Advice re concealed carry...

[MrAceJD]

I was looking for some advice relating to concealed carry. I need to figure out which pistols I plan to get qualified on. The pistols I own that I think are legit relevant for concealed carry are:

1. Springfield Hellcat
2. Walther PPK (2021 model)
3. Glock 19
4. Glock 19x
5. Kimber 2 inch KS6 Double Action Only - Deluxe Carry Revolver (hidden hammer)
6, Sig Sauer M18
7. Glock 30 (45 ACP)

I want to pick just two or three to get qualified on. I figure the Hellcat is definitely in because of size. I wanted to include the PPK but I feel like it's a waste due to mag capacity and the .380, but I like that it has a safety and I really just like the pistol.

I like the M18 but it's probably the largest on the list, but I would like to include that if I can conceal it well.

The Glock 19 seems like a no downside choice.

But I am also considering the Kimber revolver.

I supposed I can get qualified on as many as I want, but still I wanted to see if anyone had advice here.

I am a large guy, 6"2" around 275, so I can probably conceal more easily.

Thanks for any tips, I am new at this as I never thought we would be able to carry in this state so I tended to favor full size pistols. The laws just changed so I am getting in line...

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Glock 19 and hellcat is all youll ever need. No safety is a plus. The ks6 is very cool but too heavy most times.

 

[Sandstorm]

I carry a 365 XL and its the largest I want to haul around. I mean that
in a really good way...as its almost like its not there at all..less you need it.

 

[Rook 6]

Glock 19 and hellcat is all youll ever need. No safety is a plus. The ks6 is very cool but too heavy mo FB

Glock 19 and hellcat is all youll ever need. No safety is a plus. The ks6 is very cool but too heavy most times.

Good advice here. If you can, you might want to try a P365X or XL also. It was a game changer for me personally. A LOT of pistol in a concealable package.

 

[troupe]

I can not speak to NJ law, but with the most recent Supreme Court ruling, I hope it helps for you all. For the pistols that you have listed, the Hellcat and the Kimber revolver are both good pistols. Shoot the one that you are the most comfortable with and that you shoot the best. I don't know your experience or shooting abilities. The revolver will always shoot for you in a bad situation. Fine motor skills can leave quickly in a dangerous encounter. Which ever you decide, shoot it a lot, and then shoot more. If you have the opportunity for any type of force on force training, it could be very helpful and also very eye opening. We are about the same size, I am just a little taller and my daily is a SIG 365 XL.

Good luck, be safe and continue to shoot.

 

[MrAceJD]

I can not speak to NJ law, but with the most recent Supreme Court ruling, I hope it helps for you all. For the pistols that you have listed, the Hellcat and the Kimber revolver are both good pistols. Shoot the one that you are the most comfortable with and that you shoot the best. I don't know your experience or shooting abilities. The revolver will always shoot for you in a bad situation. Fine motor skills can leave quickly in a dangerous encounter. Which ever you decide, shoot it a lot, and then shoot more. If you have the opportunity for any type of force on force training, it could be very helpful and also very eye opening. We are about the same size, I am just a little taller and my daily is a SIG 365 XL.

Good luck, be safe and continue to shoot.

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, NJ already changed their application process. I have been shooting for around 30 years, just never had to consider carry considerations. Definitely planning on taking more advanced pistol courses. I have taken a few over the years (holster draw, etc.). I am doing the full 8 hour NRA Pistol Safety course next week so I can get the cert...

 

[MrAceJD]

Glock 19 and hellcat is all youll ever need. No safety is a plus. The ks6 is very cool but too heavy most times.

Thanks!

 

[MrAceJD]

Good advice here. If you can, you might want to try a P365X or XL also. It was a game changer for me personally. A LOT of pistol in a concealable package.

Thanks!

 

[1shot]

Carry the pistol that "fits". when on a 2 way range, you don't have the time to fumble with a safety, or properly align the sights. The average gun fight lasts 2.1 seconds and a total of 3 rounds fired. Keep that in mind when choosing your defensive handgun. If your choice doesn't point where you are looking, it's a poor choice.
I hope this helps,

Lloyd

 

[R.Morehouse]

I know you have a list there, but I am going to suggest a Smith Airweight hammerless with rosewood grips. Like 1shot said above, it is all going to happen so fast you need to be able to act/re-act instantly. The mentioned gun wont hang up for any reason, is very light and easy to carry and can be used from inside a jacket pocket if necessary......Maybe get one for a back-up and choose the Glock 19.

Regards
Rick

 

[Knotwild]

Not that I seriously know anything - but I went with the Sig P365xl also. I like the size, but added slightly longer base pads to fit my big hands. I also stuck a Wilson Combat grip on it and an extended mag release. But the best thing I did was put a put a red dot sight on it (Holosun 407K). If you spend the time to train yourself to acquire the dot through muscle memory it is awesome and will up your ability to make hits significantly. Sig also now makes the Sig P322 that is basically the same shape and size, but is .22lr and holds 20 rounds.

Unfortunately it is not easy to mount a red dot on a Glock unless it is a MOS model, or your mill your slide, or you buy a new slide. But out of all that you listed, I would vote for the Glock 19. Small guns with small grips are hard to shoot accurately unless you spend the time and money to practice.

 

[jdh47]

In Texas if you qualify with a revolver that's what you have to carry. If you qualify with a simi-auto then you can carry either one. At least that's the way it was way back when I qualified.
I'd use the pistol I am more familiar with and shoot well. You have some nice pistols so you have some good things to choose from. Unless you shoot a lot recoil may be a concern.

 

[284winner]

I was looking for some advice relating to concealed carry. I need to figure out which pistols I plan to get qualified on. The pistols I own that I think are legit relevant for concealed carry are:

1. Springfield Hellcat
2. Walther PPK (2021 model)
3. Glock 19
4. Glock 19x
5. Kimber 2 inch KS6 Double Action Only - Deluxe Carry Revolver (hidden hammer)
6, Sig Sauer M18
7. Glock 30 (45 ACP)

I want to pick just two or three to get qualified on. I figure the Hellcat is definitely in because of size. I wanted to include the PPK but I feel like it's a waste due to mag capacity and the .380, but I like that it has a safety and I really just like the pistol.

I like the M18 but it's probably the largest on the list, but I would like to include that if I can conceal it well.

The Glock 19 seems like a no downside choice.

But I am also considering the Kimber revolver.

I supposed I can get qualified on as many as I want, but still I wanted to see if anyone had advice here.

I am a large guy, 6"2" around 275, so I can probably conceal more easily.

Thanks for any tips, I am new at this as I never thought we would be able to carry in this state so I tended to favor full size pistols. The laws just changed so I am getting in line...

Personally if I were looking for 3 pistols to get familiar with for carry, they'd all be Glocks or all be the 1911 type pistols. I wouldn't mix the two. You need to develop a muscle memory to the pistol and it's features. They are completely different other than where the bullet exits. I only shoot Glocks for personal defense. I carry one on duty and off duty so nothing changes. The last thing you want to do when that moment occurs in a defensive scenario is lose focus on the threat to see if the safety is on our if it even has a safety. KISS is an acronym that matters here.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

In Texas if you qualify with a revolver that's what you have to carry. If you qualify with a simi-auto then you can carry either one. At least that's the way it was way back when I qualified.
I'd use the pistol I am more familiar with and shoot well. You have some nice pistols so you have some good things to choose from. Unless you shoot a lot recoil may be a concern.

Its the same in arkansas. Used to be 3 serial numbers on your permit and those were the pistols or revolvers you qualified with, and thats all you could carry

 

[clowdis]

I have a Glock 19X and it's an OK handgun, lots of ammo in the mag and kinda heavy, but I carry a PPKS. A lot easier to carry. Weight will make a difference if you carry it all day.

 

[Medic505]

In Texas if you qualify with a revolver that's what you have to carry. If you qualify with a simi-auto then you can carry either one. At least that's the way it was way back when I qualified.
I'd use the pistol I am more familiar with and shoot well. You have some nice pistols so you have some good things to choose from. Unless you shoot a lot recoil may be a concern.

Laws change and so did this. Not that way anymore.

Another vote for a Sig 365.

 

[243Lapua]

Carry light, Glock 19.

 

[JimPag]

I have a Glock 19X and it's an OK handgun, lots of ammo in the mag and kinda heavy, but I carry a PPKS. A lot easier to carry. Weight will make a difference if you carry it all day.

Ya but he's 6'2" and 275. It's a lot different back in the day when I was 6' and a buck 80. Back in the mid 80's when I worked for a local PD in Mass you could carry whatever you qualified with. Revolvers were the std carry weapon during that period of time. I only had 2 revolvers a 6" Phython, a 3" S&W Chief's special and a semi a H&K P7 PSP. I didn't want to carry the Chief's spcl full time so I ended up changing the Python barrel to 4". I wish I was 6'2" and 275 then it would of been no problem driving around with a 6" revolver in my holster. Plus IMO anything below a 9 I wouldn't waste my time carrying. I would definitely go with the Glock 19.

 

[Rsadams]

Glock 19 is my every day but I am in Texas and we have open or concealed carry..... I just wear a long shirt over it... Yes it prints but I hate in the waist band because I have never found a holster that's even close to comfortable... Plus I don't like micro pistols unless that's all I can have...

 

[K22]

I think it's important for concealed carry holders to take a course on the laws and also tactics governing the carrying and use of a deadly weapon for self-defense.

I attended such a class in the 80's given by a State Police Officer and Lawyer. It was not mandatory in my State to obtain a concealed carry permit, but I chose to take it for my own personal liability's sake, and it was well worth the small fee and time. Since then, I've made an effort to stay update on changes in the laws in my State.

As far as firearms, personally I prefer a "J" frame S&W, 38 Special, 2-3" barrel length loaded with 38+P high performance loads specially designed for self-defense.

After encountering a feral dog in the Greene County PA many years ago, and a rabbit raccoon a few years ago, I carry mine mostly for protection when I'm in the wilds. So, I prefer a hammer on my revolver for more precise aimed slow fire. However, if I was carrying in public for defense against potential criminals, I would definitely go for a hammerless model in a revolver.

One of the tactics we were taught in the class was NEVER cock a revolver when confronting a threat because the stress of the moment may create an unintended discharge of the weapon. In other words, shooting double action requires an intended effort to discharge the weapon because of the force required to fire it whereas single action (cocked hammer) does not require the same level awareness to discharge the weapon.

Thank God I've never had to use mine in a criminal encounter.