Trigger Talk …Selecting a Concealed Carry Handgun Pt. #1
How do I select a personal defense handgun? What caliber should I get? Do I want to carry in a holster, pocket carry or maybe a purse or fanny pack?. These are the question we must ask ourselves? The decision to carry and be responsible for your own self defense is more of a lifestyle change than just a gun selection.
There are many choices and calibers, a minimum for self-defense should be the .38 Special and .380 acp. Years ago these calibers were considered a bare minimum for self-defense. Modern improvements in projectile design and propellant technology have made these rounds very capable self-defense calibers. This month we’ll talk about semi-automatic pistols and next month we will cover revolvers
You will find yourself selecting your clothing based on your ability to properly conceal your carry gun. Your firearm may change based on the seasons of the year. In the warmer months when wearing shorts and a T-Shirt a small gun such as the Ruger LCP or Smith and Wesson Bodyguard are good choices with a proper pocket holster. These holsters completely cover the trigger guard preventing accidental pulling of the trigger and are specially designed to stay in the pocket when pulling out the gun. In the colder months when wearing a jacket or coat a larger firearm can be carried without it being seen.
Many instructors will suggest a 9mm midsize or small frame semi-automatic firearm for a first carry gun. 9mm recoil is very manageable for most people and the midsize frames are large enough to get a firm grip. The trigger pull is typically light and short, the weight is minimal and the ability to conceal is great. Examples include the Springfield XD9 compact, Glock 19, Smith and Wesson M&P compact, Ruger LC9, Kimber Solo, Kahr PM9,and the Taurus 709 Slim. Additionally, some of the latest generation of pistols come with a portion of the grip that can be interchanged to fit you hand more comfortably
9mm handguns are typically too big for pocket carry, so you must consider your method of carry. There are two main types of holsters: Inside the Waistband (IWB) and Belt or Outside the Waistband (OWB). IWB also may allow you to cover your gun with your shirt as some have a “tuckable” feature for your shirt tail.
Next month we’ll talk about carrying Revolvers. Future topics will include AR style Rifles, Open Carry, personal defense training, gun cleaning, gun storage and more!
Until then …….Safe Shooting!
Dick Cupka is an NRA Certified Pistol, Personal Defense in the Home and Concealed Pistol License Instructor. You can reach him by e-mail at….. triggertalk.dc@gmail.com