Switching to a bigger CCW

[Crash]

I recently read a news report where a hoodlum standing 6'4" and weighing 295 lbs beat up an average guy in a pizza parlor because the average guy complained when the big guy's girlfriend cut in line.

This gave me pause because I'm only 5'6" and weigh about 175. What chance would I have against a guy that size. The answer, of course, is none at all. I carry a CCW, but it's either a S&W 642 (.38 Spl) or a Kahr PM9 (9mm.) Would either of those cartridges stop at guy weighing 295 before he beat me to a pulp? I doubt it. So, I'm looking for CCWs in .45 ACP. The only problem is that I live in Texas and it's too hot to wear a jacket most of the year, I'm too thick around the middle to hide a gun IWB under a shirt, and I'm not sure there's any .45 ACP that will fit in a pants pocket. I suppose a fanny pack would be a possibility, but sometimes I dress in a way that would make a fanny pack inappropriate.

Any suggestions?

Crash

[RangerRick]

I carry a Springfield Armory model 1911 in 45 APC with a 4" barrel. Nothing fancy or high dollar as it is just a reliable tool, not an extension of a body part. I've tried one of those "beeper holsters" that is worn inside the front of your pants. Not for me - personal freedom of movement of said body part is critical.

In hot weather I will ware my shirt tail out, kind of concealing the carry. Actually, I don't care if someone can pattern my carry or not as the law doesn't say invisable, just concealed. The fanny pack is a viable option of carry. The primary consideration of 24/7 carry is not fast draw but comfort of carry, cause if it ain't comfortable you won't carry it - when you really need it. 24/7 = "always ready".

Rick

[dannanchieftain]

Not trying to discourage you from buying a new gun. I would never try to talk a guy out of a new piece.

However your need or want of a .45 is a bit misguided. Your .38 and your 9mm will kill and or stop any Human being ever known to exist on this planet with proper shot placement and choice of ammunition.

If he's close enough to beat you to a pulp, emptying even a 5 shot .22 into his face might be enough to end the episode. Just because a guy is big doesn't mean he is bulletproof. It also doesnt mean he's brave enough to get shot and still fight either.

It isnt like big game hunting where you need a bigger gun for a bigger animal. humans of all sizes are relatively fragile when it comes to bullets.

Proper Shot placement is a must even with a .45

Ammunition is another area where the right stuff makes a difference. I cant tell you how many times I have been shown someones carry pistol or house pistol and it is loaded with ball ammo, big mistake IMO.

Corbon,Remington Golden sabre,Federal Hydroshock,and speer Gold dot are some good names to start with. all are available in .38,9mm and .45 as well if your pistol is rated to handle them get the +p version for the extra thump.

There are other good brands and Ive even been given some good handloads that were well up to the task.

I am not anti .45 by no means I have 3 myself a 45acp,45 colt and a 454 casull in addition to many others in different calibers. I just don't buy into the "this caliber is better than that caliber" argument

If you still want a small .45 a glock 30 and 36 are two I can name off the top of my head. Kimber makes a small concealed carry one too. I am sure there are many others.

[Uncle_Alvah]

Smallest .45 I've ever seen is the AMT Backup. Thought it was a .380 when my buddy pulled it out. Out of production but can be found on the gun sale sites like GunsAmerica and such.

[Matthew]

I'll echo Dannan: Nobody likes to get shot at, so the 9mm and 38 are good choices, especially when a good +P hollowpoint is used. I think for civilian carry, the 40S&W is a better choice than the venerable 45. Since the 40 was designed as a hollowpoint, it is more likely to expand out of a short barreled weapon, and therefore is less likely to overpenetrate the wrongdoer.

No one can dispute the 45's power and effectiveness, but the 40 also has excellent street performance, and in my opinion, better characteristics for the specialized use of self defense.

No matter what you decide, definitely buy another gun! ;)

[HPshooter]

Consider one of those snubbie .357 S&W Airweights. I know guys that carry them in their front pants pockets. (with baggy pants - it's an old fart thing, not a gansta' thing)

[patrickstickler]

My primary carry is a Ruger SP101, 2" bbl with .357 HP hydrashock loads, carried IWB with a clipdraw (www.clipdraw.com). I'm also in Texas, and a bit "round" and yet find that carried between 3 and 4 o'clock, it's barely noticable (just enough to know it's there).

The grip remains just barely above the beltline, and there's no extra bulk from a holster. One has to be religious about cleaning/oiling, of course, due to persperation on really hot days, but that's not a big deal.

The .38 you already have would presumably fit just as well, and as noted above, with +P hollow points, should be all you ever need.

[GreatDane]

Also, take a look into the .357SIG, if you're looking for something with a bit more power then a 9mm. Personally, I'm 6'8", about 350, and carry a Kel-Tec PF-9.

[Crash]

If he's close enough to beat you to a pulp, emptying even a 5 shot .22 into his face might be enough to end the episode. Just because a guy is big doesn't mean he is bulletproof. It also doesnt mean he's brave enough to get shot and still fight either.


Corbon,Remington Golden sabre,Federal Hydroshock,and speer Gold dot are some good names to start with. all are available in .38,9mm and .45 as well if your pistol is rated to handle them get the +p version for the extra thump.



dannanchieftain,

Started having second thoughts almost immediately after posting this thread. You're probably right--if I put my gun in his face and pull the trigger a few times then a .38 Spl or 9mm with good HPs will probably "resolve the situation" as well as a .45 ACP. In fact, if I place the muzzle right between his eyes, I might not even need to pull the trigger...

Crash

[Farmer]

I second the AirLite. .357 for carry, and you can shoot .38+P for training/practice. At 12 ounces it's comfortable for summertime wear.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i98/KWMcClure/P2120001.jpg

[Eli80Cal]

My carry guns are a g21, g30, and a S+W airweight in 38spl. I am a bigger guy, and have no problem concealing any of them. The 45 is a great round, but as stated above, a small gun you carry all the time beats a big gun you left in the truck. With any round, shot placement is the most critical factor. I love the 45, but even that is not perfect. A local officer was involved in a shooting and shot someone through a car window and the 45 round literally bounced/skimmed off of his head.

[clawhammerdan]

IMO a .45 is a pretty big piece and probably unnecessary. A .38 would I'm certain be sufficient. Lighter and easier to conceal. Unless the guy is out of his mind on crack or crank a well placed round will put him down.

[Crash]

IMO a .45 is a pretty big piece and probably unnecessary. A .38 would I'm certain be sufficient. Lighter and easier to conceal. Unless the guy is out of his mind on crack or crank a well placed round will put him down.


clawhammerdan,

Yep, I've pretty well decided to stay with my j-frame in .38 Spl or my Kahr PM9, now just trying to decide the best carry method. I generall carry in the right front pants pocket or in a fanny pack, but am reconsidering and, IF (big if...) I can lose some weight, may go to an IWB holster on the strong side.

Crash

[lostone1413]

Go to www.warriortalk.com Their are lots of people on that site that work security in the mid east and South America. People who have had their share of gun fights. You will be surprised how many carry a 9mm. The one shot kill is a myth