Ace5299 wrote:Congratulations! I just got my CHL not too long ago. I carry both my g19 and g27 depending what I am wearing or where I am going. I like the g19 a bit better. I just got the g27 so time will tell. Let us know what you end up with.
C-dub wrote:Get a decent belt and holster for whatever you choose to carry. This will increase your comfort while carrying.
This can't be stressed enough. I didn't believe that a belt would make a difference when I started carrying, but it makes all the difference. Don't go cheap on either of these.
I went with cheap belts my first year and broke three of them - they flat out ripped in two from the stress of carrying the extra weight. I decided to then get a strong belt specifically designed to support the weight of a concealed gun and am now on my second full year with this belt.
The holster is just as important. You don't want to skimp on either of these two items.
“I’m all in favor of keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of fools. Let’s start with typewriters.” - Frank Lloyd Wright
"Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of arms" - Aristotle
In my experience, if the pistol you carry is too heavy and too awkward, you will tend not to carry it as often. You need to find something you are comfortable with, and something you can carry in any weather, without it becoming a chore. I have a CZ 75D that I use with an OWB when I know I will be well covered or have a very long shirt. I have a High Noon holster for it, and it works well. For other occasions, I have a Sig P238 that drops right into my jeans pocket. I have a pocket holster for it that obscures the pistol contours, but it is small enough and light enough that I can go all day and forget it is there. The smaller .380 is not an issue. If I need to defend myself, it is going to be at close range anyway. It's better to own a small caliber weapon you will use than to have a large caliber weapon you will look at.
Thank you all for your input. Now that the subject of belts has been brought up, what's a good brand to go with? I hadn't even thought of buying a belt
Any of the belts that are made specifically for carry by one of the name brand or custom makers will be better than a store bought conventional belt. I bought Galco, since that's what brand holster I use for my Glock 26 (Southern Comfort). I've heard really great things about the Beltman Belts, and will likely try that next.
Not to poo-poo the Glock (especially since that's what I carry), but I'd look at the M&P and XD, too. If I didn't already have all my training time devoted to the Glock and all my money tied up in Glock for my carry gun (26) and house gun (20) and competition gun (34), and holsters and mags for them, I'd have switched over to the M&P. Like the ergonomics and options they have.
When I first got my plastic, I ordered a Crossbreed Supertuck and Crossbreed belt to carry my G19. Well, I love the belt but just don't seem to like IWB regardless of the brand/style. It's amazing what a difference a REAL belt makes in supporting the weight of a holster, gun and mags.
I ask myself each day the same question, what to carry? The Glock 23c, HK P7, HK USP compact, Springfield XD 45, Sig Pro 3240, S&W model 19, Glock 19, I keep the Judge in the truck as Back up.. decisions decisions
Congrats first of all. I remember trying to decide which gun to buy as well. In retrospect, I wish I had spent more time renting guns and seeing how they felt in my hand. I purchased several Glocks (models 22 and 27 to be exact) and now have figured out that S&W MP series feels much more natural in my hand. So go to a gun range that lets you rent different models and try some out. Before you spend your hard earned money, invest some time and get it right the first time.
"Though defensive violence will always be a 'sad necessity' in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men."
St. Augustine
Matt78665 wrote:Congrats first of all. I remember trying to decide which gun to buy as well. In retrospect, I wish I had spent more time renting guns and seeing how they felt in my hand. I purchased several Glocks (models 22 and 27 to be exact) and now have figured out that S&W MP series feels much more natural in my hand. So go to a gun range that lets you rent different models and try some out. Before you spend your hard earned money, invest some time and get it right the first time.
Thanks! I had a chance to go to the range this last weekend and did exactly what you suggested. I tried a few and really liked how the g19 shot but they didn't have the main gun I wanted to try out which is the g26. But although I didn't get to shoot the g26 I still ordered it. I really liked the 19 but wanted it slightly smaller so I went ahead and put the order in.
Congrats on the plastic and the G26. I've carried a G22, shoot it good and it carried great with a jacket. I carry daily a G27 and shoot it tons better than I do the 22. Odd I know. But I carry all day in a DeSantis iwb holster and it's great no matter what I'm wearing. This weekend a bought a sig P238. Shoots nice but haven't figured out a way to carry it. Lol
Gen3 Glock 22-gone but kinda missed
Gen4 Glock 27-EDC-DeSantis IWB holster
Sig P238 two tone with rose wood grips
Congrats on your plastic! Everyone here is giving good advice. Glocks are a great choice and if you outfit it with the right holster, carry style, belt, and in someways dress around it a bit, you will be surprised at how large a gun you can comfortably conceal. My personal belief is that you should carry a service size gun if possible as it is not much more difficult to conceal than a compact or sub-compact.
Every gun, big or small, will feel awkward at first. You are going to have to go through an adjustment period, but once you get used to it, you will not even notice it. I don't want to knock compacts or sub-compacts, as they have their place and uses. The LCP or 238 will hide really easily and are just the ticket for a lot shooters as they are perfectly adequate for the vast majority of self-defense situations. Also, us guys have it a lot easier than the ladies do in regards to fashion. My wife isn't going for cargo pants and 511 shirts, so she is looking at the Colt Mustang as a potential carry piece.
Finding the right carry gun is a very personal decision and you will only know what is right for you, but my point is that you should not feel compelled to go with the smaller gun because of concealment fears. The slight size difference between the two guns you are considering will not be much of an issue as you get used to carrying, and the larger weapon will give you an edge in accuracy and be easier to handle which makes you more prepared for a wider variety of situations. There is a reason that Military and LEOs are issued service size pistols and I think you will be surprised at how easily and comfortably a large weapon can be concealed if you experiment with it a bit.
Good luck and stay safe.
“While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.” ― Samuel Adams
Good gosh, what a bunch of Glock lovers here. Like a bunch of sheep or cows or something, just following the herd. Gees, think for yourselves people.
I carry the G23 w/nite sites in a Crossbreed Supertuck. Best. Combination. Ever. So BAAAA or MOOO or whatever...
Enjoy your new Glock. Besides the obvious advice about always carrying (where legal) I would also avoid the temptation to purchase any of the myriad of useless accessories out there...spend your money on ammo and range time!
Buy the biggest, heaviest Master Blaster .45 you can find. Carry it on your belt daily for a month then leave it on the nightstand because it's too heavy and a real pain in the back to carry. After going without daily carry for about six months, you then realize, after being "asked for directions" by that creepy looking guy at the gas station, that you really DO need to carry a gun EVERY day. You sell the Master Blaster and buy a Smith & Wesson Airweight, put it in your favorite pocket holster and carry it every single day for the rest of your life. You discover that it really IS nice to have a gun, ANY gun, every single day because you never know when the cretins are going to walk up and "ask for directions."
