Which summer carry gun?

[Chapie+]

I am debating between two guns to get for summer clothing carry:

1) Kahr CW4543 it is a 7 shot .45 ACP small (and affordable) gun. Here is the link:
Kahr Arms / .45 ACP Models / CW Series

or

2) Smith and Wesson model 642 5 shot .38 special. Here is the link: Product: Model 642 Revolver

I can get either one for about $400.00

Thoughts?
Chapie+

[bsar170]

You've probably already thought of this stuff, but here we go:

The kahr is a great gun and will be flatter. Definitely better if you don't have as many folds to hide your gun in as some. It's also a .45 -- can't argue with that!

The 642 is going to be the ultimate in reliability and you will have trouble remembering that you have it. I carry mine off duty in a Tuck-it holster, just the basic holster with a clip. Easy to put on and take off with or without a belt, stays put, etc. It's what I use as a backup on duty, and during the weekends, it's my carry-about gun...

Good stuff on both sides -- I went to a G27 for a while but after some drilling and practice, moved back to the hammerless revolver. Here's a test to try before settling on the Kahr for your primary off duty (summer) weapon. Unload it, double check that it's unloaded, then rack the slide, make it ready to fire, then push it against something solid like a wood board. See if hte pressure on the front end / barrel pushes the slide out of battery... That's why I stopped carrying my G27.

Just my $.02

[Chapie+]

bsar170,

You make really good points - worth at least .03

I used to carry a G26 and couldn't hit anything with it - that's on me, but I like the XD.

Chapie+

[Reno82]

xd9mm SC, PT-145 and XD45ACP Compact.

[shooter45acp]

I work outside for living and what I found that works for me is; S&W 442 w/CT lazer grip smallest and most reliable, XD9 SC, Keltec .380 is a very small package, Sig P239 9mm. When you take a S&W 442 and put it in a fist split J hook holster the gun is hinden so well. I wore it all last summer and none of my customers knew that I had a gun on me.

The XD9 SC is heavier but holds more ammo. The Keltec when placed in a pocket holster works great too. Waiting to recieve my Sig P239 so I can't tell you about it yet.

[Elgis]

Originally Posted by Chapie+

I am debating between two guns to get for summer clothing carry:

1) Kahr CW4543 it is a 7 shot .45 ACP small (and affordable) gun. Here is the link:
Kahr Arms / .45 ACP Models / CW Series

or

2) Smith and Wesson model 642 5 shot .38 special. Here is the link: Product: Model 642 Revolver

I can get either one for about $400.00

Thoughts?
Chapie+

I have either the XD9SC in a pager pal (and it's comfy) or a Bersa Thunder .380 in a Nemesis pocket holster. Both are comfortable and have never (at least to my knowledge) been spotted.

[Zim]

My vote is for a s&w 640. It's the .357 mag version of the 642. Me I like the option of shooting .357s or 38s. I paid about $400 for mine.

[1lowlife]

Love my 642.
I haven't stopped carrying it since I bought it a couple months ago.
My XD9sc is getting dusty.
+1 on the CT grips.
Here is my post on it.
My S&W 642 pics

The 38sp +P is plenty a round for a J-frame, IMHO.
The S&W 640 has a quarter inch longer barrel.
A new 640 will cost around $150 more than a 642 or 442.
These are just examples.
442 Smith & Wesson 442 .38 Spl+P 1-7/8" Black for Sale at Buds Gun Shop
642 Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Spl+P for Sale at Buds Gun Shop
640 Smith & Wesson 640 .357 Mag 2" Stainless for Sale at Buds Gun Shop

If you purchase the CT grips.
The LG-405 are smaller than the LG-305 and easier to conceal.
Good luck with whichever you decide on.....

[SMMAssociates]

Usually a Kimber Compact Custom - 4" all steel 1911 on an "Officer's" sized frame....

The XD-9 SC is a little smaller, but the little Kimber's not much of a problem. I now alternate that with a Para CCO (3.5" Stainless 1911, LDA). A tad lighter, but only slightly....

If I really want to bury it, there's a PPK/S and a P3-AT (the latter is under repair) handy. And, yes, I've been known to carry the XD.... (The PPK/S really isn't that much smaller than the XD.)

I should add that the XD and an old S&W CS45 are "throwaways". Not that I intend to throw them away, but getting an insurance check for one due to some kind of malfeasance at an airport wouldn't really upset me. The two 1911's are a little more "special".

Regards,

[NC Dave]

For most occasions, it is the same as my fall, winter, and spring gun - XD .45 ACP Service. IF concealment is an issue based on what I am wearing, a Kahr K9 does the trick.