Almost decided to carry a semi-auto, chickened out.

[Tallbald]

Once in a while I get an itch to try something new for CCW. I've been alternating for years between my trusty three inch SP101 and my Bond .45 Colt derringer. In the last month or so, after listening to my adult son debate between continuing to carry his LC9 or buying and switching it up with a Glock something-or-other, I began to get the itch.... A CZ fan, I own a beautiful full size stainless 75B but as a big frame gun, it leaves something to desire for me in the convenience department. Then comes along the Turkish Tristar (Canik 55) C-100, a CZ compact replica with a wonderful price point and sparkling reviews. I looked. I researched. I read and read reviews again. I finally held one and it looks to be a truly fantastic gun. But it's not my trusty five-for-sure SP101. Not a police officer or veteran, I but a physically damaged middle aged fat man, I have doubts about my "tap and rack" (or is it "rack and tap"?) abilities and muscle memory. What I DO know is that my simple, solid stainless, pocket holster scratched and buffed SP101 has never ever failed to go bang when I asked it to. Ever.
I almost feel guilty even considering a change. Kinda like a man who almost stabbed a friend in the back because I wanted a new friend. Yeah I've heard the siren's song of modern gun reliability and round capacity. I read the reviews of the beautiful machine work and features of modern semi-auto hand cannons. But there I am again, wondering if heaven forbid I am in a bad situation forced to protect my wife, family or me by drawing my weapon, I have the capacity to think outside the tunnel vision, shakiness and pant-wetting to clear a malfunctioning weapon, or snick off the safety, or avoid firing an untended second shot because of the second round light single action trigger pull and a shaky finger.
I think the best thing for me is to stay where I am. Comfortable with my old pair of shoes so to say.
I DID though dig out the Bianchi speed strips bought so many years ago, and now am searching for a nifty way to carry it loaded with 6 extra rounds of Plus P HP rounds. THAT'S what I need to do! Practice speed loading with dummy rounds until I am as comfortable with the speed strip as I am with Bill's Baby in my pocket. Yeah folks. That's it!
Oh. And for those of you skilled and experienced enough to make full use of the marvelous firepower and features of those beautiful (yes I said it) semi-autos....... all I can say is "Wow". I truly admire you because it's a skill I don't have for everyday carry. I'd rather plod along with Mr. Bill and his five little friends in my pocket or waistband, and be happy that I'm where I am. I'll save my semis for fun range use. Just my two cents. Don

 

[DeletedMember275]

By all means, carry what you're comfortable with and have confidence in. Personally, it sounds to me like you need some training with your CZ.

 

[5of7]

50 years ago, I would have had the same reservations about carrying a semi auto pistol for PD. But in the intervening years, the semi auto has been refined until it is as reliable as the revolver is and therefore, I would not hesitate to carry the semi auto today.

I have been a revolver shooter all my life, primarily because they tend to be more accurate and because the brass ejects into the palm of my hand instead of into the grass. But, I have had too many occasions where a revolver would not function because of something getting loose or a piece of grit worked it's way into the action just such as to prevent it from turning the cylinder.....both with DA and SA guns to consider them infallible.

When I carry a semi, all the ammo that I carry with it has been cycled through the magazine(s) in that particular gun and a good many other samples of the same ammo has been tested to assure reliable cycling in that particular gun.....after that, I am good to go. 8)

 

[Tallbald]

I know. I just accept my limitations and comfort zone. AND I saved $400 plus tax.....DOn

 

[LaneP]

Ultimately it comes down to what let's you sleep comfortably at night. If that's a trusty wheelie, then stay with it.

I think the vast majority of self-defense situations will be decided well within the limit of their ammunition capacity, and there's no denying their solid track record for reliability and dependability.

 

[s4s4u]

I think the vast majority of self-defense situations will be decided well within the limit of their ammunition capacity, and there's no denying their solid track record for reliability and dependability.

This ^^^^

 

[TRanger]

Contrary to the current propaganda, semi-autos are definitely NOT as reliable as the revolver in a normal self-defense role. This is demonstrated to me every year during annual qualification of our personnel.

 

[Jim Puke]

Contrary to the current propaganda, semi-autos are definitely NOT as reliable as the revolver in a normal self-defense role. This is demonstrated to me every year during annual qualification of our personnel.

BINGO!

Although, I have nothing against a semi auto for CCW. I carry one at times...depends on where I am going and I what I am wearing.

 

[Major T]

I will skip the reasons why on both the semi and the revolver. They all boil down to either economics or personal choice.

My first off duty/carry piece was an original S&W 42 Centennial. Loved it, but eventually lost it. A kindly district judge overheard the discussion and loaned me a Colt pocket .380. Eventually he was diagnosed as terminally ill, and wanted his son to have the Colt. No problem. I picked up a Llama .380 for a ridiculously low price at Gibsons that I carried for a few years.

I had a guy that kept bugging me to buy the Llama. I finally told him that he could have it for a new Chief's Special, thinking that would end the bother. A few days later he presented me with a freshly purchased blue model 36. Shortly, the 60 was introduced. I traded the 36 for one. I still have a 60. Meanwhile, I have acquired another original Colt pocket .380, another original 42, and an air-weight
nickel Chief.

My last small gun purchase was an LCP. It is just too small for old arthritic hands. I gave it to a daughter. I carry one of the toy Smiths or the really flat Colt.

Like I said, it is basically a personal choice. As is to use a pocket, waist band, or a holster of some type. I use all three methods as well as inside or outside the pants holsters.

If I knew trouble was coming, I would likely grab a long gun, but can think of situations where a big handgun would be comforting. I have several choices, but would likely pick one of my uber reliable 1911s.

 

[Major T]

Note to TRanger. Get Sigs and that problem will decrease or likely go away. The range officer had to step on and bend brass to get my .45 to Jam, so I could demonstrate that I could clear it.

My .357 is now up to 600 rounds without cleaning. I only use it for qualification. I am curious how far it will go.

Jack

 

[rammerjammer]

In regards to carrying your speed strip, I love the speed strip carrier made for me by rkbaholsters.com

 

[BradB]

Revolvers may not be considered as concealable as autos because the auto sits flatter but considering the way the cylinder holds the gun off a flat surface I find them much more easier to grab. DA grab, point, and trigger pull. No safeties. No "did I chamber the first one".

Unless you anticipate so much trouble which would call for a reload, you already have one of the best tools for carry. JMHO two cents worth.

 

[s4s4u]

Revolvers may not be considered as concealable as autos because the auto sits flatter

True, but it also depends on where you carry. I have found that IWB appendix carry accommodates the shape of the LCRx nicely.

 

[TRanger]

Note to TRanger. Get Sigs and that problem will decrease or likely go away. The range officer had to step on and bend brass to get my .45 to Jam, so I could demonstrate that I could clear it.

My .357 is now up to 600 rounds without cleaning. I only use it for qualification. I am curious how far it will go.

Jack

Thanks for the note, Jack. I have some SIG pistols, as do several of our officers. Most are very reliable; but not all and not always. Categorically, there can be no question the revolver is more reliable in a law enforcement/self-defense role than the auto. The auto has its strong points. The reliability edge goes to the sixgun.

 

[Terry T]

"Tallbald",
Just a note - I've discovered that the Bianchi speed strips age - get brittle and break. I'd suggest that you twist them a bit to ensure that they are still flexible. :shock:

I've also discovered and like Tuff products. They make Quick Strips (patent on Speed strips must have expired) and nice pouches that carry two strips. I've bought several in different colors - one color for .38 spl and one for .357 mag. so I can keep them straight. Hate to pick up a .38 spl gun and a pouch with .357 mags for reloads!

http://www.tuffproducts.com/category_s/1825.htm

Terry T

 

[WESHOOT2]

I wear both an auto and wheel.

Not joking.

 

[1RugerFan_33]

^^^

I know a lil' 'bout that, too. :wink:

Two is "one", & "one" is none...or something to that effect...

 

[WESHOOT2]

It's when "two is not enough" that things get REALLY interesting.