1st Concealed Carry

steinek11

All-Conference
Apr 18, 2004
13,517
1,253
113
What do you got? I am leaning toward a Glock 19 or Sig 365XL. I've shot both and both have solid reputations. Anything else I should consider? I want minimum printing, but something that is long enough for hands that are on the larger side. TIA.

Also, is the insurance a must have? Considering USCCA.
 

6OSK3RS

Redshirt
May 8, 2019
176
0
0
What do you got? I am leaning toward a Glock 19 or Sig 365XL. I've shot both and both have solid reputations. Anything else I should consider? I want minimum printing, but something long that is enough for hands that are on the larger side. TIA.

Also, is the insurance a must have? Considering USCCA.
FN five-seven. Can't beat the 20 rd base mag capacity. If you're a normal person you probably won't do that, but it would be sweet. I suggest using whatever feels comfortable to you and train with it as often as you can. There are way too many people out there who just get the licensing and think they would be automatically proficient when or if the time came to use it. When it comes to insurance the only one I really know of is USCCA.
 

otismotis08

All-Conference
Jan 5, 2012
12,613
2,740
113
Go with whatever YOU are comfortable with. Otherwise you won't want to carry it. That's all that matters. Personally I'm all about the CZ's. CZ-83 is my fav.
 

Skerz81

Redshirt
Jul 29, 2018
177
21
0
Glock 43, 43x or a glock 42 are my go to carry guns. They are all single stack mags and are not as wide as the 19. I do open carry a 19 when I work security as that is my favorite gun to shoot.
 

bigboxes

All-American
Sep 4, 2004
46,241
6,780
113
I carry an HK VP9, but don't usually carry it on me most of the time. Being a full-sized pistol, I have a concealed carry case that has a belt. It's obvious what it is, but the nasty gun is out of sight. I usually only wear it when I'm loading/unloading my vehicle when I'm on the road. Then it's either on my floorboard or on the nightstand. I would wear if I was hiking in a remote area.
 

HUSKERFAN66

All-Conference
Dec 8, 2004
21,232
3,574
113
Go with whatever YOU are comfortable with. Otherwise you won't want to carry it. That's all that matters. Personally I'm all about the CZ's. CZ-83 is my fav.
Agree with otis. Get what fits you comfortably. All personal preference
 
Oct 19, 2020
118
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I carry an HK VP9, but don't usually carry it on me most of the time. Being a full-sized pistol, I have a concealed carry case that has a belt. It's obvious what it is, but the nasty gun is out of sight. I usually only wear it when I'm loading/unloading my vehicle when I'm on the road. Then it's either on my floorboard or on the nightstand. I would wear if I was hiking in a remote area.
how fast can you access it with that case? I have found full-size to be kind of cumbersome so I carry the s&w mp shield, but it’s an 8+1 so I’d like to comfortably carry something with a bigger mag.
 

steinek11

All-Conference
Apr 18, 2004
13,517
1,253
113
For cc I’m a fan of the S&W mp shield 9mm. Shoots well and is easy to carry. You might not like the size but for cc it works great for me.
My buddy in law enforcement recommends S&W and my wife has the Shield. I could use it, but since it's hers, I'm going to get something a little bigger.
 

bigboxes

All-American
Sep 4, 2004
46,241
6,780
113
how fast can you access it with that case? I have found full-size to be kind of cumbersome so I carry the s&w mp shield, but it’s an 8+1 so I’d like to comfortably carry something with a bigger mag.

I don't care if I don't have it on me. I really believe it's a fall back area. I don't need to be a quick draw. Just aware. A lot of self defense is in the head and your body language. And I totally understand why you want to go the way you want. As @otismotis08, get what you are comfortable with. The VP9 is not cumbersome. The grip is amazing. You can also change the backstrap and the side panels to customize the fit. HK has a VP9SK model if that's what you're looking for.
 
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Aug 1, 2002
2,940
380
0
I like my Walther PPQ M2 9mm (with standard 4 in barrel). Slightly bigger than the Glock 19, but fits my larger than average hand very nicely. Welcome to the club.
 

HominidHusker

Senior
Jun 25, 2018
3,727
743
0
I’m a super soaker guy myself.
50 ft high capacity H2O pump actiom
 

I M HIPPY

Redshirt
Oct 5, 2020
121
0
0
What are you clowns carrying for in Nebraska? Talk about snowflakes. Can’t walk around your hick towns w/out carrying? Talk about fragile masculinity. I see fellers with bigger stones then u gun toting rubes at my socially distanced drum circle.
 

6OSK3RS

Redshirt
May 8, 2019
176
0
0
What are you clowns carrying for in Nebraska? Talk about snowflakes. Can’t walk around your hick towns w/out carrying? Talk about fragile masculinity. I see fellers with bigger stones then u gun toting rubes at my socially distanced drum circle.
Why are you looking at everyone's stones? Cope, my friend. Not everyone is as scared of inanimate objects as you are.
 

lightningjack

Senior
Mar 19, 2002
2,030
497
83
What ever you can comfortably carry and shoot with consistency.

I carry a Keltec 32 acp or a S&W Bodyguard in 380 auto. I feel comfortable carrying & shooting both. For winter I have the Ruger Lcr Revolver in 38 special. Only 5 shots, but a little more pop if I need to shoot through winter clothing.

These certainly aren't what most people will carry. I just don't see myself hauling around a full-size 9 mm or 45 acp. I'm looking to get away first if I can, before I have to shoot. My .02
 

B1G RED RULES

All-Conference
Sep 7, 2013
4,154
1,132
0
What are you clowns carrying for in Nebraska? Talk about snowflakes. Can’t walk around your hick towns w/out carrying? Talk about fragile masculinity. I see fellers with bigger stones then u gun toting rubes at my socially distanced drum circle.
Maybe those hick towns have next to zero murders, sexual assaults, looting and riots for a reason? I’ll take the hick town over the crime riddled cosmopolitan life single every time.
 

leodisflowers

Senior
Feb 25, 2011
14,801
808
0
I love the Kimber Micro 9. Have a Sig P365 40, Sig 1911 Emperor Scorpion, Hi_Point 9, and a CZ P-09. Love my 40. She's a thumper
 

LoudHogRider

Heisman
Aug 4, 2010
119,891
70,103
0
My everyday carry is a Sig P238 .380 ACP. Some folks are critical of that round, but the .380 round is really just a knock down .38, and if you drop some Underwood cartridges with Lehigh bullets in them, they're a very effective self-defense round. The Lehigh bullet is made from solid copper and the tip resembles a phillips head screwdriver. Since bullets rotate at roughly 65,000 RPM when fired, it becomes a meat auger and leaves a fairly devastating wound channel for a smaller round.

The Sig P238 is small enough to carry comfortably and absolutely disappears on my body, and with the 'extended' mag it will hold 7+1. Since it's a 1911 style handgun, you carry it "cocked & locked", and as @LightningJack noted above, it will be more than enough to allow me to get away from trouble.

Also remember the "rule of 3" for gunfights: they take place within 3 yards, 3 shots are typically fired, and they last 3 seconds. And anything from a .380 ACP and above is highly effective in eliminating the threat of violence from your attacker. Stay away from "mouse guns" - .22, .25, .32 are fun to shoot, but FBI data says they're not effective at stopping an attacker.

My $0.02 worth on the matter.
 

LoudHogRider

Heisman
Aug 4, 2010
119,891
70,103
0
FN five-seven. Can't beat the 20 rd base mag capacity. If you're a normal person you probably won't do that, but it would be sweet. I suggest using whatever feels comfortable to you and train with it as often as you can. There are way too many people out there who just get the licensing and think they would be automatically proficient when or if the time came to use it. When it comes to insurance the only one I really know of is USCCA.
I love my FN 5.7, but it's not really a concealed carry weapon, even with the right holster. It's an excellent firearm and very smooth and easy to shoot. It's also mean to be paired with its fighting partner, the PS90 - another uniqued firearm that's a lotta fun to shoot. Those hold 50 rounds per magazine.

My only complaint is the ammo has essentially become scarcer than hen's teeth since the election cycle started. That's basically turned mine into a safe queen, and that's not what firearms are for. You have to practice with them to stay proficient.
 

TruHusker

All-Conference
Sep 21, 2001
12,117
2,401
98
This question has many answers. I think some go about this backwards, I am working with someone on firearm training who has never handled firearms.

First decide how you want to carry. That will go a long ways in determining what size firearm you purchase.

If you are using a holster, the more common firearms will have more selection. The S&W Shield line is a good example.

I think people buy a pistol without really thinking through how they plan to carry and the bulk of it gets old and they quit carrying.

Do you like semi autos or revolvers? My wife has some arthritis and racking a semi auto is not easy for her. She carries a 38+P Ruger LCR. 5 shots with a laser sight and feels comfortable with it. Ease of operation and functions reliably.

I carry a Ruger LCP in 380. It is my pocket pistol. It goes in a sticky holster that fits in my pocket. When I reach in I pull out the pistol and the holster stays in my pocket.

I just received a new holster to carry my CZ SP 10C. It is much bigger so I have to plan how to conceal it. There are trade offs. It has 16 rounds of 9mm versus 6 in the LCP. If I were simply going downtown to get something, the LCP would suffice. If I am going to provide security at a church (think Texas), then I would carry my CZ for more accuracy at distance and more firepower.

I always tell people to find a pistol that fits your hands but not necessarily for a self defense pistol. The reason is you are not doing target shooting with it. The main purpose is concealment and function. You are not doing precision shooting with a conceal firearm.

These, of course, are just my opinions. I know several people who carry Sig's and the Shield and all like them. Spend lots of time thinking through all of it. I think my wife handled 20-30 small pistols many years ago before she decided on the Ruger LCR and she loves it.
 
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redrocker

Junior
Dec 4, 2001
762
266
58
What do you got? I am leaning toward a Glock 19 or Sig 365XL. I've shot both and both have solid reputations. Anything else I should consider? I want minimum printing, but something that is long enough for hands that are on the larger side. TIA.

Also, is the insurance a must have? Considering USCCA.
[/QUOTE

If you plan on carrying it on you, like inside the waistband either appendex or 3-4 o’clock. I wouldn’t consider a full size pistol. Realistically if you plan on carrying a lot, a smaller compact or subcompact would work much better. Look at a Sig P365, Glock 43 or 42, S&W makes a compact shield also. If you like the HK VP9, consider getting the VP9SK. They don’t hold as many rounds, but you can carry an extra mag. Whichever gun you get you have to practice!

The first 3 guns listed above will have a good selection of holsters, and be prepared to buy a couple. I really like the N8 tactical professional IWB holsters. Very comfortable, adjustable and safe. A good belt helps also. USCCA is a must.

Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.
 

LoudHogRider

Heisman
Aug 4, 2010
119,891
70,103
0
i like the old school look of revolvers.
other than capacity, any reason not to invest in one of these beauts?
None whatsoever. But they're generally thicker, heavier to carry, and harder to conceal than modern day semi-automatics, particularly those with "single stack" magazines, and this thread is about concealed carry. Plus some revolvers give you some ammo versatility. As an example, a revolver designed to shoot the .357 magnum rounds can also shoot .38 special rounds, which are less expensive and softer shooting for range days.

There are smaller revolvers designed for concealed carry and as such many individuals do conceal carry their revolvers, but they're most comfortable with an "outside the waistband" holster due to their size & weight. IMO.

Depending on your budget, revolvers can be one heck of an investment. Those old Colts continue to appreciate in value, as to many of the other upper tier revolvers - particularly anything "pre-lock".
 

Baxter48_rivals204143

All-Conference
Sep 22, 2010
8,892
2,089
0
What are you clowns carrying for in Nebraska? Talk about snowflakes. Can’t walk around your hick towns w/out carrying? Talk about fragile masculinity. I see fellers with bigger stones then u gun toting rubes at my socially distanced drum circle.
So why do you come on a Nebraska football board? To Insult people for exercising there second amendment rights? I’ll take my hick town over your rat infested sewer smelling big city any day
 

chicolby

All-Conference
May 3, 2012
4,329
3,102
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So why do you come on a Nebraska football board? To Insult people for exercising there second amendment rights? I’ll take my hick town over your rat infested sewer smelling big city any day
I come to a Nebraska football board to discuss Nebraska football. Why do you come here?
 

GeorgeFlippin

Heisman
May 29, 2001
38,562
35,542
113
What are you clowns carrying for in Nebraska? Talk about snowflakes. Can’t walk around your hick towns w/out carrying? Talk about fragile masculinity. I see fellers with bigger stones then u gun toting rubes at my socially distanced drum circle.
If you're involved it's more like a "dumb" circle. Bet none of those you reside with in your circle are tougher than you, right?