WB
I’ve been carrying to Church a good while.
Monday, September 29, 2025, 14:03

I had the same thoughts as you when that loonie snuck in a short pump 12 and killed a fellow (maybe 2?) before a CCW instructor took him out with a head shot and .357 SIG. it was about 15-20 yds. with folks running wild in the way.

My pocket .380 is the one gun I have notable difficulty shooting accurately past 15 steps. It has great sights, it’s just small and light, difficult to manage. But respectably powerful. It fits in my front pocket and I forget it’s there. A 7-shot extra mag in the other pocket with my pocket knife. But I’m armed, and not totally helpless.

In the winter time I can and do carry larger handguns. Mainly for my own pleasure. There is the SIG 320x, Glock 19/23 (9,.357,.40), S&W 686+, and Beretta 92A1. I am much more proficient with all of those up to maybe 50 yds. BUT that’s totally unstressed! The Kahr P9 Covert, P9, P40, and PM45 are intermediate pieces I carry in between. They are all more accurate than I can shoot and pack light. Im getting comfortable with them.

The 5.7’s (Roman has a FN and really likes it) are generally larger platforms. The new Kel-tec may hold promise there. I also like their P-15 9mm. Many of the medium size guns mentioned can be had with optics.

Our Security Cop told me their shooting scores for qualifying went up significantly, instantly, when they transitioned to Glocks with SIG Romeo red dots. Roman just went with one on his Shadow Systems 9 and says that’s the way to go. I have mono-vision eyesight mostly and I’m slow to transition with the red dots. I think normal folks have an easier time and can really score better, longer shots using a medium sized gun (one you can grip securely) fitted with modern optics.

I think a bigger platform with a red dot gives you an edge. You pick the caliber. But the old guy staring over a S&W red-ramp front, he’s no push-over!