When I carry I don't want anybody to know that I'm armed. I had a rant on here a few days ago about a guy walking around in a Wal-Mart with a full size 45 Auto clearly visible stuck in his pants in the back. I was standing talking to a friend when this guy got in line to check out and there were five or six different people that got in line behind him then moved to another longer line. Every register had lines except the one he was in. As I said the other day people that open carry in public places are doing so to show off and are IDIOTS. Not that I mean to hurt anybody's feelings with my remarks. But truth is truth and they are IDIOTS.
When I carry, as I said above, I do not want anybody noticing that I have a firearm on me. To me, having a visible weapon, is just putting a sign on my back that says, 'shoot me first'. It would also compromise my reason for carrying which is to protect my family. Having a visible firearm attracts attention which I do not want. I'm not out to have a firefight in a restaurant or store or anywhere. You want my car, you can have it. Want my money and credit cards, they can be cancelled. If I am by myself I will run from a confrontation. I will only stand my ground to protect my loved ones. A firearm is the last resort. I wanted a no safety, long trigger pull, double action only automatic pistol. Something I could jerk out of a pocket and fire quickly at a methhead screaming, "I'm gonna kill you", as he jumps out running at my family. So this is what I carry. A Ruger LCP in 380 ACP with Hornady Critical Defense ammunition in a Gunner Security Wallet Holster.
The holster is designed to be carried in a back pocket, my right since I am right handed, and the weapon is drawn and fired while still in the holster. It is actually easier to shoot that way. Unless somebody sees that you are carrying two billfolds they are unnoticeable. I do not own a 9mm but I am looking for one but not for a carry pistol. Brother in law carries a Ruger LC9S. He had the regular LC9 first but said the trigger was awful.
My suggestion to you is to sit down and write out the situations that you might encounter were you had to draw and use your firearm. Every area in this country is different. For example, if there are a lot of carjackings in your area you want a crossdraw holster that allows you to draw your weapon sitting in the car. List the attributes the firearm must have, caliber, action, size, etc. Then look online at specs and narrow your selection down. Then go to gunshops and actually look at the weapons. Don't let emotion play a part, stick with your criteria and make your choice. Then carefully look at the online tests and reviews of ammunition. Test it in your weapon to make sure it functions properly with that ammo. Buy you a comfortable holster of some sort. Then practice shooting, not with steady aimed shots but quick pull it out and blast away in a hurry panic shots.
Then go home and pray you never have to draw your weapon.
RSKY
P.S. Sorry about going on another rant but I'm looking for a cheap 9mm, not a carry gun, at local gunshops. Have visited eight in the past three weeks. So I've had my fill of gun shop 'experts'. Been told twice to 'never get into a gunfight with any caliber that doesn't start with a 4'. As if I want to get in a gunfight. Been told I need to spend no less than $1000 if I want to have a dependable gun. Then why do you sell these cheap ones?? Been told I need to carry an extra mag with bullets that will shoot thru the side of a car!?!? That was not a clerk but a customer telling me about his walking around arsenal. Think SWAT wannabe with a pistol and a backup with extra mags for both. Most people I talked to were normal but there were two scary stupid people that concerned me enough that I will probably start carrying ALL the time instead of just when I go to the farm.
