Concealed carry opinions. lcr 38+p or.....

[VaniB]

[size=14pt]Enter the phrase "police shootings" on youtube[/size] to get a first hand look at why you need to carry potent calibers with as many rounds in a magazine as possible....and NOT a revolver. Using a gun in self defense is serious business. It's sickening to see how officers who had fired on a perpetrator and hit the crazed individual with multiple shots, were still fired upon by the perp, and in some instances the officer was slaughtered.

I have owned a slew of different S&W and Colt revolvers big and small through the 1970's - 1980's, and still own large 357 and 44 mag revolvers for the fun of it. But for self defense in the year 2014, there is no reason any longer to limit yourself to 5 or 6 shots carrying a clumsy 357 revolver (never mind a 38!). Unlike the pistols of yester-year, many of todays modern sub-compact pistols are ultra reliable while providing twice the fire power of a revolver. I comfortably carry a Glock 23 with 9+1 rounds, but I still intend to upgrade to a 9+1 Glock in either 10mm or 45.

 

[stool]

I have the LCR in 357, and I have shot it with full house mag loads. In my opinion it is remarkably controllable, especially for its size and weight. Not uncomfortable at all to me, though you do certainly know you're not shooting a .22 revolver. I normally keep it full of the 38 short barrel loads.

E

 

[stool]

some people are constantly ignoring the CONCEALED part of concealed carry.....
a 10mm or a 45acp....lol

[size=14pt]Enter the phrase "police shootings" on youtube[/size] to get a first hand look at why you need to carry potent calibers with as many rounds in a magazine as possible....and NOT a revolver. Using a gun in self defense is serious business. It's sickening to see how officers who had fired on a perpetrator and hit the crazed individual with multiple shots, were still fired upon by the perp, and in some instances the officer was slaughtered.

I have owned a slew of different S&W and Colt revolvers big and small through the 1970's - 1980's, and still own large 357 and 44 mag revolvers for the fun of it. But for self defense in the year 2014, there is no reason any longer to limit yourself to 5 or 6 shots carrying a clumsy 357 revolver (never mind a 38!). Unlike the pistols of yester-year, many of todays modern sub-compact pistols are ultra reliable while providing twice the fire power of a revolver. I comfortably carry a Glock 23 with 9+1 rounds, but I still intend to upgrade to a 9+1 Glock in either 10mm or 45.

 

[queen_stick]

Chevy truck,

I carry a s&w 340pd. Weighs 11oz empty. It's pretty much the same thing as the LCR. I spent a bunch of time comparing different models, and decided to spend the money on the lightest model available. I'm glad I did. Another reason I took this route, is because of the enclosed hammer and no slide. You can empty it while it's in your jacket pocket with 100% reliability. Can't guarantee that with any semiauto.

The LCR is nice for the price though!

These small revolvers WILL leave you with a sore hand if you try to clean out a couple boxes of ammo in a single range session. I stick to 38's... 357's really do suck in these little guys. Lol

 

[SW Iowa Shooter]

Everyone has different situations to find solutions for that they are comfortable with. I have shot two Ruger LCR's that were both amazingly accurate at 30-60'. much better than a model 37 S&W that I bought 30 years ago was. If it fits your hand, your budget, and the place you want to carry it; the LCR is a great value in a light weight CCW. Find a load that you can shoot quickly and accurately and it may save your life, but I don't think it will be your favorite pistol to shoot plates, tin cans, or prairie dogs with. Nice trigger!

 

[watercam]

I have and love my LCR. .38+ stoked with Buffalo Bore 158 gr. SWCHP Gas Checked. 1020 fps from a 1.8" barrel (1040 from my 3" SP101 w/ .357 chamber). That is about all I ever want to push out of this little revolver but it sure is accurate. I completely agree with the experienced opinion of the Police Officer above but have made my choice for the same reasons you wrote about already. I put a lot of rounds down range with it (6gr. 800X/ same bullet Buffalo Bore uses from Rim Rock Bullets) and am confident with it. Just hope to Hell I never have to use it...

 

[bheadboy]

Consider the Kahr CW9 or 40 in a Sneeky Pete holster

Bob

 

[Raythemanroe]

I would like to add to the heap since I am a fan of Ruger's, The SR40c with a Ghost trigger!

 

[Joe Maisto]

Re: Concelled carry opinions. lcr 38+p or.....

i considered some glock models when i got my M&P. i cant get used to the grip angle. Also with one in the chamber the only thing that prevents a problem is the small piece in the trigger correct? I will not carry one in the chamber with these designs.

Chevy;

I too have concerns for the same reasons with my M&P. Not known to all is the fact that S&W model M&P comes in 4 variations. At the time I purchased mine, that was not the case. They are available with four (4) options. They are as follows:

(a) Will fire with one chambered and the magazine inserted. ( note) It will so be inscribed as such on the receiver !

(b) will NOT fire with one chambered and the magazine removed. ( as mine is)

(c) a side thumb safety is available.

(d) they can be ordered with an optional feature whereby you may insert a small "key" in an area provided whereby the weapon cannot be fired with it in the locked position.

My opinion is I too think it is dangerous being able to fire as what I have. On the other hand, would one have time to think of taking it off of safety in an emergency situation ?
Perhaps a revolver would be a better choice with a heavy trigger pull to rotate the cylinder.
I suppose if one utilizes a great deal of "practice" with a hammer or thumb safety, it would give us more peace of mind.

 

[RHux]

cm-9 kAHR Long light trigger , like a very smooth revolver.

 

[Jdne5b]

I pocket carry a LCR .357. It's a little bulkier than the S&W M&P 360 I had, but much more pleasant to shoot.

I carry the .357 Federal 158gr Nyclad (while I still have some). I think it chrono'd 800 fps or so out of the LCR.

 

[VaniB]

Stool,

Everybody's ergonomics is different, and so too will be what they will consider comfortable to wear. I can tell you that I am comfortable enough with my 9+1 Glock 40cal model 23 tucked into my wasteband. It is hardly any more perceptable to me then when I use to carry my 6+1 Kahr 9mm. It is comfortable enough that I can sit down at a restaurant with the family, and forget that I'm wearing it. While I do not own a Springfield 5+1 45cal XDS, it is identical in all dimensions except it is slimmer then my Glock....and so should be even easier to carry! The 45cal Glock model 30S with an 8+1 magazine is only 1/2 longer then my Glock 23. While I agree with you that the Glock 29 10mm may be a bit much to carry concealed, you may reconsider both the XDS or the Glock 30s which are very doable.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/SA-Universal-CLIPDRAW-for-semi-automatic-Thinnest-holster-on-the-planet-/181170804522?pt=US_Holsters&var=&hash=item2a2e9f172a

 

[tonybka]

I an
I am very happy with the Springfield Armory XDS. .45 caliber in a small package. Very accurate for a small package.

 

[snert]

happy with Kahr MK9 (old one) and 32 in my front pocket all the time. Carried a 686 when I started, then a G22 for 19 years. None of them stop "bears", but they do even the fight! be realistic here. This really is a matter of training, preference and choice.

Personally, I like a brunette, but you might not....


snert

 

[Raythemanroe]

The only gun I wasn't happy with was a competitor after it spit the second firing pin I had to let her go.

 

[CoverDog]

I was carrying a S&W M&P 40 Compact is a Boom Stick OWB holster. But since I have a little overhang on the sides is was not real comfortable. At the 2014 SHOT Show I handled everything I could and when I returned home I ordered a SIG 938 Extreme.

It rides in a D.M. Bullard Body Guard OWB holster. It sits between the small of my back and my right hip, and on several occasions I have had to feel to make sure it was still there. It is that comfortable. I have ordered another Bullard Body Guard holster but am getting it lined and am having the sweat shield made about 1/4" larger. Nice quality at an affordable price. Custom orders are running about 4 weeks, not months or years.

 

[acloco]

Im currently considering a pistol for concealed carry that is a little more comfortable and safe with one in the chamber then my m&p 9mm and springfield r. officer 1911. My current thoughts are between the LCR 38+p (possibly 357), or similar small type revolvers, or though a little on the bigger end a sig p2022 with decocker.. I really like the LCR's size and fit but I am concerned with accuracy and stopping power.

Just about any reasonable centerfire pistol caliber with modern bullets (example - Hornady Critical Defense) will be more than enough "stopping power". You do not want a magnum on a small and/or light frame providing heavy recoil and muzzle flash. Do CURRENT research on NEW technology. The other side of +P and magnums - they are more than likely going to pass through.

Accuracy? If something bad happens, the bad person either HAS their hands on you or is about to put hands on you.

If you have time to find sights (which is a fine motor skill as well), you had time to retreat, leave, or diffuse the situation.

FIRST commitment if you carry concealed, you are committed to using the firearm as a last form of self defense. SECOND commitment if you carry concealed, shooting somebody is the last thing you want to do (legal defense, no matter how right you are, will be painful. The societal aftermath will be worse). THIRD - if you are not committed to defending yourself, the bad person is going to take the firearm away from you and use it as they wish....probably on you and yours.

 

[acloco]

+1 on the Kahr. I don't personally own firearms of any kind but I have a neighbor/friend/cousin who has a PM9 that carries very well. The PM40 is also a fine pistol if you don't think the 9mm is up to the task. The MK series is nice if you don't like polymer or don't mind the weight.

I am trying to put my small gray matter around your post. You stated "I don't personally own firearms of any kind...." ....and then give your opinion of what firearm the original poster should buy?

 

[acloco]

That is my story and I am sticking to it.

LOL! Gotcha! Thanks.

 

[VaniB]

My 13 year old Kahr MK 9 use to be my primary carry until I saw police shooting videos of how full sized 45's DON'T ALWAYS STOP CRAZED DRUGGIES. Now my Kahr 9 stays home while I reach for my Glock 40cal. (but I will be buying a Glock 30S)

BE FORWARNED THAT A LOT OF KAHRS DON'T WORK. I bought 2 new MK40's years ago and had to get rid of both due to FTF. Google the consumer horror stories still going on. I'd buy a Shield 40 now or a Ruger LC 9 if I wanted sub .45 cal pistols that WORK out of the box.