Concealed carry?

[~Anastasia~]

I realize this has probably been discussed but I wanted to ask more particularly.

I'm looking for suggestions for a handgun for concealed carry, probably a .38 or 9mm or thereabouts. (I used to have a little .22 but IMO those can potentially be dangerous in their ineffectiveness.)

I'm looking for light and easily concealed and easy to manage. My hands are small. I have had a good bit of experience shooting (but it's been a few years). Also my strength is not what it was, but I expect I can manage anything within reason - I actually enjoy my .45 and it's got a little kick. But no plans to tote it around lol.

So ... any suggestions? I haven't really thought yet how I'd carry it. I realize that's something I need to sort out. I've only done open carry in the past. Probably depends on what I'm wearing.

Thanks.

 

[HTacianas]

I realize this has probably been discussed but I wanted to ask more particularly.

I'm looking for suggestions for a handgun for concealed carry, probably a .38 or 9mm or thereabouts. (I used to have a little .22 but IMO those can potentially be dangerous in their ineffectiveness.)

I'm looking for light and easily concealed and easy to manage. My hands are small. I have had a good bit of experience shooting (but it's been a few years). Also my strength is not what it was, but I expect I can manage anything within reason - I actually enjoy my .45 and it's got a little kick. But no plans to tote it around lol.

So ... any suggestions? I haven't really thought yet how I'd carry it. I realize that's something I need to sort out. I've only done open carry in the past. Probably depends on what I'm wearing.

Thanks.

Smith and Wesson hammerless .38

 

[Dansiph]

I can't give proper advice as I'm from the UK and have never even shot a pistol but hickok45 has some well recieved videos on the subject if that's of any use to you

 

[Ken Rank]

I realize this has probably been discussed but I wanted to ask more particularly.

I'm looking for suggestions for a handgun for concealed carry, probably a .38 or 9mm or thereabouts. (I used to have a little .22 but IMO those can potentially be dangerous in their ineffectiveness.)

I'm looking for light and easily concealed and easy to manage. My hands are small. I have had a good bit of experience shooting (but it's been a few years). Also my strength is not what it was, but I expect I can manage anything within reason - I actually enjoy my .45 and it's got a little kick. But no plans to tote it around lol.

So ... any suggestions? I haven't really thought yet how I'd carry it. I realize that's something I need to sort out. I've only done open carry in the past. Probably depends on what I'm wearing.

Thanks.

The thing is, a handgun that might be right for one person isn't for the next. It's like sneakers.... where one is perfectly comfortable in Reeboks, another might need Nike for that same comfort and the next person Adidas. So what I would do is go to a place where you can try various handguns. Just get a feel for the weight, the way it feels in your hand, and how it feels when you fire it. That is really the only way to KNOW you'll get what's right for you.

 

[~Anastasia~]

The thing is, a handgun that might be right for one person isn't for the next. It's like sneakers.... where one is perfectly comfortable in Reeboks, another might need Nike for that same comfort and the next person Adidas. So what I would do is go to a place where you can try various handguns. Just get a feel for the weight, the way it feels in your hand, and how it feels when you fire it. That is really the only way to KNOW you'll get what's right for you.

Thanks - that's what I planned to do. But I hoped to start out with a list of options in mind.

It's going to be hard frankly because I really like what I've got - it's just that they are not at all suited for concealed carry.

But I do know you're right. It was when I fired mine that I knew I liked them.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I can't give proper advice as I'm from the UK and have never even shot a pistol but hickok45 has some well recieved videos on the subject if that's of any use to you

Thanks! I'll look for that.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Smith and Wesson hammerless .38

Thank you. Will look into that?

 

[Dansiph]

Thanks! I'll look for that.

I forgot it would display the videos, sorry lol (edit)

 

[~Anastasia~]

I forgot it would display the videos, sorry lol (edit)

No problem and thank you.

Things are acting up (as they often do) and won't play the videoes, but I am able to open them in YouTube and play them.

 

[Darkhorse]

My wife carries an S&W model 60 (5-shot stainless steel revolver in 38 special). It's small, light, and very durable (no bluing to wear off). Whatever gun you get, consider getting a non-factory grip for it which fits your hands (Pachmeyer, Hogue, etc.); it really helps.

She carries it in a special purse having a zippered gun pouch accessible from the outside. Not ideal for readiness, but she wears business suits at work and hasn't found a better alternative.

She's considering switching to a 45 auto for increased capacity, but hasn't yet.

 

[RaymondG]

What about a nice cold Python.....they always seem to do me good in COD black ops... Although Im unsure how easily concealed they are......

 

[RDKirk]

I realize this has probably been discussed but I wanted to ask more particularly.

I'm looking for suggestions for a handgun for concealed carry, probably a .38 or 9mm or thereabouts. (I used to have a little .22 but IMO those can potentially be dangerous in their ineffectiveness.)

I'm looking for light and easily concealed and easy to manage. My hands are small. I have had a good bit of experience shooting (but it's been a few years). Also my strength is not what it was, but I expect I can manage anything within reason - I actually enjoy my .45 and it's got a little kick. But no plans to tote it around lol.

So ... any suggestions? I haven't really thought yet how I'd carry it. I realize that's something I need to sort out. I've only done open carry in the past. Probably depends on what I'm wearing.

Thanks.

I would need to know more about you and how you plan to carry to give worthwhile advice.

Some people advise choosing the best defensive gun and then shaping your life around the gun.

Few people actually follow that advice, or we'd all be walking around looking like Neo from the Matrix carrying rifles and shotguns under long coats.

My daughter carries a .357 steel-bodied snubby loaded with .38 spl in a coat pocket or purse, because that's what fits how she intends to live.

I carry a double-stack compact 9mm inside my waistband at 3:00 because I'm gaining a bit of girth and I usually wear a jacket.

 

[Quort]

I realize this has probably been discussed but I wanted to ask more particularly.

I'm looking for suggestions for a handgun for concealed carry, probably a .38 or 9mm or thereabouts. (I used to have a little .22 but IMO those can potentially be dangerous in their ineffectiveness.)

I'm looking for light and easily concealed and easy to manage. My hands are small. I have had a good bit of experience shooting (but it's been a few years). Also my strength is not what it was, but I expect I can manage anything within reason - I actually enjoy my .45 and it's got a little kick. But no plans to tote it around lol.

So ... any suggestions? I haven't really thought yet how I'd carry it. I realize that's something I need to sort out. I've only done open carry in the past. Probably depends on what I'm wearing.

Thanks.

Ruger has many LCP (lightweight compact pistol) pistols to choose from in 380 and 9mm caliber. And with many designs of colors.

Quort

 

[~Anastasia~]

My wife carries an S&W model 60 (5-shot stainless steel revolver in 38 special). It's small, light, and very durable (no bluing to wear off). Whatever gun you get, consider getting a non-factory grip for it which fits your hands (Pachmeyer, Hogue, etc.); it really helps.

She carries it in a special purse having a zippered gun pouch accessible from the outside. Not ideal for readiness, but she wears business suits at work and hasn't found a better alternative.

She's considering switching to a 45 auto for increased capacity, but hasn't yet.

Thanks.

I know I'm really going to have to sort out how to carry in order to best figure this out. I wear a lot of flowy things, but the clothing is light and can't really support weight like a waistband. And light fabric can show bumps. I have a small purse I carry but there's really no extra room. The purpose of that bag is a place I wouldn't carry anyway though. I've wondered if something on the leg would be not showing under a skirt. I may end up with something in the waistband with a separate belt - I usually always wear clothing where that is covered.

Or a purse. Like you said not ideal for readiness. The thing that really bothers me about a purse though is that I don't like the idea of having a handgun and possibly setting it down somewhere. That really probably can't happen.

I'm not worried about capacity myself. I hope I never have to use it. Ever. But I can hope to anticipate not needing much capacity.

Thanks for the info.

 

[~Anastasia~]

What about a nice cold Python.....they always seem to do me good in COD black ops... Although Im unsure how easily concealed they are......

Yeah small and light are probably my top concerns. I have a couple I like that just aren't practical.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Ruger has many LCP (lightweight compact pistol) pistols to choose from in 380 and 9mm caliber. And with many designs of colors.

Quort

Thanks - I ran across one of those looking online and was pretty interested to check them out.

Colors? Lol sorry that makes me laugh. I do like having things in colors. My phone charging cord is blue. But I never imagined buying a firearm in colors. Not sure how to feel about that lol.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I would need to know more about you and how you plan to carry to give worthwhile advice.

Some people advise choosing the best defensive gun and then shaping your life around the gun.

Few people actually follow that advice, or we'd all be walking around looking like Neo from the Matrix carrying rifles and shotguns under long coats.

My daughter carries a .357 steel-bodied snubby loaded with .38 spl in a coat pocket or purse, because that's what fits how she intends to live.

I carry a double-stack compact 9mm inside my waistband at 3:00 because I'm gaining a bit of girth and I usually wear a jacket.

Thanks. Yes that's what I'm starting to face is that I really need to know how I'm going to carry it. I've only done open carry before (I think that's illegal here now but at any rate you need a concealed carry to have one anywhere with you).

I think that's going to be the harder problem. That's why I started looking for the gun first, because to be honest, I'm not worried about "the most perfect gun". I'm more concerned about how I can practically have it with me, though of course being able to use it easily and accurately will be essential as well. Ive not done it so much recreationally in recent years (not at all in the last few), but I've handled many kinds of firearms and while I certainly prefer some over others, I was able to handle them all, so I'm starting from the point of view of what I can manage to carry.

Now I'm seeing the "how" is probably a bigger question?

I'm wondering if something on the leg, under a skirt will work (not ankle but I wear long skirts), or a separate belt for in the waist as I usually wear a cover of some sort that's below the waist. I'm very leery of considering a handbag unless I never set it down.

 

[RDKirk]

Thanks. Yes that's what I'm starting to face is that I really need to know how I'm going to carry it. I've only done open carry before (I think that's illegal here now but at any rate you need a concealed carry to have one anywhere with you).

I think that's going to be the harder problem. That's why I started looking for the gun first, because to be honest, I'm not worried about "the most perfect gun". I'm more concerned about how I can practically have it with me, though of course being able to use it easily and accurately will be essential as well. Ive not done it so much recreationally in recent years (not at all in the last few), but I've handled many kinds of firearms and while I certainly prefer some over others, I was able to handle them all, so I'm starting from the point of view of what I can manage to carry.

Now I'm seeing the "how" is probably a bigger question?

I'm wondering if something on the leg, under a skirt will work (not ankle but I wear long skirts), or a separate belt for in the waist as I usually wear a cover of some sort that's below the waist. I'm very leery of considering a handbag unless I never set it down.

Well, do you ever set your handbag down? Would it be that difficult to develop a habit of not setting it down (which might involve always using a purse with a shoulder strap)?

Regarding gun choice, there is a psychological factor that is unquantifiable, but real and something to consider:

Assailants will attack with either a warrior or a predator mindset. Assailants who initiate (or set the stage for) combat with what they know will be armed combatants will have a warrior mindset. They will by psyched-up and likely prove to be determined and hard to put down.

Assailants who attack "weak" targets are in a predator mindset, and will be expecting a relatively easy score. They will usually change their minds when what they thought was easy prey suddenly reveals teeth.

What that means is that a .38 snubby might well be sufficient for a civilian woman, but unsatisfactory as a duty weapon for a police officer.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Well, do you ever set your handbag down? Would it be that difficult to develop a habit of not setting it down (which might involve always using a purse with a shoulder strap)?

Regarding gun choice, there is a psychological factor that is unquantifiable, but real and something to consider:

Assailants will attack with either a warrior or a predator mindset. Assailants who initiate (or set the stage for) combat with what they know will be armed combatants will have a warrior mindset. They will by psyched-up and likely prove to be determined and hard to put down.

Assailants who attack "weak" targets are in a predator mindset, and will be expecting a relatively easy score. They will usually change their minds when what they thought was easy prey suddenly reveals teeth.

What that means is that a .38 snubby might well be sufficient for a civilian woman, but unsatisfactory as a duty weapon for a police officer.

I do have a handbag I never set down at work. But it's necessarily very small for that reason and probably unsuitable. (I work in the schools anyway and do not anticipate carrying there, though they have made it legal now.) I can certainly get a slightly larger bag and carry it at all times if need be. That's not ideal but might turn out to be the best solution.

And exactly on the "what's necessary" front. I personally don't like a .22 because I am afraid with some unfortunate freak situation it could prove more dangerous than being unarmed. But beyond that, I don't feel I need much. Just not being a super-easy target, which I think visually I certainly appear to be. I just try to be smart.

(My worst situation is in leaving work at a certain location, often deserted and after dark and on the edge of a very bad area, often too long a walk, weighted down with work materials - but probably unable to carry there anyway. Other than that I try never to be at risk, and when I can I request an escort from that work location.)

But I don't anticipate getting in a shootout against a gang or trying to put down a charging bear. Hopefully never anyone so full of drugs they just keep coming (as I've heard about but no idea of the truth of it). Just the smallest possible that I can handle well is probably sufficient. And hope I never use it anyway.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

I do have a handbag I never set down at work. But it's necessarily very small for that reason and probably unsuitable. (I work in the schools anyway and do not anticipate carrying there, though they have made it legal now.) I can certainly get a slightly larger bag and carry it at all times if need be. That's not ideal but might turn out to be the best solution.

And exactly on the "what's necessary" front. I personally don't like a .22 because I am afraid with some unfortunate freak situation it could prove more dangerous than being unarmed. But beyond that, I don't feel I need much. Just not being a super-easy target, which I think visually I certainly appear to be. I just try to be smart.

(My worst situation is in leaving work at a certain location, often deserted and after dark and on the edge of a very bad area, often too long a walk, weighted down with work materials - but probably unable to carry there anyway. Other than that I try never to be at risk, and when I can I request an escort from that work location.)

But I don't anticipate getting in a shootout against a gang or trying to put down a charging bear. Hopefully never anyone so full of drugs they just keep coming (as I've heard about but no idea of the truth of it). Just the smallest possible that I can handle well is probably sufficient. And hope I never use it anyway.

I have heard that these are well made and reliable: