EDC Weapon

Hmm... Now this is an interesting topic. The question itself is not interesting, because it's the opening for many a thread long and short, all over the net. But I've never seen the topic given thoughtful treatment.

First off, I don't have a carry permit, so I don't carry (I have had three altercations in the last 30 years, all of which I solved with my hands and feet - Unconscious is usually as good or better than dead). I am considering getting a carry permit because I often travel with $10k-$20k worth of guns, and I'd be a juicy target if my car broke down or I got into an accident.

My own choice would be my AMT 45 Backup. I think 6 rounds of 45 in a SMALL, reliable, good pointing gun is unbeatable if the gun is only ever coming out when you intend to use it.

If, however, I had a job where I expected to have to take a measured response, say a rural cop, security guard, or bouncer, I would want to have the option of using the gun for INTIMIDATION, and would want a full-sized, chrome-plated 1911.

If I were in the LAPD I would want the gun with the greatest number of bullets, so that I could close my eyes and make a lot of noise while I pissed myself.

Now, having said all of that, I DO understand that full time carry has a COMFORT requirement, a RETENTION requirement, and for non-uniform carry, a CONCEALMENT requirement (though you can spot an LAPD detective from a block off because of the hair and body armor).

Did I miss an important criterion? Let's get the criteria fleshed out, and then everybody can justify their carry based on agreed criteria.

Okay? Begin!

So far we have size, intimidation factor, comfort, retention, and concealment. We can take reliability and shootability as gimme's, since nobody would argue that they are negotiable criteria.

So in my case, the AMT 45 Backup is the ultimate in size and concealment, and would rank pretty darn high in comfort if it were to be an all day carry. It ranks pretty low on the intimidation scale, in spite of the damn big one-way tunnel to hell - folks are as likely to think I am offering them a hit on my crack pipe as preparing to shoot them. You could walk all over town with it in your hand and nobody would notice it.

 

That is small! Cool! Is it hard to hang on to?

 

I use to carry a full sized Stainless S.A. 1911 A1 5" but had to sell it to pay bills. To me it was a little big for comfort and concealment but it was all I had at the time.

 

Same width as a 1911, and I hold it with a pinky underneath the mag. It does not kick excessively, probably because the recoil and hammer springs add up to about 22 pounds, and it's a solid hunk of steel. I have put a total of 400 rounds through it since I bought it about 2 months ago. Forum member WithTheGrain is making me some nice walnut grips for it that should improve the boxy look.

 

There's that pinky again!

 

Any opportunity to refer to pinky will be exploited until further notice!

 

What'd I say?!

I hope nobody in other PD's take offense at my characterization of the LAPD... Though, today, a friend of mine who is former New Orleans PD (12 years) told me it's just as bad there!

 

So, how did you carry it? I can't imagine it would be comfortable concealed except maybe with a properly fitted shoulder rig. I think that the killer in Dirty Harry was showing empathy for Callahan when he told him to come unarmed when he made him hoof it all over S.F.

 

A shoulder rig is what I had. I'm having the same trouble with my SR40c,just can't find something I like. Hopefully as soon as I get some new pants and another belt my new IWB holster will work,we'll see.

 

I was trying to figure out how come I could read the Made In Croatia even with the picture flipped. Don't worry, I did figure it out.

 

I believe a commander is every bit as good for EDC as full size (though I love them). I carry either a DanWesson CCO or Dan Wesson Guardian; both 45s. Can be carried in same holsters. For IWB I use a Hidden Hybrid Holster, OWB a John Ralston 5 Shot Leather SAP. John is now making me an Uncle Lou for IWB with rough side out.
I'm new here. Hope this doesn't get me banned!
Jim

 

I have carried both .. XDm .40 and 9mm with 4.5"
I am now carrying the XD.Mod2 sub-compact .40......

 

Never heard of 5 Shot Leather before. The LFA looks like a very classy general purpose 1911 holster.

Would love to be able to afford a DW Titan!

 

Have used Milt Sparks' versamax 2 and Allessi's CQC/S (made when Lou was alive) and I believe John Ralston's holsters are every bit as good, or better. Great guy to work with too.

 

I've gone through a couple EDC. 1st was just a 22mag derringer simple in the pocket and then went to Ruger LCP.380 still in the pocket. In the winter and jacket wearing time if I went to the big city, Ft. Worth, I'd put my .45 Springfield Ultra Compact in my waistband in the small of my back. Just purchased an XDs .45, pick it up tomorrow and gonna have to figure out what will be the best way to conceal it.?