Does Size Matter?

[ddkolb]

Begging the opinions of the readers of this thread, I ask the Question: "Does Size Matter?" I guess we should never assume that because it is concealed, it is a small, medium, or large caliber handgun. Maybe it isn't even a handgun. I recently traded a hand gun that I wish I had not. My reason for the trade is the inspiration for reading some discussion on this question.

 

[Danieljoe1]

Now that my mind is outta the gutter:


Size only matters in comfort of carry. Lets face it, you want to bring enough gun in cast TSHTF, but it does no good to have a gun to big for daily carry.

As the saying goes "I only carry a handgun because a Cop is to FREAKING heavy"

 

[homershoots]

Hard to say man, I think your marksmanship matters more than anything. But good marksmanship and a 45acp will definately get the job done. I personally prefer a 1911. I went the plastic gun route and while it is nice to have extra mag capacity ,smaller size ect. IMO they just don't shoot as well. Some people chose certain guns/calibers simply because it's easier to carry ammo is cheaper ect. I say buy what you like become proficient with it and stick with that.

 

[jtg452]

I say buy what you like become proficient with it and stick with that.

AMEN!!

Find what you are comfortable shooting. Shoot the snot out of it until you get good with it and then carry it. If you decide to change carry guns, repeat the process.

Totin' a gun you can't hit with is a waste of time, effort and money- not to mention dangerous both legally (you are gonna be held accountable in some way for all those misses) and physically (misses don't stop threats- hits do).

That's the main reason that I started being so skeptical of the latest and greatest firearm trends. While the latest and greatest thing my have its' merits, until I get first hand knowledge otherwise I assume it's not any better than what I know for a fact works for me.

 

[[email protected]]

the right gun to carry?

could be a few factors. i've heard some allready. does the gun fit your hand well enough to shoot with one hand? is it comfortable to carry? you need to know the gun backwards and forwards and how to fields strip. the berretta 92fs is a piece of cake and the glock even easier. the 1911, not so much. also, dealing with safeties. what kind are they, grip, ambidextrious, de cock and firing pin block. can you shoot it and keep it in your hands and prevent it from hitting your head? double action/single action triggers(like beretta) single action only like the 1911, or double action only like the glock. each of these guns have something great about them. the 1911 .45 is extremely accurate and has probably the best knock down power but is harder to field strip. the berretta double/singe action doesn't shoot as well in single action as a single action gun but can hold alot of rounds. the glock full double action only is safe but its a hard pull and before you fire each round the trigger has to reset. holds alot of rounds and is simple to field dress. it's almost the revolver of auto loaders. oh, and i just forget revolvers altogether. i migh use a small 38 special as an ankle gun. anyway, thats been my experience.
richard

 

[JSDinTexas]

Obviously there are many factors that contribute to a successful outcome, but the question here is about caliber or size.

I refer you to the FBI handbook on wounding effects of handguns.
You can see it here: FBI Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness - FirearmsTactical.com

After reading this, I chose .40 in 180gn and .45 in 230gn, both in HP, and my choice due to expansion is the Winchester Ranger, which is the renamed talon.

 

[6shootercarry]

Carry what you feel comfortable with. By comfort I mean handling, carrying, and shooting proficiently...

I carry a full size Smith & Wesson M&P45 or a model 65 4" 357Mag revolver in the cool to cold months.
For warm months M&P40c or a Colt Officers .45ACP.. I've never been a fan of mouse guns... I'd rather have to shoot once perhaps twice to get the desired result...

For carry comfort it comes down to a good holster. For IWB look at the CrossBreed SuperTuck. For a few dollars more look at the MAX-CON V line by Gary Brommeland Holsters Concealment Systems Gunleather Concealed Carry for Weapons

Buying a good gun and then buying a cheap holster for carry is foolish. Holsters are like cars/trucks and girls, cheap ones don't work out and in the end leave you feeling disappointed...

 

[JSDinTexas]

"I'd rather have to shoot once perhaps twice to get the desired result..."

+1 on that 6shooter, that's why I am seriously considering moving from my G23 to my G30sf for my primary carry.

 

[6shootercarry]

"I'd rather have to shoot once perhaps twice to get the desired result..."

+1 on that 6shooter, that's why I am seriously considering moving from my G23 to my G30sf for my primary carry.

A tee-shirt that should be added to every 45ACP lovers collection...

Link Removed

Yea...

 

[ddkolb]

Thank you all who have posted. leasantry:

 

[Hamilton Felix]

A gun with you, no matter how small, beats a hand cannon you left at home. That being said, carry the most powerful sidearm that works well for you and that you can conceal comfortably.

I am a 1911 fan. I do not criticize my Beloved because she carries the .357 revolver that was her duty gun in her former life as a cop. I went with a Kimber Pro Carry (but would never turn down a good LW Commander), because I wanted a bit less weight that my full sized stainless steel 1911, but did not want to go shorter than 4" of barrel. Everyone must make his own decision. We're all different.

If it's comfortable for you and you're confident with it, then carry it.