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Just got my carry license.. What to carry?
- Thread starter blackcolt
- Start date
I think first you need to know what are you going to be most comfortable shooting with and able to react in a situation if needed then decide what to carry. I'm a revolver guy and I carry a Smith and Wesson older model 37 airtweight .38spcl IWB. Concealable, perfect size, shoots straight (up to 20 yards which is within a threat zone) and easy to load, clean and use. I'm 5' 11" 195. My brother carries a Beretta Nano and he's 6' 2" 200lbs and he swears by it. So, knowing which concealable type of firearm you are comfortable with shooting first is important. Then you can make it work for concealability (yeah, made up word. English degree).
Just my $.02
Just my $.02
Blackcolt, you have gotten some great advice in this thread. To sum it all up:
Carry something that you can shoot well.
Change the way you dress to accommodate carrying a concealed weapon.
Create a system of carry that is comfortable for you.
GET TRAINED. Don't just learn to shoot, learn to fight with your weapon. Gun fighting is a Martial Art.
Practice regularly. Shooting skills are very perishable.
Make carrying your normal, everyday habit.
One thing I don't think has been mentioned yet is LEARN THE LAW. Legal use of deadly force has VERY specific restrictions that can be surprising to people that don't know the laws surrounding it. Don't let that surprise manifest itself as a charge of manslaughter after the fact.
Probably the most misunderstood aspect of justifiable homicide is that you CAN NOT use deadly force to protect property.....ever! You can only use deadly force to protect human life.
Carry something that you can shoot well.
Change the way you dress to accommodate carrying a concealed weapon.
Create a system of carry that is comfortable for you.
GET TRAINED. Don't just learn to shoot, learn to fight with your weapon. Gun fighting is a Martial Art.
Practice regularly. Shooting skills are very perishable.
Make carrying your normal, everyday habit.
One thing I don't think has been mentioned yet is LEARN THE LAW. Legal use of deadly force has VERY specific restrictions that can be surprising to people that don't know the laws surrounding it. Don't let that surprise manifest itself as a charge of manslaughter after the fact.
Probably the most misunderstood aspect of justifiable homicide is that you CAN NOT use deadly force to protect property.....ever! You can only use deadly force to protect human life.
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Don't know your skill level or budget.
I'd suggest a S &W J-Frame snub nose in a pocket holster. Speed strips or a speedloader for extra rounds.
I'd suggest a S &W J-Frame snub nose in a pocket holster. Speed strips or a speedloader for extra rounds.
X2 dont you love Georgia? (USA)
i would suggest carrying a gun
or a hammer
to be honest though i would suggest something with a safety and that isnt to expensive
bersa .380s are a good start if you want an automatic
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really, cause all the ones i have dealt with worked and shot pretty good
or a hammer
to be honest though i would suggest something with a safety and that isnt to expensive
bersa .380s are a good start if you want an automatic
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really, cause all the ones i have dealt with worked and shot pretty good
M&P Sheild! Badabing!
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A bunch of opinions will only get you so far. You need some hands on time with a spectrum of handguns (autos/revolvers) to familiarize yourself with operation and features. Renting and firing them is most likely some of the best advice so far. Not sure of your experience with firearms in the past, but safety is key! You need to be able to safely carry and fire your chosen handgun if needed (God forbid). I am all for peole carrying handguns, but all too often I have seen where many people who carry have told me they have either never fired the gun or put 1 or 2 mags through it and think they are good to go. Bad mindset. Also another thing I have noticed with the proliferation of handgun permits being purchased (Buying our 2nd Ammendment....shame) is the fat dumb and happy attitude. Some treat handguns with familiarity and relaxed attitude. You can get bit by this mindset! Have the decency for those around you and yourself to train, train, train and practice, practice, practice. And when your done....Practice some more. Overall my best advice I give to new shooters or folks embarking on their CCing journey is this: Buy the best you can afford. Carry the most powerful caliber handgun you can control and safely and effectively fire. If that is a .380 then so be it. Know your handgun. Know what buttons and levers do what. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe directon till you are ready to fire.
First, take a law class from Douglas M. McCullough in Stone Mountain. He has made a great effort to put together a common sense class for everyone to understand and is well worth $35. You'll have a different outlook after it. Carrying is a big responsibility and requires constant training like being a pilot. I'd hate to know the number of people who carry who have no idea what they can or can't do. Do you have an attorney lined up already who has handled self-defense cases? Will he or she be available at 3am when an incident occurs? Do you know what to say or not to say to an officer at the scene? Once you take a class and know what you're responsibilities are then you can start thinking about carrying a firearm.
When its time, choose and carry something that you're comfortable with. And make sure you shoot a number of guns before deciding. For an IWB gun, I personally like the Glock 26 or an M&P Compact..but that's ME. I know a few people who carry 1911's and swear by them. It's quite difficult to avoid the influence and opinions of others but ultimately you're carrying the weapon not someone else. This forum and the Defensive Carry forum has a wealth of info.
Good luck!
When its time, choose and carry something that you're comfortable with. And make sure you shoot a number of guns before deciding. For an IWB gun, I personally like the Glock 26 or an M&P Compact..but that's ME. I know a few people who carry 1911's and swear by them. It's quite difficult to avoid the influence and opinions of others but ultimately you're carrying the weapon not someone else. This forum and the Defensive Carry forum has a wealth of info.
Good luck!
