I guess it was some time last week that I realized I have been making a mistake in how I handle listeners emails.  I work very hard to answer all of the emails that I receive and to do it quickly.  This method is great for that one listener who needs some information.  What I haven’t been thinking about is all the other folks out there that might have a similar question.  So it just clicked with me that I should be using the podcast to answer questions asked by listeners and at the same time, I should use those questions to build podcast content.  Duh.  Everyone that has a podcast does it.  I guess I’m just a bit slow on the uptake…
So I got a great email from Jason Silva last week. Â You might remember the interview that we had with Jason in the early spring about an organization he is heavily involved in, Students for Concealed Carry. Â Check out Students for concealed Carry on their website and on Facebook. Â Jason asked my opinion regarding options when it came to carrying small guns. Â So today we are going to take a look at Jason’s question. Â How do we go about selecting a small automatic for concealed carry.
0304 - Selecting Small Handgun for Concealed Carry [ 27:00 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1103)Admin:
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Why a Small Handgun for Concealed Carry?
Grip Size – Some people have small hands. Â Small guns tend to fit small hands better.
Weight – These things get heavy.  Depending on how you carry weight may be a major concern.
Concealment – This is the biggest reason that folks go for the small stuff. Â The smaller something is te easier it is to hide.
- Smaller people (thin too) need guns that they can conceal
- If you are dealing with clothing restrictions
- If you are forced to conceal in a non-permissive environment
The Disadvantages of Small Guns
Size
- May be harder to hold onto
- May leave fingers dangling
- May be difficult to manipulate controls
- Issues releasing magazines (might not matter)
Capacity
- Often these pistols are single stacks
- In addition they have shorter grips
- These factors mean fewer bullets
Recoil
- Smaller guns tend to have a greater perceived recoil.
- Less mass to absorb the energy
- Less surface area to distribute that energy into the hand
What I Look For in a Small CCW Pistol
I don’t…
- I’m not a small guy
- I don’t have small hands
- I am not restricted by my wardrobe
- I don’t often carry in non-permissive environments
If I was looking for a smaller gun…
- Modern Striker Fired
- 9mm
- No additional safeties or levers
- Reliability is Paramount
The Short List
Not an exhaustive list:
- Glock 26
- Walther PPS
- Kahr CM9
- Ruger LC9
If you can carry these guns what is it that is keeping you from carrying a compact model?
Can you change any other of the restrictive factors instead of changing your gun?
- These guns are more difficult to shoot
- Have a lower capacity
- Can you change something else
- Are you willing to train with it?
Paul great and valuable information. I remember when it first came out. My thoughts now as to adding another to this list would be the M&P 9mm compact. Physically it is about exactly the same size as the Glock 26 and it holds 12 rnds. I have found it is extremely accurate for its size and the finger grip on the mag lets a person with average hands to get a full controllable grip. The extra mags that come with it do not have the finger grip but for $10 you can get them from most gun suppliers.