Carry recommendations/advice.

[Jcordell]

Mr. Excalibur makes good points. However we do differ on one point. I carry a leather holster. I prefer leather and I don't carry cheap leather. It might be an age thing. I'm fifty-two and grew up with leather holsters. The synthetics have their advantages so go with what you prefer. Just go with quality.

[Excalibur]

Originally Posted by Jcordell

Mr. Excalibur makes good points. However we do differ on one point. I carry a leather holster. I prefer leather and I don't carry cheap leather. It might be an age thing. I'm fifty-two and grew up with leather holsters. The synthetics have their advantages so go with what you prefer. Just go with quality.

You carry what you want as long as it's from a knowledge standpoint. I'm 34, not a "young man" but a young man to you. I've gone through some intense training courses and none of the advise on leather holster. You do what makes you comfortable, it's just your preference with what you know.

With respects to Jcordell and his preference, he most likely knows his holster and choices. For a new shooter, don't go leather holster unless you know exactly what. I'm not saying you can't fuck up a kydex holster, but you can. I recommend the brand names like Raven Concealment, Bravo Concealment. Even T-Rex Arms. They are not "cheap" and the turn around could take time for a custom picked one because they are in high demand.

There's an instructor, Clint Smith. He preaches don't pick a gun just because it "feels good on you". Pick a gun that is known to be reliable, hence the Glock 19. It isn't the prettiest handgun but it works. It's just small enough to conceal for most people and can still be pressed into other roles like home defense. Never use a tiny carry gun as a home defense gun if you have the choice. If you have to buy a small gun to carry, buy another gun for home defense.

Oh, I almost forgot, don't forget a light

Flashights are vital for everyday carry (EDC). If you are attacked, most of the time, it'll be in the dark. You need a way to properly ID who or what you are shooting at. If you decided to get a gun that can fit a weapon light on it, I still suggest carrying a hand light. Surefire or Streamlight are the best

Also these days, not enough people know first aid. I suggest taking a basic first aids class and packing a kit in your car. Not just bandages, but a trauma kit that can stop bleeding. Some people are already carrying small kits on their bodies for if they get hurt and can render first aid on themselves while they wait for the cops and an ambulance. Knowing how to treat your injuries is just as important as knowing how to use your gun.

[Jcordell]

There's an instructor, Clint Smith. He preaches don't pick a gun just because it "feels good on you". Pick a gun that is known to be reliable, hence the Glock 19. It isn't the prettiest handgun but it works. It's just small enough to conceal for most people and can still be pressed into other roles like home defense.

Yep. The Glock 19 is both my on-duty and off-duty handgun. I carry the Glock 17 magazine for my reload, but the 19 does just fine. It is the only Glock pistol in my inventory. I'll never be accused of being a "Glock fan-boy" (Colt DA revolvers are my fave), but the 19 is a very good pistol.

[Excalibur]

Originally Posted by Jcordell

Yep. The Glock 19 is both my on-duty and off-duty handgun. I carry the Glock 17 magazine for my reload, but the 19 does just fine. It is the only Glock pistol in my inventory. I'll never be accused of being a "Glock fan-boy" (Colt DA revolvers are my fave), but the 19 is a very good pistol.

I own 2 Glocks. I usually carry the G19 but I sometimes carry the much smaller G43. Spares are always the larger mags. My G19 spare is the 17 mag with extensions.

[S&Wshooter]

As someone that carries revolvers a lot, don't get one as a first carry gun. Biggest tip I can give is to be picky about your belt, it matters more than you'd think; that being said don't think you absolutely must get a stiff, stout, thick leather, steel core belt or anything crazy. I've had a lot of good experiences with hole-less friction-lock belts like the Grip6 stuff (even the slim one will hold up an FNX-45 + 2 mags, or a 5" 686 with speedloaders). I think a lot of new people, since micro 9s and .380s have come about, go too small and end up with a really jumpy, finicky, gun with tiny sights and controls. Definitely don't be afraid to try out something Glock 19 (or in between 19 and 26) sized guns, they're easier to carry than you'd think if you get a good kydex holster. If you don't need it, I'd also say avoid a tuckable holster (J-clips also suck), since some have a propensity to have the clip bend open, so that when you draw you pull out the holster too

[Spartan198]

Desert Eagle with a 10" barrel, 10x scope, and 14-round extended mag or bust. If you're gonna carry, do it right.