Off-Duty Carry and concealment

Ok ..boys and girls, I just went down to my agency today and picked up my Firearms ID and permit and so naturally the wheels are spinning and I'm looking to pick up an off-duty weapon that is ideal for carry and concealment.

Here is a list of possible handguns based on feedback and some that I found online, most of all I need all you 'gun' guru's to chime in and remember first and foremost it needs to be easily concealed off duty and I'm going with either a .40 or .45 cal round.

Here goes...all feedback welcome....

Smith and Wesson M&P .40

Beretta PX4

Sig-Sauer P229 and P239

Springfield Armory XD in compact or subcompact...
::)

What do you carry on duty?

What's your duty gun?

Go for whatever's closest. Least learning curve, least chance of screw-ups under pressure.

My duty gun is a Glock 22. My off-duty/concealed gun is a Glock 27. Same gun, only smaller.

I carry my duty gun, Glock 22 off duty. I have a very comfortable holster for it and I don't have to worry about compatibility with my training.

Love my EMP 9mm.

Get one in .40

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/imag...2008/55467.jpg

We carry the H&K USP .45 on-duty...its a great gun and I love it...from what I hear H&K makes a compact .45 but I also here that it's a bit too big still for concealment purposes....

Dave

I carry a Springfield XDM .40 on duty and an XD .40 subcompact off duty. Love em both.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hybrid

I carry a Springfield XDM .40 on duty and an XD .40 subcompact off duty. Love em both.

---

I've always heard good things about the XD line, I will definitely check it out when it comes time to buy. What holster do you utilize for your subcompact while off duty?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Drico

I've always heard good things about the XD line, I will definitely check it out when it comes time to buy. What holster do you utilize for your subcompact while off duty?

---

The best, most comfortable, and most concealable holster I've ever used.

Crossbreed Holsters > Home

The thread directly under yours is selling an H&K compact.

I've been salivating over the Sig P239 SAS lately...a great sized (both in length and width) for CCW, plus it's available in 40. Of course, I'm a Sig guy, so I'm a bit biased....but it's a beaut!

http://www.collectors-society-slabs.com/239/239sas.jpg

Unless you spot something different from those you listed, my best guess for you is look at the compact XD model. Not sure how it compares in size with the SigSauer P239 to conceal. My P229 is (for me) a little heavy for off-duty. Are you set on an auto only? Is a .357 revolver out of the question?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ANI4ANI

Unless you spot something different from those you listed, my best guess for you is look at the compact XD model. Not sure how it compares in size with the SigSauer P239 to conceal. My P229 is (for me) a little heavy for off-duty. Are you set on an auto only? Is a .357 revolver out of the question?

---

I was focusing mainly on auto's...ani...don't have much experience with revolvers at all.

Sig 239 looks like a beautiful piece..I want to get the opportunity to handle one and see how it feels in my hand, my armorer recommended checking out the Smith and Wesson M&P's...in a .40...

I keep coming back to the XD line for some reason, without having put any rounds on target it just seems like an accurate gun and I suspect easy to handle. Maybe I'm behind on the times but they are going to be releasing an XD(M) in a .40 version..but we'll see how well it would be for conceal and carry purposes.

I prefer Glock but I think an XD in some flavor would be my second choice. I've had students that rave about them and have done well with them.

As to holster, before you decide check out Comp-Tac. Their C-Tac is about the thinnest most comfortable holster for IWB carry. The adjustment capabilities are great too.

The HK compact should be looked at.

Remember that the job of an off duty gun is not to be comfortable, but comforting in a real fight.

Since you haven't graduated the academy yet, I would recommend holding off on a firearm for now. I know a few guys who's careers ended early and the causes were all from guns, alcohol, women or a combination thereof. You should be fine if you're responsible and use common sense, but I felt I should mention it, especially for a new guy.

If the duty weapon is too large for you to conceal my first thought is to get a compact version of the same pistol. The USP is a nice weapon. You'll already have the training and experience of handling it, so as mentioned above there will be less of a chance of error when you have to use it under pressure in a RL SHTF situation. I personally carry a sub-compact Glock in the same caliber as my duty weapon. Magazines are interchangeable and I'm a bit quicker getting a site picture and firing accurately with it, compared to my other guns, due to the fact that I carry it daily and practice more with it.

If you're looking for a used gun there are a few bargains here in the Firearms forum, and you can do a search for Side Gig - there are a bunch of NYPD guys selling off duty firearms there. Of course you would have to go through an FFL being from NJ. I'm not sure how big your department is, but here when some guys retire they sell their guns.

Don't forget, HK makes a sub compact (the SK) that is available in 9mm, .40, and .357 sig

I carry a 1911 on and off duty.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vengeance05

Since you haven't graduated the academy yet, I would recommend holding off on a firearm for now. I know a few guys who's careers ended early and the causes were all from guns, alcohol, women or a combination thereof. You should be fine if you're responsible and use common sense, but I felt I should mention it, especially for a new guy.

If the duty weapon is too large for you to conceal my first thought is to get a compact version of the same pistol. The USP is a nice weapon. You'll already have the training and experience of handling it, so as mentioned above there will be less of a chance of error when you have to use it under pressure in a RL SHTF situation. I personally carry a sub-compact Glock in the same caliber as my duty weapon. Magazines are interchangeable and I'm a bit quicker getting a site picture and firing accurately with it, compared to my other guns, due to the fact that I carry it daily and practice more with it.

If you're looking for a used gun there are a few bargains here in the Firearms forum, and you can do a search for Side Gig - there are a bunch of NYPD guys selling off duty firearms there. Of course you would have to go through an FFL being from NJ. I'm not sure how big your department is, but here when some guys retire they sell their guns.

---

Thanks for the advice and the heads up, I plan on being very responsible and smart about my dealings with any type of firearm especially being in the academy. My wife does a very good job of making sure I stay out of trouble..lmao!

I'll look into the H&K ..valid points are being made and I appreciate it immensely. Thanks for everyone who took the time to chime in.

Dave

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Xiphos

The best, most comfortable, and most concealable holster I've ever used.

Crossbreed Holsters > Home

---

I've seen the webesite for the holster and thought about buying one, but didn't know anyone who had one. With your recommendation, I think I will get one. Thanks!