Over time I've acquired a number of handguns spanning several different makes, types and actions. I have achieved a respectable level of proficiency with most by means of training, practice and competition. The only level of "standardization" I've achieved is that the 1911s all share the same magazines and the K-frames use the same speed loaders. I haven't felt the need for any more commonality than that among my carry guns.
Small Carry "Rotation" - Depth v. Breadth
Often I see threads about "carry rotation" - the collection of guns from which a person often carries.
I've wondered about having more than two or three guns for carry. For me, I don't think it's a wise choice. I try to be proficient with the weapons I carry, which requires a fair amount of practice.
Let me have your opinion as to whether you think I'm overthinking this.
This is my newly final "rotation," ranked in order of frequency of carry.
1) SW 637/642 Airweight J-frame with Ahrend's boot grip
- Essentially the same gun, and my hammer is bobbed on the 637.
2) SW Model 60 - 3 with Ahrend's boot grip
- Same "frame" footprint as the airweights above, about five ounces heavier.
3) SW 60-14/640-1 with Ahrend's combat stocks
- .357 frames, so a couple of ounces heavier than the 60-3.
4) CZ 75D PCR
What I have are essentially three revolver "carry configurations" in combinations of grip and weights, and the CZ. So whenever I go to the range to practice, I want to run rounds through each. That's a fair amount of shooting, and I think I would benefit more by concentrating on a small collection. Thus, I am debating dropping one or two configurations (I'm not sure which, if any, at this point). In other words, cut back on the breadth and concentrate on the depth with one or two.
(Quite frankly it's driving me batty because I enjoy them all and I don't have the discipline to stick with just one.)
So what do you do if you carry several? Do you try to practice the same amount with each? Do you try to "standardize," e.g., use the same grips, etc? Or do you just select a subset of them when you go to the range?
Or have you decided to carry one and stick with it?
I've wondered about having more than two or three guns for carry. For me, I don't think it's a wise choice. I try to be proficient with the weapons I carry, which requires a fair amount of practice.
Let me have your opinion as to whether you think I'm overthinking this.
This is my newly final "rotation," ranked in order of frequency of carry.
1) SW 637/642 Airweight J-frame with Ahrend's boot grip
- Essentially the same gun, and my hammer is bobbed on the 637.
2) SW Model 60 - 3 with Ahrend's boot grip
- Same "frame" footprint as the airweights above, about five ounces heavier.
3) SW 60-14/640-1 with Ahrend's combat stocks
- .357 frames, so a couple of ounces heavier than the 60-3.
4) CZ 75D PCR
What I have are essentially three revolver "carry configurations" in combinations of grip and weights, and the CZ. So whenever I go to the range to practice, I want to run rounds through each. That's a fair amount of shooting, and I think I would benefit more by concentrating on a small collection. Thus, I am debating dropping one or two configurations (I'm not sure which, if any, at this point). In other words, cut back on the breadth and concentrate on the depth with one or two.
(Quite frankly it's driving me batty because I enjoy them all and I don't have the discipline to stick with just one.)
So what do you do if you carry several? Do you try to practice the same amount with each? Do you try to "standardize," e.g., use the same grips, etc? Or do you just select a subset of them when you go to the range?
Or have you decided to carry one and stick with it?
1 - 20 of 32 Posts
I have several different carry guns and don't really "train" with any of them. I shoot them a fair bit when I first get them and then shoot them from time-to-time.
I don't live in a "high threat" area and have never really seen the need for "training". I've been shooting handguns since I got my first one in 1975, so I guess maybe at this point I feel that I'm trained enough. I do shoot IDPA a couple of times a month (once a month with the CZ SP-01 or 1911 and once a month with one of the "back-up guns" in "BUG matches") so I guess you could call that "training".
Carry guns range from an LCP (have maybe 100 rounds through it since I bought it a year or so ago) to snubs to full size SA/DA autos to a Dan Wesson .44.
I don't live in a "high threat" area and have never really seen the need for "training". I've been shooting handguns since I got my first one in 1975, so I guess maybe at this point I feel that I'm trained enough. I do shoot IDPA a couple of times a month (once a month with the CZ SP-01 or 1911 and once a month with one of the "back-up guns" in "BUG matches") so I guess you could call that "training".
Carry guns range from an LCP (have maybe 100 rounds through it since I bought it a year or so ago) to snubs to full size SA/DA autos to a Dan Wesson .44.
I have a few pieces that are in my carry rotation. I do practice with all of them when I get the opportunity. The thing that helps quite a bit is that each one shares a platform with others, ie, 1911s, Glocks, carry size revolvers, etc. It doesn't take much effort to switch from one Glock to another, for instance, or from one 1911 to another, etc.
Gollf clubs and handguns
I play golf and I carry handguns. In golf I carry a bag of 14 clubs which vary in length, loft, weight and design. They are specialized for use in different types of shots. I practice with each one of them and try to achieve a level of competence with each. Although it would be easier to just carry one club, my golf score would not be as good.
In carrying handguns I can only carry one or two at a time, but I have maybe 15 suitable carry guns to choose from in my safe. The guns vary in caliber, size, weight, ammo capacity, holster type, etc. I have practiced with all of them and am reasonably competent with each. I like to pick the gun or guns for that day depending on time of year, what I am wearing, what threats I might encounter, etc. I think it is advantageous to me to have this ability to choose from a variety of candidates.
I play golf and I carry handguns. In golf I carry a bag of 14 clubs which vary in length, loft, weight and design. They are specialized for use in different types of shots. I practice with each one of them and try to achieve a level of competence with each. Although it would be easier to just carry one club, my golf score would not be as good.
In carrying handguns I can only carry one or two at a time, but I have maybe 15 suitable carry guns to choose from in my safe. The guns vary in caliber, size, weight, ammo capacity, holster type, etc. I have practiced with all of them and am reasonably competent with each. I like to pick the gun or guns for that day depending on time of year, what I am wearing, what threats I might encounter, etc. I think it is advantageous to me to have this ability to choose from a variety of candidates.
For purposes of carry; I've settled down quite a bit here; either a Gen 4 Glock 26 or a S&W 642
Not sure if this helps you but, I only carry semi's. No thumb safety or mag safety on any of them. All Glock like. All have one in the chamber at all times.
I have a rotation of sorts mostly because I get bored with having no choices. I like to think and debate with myself every time I open my safe.
I almost always grab my G19 or 26. I have a LCP, LCR and SD1911 cmd that I could grab too but rarely do.
My LCP while nice and small is only good for a pocket gun. I actually hate it in a IWB holster. I find it uncomfortable if you can believe it.
I generally dislike carrying revolvers due to capacity so my LCR gets the pass quite often.
My 1911 is a glamor piece that I only strap on once a week. I'm still more used to and confident carrying my Glocks.
I almost always grab my G19 or 26. I have a LCP, LCR and SD1911 cmd that I could grab too but rarely do.
My LCP while nice and small is only good for a pocket gun. I actually hate it in a IWB holster. I find it uncomfortable if you can believe it.
I generally dislike carrying revolvers due to capacity so my LCR gets the pass quite often.
My 1911 is a glamor piece that I only strap on once a week. I'm still more used to and confident carrying my Glocks.
I don't change brands or action /function types ether for carry. nothing to screw up with using a different handgun.
For pocket carry a kahr cm9
For iwb a kahr cw9 or tp40
Only difference is size of handgun but grip angle and trigger pull remain the same.
For pocket carry a kahr cm9
For iwb a kahr cw9 or tp40
Only difference is size of handgun but grip angle and trigger pull remain the same.
My carry rotation as of today is down to four choices and depending on what I'm wearing will depend on which one gets the call to duty. That being said, I have holsters for over twice that many...so my rotation can jump up dramatically with just a change of mind, LOL!
Having recently picked up a G23 and now having a G27 on layaway...I have holsters ordered and coming for both, so that adds to the potential rotation as well.
Right now my rotation is as follows...
Sig P239 357Sig in a leather kydex hybrid for strong side IWB,
M&P Shield 9mm for AIWB,
442 J-frame for cargo shorts pocket carry,
Walter PPK for small grab and go gun.
Having recently picked up a G23 and now having a G27 on layaway...I have holsters ordered and coming for both, so that adds to the potential rotation as well.
Right now my rotation is as follows...
Sig P239 357Sig in a leather kydex hybrid for strong side IWB,
M&P Shield 9mm for AIWB,
442 J-frame for cargo shorts pocket carry,
Walter PPK for small grab and go gun.
Two or three, then you list Four, LOL . I wouldn't like trying to decide which gun. Plus I like the simple training and muscle memory of 1 gun for EDC - Glock 23 for me - same ol, same ol - simple is good with me. Ok, ok - I do have a new G19 that I really enjoy shooting, it could be rotated in :smile:.Often I see threads about "carry rotation" - the collection of guns from which a person often carries.
I've wondered about having more than two or three guns for carry. For me, I don't think it's a wise choice. I try to be proficient with the weapons I carry, which requires a fair amount of practice.
Ha. Like I said - I don't have the discipline to stick with just one...and thus two or three. By the way, I'm carrying my 640 today. Go figure.Two or three, then you list Four, LOL . I wouldn't like trying to decide which gun. Plus I like the simple training and muscle memory of 1 gun for EDC - Glock 23 for me - same ol, same ol - simple is good with me. Ok, ok - I do have a new G19 that I really enjoy shooting, it could be rotated in :smile:.
All mine are point and shoot. That is close enough for me.
Even days, HK P30S
Odd days, Beretta PX4 Compact
Oh wait, days aren't numbered, well then, whichever I pick up first. Usually the HK.
Odd days, Beretta PX4 Compact
Oh wait, days aren't numbered, well then, whichever I pick up first. Usually the HK.
I have a number of guns that I pretty regularly carry depending on dress and weather. LCP, CM9, G26, and G19. I don't think that's too many for a carry rotation because they all have their purpose.
Use SP 101 2.4 or Mod 60 .357 fast trips to store might throw a 642 in pocket. Mostly carry in milt sparks summer special. I use Buffalo Bore for cc.
It makes sense to carry different guns for different situations. I used to, mostly, carry a little Beretta .25 for trips to town but that's been replaced with an LCP. When I was a cop, I carried a Colt Detective Special off-duty (and on, depending on my assignments). I now volunteer as a reserve deputy with our local department's SAR. squad I typically carry an FNP-45 or 1911 on backcountry missions. And when hiking the local trails, I usually carry my S&W 442 .38 or Kahr PM9. One could pick an always gun like a 1911 or G19 or similar but I enjoy the variety and am well practiced with anything I carry.
My current carry rotation consists of a Glock 19 - my EDC gun and my Walther PPS 9mm; for those time where "I'm not carrying a gun".
My wife's current carry rotation consists of her Glock 26, 100% of the time.
Makes it simple.
My wife's current carry rotation consists of her Glock 26, 100% of the time.
Makes it simple.
I am in the same frame of reference as gasmitty. I have been shooting for over 40 years, much of that experience as a competitive shooter. As John Lennon once said:"I am a musician; you can give me a tuba and ill get something out of it". I feel that way about handguns. I am a shooter. Give me something with a hammer and trigger, and I'll hit my target.Over time I've acquired a number of handguns spanning several different makes, types and actions. I have achieved a respectable level of proficiency with most by means of training, practice and competition. The only level of "standardization" I've achieved is that the 1911s all share the same magazines and the K-frames use the same speed loaders. I haven't felt the need for any more commonality than that among my carry guns.
I carry either 1911's with a 4" barrel, or one of my Sig P220 SAO's.... been utilizing the SAO cocked and locked for over 40 years... no sense in changing now, and no inclination to do so either.
Whatever works for ya....
Whatever works for ya....
1 - 20 of 32 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Defensive Carry
A forum community dedicated to defensive firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about everyday carry, optics, holsters, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
