Concealed Carry Folks: Full Size Pistols?

[Magoo]

I know this is often a divisive subject, so I hope this doesn't cause issues. I'm still a tad, er, blue, so I can't hop in the member's section just yet.

I used to carry a Walther PPK, but I traded it a while back. Nowadays, I've only really got full size pistols, and have renewed my intent to carry. In my safe I've got a Browning Hi Power, a CZ-75 B, an FNP-9, and a 2021 Colt King Cobra 3". All of those are well above the compact size and weight class, though the King Cobra is probably the closest to it.

My questions for the day are these: Any of you folks carry full size pistols? What are your tips and tricks for doing so in warmer weather? Has there ever been an issue, or am I mountain-sizing a mole hill? An option I am considering is trading or buying a compact, but that doesn't seem necessary unless I have to, given I've got some stellar full-sizers.

On that particular list are the CZ P01, the Glock 19, the M&P compact. All guns must remain factory, so that's the big consideration.

Thanks all!

[MAr]

If the glock 19 was good enough for Raylan Givens, it’s good enough for you. 😉

[Outbreak]

When conceal-carrying my Deagle .50 AE, I forego the holster and just stuff it into the front of my pants. Sure, I get some strange looks and winks from the ladies but nary the tightest of Wranglers will infringe on my God-given right to self defense!!

[Magoo]

I had to sell my Deagle after a negligent discharge left me with the nickname "Bullet Balls Tony."


The worst part of that is that my name isn't even Tony. :'(

[Pumpytrilly1]

Get a good belt. button down shirts with patterns can help minimizing the look of it.

[Walker]

After many years, and many guns, I finally settled on a CZ P07, with a Harrys IWB holster, as a daily carry gun. I have two full size 1911s also......

The Browning and CZ 75b are both heavy guns. If you don't mind the weight, carry one of those.


Walker

[Cunha]

I can’t comfortably carry anything bigger than a J frame.

I can conceal bigger stuff, but I don’t want to.

massive fan of the 342 and the 340pd

I also have an 8 shot 43c a model no one really knows about. It’s a 22 but it’s light enough and easy enough to shoot that you might actually have it with you when you really need it.

The 442 and 642 are nice but I really like the extra light weight of the titanium cylinders.

most people that want more firepower settle on a compact, like a p-01 or a g19 size.

[bored383]

makarov or go home

[Grendel]

In one of my Glock phases I did carry a Glock 19 on occasion. Fully doable if not comfortable to carry. The concealing is not a big deal (I am not a twig but neither am I a big man). For me the problem with a fullish size CC is getting in and out of an automobile and getting comfortable when driving. By the way a Glock 19 is a compact just not a sub-compact or micro compact. If you want full size look at the Glock 17.

[Magoo]

I should clarify: I would prefer a compact over a full size. The full sizers are what I currently own, and I was wondering if it was worth the hassle of pinching pennies or trading for a compact if folks carried full size easily enough.

It seems like it's possible, but most don't prefer it. Hm. Sounds about what I was expecting.

[iamthelazerviking]

I know it's not quite a full size, but I carry a Glock 19, and use the We The People Holsters IWB holster, and then got their "claw" which made a huge difference. I appendix carry and that keeps it flat against my gut, so printing is much less noticible.

[packersrule729]

G19 everyday carry for me too. IWB holster. Bit bulky for sure, and wouldn’t want to be caught in a Lycra or spandex shirt with it. Most of my outfits are loose-fitting enough where I’d say 99% of people never notice.

Also have a Sig 365 which is much much better for concealment and may become my true EDC, eventually.

[Lane]

While not a full-size, I've got a G48 that carries well. If you're able to use aftermarket magazines Shield Arms makes a 15 round flush fit mag that bumps up the capacity by 5. Pretty compact and high round carry gun. They recommend going to a metal mag release if you use the shield arms mags though which will probably go against the gun remaining factory.

[Cunha]

I should clarify: I would prefer a compact over a full size. The full sizers are what I currently own, and I was wondering if it was worth the hassle of pinching pennies or trading for a compact if folks carried full size easily enough.

It seems like it's possible, but most don't prefer it. Hm. Sounds about what I was expecting.

To answer your question, yes, the "compacts" are very much more concealable even though the dimensions are only an inch or so off the grip frame and the barrel. The 19 and P-01 compacts and are what more people consider the best compromise between concealability and near full size functionality. If I had more concern about actually getting into some kind of fire fight, one of those is what I would concealed carry.

But for me I CCW for last ditch save my (or more likely my loved ones) ass before I show em my heels kinda situation, so I am comfortable with a 5 shot J frame 342, which is enough to save a life but easy enough to conceal that I am comfortable carrying it in most situations without having to dress around the gun.

If you like carrying your full size, you will LOVE carrying a compact.

I think the M&P Shield 2.0 compact is a great gun, off the "roster" in california so overpriced to acquire here. I think the M&P 2.0 guns are probably better than glocks overall but there is something nice about the pure simplicity of a basic gen 3 glock so I dunno what I would go for if I was in your shoes.

The P-01 will handle basically like a full size CZ but just a bit more packable, and it has a forged aluminum frame so is significantly lighter than the full size ones.

Based on the other guns you own, I don't think you will like the feel of the plastic guns and unless you're really interested in learning to like the feel, I'd say the P-01 is what you will want.

A subcompact I really like is the Walther PPS M1 so if you're considering something decent capacity and extra easily concealable I'd look at one of those.

Sorry for wandering all over the topic. In conclusion, I think you will find a compact or sub compact worth the trouble of acquiring for ease of carry.

[Pumps4ever]

Glock19 all day!