Choosing an EDC Handgun...

Choosing an Every Day Carry (EDC) handgun for Self Defense...Due to the recent events involving firearms, I’ve been getting a significant number of inquiries regarding the selection of a handgun for personal protection. My initial response to these questions is to assure the inquirers that these type of shooting incidents, and the types of firearms involved, are so rare, that they are statistically speaking, a non-issue. My heart goes out to the families and friends of those who were lost in these pointless acts of random violence, but as horrific as they are, they are a rare occurrence.

That said, it is believed by many in law enforcement, their researchers, and the NRA, that millions of unarmed assaults go unreported every year, and many of those are likely thwarted (via intimidation, or a show of potential force) by

the display of a firearm by the intended victim. Legal? Maybe not where you live. Effective? You Betcha! In fact, Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) uses their firearms for just that purpose all the time. LEOs are always drawing and pointing their guns at people, even though the cops do not know if a person has a deadly weapon or not (and always with the excuse that disparity of force was present). Fortunately for the LEO’s, it’s legal for them to do so in most instances (unfortunately, eleven percent of the time that a LEO points a gun at another human being and presses the trigger, an innocent citizen is accidently shot, or killed).

Even so, only a small percentage of the 700,000 sworn law enforcement officers in the US will need to fire a gun at a criminal during their entire career (accidental civilian shootings aside). For the remainder of the violent assaults that do involve a potential deadly weapon, 60% of those weapons are firearms, and 90% of those firearms are handguns. In fact, less than 1% or so of all violent gun crimes in the Nation, including reported criminal-on-criminal crimes, involve a semi-automatic rifle, which the liberal media and their progressive political masters refer to as “assault-rifles” (even though they are responsible for far less “assaults” than any other weapon in the US, including machetes and hammers!).

Of course, there is a significant risk involved if you were to not prepare for the use of deadly force, so if you want to prepare for those potentially deadly threats (which I highly recommend), a small and compact handgun is very likely all you will ever need to effectively defend yourself, the caliber of which, is not nearly as important as your ability to deliver fast, well placed shots on your attacker. The size of the bullet will never be as important as shot placement. Good, multiple hits are what end attacks.

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The vast majority of the 8 million handgun carry “permit” holders (as of 2011, and is a number that has been growing exponentially since then) in the United States do not carry a full sized handgun for self-defense on a daily basis, including off duty LEOs. This may be because they can’t afford others to know that they are carrying… Partially exposed handguns, like dead rats, are still serious taboo to carry around in the office, grocery stores and fast food restaurants in most urban environments. Many states also require permitted individuals to carry handguns fully concealed at all times, or risk “brandishment” charges. (There are a lot more than 8 million citizens carrying handguns on a daily basis: 5 million adult citizen are in states that do not require permits to carry, and millions more otherwise law abiding citizens still choose to carry in States whose “progressive” lawmakers have effectively prohibited permit issue to their serf/citizens. That’s a good thing, since firearms are used by law abiding citizens to stop criminal attacks two and a half million times a year in this country.

In addition to social (and possible legal) considerations, those who have carried for decades (or just weeks) have learned that carrying around a two and a half pound, full sized handgun on them that gets less use than their Social Security Card becomes quite tenuous after a short period of time, and usually comes with significant dress style modification requirements to make it work, and even at that, only barely work. Keep in mind; I’m not talking about an occasional “up-armored” carry due to an anticipated trip to a high risk area for a few hours. I’m talking about a day in, day out, all day carry gun (because if you have decided that you need to carry for self-defense, then you probably recognize that criminals and potentially violent, mentally compromised citizens that are highly mobile, and commonly show up when and where they are least expected).

Picking an Every Day Carry (EDC) handgun for concealed carry requires some serious considerations. Purchase the wrong one, and you are out a whole lot of money, and are still without a good carry solution. Even if you sell/trade that newly designated “paperweight,” you’ll be out at least twenty percent, or more of its cost on it’s resale or trade. I hope with this discussion you’ll save the headache of buying the wrong handgun for concealed carry, and provide you some points of analysis to help you pick the right one.

Disclaimer & Permit Issues: If you live in a Shall Issue State, there is no reason on God’s green earth that should keep you from getting your license to carry if you don’t have a criminal history. You really shouldn’t (and legally can’t) carry a handgun on your person unless you have a CCW permit, or are in a State that does not require a license (AL, AZ, MO, VT, WY). Doing so can result in one or more felony charges (and that will only be the beginning of your problems).

Many citizens living in May Issue States still do however, which I personally liken to an act of covert Civil disobedience, based upon their government’s violation of their civil, natural, God given, and Constitutionally guaranteed Rights. My advice to those people is: Good for you, good luck, don’t shirk on GOOD, professional firearms training and legal knowledge, and for heaven’s sake, don’t get caught! However, should you find yourself in the unenviable position of having to use that illegally carried gun, you can take solace in the fact that it is always better to be tried by twelve, then carried by six. That having been said, I would never suggest anyone break the law. It is far better to join the NRA, form an action group, and do whatever is necessary to elect officials who have actually read the Constitution, and support your God given rights.

Don’t bother to apply for a permit in the Socialist Republics (such as California, New Jersey, etc.). These are “May Issue” states; typical urban Sheriff’s, and the State Police maintain a progressive-statist view that “normal” citizens shouldn’t be issued permits, and being denied a permit could prevent you from being granted one later on in another state, or in your “May Issue” state should

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they ever come around and become a “Shall Issue” state (or the residents of your County are smart enough to vote a County Sheriff into office that will issue for personal self-defense).

Ok, here are the primary considerations for the selection of an everyday carry (EDC) handgun...

Weight:If capable, man-stopping handguns can be had for around 1 pound or less, why go with a 2 pound EDC gun? And hey, this doesn’t preclude you from legally carrying a more powerful shotgun or carbine in your vehicle (which is still legal in most states, so long as it is unloaded and in a locked case, to insure you don’t run afoul of Federal “Gun-Free” School Zone law, or you have a CCW). If your EDC handgun doesn’t go out with you on your person every single day, it’s not an EDC gun… It’s a home defense gun, or a car gun, or a “safe queen,” depending upon where it’s sitting most of the time. Actually, by that definition, most handguns are not EDC guns, even if the owners are too prideful to admit it, because it takes a whole bunch of personal discipline to carry the unused weight and bulk of a handgun every single day. Weight is a critical factor for a functional EDC handgun. Anything over 1.5 pounds loaded (24oz) is too heavy to carry all day long concealed, unless carrying is part of your job (and even then, it’s a royal pain). My primary EDC gun is 23oz, loaded, including holster. When most of us look at the weight of a gun, we’re looking at the gun unloaded and without a magazine in the well. You will need the weight all up, fully loaded for it to be realistic.

Size:Though weight is a primary factor for practical carry-ability, size is a close second. In general, smaller is always better for an EDC gun. If a handgun is small enough, it can be carried in a pocket, which makes a big difference in practical carry-ability (successfully carrying a handgun concealed in a belt holster is significantly more trouble than in a front pocket. While an inside-the-waistband holster will help to further conceal an EDC gun, it can be painful (without the proper holster), and requires extra room in your pants and longer belts to pull it off). With the significant increase in

nationwide citizen EDC of handguns in the last ten years, gun manufactures have responded; producing both small and light EDC pistols via synthetic and aluminum frames. Kahr, Ruger, Keltec, S&W, SIG, and many others have dozens of different thirty+ caliber handguns (9mm, .38, .380 & .32) that are small and lightweight; competing for your EDC dollar.

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It’s funny how individual perspective changes over time on the issue of how much gun is enough for personal protection. As a young man, A Glock-17 or a mid-sized .45 Auto could be found on my hip. Later in life, I realized that a Glock-19 was all I really needed, it carried a lot easier and if it was good enough for the default FBI issue pistol, it was good enough for me. Now, being much older, I’m looking for the lightest and smallest guns, dabbling in calibers that I never considered, such as a 380 Auto and 32ACP. I guess after all these years of carrying daily, I realize that an attack from a half a dozen determined armed felons probably isn’t going to happen on my watch. Sure, it’s still a slim possibility, but that’s why I carry a shotgun in my trunk. The time honored saying: “A .32 in your pocket will beat a .45 back in the safe every time” has significant merit, especially for those who have labored with carrying larger sized handguns daily for decades. Those new to concealed carry, will usually choose a gun that if far too large, and far too heavy to carry comfortably on a daily basis, or they will purchase an ultralight, easy to carry gun in a major caliber, and find out that they can’t shoot it worth a damn because of the abusive recoil. Very rarely, if ever, will their first choice actually suit their needs and abilities. This is where the money spent on training becomes a good investment, IF the Instructor, or school allows the student to fire a number of different styles, sizes, and calibers of handguns before they make their choice.

There is, an inverse relationship to the size of a handgun and how easy it is to shoot, and more importantly, be accurate with. Full size handguns are the easiest to shoot well, due to having full sized grips and a long sight radius (a longer distance from the rear to front sight, due to their longer barrels). They are a good choice for uniformed law enforcement and a dedicated home defense or vehicle gun, but a poor choice for an EDC gun due to size and weight. Compact handguns (+/- a 3”

to 4” barrel, such as a Glock 19, or Kahr CW9) still offer a sufficient length of grip, and are easy to shoot accurately. These guns are commonly carried by plain-clothes police officers, but the larger, wider, double stack Glock is still quite a chore to carry as an EDC gun for many. Sub-Compact guns, which tend to have 3” barrels or less, become more difficult to shoot accurately due to their shorter (and commonly narrower) grips, short sight ratios and lower gun weight (which doesn’t absorb as much recoil as the larger, heavier guns). Sub-Compact guns also tend to be more difficult to manipulate in the areas of reloading, slide racking and release and manual safety release (if so equipped).

However, Sub-Compact guns (and the even smaller Micro-Compact guns) are the domain of a practical EDC gun. Some of the larger ones shoot pretty well, while some of the smaller ones are significantly more difficult to control when chambered in .380ACP and therefore tend to be practically speaking, less accurate (a good example of this can be seen on the video of the recent Florida Internet Café robbery; where the older potential victim engages a non-moving, back turned

armed robber from 10 feet away with a tiny .380, yet hits him in the outer buttocks with his first shot!). If you’re going to carry a subcompact, or micro-compact handgun, then you should seriously consider stepping down in caliber. Guns such as the Ruger LCP, Keltec P3AT, Taurus 738, and others in this size and weight range chambered in .380ACP are not fun, or easy to shoot well. However, a gun of that size chambered in the milder .32ACP, such as the Keltec P32 is a pleasure to shoot. Recoil does matter when speed, control, and accuracy are needed.

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Glock vs. Kahr

Bulk consists of both length and width of a handgun, as well as the overall ergonomics related to concealed carry. Semi-automatic pistols tend to have less bulk than revolvers. Single stack magazine pistols have much less bulk then the double stacked magazine pistols (higher capacity magazines are wider, which results in the cartridges “stacking” in a staggered fashion; thus the term “double stack”). This isn’t to say that the current selection of ultra-light 38 special revolvers are too bulky to comfortably carry as an EDC, but they are bulkier than a half a dozen 30+ caliber single stack pistols, which could make the difference between carrying, or not carrying every day due to the convenience level (Of course, the modern revolvers are simple and reliable, which can go a long way to successful deployment under stress, especially for an average citizen who does not make tactical sport shooting a hobby). There is certainly a good case to be made for a compact revolver for EDC carry for many people, but if you can put the time into training with a semi-automatic pistol, you’ll probably be better off than with a revolver, both for bulk considerations, and for overall firepower potential). A revolver’s bulkier nature is due to the width of the revolving cylinder which holds the cartridges, and the grip, which extends well past the end of the revolver’s receiver area. Pistols, on the other hand, tend to be far more ergonomic, which results in a more compact and easier to carry gun in most cases, especially when carried directly and firmly against the body.

Deployment Speed:Size, weight, bulk, ergonomics and carry method all effect how fast you can draw your pistol. “Speed Kills”, and you are the one who wants that speed in a potentially deadly encounter. Predators prefer to ambush their victims, and do so at every opportunity. While a well-practiced situational awareness level goes far in preventing a successful ambush, everyone lets their guard down due to distractions now and then. Just watch a few hours of “Most Shocking” on TruTV and you’ll get the feel of the common thug’s method of operation and how they take advantage of the unaware, unprepared and those susceptible to a distraction ruse. Your best chance of avoiding a criminal attack, or surviving it, if avoidance is not possible, is to combine a well exercised situational awareness with a well exercised instinctive tactical response. Quite often, that response needs only to be a moderate defensive posturing to indicate to the predator that you are not easy prey, perhaps combined with a well-practiced and authoritive warning statement (I have always used “Stop!”, with a finger pointed at the potential threat: clear, concise, and just enough of a underlying threat). But sometimes, you need to “go to guns” in a hurry, which is where weapon deployment speed comes in. You’ll want to insure that your “total solution” for EDC insures a quick and repeatable draw without hang ups. Exposed hammers, extended magazines, beavertail grips, thumb safeties and even sights can catch on clothing when drawing; especially under stress. Carrying an EDC gun in a good holster is therefore just as critical to deployment speed as the low drag features of the handgun (and is critical for safety on most modern pistols, which do not incorporate manual safeties). Find a holster for your gun that has very high ratings online, and maybe some good reviews from actual users. Hone your total EDC solution (training, gun, holster, skills) so that you are certain that you can come up shooting in a hurry, if God forbid, it becomes necessary. As an aside, it your gun has a manual safety, and you intend on carrying your gun with the safety engaged, do ALL your practicing with the safety engaged to start. If you practice without using it, and then engage it for carry, when you need that gun you will not sweep off the safety,

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because that’s not the way you trained. The gun will not work, and you will find yourself in a world of hurt.

Firepower:Firepower is a combination of a weapons ballistic effectiveness in providing a rapid stop, the weapons ammunition capacity (and potential reload speed), the skill level of the operator, and it’s practical accuracy. Considering these factors, even lessor calibers (yes, even the little .22) can have an overall high level of firepower when combined with higher levels of capacity and accuracy. Anyone who has ever decimated a tin can at 50 yards with a semi-automatic .22 rifle using a 10 or 25 round magazine inherently understands this concept. Ideally, a handgun used for self-defense would have a 7” sight radius, pushing 500 foot-pounds of energy out the muzzle, with at least a 15 round magazine. Well, that applies to the gun sitting on my nightstand at home, but it’s not the gun in my pants. The guns that make it into my carry holster averages about half or less, of those specifications. And, you know what? They have, and will continue to, provide the cure for the social ailments that may afflict us. ANY gun will always beat no gun.

Considering the less than maximum firepower of a good and practical EDC handgun, practical accuracy becomes a very important factor. This is where a set of good sights, decent trigger control, professional training, and well-practiced shooting fundamentals come into play. “Getting Your Hits,” as they say in competitive and tactical shooting, becomes very important when your available ammunition capacity is lower due to the reduced magazine or cylinder capacity of EDC guns, and the foot-pounds of energy from each one of those precious rounds is well under 300 ft-lbs of energy (and commonly, half of that, or less). Paying the extra money for a set of

good sights, or laser (if not included on the gun), and spending the money for professional training and regular consistent practice, as well as the related ammo cost of mastering shooting fundamentals with a specific gun, are critical considerations for EDC guns and a total EDC solution. Don’t skimp on sights, trigger, or training!

Reliability:I won’t trust my life to anything that fails more than 1% of the time. That goes for brake shoes, smoke detectors, condoms, or guns. That means that an EDC handgun should have no more than one failure for every 100 rounds fired, using factory ammo (after it’s has been broken in). Preferably, it should have far fewer failures than that! That isn’t a difficult goal for modern “full-sized” pistols (4”+ barrel lengths), which commonly go for thousands of rounds without failure, even without cleaning, but from a 3” or less length barreled pistol common to EDC guns, with necessarily high-weighted recoil springs, reliability for many has historically tended to degrade from that of full sized handguns (expensive guns are normally built to higher standards with tighter tolerances, and most require a break in period before they become totally reliable). Guns are machines; mechanical devices, and as we all know, all machines are prone to failure from time to time. Sooner of later, your gun will malfunction, due to either mechanical failure, or user error. The good news is, quite a few modern small pistols have been proving plenty reliable in recent years, so

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this is far less of an issue, if the pistol chosen has a good track record of reliability (and is properly maintained). Make sure and pick a EDC gun that is either known for it’s out-of-the-box reliability, or can readily be provided a “reliability package” at a reasonable price by a gunsmith (or can be returned to the factory for “free” warranty service for reliability issues)

Shootability:While perhaps not quite as important as other factors, the overall shootability of a EDC handgun should be considered. Examples of guns that don’t have good shootability characteristics are those with poor grips, poor grip-to-slide relationships, excessive recoil, or just so small as to make traditional shooting styles not very functional. Here are a few examples: The North American Arms .22 revolver is too small to get a traditional grip on the gun, commonly resulting in relatively poor accuracy at the 7 yard mark (but they sure are cute!). The Iver Johnson TP-22 has a high grip and low slide that when combined, almost guarantees slide cuts (bite) on your hand and resulting cycling failures. Ditto for some of the other PPK style pistols… They were designed for the hands of a 1930’s European man, not a modern American who is on average one foot taller and with much bigger mitts! A final example is a short 2-shot derringer: the recoil in any major caliber is horrific, the grip is poor, and the sights are nearly non-existent, not to mention trying to reload the two rounds it holds, which could easily become the adventure of a lifetime.

Some people with bigger hands and some shooting experience have a “problem” with the smaller .380 pistols, as they are much thinner than a traditional home defense or service pistol and therefore provide a comprised grip “feel.” This is why a personal, hands-on selection, and test firing is so important in picking an EDC pistol. While smaller is better for concealment and is therefore a primary requirement, a too-small gun can make practice shooting a chore… Sometimes a painful chore. I find that the midsized, but thin single stack 9mm handguns I have listed below are the smallest guns that shoot and fit “comfortably” in my hands. Yet, I still carry a smaller .380, .32ACP, or .22 pistol half the time, due to my own concealment needs. I am willing to sacrifice shooting comfort (as well as a bit of shooting efficiency), so I can carry a gun completely unnoticed (even by trained eyes) in the front pocket of a pair of dress slacks. If you wear jeans, cargo pants or shorts on a regular basis (which I try to do as much as possible), then you can probably go with a bigger (and therefore more ergonomic feeling and better shooting) EDC handgun and still remain fully concealed while out in public.

Another modern consideration of shootability is laser sighting. Quite a few modern EDC handguns either come with an integrated laser as an option, or can be outfitted with one from the aftermarket. I vote that you leave the laser off the gun at first and work on shooting fundamentals to start with. After you master the use of the gun, then feel free to add a laser if you wish… It might get you slightly faster hits if you learn to use it correctly, but it might also slow you down if the device fails, or if you are shooting in smoke, fog or dust (you’d be amazed how often those laser-obscuring/reflection factors show up during potential hostile encounter’s). I think It’s better to spend your money on good training at first, and learn how to use it effectively (shooting fundamentals; presentation, stance, grip, alignment, trigger control, follow through, etc.), since they are critical to effective gun use and will never fail you. If the gun you choose happens to have a factory provided,

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or aftermarket laser sighting option, and it won’t break the bank, then go ahead and get it, but do not fail to practice the fundamentals of shooting, well before you start seriously practicing with that laser. Electronics have a habit of failing when you most need them, so don’t risk your life by depending upon them when it comes to firearms.

Summary & Suggestions:Understanding that statistically, the average encounter involves three, or four shots being fired, having 15 or 20 rounds onboard is really not necessary. A slim, light weight, small, low bulk handgun with high reliability, decent firepower and excellent shootability is what makes a great EDC handgun. I personally do not consider current double stack magazine pistols as qualifying, due to their width, weight and bulk (e.g.: Glock 26, S&W MP-Compact, or Springfield XD-SC. You might as well carry a mid-sized handgun which will usually feel better in you hand). I also don’t suggest guns known for needing reliability work before safely carrying them as an EDC (break-in periods aside), since they really don’t make financial sense and can be quite frustrating until they work reliably. In order of my own preference, born from decades of daily concealed carry, here are my suggestions for ideal EDC guns. These are, by no means the only choices, nor may they be best for you. They are my choices, based on my requirements and my experience. Your milage may vary...

1. Top Shelf 9mm: Kahr P9, CW9, PM9, or CM9 (also available in .40/.45). These are premium compact/micro-compact 9mm pistols that carry a premium price, but for good reason. The Kahr PM9 tends to be the choice of many off duty law enforcement officers and other professional “gunfighter” types who can afford the $600+ price tag. The newer CM9/CW9 is pretty much the same pistol with a lower cost conventionally rifled barrel, less fancy slide work, and ships with only one magazine. Spend the money you save not buying the P series on a spare magazine, good training, and lots of practice, which is probably a better choice for the average EDC user. With the Kahr’s commercial success, other gun manufacturers such as Ruger, S&W and SIG, as well as several others are releasing their own micro-compact, single stack 9mm handguns for the EDC / CCW market. The only problem I have with the other manufacturers offerings is their increased size and weight… just a little bigger, and just a few more ounces, makes a huge difference is the deep cover carry-ability of an EDC gun, especially when trying to successfully carry in the front pocket of a pair of jeans. The Kahr PM/CM can be a great “pocket 9mm” when carried in a good holster. The others, not so much.

2. Middle Shelf 9mm: Ruger LC9, S&W Shield, Bersa, Springfield, or Keltec PF9. Hundreds of dollars cheaper than the P & PM series Kahr’s (but not the CM/CW series) pistols, and just as reliable and compact, these are good choices as full power CCW pistols for just about every CCW holder who is willing to carry a 9mm sized pistol. If I had to pick only one EDC/CCW pistol to recommend to family and friends, based upon an overall price-to-performance analysis, I would recommend either the Kahr CW9/PM9, or Ruger LC9; hands down. Sure, I choose to spend a few extra hundred dollars on my EDC 9mm, but for the average user, that money would probably be better spend on professional training, a laser upgrade, and range time and training ammunition.

4. Ultralight .38 Revolvers: Ruger LCR, or a half a dozen S&W and Taurus revolvers). While reloading is slow, and the round is not quite as powerful as a 9mm, there is no debating the reliability of a revolver; most of them (concealed hammer versions) can even be fired from a jacket pocket (try that with a semi-auto pistol without jamming it). The other benefit of a small revolver is that they are simple to use… Simple is good under stress. That said, they are not any cheaper than

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the above “middle shelf” 9mm pistols (in fact, usually more expensive), and they are bulky, which puts them at a serious price-to-performance disadvantage in my book. Unless you absolutely need “rock solid simple,” stick with the suggestions above or below.

5. .380/.32 Pocket Pistols: Kahr P380, Ruger LCP, Taurus 738, Keltec P3-AT, Keltec P32. Some “experts” argue that .380 and lower powered calibers/cartridges are not sufficient to stop an attacker; that’s ironic, since more people die from .22 rimfire bullets every year than any other caliber in the USA. Bullets with four times the energy and twice the sectional density of a .22 rimfire are more than capable of quickly stopping a felony attacker, so long as the defender does their part with solid, well-practiced shooting fundamentals to insure precise shot placement. However, a triple tap with a good, 40 grain .22LR such as the CCI Velocitors has proven to be equally effective, and far easier to shoot quickly and accurately. These 380’s and .32’s are true pocket pistols, and they conceal very well using pocket holsters, but for most shooters, the .32ACP is a far better choice, due to its lower recoil. Given their lower price, convenience of carry, and deep concealability, they tend to be a favorite across the Nation for new CCW permit holders, and with good reason. They are, however, a bit compromised ergonomically, due to their small size. But if ultra-light-weight and ultra-deep-cover concealment are primary considerations, then these little blasters are a top choice.

A strong case for the 9mm:

The 9mm CCW guns, while having a bit higher “sticker-price” than the .380 caliber guns, tend to pay for themselves completely in lower ammunition costs over time, so long as you are doing your part in going to the range for re-familiarization shooting at least twice a year (once a month is better). The low cost, bulk-pack 9mm training ammo is surprisingly, almost half the price of smaller and less powerful .38 and .380 training ammo: you’ll save (make up?) the price difference between a 9mm and a .380 pistol in ammo cost after just a few trips to the range (and if you properly stock-up on ammo after picking up your new pistol (which you should); as a total package/kit/solution cost, the 9mm is really the same price out the door as the other caliber guns to start with, and this lower ammo price is truly “the gift that keeps on giving”: the 9mm will pay for itself completely in lower ammo cost over the years. You will also find that you are much more likely to shoot your CCW 9mm pistol regularly at the range, due to this lowered ammo cost. The practical cost of the 9mm is therefore just a few more ounces of weight in carry, a few more cubic inches in bulk, and a bit more perceived recoil over a lessor caliber carry gun (and the smaller .38 revolvers and especially the smaller .380 pistols have quite a bit of recoil to them, due to their diminutive size and very low weight). If you are certain that you can afford these “costs” (i.e.: you are sure that you will still carry the gun with you every single day, no matter your dress style, and you are okay with the recoil), then absolutely go with a 9mm, without hesitation. End of story! But if you are “on-the-fence” with the extra weight and size costs of a 9mm pistol, then go smaller by going to a .380, or .32 pistol and just disregard the ammo costs… Because let’s face it, having a .380, .32, or even a .22 in your pocket when a violent felon approaches is far better than having that 9mm back at the car, and an extra couple of hundred extra dollars spent on .380, or .32 ammo over the years will be money well spent if the gun is with you when you really need it! If ammunition cost is a real factor for you, get yourself a good .22 and practice with its inexpensive bulk pack ammo until you become scary good. A highly trained operator with a .22 handgun is a truly dangerous individual.

Please be honest and thoughtful with yourself regarding you willingness to deal with issues of carry weight and bulk. No harm, no foul if you decide to go with a .380, .32, or lighter caliber, so long as you will commit to carrying it with you all the time. If you can’t make that commitment, then skip the handguns all together and go with a shotgun or carbine/rifle in the car (and hope that you can get

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it when you need it); if you have to run to the car to get a gun, it might as well be a long-gun, which is far more capable of targeting and stopping numerous felons, at significantly longer stand-off distances, with a far more powerful cartridge than any CCW/EDC handgun has to offer. I carry a simply configured pump shotgun in my truck most of the time. If I run into potential deadly trouble on the road, my first choice is that shotgun, if I can get to it in time. Now, a shotgun (as well as a carbine/rifle) takes at least as much training as a handgun to establish a proper minimum skill set for self-defense, so they are not for everyone; but if an EDC handgun is not right for you, I would encourage you to look into a long gun option, which can also double as an amazingly capable home defense /”zombie apocalypse” solution, as well. Even a lower cost .22 rimfire rifle is more than capable of serving brilliantly in a self-defense role, as long as good shooting fundamentals are practiced and employed. I can assure you, my little Ruger 10/22, fitted with a 25 round magazine loaded with CCI Velocitors, is more than capable of taking care of business under any circumstances I can possibly imagine. The glaring drawback to a long gun in your vehicle, is getting to your vehicle in time to use it effectively. So we’re back to carrying a handgun on our person where we can quickly put our hand on it when we need it.

Whichever way you go for a EDC gun, make sure to get to the shooting range at least once every six months for re-familiarization shooting (and again, every month is better), cleaning and re-lubrication of your gun. After six months, most lubricants tend to dry out or get sticky, which could compromise gun function when you need it the most, and after the same amount of time, your muscle memory and eye-hand coordination (core shooting skills) begins to degrade as well, which could cost you dearly in trigger control and overall fast gun handling, and therefore, practical accuracy and speed. This is of course, predicated on the fact that you are able to handle the recoil of your chosen 9MM, and assuming you can, that you can shoot it quickly, and accurately.

My personal solution and some alternative options...I have several EDC carry guns that I use on a regular basis: a Kahr CW9, a Kahr P45, a Sig C3, a Glock 19, a Keltec P32, a Taurus 738, and several others depending on my mood, dress and destination. I carry most of them in one of my N82 tactical holsters, in an appendix carry position, or a Fobus paddle holster. Occasionally, I will carry any one of them in a Maxpedition Neatfreak shoulder bag using Maxpedition’s universal holster. Most all of these guns have Crimson Trace lasers mounted. The CW9 is my default go-to choice, along with a spare magazine. If I need to go with a lighter solution, I ditch the spare mag. If I need lighter and lower profile than that (business slacks, swim trunks), I will go with the Taurus 738, or the Keltec P32, which is so light that I can easily forget that I have it in a holster in my front, or back pocket (or small pouch on a neck strap). I have complete confidence in all of these guns, and their ability to solve any social problems that might arise. Just a note... I am well practiced and trained with all of these guns, and can put all the rounds onboard in the center of a paper plate at seven yards very quickly. One more time...

Shot placement, and multiple hits are what’s going to solve your problems, not bullet size. Shoot the largest caliber you can handle easily, comfortably, and accurately in a gun that works for you.

The practical, thin, light, easy to conceal single stack 9mm’s for CC...

- Kahr CW9 (9mm): http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-CW9.asp (.40 & .45 as well)- Kahr CM9 (9mm): http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-CM9.asp (.40 & .45 as well)- Kahr P9 (9mm): Kahr P9 - Style # KP9093, Kahr Arms Pistols (.40 & .45 as well)- Kel-tec PF9 (9mm): http://keltecweapons.com/our-guns/

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- Ruger LC9 (9mm): http://www.ruger.com/products/lc9/index.html- Bersa BP9CC (9mm): http://www.bersa.com/bersa-firearms/bpcc.html (.40 as well)- Taurus 709 (9mm): http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm? id=611&category=Pistol&breadcrumbseries=&search=709 (.40 as well)- Walther PPS (9mm): Product: PPS 9mm (.40 as well)- Sig Sauer P239 (9mm): P239 SAS Gen 2 Two-Tone- Sig Sauer P938 (9mm): P938- Springfield EMP (9mm): Springfield Armory (.40 & .45 as well)- S&W Shield (9mm): Product: Smith & Wesson M&P SHIELD™ 9mm (.40 as well)- Beretta Nano (9mm): Beretta Nano 9x19mm Fixed Sight (.40 as well)- Springfield XD-S (9mm coming soon): http://xdspistol.com/specs.php (.45 as well)- Kimber Ultra Series: Kimber America | Ultra Carry II Pistols (.45 as well)

- Single Stack 9mm’s. One man’s opinion... Single Stack 9mms: I was wrong.

The thin, light, easy to conceal single stack .380’s for CC...

Kahr P380: http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-P380.aspKahr CW380: Coming soon.Kel-tec P3AT (.380): http://keltecweapons.com/our-guns/pistols/p-3at/Ruger LCP (.380): http://www.ruger.com/products/lcp/models.html(NEW) Ruger LC380: http://www.ruger.com/products/lc380/models.htmlBersa (.32 and .380): http://www.bersa.com/bersa-firearms/thunder-combat.htmlNAA Guardian (.380ACP): North American Arms NAA-380 GUARDIAN GUARD .380ACPSeecamp LWS (.380ACP): L.W. Seecamp Co. - ProductsWalther PK380: PK380 | Walther ArmsWalther PPK - PPK/S: PPK | Walther ArmsDiamondback DB380: Diamondback FirearmsS&W Bodyguard: Product: BODYGUARD® 380Sig Sauer P238: P238Taurus 738: http://www.taurususa.com/gun-selector-results.cfm?series=738Sig Sauer P232 (Not so small or light): P232 StainlessCZ83 (.380ACP - Not so small or light): CZ-USA -> CZ 83Kimber Solo: Kimber America | Solo 9 mm Pistols

A Few of the small, light, very effective and mild shooting .32’s...

Kel-tec P32 (.32ACP - 6.6 Ozs. empty): http://keltecweapons.com/our-guns/pistols/p-32/NAA Guardian (.32ACP): North American Arms NAA-32GUARDIAN .32 ACP, DAO. ENGRAVEDSeecamp LWS (.32ACP) This gun is an absolute jewel: L.W. Seecamp Co. - ProductsBersa (.32ACP): http://www.bersa.com/bersa-firearms/thunder-combat.html*Taurus PT732 (.32ACP): http://www.taurususa.com/gun-selector-results.cfm?series=738Beretta 3032 Tomcat - Popup barrel (.32ACP): http://www.berettausa.com/products/3032-tomcat-wide-slide/Walther PPK - PPK/S (.32ACP): Product: PPK Pistol - .32ACP

A Few of the small, light, and mild shooting .22’s...

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Kel-tec PMR-30 (.22Magnum x 30 rounds - Not small, but only 14 ounces): http://keltecweapons.com/our-guns/pistols/pmr-30/Ruger LCR Revolver ( .22LR): http://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/models.html(NEW) Ruger LCR-.22Magnum: http://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/models.htmlRuger SR22: http://www.ruger.com/products/sr22Pistol/index.htmlTaurus PT22 (.22LR): http://www.taurususa.com/gun-selector-results.cfm?series=SF1&toggle=tp >Taurus PLY22 (.22LR): http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=695&category=Pistol&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=Walther PPK/S 22: PPK/S .22 | Walther ArmsWalther P22: P22 | Walther ArmsBersa (.22LR): http://www.bersa.com/firestorm-firearms/firestorm-380-22-semi-automatic-series.htmlS&W 317 Kit Gun (.22LR): Product: Model 317 Kit Gun™• S&W 351PD (.22Magnum): http://search.smith-wesson.com/search?client=default_frontend&site=default_collection&getfields=product-image.product-sku.product-atr1.product-atr2.product-atr3&start=0&num=16&filter=p&q=351pd&x=0&y=0• Taurus 941 (.22 Magnum): http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?

id=371&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=UL2• Taurus 94 (.22LR): Taurus International Manufacturing Inc• Charter Arms Pathfinder (.22 Magnum): http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Pathfinder_72324.asp• .22 Magnum Self Defense Ammunition: • Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Ammunition :: Rimfire :: 22 WMR :: 22 WMR 45 gr FTX®

Critical Defense®• Speer Gold Dot: http://www.speer-ammo.com/products/short_brl.aspx• .22LR CCI Velocitor 40 grain Self Defense Ammunition: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1301174691/cci-velocitor-ammunition-22-long-rifle-40-grain-plated-lead-hollow-point

A few recommended Holsters...

• http://www.fobusholster.com/• http://n82tactical.com/n82store/• http://www.jbpholsters.com/servlet/the-39/Leather-gun-holster-ambidextrous/Detail?

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• Safepacker Concealed Carry Holster, Concealed Weapon Holster

A few recommended Lasers...

• Crimson Trace Lasers (best): http://www.crimsontrace.com/products-landing• LaserLyte Lasers: http://www.laserlyte.com/collections/laser-gun-sights• Viridian Green Daylight Lasers/Lights: Laser Gun Sights Viridian Green Laser Gun Sights

The Best Defensive Handgun Sights Available (not available for all guns)...

• TruGlow TFO: TruGlo TFO Tritium & Fiber Optic Gun Sights • Amazon.com: TruGlo TFO • XS Tritium Combat Sights: XS Sight Systems - Sights • Amazon.com: xs big dot sights• XS Sights Demo: XS Sight Demo II - YouTube • XS Sight Demo - YouTube

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