need some input
- Thread starter Harris429
- Start date
craigguinn
New member
fudo has the correct approach, i would make the suggestion to go with at least a .40. i personally carry a .380 and have for many years.but, i am going to upgrade to a .45 since both glock and springfield have come out w/small,lightweight .45's that are highly concealable. my biggest issue when carrying is weight. if the weapon is not comfortable then i am less likely to carry 24/7. if you don't carry 24/7 then what is the use? both the glock and xd-s are single stack and therefore have smaller mag capacities than a 9mm or a .40 but i am not planning on being in a running gun battle and i like the knock down punch of the .45. just my opinion. i do have a full frame .45 that i carry in a shoulder holster when going to the mountains but is far too large and heavy to carry everyday.
wolf_fire
New member
You are probably used to the draw, point, shoot method of carrying a firearm since you carry a revolver unless you physically release the hammer each time. Do you release the hammer each time you fire or do you fire double-action? You'll see why that may be important.
In general, semi-auto's come in two flavors: 1911 styles and Glock styles. The 1911 styles have a manual thumb safety that most who carry will carry in what's known as "condition one". This means that a round is chambered by racking the slide which also cocks the weapon making it ready to go, but in addition they then put the thumb safety on so it can't be fired. To fire this you will draw, release the thumb safety, point and shoot. With Glock styles (Springfield XD as well) there are safeties built into the gun but there is no manual safety. Therefore, one can safely holster the gun with a round in chamber and then their technique is draw, point, shoot.
My recommendation is to study both of these general styles and determine which of these two you would like, and then go somewhere that rents what you want to try and reduce your options that way. If you are used to taking an extra step (drawing the hammer back) you may have no problem with the thumb safety. If you are used to just pointing and shooting, that extra step may become irksome to you. I don't know... that's a personal thing that only you can decide.
I personally have both types in my collection. I prefer to carry the type that doesn't make me use a fine motor skill to release the thumb safety. That's me... others differ on this and you may as well.
Good luck on your search.
cluznar's right on the money, I believe. You owe it to yourself to at least try a Bersa before you buy. If you were close to me, I'd offer to let you try mine. Check out the video link in my signature...
Austin
New member
Thats very good advice. Also, save and spend a little bit. You want a good quality protection tool.
JCliff
New member
Fudo's advice is spot-on. Try out several different manufacturers, in several different types of pistol actions, sizes and calibers. Find one you are comfortable with. It's worth investing a little time and money on this. I will also offer the following advice previously stated by many others: For concealed-carry personal protection carry the largest pistol you can conceal comfortably (and therefore will actually carry), in the largest caliber you can shoot well. Finding that ideal combination is a personal "custom fit" kind of decision, which is why trying out a number of different firearms is a very good idea.
Oldgrunt
Well-known member
I carry my Bersa .380 in a pocket holster in my right front pocket. It doesn't print as a pistol, just a full pocket.
clint starling
New member
I carried an lc9 for a while, now I carry an sr9c iwb, not much bigger but more rounds and a lot more fun at the range. Research and try the fit of different guns. good luck!
