selling weapons every weapon I have ever sold, I regret. If I can’t afford to buy a new one, I don’t I will never sell another weapon. I have now joined the micro compact in comes the Sig P365 with an Alabama pocket holster.
Consider buying American. Ruger and Smith n Wesson both make a wide array of heaters that would meet / exceed your needs and might even save you a buck or two.
You old sod, you. The voice of experience. Sage advice. Solid wisdom. Great channel. Wish my daughters were like you. Wish I was like you, but I'm kinda dumb.
I went from a Stoeger STR9 in 2019, a Smith & Wesson Shield 2.0 with a CT factory installed laser, halfway in 2020 I picked up the Hellcat which is what I really wanted over the Shield originally. In 2021 I jumped to a Sig XL, and in 2022 I jumped into Glocks starting with a 43X, and then a 48 MOS, and a 43X MOS. Every now and then a 42 comes out of the same and a 43 as well. Most of the time though it’s my 43X MOS I EDC
I just shared your channel with my sister who needed some help with a new holster system. I purchased the Enigma and recently the FL2 so I sent her those links because I think that system is the best for all year clothing choices. I am fortunate enough to own a few carry options and we are on the same page with our edc picks. Thank you for the content!
I'm always happy to see a positive review on the Enigma holster system. I started out concealed carrying in 2019 and I purchased a Crossbreed holster. While it's a great quality set up, it's just not comfortable for me....at all. And I found myself just not carrying at all. My pew pew stays at home which is against the whole purpose and benefit of carrying. Times are getting so unpredictable due to so many mentally disturbed human beings out there and I KNOW I need to carry daily, but I want to do it comfortably. I've seen many folks' horrid drawer of misfit holsters and hundreds of dollars wasted. I don't have the financial resources to just take chances and end up with another "strike out". The enigma system is quite pricey for me, but if I can get a comfortable set up, then it will justify the cost in my mind.👍🏼
The Enigma is a great system in my opinion. It solved most of my comfort and concealment challenges that I faced once I switched over to the Glock 48. Id suggest setting aside some time to read up on it, watch some reviews, and even scroll through some of the user experiences in the PHLster Concealment Workshop on Facebook before investing into the system. Also, this video might help you avoid any obvious conflicts with the system and your lifestyle: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-paENSZh2LdU.html
Great video, thanks for sharing. I'm close to your size 5'2" 130 and I go back and forth between my 43 with a plus 2 mag extension and my 48mos with red dot and with a tlr7sub. The light definitely takes more real estate and am thinking about ditching the light so it's easier to carry. Thank you for all your content, very well done.
I went through 7 different carry guns. The Sig P365 is the best one so far. If the gun is too big, you won't carry as much. If it's a tiny 380 or revolver, you lack power (or sufficient rounds). Carrying a P-365 with a backup extended 15 round mag seems to be the best balance.
My first carry was a Glock 23. For the past 4 years, it has been an LCP .380 with Winchester Ranger T-Series Ammo, which will destroy a persons internals during penetration. It's the re-branded version of the old Black Talon bullets that were outlawed. I dont need a 25-yard gun, at that point I'll be retreating to safety. The LCP is for up close and personal encounters.
My first conceal carry/ gun in general which most people probably wouldn’t go with was when I first turned 21 and it was the Shadow Systems DR920. I loved the Glock platform but hated the trigger and my buddy had the DR920. He lemme shoot it to get my thoughts on it, I was able to shoot a lot more accurately with it and preform alot better with it than any other gun I’ve ever shot before other than a 6inch barrel Colt Python my father has. It was alot better for me to control and conceal being I’m 6’3 and was 240 pounds at the time. Now I’m 23 and 160 pounds so now my CCW has switched to the Micro Springfield HellCat with a 15 round mag. Most people don’t agree with those two guns as being my choice for a CCW but in my opinion you’ve just gotta get what works best for you and not what others tell you to get. Love you’re videos btw 🖤
Yup, those little S&W revolvers are great. My wife still loves hers but we were able to find a 3 in barrel which is a great improvement. Tis natural to change, especially since they keep making better and better CC guns!
The lighter the gun is that’s actually where I have the problem. For some reason they just want to spill out more. I carry either my G19 or my new 509 CC edge. But the weight keeps it centered and doesn’t print as bad as the smaller and lighter guns I have.
You said it. A 380 has more stopping power if you are on target, than a 9 mil off target. I say, carry what you are comfortable with, and works for you. Nice video. thanks for the work.
I'm a .380 carrier and have been for many years. My favorite carry is a .380 S&W Body Guard, have made several mod's to make it more reliable. My backup carry is my stock Glock 42, carry both IWB appendix.... Enjoy your videos and will continue watching your P365 eval's think that might be my next carry purchase and first with a red dot...
Well that was a fun video enjoyed hearing all your stories are used to carry the same P3 65 and 9 mm but as I’ve gotten older and more recall sensitive right now really love the P3 65 and 380 it is just so smooth and soft Shooting anyway keep up the good work
Former cop (20 yrs), avid shooter (30 years). Duty gun was a Glock 17, first a Gen2, then a Gen4. Off-duty/EDC has almost exclusively been a Glock 26 with +2 mag extension, and a 17-rnd spare. And I have a "large frame," and could probably have gotten away with concealing a Desert Eagle .50AE on my body!
CCW No 1 was a Glock 31 in .357 Sig. A nail-driver and loud AF. A little big to carry so No 2 was a Kahr CW45. Dumped the Kahr for a Ruger SR1911. Slimmed down to a Glock 26 then upgraded to a Glock 19. Current carry is a Shield Plus in .30 Super Carry.
These videos have helped me think from the perspective of my wife and daughter but also give me carry ideas. Find that policy, technology and personal needs will make you change EDC. Currently carry a Hellcat Pro for EDC and a security detail but it took some mods and a few thousand rounds to get proficiency.
I run a Ruger max 9 pro series. It's slim and short enough to fit in my pocket, but still fills my hand completely.They just released a new battery free red dot for it that costs under $100 that I'm rather excited to try.
The carry search never actually ends! I've been carrying an Are Delta M (smaller and slimmer than a G19) but am excited for the new FN Reflex. Should be a better summer carry for me and my physique.
I sell guns and like giving resources to ladies for help finding the right choices. I just found your channel and like the content a lot. I'll be referring you new viewers. Keep up the great content.
This is a fantastic video with wonderful information. The best news - I am a glock and sig person also. I, too, carry either a glock 42, 43 or 48. I think your decisions have been perfect. I am 67 years old and have been around guns for 60+ years with my Dad owning a gun store through my younger years. I LOVE the development of the new guns these days. As I advise women and smaller men (like myself), I go through the exact decision making process that you did. In the future, I will simply show my friends and neighbors your video. This video is FULL of great information. I look forward to watching any video you produce in the future. NICE JOB!! Danny
I would add don't buy a first gun unless you can rent one and shoot it first. I'd even drive a fair distance to to that. If you've been at it as long as danny, that's probably not needed.
I wouldn’t know where to begin. I have carried dozens of different guns over the last 7 years since turning 21. Currently running a p365xl but I started with a ruger sp101. Nothing wrong with a revolver, I just like the additional capacity the sig offers. Like you, I sold my sp101 to get a different carry gun and wish o hadn’t
Found this channel after watching, well, more firearms videos! I'm a gun guy, ish literally cant own one as easily. I'm not American, what can I say? Finally a break from the aggressive/badass vibes associated with guntubers
I have the ruger lcp max in 380 and bought it because of Colion Noir. Super small gun with good capacity and trigger. I do plan in getting a 9mm, but there are so many options I've been taking my time. Good thing I did so many new guns have come out. And I can still carry the ruger lcp max as a backup if I want to.
My first was the S&W Bodyguard. Next, I bought a Beretta APX (my husband said I'd like it). I didn't, but he did 🤔. A gun friend suggested that I look at the Sig P365, and so I found you. I'm meeting a firearm instructor for a handgun selector class. Can hardkt wait to get a semi for carry.
Enjoyed your video. Would like to see a side to side to side to side comparision of the four guns outlined in concealed carry on your waistband to see the gun size difference. Also, the concealment percentage section was very informative.
My first carry was a 1911, I just felt comfortable with the platform. As I continued and learned more, I had a Glock 19 with a Surefire XC1 and glow in the dark irons. Then I went to a CZ75 Compact and my last carry was a H&K USP 45 Compact with a Surefire. Out of all of them, Glock was practical to me since it was the first handgun I was introduced to when my father took me out to shoot at the range since he liked Glock more than the Beretta he was issued during his time in the service in Desert Storm. But I really liked the H&K more myself. It was a great little package minus the capacity in my mag and the price. I bought it second hand from my local gun shop for a fraction with a extra two mags and the Surefire already attached. Only thing I did was extend the magazine release and that was it.
Thanks for this video on the subject of whether G's single stack or low capacity 9mm vs Sig 365 single stack. Just recently I've started leaning towards the Sig ( which isn't my fave brand by any means) for an EDC, cause I want something I will EDC everyday !!!! Light weight, small, low capacity, concealable, yet accurate and deadly. And thinking about the Sig 320 m17 or 18, while I am learning as much as possible about the Sig brand. I still think you'd make a great lawyer, you are very well spoken.
I knew from handling maybe 4 models of Glock that I absolutely hated the way they felt in the hand. So I purchased my first handgun for the purpose of concealment (hellcat), from the catalogue of the same manufacturer I had purchased my 'actual' first handgun from. Not having a ton of non-Glock experience, it felt better but I didn't really feel "at home" with it. Then I found and immediately loved the P365. Bought it and switched within the week. Then after comparing the two side-by-side for about 6 months I understood there were a number of features of the hellcat I just did not like, and sold it. I now own a total of 5 pistols, 3 of which are full sized, one is a pocket Beretta (which I rarely consider as a carry piece, usually wardrobe chooses it for me), and my trusty 365.
Relatively new at this; I presently own a .380 the Ruger LCP 2. I still need more range time/classes and your channel is very helpful towards my education in all things gun related. Thank you for the great information!
My wife is 4’11’’ she’s a muscle mommy though so she’s got a little more real estate than you but the 365 is perfect for her also. Even my shield is to tall to be easily concealed. This is great info.
1911 commander custom made by Nelson ford.... sprinkle in a sig 229, glock 19, and now ended up staccato c. If I could redo it, I'd wait until the cs was out and buy that. Nonetheless i love my staccato c in its tier 1 elite holster. It's the tops for me.
You've been through a lot more than me. I started with a LCR 38 which I carried for several years. Then I got a LC9s, quickly followed by the LC9s Pro. That's still in my pocket today with a magguts +1 mod. I actually have my next carry gun, a shield 9mm plus. I like it a lot but just haven't switched yet. I can only pocket carry most of the time and it's slightly larger. Technically I also carried a S&W 66 occasionally when it's cold and I have a large coat.
Thank for sharing your real world experiences. I have cc Glocks 26, 19, and 43. Switched to P365XL, then moved to a 365-380. Added the XL grip and 12rd magazines. Great set up for me because the gun is light, flat shooting, mild recoil. Plus, it is easy to AIWB cc in the Enigma holster or OWB holsters.
I carry a stock Sig P365 with a 12 round extended mag. I also occasionally carry a Beretta 3032 Tomcat in .32 when I'm wearing joggers or basketball shorts.
My wife is small like you, she started with a g19 and a 26 for a while but was difficult for her as they were to thick. As soon as the 48 and 43x came out those were her alt guns daily, with custom 15 +2 ext mags. She has since switched to a P653 XMacro Tacops. Shes got a large chest, so with her carrying in front, clearing her chest is a bit of a challenge. But riding her bikes, running errands, she said to me just now if she didnt have her chest, it would be harder to carry the tacops. she said because she wears loser clothes, to accommodate her chest, loser, shirts, and longer flannel meant for someone our sons torso length gives her movement room. She said she hasnt worn form fitting clothes for almost 40 years now haha, plus she steals alot of our sons old out grown shirts around the farm and our ranches haha. Me being a huge dude, I can easily hide a G19, and it feels tiny in my hands...I saw how small you were with the G48 and saw the similarity in hand size with my wife, and chuckled. Us guys have it easy for carry and dress!
P320XCompact because I could get a Romeo1 Pro optic on there (had read terrible things about the Zero1’s plastic lenses for P365). Then CZ 75D PCR because I loved hammer fired metal frames and I adore inverted rails. THEN HK45C because…God’s Caliber… but in the end is the P365XL (no optic yet) beat them all because it’s by far the easiest to carry - and I shoot it well. Good video- thanks for sharing
You can’t be part of the gun community unless you occasionally stop and gaze wistfully into the distance with the beginnings of a tear in your eye, and whisper in soft lament “I wish I hadn’t let the revolver go!”
I just can't imagine how someone of your small frame could conceal effectively such large semi-auto pistols. Bravo! I'm not tall but I am a beefy 5'10 at 200+ lbs and have a hard time concealing anything other than a sub-compact in light summer clothing such as one would wear in hot weather as casual wear. Plaid button-down short-sleeved shirts do an adequate job of concealing a small sub-compact AICW as long as the wind isn't blowing the fabric into the handle or even up and over the beltline. I am currently carrying an ancient comblock Polish P-64 in a kydex holster at the appendix position. My gut hides it as long as the wind doesn't blow the light cover garment into my FOPA and print the grip. When that happens it is obvious to anyone paying attention that I have something there other than a belt buckle -which is actually at the 9 o'clock position that makes the Kore Essentials gunbelt really handy to quickly adjust with my left hand.
Current EDC is Sig P238, ( a mini 1911, very accurate to 15 yds, outstanding trigger.) ball ammo, pocket carry. In the process of switching to the very excellent P365XL once I get 1500 more rounds through it. I like the trigger on the XL. Will also get the Holosun EPS Carry. I will also pocket carry the XL, not an issue but must have the correct pants with long pockets. Also own a Colt 1911, that's my "downtown" gun.
*LCR / G26L / G43L / P365L* An informative, interesting and thought provoking video. I love autos, but I cannot help but think small revolvers like the Ruger LCR are best for most defensive use, especially people who have little experience with handguns due to their simplicity. Also love that the LCR can be fired inside a jacket/vest pocket without jamming thanks to its internal hammer and is easier to get out of a pocket quickly than a comparable sized auto due to their more rounded shape. I also love that a huge range of different sized grips can be fitted to suit small to large hands, unlike the case with the vast majority of autos. They are also much less likely to have a stoppage if they come into contact with clothing, cover or an attacker once outside the pocket when being fired. I like the 9mm version best, with two reloads in plastic 35mm film canisters that protect the ammo and ensure the full moon clips are not bent, but some might prefer the lighter .38 Special version (13.5 oz vs. 17.2 oz) with speed strips or speedloaders. A problem with most autos for concealed carry is that a lot of their bulk and weight is in the grip that sits outside a belt holster, which makes them feel like they will fall out of the holster, which I find disconcerting. The more rounds the mag holds the more bulk/weight in the grip outside the holster and the harder it is to conceal. This is made worse by short barrel autos. A HK P7M13 best illustrates the problem as it has a short and thin slide but a large grip. Thus for IWB holsters I prefer a G26 with a G19 slide/barrel assembly (with a LWD Slide Adaptor to cover the exposed guide rod/spring). The G26L conceals better than the G26 as more of the bulk/weight is inside the holster which helps keep it close to the body, and it feels more secure in the holster while also being nicer to shoot (not as whippy) and having a longer sight radius and better ballistics. The G26 is a great gun, but a poor pocket gun compared to the lighter LCR revolvers and not as nearly as good as a G26L for concealed carry in IWB holsters. I much prefer the LCR for pocket carry, but if I had to choose an auto it would likely be a Kahr Arms PM9 (15.9 oz). One could do the same thing with a P365 by fitting a P365XL slide/barrel assembly to it (P365L), or fit a G48 slide/barrel assembly to a G43 frame (G43L). One could also have the grip of a G48 shortened to G43 dimensions if you wanted it to be able to use 10 round G43X/G48 mags, and have one shortened to G43 dimensions (6 rounds) when carrying it concealed and carry one or more 10 round mags for reloads. I would lean towards a Glock as they can be fitted with an SCD, unless the P365 had a safety catch. The Gen3 G26 will also accept the NY 1 trigger spring that gives it an 8 lb trigger pull with the standard ‘0’ connector, which I feel makes it safer to carry. These long slide variants look awkward, but isn't function more important than form?
I carried my Taurus for a long time and I do carry my SIG P365 when I take my dog out or when I go for a walk and my new every day carry is my Glock 23 gen 3 40 cal
Thanks for sharing your journey with us. My first "truck gun", since CCW wasn't a common thing way back when, was a Norinco 1911A1 in a gifted Desantis holster. At 5' 11", 185 lbs it wasn't hard to carry it where I could. Fast forward 30 years (one inch shorter and 50 lbs heavier) and my rotation, depending on my self-defined Threat Level, includes a S&W 6946, a G43, a Keltec P32 (for fetching mail, putting out the trash, etc.), an my new fav a Ruger SP101 in .357 (although I carry the FBI load). I've tried AIWB and I don't care for it. It and maybe that I haven't found the right holster, but it seems to be uncomfortable in any position that it's perfectly upright. Keep making these excellent videos.
I've carried several throughout the years, but nothing is more versatile than my Springfield 911 in .380 (7+1 mag). My lifestyle, work and where I live basically dictates I pocket carry. And no, I don't feel out gunned with a micro .380. This little thing is actually a tack driver at self defense distances. Even my relatively "meaty" hands have a full grip.
Nice video. I carry a security 380 and , at the ranger at least, I hammer that A zone. IMO the difference in accuracy and speed with the 380 trumps its difference in ft lbs compared to 9mm.
Great overview of your journey so far, thank you. I am a solid G19 kind of guy. My wife however suffers from neck problems and doesn't like shooting anything other than 22lr. I am always on the lookout for the next best lowest recoiling 380. I wish Glock would make a G42x with a full size-ish grip that allows all three fingers and makes mag changes easier. I would even be ok with 7 or 8 rd mags.
In 2020 after covid lockdowns I decided to take my concealed carry class here in IL. They let us use glock 19s they had at the range. They pushed glocks oretty hard in that class so I decided to go get one. At the time I had a SCCY cpx-1 and I hated it. I checked out a couple glocks at the local shop. Theh asked if I had seen the Hellcat. I held it and fit my hand perfectly. It's my edc amd has the option of 11, 13 and 15rd mags. The hard part was finding a holster for it since they were still kind of new. I went with vedder and claw. KORE Essentials was my belt of choice which works great since I can't take pews into work. They are super easy to adjust.
