Concealed Carry recommendations

Jeff in TX · January 2020

With our recent church training with the Sheriff's department I feel I need to make some changes.

I carry a 70's series 1911 45 acp. This has been my carry weapon since forever. However, it's a haus on the side of my hip. I've tried many holster combinations and try as I may it's still a haus! With shirts or sweatshirts on they still ride up and you can see part of the gun/holster.

Since our church allows concealed carry but not open carry, I'm looking for something with a smaller profile and will conceal better. Yes, I know I love the stopping power of the 45 and I could try a bunch more things and options to make it work. However, I'm looking for a second pistol (yes, I own this and a 45 Long Colt revolver).

Anyhow, I'm headed to the Dallas Gun Range on Friday to out some new smaller more compact pistols. My one son carry's a Sig 239 and loves it. My other son carry's an HK VP9 which may be a bit bigger and on the side of not compact enough.

Since most everyone on this forum carry's I'm looking for recommendations. I'm not looking for super small and compact. Something small enough to carry without notice, yet big enough to give me a good sight picture down the barrel. I'm open to 9mm, 10 or even 40 cal.

Thoughts and thank you!

Jayhawker · January 2020

Springfield makes a compact XD IN .45 ACP...if you want tostay with that cartridge...

The Glock 36 is a .45 I carried for a lot of years.Reliable and very concealable particularly when carried IWB

Have you looked at an IWB rig for your 1911?

earlyagain · January 2020

I wouldn't sweat going to a smaller pill. Hits on target count for more. Thats one thing obvious to anyone that though lacking in SD experience has hunting experience.

NN · January 2020

wear a sports coat

Bigslug · January 2020

Glock 48.

Thin, has enough sight radius to be accurate, 10 rounds on board with the option of flush-fitting 15-rounders from Shield Arms (recommend their metal mag catch for these)

Tugar · January 2020

To me there is a fine line between compact and subcompact which I find much harder to shoot the subs well. For me I would look for the Ruger Security 9. Compact enough yet still 10 rounds of 9mm and you can use the 17 rounders for the full-size with the grip adapter. That would be on my short list.

Otherwise, whatever fits your hand that isn't too small.

The grip is the harder thing to conceal if that helps.

Diver43 · January 2020

When they first came out, I purchased a SW Shield in 9mm. Shot it every range trip and carried it whenever I carried. It replaced a Combat Commander, When they were released I got a Glock43. Carried it for a bit, but could never shoot it well, so I have a almost new Glock43 with a few holsters that sits in the safe.
I was prepared to get a Sig P365, then the SA Armory Hellcat came out. I have yet to decide which one to get, but lean toward the P365.
I think any of the modern pistols will serve you well.
I am lucky that there is an indoor range that rents guns and they have many to try.
Maybe there is one like that near you?
If not, handle several.
P.S. If you want to stay with .45acp the SW Shield is available in .45

RugerFan · January 2020

I second the sport coat option. Until the Texas incident I was carrying a LCP. After that I wanted to carry my LC9 so I bought 2 sport coats after Christmas . I want to carry something with a longer sight radius but don't have anything else other than a P85. Nor do I have the $to buy something else right now.

GunNut · January 2020

My church is a rather large building where the need for a long shot(s) could be rather real. So in my holster you’ll only find guns that are capable, and that I’m COMFORTABLE with, taking such shots. My Wilson Combat CQB, my Dan Wesson Razorback and my latest Kim Pro Tactical which has turned out to be a very accurate shooter rotate in this capacity. I wear a sports coat to church, that gives me options. I’ve also taken to wearing a shoulder rig because I can cross my arms across my chest and put my hand on my gun grip under my jacket while looking perfectly natural and no one gives me a second look.

Zee · January 2020

From my position In church, I measured my max distance (actually took a laser range finder today and checked during a prayer 😁) of 20 yards to one side and 30 yards to the other of my AOR.

I want a gun that affords me a quick/effective shot at those distances. Otherwise.........why bother?

I carry two that will.

Glock 22 w/ extended barrel.

AR-Pistol w/ AimPoint Comp M3.

Gene L · January 2020

I pack a Sig 365. It's small, concealable, and has a great trigger and is accurate. Fits my hand just fine. I carried a 1911 for years, Combat Commander, but not dressed for church. Heavy, yes, but at the time, fewer options were out there.

shotgunshooter3 · January 2020

I second the Sports Coat suggestion. Jeans, tucked in button up or polo, and a sports coat is very acceptable garb particularly for church and would conceal the 1911 just fine.

With that said, I also second the Glock 48 suggestion if you want something smaller. My go-to is the Glock 19, but it's no thinner than the 1911.

PM coming your way.

bobbyrlf3 · January 2020

I've grown quite fond of my Springfield XD Mod 2 tactical; I shoot it very well and I really like the feel of the trigger; it't the same as my Mod 2 subcompact. Both are in .45acp (as are all of my carry guns), so training with it is scalable. Since I wear a suit or sweater every Sunday, I can conceal pretty much anything I want, and I've been carrying the XD Tactical OWB more often lately. I have two crossbreeds for other carry guns in case it's hot and I need to ditch the jacket and tuck under my shirt. There are so many good options these days, you're practically guaranteed to find something that works for you that you can have total confidence in.

JKP · January 2020

I've shrunk my carry gun to a P365 but I'm considering going back to a bit larger G27. My second shot times with the P365 are slower as I haven't yet become proficient double tapping with the P365. More practice is ongoing...