CCW pistol choices

[Greg Nolan]

Gentlemen

I'm getting ready to go for a CCW permit and I need some advice on carry guns and holsters. I currently have a Cold delta elite 10mm, a S&W ultra light alloy J frame, a Star 40 S&W in Starvel (brushed chrome) finish. It's the first sub-compact 40 3" barrel and 7 shot. Nice but built heavy and tough. Nice to shoot but maybe heavy??? also a S&W 41 mag 4" Titanium type.
I've been looking at the Kimber Ultra Custom Crimson Carry ll 3" barrel and the Pro Crimson Carry with 4 " barrel. both in 45 ACP two tone. I don't care much for the blocky plastic guns (no offense to you Glock and other really nice plastic handgun owners) just personal prefference. I figured if I went full size I would use the Delta Elite. (It's blued).
The questions are: Should I use what I got or get a different gun for concealed carry? Or a combination of guns.
What's the best all around pistol for concealled carry with at least 40 cal?
:? Oh yeah! and what holsters?
I love this sight and all the good info we can find here :grin:
Thank You
Greg

 

[old #7]

The 3" is nice and short but I found I like the 4" best. You don't gain that much in concealment gong to a 3" from a 4". The accuracy and lower recoil of the 4" greatly make up for the extra inch you will have to conceal.
the crimson trace laser grips are a great addition to the night sights.

here are my Kimbers
from the top
Elite carry (only 1200 made) 4"
Ultra CDP II
Ultra carry with crimson trace.

 

[DrMike]

Those Kimbers are certainly handsome handguns, Old #7.

 

[Greg Nolan]

They sure are. As soon as I saw one I knew I needed to have one. Or maybe 2.
So it's the 4 " and you think the lasergrip is worth it.
Thank You Old #7.
Dr Mike, you stay up on whats new and good. What are your thoughts?
Thanks again
Greg

 

[JD338]

Greg,

I have the Kimber Tactical Pro II 45 ACP. The form, fit and function are perfect for me. I have a Crimson Trace laser grip and it is dead on, from a rest at 30 yds I put 2 8 round clips into one ragged hole!

My holster is from Eric Larson at HBE Leatherworks in Salt Lack City, UT. Its a IWB Tuckable and is very comfortable to carry.
http://www.hbeleatherworks.com/

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

kIMBER 45 ACP 8)

 

[SJB358]

kIMBER 45 ACP 8)

I agree with the others. A Pro Carry would be my pick. I carried a Pro Carry concealed for 7 months and really walked lop sided when I came home and didn't have a pistol on! Either way, stick with the Kimber and maybe handle a few to see what you like. Kinda like trucks and woman, everyone has a different taste, but I do think you would be happy with the Kimber in a 45! Scotty

 

[old #7]

Laser grips are definately worth it.
I am going to pick up a set of rosewood colored laser grips for my Elite Carry someday.
I have found that the laser grip really lets you see whats going on while you are pulling the trigger. I think the laser is a goos tool to learn trigger control.

 

[Greg Nolan]

I'm looking and touching. So many choices :wink:

 

[JD338]

I'm looking and touching. So many choices :wink:

Greg,

Start with the Kimbers, you will cut to the chase. :wink:

JD338

 

[Greg Nolan]

Thanks Jim

I'm studying the California legal handgun list. Most of the Kimbers are ok except the crimson trace models. I have two handguns for sale on gunbroker now to pay for the new one.

 

[old #7]

Thanks Jim

I'm studying the California legal handgun list. Most of the Kimbers are ok except the crimson trace models. I have two handguns for sale on gunbroker now to pay for the new one.

You can buy the grip seperate from the gun. :wink:

 

[JD338]

Thanks Jim

I'm studying the California legal handgun list. Most of the Kimbers are ok except the crimson trace models. I have two handguns for sale on gunbroker now to pay for the new one.

You can buy the grip seperate from the gun. :wink:

old #7 is right on. The Kimber Full Size or Pro series uses the Crimson Trace LG 401.

JD338

 

[HTDUCK]

Another nod for a Kimber in 45ACP.

I've had a few 1911s over the years and currently own two.
One is a 5 inch steel TLEII,the other is a Pro-Carry II.It has a 4 inch barrel with an alloy frame and has become my favorite carry pistol.
Over 2500 rounds through the TLE and nearly 500 so far through the
Pro-Carry, never a failure to feed fire or eject.
Damn nice trigger right outa the box to boot.

Here in Texas it gets a tad warm in the summertime and I routinely carry either one wherever I go.Shorts and a T shirt are the bulk of my summertime attire and a 1911 will easily dissapear with a GOOD belt and a GOOD IWB holster.

Don't skrimp on leather.
Also,hard to beat Wilson Combat 1911 magazines.

Howard

 

[Greg Nolan]

Thanks HTDUCK

I'll look into that rig as soon as I get the pistol. :grin: