Why Do You Carry A 45 ACP?

[Bree]

Originally Posted by Alaskapopo

Don't carry in your pocket. Dress around the gun, don't buy a gun to fit around the way you dress.
Pat

Pat...

I like most stuff you post but I disagree with this one.

I use guns to support my life. But my life is not about guns. Guns have to integrate with the way I live. I am willing to make some concessions but I am not going to let guns rule my life.

The .380 can do the job. Other calibers with larger guns can also do the job and have a higher probability of one shot success. But I am confident that the .380 can fulfill the self defense role I have assigned it which is right there in my pocket... ready to quickly pop off 7 rounds of Corbon .380 DPX and/or .380 Ranger T at close range.

[WestTx]

Why do I carry an XD45 Tactical 5"? Lethality zone. With a 9mm it was about 5 inches around centered just north of the heart. Now it's 10 inches. And I am getting a little older. So every bit helps.

[MGD 45]

Originally Posted by Alaskapopo

Don't carry in your pocket. Dress around the gun, don't buy a gun to fit around the way you dress.
Pat

+1 on that statement! I've had to purchase a few different pants with expanding waistlines to compensate for the gun carried in the waistband. I also use a sleeveless vest alot more to cover up my gun if I carry it on my hip holster or shoulder holster.

[LMTD]

Originally Posted by Alaskapopo

Don't carry in your pocket. Dress around the gun, don't buy a gun to fit around the way you dress.
Pat

Other than the inability to draw it effectivly while seated, is there another reason you do not like pocket carry? I ask because I do it about 100% of the time with a p3at in an uncle mikes #2 holster, even when I have an IWB or OWB with one of my 9 or 45's on my side.

I am not looking to argue it, I am just wondering what your reasonaing might be behind the statement.

[Alaskapopo]

Originally Posted by LMTD

Other than the inability to draw it effectivly while seated, is there another reason you do not like pocket carry? I ask because I do it about 100% of the time with a p3at in an uncle mikes #2 holster, even when I have an IWB or OWB with one of my 9 or 45's on my side.

I am not looking to argue it, I am just wondering what your reasonaing might be behind the statement.

Pocket carry is very very slow. I did pocket carry while working undercover in the drug unit for a while with a Smith 442. While its better than no gun at all pocket carry can add another second to your draw. (just an approximation)
Pat

[ichy_trigger]

Just remember that we cant always comfortably dress around our guns. Some of us live in states that get into the 90's during the summer.

I try to carry the biggest I can for most situations but small guns have their place. I dont pocket carry because I dont find it comfortable, my pants dont have huge pockets, but I do carry a 442 or Kel-Tec IWB when my dress wont allow anything more.

[Alaskapopo]

Originally Posted by ichy_trigger

Just remember that we cant always comfortably dress around our guns. Some of us live in states that get into the 90's during the summer.

I try to carry the biggest I can for most situations but small guns have their place. I dont pocket carry because I dont find it comfortable, my pants dont have huge pockets, but I do carry a 442 or Kel-Tec IWB when my dress wont allow anything more.

I lived and grew up in Fairbanks which gets in the 90's in the summer as well. Just use a good inside the waist band holster like the Milt Sparks Versa Max II and an untucked over sized T shirt. You can even wear jean shorts. I worked in the drug unit for 3 years and most of the time I carried a full size 1911 without being made.
pat

[LMTD]

Originally Posted by Alaskapopo

While its better than no gun at all pocket carry can add another second to your draw. (just an approximation)
Pat

While I agree chance favors the prepared mind, I am wondering if you are not thinking about it like a LEO instead of us civilians this time.

Awareness of the situation and a casual hand in the pocket can reduce that time a bit. The odds of you comming upon a situation where one draws on you instantly is far greater, though we share the same company a lot of times.

I will have to think on it a bit, it has merit, if it didn't I would not practice draw fire. I have the belt clip on it, but having to wear the shirt untucked is not usual for me.

Seriously considering a 1911 because the width of the XD makes IWB a pain at times.

[MGD 45]

Originally Posted by Alaskapopo

I lived and grew up in Fairbanks which gets in the 90's in the summer as well. Just use a good inside the waist band holster like the Milt Sparks Versa Max II and an untucked over sized T shirt. You can even wear jean shorts. I worked in the drug unit for 3 years and most of the time I carried a full size 1911 without being made.
pat

In the 90's...Oh no!!! Just kidding, down here in Ga. it definitely feels like the devils house in July & August, almost 2 solid months of temps ranging from 96-104 degrees with the humity at 99-100%....really uncomfortable. So I usually wear polo shirts & shorts with sandles, and a very lightweight beige colored nylon sleeveless vest to cover the gun. Either that or sometimes, I just tuck my J-frame .38 inside my waistband with a n Uncle Mikes soft holster and leave my shirt untucked.

[ichy_trigger]

I do carry my sig 229 under a T-shirt with a Tucker IWB but things can be different while at work.