Jared Ogden -- CCW Of Choice: Sig Sauer P239 9mm
Jessie Duff -- CCW Of Choice: Taurus PT738 .380 and Taurus Curve .380
Michael Fifer -- CCW Of Choice: Ruger LCP .380 ACP
John Schaefer -- CCW Of Choice: Smith & Wesson M&P9c 9mm and S&W M&P340 .357 Mag/.38 Special
Bill Rogers -- CCW Of Choice: Ruger LCR 9mm
Ronnie Barrett -- CCW Of Choice: Colt Commander .45 ACP and Rohrbaugh R9 9mm
Gene DeSantis -- CCW Of Choice: Rohrbaugh R9 9mm; Smith & Wesson Model 342 .357 Mag/.38 Special
John Bianchi -- CCW Of Choice: Smith & Wesson 4516 .45 ACP
Julie Golob -- CCW Of Choice: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm
Jason Swarr -- CCW Of Choice: Ruger LC9 9mm
Sandy Froman -- CCW Of Choice: Smith & Wesson Model 642 .38 Special
Fred Mastison -- CCW Of Choice: Glock 17 9mm
Joyce Wilson -- CCW Of Choice: Wilson Combat Beretta 92FS Compact 9mm
Chris Caracci -- CCW Of Choice: Guncrafter Industries .50 GI and Heckler & Koch P7M8 9mm
Buz Mills -- CCW Of Choice: .45 ACP 1911, G19 9mm
Ted Nugent -- CCW Of Choice: I rotate a number of Glock 20s in 10mm
Philippe Kent -- CCW Of Choice: Glock 43 9mm
Joe Turchi -- CCW Of Choice: Glock 26 9mm
Let’s say you’ve chosen to carry a defensive handgun concealed but can’t decide on exactly which one to carry. We’ve been there. There are hundreds of variations of CCW guns to select from—how do you even begin to choose? One look at a gun shop’s display case, and it’s easy to see how you could be overwhelmed by the vast selection of pocket-sized handguns.
RELATED STORY: 8 Experts Pick Their Home Defense Weapon of Choice
Carry-sized pistols and revolvers not only come in different sizes, shapes and calibers, they boast a variety of materials and finishes as well. For many, the type of firearm one chooses to carry depends on a variety of factors, such as personal preference, defensive requirements, method of carry, hand size and even body type.
Since the situation for everyone is different, there isn’t a catch-all solution to this question. Though there’s undoubtedly some trial and error involved in finding the best fit for your needs, you can better educate yourself to make an informed decision. Learning from others’ experiences helps narrow down the best gun and its accessories, such as its holster and ammunition, while minimizing the trial and error process.
RELATED STORY: .45 ACP vs 9mm: 14 Experts Give Their Answers
To help guide you in your path to selecting the right CCW setup, we asked our varied panel of industry experts to reveal what kind of gun they chose to carry, their method of carry and holster type and why they made their choices. Our Ballistic Round Table focuses on firearm industry experts with different backgrounds and experiences who graciously share their valuable knowledge with our readers. Read on to see what the experts of the Ballistic Round Table choose to use for their CCW setups.
Jared Ogden
Affiliation: Triumph-Systems.com; Former Navy SEAL; Kryptek Pro Staff; Camillus Pro Staff
Position: Co-founder/CEO, triumph-systems.com
CCW Of Choice: Sig Sauer P239 9mm
Modifications: SRT trigger
Ammo: Hornady Critical Defense
Holster: In the summer, my preference is a DeSantis SOF-TUCK, and for the first time last winter, I used a Kydex OWB holster from returnfiretactical.com and it’s become my top preference.
Why? Because I’m a creature of habit, my primary CCW weapon will probably always be a Sig with a DA/SA trigger. The Sig platform is what I learned on, became proficient using and fell in love with. That said, I’ve shot just about everything else on the market and nothing has worked better for me. When it comes to ammunition, gear and accessories, I’ll tinker by changing no more than a couple of variables at a time to allow for evolution, but not at the expense of slowing my ability to react.
Jessie Duff
Affiliation: Taurus
Position: Shooting team captain
CCW Of Choice: Taurus PT738 .380 and Taurus Curve .380
Modifications: None
Ammo: Hornady Critical Defense
Holster: Uncle Mike’s “Inside-The-Pant” Holster
Why? Both guns are easily concealable and great carry options. The Curve has a built-in light and laser and belt clip, so it doesn’t require a holster, making it more comfortable to carry. I also like the PT738 as another carry option. My favorite thing about both firearms is how easy they are to conceal. That’s always a challenge for women, to carry on the body without it being obvious. With these two firearms, I can do that and not feel restricted to certain types of clothing. I use Hornady’s Critical Defense .380 ammo in both guns. For the PT738, I carry it with an Uncle Mike’s “Inside-The-Pant” holster. The Curve doesn’t require a holster, so I use the belt clip on the side of the frame and wear it inside the waistband.
Michael Fifer
Affiliation: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Position: CEO
CCW Of Choice: Ruger LCP .380 ACP
Modifications: Engraving and frame color
Ammo: Inexpensive ball ammunition for most practice sessions and Hornady Critical Defense for carry
Holster: A Fobus paddle holster, a Galco ankle holster and various pocket holsters
Why? I carry the Ruger LCP. I have several of them, with and without Crimson Trace Lasergrips, and in both blued-alloy and stainless-steel slides. Which one I carry depends on the time of day—there’s no need typically for a laser in broad daylight, but it could be a real lifesaver in twilight or dark conditions. And the LCPs have gotten better and better over the years, with improvements to the sights, trigger and trigger pull, so I tend to carry the newest ones most often.
We have made various color prototypes from time to time, so I have more LCPs than most (14 or 15 at last count!), in different colors and different slide engravings. My favorite is a bright-blue frame with stainless slide and “GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY!” engraved on the slide.
The holster I wear depends entirely on my clothing. If I have a sport coat on, my preference is a Fobus paddle holster. It is easy to slide around, so you can be comfortable getting into a car without having to remove the rig from your belt. I often wear khakis, and a Galco ankle holster works well for that. But if I’m wearing shorts and a T-shirt, it’ll go in my pocket. And I am a big believer that a pocket holster should protect all firearms carried in a pocket, so I have several of those from different brands.
I practice most often with inexpensive ball ammo, but I carry with Hornady Critical Defense. It’s important to practice with your carry ammo, too, to be absolutely sure your firearm feeds well with it.
I think the most important consideration in a carry weapon is, for me anyway, weight. Every other consideration is secondary. If the firearm is too heavy, you will come up with lots of excuses not to carry it. I think weight is far more important than caliber. Better to have the firearm with a less-than-perfect caliber for the situation with you when you need it than to have left it at home because it was too heavy or too bulky to carry.
John Schaefer
Affiliation: Law enforcement
Position: LEO, firearms instructor
CCW Of Choice: Smith & Wesson M&P9c 9mm and S&W M&P340 .357 Mag/.38 Special
Modifications: Apex duty trigger, KKM barrel, 10-8 rear sight and a Trijicon HD front sight.
Ammo: M&P9c: Winchester 147-grain Ranger Bonded; M&P340: Speer 135-grain +P .38 Special Gold Dot Short Barrel
Holster: M&P9c: Kramer horsehide belt scabbard and Raven Concealment Systems magazine pouch with MD cut; M&P340: Renegade #50 ankle holster
Why? The Smith & Wesson M&P9c mirrors the operational characteristics of larger duty weapons while being ergonomic and reliable, and the modifications particularly enhance the pistol’s efficiency. The Kramer belt scabbard is very comfortable and concealable, regardless of the clothing type operationally dictated. The Winchester 147-grain Ranger Bonded load shoots very well in my particular pistol and has excellent terminal ballistics.
The Smith & Wesson M&P340 J-Framer revolver gets a Renegade #50, which is the best ankle rig I’ve come across, and I have been using one daily for 20-plus years. Speer’s 135-grain +P .38 Special Short Barrel load is arguably the best available ammunition for a J-Frame, and my particular revolver shoots it quite well.
Bill Rogers
Affiliation: Rogers Shooting School
Position: Owner
CCW Of Choice: Ruger LCR 9mm
Modifications: Modified the grip to better fit my hand
Ammo: Winchester Silvertip
Holster: Safariland pocket holster
Why? Living in Florida most of the year means wearing clothing for the seasons. Shorts and T-shirts do not lend themselves to conventional holsters for concealment. I like the simplicity and reliability of a revolver.
Ronnie Barrett
Affiliation: Barrett Firearms
Position: CEO, firearms designer
CCW Of Choice: Colt Commander .45 ACP and Rohrbaugh R9 9mm
Modifications: Extended controls, funneled magazine well, CTC Lasergrips for 1911
Ammo: Speer Gold Dot
Holster: Galco and DeSantis rigs
Why? I’ve carried a .45 since I was 18 years old. And for the most part it’s been the same one—the lightweight Colt Commander. I used the same gun when I competed, and as a deputy sheriff. I built the gun up myself about 40 years ago, and we’ve been one ever since. It simply shoots where I think. There are times when concealing a full-sized pistol is difficult, but with the advent of the super-small and light 9mms, that problem was solved by adding the Rohrbaugh, which stays in my pocket all the time.
Gene DeSantis
Affiliation: DeSantis Gunhide
Position: CEO
CCW Of Choice: Rohrbaugh R9 9mm; Smith & Wesson Model 342 .357 Mag/.38 Special
Modifications: Both guns have been tuned-up by the manufacturers, and high-visibility sights were installed.
Ammo: MagSafe Ammo
Holster: DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster; DeSantis Apache ankle holster
Why? I generally carry one of two different handguns for CCW. My preference is the Rohrbaugh R9 or my S&W Model 342 lightweight five-shot revolver, both in a Nemesis pocket holster. I do have a Clip-Grip on my 342. With that I can even carry my revolver concealed even in a bathing suit. I can almost always be armed with moderately serious firepower without being restricted by my clothing. My 342 rides in an Ammo Nemesis and sometimes in an Apache ankle holster. The R9 resides in a Nemesis holster, and when clothing is not a problem, a #2 Speed Scabbard. I have been carrying a handgun ever since I left the Army. With over 30 years of part-time law enforcement experience, I have had lots of practice. When I’m out riding my bicycle, rather than going unarmed, I usually carry my .22 Magnum NAA Pug mini-revolver in a pocket holster.
John Bianchi
Affiliation: Frontier Gunleather
Position: Owner
CCW Of Choice: Smith & Wesson 4516 .45 ACP
Modifications: None
Ammo: Factory, semi-jacketed, soft-point .45 ACP, consistent with ammo used by our local sheriff’s department. This selection limits your liability exposure in the event of a shooting incident.
Holster: A simple and secure IWB rig, nothing fancy. Always keep your carry method very simple—no gadgets, no gimmicks.
Why? I like my time-tested doctrine, perfected over a 50-plus year period, because it is user friendly and has stood the test of time. I have always recommended the selection of one primary personal-defense pistol and carry method, carried in the same location in the same manner, all the time. This eliminates confusion and surprises in an emergency.
Julie Golob
Affiliation: Captain of Team Smith & Wesson and author of Shoot: Your Guide to Shooting and Competition
Position: World and National Champion, professional shooter
CCW Of Choice: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm
Modifications: Warren Tactical sights
Ammo: Federal Premium Hydra-Shok JHPs
Holster: As a woman, there are times when I have had to change up the way I carry based on my physical condition and clothing. I’ve carried my M&P Shield on my hip in a Safariland 5197, in a Can Can Concealment band holster and in a purse designed for concealed carry.
Why? The M&P Shield is a small, lightweight gun that I can comfortably conceal in a number of different ways depending on my wardrobe. What I really love about it is that, unlike a lot of other small, concealable firearms, it shoots like a full-sized gun and the recoil is very manageable. I’ve even competed with it. Switching out to Warren Tactical two-dot night sights, my Shield performs reliably in full- and low-light conditions. Loaded with Federal Premium Hydra-Shok JHP ammo, it has the capacity and stopping power I am looking for in a gun this size.
Jason Swarr
Affiliation: Straight 8 Photography
Position: Tactical photographer
CCW Of Choice: Ruger LC9 9mm
Modifications: None
Ammo: Federal Premium HST
Holster: Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 2.0
Why? The Ruger LC9 is very thin and comfortable to wear. I treat my CCW as a “break contact” weapon. It’s there to get me out of immediate danger so I can get to cover or my vehicle, where I have more firepower to make a true stand.
Sandy Froman
Affiliation: National Rifle Association
Position: Former president and current board member
CCW Of Choice: Smith & Wesson Model 642 .38 Special
Modifications: None
Ammo: Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel +P
Holster: Bruce Nelson Combat Leather
Why? I own and carry excellent guns from several different manufacturers, but the gun I carry concealed most often (but not exclusively) is the Smith & Wesson Model 642. The gun hasn’t had any modifications to it because it shot perfectly right out of the box. However, I did put several hundred rounds through it to make sure it performed flawlessly before I relied on it for self-protection. I’m happy with the performance of my Speer Gold Dot ammo, but I’ve been wanting to try the Critical Defense round that Hornady makes for .38 Special revolvers because my law enforcement friends who are using Hornady ammo in their semi-automatic pistols have had good test results.
If the occasion permits me to wear a belt, I carry the S&W 642 in a Bruce Nelson Combat Leather saddle-style concealed carry belt holster that my late husband made for me more than 20 years ago. It is compact, covers the trigger and tucks into my waistband nicely. For dress up (and not-so-concealed carry) I also have a totally wild and beautiful Amazon frog-hide belt holster in navy blue made for me by Sam Andrews of Andrews Custom Leather. When I can’t wear the gun on my body, I’ll carry it in a fanny pack or CCW purse, but I’ve found that it’s essential to practice extensively drawing from a fanny pack or purse before relying on that method of carry.
I especially like the 642 because it is reliable, easily concealable even on my 5’2” frame, the stainless finish resists rust, and the concealed hammer means there is nothing to catch on clothing or a purse when you draw the gun. Most of all, .38-caliber ammo is the minimum I accept for self-defense in a revolver. I “test” my CCW gun every few months by drawing and firing it from its carry position. If I ever have to use it, I want the confidence of knowing that it will go bang every time it comes out of the holster, purse or fanny pack. After I test it and shoot it for practice, I clean it and reload it with fresh self-defense ammo.
Fred Mastison
Affiliation: Force Options Tactical Training Solutions
Position: Owner, senior instructor
CCW Of Choice: Glock 17 9mm
Modifications: Meprolight Tru-Dot night sights
Ammo: Speer 124-grain Gold Dot +P
Holster: 45 Tactical Designs IWB
Why? I carry the G17 because of its reliability and accuracy. It also offers a full-sized pistol’s magazine capacity, which is critical for personal defense. Additionally, the 9mm round has evolved to the point that its fight-stopping capabilities make it a real player. I carry the G17 in an IWB holster because it is much easier to conceal, which is equally as important. Overall, the rig I carry is based around function and fit. I like this setup because it is fast, accurate and reliable 24/7.
Joyce Wilson
Affiliation: International Defensive Pistol Association
Position: Executive Director
CCW Of Choice: Wilson Combat Beretta 92FS Compact 9mm
Modifications: Converted to “G” decocker, Wilson Combat sights, complete action job, round triggerguard, Wilson Combat G10 grips, black slide/Burnt Bronze frame Armor-Tuff. These are the standard modifications that Wilson Combat has been doing with Berettas. The action jobs on my guns might be a little better just because.
Ammo: Speer 124-grain Gold Dot ammo—only because we can’t get the 147-grainers. The Gold Dots are some of the most effective bullets available.
Holster: Wilson Combat Lo-Profile II. It holds the gun tight to my body and is really comfortable.
Why? I’ve been shooting one of the new Wilson Combat Brigadier Tacticals for about the last year now, and this is just a smaller version of it. I like the fact that I can carry 13+1 rounds and my spare mag can be a full-sized 18-rounder. This gun also has a light rail so I can put my Streamlight TLR-3 on it when it sits on my nightstand. I really like the DA/SA trigger with the decocker. The Wilson Combat action job makes the double-action pull smooth and very shootable, and the single-action pull is just as good as on my 1911s.
Chris Caracci
Affiliation: Former Navy SEAL, tactical police officer
Position: Gunner’s Mate Second Class (weapons specialist)
CCW Of Choice: Guncrafter Industries .50 GI and Heckler & Koch P7M8 9mm
Modifications: Leupold DeltaPoint sight
Ammo: Guncrafter GI 230-grain
Holster: Crossbreed IWB
Why? From my time with SEAL Team Six and serving in undercover and tactical roles in law enforcement, I then entered the world of private security, where I live today. These days, I carry only one of two guns. The first is usually my backup now, the finest handgun ever made: the HK P7M8. Truly ahead of its time, if this were in production today in .45 ACP, I’d still carry it well into the future. My primary is a Guncrafter Industries .50. As for sights I had to go to a reflex sight because I am used to being able to split hairs, or R.J. Thomas (former platoon commander of SEAL Team One) or Dick Marcinko (founder of SEAL Team Six) would have my ass. Today I also carry great liability with the people I work for. At a distance, the front sight is essential. I chose the Leupold DeltaPoint and the newest version lets you replace the battery without disconnecting the sight. Holsters have varied over the years because of the jobs. In a private capacity when wearing a gun concealed, I have always worn my main weapon in my pants, butt forward on my dominant side. This is a holdover from my undercover days, where it allowed me to get to my gun effectively seated and with both hands if necessary. My favorite holster was first designed by CrossBreed and later copied by everyone else. One thing about carrying a single action this way: They are made for right-handers, so when worn butt forward with most holsters, the magazine release button is exposed, but I added a collar around the release to protect it. As far as the ammo for this gun, I purchase mostly the 230-grain load from Guncrafter Industries for carry. When I know I am going into harm’s way and can’t have a long gun, then my P7M8 is on my hip in a cross-draw holster that I made.
Buz Mills
Affiliation: Gunsite Academy
Position: Owner and CEO
CCW Of Choice: .45 ACP 1911, G19 9mm
Modifications: Novak sights
Ammo: Remington Golden Saber
Holster: C. Rusty Sherrick horsehide leather
Why? I work and travel a lot. I carry that which is readily available in the environment in which I have to work. I am comfortable with both calibers and both weapons. Both will get the job done if you will.
Ted Nugent
Affiliation: Full-time “We the People” hellraiser
Position: Vermin-control Czar
CCW Of Choice: I rotate a number of Glock 20s in 10mm
Modifications: I installed tritium sights, a Crimson Trace under-barrel laser and a slightly larger mag release button.
Ammo: My signature 180-grain Ted Nugent Ammo manufactured by Mike McNett at DoubleTap
Holster: Galco Gunleather
Why? Shooting, training and experimenting with pretty much every make and model of handgun, I came to feel as one with my Glock 20 and the 10mm round. Tactics, function, reliability, accuracy and capacity are critical at all times, especially in today’s homeland war on terror. Being outgunned is a foolish choice. No one has ever said, “I have too much ammo.”
Philippe Kent
Affiliation: GunTecUSA
Position: Vice President
CCW Of Choice: Glock 43 9mm
Modifications: None
Ammo: Winchester Black Talon
Holster: Braids Holsters SOB
Why? I like how compact and slim the handgun is. In the Braids holster, It is perfect for
small-of-the back carry.
Joe Turchi
Affiliation: NYPD & Nassau County Police Department, 25 years
Position: Retired police officer and firearms instructor; currently an executive protection specialist
CCW Of Choice: Glock 26 9mm
Modifications: Meprolight night sights, Glock extended slide release, Pearce basepad extensions on all mags.
Ammo: Speer 124-grain +P HP
Holster: Fist Kydex IWB
Why? Reliability, functionality and simplicity. The last four years of my career as a police officer allowed me the opportunity to work in the Firearms Training Division. We were responsible for training 2,500 officers to qualify regularly. During my time as an officer and as an instructor, I learned to expect the unexpected—prepare for the worst and hope for the best. My Glock, with a Pearce magazine extender and Meprolight sights, is my first go-to gun regularly. It marries up well with my Fist holster and is very accurate with Speer hollow-point ammo. I have other favorites, such as my Springfield XDs, Sigs, SCCYs, the Ruger LCR and LCP, and my trusty old five-shot S&W revolver. My current jobs include extensive traveling, checking guns and ammo on planes, boats, cars—you name it. The required attire might be a suit one day and cargo shorts the next. I need to be prepared to carry in all kinds of environments and weather. I’ll always grab
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