I carry a S&W Bodyguard 380 in a Recluse pocket holster in the summer, and when the weather is nice. This makes for a nice slim package, that looks just like a wallet in your pocket. I carry it in my front pocket. If you've got a small compact this is the way to go. When it starts getting cold in the winter I carry my larger frame handguns in a shoulder holster under my sweatshirt, and they are not visible either. I'd prefer to have the stopping power of the 9 or 45 all the time, but they are much harder to conceal in the summer months.

I would also agree on the course, or at least a basic hand gun course. There are also some good on-line resources like www.armedcitizensnetwork.org that can assist you.

 

AOW 12ga cut down to 11" with pistol grip.

 

Thanks for all the input guys, and to the OP, I hope you gleaned the info you were looking for before I stepped in

 

No problem I like the topic and all the opinions. But I have been looking at the M&P and reviews say it is a solid gun. I will try and shoot on next weekend.

 

We can open carry here too, but since I dont like looking out of the rear windows of cop cars and I dont imagine I would like the feeling of handcuffs while being escorted to said cop car I do not carry open.
Even though it is legal there are still serious ramifications for it, Paul Blart being one of them as well as the snood at The Gap.

As for stopping power, if I put 2 rounds from a .380 in your chest thats going to stop you just as well as a .45, the only difference is you will still be alive just long enough to see me laughing at you as with a .45 you wont feel a thing.
Just my opinion, nothing against carrying a larger weapon if thats what you choose, just please make sure to hit your target the first time as I dont need a .45 slug hitting me 1/4 mile away while unlocking my car.

 

As for stopping power, if I put 2 rounds from a .380 in your chest thats going to stop you just as well as a .45, the only difference is you will still be alive just long enough to see me laughing at you as with a .45 you wont feel a thing.
Just my opinion, nothing against carrying a larger weapon if thats what you choose, just please make sure to hit your target the first time as I dont need a .45 slug hitting me 1/4 mile away while unlocking my car.


That's why we practace gun control..... and beieve you me i would rather not have some one seeing me laughing as they might try something else and besides which I am quite happy for the other person to see that I have a .45 Glock 21

 

Gun control while at the range and while trying to hit a moving target while under extreme stress are 2 different things, and again, each to their own.

 

We can not open carry in Texas but oddly anyone can carry in their car with out a liscense as long as you are not a known gangmember or committing a misdeeminor while carrying in the care such as drinking and driving. Still I carry my .380 but often like the larger gum for road or camping trips as well as making big holes at the range. Not enough can be said for gun control and self discipline but the truth is until pit to the test one never knows how they will react. That's is a test I will study for all my life but pray I never have to take.

 

Good grief, this did veer off topic! I've been eyeballing the M&P for some time, but haven't been compelled to buy just yet (it would mostly fill the need for a wilderness open carry, so I'd get the .357 SIG flavor [what a fun round!]).

I too have my CWP and regularly carry a Kahr PM9, the 9 meaning 9mm. It fits within the circumference of my flattened hand, is light, a single stack so it's skinny, and has replaceable sights. I freaking love it! I intended to go .380 in a Kel Tec, but the PM9 just fits my hand so nice that I felt more comfortable hitting a target with it than a smaller mouse gun.

With my PM9, I have fallen into pocket carry all the time using a Bob Mika round bottom holster. I also have an IWB MTAC which I enjoy, but the ease of the pocket carry is awesome. I will add that I tend to wear cargo/tactical pants most of the time, and in warm weather purposely buy cargo shorts with a wide mouth front pocket.

I have been through two different 1-week long weapons training courses (one federal gov't LE run, one outside course run by former MIL folks [SF, SEALs, etc.]) and if you can swing the expense, they are indispensable. The courses required in CO to get the permit don't come close to dealing with real world stress. Heck, some of the classes don't even include range time. But taking a real course where you use non-lethal training ammunition (Simunition in my case), are being shot at and having to return fire really drives home the realness of a situation (as best you can without using real bullets and dying). I was training for a couple of different jobs in Iraq, so the training may be a bit more intense than the average person would want, but there are courses which are tailored to the person who wants to well disciplined in the use of a handgun for their personal defense. Save up and make it your birthday present!

 

So I'm at work and a family member of one of our patients just threatens "pop holes in all yalls heads with my gun if yall don't give my mom her medicine right now". Police showed up lady ran. Just a perfect example of how people say things that cam get them or others killed or hurt, and how you always have to be ready for any situation. I'm a Nurse btw.