What to carry?

[SRH78]

As of now, the smallest centerfire handgun I own is a 6" GP100 and since I am finally getting my plastic, I need to get something I can carry. Being used to large revolvers, I don't get along well with very small handguns. The 2 fingered grip is a no go. I have been looking at a lot of different handguns and the one I keep coming back to and that feels really nice in my hand is a full size M&P. My question is, just how concealable will it be? Would I be much better off getting something like a Kahr CW which is the best fit of the smaller guns i have looked at? I am not worried about the weight. What I am worried about is concealability. One more thing is that due to the nature of my job, carrying at work is not a possibilty so unfortunately, I won't be carrying everday anyway. I already know a good belt and holster is a an absolute must. Thanks in advance for any advice and opinions you can offer.

[Scott in Houston]

What's your build? I'm 6'0'' and 180 lbs. I can carry a full size (5") 1911 if I really need to. With the right equipment, and the willingness to dress around your carry, you can carry anything.

I mostly carry a Glock 19/32, but sometimes carry a full size 1911, and other times a tiny .380 (Taurus TCP).

I you prefer a "full size" feeling gun, plus easy to carry, how about a Commander size 1911? It's thin and easy to conceal, yet it feels 'full size' in your hand.

[drjoker]

Given the proper holster, you may carry just about any gun. Your GP100 can be carried fine in a shoulder holster. Get one with the bottom supported by your pants belt to take weight off your neck/shoulder for a pain-free experience. It also helps if it is weight balanced for comfort. For example, if you carry a gun on one side, carry ammo or another gun on the other side (use a 2 sided shoulder holster). Use a shoulder holster with suspenders like straps that will help hold everything down to prevent printing. Wear the holster over a T-shirt and wear a dress shirt over the shoulder holster. Make sure to modify your dress shirts to close with either velcro or snap buttons. Or just buy western style shirts with snap buttons. To draw your gun, rip open your velcro or snap button shirt with one hand while drawing with the other hand. You can wear normal shirts, but be prepared for the "superman" maneuver when drawing by ripping your shirts to draw your gun. You may want to give "the original dirty harry holster" a try. I have never tried it, but I hear it's good. I personally use a home-made shoulder holster.

For your M&P, use a "smart carry" holster. I use it and it hides my Glock just fine. http://www.nrastore.com/nrastore/Produc ... SA%2022678

[SRH78]

I am pretty thick, 5'9" and well over the 200 pound mark. I have nothing against a 1911 but I would prefer a double action without a manual safety. The simpler it is to operate the better, imo.

[drjoker]

Or if you're willing to use a 4 inch barrel revolver instead of your 6 incher, a kangaroo carry holster would be good: http://www.kangaroocarry.com/air-marshal-ii-holster

original dirty harry holster: http://www.lawmanleathergoods.com/

[canvasbck]

I am pretty thick, 5'9" and well over the 200 pound mark. I have nothing against a 1911 but I would prefer a double action without a manual safety. The simpler it is to operate the better, imo.

I am similar in size to you, I can easily carry either my full sized Beretta 96 or my 5" M&P. Either one disapears in a crossbreed supertuck.

[SRH78]

I am pretty thick, 5'9" and well over the 200 pound mark. I have nothing against a 1911 but I would prefer a double action without a manual safety. The simpler it is to operate the better, imo.

I am similar in size to you, I can easily carry either my full sized Beretta 96 or my 5" M&P. Either one disapears in a crossbreed supertuck.

This is good news and what I was hoping to hear. If the M&P will hide behind jeans and a loose fitting t-shirt then I will definitely go for the M&P.

[C-dub]

I am pretty thick, 5'9" and well over the 200 pound mark. I have nothing against a 1911 but I would prefer a double action without a manual safety. The simpler it is to operate the better, imo.

I am similar in size to you, I can easily carry either my full sized Beretta 96 or my 5" M&P. Either one disapears in a crossbreed supertuck.

This is good news and what I was hoping to hear. If the M&P will hide behind jeans and a loose fitting t-shirt then I will definitely go for the M&P.

I think you'll be happy with that setup, but you might find yourself moving to button shirts as a cover garment and a t-shirt as an undergarment to keep the gun and holster from rubbing against you so much.

I'm 6' 200 lbs. and been carrying my full size Glock .45 for almost 5 months now. I keep thinking I'll get the G30SF also, but IDK.

[A-R]

I rotate two full size M&Ps (one in 9mm one in .45 ACP) as my every day carry guns in a Comp Tac MTAC Minotaur holster - conceals no problem under a T-shirt that is a bit larger than normal (an XXL on my XL body)

Great guns - also highl recommend the trigger action improving parts/kits from APEX Tactical - reasonably easy self install and makes a superb trigger.

[J.R.@A&M]

For what it's worth, the Ruger SP101 has similar/identical internal parts as your GP100. It's also a nice carry revolver. The one I have right now under my shirt is all warm and cozy.

[Jumping Frog]

I am a similar shape. I'll wear my full size M&P in either a Crossbreed Supertuck or a Comp-Tac Minotaur and it conceals effortlessly. Quality gunbelt makes a huge difference as well. If I am not wearing my M&P then I am carrying a full size 5" 1911.

[surferdaddy]

Have you handled the m&p compacts? With the pinky extension the grip is very similar feeling to the full size. Plus you then have the option of carrying the full size magazine for backup. I have a 40 compact and am every bit as accurate with it as i am with my buddies m&p 40 full size. I just feel that this set up is very versitile. I have a micro 9, full size 1911and my m&p 40c is my favorite by far. It's almost magical the way it points and shoots for me. I LOVE it.

[smoothoperator]

I suggest carrying a flashlight, a knife, and a less lethal tool like OC. Even if you don't carry a gun.

[mrvmax]

You can carry anything you want, no matter the size - if you want to. Stop asking yourself how it will feel and think about how i would feel when you need your handgun and you do not have it since it was uncomfortable to carry. You need to dress around your chosen handgun, you need to buy a quality holster and you need a good gun belt ( a belt designed to support the weight of your handgun, not some thick imitation leather belt you picked up at Walmart.

[firediver]

You can carry anything you want, no matter the size - if you want to. Stop asking yourself how it will feel and think about how i would feel when you need your handgun and you do not have it since it was uncomfortable to carry. You need to dress around your chosen handgun, you need to buy a quality holster and you need a good gun belt ( a belt designed to support the weight of your handgun, not some thick imitation leather belt you picked up at Walmart.

I totally agree, most people fail to dress around thier weapon. A good holster is a must IMO and yes it may take time to find one that works for a person. I have carried full size, compact and sub compacts and its not a one style works for all.