What is the perfect CCW?

[usmcveteran]

I know there is no right answer to this question but I'm curious to everyone's opinions including what criteria are most important to them.

For example I know some feel stopping power is important while others feel something that is easy to carry is more likely to be carried.

So what do you think is the perfect CCW?

[masterswimmer]

Very interested question. I say this because my opinion of what criteria is most important has changed recently.

Stopping power was extremely high on my requirements list for the longest time. During the last year and a half I've lost a lot of weight (40-45 lbs). This has made concealment a bit more tricky. Larger calibers with more hefty weight have become a challenge at least during the summer months. I've come to accept smaller calibers, smaller frames as a better alternative than carrying nothing at all.

During my 'larger' days I was carrying a Springfield EMP.40
I started carrying a Ruger LCR .38 to make concealment more practical. I determined I didn't like shooting the LCR. So I sold it off.
I'm still trying to figure out what the most comfortable and efficient EDC is for me.

[gtnorry]

The perfect CCW is what you're comfortable with....
Comfort level of weight.
Comfort level of printing.
Comfort level of caliber.
Comfort level of ability to shoot more than adequately to get the job done.

Now me personally I appendix carry a Glock 19 with two spare mags on the weak side. The weight doesn't bother me and the level of printing doesn't bother me either. I buy my clothes to fit my gun not the other way around. I refuse to have a less adequate caliber or harder to control mini gun because I want to wear tighter fitting clothes.

[thughes]

It's whatever is comfortable enough to actually carry, my preferred is G26 OWB but will switch it up with BG380 pocket carry as conditions dictate. Opinions on mouse guns not withstanding, I imagine there has to be a sense of glee when the bad guy tells you to fork over the wallet and you reach into your pocket to pull out a pistol instead.....

[Meketrefe]

This is all relative, who is the person, where do you live, what life style and clothes do you have, what different occasions thus pistols you feel confortable with?... etc....

I would say...

Something powerful but not too powerful.
Something light but not too light.
Something handy but not too small

Most importantly...

Something confortable with easy access
Something utterly reliable

As far as brands and models goes we have too many. It can be daunting.
I always start with reliability, service and proven track record.

[usmcveteran]

One of my key requirements is that it be enjoyable to shoot, I want to want to shoot it at the range so I get more practice with it vs something that hurts my hands after a few shots.

With that practice comes confidence and I don't want to worry if I am going to hit my target or not

[nortatoga]

One of my key requirements is that it be enjoyable to shoot, I want to want to shoot it at the range so I get more practice with it vs something that hurts my hands after a few shots.

With that practice comes confidence and I don't want to worry if I am going to hit my target or not

Exactly!! I have a Kel-Tec PF9 that should be a great CCW pistol. I hate shooting it, It is way to snappy 12.7 oz ( And I'm a big guy) the trigger sucks by the 4th round my trigger finger hurts! Now I have a S&W 6906 that I just love to shoot DA/SA, 24 oz great size but it's a double stack so a little bit wide. So I picked up a S&W Shield in 9mm last Sept before I took my Unrestricted class here in Saratoga County ( Tough I shot the 6906 in the live fire part ) The Shield is fun to shoot 19 oz with the 8 round mag it fit's my hand nicely, good trigger! And now they came out with it in 45 ACP!! That's next on the list!

[WARFAB]

One of my key requirements is that it be enjoyable to shoot, I want to want to shoot it at the range so I get more practice with it vs something that hurts my hands after a few shots.

With that practice comes confidence and I don't want to worry if I am going to hit my target or not

Pretty much my thought. I have oversized grips on my J frame, and my Steyr M9 has a grip that fits my hand well. I can shoot both comfortably and usually carry one or the other. At this point I think my biggest gains in ease of carrying will come from updating my wardrobe. What is the point of a smaller pistol if you can't hit anything with it?

The Steyr M9 is a bit on the larger side for comfortable carry, but I just love the pistol. I'd be open to trying one of the smaller sized Steyrs. If I get a raise I'd also consider an M&P shield or Springfield XD variant. At this point I can't complain about my options, but I'm pretty sure it would be fun to try out some different options if I can.

[Meketrefe]

Agree so Keltec and Beretta are out, right?

[Greywolf224]

I have been CCW'ing a Kahr k40 for last few years. Can shoot it all day. Its snappy which feels just right when shooting.

I'm old school and prefer a leather holster so I carry in a Tagua OWB thumb break holster.
At 6'1" and 205lbs it sits close to my gut. Tried a fobus paddle holster but it digs into my side too much.

[Brendan2904]

Ok so I am by far an official, I have carried many types of guns for edc. Here is my take on the whole situation, carry what fits your hand the best and what you are comfortable with. I currently carry a Smith and Wesson Shield 9mm. I have carried 1911's, 3rd Gen Smith and Wessons, a Glock 26, a 5 shot revolver snub and a full size 3rd Gen Smith and Wesson 5946.

[speedogg138]

Usually a J frame but I'm about to take a look at a 45acp Shield, I've heard very good things about the new Shield.

[harleyhutch]

I'll stick with my Colt Mustang Plus II, .380. Small enough to conceal, hefty enough that I know it's there, intimately familiar with it, never had an issue with it and been carrying it for 20 plus years. Don't see a need to change as my supply of Federal Hi Shock's are still holding out.

[Brendan2904]

My point is carry what you are comfortable with.

[Doc8404]

One of my key requirements is that it be enjoyable to shoot, I want to want to shoot it at the range so I get more practice with it vs something that hurts my hands after a few shots.

With that practice comes confidence and I don't want to worry if I am going to hit my target or not

Glock 19
Walther PPS but avoid the paddle release.