New to Concealed Carry

[night]

Picked up my CPL recently and plan on carrying as much as possible (I work in a place with the inability to carry while I'm there)

I'm looking for input on what snags you came across when first carrying.

Probably buying a Sig P365XL as my main carry gun. I've been taking my P320C with me on walks with the dog for a while, but it's just a paddle holster in a pretty safe neighborhood.

My main questions are about inside the waistband carry, types of holsters (mainly thinking about a Kydex at 4:00,) and car safes, should I have to store my firearm while at work.

Any info is welcome.

If you want to carry as much as possible I'd suggest learning how to juggle.

Seriously though, I have a CZ P-07 which is roughly the same size but slightly larger and it is a little too big for me to want it to be a conceal carry gun for my taste. Different strokes for different folks though.

 

[Podunkparte]

If you want to carry as much as possible I'd suggest learning how to juggle.

Seriously though, I have a CZ P-07 which is roughly the same size but slightly larger and it is a little too big for me to want it to be a conceal carry gun for my taste. Different strokes for different folks though.

My friend has the CZ. Nice shooting gun, but it's quite a bit bigger than the 365. Do you carry something else?

 

[Bridgeburner]

If you want to carry as much as possible I'd suggest learning how to juggle.

Seriously though, I have a CZ P-07 which is roughly the same size but slightly larger and it is a little too big for me to want it to be a conceal carry gun for my taste. Different strokes for different folks though.

The P07 is a fantastic sidearm. Of all the polymer guns I've handled I would put the accuracy of that design against anything that hasn't been handfitted by a master gunsmith. I've got two P07.

I switched from the P07 to carrying a Shield a while back but find myself grabbing the P07 on occasion still. I'm more efficient in my drills with it than I am with the Shield. It's bigger and harder to conceal but I like the security knowing what I can do with it if need be.

 

[night]

My friend has the CZ. Nice shooting gun, but it's quite a bit bigger than the 365. Do you carry something else?

I used to, not so much anymore. I’ve been thinking about a revolver but haven’t done much research on it. Aesthetically I kind of like the .38 special hammerless snub noses.

 

[night]

The P07 is a fantastic sidearm. Of all the polymer guns I've handled I would put the accuracy of that design against anything that hasn't been handfitted by a master gunsmith. I've got two P07.

I switched from the P07 to carrying a Shield a while back but find myself grabbing the P07 on occasion still. I'm more efficient in my drills with it than I am with the Shield. It's bigger and harder to conceal but I like the security knowing what I can do with it if need be.

I love the P-07 but I kind of regret not just getting the 75B and even the shadow is interesting. One of those two will be something I get in the future but I have other stuff higher on my wish list.


Have you done any upgrades yet? The Cajun Gun Works ones are interesting. I’d also like to slap a red dot on it if it’s not being used for CC.

 

[Bridgeburner]

I love the P-07 but I kind of regret not just getting the 75B and even the shadow is interesting. One of those two will be something I get in the future but I have other stuff higher on my wish list.


Have you done any upgrades yet? The Cajun Gun Works ones are interesting. I’d also like to slap a red dot on it if it’s not being used for CC.

I've not done any upgrades yet. Honestly, I probably won't either. The double action is smooth and not too heavy after use so I'm really okay with that. The single action is very light, but not "crisp". It's more of a "mushy" break. So I guess that could be improved. I might send one of them out just to see. I've toyed with the idea but just never got around to it because they worked so well out of the box for me.

The 75B is a legend. I was looking for a carry gun when I bought the P07 so that wasn't on my radar. I should pick one of those up for fun though.

 

[Bridgeburner]

CZ USA P-07 9mm Review

My review of the CZ P07 from a few years ago.

 

[RobBase]

I like IWB but shoulder holsters are my favorite. Most comfortable and very easy access.

 

[Bridgeburner]

I like IWB but shoulder holsters are my favorite. Most comfortable and very easy access.

I've honestly never tried a shoulder holster. For concealment, it would dictate dress more than others. Definitely easy access.

 

[RobBase]

I've honestly never tried a shoulder holster. For concealment, it would dictate dress more than others. Definitely easy access.

It does. You can’t wear or hoodie or anything. T shirt under a jacket look.

 

[Innermind]

I used to, not so much anymore. I’ve been thinking about a revolver but haven’t done much research on it. Aesthetically I kind of like the .38 special hammerless snub noses.

I have a Ruger LCR .38 special (internal hammer) which is an excellent and popular carry revolver. I bought it last year for $339, but they currently sell for approx. $400.

Ruger® LCR® * Double-Action Revolver Model 5401

However, Smith & Wesson came out with their answer to the Ruger LCR... the S&W M&P Bodyguard .38... it currently sells for approx. $300. It has a unique cylinder release in that it is located where the hammer would normally be.

BG38 .38SPL+P 1.9`` DAO


If you get one, consider pairing it with Black Hills HoneyBadger ammo and you'll be ready for any two-legged threats.

.38 Special HoneyBadger+P™ | Black Hills Ammunition


I like using a Fusion IWB holster because they are equipped with the Ulticlip 3+ which is great for belt-less pants such as sweatpants.

https://www.ccgofalabama.com/products/revolvers?model=J Frame Revolver 2 - 2.5 inch *See Note in Description*&variant=19417579225155


You can't go wrong with a reliable .38 snub for up close & dirty personal protection.

 

[Innermind]

I upgraded my Ruger LCR .38 with Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips which handle recoil much better than the Hogue grips which come standard from the factory on LCR's.

Diamond Pro Series Grips | Pachmayr Revolver Grips

 

[Innermind]

If you prefer a stainless steel .38 snub, then go with the very popular Smith & Wesson 642, but make sure you get model #103810 which does NOT have the ridiculous internal lock. This model currently sells for approx. $350.... and Pachmayr also makes Diamond Pro grips for it.

Model 642 No Internal Lock | Smith & Wesson

642 AIRWEIGHT NO INTERNAL LOCK

 

[night]

If you prefer a stainless steel .38 snub, then go with the very popular Smith & Wesson 642, but make sure you get model #103810 which does NOT have the ridiculous internal lock. This model currently sells for approx. $350.... and Pachmayr also makes Diamond Pro grips for it.

Model 642 No Internal Lock | Smith & Wesson

642 AIRWEIGHT NO INTERNAL LOCK

Aesthetically speaking I like this one more. Thank you for the recommendation.

 

[night]

I've been looking at them more recently. The Colt Night Cobra might be what I end up getting. It's somewhat new but has anyone had the chance to try one out?

Colt Night Cobra 38sp 2

 

[Innermind]

I've been looking at them more recently. The Colt Night Cobra might be what I end up getting. It's somewhat new but has anyone had the chance to try one out?

Colt Night Cobra 38sp 2

My nephew has a Colt Night Cobra and loves it. It is beefy & durable, you probably won't be able to find a finer carry snub .38 than this model. They have really come down in price too.... over $100 less than they were a year ago. Currently, Dahlonega Armory has them for $513.70 plus another $19.95 shipping.

The problem at this point is finding ammo. The Night Cobra is built like a tank and can handle these bad ass bonded Underwood self defense loads which deliver almost as much energy as a low end .357 magnum load. Seriously, this Underwood load has twice the muzzle energy of other .38 self defense ammo:

38 Special +P 125 Grain Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point

 

[Innermind]

Wow.... in he previous 48 hours, handgun prices have gone up quite a bit on some models. The Coronavirus gun and ammo buying frenzy is crazy.

 

[night]

My nephew has a Colt Night Cobra and loves it. It is beefy & durable, you probably won't be able to find a finer carry snub .38 than this model. They have really come down in price too.... over $100 less than they were a year ago. Currently, Dahlonega Armory has them for $513.70 plus another $19.95 shipping.

The problem at this point is finding ammo. The Night Cobra is built like a tank and can handle these bad ass bonded Underwood self defense loads which deliver almost as much energy as a low end .357 magnum load. Seriously, this Underwood load has twice the muzzle energy of other .38 self defense ammo:

38 Special +P 125 Grain Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point

What do you think about the Ruger SP101? Bigger load, heavier, and loads 5.

 

[Innermind]

What do you think about the Ruger SP101? Bigger load, heavier, and loads 5.

I've never shot nor even held a Ruger SP101, but everything I hear about them is great... with the exception that it is a $500 -$575 revolver with only 5 shots instead of 6.

If I were to get an SP101 for concealed carry, I would probably look at the 3 inch version (model 5719). The 3 inch would not only increase bullet velocity, but also reduce recoil, giving a person more control to be able to use .357 magnum ammo instead of resorting to only shooting .38 +P ammo out of a shorter barrel model like many folks do. The 3 inch would still be small enough to be concealable, but one would probably also desire to pay a gunsmith the $35-$40 to bob-off the hammer spur on model 5719 for a more snag-free draw. I would probably pair it with a Fusion holster which utilizes a Ulticlip 3+ for use on pants without a belt such as sweatpants & shorts (as long as one ties the pants drawstring tight enough to hold up the firearm rig).

https://www.ccgofalabama.com/



Here is another option to consider:
The new 6-shot Taurus 856 .38 special +P 2 inch revolvers seem intriguing and are getting good reviews, and the very new 6-shot Taurus 856 Defender .38 special +P 3 inch revolvers look very promising. But because they are so new, they are hard to find and also not yet proven.

Also, I would stay away from Taurus firearms until their new staff in Georgia is up to speed/fully trained/proficient in their new jobs. In early December 2019, Taurus moved from Miami, FL to Bainbridge, GA. 20% of the Taurus Miami workforce moved to Georgia, the remaining Georgia facility employees are new/rookies with the company. Personally, I would wait for at least a year to give those new Georgia employees time to get acclimated to their new careers.

 

[Innermind]

What do you think about the Ruger SP101? Bigger load, heavier, and loads 5.

.....continued


Also, if you do get a Ruger SP101, I would consider getting some sweet grip inserts from a company such as LS Grips or Chig's Grips:

Ruger Sp101 – LS Grips

Chig's Grips | Ruger SP101 & GP100 Grip Panels. Ruger Grips




Or, perhaps even skip getting the inserts and instead get completely new grips from Badger Custom Grips:

Badger Custom Grips-Badger Custom Grips