That's one of them that I carrie 38 sp +p and 9mm the other

How the heck do you delete these things---- stumped (how ever you spell it)

These are my bodyguards
Taurus-38 sp =p
Star-9MM

Wha-Whooo.

I got one of those too.

Since Illinois is new to Concealed Carry and I have not taken the class yet to hear an instructors take (nor have I done any research on the incidents where CCW holders have exercised their right) Do you realy think you will need a a high cap double stack autoloader in a defensive pistol confrontation? I would think very few times would more than 2-3 shots ever be fired. I am leaning toward the Ruger revolver for ease of carry and ease of operation under what would likely be an extremely tense situation. If I get into a situation where I need to discharge multiple rounds - I really screwed up even being there.

I shoot autoloaders and compete in 3-gun PPC IPSC etc so it is not any unfamiliarity with the weapon that drive my choice. In fact I would likely have a 1911 in.45 or a Glock 22 in .40 and a shotgun or M4 in my vehicle if I felt the need for more firepower. The idea of carrying alll that weight all the time might keep me from carrying the one time I really need it wheras the light concealable pocket gun will more likely always be with me.

Just my ramblings rather than doing the work i should be doing..

Bullet tech has come along way in the past decade or two, 380's are nearly doing what 9mm's were doing +20 years ago. Of course bullet tech benefits the larger calibers as well.

The recent theater shooting, the retired cop used a 380, killed the other individual with a single shot. I'd prefer a larger caliber gun in a gunfight... but like they say, a gun in your hand is better than a larger one sitting on your night-stand at home.


-DallanC

I have 7 + 1 in my carry weapon and a spare magazine with 7 more. Most gun fights end in 2 or 3 rounds expended. But, if you insist on going where you shouldn't then a high capacity weapon is a good choice.

All good commonsense arguments. I have to agree wholeheartedly with Dallan too...a small gun in the pocket is heaps more useful than a larger gun on the bedside cabinet...especially when you need a gun.

I just wish we were allowed to carry out here in Australia.

Vince, maybe you should start training some angry roos...

No need to do that mate. 'Roos can be real agro if they like...without training.

So when you feed them the right stuff, they might attack men and the need for selfdefence is at the table...

Good point mate...wish the Govt felt the same way.

Dawgdad wrote:

The idea of carrying alll that weight all the time might keep me from carrying the one time I really need it wheras the light concealable pocket gun will more likely always be with me.

As a fellow Illinoisian (is there such a word and why would anyone admit to living here?) I have confronted the same issue, but I have had a permit for most states (just not our own) for quite some time. I agree that all the weight of many of the double-stack guns is prohibitive. My choice originally was the Ruger LC9, which is flat, light and easy to use. I now carry a Kahr CW45, which weighs barely more than the LC9 did and isn't much bigger, simply because I am addicted to .45 ACP pistols.

As Dallan and others said, ammo has advanced to the point that the lines between most calibers have blurred. Only take a few moments to watch Hornady's video of the performance of the .380 Critical Defense ammo and you will see what we mean. Quality ammo that functions perfectly in your chosen firearm is vastly more important than choosing a particular cartridge.

As I have stated several times I carry a Kimber UCC II. Empty it weighs 25 oz. Add 8 rounds of 185 grain XTPs and it gains quite a bit. I find that the weight of this pistol to be quite comforting. Mind you that I'm 5' 7" and 155 lbs.

SingleShotLover...Yup...Living in Missouri does have it's advantages over Illinois. I tend to avoid your state like the plague.

What about the choice of revolver or semi auto?

I shoot 1911,Glock,Makarov S&w 9mm and rimfire semiautos all the time. I practice enought o be confident and proficient with shooting and handling malfunctions while plinking or under time stress in competitions.

But... I still feel the revolver is my best choice for a self defense situation for reliability simplicty of operation. I guess a small Glock carried with a round in the chamber would be about the same but I have yet to have a revolver stove pipe on me.

Like Bushy says - If i insist on going where Crap can happen - I would carry the exrtra weight and ammo capacity but my current mind set is to be defensive and avoid trouble and be in a situation where one or two rounds would end the confrontation. A 125 JHP 38 +P is plenty of bullet for most jobs.

Either way, I feel it is critical that these things be clearly thought through before you just strap on a pistol for CC. And that you practice a lot with whatever you choose to carry.

Well darnies Dawgdad...If it helps I DO [on ocasion] carry a Model 19 S&W in an appendix (1:00) IWB holster.