The Ultimate EDC Survey: Results Are In! ~ EDC Firearm Choices & Carry Methods Part 1

In the world of personal defense, choosing the right everyday carry (EDC) firearm is not always about picking a gun; it’s about selecting a partner that fits your lifestyle, your body, and your comfort level. That’s why we’ve taken on the task of diving deep into what gunnies prefer when it comes to their EDC choices. From the brands and models that dominate the carry scene to the methods that keep firearms both accessible and concealed, our Ultimate EDC Survey aims to shed light on these critical decisions.

We’re kicking things off by exploring the primary EDC firearm choices, the factors that influence these selections, and the preferred carry methods. But remember, this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more in-depth reporting on additional aspects of the survey, where we’ll delve into topics like holster preferences, modifications, and even the debate over single vs. double-stack magazines. Whether you’re a seasoned carrier or just stepping into the world of EDC, these insights promise to guide and validate your choices or perhaps even challenge you to think differently about your carry setup.

So, let’s jump in and see what the AmmoLand community has to say about their EDC essentials.

Primary EDC Firearm Choices

When it comes to everyday carry (EDC), our readers have some clear favorites. First off, GLOCK came in as the absolute king in the EDC game.

You see, the GLOCK 19[also G17] handgun earned top mentions as if it is the default choice for anyone looking for a reliable, no-nonsense carry gun. This is understandable, as the GLOCK 19’s versatility, with its capacity and size, makes it a go-to for both concealed carry and those who might need a firearm for more than just self-defense. The GLOCK 43X and G17 Pistol also get a lot of love, especially for those who want a bit more capacity or prefer a different grip size.

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	Safariland Black ALS Holster for Glock 17 MOS Gen5	Ammunition Depot	$ 92.99

Raw EDC Survey Responses:

• Glock: 232 mentions
• Sig Sauer: 155  mentions (including variations like “sig saur”, “sig sauer”, “Sig-Sauer”, “SIG Sauer” “Sig Sauer”))
• Ruger: 61 mentions (including “RUGER”)
• Smith & Wesson: 63 mentions (including all variations like “S&W”, “S&W M&P”, “Smith&Wesson”, etc.)
• Springfield Armory: 45 mentions (including “Springfield” where context suggests it’s part of Springfield Armory)
• Taurus: 27 mentions
• CZ: 15 mentions
• Colt: 14 mentions
• HK (Heckler & Koch): 12 mentions (including “H&K”, “Heckler and Koch”)
• Walther: 10 mentions
• Kimber: 10 mentions
• Beretta: 7 mentions (including “Baretta”)
• Kahr: 6 mentions
• Kel-Tec: 5 mentions (including “Keltec”)
• FN: 4 mentions
• Canik: 3 mentions
• Shadow Systems: 3 mentions
• Wilson Combat: 3 mentions
• Mossberg: 3 mentions
• Bersa: 2 mentions
• Tisas: 2 mentions
• Staccato: 1 mention
• Palmetto State Armory (PSA): 1 mention
• Vulcan: 1 mention
• NAA (North American Arms): 1 mention
• Dan Wesson: 1 mention
• Detonics: 1 mention
• Diamondback: 1 mention
• Girsan: 1 mention
• Hi-Point: 1 mention
• IWI: 1 mention
• Les Baer: 1 mention
• ParaOrdanance: 1 mention
• STI: 1 mention
• Tristar: 1 mention

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 most mentioned firearm models based on the survey results:

1. Sig Sauer P365 – Including variations like P365XL, P365X, and P365 Macro, this model series was frequently cited, making it the most popular among respondents.
2. Glock 19 – Including various generations like Glock 19 Gen 3, Glock 19 Gen 4, and Glock 19 Gen 5, this model was also highly mentioned due to its reliability and versatility.
3. Glock 43X – This model, including the Glock 43X MOS, was popular for its slim profile and good balance between size and capacity.
4. Springfield Armory Hellcat – This model, including the Hellcat OSP and Hellcat Pro, was noted for its high capacity in a compact frame, appealing to those who need a small but effective EDC.
5. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield – Including the Shield Plus and various Performance Center versions, this line is well-regarded for its ergonomics and reliability.
6. Sig Sauer P320 – Including variations like the P320 X Compact and P320C, this model is appreciated for its modular design and customization options.
7. Ruger LCP – Including the LCP Max, this model is favored for its ultra-compact size, making it an ideal choice for very discreet carry.
8. Sig Sauer P238 – This model, while not as frequently mentioned as the P365, still holds a place due to its compact size and .380 ACP caliber, which is preferred by some for easier handling.
9. Glock 48 – Including the Glock 48 MOS, this model is another favorite for those seeking a slim single-stack magazine in a slightly larger frame than the Glock 43X.
10. CZ P-10 – Including variations like the P-10C and P-10S, this model is noted for its ergonomic design and excellent trigger, making it a top choice for many enthusiasts.

No slacker was Sig Sauer. Their P365 series, especially the P365XL and P365X, are taking the EDC scene by storm. These guns are all about packing more rounds into a smaller package, which is perfect for concealed carry. Sig’s reputation for quality and innovation shines here, making these pistols a solid choice for anyone serious about their carry.

Smith & Wesson isn’t far behind, with their M&P Shield lineup, particularly the Shield Plus, being all over the place. The Shield Plus offers a great balance of concealability and firepower, making it a favorite for those who want something that’s easy to hide but still packs a punch when needed.

9mm Is the Default Caliber

On the caliber front, 9mm is the clear winner. It’s not surprising that everyone’s realized that 9mm gives you the best of both worlds – enough stopping power without the heavy recoil or the need for larger guns. That said, the .380 ACP still found its place in the survey responses, especially in those ultra-compact guns like the Ruger LCP Max Pistol for when you need your carry to be as invisible as possible.

Ruger, Springfield Armory, and others like Taurus, CZ, and HK also get shoutouts, showing that while GLOCK, Sig, and S&W might lead the pack, there’s a vibrant diversity in what people choose to carry. Springfield’s Hellcat, for instance, is becoming a big deal for those looking for high capacity in a tiny package.

And here’s the thing, customization is huge. Readers aren’t just carrying stock guns; they’re opting for optics-ready models or adding their own touches to make the gun feel like an extension of themselves.

So, in summary, if you’re looking at what’s hot in the EDC world, it’s all about those compact, high-capacity 9mm pistols, with GLOCK, Sig Sauer, and Smith & Wesson leading the charge. But remember, the best carry gun is the one you have on you, so whatever fits your lifestyle and comfort is going to be the real winner.

Factors Influencing Firearm Choice: What do factors like reliability, size/concealability, and brand loyalty mean to the EDC community?

When it comes to picking out an EDC (Everyday Carry) firearm, the AmmoLand news reader community has some pretty clear and logical priorities. First and foremost, reliability is non-negotiable. With a whopping 85.04% of respondents highlighting this, it’s understandable that when you’re betting your life on a piece of metal and plastic, you want something that’s going to work every single time. Nobody wants their gun to jam or fail when it counts, so reliability is king.

Next up is size and concealability, coming in at 80.17%. This makes perfect sense if you think about it. The whole point of EDC is to have your firearm on you without it feeling like you’re carrying a brick. Whether it’s fitting into your waistband without printing through your shirt or slipping comfortably into a purse or pocket, the gun has to be there but not there, if you catch my drift.

Caliber performance also scored high, with 60% of the votes. This one’s about feeling confident in your gun’s stopping power. You want a round that’s going to do the job, whether that’s 9mm for its balance of capacity and effectiveness or .380 for those looking for something a bit more manageable in smaller packages. It’s all about how the gun feels in your hand, how it shoots, and how it performs.

Interestingly, brand loyalty only swayed about 20.52% of people. Sure, having a brand you trust is cool, but it seems most folks are more about performance than sticking to one name.

Then there’s the “Other” category, where 17.39% of people chimed in with their unique reasons. This could be anything from ergonomics, how the gun feels in their hand, to specific features like optics compatibility or even the cost of ammunition for regular range time.

So, when you’re out there choosing your EDC, think about what you need – a gun that won’t let you down, one that you can carry all day without being a pain in the…, and with enough punch to stop threats DRT. While the brand might matter to some, it’s really all about what’s going to serve you best in the real world.

Preferred Carry Methods: Breakdown of preferred methods such as IWB, OWB, Appendix, and Pocket Carry.

Inside the Waistband (IWB): When it comes to how we carry our EDC (Everyday Carry) firearms, the community has a few strong preferences. Leading the pack, with 42.26% of the votes, is Inside the Waistband (IWB) carry. It’s all about that balance of comfort and concealability. With an IWB holster, your gun stays close to your body, which helps keep it hidden under your clothes. It’s like the perfect compromise for those who need to blend in while staying armed.

Outside the Waistband (OWB) isn’t far behind, with 33.57% of folks favoring this method. OWB carry is great for times when concealment isn’t your top priority or when you’re in a place where open carry is more accepted. It’s easier to draw from and often more comfortable if you’re not squeezing into tight jeans all day.

Appendix Carry has its fans, too, with 21.39% opting for this method. It’s all about quick access and the ability to conceal even with lighter clothing. Some people swear by it for speed and security, though it does take some getting used to, so bending over can be interesting at first!

Pocket Carry rounds out the top preferences at 13.91%. This one’s for those who want the ultimate in simplicity and concealment, especially with smaller firearms. It’s like your gun is just another item in your pocket – until you need it.

And then there’s the “Other” category, where 9.39% of respondents have their own special methods. This could range from shoulder holsters, ankle carry, or even custom setups that work for individual lifestyles or body types.

This tells us that choosing your carry method is personal. It’s about what feels right for your body, your daily routine, and how you dress. Whether you’re tucking it inside your waistband, strapping it on the outside, carrying in the appendix position, or just slipping it into your pocket, the best carry method is the one that lets you be both comfortable and ready.

We have more to report from this survey, so stay subscribed and stand by for more insights, including reader EDC photos!

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