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My musings on just what makes a " proper " carry gun .
With all the " gun recommendation threads lately I did some contemplating on the quality's that I consider when I select a concealed carry firearm. First thing I consider is as Euclidean so elegantly put it is " formfactor " or ergonomics i.e. does the weapon fit the role and specifically fit Me.
1. When I naturally grip the weapon does it fit my hand. does it align itself straight down my forearm when gripped properly ( finger outside the triggerguard )
2. Are the controls within reach without shifting my grip this includes mag release, slide release , safety ( if so equipped ) and trigger. If the controls don't fall naturally under my hand then " Just how bad is it ? " ( on revolvers length of pull is about the only consideration here and remember grips can do wonders for that ) . An example is that for a 1911 I must shift my grip to actuate either the mag release or the slidestop tho i compensate by using my support hand to drop the slide ( via the slidestop not slingshot ) as it rejoins the firing grip. This is a case of not bad at all since my reload technique for autos feeds from the slight shift in grip to drop a mag. On the other hand a large frame glock will not index for me ( the formfactor mentioned above ) i always feel kind of like i am attempting to point a spot marked on a softball when i handle one since the visual cues are the only reference i reliably get from the pistol.
3. Pointablility hold the pistol with your finger outside the trigger guard and pick a spot on a nearby wall , close your eyes and bring the pistol up to point at the spot, open your eyes and see just how far off the spot the pistol is actually pointing. The " formfactor" should have the firearm indexed close on side to side errors but how is it pointing on up and down? This is important for two reasons 1. low light close up and in a hurry conditions it may be hard to see sights or even your hand, and 2. if you have to manipulate your natural grip in order to aim a pistol it can lead to fatigue, which will encourage you to shoot less as well as contribute to malfunctions ( limp wristing due to fatigue ).
4. Size and caliber. I realise that with the explosion of " pocket rockets " today size and cal. are not mutually exclusive howeaver for this we wont get into that argument. A large ( service size ) pistol can be carryed by "guns do take a lot of commitment ). So as your standing there with the pistol ask yourself.... Does this gun " fit" when I want to be armed , Will i actually wear the dammed thing , or will i end up " kinda " carrying here you have to honestly evaluate your lifestyle and dress because a large pistol will require changes in both if it is to be a constant companion ( and if its not why bother with the whole carry issue ) . The two areas that concern me with a carry gun are the thickness at the thickest point , and the length of the butt. I can put a lot of slide/barrell out of site inside my pants , but if its too thick it looks like i have a " goiter" in places you normally don't see them LOL and if the butt is too long it makes pointy places in my clothes where i shouldnt have pointy places when i do normal activitys ( like pick something up, be it a kitten or my keys that i just fumbled )
Now all things being equal you will be better served ( for shootability and accuracy) with a larger pistol howeaver in life seldom are all things equal. I choose all my carry guns ( yes i have a fiew lol ) by the above criteria. My evaluation on the risks i will see throughout that day then will decide just what and how i carry that day . Then i shoot the hell out of them at the range because i know there a nice bullet stop catches any misses. In life misses are caught at worse by an innocent . person and at best by something really expensive that i will have to pay for. With that being said, i compromise because i can , many days i carry a compact pistol in .380 or above ( usualy above ) that i can just tuck away . when i go to a higher risk area ( such as to the "city" then i carry a service size pistol as well as my compact ( like jim curillo i am a fan of the " new york reload " ) . I however live in a rural area and don't visit the city often Your needs are not going to be the same as mine .
In summation its great to request information but what suits me probably wont work for you with our differing skillsets, environment , wardrobe, and budgets ( i am just a poor ol redneck lol ). Fondle anything that looks the least bit interesting at shops and shows , if at all possible shoot before you buy because it may feel real good untill you press the go button , and once you buy , PRACTICE WITH IT CONSISTENTLY. Tho it is not required in many states ( mine included ) i strongly feel that anyone carrying a firearm for defense should be able , ON DEMAND , to qualify as well or better than what the local police do on the same course(s) of fire .
Just my thoughts guys feel free to chip inn and sorry for the never ending post lol
With all the " gun recommendation threads lately I did some contemplating on the quality's that I consider when I select a concealed carry firearm. First thing I consider is as Euclidean so elegantly put it is " formfactor " or ergonomics i.e. does the weapon fit the role and specifically fit Me.
1. When I naturally grip the weapon does it fit my hand. does it align itself straight down my forearm when gripped properly ( finger outside the triggerguard )
2. Are the controls within reach without shifting my grip this includes mag release, slide release , safety ( if so equipped ) and trigger. If the controls don't fall naturally under my hand then " Just how bad is it ? " ( on revolvers length of pull is about the only consideration here and remember grips can do wonders for that ) . An example is that for a 1911 I must shift my grip to actuate either the mag release or the slidestop tho i compensate by using my support hand to drop the slide ( via the slidestop not slingshot ) as it rejoins the firing grip. This is a case of not bad at all since my reload technique for autos feeds from the slight shift in grip to drop a mag. On the other hand a large frame glock will not index for me ( the formfactor mentioned above ) i always feel kind of like i am attempting to point a spot marked on a softball when i handle one since the visual cues are the only reference i reliably get from the pistol.
3. Pointablility hold the pistol with your finger outside the trigger guard and pick a spot on a nearby wall , close your eyes and bring the pistol up to point at the spot, open your eyes and see just how far off the spot the pistol is actually pointing. The " formfactor" should have the firearm indexed close on side to side errors but how is it pointing on up and down? This is important for two reasons 1. low light close up and in a hurry conditions it may be hard to see sights or even your hand, and 2. if you have to manipulate your natural grip in order to aim a pistol it can lead to fatigue, which will encourage you to shoot less as well as contribute to malfunctions ( limp wristing due to fatigue ).
4. Size and caliber. I realise that with the explosion of " pocket rockets " today size and cal. are not mutually exclusive howeaver for this we wont get into that argument. A large ( service size ) pistol can be carryed by "guns do take a lot of commitment ). So as your standing there with the pistol ask yourself.... Does this gun " fit" when I want to be armed , Will i actually wear the dammed thing , or will i end up " kinda " carrying here you have to honestly evaluate your lifestyle and dress because a large pistol will require changes in both if it is to be a constant companion ( and if its not why bother with the whole carry issue ) . The two areas that concern me with a carry gun are the thickness at the thickest point , and the length of the butt. I can put a lot of slide/barrell out of site inside my pants , but if its too thick it looks like i have a " goiter" in places you normally don't see them LOL and if the butt is too long it makes pointy places in my clothes where i shouldnt have pointy places when i do normal activitys ( like pick something up, be it a kitten or my keys that i just fumbled )
Now all things being equal you will be better served ( for shootability and accuracy) with a larger pistol howeaver in life seldom are all things equal. I choose all my carry guns ( yes i have a fiew lol ) by the above criteria. My evaluation on the risks i will see throughout that day then will decide just what and how i carry that day . Then i shoot the hell out of them at the range because i know there a nice bullet stop catches any misses. In life misses are caught at worse by an innocent . person and at best by something really expensive that i will have to pay for. With that being said, i compromise because i can , many days i carry a compact pistol in .380 or above ( usualy above ) that i can just tuck away . when i go to a higher risk area ( such as to the "city" then i carry a service size pistol as well as my compact ( like jim curillo i am a fan of the " new york reload " ) . I however live in a rural area and don't visit the city often Your needs are not going to be the same as mine .
In summation its great to request information but what suits me probably wont work for you with our differing skillsets, environment , wardrobe, and budgets ( i am just a poor ol redneck lol ). Fondle anything that looks the least bit interesting at shops and shows , if at all possible shoot before you buy because it may feel real good untill you press the go button , and once you buy , PRACTICE WITH IT CONSISTENTLY. Tho it is not required in many states ( mine included ) i strongly feel that anyone carrying a firearm for defense should be able , ON DEMAND , to qualify as well or better than what the local police do on the same course(s) of fire .
Just my thoughts guys feel free to chip inn and sorry for the never ending post lol
