Carrying expensive handguns

[rhart]

I am, I think, the exception to many "rules" of carrying a sidearm.  Number one - I am always armed, except at work, and that's because the Dept. "frowns" on firearms inside the wire. If I am off duty, I am armed, period, and don't patronize places that do not allow me to be armed.

Do they allow you to keep your gun in your car in the parking lot? At one time, Oklahoma did not allow this.

[armoredman]

No, we have a monitored and restricted firearms locker for staff, as all staff are authorized off duty carry per state law. When I arrive/leave work, my Phantom is riding with me.

[rhart]

No, we have a monitored and restricted firearms locker for staff, as all staff are authorized off duty carry per state law. When I arrive/leave work, my Phantom is riding with me.

That's even better! Thanks.

[JaPes]

If that pistol happens to be perceived as expensive or affordable isn't a part of my decision process.  God forbid I ever find myself in the situation where I have to draw my sidearm.  If I have no other option but to draw my firearm, it is my obligation to carry the handgun that enables me to comply with my State conceal carry permit laws, and with which I evidence consistent precision and accuracy taking into account the specific handgun's limitations.  If I am forced to discharge a round, then it is in everyone's best interest that I carry the best handgun I can afford to buy that fits the criteria I described.

John Doe is able to achieve concealment, precision, and accuracy utilizing a $250 S&W SD9 VE.   I'm not able to achieve the same using that very same SD9 VE.  John Doe has the option of using that pistol as his every day carry pistol, I do not.  I achieve repeatable, consistent precision and accuracy using a $500 Glock 19 and a $700 CZ 75 PCR.  That's what I carry. 

If I ever find myself in a situation where I have no other option but to draw my firearm because there is a clear imminent threat to my life, that a bad day.  With everything that can go wrong, its best that I take every advantage available and stack the deck in my favor.

[Beak Boater]

Maybe I look at the question a little different. Its not so much what the guns worth, its whats my life or the lives of my family worth. You can always get another gun.....not so easy to get another life, or family member.
In the event that you have to use deadly force to stop a threat........once the legal proceedings are over, if found not guilty, you will get your piece back anyway. If not.......your not going to need it anyway!!!
With that said, I carry what I shoot the most accurately, not what I can afford to lose. If you ever are involved in a situation where you have to use deadly force to protect yourself......(and I hope your never are), probably if you will get your gun back from the evidence locker, is way, way down on my list of things to do, to get back to normal.

[recoilguy]

If that pistol happens to be perceived as expensive or affordable isn't a part of my decision process.  God forbid I ever find myself in the situation where I have to draw my sidearm.  If I have no other option but to draw my firearm, it is my obligation to carry the handgun that enables me to comply with my State conceal carry permit laws, and with which I evidence consistent precision and accuracy taking into account the specific handgun's limitations.  If I am forced to discharge a round, then it is in everyone's best interest that I carry the best handgun I can afford to buy that fits the criteria I described.

John Doe is able to achieve concealment, precision, and accuracy utilizing a $250 S&W SD9 VE.   I'm not able to achieve the same using that very same SD9 VE.  John Doe has the option of using that pistol as his every day carry pistol, I do not.  I achieve repeatable, consistent precision and accuracy using a $500 Glock 19 and a $700 CZ 75 PCR.  That's what I carry. 

If I ever find myself in a situation where I have no other option but to draw my firearm because there is a clear imminent threat to my life, that a bad day.  With everything that can go wrong, its best that I take every advantage available and stack the deck in my favor.

This would be my response as well. money is not a consideration in what I carry. If I need my gun, me being the one alive and unhurt is my main concern. I will shoot what I am familiar with and what I shoot consistently where I am aiming.

RCG

[Shadow2]

I know more then a few retired LEOs who carry 1911s everyday. I myself would go with a RAMI, I have shot and really like the P238 now only if CZ can do something Rami Like in .380, smaller of course.

I think alot of people who post what they carry don't honestly carry everyday.  Most people who legitimately carry concealed tend to have mouse guns like a LCP, or a J frame.  Something that is light weight.  For all the guys who say they EDC a 1911, I don't see it.  Same with any full size Beretta, K frame, or Sig.  An honest EDC gun.  I'm not talking about carrying for an hour after work when I go to the grocery store; I'm talking about waking up in the morning and putting it in your pocket or on your belt and not taking it off until you take your pants off at the end of the day.

I wouldn't carry my Hammerli or my 627 or my customized 75B.  Not because they are too expensive to replace, but because they are too darn heavy.

[Jack Badger]

The decision to conceal carry is a world of compromises.  Where you live, what you wear, employment, what you can afford, what gun you are comfortable carrying and are proficient with.  I carry what I like, an OTB P01 (I named her Alice) with some minor enhancements.  I don't consider her a cheap gun nor expensive.  Where she ends up after a self defense encounter is secondary.  Sure I would be sad she is gone, she is after all, like family...however I have another that will slide into the vacant High Noon holster.  I don't need a Les Baer but I want one.  Would I carry it if I had one?  Probably not. I'm in love with Alice.  Would I rather have a High Point over a rock?  Most certainly.  The legal aftermath, I believe, should be something that all of us like minded 'birds of a feather' need to consider.  That would no doubt be far more expensive than any Wilson Combat or Nighthawk.  Nonetheless, whatever the cost in the protection of my loved ones and or myself is worth it.  We all made that choice and took that first step when we bought a weapon for self defense regardless of the price tag.

[DOC 1500]

IMHO... when you make an adult responsible decision to legally carry a weapon for self-defense,
The "very last " criteria on your list for making that purchase should be whether or not it's going to be confiscated .

[Grizzlie]

I think alot of people who post what they carry don't honestly carry everyday.  Most people who legitimately carry concealed tend to have mouse guns like a LCP, or a J frame.  Something that is light weight.  For all the guys who say they EDC a 1911, I don't see it.  Same with any full size Beretta, K frame, or Sig.  An honest EDC gun.  I'm not talking about carrying for an hour after work when I go to the grocery store; I'm talking about waking up in the morning and putting it in your pocket or on your belt and not taking it off until you take your pants off at the end of the day.

I wouldn't carry my Hammerli or my 627 or my customized 75B.  Not because they are too expensive to replace, but because they are too darn heavy.

I don't pamper my guns nor get all hysterical on esthetics (or the lack there-of).

When I have the opportunity to carry all-day, I choose the G26 or the SW J frame 357 if I know I'll be changing clothes or need to go a little less garment-laden or if lots of changing positions come into play (think sitting, standing, car, etc).

If I have more concealing clothes and know I'll be rather on my feet, I like to take the bigger ones (say Shadow SP01) for a walk (to the grocery store and such)

I'd sooner be afraid of 'ruining' a gun from holster wear or sweat or somehow losing it while carrying (or driving, like in an accident) then having it confiscated by a Leo.