so, what should I carry?

[Mike.357]

I sold my xd45, had to do it.

That leaves me with carry options of a Beretta in .32, a Hi Point C9, a SP101 in .357, or a RIA 1911 A1.

The .357 seems the obvious choice to me. Lots of bang and penetration, very little chance of it going bang except from me pulling the bang button. Downside is five rounds. The downside concerns me. Especially after reading Mike's thread and his endless amount of rounds.

RIA 1911, leaves big ass holes, and it has always cycled and fired using the JHP ammo I have. Probably 150 rounds of this JHP though it. Other than that it is about 95% reliable using range ammo. I have two good mags that hold eight rounds. I am comfortable carrying cocked and locked.

The Hi Point C9 is good to go. But I have never put JHP ammo through it. I guess I am comfortable carrying FMJ 9mm ammo.

The Beretta is 100%. Feeds everything and the rounds have always been on target. I only have FMJ rounds. not messing with hollow points in .32 auto.

I have been carrying the Beretta in warm weather. It is a great gun. but I also think it is mostly a great back up weapon. I am concerned about penetration in cold weather when people wear more and heavier clothing.

So what should I be carrying?

I reserve the right to overule the poll.

Edited September 25, 2010 by Mike.357

[AMSting]

357 and a couple speed loaders. The 45 is not a bad choice either. If they seem equal to you, carry the one that is the most comfortable.

[Erik88]

I say go with the Sp101 and a speed strip or speed loader.

When I'm at work I carry the LCR with a speed strip in my weak side pocket. Would I rather be carrying the G19 with 15 rounds? Absolutely, but I feel the LCR will be more than adequate.

[JReedEsq]

.357 or you'd have to change your name.

[trblmkr13]

I think the SP101 is your best bet after you but holes in the 1st couple of BG's the rest will run not count your shots!

[Guest Sgt. Joe]

I know you love your SP Mike and also know you will pick what you feel best with. But since you let us vote I went with the 45 simply for the better capacity.

[willis68]

Out of those choices? definitely the SP101

[Mike.357]

I know you love your SP Mike and also know you will pick what you feel best with. But since you let us vote I went with the 45 simply for the better capacity.

you hit it on the head. Capacity. I used to think 5 rounds was plenty until I read Mike's thread where he has three guns, a rifle, and a combat load of bullets. Now I feel seriously underarmed.

Another big plus for the Ruger is it is so concealable it is ridiculous.

At any rate I am turning the Beretta into a back up.

[willis68]

Mike,

if you wanted a .45 and capacity, why did you not keep the XD and sell another?

[Il Duce]

the ria

[Garufa]

Stick with the SP. I've seen your RIA double-tap a couple of times already, if that gun was 100% with all types of ammo I'd say use it...if you can get used to cocked & locked.

[Erik88]

Stick with the SP. I've seen your RIA double-tap a couple of times already, if that gun was 100% with all types of ammo I'd say use it...if you can get used to cocked & locked.

this.

I remember you guys saying the RIA like to go full-auto sometimes. No way I would carry that.

[Guest TargetShooter84]

SP101 and a pair of diapers for yourself until you get fully comfortable with the SP101 as a carry gun

[Mike.357]

Mike,

if you wanted a .45 and capacity, why did you not keep the XD and sell another?

500 bucks cash involved.. Others worth well less than 100 bucks less than that. I tell you it about killed me to sell the XD. what a great service pistol.

[willis68]

500 bucks cash involved.. Others worth well less than 100 bucks less than that. I tell you it about killed me to sell the XD. what a great service pistol.

Got ya, Been there done that

Edited September 26, 2010 by willis68

[dralarms]

I picked the 357 also, however you could always buy the loricin back from me.

[krunchnik]

I would choose the SP101,Oh wait,I did.Been there,done the semi-auto thing.I put down my semi's for carry and am fully comfortable with the fact of 5 rounds plus a speed strip in the left pocket.

[titan14]

Mike....i voted for the RIA. I think you know why, but, I will explain.

I stuck my foot in my mouth once, at Mark's, saying...."Oh RIA's are pieces of ...why would anybody have one of those?" 20 minutes later...we are at the range and I ask ... " What are you shooting Mike?...that is NICE!"

You looked at me and said..."Its a Rock."

I could have crawled UNDER a rock at that point, but, you graciously asked me if I wanted to shoot it.

I did.

And I LOVED it.

I bought an officers model and it is on my side right now!...I love this gun...so....thank you for turning me into a RIA fan.

Carry the rock....when you run out of ammo....beat the out of 'em with it!!!!!

Edited September 26, 2010 by titan14

[Guest yzfMrLee]

The SP101 got my vote too. I'm not a huge revolver fan (not at all down on them either, I have 1), but it seems the reliable choice. All the capacity in the world won't matter if the gun won't run. Also the ease of concealing is a good thing. As others have said, a speed strip would be a plus. I'd actually like to pick up an SP101 myself. I do find myself a little more drawn to revolvers these days than i used to be . . . . . . .

Also been eyeballing an RIA. . . . . . . .

Edited September 26, 2010 by yzfMrLee
afterthought

[Garufa]

Never looked at it that way Titan...was there and recall the day. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of RIA's. Have a compact tactical myself that is flawless and would put up against any Kimber or other high dollar brand in the functionality and accuracy department.

Get a piece of the Rock. Seems like I've heard that somewhere before.

Mike, if you are satisfied with the reliability of your particular Rock then carry it.

[Bassoneer]

I say go with the Sp101 and a speed strip or speed loader.

+1

I carry a 5-round .357 most of the time...very good carry gun. B

[daddyo]

The Ruger over the RIA any day of the week.

[Guest bkelm18]

Of your choices and descriptions, I'd go with the Ruger. I love a good Rock, but I won't carry anything unless it's 100% reliable with any ammo.

[Mike]

I'd vote all of the above.

Just kidding.

The RIA seems a good choice over the revolver.

Mike

[JPS]

I'd go with the 1911.