Large capacity vs Less capacity.....for a carry gun

[CZ Aficionado]

So I've been evaluating my collection......I've looked at what I have and what I usually carry.  Over the years I've noticed that what I tend to carry has changed and anymore, for the last few years, all I carry is my S&W 640 Pro......reasons, in no particular order.......concealable year round, its a totally reliable firearm, slim, has some stoutness to it for controllability, if the round fails to fire just pull the trigger again.  Compacts are kinda "big-ish" anymore, unless you get into the subs and even then its kinda questionable sometimes.  I've had the high capacity mentality in the past but the reality, after some study, is that nearly all encounters are just a couple shots and then over......I'm not sure where the shootout/gunfight mentality originated or why it perpetuates when its a negligible number of encounters annually.  I've pretty much sold off my compact semi's, in favor of the 640........ I'm not judging anyone, I was you at some point for some reason.......for end-of-days planning full-size semi's are a logical staple, still have several CZ's to fill that "need"........what am I missing with the need for a high-cap carry gun .........

[larryflew]

Missing nothing IMHO, I at times carry a Kimber 45 custom with officer size frame with 4 inch upper and 8 rounds. Otherwise an alloy compact with 14 9mm.

[Tanners Owner]

While I haven't sold many of my compact pistols off, I have always carried revolvers more. Just am more comfortable carrying them and I shoot them well.

It's a personal decision, I just prefer the wheel guns.

Guess I'm a Luddite......

[rhart]

Here is the way I see it:
1. When the adrenaline kicks in accurracy can be lacking and more rounds could come in handy.
2. If there are multiple attackers additional rounds could be desirable.
3. In this day and age, a trip to the mall could conceivably put you in the middle of a terrorist attack with multiple attackers at various ranges.
4. You could take a wrong turn and find yourself in the middle of a riot with dozens of attackers - in which case more rounds would probably be desirable.
5. Unless you're Jerry Miculek, reloads are usually faster with a spare magazine compared to a revolver.
6. People do not always fall down and quit fighting just because they've been shot once or twice or even more  - even if hit in a vital area. This combined with the adrenaline induced lack of accuracy may indicate a need for more rounds.

There are no real data on the average number of shots fired during gun fights by concealed carriers.

Bottom line is it's personal choice and if you prefer carrying the 640 it is better than having a pistol you won't carry.
Personally, I'm of the 'better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it' persuasion.

[CZ Aficionado]

Here is the way I see it:
1. When the adrenaline kicks in accurracy can be lacking and more rounds could come in handy.
2. If there are multiple attackers additional rounds could be desirable.
3. In this day and age, a trip to the mall could conceivably put you in the middle of a terrorist attack with multiple attackers at various ranges.
4. You could take a wrong turn and find yourself in the middle of a riot with dozens of attackers - in which case more rounds would probably be desirable.
5. Unless you're Jerry Miculek, reloads are usually faster with a spare magazine compared to a revolver.
6. People do not always fall down and quit fighting just because they've been shot once or twice or even more  - even if hit in a vital area. This combined with the adrenaline induced lack of accuracy may indicate a need for more rounds.

There are no real data on the average number of shots fired during gun fights by concealed carriers.

Bottom line is it's personal choice and if you prefer carrying the 640 it is better than having a pistol you won't carry.
Personally, I'm of the 'better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it' persuasion.

All good points, things to consider for sure, thanks.......I've commented on several threads I wish CZ could come up with a steel or alloy frame single stack, slimmer 9mm.....their Sub (Rami) is a nice semi, but I don't consider it a "real" sub-compact by its dimensions, but in description/name only.

What if scenarios aside.....if we just talk "non-massacre" type self-defense situations.........maybe just narrow it down to your "vanilla" self-defense situation

[armoredman]

I haven't tried carrying the RAMI yet - the wife won't let me borrow one of hers. I do carry the P-09 concealed, which is a pretty big sidearm, but the right holster/belt combo works wonders. Also looking like a total slob helps, as in I dress with overly large loose t-shirts in the summer time, and at my age, I am past the impressing anyone with my physique! 
I am hoping to try the P-10C as a CCW pistol, because the P-01 and the PCR were fantastic carry pistols, right in the middle of the spectrum. Truly tiny pocket guns never worked well for me.

[Grendel]

All other things being equal, since there's no way of predicting how many assailants there will be, I'd rather have 17 rounds and an extra magazine than 6 rounds and a speedloader.

It's a comfort thing I guess.

[CZ Aficionado]

All other things being equal, since there's no way of predicting how many assailants there will be, I'd rather have 17 rounds and an extra magazine than 6 rounds and a speedloader.

It's a comfort thing I guess.

The 640 is just 5 rounds  ..........yeah, I "think" I'm that good   .......at least I want to believe that, I NEED to believe that   

[benq]

I haven't tried carrying the RAMI yet - the wife won't let me borrow one of hers. I do carry the P-09 concealed, which is a pretty big sidearm, but the right holster/belt combo works wonders. Also looking like a total slob helps, as in I dress with overly large loose t-shirts in the summer time, and at my age, I am past the impressing anyone with my physique! 
I am hoping to try the P-10C as a CCW pistol, because the P-01 and the PCR were fantastic carry pistols, right in the middle of the spectrum. Truly tiny pocket guns never worked well for me.

Why wait for the P10C when the P-07 is available?    The RAMI is less prone to printing but the weight can be bothersome if you don't have a good holster and belt. Kudos for conceal carrying the P-09!  Albeit, most people aren't looking anyway.

I've somewhat offset less rounds in the RAMI by placing full magazines in multiple locations and vehicles. If I can carry an extra mag, I will.

[DenStinett]

If capacity is high on your list, plus concealability, then try looking into a Semi Compact or a Massada
Compact Upper on a Full Framed Lower
High Cap Mags and full sized Grip gives controlability
Compact length gives the concealability
They are all I carry

[rhart]

If capacity is high on your list, plus concealability, then try looking into a Semi Compact or a Massada
Compact Upper on a Full Framed Lower
High Cap Mags and full sized Grip gives controlability
Compact length gives the concealability
They are all I carry

I have two "semi-compacts" a Masada and a Sphinx. Good guns both.

[aguila9]

Just carry what you feel most comfortable and which you know works. For years I switched from a Kimber Ultra CDP and a S&W Model 36. Now I'm carrying a Sig 320 compact 90% of the time and a Kimber Solo when I really need to conceal. Capacity was never an issue unless I knew I was going into a hot zone, and there aren't to many of those in my life anymore.

Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk

[Scarlett Pistol]

Odds are you'll never be in a gun fight... Let's face it, those who carry do it for other reasons than favorable statistics. That being said, the type of pistol people carry concealed seems to vary based on all sorts of things and the more I hear people talk about it the more interesting it becomes. There are all sorts of great arguments!

Now should I carry a revolver? No way! My rapid fire DA shot sucks and until it is better I wouldn't consider it, but when it does then that might be fun to try. After trying a few types I have settled on my CZ 75 Compact and SP-01 Compact. They are heavy, but I am very confident in my shooting with them, and I've found ways to carry them that are comfortable. As long as someone practices so they are confident in their abilities with their chosen pistol, then power to them, and I like hearing their perspective.

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

All other things being equal, since there's no way of predicting how many assailants there will be, I'd rather have 17 rounds and an extra magazine than 6 rounds and a speedloader.

It's a comfort thing I guess.

The 640 is just 5 rounds  ..........yeah, I "think" I'm that good   .......at least I want to believe that, I NEED to believe that   

I like my 640 Pro real well and I'm very good with a DA revolver but I only carry the small low cap guns when dress absolutely prohibits anything else. That said if I'm going to cinch up my belt to carry a gun it's my PCR or 75B Compact. These are the perfect size for comfortable all day carry and provide nearly the firepower of a full size pistol.

[scottinohio]

 All BS aside,the best carry gun,is the one you have on you when it is needed. The tragedy exists when someone forgets to strap on their gun because of forgetfulness,or because it is uncomfortable. Then all of a sudden they are in a situation  where they need it. The perfect gun is the one you will carry- 24-7. Im no expert,but I have carried for over 40 years. Scotty