Opinion
Ft Collins, CO –-(Ammoland.com)- Concealed-Carry Pistols:
Mid-size, double-column, 9mm pistols, such as the G19, SA/XD, S&W M&P, Walther PPQ, H&K VP9, SIG 320, CZ P10C, et al. have enjoyed immense popularity among Operators, for some time. They are all 16-shooters (at least) and are designed for concealed carry, particularly for average-to-large-sized men.
Compact, single-column 9mm pistols, such as the S&W Shield, G43, Kahr PM9, Walther PPS/M2, and the new SIG P365 have since emerged, and are popular concealed-carry options for the small-statured (both genders), the small-handed (both genders), and those of both sexes who dress “stylishly,” some by choice and some by necessity.
For many among the preceding, all double-column pistols are “too fat” to conceal comfortably, and “too fat” to grip comfortably, even competently.
Compact, single-column 380s, such as the G42 and the S&W EZ have captured market-share for those same reasons.
Now comes a new category: Mid-sized, single-column, 9mm pistols, such as the new GLOCK G48, Honor Defense HG9CLE, and the Kahr T9.
These pistols are all flat but have a mid-length slide, and full-length grip that will fully-support all fingers, even on big hands.
The G48 is an 11-shooter. The HG9CLE is a 9-shooter. The Kahr T9 is also a 9-shooter I’ve carried all three of these. All are smooth, reliable, slick, flat, and recoil is very mild.
- All are small-hand-friendly.
- All are easily concealed, with reduced “printing.”
- All work well with GTM handbags.
My advice is to get your hands on all the pistols mentioned above. Thus get an idea of what fits your hands, body-size, style of dress, and general lifestyle, best. With all choices available, you don’t have to put up with an obvious mismatch.
We have entered the 2020 “election season.” My prediction is that political violence will become far more common and widespread than this nation has ever seen, since the Civil War. We see it already.
- The sage, of both genders and all sizes, will find a way to “go-armed,” continuously, no matter the venue, hand-size, nor style of dress.
- The sage will acquire concealed-carry pistols, particularly among those mentioned above, that fit their size and lifestyle.
- The sage will become competent gunmen, with whatever they select, through professional training and regular practice.
Among the sage, “going-armed,” adequately and continuously, is no longer optional.
/John
About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc
As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or in-actions.
It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr. Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com
Except that the Sig P365 is a semi-double stack that is as flat as the single-stacks and shoots 12 from the extended mag that still hides well and shoots wicked accurate.
The now discontinued Springfield XD-S 4″ barrel is a cool pistol.
@ Matthew: Yes, I have one in .45 and I love it. I’m surprised that it wasn’t more popular.
Back in 1976, and for the next 15 years my carry piece was a Star PD in 45 ACP. Six round magazine and one in the chamber. After I wore out the first one I bought a second one. A gun ahead of it’s time.
Yes I had one too. Not only Concealable but ACCURATE! I went through many 45 autos. Accuracy was always an issue with every other 45 I owned. I wore 2 of them out. Firing 1000s of rounds. My Concealed carry now is a Springfield XDE in 45 cal.
So I guess pistols like the Colt Commander 1911 and Astra A-75 were waaay ahead of their time. At the risk of being labeled a hipster, I was packing a mid-size single stack before it was cool to pack a mid-size single stack.