Concealed carry guns are more than just tools for defense—they reflect personal stories, preferences, and practical considerations. Among staunch Second Amendment supporters, the variety of everyday carry (EDC) firearms highlights how individual needs shape choices in the world of concealed carry.
Personal Attachments and Practicality in Carry Guns
Cam Edwards shares a poignant example of how personal history influences gun choice. After the passing of his wife, he began carrying her Smith & Wesson Airweight revolver, a gun that holds sentimental value beyond its function. Though not his primary carry weapon, it provides emotional comfort alongside protection.
Before this, Edwards favored the Sig Sauer P365, a compact pistol praised for balancing size and capacity. His experience and conversations with others affirm the P365’s reliability, contrasting with concerns some have about other Sig models. Edwards also expresses curiosity about the Springfield Armory Hellcat, showing an openness to exploring options that might better suit his needs.
Balancing Concealability and Shootability
Ryan Petty opts for the Glock 43X paired with a Holosun HS507K X2 red dot sight. Petty emphasizes that a carry gun should be a dependable tool rather than a showpiece. The Glock 43X meets his criteria by offering a slim profile for concealment while maintaining a grip size that allows effective shooting.
Petty is an advocate for red dot sights on defensive pistols, citing their speed and precision. He likens reverting to iron sights to using outdated technology when superior options exist, underscoring how modern enhancements can improve defensive readiness.
His philosophy is clear: the best gun is the one you carry consistently. For Petty, the Glock 43X fits that role perfectly.
Challenges of Concealed Carry in Restrictive States
John Petrolino’s experience illustrates the hurdles faced by gun owners in states with stringent carry regulations like New Jersey. Initially limited to carrying a small Ruger LCP .380 in his pocket due to permit restrictions, Petrolino found this method uncomfortable and unsafe, especially when entering and exiting vehicles.
Upon permit renewal, Petrolino obtained a less restrictive license, allowing him to carry a Glock 43 in a Tulster Profile inside-the-waistband holster. He prefers carrying the gun at the 3 to 3:30 o’clock position, though he avoids appendix carry due to comfort and safety concerns related to body shape and the risk of injury.
His secondary choice is the Glock 26, carried similarly but with a different holster designed for appendix carry. Petrolino’s story highlights how legal and physical factors influence carry methods and firearm selection.
Concealed Carry Adapted to Lifestyle and Clothing
Kerry Slone brings a perspective shaped by personal safety concerns following domestic violence and stalking. She carries different firearms depending on her attire: a Sig Sauer P238 for discreet carry under dresses and a Mossberg MC2sc for more traditional inside-the-waistband carry.
Slone’s approach underscores that concealed carry is not one-size-fits-all. Firearm choice and carry method must align with clothing and comfort to ensure consistent and safe carry.
Editor’s Own Carry Choices and Reflections
The editor shares a preference for a slightly larger handgun, the Gen 4 Glock 19 TALO distributor exclusive, carried in a comfortable Flaco pancake holster. Despite appreciating smaller guns, the editor found that carrying a larger firearm more consistently met personal needs.
This diversity in carry guns among Second Amendment advocates reflects varied challenges, preferences, and comfort levels. What works for one person may not work for another, leading many to accumulate different firearms over time while searching for the best fit.
Conclusion: The Right Gun Is the One You Carry
The common thread among these Second Amendment supporters is the emphasis on practicality and personal suitability. Whether it’s a sentimental revolver, a red-dot equipped Glock, or a compact pistol adapted to clothing, the firearm that matters most is the one carried when it counts.
In the end, the choice of carry gun is deeply personal, shaped by individual circumstances, legal environments, and lifestyle needs. Advocates remind us that consistent carry and readiness are paramount, regardless of the specific firearm.
Source: Read the original reporting.
