Concealed Carry Folks: Full Size Pistols?

[Deus Machina]

If you can hide them, go for it. Much more comfortable in the hand, if not the waistband.
Make sure you have a good belt. Ones specifically sold as a gun belt are more likely to be good and stiff; when I bought mine, I could hold it outright. Now it's settled into more of a curve.

Me, I can't hide anything bigger than a 1911, but that's because I'm not a big guy. I'm the heaviest I've ever been, nearing 150. My Ruger SR9c sits well enough, and fit alright twenty pounds ago.

[Tarsun2]

bigger than a 1911... lol
How much bigger? a FN or Ruger 57...? Deagle..?

i always thought the 1911 was a pretty big pistol.

[Deus Machina]

It's not small. But it's thin for its size, compared to more modern designs.

[bellicose]

My two main carry guns are S&W Shield and S&W bodyguard depending on clothing choice. On occasion, I'll carry a .357 snub 5 shot. For holsters, I use a Remora and a Sticky, which iirc were the same company at one point. They work equally well, and I can place them anywhere I want on my belt line. I used to use an alien holster, but these are more versatile. For the .357, I made my own kydex sheath.

My thoughts are that you want a cheap but reliable carry piece. If you are in an incident, the gun is going to be taken away for at least a while. My carry guns have been flawless (though the .380 is not fun to shoot, kind of painfull after a few mags).

[Magoo]

That's the big reason I don't want to try to carry my Hi-Power...

But, I went to a sporting goods store to play with the aforementioned compacts. I actually liked the Glock way more than I thought I would, and I favored it over the M&P, even thought I used to own one (full size, of course) and love it.

Then I made the mistake of holding the CZ P-01. Welp. I walked out with that. It solved each discreet complaint I had with my 75B. But holy hell, I remember when 75 variants were $600...

[bellicose]

That's on my to own list. Would love a CZ some day. A full size competition ready one...not that I will ever compete.

[Walker]

I paid $550 new for my P07, and my SP01 was $400 used....

[Seajay]

I conceal my 12g on a back sling. Never had anyone trouble me.

I'm a fan of 45's, FN-FNX.

[Agglet]

Henry makes a nice mare's leg in .44.

[Cunha]

Always delivering flowers to someone.

[failsafe]

glock 19 in jeans, glock 43 in anything "lighter" than jeans. nice to keep the same caliber throughout. And of course keep a 9mm AR back home

[gabe]

Glock 19 is the way. Phlster skeleton or pro series holster is by far the best setup I've used. On lazy days I'll carry my LCR in a phlster city special but the G19 gets the call most days. If you can't carry a G19 comfortably you should explore a better belt or holster.

[Chuck E Ducky]

I prefer subcompact because engagement ranges for self defense are statistically close. Shorter barrel clears the holster faster and is easier to hide. Lots of cool new options whatever you choose practice with it build mussel memory be proficient, safe and brush up on your state laws.

[PalmFlings]

I'm a small dude and I carry a Walther PDP with a TLR-8AG and Holoson red dot. I honestly think the key is a good holster. I have an IWB and OWB from Wright Brothers Leather works up in...Ohio? Pricey but good god damn are they comfy. Give them a shot or feel free to pm me if you're curious about their quality.

[Agglet]

A fellow Walther fan. In a world of trashy Glocks it's nice to see somebody else that appreciates quality.

[Magoo]

I picked up a Harry's Holsters Singleton for the CZ. I like the versatility, and it seems extremely well regarded on the internet, so yeah. Plus, it was relatively cheap. Wright does have some dang fine leatherwork, though.

[the_matrix_guy]

I would consider the new FN Hi Powers coming out this year, they’re already starting to show up at some distributors/ retailers. They have a number of improvements including higher capacity. The Hi Power is the only full-size pistol I’ve ever felt comfortable carrying with an IWB holster and Im a huge CZ and Beretta guy (my favorite 9’s” The hi power has a slim profile and the length is more like a “Commander” compact 1911 plus noticeably lighter. I do carry my Shadow 2 SP-01 but not IWB, i carry it in a fanny pack from time to time. But yeah the Berettas are way too bulky, with their thicker profile, and the Sp-01 is also quite big and heavy. But yeah I would consider either a Glock 19 (compact) or a Hi Power for carry. The Hi Power is a full size but its more comparable to a compact profile, in modern sizing standards. Which is a good thing. I live in SoFla so its harder to conceal here given that we don’t wear layers etc. its summer all year round down here

Great article on the new Hi Power, this is my next gun:

https://www.gunsandammo.com/editoria...returns/455923

[Agglet]

I would consider the new FN Hi Powers coming out this year, they’re already starting to show up at some distributors/ retailers. They have a number of improvements including higher capacity. The Hi Power is the only full-size pistol I’ve ever felt comfortable carrying with an IWB holster and Im a huge CZ and Beretta guy (my favorite 9’s” The hi power has a slim profile and the length is more like a “Commander” compact 1911 plus noticeably lighter. I do carry my Shadow 2 SP-01 but not IWB, i carry it in a fanny pack from time to time. But yeah the Berettas are way too bulky, with their thicker profile, and the Sp-01 is also quite big and heavy. But yeah I would consider either a Glock 19 (compact) or a Hi Power for carry. The Hi Power is a full size but its more comparable to a compact profile, in modern sizing standards. Which is a good thing. I live in SoFla so its harder to conceal here given that we don’t wear layers etc. its summer all year round down here

Great article on the new Hi Power, this is my next gun:

https://www.gunsandammo.com/editoria...returns/455923

I didn't know they were bringing it back. I went looking for a used one last year but they are going for a premium and I don't want one quite that bad.

[the_matrix_guy]

I didn't know they were bringing it back. I went looking for a used one last year but they are going for a premium and I don't want one quite that bad.

I don’t think prices will ever be as low as pre-2018; pre-pandemic, pre civil unrest, especially with the surging inflation. You used to be able to get a decent-condition blued surplus Hi Power for around $300-400. I do wish that FN would make a blued version for the revamped HP but the FDE looks pretty cool too, IMO. But 9mm ammo prices are also up about 100% since the onset of the “pandemic” in 2018, you used to be able to get 1000 round loose pack of CCi Blazer FMJ for $200 and now its almost twice as much. I guess its better than 200-300% markup compared to a year ago, but I dont think it will ever go as low as pre-2018 again. Im pretty sure pricing will only go up from here on everything even Glocks. Right now is the time to buy and stock up

[Agglet]

I remember when you could get a free SKS or Tokarev with purchase of a case of surplus ammo I've still got a few spam cans of 7.62x25 kicking around from those sales.

[the_matrix_guy]

Agglet haha yep, or very decent Bulgarian or Romanian AK’s for $400-500

If you dont have CZ’s I would actually recommend them over the HP. A compact CZ75 if you want all metal or a P07. The P07 has a polymer frame so its much lighter and ideal for carry. They are superior to the HP in every way especially long term reliability and the range of ammo they will shoot reliably. Im getting the FN HP merely to “change it up” but if I were looking for a good everyday carry — CZ and Glock all day.

[Magoo]

Hah. Well, I do have 2 CZs (75 and P-01) and a Mk. III Hi Power, so yeah.

I actually wound up with the P-01 because of this thread.