[MaRoFreK]

Originally Posted by helmincamaro

The FNP/FNX40 is a stretch as a CCW.... Its roughly the same size (according to my hands and eyes) as the full size M&P 40. Depends on where you carry it at and how big you are. I got a Galco shoulder hoster I picked up at a yard sale for $6.... not sure what its made for, but the M&P 40 full size fits great in it (and has 2 spare mags). My only issue with that holster is its made for someone a bit smaller than me, the X piece (don't think thats the technical term) in the back tends to ride high up near my neck.... and if carrying it all day, starts to get uncomfortable (sore on the upper back and neck). I need to play around with it a bit and see if I can make it any bigger/fit better. I got a little under 2 months til I'm 21, so no CCW yet... once I get it, I might look for a better holster. I only use it now when hiking or hunting as a backup weapon. The FNP45..... I'd say absolutely no for just about anybody for CCW.... that thing is THICK! a 15 round magazine in .45ACP.... that takes up a lot of space. I'm thinking about picking up a M&P .40 compact for CCW, just makes it a bit easier to hide than the full size... and the full size mags do fit in the compact... so short in the gun, full size as backups..... sounds like a plan to me. Another good holster option I like is the Galco "summer comfort" holster.... its an IWB (inside the waist-band) holster, has 2 fasteners that clip over the belt and can mount anywhere around you (side, back etc). Comes in both left and right handed, and has a good forward cant to it for a faster draw.


The new Bodyguard series from S&W looks promising to me. The .380 is small for me... hides well, but probably not real comfortable to shoot much (my ring and little finger has to fit under the butt). They also make a 5 shot .38 Special in that series.... both have a laser sight built into the frame with ambi 3 position switches mounted right where your finger rest when its off the trigger (I like it because it helps teach proper trigger control, IE off the trigger til ready to fire). It has ON, Flash, and Off positions, and I can't remember off the top of my head how long it last on a charge, but that sucker is BRIGHT! Fairly cheap too, just wish they'd chamber it in something bigger than .380

I looked into the Colt Defender as a CCW it looks like it might just work. Also looked into a Ruger LCR 357. The Body Guard 380 you mentioned I have already talked to my wife about one of those for her to carry but I might pick on up myself. Im not a huge guy 6' 1" 200lbs but I think i could probably hide that FNX. My dad carrys a M&P 45 but he really dont care about concealing it cause he's a Trooper. But he always told me if I'm gonna carry a pistol to carry a 45,38, or a 357. lol