Which gun am I carrying today?

[Texas_Tactical]

I carry either M&P .40 compact or Bodyguard .380 for a pocket gun. if I wear a belt I usually carry the 40 but if im in shorts or in workout clothes i carry the .380. Since moving to crime ridden Tyler I tend to carry my .40 more.

[AdioSS]

crime ridden Tyler?

[texanron]

texanron,

"CCW lifestyle"?

Without, I hope, sounding overly critical of your statement, having a CHL and carrying daily, doesn't for me at least, create a lifestyle.

If carrying does not create a lifestyle for you, fine. I think it does create a lifestyle for me. It stikes me as a bit odd that one innocuous word on a relatively straight forward concern is highlighted instead of your point of view on the topic at hand.

[Texas_Tactical]

crime ridden Tyler?

I'm from Longview, so Tyler seems more "Crime ridden." Although it doesn't compare to Dallas or Houston it has more people and a higher crime rate than Longview . The last week I've been here I've been on mental high alert. I make it a habit to be aware of my surrounding(Working in corrections does that to you) But it's probably just because it's a new place. It will probably wear off a little over time but I know myself enough that it will never get to wear I'm complacent.

I'm sure Tyler seems like "the sticks" to some people on here.

[rm9792]

I only carry 1911's but have multiple sizes to choose from according to what i am doing/wearing. Since the manual of arms is the same it shouldnt matter. Weight does change drastically between a 3" and a hicap 5" though so that might matter on a precision quick shot. Doubtful that will ever happen though. I agree with the others on staying with one style though.

[68Charger]

I only carry 1911's but have multiple sizes to choose from according to what i am doing/wearing. Since the manual of arms is the same it shouldnt matter. Weight does change drastically between a 3" and a hicap 5" though so that might matter on a precision quick shot. Doubtful that will ever happen though. I agree with the others on staying with one style though.

You are my best friend. I wish I only had 1911's. I envy you.

It really depends on where I go that day for me. I carry a Sig P232/238 to work everyday. If I go out somewhere casual with my gf, then I carry my S&W1911 or Kimber 1911. If I know I'm going in a real bad kind of area where I know I don't feel safe, then I decide I will dress around my Sig P226 (.357 w 12+1 rounds) which really isn't hard to do so when I have an great holster for the 226.

To each their own. Just keep it concealed and stay safe.

[firefighter3217]

My solution to that problem is this: Both of my holsters place the weapon of choice in the exact same spot. That solves the draw issue you may encounter if you frequently switch between shoulder holster, crossdraw, SOB, appendix, etc...

For weapons, I train the most with the 1911. If you train to flip that safety every time (or have your thumb resting on it, depending on what your MO is), then if you're pulling the Glock, your thumb still follows that path, thus you will encounter no problems with safeties. The idea is that if you're used to flipping the safety and one isn't there, your weapon still fires. The reverse would suck...

The other thing I do is constantly scan my environment, keep my head on a swivel, observe people, look for escapes, and if something happened, run through what I would do. In this process, I seem to always picture the weapon I'm carrying and how the draw should feel, picture the sights before they come into view, and picture myself firing. Do that, and you're pretty sure not to forget where your weapon is or what it is, as all day long you're thinking about it...

My disclaimer to the last part is that I'm not picturing myself shooting people, just keeping alert to my surroundings and constantly creating escapes and thinking of my reactions to the changing environment. Do this for awhile, and it becomes second nature...

[68Charger]

The other thing I do is constantly scan my environment, keep my head on a swivel, observe people, look for escapes, and if something happened, run through what I would do. In this process, I seem to always picture the weapon I'm carrying and how the draw should feel, picture the sights before they come into view, and picture myself firing. Do that, and you're pretty sure not to forget where your weapon is or what it is, as all day long you're thinking about it...

Wow, as crazy as that sounds, I actually do the same thing. My father told me to do this while driving actually. It has really saved my life (driving, mind you) on one or more occasions. Told me to look at my surroundings and always find an escape route. What would you do when you had a flat tire or if there is something on the road, how would you avoid it? One of the best pieces of advice my father has given me.

It may sound a bit paranoid, but honestly it's a great thing to do and practice. I couldn't agree more.

[Seabear]

I agree with many here in that practicing all the time with thumb safetys I sweep the "imaginary" safety on weapons that don't have one.

I will have to say though that a long time ago I decided that I prefer guns with thumb safetys, so if I am not carrying a 1911 I have a choice of either a PT111 or my new favorite a 24/7 CDS. I am really enjoying the features on the 24/7, DA/SA, decocker, thumb safety, decocked indicator on rear of slide, 10 + 1 .45acp, what's not to like ? Cool thing is also that the 111 and the 24/7 will both slide right into the same Crossbreed Super-tuck.

[Texas_Tactical]

It may sound a bit paranoid, but honestly it's a great thing to do and practice. I couldn't agree more.

it doesn't sound paranoid at all. When under extreme stress people resort back to their lowest form of training. Practicing to draw and defend yourself, reload, or shoot from cover doesn't make you a trained militant , it makes you more proficient in basic functions when under high levels of stress.

[68Charger]

I was referring to keeping a keen eye out on your environment, not drawing your pistol in time of need while being stressed.

Why in the world would I think that's paranoid? I draw my guns out all the time (unloaded of course). Also practice in the car as well.

I think all above goes without saying.

Cheers!

[Texas_Tactical]

I was referring to keeping a keen eye out on your environment, not drawing your pistol in time of need while being stressed.

Why in the world would I think that's paranoid? I draw my guns out all the time (unloaded of course). Also practice in the car as well.

I think all above goes without saying.

Cheers!

O I C, that makes alot more sense. I guess I had a brain fart.

[AdioSS]

I'm from Longview, so Tyler seems more "Crime ridden." Although it doesn't compare to Dallas or Houston it has more people and a higher crime rate than Longview . The last week I've been here I've been on mental high alert. I make it a habit to be aware of my surrounding(Working in corrections does that to you) But it's probably just because it's a new place. It will probably wear off a little over time but I know myself enough that it will never get to wear I'm complacent.

I'm sure Tyler seems like "the sticks" to some people on here.

I have lived in Kilgore for most of my life. Both my parents are from Tyler. My Mom isn't so hot about me carrying all the time now. She thinks I should only carry if I'm going anywhere where there might be danger, not when I'm driving her to her doctor's appointments in Tyler. I told her that I'm protecting very precious cargo :)

[Matt78665]

I place emphasis on being prepared. I practice often with my Glock 27. I do drills loading and unloading magazines. I practice changing magazines quickly. I go to the range weekly and shoot at varying distances. I don't think changing guns is a good idea. I want to know that I am the best prepared that I can be at any given moment. Just my thoughts.....

[zero4o3]

I only carry 1911's but have multiple sizes to choose from according to what i am doing/wearing. Since the manual of arms is the same it shouldnt matter. Weight does change drastically between a 3" and a hicap 5" though so that might matter on a precision quick shot. Doubtful that will ever happen though. I agree with the others on staying with one style though.

You are my best friend. I wish I only had 1911's. I envy you.

It really depends on where I go that day for me. I carry a Sig P232/238 to work everyday. If I go out somewhere casual with my gf, then I carry my S&W1911 or Kimber 1911. If I know I'm going in a real bad kind of area where I know I don't feel safe, then I decide I will dress around my Sig P226 (.357 w 12+1 rounds) which really isn't hard to do so when I have an great holster for the 226.
To each their own. Just keep it concealed and stay safe.

I am right there with you, take my 238 to work every day because I couldnt get away with anything bigger, normally carry my 239 in 40, but depending on how I feel will take my 226 in 9mm 20+1 you know... in case things go bad