Episode 174 - Carry what you can get away with

[Bob Mayne]

Everyone’s concealed carry situation is different. So I decided to talk about carrying whatever gun you can get away with. This episode is primarily inspired by a thread here on the GRRN forum, in this subforum. What gun is enough gun? What can you carry in your particular situation? There are advantages and disadvantages to every gun and every gun is a compromise of some sort. Do you need more than one gun? Also, I received some EXCELLENT voice mails regarding the aftermath of a self defense shooting, campus concealed carry, and slide stop levers, so I answer those as well. Thanks for downloading and listening. Bob Mayne.

Use this thread for comments and questions.

P.S., in this podcast, I received the BEST and most difficult question, I've ever had.  So I solicited some help in answering it.   More to come.

[hit n miss]

 Bob, take a look, at the Ruger SP101. The SP101 is not as light as the LCR. The plus side of the SP101 it is more manageable with recoil then the LCR in 375 mag.

[Lawrence]

Bob, take a look, at the Ruger SP101. The SP101 is not as light as the LCR. The plus side of the SP101 it is more manageable with recoil then the LCR in 375 mag.

I second that.

Sent from my X500 using Tapatalk 2

[Bob Mayne]

I've handled the SP 101 and it's a bit heavy for my needs.  When I get a small revolver, it will be lightweight and small to serve as a back up gun.  If I'm going to carry a heavier gun, I'll pack my G19. 

I've never shot an SP101 but heard they are sweet shooters. 

Thanks for the suggestion however.

[Lawrence]

I've handled the SP 101 and it's a bit heavy for my needs.  When I get a small revolver, it will be lightweight and small to serve as a back up gun.  If I'm going to carry a heavier gun, I'll pack my G19.  

I've never shot an SP101 but heard they are sweet shooters.  

Thanks for the suggestion however.

Bob, In this case the LCR would be a better option. Also the J-frame with the compact Decelerator grip from Pachmayr would help to tame the recoil. For the folks who carry semi-auto 40 cal Charter Arms makes a revolver in 40 cal for the ones who consider revolvers more reliable on the  the back up role. This new revolver doesn't need moon clips.

[Bob Mayne]

Bob, take a look, at the Ruger SP101. The SP101 is not as light as the LCR. The plus side of the SP101 it is more manageable with recoil then the LCR in 375 mag.

I like your signature line!

[SteveZ]

Hey Bob...I think it was in this episode where you mentioned that you were considering getting a 22 Conversion as a tool for practice.  If you're looking at it as a tool for IDPA practice, I think you're going to be disappointed.  I went the 22 Conversion route for my STI a couple years ago when reloading supplies got tight and found that 22 "IPSC" practice just too limiting (didn't replicate recoil, didn't replicate splits, didn't replicate performing reloads) and overall was really only good for shooting groups or accuracy practice.  If you look at everything you do when shooting a stage...and then look at the limitations of a "22 practice" it just doesn't make sense.  Reloading your own ammo makes MUCH more sense....as you are saving money and shooting full power ammunition....no limitations.

[Bob Mayne]

Good point, I didn't think of that.  Thanks for sharing your experience.  I hear so many people using them for defensive shooting practice as well and for competition practice.  I've always wondered about this because of the completely different recoil impulse of the .22lr.

[hit n miss]

Bob, you should try shooting both the LCR and the SP101. When it came to shooting 2 or 3 round shot string I could require sights on target faster (shooting 357 mag and 38 special) with the SP101 vs. the LCR. I’m not knocking the LCR as I was looking at it for carry gun as well. For me I just found I can shoot the SP101 more accurate vs. the LCR. With a good IWB holster I can carry the SP101 without printing, even with jean shorts and a tee shirt. To tell you the truth it is easier to carry then my XDM40 is.
At the time I ran my test on both Rugers, I did not have access to the Smith and Wesson J frame or the Bodygaurd. I did have 1 Taurus with the test. It did not make it past the 1st 100 rounds.

[Bob Mayne]

Thanks for the suggestion.  My purpose for getting a small revolver would be for a back up role, mostly in the pocket or carried on my weakside in my belt.  I think the Ruger SP-101 would be too heavy for that.

[Mudcat]

Bob just so you know I am just a little upset with you. You made me go try a CM9 out, well you can imagine the rest. I am the owner of a slightly used Kahr CM9. I will be telling the wife that it is your fault too.

This weekend I will try to get 400-500 rounds through it. Did I hear you mention a place to buy Kahr magazines a little cheaper than retail?

Keep up the good work, and don't talk me into any more guns!

[Bob Mayne]

Sorry Mudcat, go ahead and tell your wife it's my fault.  CDNN investments has good prices on Kahr magazines, but I just checked their website and they don't have a 9mm at the present time, http://www.cdnninvestments.com/nsearch.html?section=01cq4kX3AhnvY3N9PBs9iVHdmoSNA-&query=kahr&searchsubmit=Search&vwcatalog=cdnn

Congrats on the new pistol, don't forget the 1,000 round trigger job.

Do you think Kahr will send me a commission check?  (wishful thinking.)

[Mexican_Hippie]

Bob, hate to derail a good thread but had to address one inaccuracy in your podcast.

When you said the Bill of Rights protects us from everyone that was inaccurate.  The Bill of Rights are only our protections from government.  It was a document written specifically to limit the power and clearly delineate the role between Federal and State governments and the people - not between the people. 

This is an extremely important distinction. 

Some examples:

1st Amendment

• The owner of this board can ban me if they don't like what I'm saying.  There is no right to free speech guaranteed on someone else's site.
• You could kick me out of your business if I came in spouting protected hate speech - even if it was  a business catering to the public.
• I can deny the Press entrance to any property I possess.
• Churches can restrict who gets to participate in their services

4th Amendment

• A retail owner can detain and search you if they have reason to believe you stole something

5th Amendment

• The Supreme Court has held that “the Fifth Amendment does not forbid adverse inferences against parties to civil actions when they refuse to testify in response to probative evidence offered against them.” Baxter v. Palmigiano

I know you know where I'm going with this so I'll stop where I'm at.  What I've said above isn't opinion though it's a verifiable fact.  I agree with you completely on a moral basis, just not on a legal one.

[Bob Mayne]

You are absolutely correct. Another listener has made me aware of this. I'm actually going to cover this on Episode 176 as well. Very educational and I stand corrected.

[Mudcat]

Sorry Mudcat, go ahead and tell your wife it's my fault.  CDNN investments has good prices on Kahr magazines, but I just checked their website and they don't have a 9mm at the present time, http://www.cdnninvestments.com/nsearch.html?section=01cq4kX3AhnvY3N9PBs9iVHdmoSNA-&query=kahr&searchsubmit=Search&vwcatalog=cdnn

Wife doesn't care as long as I don't try to swap her 642 for one of those bottom feeders, she likes her old timey pistol lol. Thanks Bob I will keep checking.

Congrats on the new pistol, don't forget the 1,000 round trigger job.
I am well on my way, I just need another magazine to help speed the process

Do you think Kahr will send me a commission check?  (wishful thinking.)
I will see what I can do for ya.

[ExpatBen]

I'm really interested in Ruger's new .327 Federal.  The numbers look good and everyone says it's joy to shoot.  They haven't made it in the LCR yet, but I'm hoping they will.  Does anyone have any experience with the .327 Federal?

[Mudcat]

I have played with one and it is really nice. One of the good things about it is that you can shoot so many different kinds of ammo in it .32 H&R magnum, 32 S&W, .32 S&W long as well as the .327 Federal. I do believe it would be better for someone who reloads though. But I just say that as I look at my empty wallet but lots of reloading equipment and components. Your situation may be different.

It is a great gun to shoot I shot the Ruger SP101 which is a hefty piece. It tamed the recoil considerably I am sure. Seems like a great little gun and a feisty round to go with it.