I just got my carry permit a week ago. My full-size sidearm (Springfield X-D) is a tad to big to carry concealed, and I need something that I can carry IWB or in a pocket. So, a question in two parts:
A) What firearm for self defense? (Remember Florida weather: hot, humid, rainy.)
B) How to covertly get the thing out of the holster and into the glovebox? I have to go onto a University campus, so I need to not carry then.
TBG
22 Aug 09 at 8:42 AM
Ah, the Florida Carry Dilemma…
-or-
How to strike a balance between concealment, comfort, and firepower. A firearm big enough to do the job, that you can comfortably carry in Florida, and can be concealed in clothes made for hot humid weather.
A lot depends on your physique- your body type…
I’m a big guy…and I suffer from a Dunlap’s Disease.
(You know, where your belly done lapped over your belt?) so IWB especially at 2:00 is uncomfortable and impossible to get at if seated or in a hurry.
I prefer IWB at small-of-back. There are those that will tell you that you don’t want to be putting yourself in a armlock/come-along position voluntarily, or that it is impossible to draw without flagging yourself or others…to each his own, I say.
Pocket carry is a little tough too- the piece that works in the cargo pocket of a pair of utility shorts might not work very well in a pair of Levi’s.
So, decide on HOW you want to carry (as a rule) then
figure out the weapon.
Another factor for me was being able to safely and comfortably shoot the weapon…I have big hands…
So your subcompacts and minis like the Kel-Tec P3AT and the Ruger LCP are just too small for me.
After wrestling with the same issues I came up with my solution… I carry (most of the time) a P63 (9×18) which is the Polish clone of the Walther PPK.
It was inexpensive- (got it for $120) and it is small enough to be easily concealed, but big enough to do the job.
I can slip it into the SOB holster, a front pocket of my shorts, or into my back pocket using a wallet holster. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy.
I don’t mind the off-brand of the Radom P64, and I’ve had no problem getting 9×18 Makarov to feed it…
If a more mainstream unit is your taste, look into a real PPK or PPK/S (around $400-$600) or a Bersa Thunder ($200-$300).
Whatever you get, remember: Practice practice practice!
With any of these, your second issue is a non-issue unless you have the hands of a 10-year-old girl…
Just palm the weapon as you transfer it to your glovebox…
Something else to think about -Depending on the size of your vehicle and it’s interior, you might think about fashioning a concealed gun location… The glove compartment is the first place a burglar looks, followed by the center console.
My Honda Element now has a recess at the base of the drivers seat where I can reach without being obvious. (i.e. leaning across to the glove box.)
Another shooting buddy I have has a 4-button gun vault bolted to the floor of his pickup.
He can hit the combination and have his weapon in his hand in 3 seconds and someone standing outside the vehicle would never know he was doing it.
Just a thought.
TBG
Sailorcurt
22 Aug 09 at 10:00 AM
I just got my carry permit a week ago.
Good for you. My Son got his the week after he turned 21…still doesn’t even have a carry piece (hasn’t been able to afford what he wants yet), but he’s got the permit.
Asking people for advice about carry guns is like asking for advice about underwear. It’s a very personal decision.
For IWB, something thin is generally best and be sure to spring for a good holster. IWB is uncomfortable unless the holster holds the gun firmly in place so it doesn’t slide around, in the right position to not dig in or gauge you (which is different for everyone, so the holster must be adjustable) and have good, thick padding (leather is best IMHO) between you and the gun.
I’m left handed so my choices in practical carry firearms are limited. I don’t like Glocks (even the compact models) or the XD because they are too fat and blocky to be comfortable IWB. Same thing with revolvers, the cylinder is too wide and the overall package is too fat for me…besides, I’ve never shot revolvers well in double action mode.
I like having the same style of controls on all of my carry guns. Under stress, I don’t want to have to worry about fumbling around with the controls trying to remember which gun I’m pulling out.
What worked out for me is a 1911 with ambidextrous safety for wintertime when I’m wearing a heavy coat…or open carry in the summer, and a CZ-82 in 9mm Mak for IWB concealed carry. Obviously, the grips are shaped differently, so they feel a little different, but the controls are virtually identical in feel and operation. The safety, mag release and slide release are operated in the same way with the same fingers on each gun.
The 9mm Mak isn’t ideal for defense as far as I’m concerned, but it’s adequate…especially in the summer when people generally aren’t wearing heavy clothes…but being a 12 round double stack, with one in the pipe and an extra mag, I’ve got 25 rounds to get the job done if the first couple don’t.
Not saying that it would be right for you…again, part of the reason I chose it is for the ambi controls because I’m left handed…but that’s what I find works the best for me.
The only way you’ll find what works for you is with experimentation and experience.
Sailorcurt
22 Aug 09 at 10:10 AM
Oh…I forgot…why the glovebox?
Not a very secure storage area. If you have a good place to put one, a small lockbox like This bolted under the seat or in a center console or, if you don’t have room for or can’t afford that, Something like this cable-locked to the seat frame.
As far as transferring it without being seen…most people aren’t that observant. Just be discrete while trying not to look furtive. Furtive looks suspicious.
Just transfer it as discreetly, but confidently…almost nonchalantly…as possible. Don’t keep glancing around to see if you’re being spotted or overtly make it obvious that you’re trying to hide something. That’s a sure way to draw attention that you don’t want.
Mycroft
22 Aug 09 at 2:51 PM
I carry an XD9 subcompact in an IWB. It shoots just like the full size XD, holds 10 rds in the short mag, but will take the 16 rd mag with a spacer.
However, if you need to regularly remove it in the car then a pocket pistol might be a better way to go. Either a J-Frame revolver or a small semi-auto like a Kel-Tec. I have a S&W Sigma 380 that fits the front pocket of my jeans very well. Use a decent pocket holster and you can slip it from your pocket to the glovebox pretty discretely.
Kent McManigal
22 Aug 09 at 4:02 PM
Personally, I carry a full-sized 1911, but I don’t need to deal with humidity or rain. And my mind doesn’t process “need to not carry”.
Dixie
23 Aug 09 at 1:39 AM
TBG – Small of the back isn’t for me. I have a weak lower back as it stands, and putting a block there and sitting on it sounds like torture. However, seeing as I wear nothing but cargo pants and shorts, I have pockets galore.
As far as carry? Strong side behind the hip, cross draw in front of the hip, pocket carry, or shoulder rig. I’m used to all of them from carrying when working on the farm. I prefer strong side IWB or OWB. And I practice constantly. You see, there’s these things called armadillos…
Curt- See, the block bit doesn’t bother me. It’d actually act as a spacer, since I’m having to use a belt. Also, this is one reason I like Mycroft’s idea. A subcompact XD 40 would use the same ammo and controls as my full-size XD. As far as the transferring… be casual about it, right? Understood.
Kent- I wish I could carry everywhere. As it stands, I’m glad that the state of Florida even permits the carry of Tazers and Mace on campus. Luckily, my University has a police force bigger than my hometown does, so at least the evidence will be fresh when I get mugged. (chuckle)
harp1034
23 Aug 09 at 1:44 AM
I have lived in both Florida and Texas so I know about the summer heat. Depending on your body shape you might be able to carry IWB with your shirt tail out. I carry in the front pocket. Get a .380 or small 9mm with a good pocket holster. Get pants with large pockets. Forget the tight pants. There are pants made for concealed carry. With a pocket holster you can reach in and pull both out.
If you are just driving to class put it on the front seat with a newspaper over it. Out of sight out of mind.
mikeb302000
23 Aug 09 at 1:51 AM
Dixie, Listen, before it’s too late, get rid of all the guns and burn that concealed carry permit. You asked for advice. What I’m thinking is, if you go ahead with this, you’ll never feel safe again without the gun, it’s that addictive. Just ask your other commenters, they’re hooked, but it’s not too late for you. Save yourself.
Seriously good luck with this new stage of your life. Be responsible, be careful and be safe.
All the best.
(Edit: No linkage for anti-rights bigots. –Dixie)
Dixie
23 Aug 09 at 2:12 AM
This can’t be the real MikeB. There’s no hysteria.
Also, Mike: I’m careful, and avoid danger, but in today’s world, danger seeks you out. So, I’ll go armed, and try to go home at the end of every day.
As an aside, I just remembered that in Florida, our CCW covers every weapon, not just pistols. And the University policy has this giant, blade shaped gap in it… hmm, wonder if I can conceal a tanto or a kukri…
Kahiel
23 Aug 09 at 7:02 PM
Don’t have a CCW yet (too expensive being funemployed and all) but I know a few guys who do. The popular choice of side arm is the small frame revolvers such as http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=64978&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y.
For a holster, I wish I had a link to it. The one guy is also a firearms dealer on the side and he has this holster that slides in the pocket. When you draw out the .38, it hooks on the edge of the pocket and the pistol pulls free in one smooth draw.
Dixie
24 Aug 09 at 12:05 AM
Thanks, Kahiel. Looks like a .38 snubnose in the pocket, or a Bersa 380 or Thunder 9 inside the waistband.