my first concealed carry pistol

[Mid-Ohio Valley]

i bought a S&W 38 special. i pondered carrying a compact 1911 but just couldn't imagine carrying a large piece concealed. i found out alot of local police carried this gun as a backup piece. looking for opinions on the gun.

thanks matt

[Mid-Ohio Valley]

meant to say 15 oz not loaded

[walleyefan]

Like you I really did not want to carry a 45 for concealed carry so I opted for a 9mm revolver instead or at times a Bersa 380 auto. Wanted a 38 special ultralite but the 9 was a great deal I could not pass up.

Just practice with what ever you are going to carry.

[Mid-Ohio Valley]

i went with the revolver to eliminate the possiblity of a misfire. hopefully i never need to use it but i dont want to think about negative actions in a life or death moment.

[ohiosam]

Hard to beat a little .38 for a CCW.

[walleyefan]

Carry what you are most comfortable with, that is why I use the revolver mostly also. When funds are available still want to get a ultralite. I don't really have a model in mind but have shot a friends Taurus 85ul several times and like it myself. But if a smith is around at that time might have to try it out.

[XX78]

Just don't go too light, that thing will kick like hell, may fly out of you hand and then you won't want to shoot it anymore.

[ap0317ah]

My dad carries a 38 special S&W. One of the hammerless models very dependable carry arm not my choice I like my 1911 and my S&W .40.
Tom

[whitetailfreak]

carry what works for you and learn to use it in self deffense situations and practice them be proficient .you may not like a revolver in a gun fight you only have the ammo in the gun (unless your carring shells too then that gun size issue is kind of pointless)ccw class is fine for what they teach you but by no means do i think it makes someone ready to DEFFEND themself with a firearm .but it is a step closer .i would suggest the follw up courses they offer .they do help .then decide what you want to carry .by the way the new springfield .45 isnt that bulky and hard to carry no more bulky than most 9 mm .

[epe]

Matt, I picked up a glock 23 for my carry gun, for when i do get around to taking my course. The 22 was too big, and the 27 is too short of a barrel, to shoot very well. You are big guy, I think you could carry a little bit bigger gun comfortably. Are you going to carry it in a holster, or in a "gun bag" fanny pack bag?

[BigV]

i bought a S&W 38 special. i pondered carrying a compact 1911 but just couldn't imagine carrying a large piece concealed. i found out alot of local police carried this gun as a backup piece. looking for opinions on the gun.

thanks matt
Congratulations on your new carry gun. What model S&W is it??
Actually a 1911 is easier to conceal than a revolver as the cylinder makes the revolver wider than a 1911. Here’s a picture of my Kimber 1911 model Custom CDP in .45 ACP. It has an aluminum frame and is 7oz lighter than its steel counterpart. It’s a true joy to carry!!
http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/1629Ultra_CDP1.JPG

[Ðe§perado™]

I carry a Springfield Armory XD 40, it is a great gun in my eyes. I'm looking at getting a baby Glock in the .40 cal. to carry. Nice guns you guys have.

[Mid-Ohio Valley]

My S&W is a hammerless model 642. i just finished my class yesterday April 23. I took a private class in Parkersburg WV. The instructor was 1 of those guys you could sit and talk to all day long. He is a Vietnam Vet, former Police Officer, a lawyer, and has his own PI business. If anyone could travel to SE Ohio for his class it would be well worth your time. He is nationally certified. Also of not he is one of the countries top IDPA shooters.