Minimum You Will Carry

[nova3930]

My bodyguard 380 loaded with ammo that uses the Hornady XTP. The XTPs out of that barrel length consistently expand at 12-13" of penetration. Not optimum but "in spec." Course IMO "optimal" is 18" with consistent expansion so nothing I carry really is optimal...

The BG380 is a last resort carry though. Mowing the grass I wear cargo shorts with a belt and a FS P320 OWB. OC is legal here so for quick trips to the gas station I have a paddle holster I toss the FS P320 in for quick on off. I do throw that BG380 in my back pocket just to have something when I'm working inside the house though. Can basically carry it comfortable all day that way, up to and including taking a nap on the couch.

[officerX]

A quick run to the corner gas station may be when you need a defensive firearm the most.

That what my first thought when reading the OP as well - I'm glad someone finally said it.

I carry my G30S AIWB in a Zorn Skinny Rig any time I leave the house.

[B Cart]

I wear basketball shorts a lot and I will just throw my Shield 9mm in a Smart Carry (http://www.smartcarry.com/) and it works awesome. No need for a belt and it's not supported at all by the basketball shorts. But that is really only for when i'm lounging or wearing clothes without a belt.

Whenever I am out i have my Walther PPQ 9mm 98% of the time. For situations when i need deeper concealment or just want to grab and run to the gas station, I will grab my M&P Shield.

[Bigkrackers]

That what my first thought when reading the OP as well - I'm glad someone finally said it.

I carry my G30S AIWB in a Zorn Skinny Rig any time I leave the house.

Not so much the activity as what I might wear.

Case in point, this weekend I had to fill up the gas can for the mower halfway through the job. I had on my customary basketball shorts and tank top. The corner gas station is literally down the block and around the corner. Sure, I could go change so I could carry my G19. I could also do all my house work in jeans or cargo shorts. I just don't want to do that and before I get any lectures... ...I do understand and recognize that ideally when you conceal carry you dress to the gun. I'm acknowledging that in some situation I'm not going to do that and accept that I will have to make compromises in what I'm carrying. More to the point, however, is that in many of those situations I'm not carrying anything at all and looking for ways to fix that. Hence, this thread and getting feedback on what people in similar situations feel is the absolute minimum they will carry.

Thank you though for both comments on the gas station as I agree that this is more of an elevated threat level than someones lawn (in most cases).

I'm strongly leaning towards a LCP or Kel-Tec or Kahr type as this is the size and weight of what I have in mind. Not necessarily those exact guns but something in that vein.

[Bigkrackers]

I wear basketball shorts a lot and I will just throw my Shield 9mm in a Smart Carry (http://www.smartcarry.com/) and it works awesome. No need for a belt and it's not supported at all by the basketball shorts. But that is really only for when i'm lounging or wearing clothes without a belt.

Whenever I am out i have my Walther PPQ 9mm 98% of the time. For situations when i need deeper concealment or just want to grab and run to the gas station, I will grab my M&P Shield.

Nice to get some feedback on the Shield as I was wondering if this is of a size and weight that would work.

[Big A]

Nice to get some feedback on the Shield as I was wondering if this is of a size and weight that would work.

If I am outside of my house I have at minimum a J-frame on me. I don't wear my gun around the inside of my house unless I just got back from whatever I was doing and hadn't taken it off yet.

Now this is just my personal opinion but, I would skip the micro .380's altogether and just opt for a single stack 9mm in whatever flavor you prefer. I have an S&W Shield in 9mm and love it and I will probably add a G43 soon. Skipping the .380's also saves you from having to buy additional ammo that is more expensive than 9mm.

[1911-A1]

I have a P3AT in a tiny clip on holster that I can carry AIWB in almost anything. It's since been replaced by the G43 though. It can hide in all the same clothes and packs a little more heat.

[Uprange41]

Still gotta fight with it at the end of the day... G26 is my current minimum (and long-time preference), G43 is the strict minimum.

[SteyrAUG]

Funny you say that. I used to have this image in my mind that the one time someone was going to kick my door in would be while I was in the shower just starting to rinse the shampo out of my hair or on the john. Never gave it serious enough thought to find a solution to a gun in the shower that wouldn't freek out my wife but I still entertain thoughts about getting a little derringer or Kel-tec within easy reach of the throne.

[sevenhelmet]

^^^Now that's awesome.