New carry gun

[tandcfox]

I’m sure you guys get this one a lot but what would you recommend for a first carry gun. I am heavier (6’5” 270lb) so I think pocket carry may be something I would want to do but I’m not sure. I wear blue jeans 24/7 and somewhat baggy T-shirts. I have a m&p 9 that I like to shoot. My hands aren’t really big or anything so I wouldn’t imagine that’d be a problem. I would like to stay at the 9mm for the cheaper ammo but would conider a 380 if it was a lot better for concealing/pocket carry. Also I’d like to keep the gun on the cheaper side, not the cheapest but not the most expensive. I would also appreciate any info on where to carry the gun if you are heavier and if there are good holsters you recommend. Thank you

 

[smileyblair]

I may not be much help. But I can tell you the holster will make all the difference in the world. From your pocket to your hip it makes a big difference. I would look at the 380 smith along with your 9 smith. Try both and see which you like.


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[RonM0710]

I pocket carry the Glock 43 in Lee jeans every day in a sticky holster. I have pocket carried a friends S&W M&P 9 in my sticky holster. I like pocket carry because if I have my pants on, I have my gun. I finally got my hands on the new Sig P365. I like the feel of it. Smaller than my G43 and carries 10+1 vs. my 6+1.

 

[AmmunitionDepot]

The Glock 43 and the Sig P365 are both good options. Another one to consider is a Sig 938 with the extended magazine. It is very compact and comfortable in the hand. The ones with the extended mag allow you to get a full grip on the gun so that your pinky finger isn't hanging off the bottom.

 

[steveksfc]

The best one is the one that fits you. Look at many different makes and models, try them for feel and hand comfort. Find one that fits your hands. Sounds like you are looking at subcompacts with how you want to carry. Get the one that you can shoot and control as far as caliper. We all have different opinions and likes but that doesn't mean they would work for you. Personally I have a Springfield, Smith and Wesson, Bersa, Taurus, Charter Arms wheel gun (357). Wife has a Sig, Springfield, and Smith and Wesson. We have .45, 40, 9mm, 380 and 22 covered between us. But when the wife got her guns she felt each and more or less spent more than a couple minutes with them so she knew whether she would actually use each in real time carry. So my best advise is to check out several different dealers, see what they have and if they don't let ypou spend a few minutes with what they have, walk away and go to a different dealer.

 

[Pandaz3]

Lots and lots of choices. I own eleven pocket 380's. You will be limited to 6+1 or 7 +1. Ruger LCP's of any flavor are reliable but kick harder than the others. The Kahr CW-380 is good, smallest, reasonable recoil, it is picky on ammo you have to try a lot to find what you and it, is comfortable with, something with XTP bullets for me. G-42 is biggest, pretty soft shooting, accurate, eats everything. Ruger LC-380 is soft shooting, easy to rack, it has a long easy trigger pull and a external safety,
I am not a Nine fan, but for me a G-43 is just enough bigger than a G-42 that you can see the backstrap if next to me, I don't consider that concealed. Ruger LC-9s or EC-9s have a external safety like the LC-380, but a much shorter trigger pull, if you can find a LC9s Pro no safety. The XDS 9 Mod 2 is very good, my choice if I did not already have a LC9s Pro.
I actually carry a XDS40.

The new Mossberg might be something to look at, P365?

 

[Pandaz3]

I just bought two new carry pistols for me, both will have to be carried IWB or OWB as they are too big for the Pocket. I bought a new S&W Shield in 40, no external safety, M1.0, 6 &7 +1 capacities in the single stack magazines, it has a nearly 7.3 pound trigger pull. The new M&P40C 3.6", M2.0, it has no external safety either, 13 round capacity. 5.2 pound trigger feels much lighter to me (but I did measure it.). I bought 500 rounds of 40 JHP 165 grain for practice, have plenty of 170 grain FMJ too. I just have to shoot both.

 

[Blue Ridge Marksmanship]

I am 230 and 6'1" I carry an M&P 9mm in either an appendix holster or 3 o'clock inside the waist band Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0. If you are running an appendix holster and it is a little uncomfortable I recommend adding a little foam from like a yoga block. This made all the difference in the world and it is super durable. I attached it with heavy duty velcro I got from Lowe's. If you have further questions, please just let me know.

 

[Pandaz3]

Thanks, 6 2 and ah heavier, yeah heavier. I use a IWB Kydex from Cooks and normally have the 3" XD40 M2 in the appendix, because the gun and holster are shorter it's not bad, I have AG 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 but have never warmed up to a two point fastening holster.

 

[driz]

I know it’s blasphemy but if you want something that fits in a pocket why not just get a 380 LCP/ LCP2? I carry one in a pair of shorts in a cheap desantis holster. Looks like a cell phone and weighs the same. Not impressive but good nuff.
Aside that possibly a J frame 38 hammerless like 642 or one of those cousins by other manufacturers. There’s plenty enough choices. They are all far wider than the LCP though.
For a punchier pistol how about a lC9EC ? Slightly larger ( but not by much) than the 380 but a full 9mm.
I’m not nuts about a light trigger striker with one on the tube myself unless it’s in a dedicated secured holster which is why I only want the older style hammer guns like LCP, J snub revolvers ect. For in my pocket. That heavy trigger tells me there’s no way it’s going to AD. That’s as opposed to accurate for that long range shootout I know isn’t going to happen in my case. Choices??


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[Pandaz3]

I have a LCP II and a LCP Custom that I do carry mainly at home, but if I am going to a medical or dental appointment I will pocket carry one of them in lieu of my Appendix carry 40 cal. I do have the Extended seven round magazines for each gun and they fit in the pocket too. Spare magazine in back pocket. I can aim well with either gun. You never know how dynamic the situation might be, but a 380 is pretty effective. I have custom molded leather holsters, a Galco leather pocket protector holster, and the Nylon holster that came with the LCP II

I have other guns I can pocket carry, but a 380 will work.

 

[Pandaz3]

On the LCP and LCP II Ruger offers two different seven round extended magazines for them. I have tried them both in both models and they work regardless. Only the LCP II Extended will offer hold back on empty with a LCP II. Ascetically they look better with their own respective magazine. I can pocket carry either gun with the Extended Magazine installed.