First outing: Walmart, Kroger then Pizza Hut [with a LEO]

[JLaw]

Congrats on your successful walk!

LT offers good advice, pay attention to him.

His other motto in his signature line is more words of wisdom..."Carry 24/7 or guess right".

Smart fellow there.

JLaw

[surprise_i'm_armed]

terryg:

Thanks for your detailed response about your considerations
for your carry piece. I also give you extra points for hitting
that space bar once in a while. White space is everyone's friend
when reading a post.

The threads that are composed of one ginormous paragraph are
not fun to read.

Since you are new to CHL, your Llama seems huge. But many forum
members here carry 1911's every day. It will seem smaller and more
inconsequential the more you carry it. A good strong gunbelt is a
necessity when you've got a heavy gun.

I've got a Taurus Millenium with 2,160 rounds through it without issues.
But you also have an XD on your list. If you get a SC (subcompact), it's
smallish and more accurate than my PT111, IMHO.

Taurus 24/7 - Approaches the size of your 1911, so you aren't shaving
all that much weight. The 24/7 is a reliable shooter, though.

Bersa Thunder's in .380 or 9MM run about $279.95 new and they feel great
in your hands. I've never shot one though. You will get positive feedback
on Bersas from forum members USA1 and embalmo.

Happy Trails.

SIA

[Pawpaw]

Size and weight can fool you sometimes...

My current carry piece is a Sig P239 9mm. I know it well, have complete confidence in it, and it conceals very well. Weight - 29oz.

I just purchased a new Kimber Ultra CDP II .45ACP. I'm not comfortable enough with the operation of this new-to-me 1911. I need to put a lot more rounds through it before I'm ready to carry it, but it's actually a bit smaller than the P239. Weight - 24oz.

I didn't realize any of that when I bought the Kimber. True it holds one less round than the Sig, but have you held both a 9mm and .45ACP round at the same time? I have faith in and respect for my 9mm ammunition, but there really is no comparison.

All I'm saying is not to count out larger caliber guns as always being heavier and harder to conceal.

[terryg]

Size and weight can fool you sometimes...

My current carry piece is a Sig P239 9mm. I know it well, have complete confidence in it, and it conceals very well. Weight - 29oz.

I just purchased a new Kimber Ultra CDP II .45ACP. I'm not comfortable enough with the operation of this new-to-me 1911. I need to put a lot more rounds through it before I'm ready to carry it, but it's actually a bit smaller than the P239. Weight - 24oz.

I didn't realize any of that when I bought the Kimber. True it holds one less round than the Sig, but have you held both a 9mm and .45ACP round at the same time? I have faith in and respect for my 9mm ammunition, but there really is no comparison.

All I'm saying is not to count out larger caliber guns as always being heavier and harder to conceal.

I think that is probably true. The IWB holster I was 'testing' is a pretty cheap one. It holds very well, but it only clips at one point, so I think there was a lot of movement. I suspect that a really good OWB holster would 'feel' much lighter.

That said, for years at work, I carried a Gerber Multi-tool pack with a mini-mag flashlight on my belt - probably about a pound. Anyway, I eventually stopped carrying it because it kinda screwed my hip up a bit sometimes (and I didn't use it as much as I used to). Now, it wasn't so bad that I *had* to stop wearing it or anything, but it was enough of a nuisance that it wasn't worth it to me anymore. I don't want carrying to become the same kind of nuisance - so I am trying to be really careful about the weight - even if it sounds kinda sissy.

The other issue is just one of capacity. If I'm to going to carry nearly 3 pounds of protection, it seems to me that it should at least have a high capacity.

[terryg]

SIA - thank you so much for your reply and recommendations.

I also give you extra points for hitting
that space bar once in a while. White space is everyone's friend
when reading a post.

The threads that are composed of one ginormous paragraph are
not fun to read.
SIA

Yes I concur - unless its a fiction novel, whitespace is critical for organizing thoughts.

Since you are new to CHL, your Llama seems huge. But many forum
members here carry 1911's every day.
SIA

That makes a lot of sense. If I was to carry something like a 1911 - and I do like the 1911 design - I at least want a higher quality. The Llama does shoot well, but I'm also concerned the metal being a little soft. I don't know how many rounds my Dad put through it or how many I have added. It seems like its time to retire it to sentimental status and pick a modern weapon.

It also seems that if I am going to carry something that heavy, it should at least pack a few more rounds.

But I really appreciate your feedback. The hunt continues...

t

[terryg]

Thank you all so much for your help. I have adjusted my list based upon your feedback and some hands-on time with some of the models. I will continue this post in the 'General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion' to stay on topic and to solicit additional responses:

Here is the new thread:

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=36408" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks again,

t

[The Annoyed Man]

Terry,

If you like the sweep of a 1911 style thumb safety, and you want 9mm, and you want 10 or more rounds in the magazine, have you considered a S&W M&P? I have one in .45 ACP. It weighs less than my 5" Springfield 1911, and even in .45 ACP, it has a 10+1 capacity, AND it is available with a thumb safety in the same position as on a 1911. If you want one. It is also available without one. It has a "safety" type trigger, like on a Glock or Sigma pistol. There are 9mm models with 12+1 rounds (sub compact, and compact, and duty sized models with 17+1 rounds.

They have slightly less capacity than their Glock counterparts, but they also have slimmer grips and narrower frames. And the ergonomics are very 1911-like, plus they have interchangeable backstraps so they can be adjusted to fit your individual grip. Also, the guns are absolutely fully ambidextrous - which is important to left handed shooters like me.

Pay no attention to the prices on the S&W website. M&P pistols can be found very reasonably priced at gun shows. My .45's MSRP is $790.00, but I paid $590.00 for mine, and I'll bet you beat that price if you look around a bit. I really like mine, and if I ever buy myself a 9mm, I would look favorably on another M&P.

[terryg]

Terry,

If you like the sweep of a 1911 style thumb safety, and you want 9mm, and you want 10 or more rounds in the magazine, have you considered a S&W M&P? I have one in .45 ACP. It weighs less than my 5" Springfield 1911, and even in .45 ACP, it has a 10+1 capacity, AND it is available with a thumb safety in the same position as on a 1911. If you want one. It is also available without one. It has a "safety" type trigger, like on a Glock or Sigma pistol. There are 9mm models with 12+1 rounds (sub compact, and compact, and duty sized models with 17+1 rounds.

They have slightly less capacity than their Glock counterparts, but they also have slimmer grips and narrower frames. And the ergonomics are very 1911-like, plus they have interchangeable backstraps so they can be adjusted to fit your individual grip. Also, the guns are absolutely fully ambidextrous - which is important to left handed shooters like me.

Pay no attention to the prices on the S&W website. M&P pistols can be found very reasonably priced at gun shows. My .45's MSRP is $790.00, but I paid $590.00 for mine, and I'll bet you beat that price if you look around a bit. I really like mine, and if I ever buy myself a 9mm, I would look favorably on another M&P.

Looks good - it's now on the list! thank you

[maximus2161]

I feel you on that! I remember being a bit unsettled around an LEO once. I think its just normal to feel that way. Most LEO's I have encountered and talked to support CHL's.

As far as carrying the Tomcat.....its a lot better than nothing right? Besides what good is carrying a gun you cant shoot well? I think in time you will revise your carry weapon the more you carry and try other handguns.

[glbedd53]

That 30.06 at the YMCA in Alvin is a joke. The letters are about 1/2" and it's printed on clear plastic , no contrast at all. You have to be really looking to see it from the outside and it shows a little better from the inside. Sometimes I carry in there just because the sign is there. It should be used as an example of a non-compliant sign. It has a gun buster with it too.