What's the largest gun you would consider for concealed carry? Assume warm weather attire. (Needed to clarify that for another forum that I posted this topic where many have a "real" winter to prepare for.    )

Most of my handguns are full size or even slightly bigger in the case of my Glock 34 for competition. My PPQ 4" is the smallest handgun that I own. Even then, it's only slightly smaller than my Glock 17s.  I have a H&K Compact 40c, but that's about the last handgun that I shoot these days. 

I've carried my 17 concealed in Raven and G-Code INCOG holsters. It's fine, but that was mostly in training sessions or when I could on the mainland.  I've never done daily carry with my 17 for long periods of time. I'm wondering if the 17 is a bit too big for concealed carry. Hoping that one day it's allowed on a wider basis here.  When I did carry the 17, it was during cooler months and at minimum, I was wearing a light jacket. 

Started thinking of this as I'm considering picking up a Glock 19 or maybe even a Shield. I'll need to go through the permit process for my CZ and PPQ anyways, so would be a good time to add another in the process. Have about a week before I apply for the permit and can pick up a 19.

For me, I think weight is equally important to size. Maybe more important.

For me, I think weight is equally important to size. Maybe more important.

That was something that came up in the thread that I posted on another forum.  I've had both the 17 and 34 in holsters a lot for both competition and training.  I had a friend's CZ in an OWB holster last weekend and I noticed the difference in weight.  Not that the 17 or 34 is heavy at all, but the CZ was significantly heavier.  However, those holsters are offset from my waist a good amount.  The RCS and INCOG keep them quite a bit closer to my body than those OWB holsters, especially the ones that I have with G-Code attachments that have both drop and offset. 

The 19 would be lighter than the 17, but only ever so slightly.  The Shield is about 6 oz lighter than the 17.  Between those guns, I consider them about the same.

Speaking of weight, many people choose to carry compact revolvers in 38 SPL.  I thought those guns would be heavy, but there are J-frames that are lighter than the Shield.  Those are 5 round capacity though, but I was surprised that they are pretty light. 

Choices are going to rely on your preferred caliber and what you consider to be a minimum capacity magazine. 

9mm with at least 10+1 capacity would allow a G26, Sig P320 9mm in Subcompact, and KEL-TEC P-11. 

Your body size/shape also factors in.  A larger person can conceal larger frame weapons, of course.

Compact revolvers can be made very light with titanium.

For typical everyday Hawaii dress or hot mainland climates:  t-shirt, shorts, and slippers, I found it very difficult to wear a G17 without it printing.  The grip is too long and thick so it sticks out like a sore thumb.  I went for the smallest and lightest gun, the Glock 43 single stack 9mm which is a big difference.  A Glock 27 would work also, but the 43 would maximize the flexibility in what I wear as I can tuck in a dress shirt and still have the gun concealed.

IMHO.

I agree with zippz.  In Hawaii' s climate and typical dress, a subcompact would be the easiest and most comfortable to CCW.  Limited magazine capacity is an issue with tiny subcompacts though. 

Little light weight pistols or revolvers can be a bear to shoot accurately and comfortably though. and that should be a consideration too.

I choose a Kahr CM9.  It is tiny, lightweight, and reasonably comfortable to shoot.  It can easily disappear in a pocket holster or a IWB. 6+1 in a flush mag and available 7 and 8 rounders for backup mags.

Choices are going to rely on your preferred caliber and what you consider to be a minimum capacity magazine. 

9mm with at least 10+1 capacity would allow a G26, Sig P320 9mm in Subcompact, and KEL-TEC P-11. 

Your body size/shape also factors in.  A larger person can conceal larger frame weapons, of course.

9 mm for me.  Minimum mag capacity?  I'd prefer the 10 (or more if standard capacity mags return), but 6+1 or 7+1 would be ok. 

Body size/shape?  Not skinny.   

Compact revolvers can be made very light with titanium.

For typical everyday Hawaii dress or hot mainland climates:  t-shirt, shorts, and slippers, I found it very difficult to wear a G17 without it printing.  The grip is too long and thick so it sticks out like a sore thumb.  I went for the smallest and lightest gun, the Glock 43 single stack 9mm which is a big difference.  A Glock 27 would work also, but the 43 would maximize the flexibility in what I wear as I can tuck in a dress shirt and still have the gun concealed.

Yeah.  Those airweights, or whatever you call them, are pretty darn light.  I was just surprised at how light the steel framed compact revolvers were. 

The 17 with INCOG is "ok" for me.  The grip does print a little at certain angles and I would think that a 19 would be pretty close.  I've considered the 43 and the 26.  I like that I can shoot either the 26 and 19 with my 17 mags.  Not really for carry considerations, just that I already have a lot of 17 mags on hand.

I've shot both the Shield and the 43 and my preference so far is the Shield, though I would be happy with either. 

IMHO.

I agree with zippz.  In Hawaii' s climate and typical dress, a subcompact would be the easiest and most comfortable to CCW.  Limited magazine capacity is an issue with tiny subcompacts though. 

Little light weight pistols or revolvers can be a bear to shoot accurately and comfortably though. and that should be a consideration too.

I choose a Kahr CM9.  It is tiny, lightweight, and reasonably comfortable to shoot.  It can easily disappear in a pocket holster or a IWB. 6+1 in a flush mag and available 7 and 8 rounders for backup mags.

I've also found that with subcompacts and the mag extensions, I have to really watch when I load the mags.  If I'm not careful, they always seem to pinch that pad at my palm by the pinkie knuckle.   

The shootability of compact guns is one of the reasons why I don't shoot my H&K USP Compact that much.  It was my first gun and I used to carry it when I lived in WA.  That said, there are much better guns in my collection now.  Or at least that I shoot better. 

Don't you have a compacty CZ or two, or three?  I was watching a Military Arms video and that guy seems to be a can of CZ for carry.  It think the P-01 or something like that. 

One of my best friends is an LEO in Texas and he'll occasionally carry a 17 or a 19 in a fanny pack.  I believe it's specifically designed for use as a holster.  Not sure I would go that route, but I've heard that it's pretty common. 

I've also found that with subcompacts and the mag extensions, I have to really watch when I load the mags.  If I'm not careful, they always seem to pinch that pad at my palm by the pinkie knuckle.   

The shootability of compact guns is one of the reasons why I don't shoot my H&K USP Compact that much.  It was my first gun and I used to carry it when I lived in WA.  That said, there are much better guns in my collection now.  Or at least that I shoot better. 

Don't you have a compacty CZ or two, or three?  I was watching a Military Arms video and that guy seems to be a can of CZ for carry.  It think the P-01 or something like that. 

I have a CZ customs PROTEK, which is a compact.  It shoots very well.  I shoot it as well as my full size CZ. 

It is about the same size as a 19, however it is heavier.  With a good belt and holster it can be easily conceal IWB with the right clothing choice.   With the added weight it probably won't be as comfort as a lighter gun.  But in my eyes shootability trumps comfort.  So if we did have CCW here I would opt for the CZ compact when I could dress for that, otherwise I'd run the Kahr.

Fanny pack is great too.  And comfortable.  The CZ compact is easily carried in a purpose built fanny pack I have.  One must be aware and keep track of the bag, and not put it down or forget it somewhere.

I usually use it cross the shoulder, bandoleer style, vice around the waist.

About 28 years daily, many firearm types.  For the last 8 years or so, it is the Glock 19 everywhere, even the mainland.  Size, weight, capacity, caliber.  There are other options, but this does it all for me in arguably the best overall package available. 

Open Carry Uzi with a shoulder rig.   32rd mags x 3

I carried my Glock 19 with 15 Rd mag everyday for a week in Las Vegas this past June wearing just a T shirt to conceal it and it didn't print.  I didn't notice the weight either.  A lot depends on the holster as well.  I used a FusionPac IWB holster.

Back on the mainland I never carried anything bigger than my CZ P01. I quit carrying it because of the size and weight, and mostly rotated between a diamondback DB380 and a Beretta 21a. I did carry a charter arms 38 for a while, but quit because of its weight and it's failure to eject reliably. I always wanted to try out a Glock 26 and 43, or a keltec pf9 as they seem like they'd have been good for how I carried in both summer and winter. I guess I gravitate towards smaller guns, even for winter carry. If I were ever able to carry in hawaii I'd get the Glock 43. My db380 seemed to have troubles in hot weather, and I hated buying 380 ammo.

As far as big guns I don't have a lot of personal experience. My cousin carries a full size Beretta 92 year round but admits he wants something smaller. I have a friend who carries a ruger P90 with no problems, but he's got 6"and 80lbs on me.

My brother in law carries a Beretta px4, grandma carries a ruger mk1 in a purse, dad a 3" Taurus 357 in a toolbag, 4 other family members pcket-carry NAA mini revolvers , and my little brother carries a Jennings 9mm but acts like it's a custom kimber . Safest family reunions in town.

If you like the Shield, the M&P 9c is a great choice.

It's smaller, more ergonomic and prints less than a Glock 19, and still has a 12+1 capacity.

It's almost exactly the same size as a Glock 26 but with a greater magazine capacity.

You also have the option of carrying a full size M&P9 (17+1) extra mag.

I have a CZ customs PROTEK, which is a compact.  It shoots very well.  I shoot it as well as my full size CZ. 

It is about the same size as a 19, however it is heavier.  With a good belt and holster it can be easily conceal IWB with the right clothing choice.   With the added weight it probably won't be as comfort as a lighter gun.  But in my eyes shootability trumps comfort. So if we did have CCW here I would opt for the CZ compact when I could dress for that, otherwise I'd run the Kahr.

Fanny pack is great too.  And comfortable.  The CZ compact is easily carried in a purpose built fanny pack I have.  One must be aware and keep track of the bag, and not put it down or forget it somewhere.

I usually use it cross the shoulder, bandoleer style, vice around the waist.

Yeah, I hear that.  You'd have to be confident with the shootability of the selected gun for sure.  I see all sorts of different guns people say that they carry and sometimes wonder if the concealing aspect would end up countering function.  I saw one guy's gun that has a pocket clip so that it would ride a certain way in a pants pocket. But the clip was a position where is seemed to mess up his grip.  He even mentioned that it made his grip uncomfortable. 

I haven't shot a Kahr in a while.  Like since late 1990s.  The one that I did shoot, I recall the DA trigger being quite heavy. 

About 28 years daily, many firearm types.  For the last 8 years or so, it is the Glock 19 everywhere, even the mainland.  Size, weight, capacity, caliber.  There are other options, but this does it all for me in arguably the best overall package available.

What would be your "close second" choice? 

I agree that the 19 is probably the best all-around package.  Just that it's so close to the 17 that I'm wondering if something that's a little bit more different is worth a try. 

Open Carry Uzi with a shoulder rig.   32rd mags x 3

You sure 96 rounds would be enough?   

I carried my Glock 19 with 15 Rd mag everyday for a week in Las Vegas this past June wearing just a T shirt to conceal it and it didn't print.  I didn't notice the weight either.  A lot depends on the holster as well.  I used a FusionPac IWB holster.

The capability to utilize the standard capacity mags would be a definitely plus for the 19, but alas, no bueno here. 

Where do you position your IWB?   3 o'clock?