Free: Contests & Raffles.
I've never been in a gun fight and don't plan on it. However, there have been two occasions in my life where I was prepared to draw and fire before the situation de-escalated. My WSP buddy tells me they are going back to 9mm because the studies of LEO gunfights show the more bullets the better the outcome for LEO; capacity is more important than individual round performance. I think personal defensive carry is quite a bit different, so carry what you are committed to carrying. Being able to draw a handgun is a huge game changer in a defensive situation, and if it ever comes to it putting a round into play is another huge game changer - in most defensive situations a shot fired is going to eliminate the threat, whether you hit or miss. In the incredibly rare situation where the threat remains, it's nice to have more shots. If you are willing to let your carry preference dictate your wardrobe you can carry almost anything you want. I second the suggestion to shoot as many handguns as you can and find the one you love to shoot best. I've had many handguns, and still have quite a few. Based on my philosophy I find my LCP to fit all my carry needs with an IWB holster, especially during hot summer months, and I have one that shoots reasonably well at 7 yards: 90%+ of slow fire hit center of mass, while a rapid fire magazine dump will put at least two on target. However, I frequently carry either an LCR in .38+p for more energy or a P238 for more accuracy. For the woods and rural activities I usually carry a 4" Ruger Security Six in .357. I would not feel terribly undergunned with a .22LR. I've killed over 500 crippled/nuisance deer and antelope between point blank and 40 yards with a 6" Ruger Mark II with a variety of .22 ammo, enough to know that terminal performance of CCI stingers is darned impressive with a real possibility of overpenetration, in urban areas I often used standard velocity RN ammo as I never had one exit a deer-sized animal, and one in the lungs will make one sick enough that it will lay down and can be finished at close range with a second shot within a few minutes. Not exactly relevant to the CCW discussion directly, my point is almost any good performing expanding bullet will put a serious hurt on man-sized opponents. One of many articles available looking at the issue of stopping power in real life: https://www.buckeyefirearms.org/alternate-look-handgun-stopping-powerThe takehome is bigger is better. However, that ONLY APPLIES IF you are carrying when the assault takes place. So find a handgun that is comfortable to shoot and carry, and maximize your chances of having A handgun when you need it. If you know you are going into a fight, I hope you have a long gun in your hands
So I bought the gen5 g19 and absolutely love it. It's a blast to shoot and it's more accurate than I am. I'm having a harder time finding a holster for it that I like but from reading here and elsewhere looks like the alien gear iwb might be my next test. Thanks for all the advice fellas. Truly appreciated.
Quote from: Jpmiller on March 03, 2018, 02:07:23 PMSo I bought the gen5 g19 and absolutely love it. It's a blast to shoot and it's more accurate than I am. I'm having a harder time finding a holster for it that I like but from reading here and elsewhere looks like the alien gear iwb might be my next test. Thanks for all the advice fellas. Truly appreciated.If you're looking for an IWB, I have been really happy with Don Hume products. I have IWBs from them for a few guns. The one I use 90% of the time is 15 years old. Hard to beat for $35.