What's your recommendation for a compact concealed carry gun?

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Just looking for recommendations, or dis-recommendations. I'm not carrying, but licensed to. At this point I'm using a Glock 17 for practice, and a Mk 4 Colt 1911 for fun. Both are to big for concealed carry, in my opinion. Thank you. larry.k
 
If your familiar with you glock 17, go down a size or two with the 19,26 or 43. All great carry guns.
 
For carrying on a belt holster, Glock 19. For pocket carry, Kahr PM9 or maybe a Glock 43.


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If your familiar with you glock 17, go down a size or two with the 19,26 or 43. All great carry guns.

add the glock 42 to that list for glocks that are great. i carry a 19 mostly , or a 42 when i cannot truly carry a gun due to clothing restrictions.
 
38 or 9mm 2 in barrel revolver. Small, easy to conceal and can be fired from inside your pocket more than once.

PS I would have recommended a short barreled five shot 45 ACP revolver that accepts moon clips but no one makes such a gun. Are you listening, S&W?
 
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I would go with a commander sized 1911 for carry. The familiarity with the 1911 platform makes it a logical choice.

The only advantage of the Commander is a little less weight. The slightly shorter barrel and slide don't make it much easier to conceal or carry.
 
The only advantage of the Commander is a little less weight. The slightly shorter barrel and slide don't make it much easier to conceal or carry.

I disagree, the reduction in weight and size helps in the long term. A good thick and stiff belt and good holster make the biggest difference. Also, if the OP enjoys the 1911 system: flicking off the safety when on target, a commander would make a great choice.
 
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I disagree, the reduction in weight and size helps in the long term. A good thick and stiff belt and good holster make the biggest difference. Also, if the OP enjoys the 1911 system: flicking off the safety when on target, a commander would make a great choice.

I disagree. The hardest part to conceal is the butt. A "compact" (Commander slide, officer's frame) is easier to conceal than a Commander. I have 7 1911s. 5 full size, 2 compact. The commander doesn't fill a niche for me.
 
If you are leaning Glock:

Pocket carry or holster if you want = Glock 43
Holster carry or less convenient pocket carry = Glock 26
Holster carry only = Glock 19, 23, etc.

If you prefer hammer fired and something with a little more 'beef', check out a Sig P220 Compact. Too heavy for pocket carry but easy to conceal with a IWB holster.

So... Depends upon how you plan to carry and what platform you prefer.
 
i carry a sig xo full size 1911, everyone's different i guess. i used to carry a ruger sr9c, it carried very nicely in a crossbreed supertuck, but i prefer the .45.
 
add the glock 42 to that list for glocks that are great. i carry a 19 mostly , or a 42 when i cannot truly carry a gun due to clothing restrictions.

True, that's what I actually carry most days. I should of added that to the list.
 
I would go with a commander sized 1911 for carry. The familiarity with the 1911 platform makes it a logical choice.
I carry a RIA 9mm compact Tac 1911. 3 1/2" barrel. Heavy, but one of the most accurate pistols I own. Blasted a woodchuck at 50' a couple of days ago.....made a mess of my home office window screen though.[grin]
 
I disagree. The hardest part to conceal is the butt. A "compact" (Commander slide, officer's frame) is easier to conceal than a Commander. I have 7 1911s. 5 full size, 2 compact. The commander doesn't fill a niche for me.

i have never carried a 1911, but would imagine there may be a role for the commander in horizontal shoulder carry? for vertical obviously could just go full size govt model, but horizontal with a govt model would almost certainly print in the back due to barrel length. so maybe the commander might be better? i have zero experience w 1911's but do like shoulder carry so that' best i can imagine in favor of commander.

OP, here are my carry faves:

HK P30sk or P2000sk - IWB
G19 or G32 - shoulder
G26, G42 - IWB or shoulder
M&P shield 9 - IWB
LCR 38 - ankle
G42 - ankle
 
Whatever compact fits your grip comfortably.

I agree 100%!

Conceal-ability and shooting comfort is important to me. I like to shoot what is in my carry rotation often and I want those 2 things out of the box with out modifications.

Price points, brand name or bragging rights are nice for range toys but i want something that is hiccup free and something I can shoot well out of the box all day long.

For carrying purposes I've owned or own:
1) S&W J frame 642
2) Ruger LCR .357
3) Ruger LCR 9mm
4) Shield 40
5) M&P 9c
5) Ruger SR9c
6) SR40c
7) Sig 938 (rosewood if it matters)
8) Ruger LC9s
9) Walther PPS M2

I like testing new and different options and have a lot of fun doing it.
FOR ME, I most liked option 7 for conceal-ability and 5 for all day shoot-ability.

That said 8+9 have proven best FOR ME. 8 for summer. 9 for fall/winter.

Subject to change.
 
Situation depending. In summer or with light clothing I carry my kel-tec p11. If I'm wearing shorts I drop in my Glock 42. With heavier clothing I carry my M&P45c. If your looking for a nice light ccw Glock 42/43 are nice. I went with the 42 because of the easier to control recoil in a small platform.
 
I strongly suggest you consider a Walther. Either a a P99c (my choice) or a PPS M2 if you want a single stack. What I like about the P99c aside from its general sexiness, reliability, and excellent ergonomics is the ability to carry a full size 15rd backup mag with a grip adaptor as well as 10+1 in the gun. If you prefer a single stack the PPS M2 beats out the G43 and even Performance Center Shield in every comparison article and vid on the net.
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I like the Sigs, 238 and 938. Comfortable to carry IWB and small enough to pocket carry if you want to. I have had very good luck with both.
For the dont do its, S&W Bodyguard 380. Horrible trigger and prone to issues.
 
If you already have a G17 I'd go for a G26 - carry the G17 mags as backups!

Id skip the G19 in favor of the G26 just because I'd say the 26 would be a little more varied from the 17.
 
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