Gunfighter

MattyC · Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 4

When I took Tac Pistol I earlier this year, I used an XD-9 4" and it performed great. I love shooting it. But it's mainly my HD/range pistol and a bit bulky for everyday carry. Now, I'm looking for a lighter/thinner carry gun and have a couple questions for you guys

First, which ones do you recommend I look at? (i'm fine with 9mm and prefer DAO)
Second, do you recommend taking Tac II and other training using a carry gun and IWB holster so I get good with that setup?

Thanks!

20 minutes later.. Ok, here's a few more things I should mention:
- On paper the Walther PPS looked like a great option, but then I went to see one and the mag release is really awkward
- single stack mag seems like it'd be a better option and I'm ok trading off the capacity
- the tiny guns (KelTec, Kahr) almost seem too small for my hand and based on what I've read on those I'm concerned about reliability

M.W. · Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 130 Location: inside the loop

/Big Smile...The choice of a carry gun set up has hundreds of answers and opinions,MattyC, and all can be very different depending on the individual.
Hand size? Slender build or more stocky?,Occupation,how do you dress most of the time? do you train and practice regularly and dry-fire drills as well? etc...

I have carried in Texas since 1996 when the CHL law came into effect here and believe me when I tell you I have tried literally a dozen different handguns from 1911 style to DA/SA and striker fired (like the XD is) and have the holsters and other gear leftover in boxes to prove it,lol!!

Like you I went with DAO type weapons and got rid of everything else.
As far as handguns go,I train with and carry only Glocks and for back-up is the S&W hammerless J-frames. (Also,have had for many years a Kel-Tec P-11 9mm as a quick access vehicle piece..and fear not they are plenty reliable just maybe not built as a 50,000 round gun)
I train regularly with Brian and others and also shoot IDPA competitively www.idpa.com which is a great way for me to test myself and my carry equipment on a regular basis.

Given your stated parameters I would say a Glock 26 9mm (with or without the +2 finger extension) would be a great choice.a Hoffner IWB holster,and a single mag pouch with spare mag and of course your tactical folder knife and combat flashlight.
Glock reliability is excellent and you can train with that or get the full size Glock 17 like many of us do and then carry the smaller one.
The controls are the same thus transition back and forth is very easy.
Also would highly recommend a custom Dale Hunnicutt grip enhancement job www.gripreductions.com on the Glock and for your XD as well.
(Dale goes thru Brian's shop so you can drop off and pick up your guns there.)

That's my 2-cents worth and always remember that you carry a handgun because you are NOT expecting trouble...if you knew you were going to be in a fight for your life you would have your shotgun or carbine.
Your handgun allows you to defend yourself and escape or to get to the long guns...but it must be with you.
If it is too bulky or in a cheaply made holster it will end up left at home or in the glove box of the car.

As Clint Smith from Thunder Ranch says "Carrying a handgun is supposed to be comforting not comfortable".

DEMON · Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 185 Location: Houston,Texas

WELL SAID MIKE! Twisted Evil

MattyC · Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 4

M.W. · Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 130 Location: inside the loop

MattyC,perhaps shoot Brian a direct email about your class training gear questions. Also,hope to see you out there with us at American Defenders soon.

Here is what I know for sure that the old saying "When the battle starts,you have to go with what you have,not what you wish you could have" still is very true.

(DISCLAIMER:
Heh like I tell my 20-year old son,sorry for all the corny wisdom lines,lol ..old guys are like that we got them from the old guys who survived before us.)

Semper_Fi · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 397 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Excellent entries Mike; when I'm around you gunfighters with gray hair I take notes.

M.W. · Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 130 Location: inside the loop

Semper Fi, I will not live long enough to be as talented and knowledgeable as you my friend - in all the weapons groups.
It is I who has taken notes from you on several outings at the long distance rifle range.

For anyone who does not know Semper, we could not get within 500 yards of this gentlemen before he could take us out any day of the week.

I cannot wait till you return to the States and we can send some more metal downrange.