What’s your CCW setup and preferred self-defense ammo?

[3rd Rock from the Gun]

I’d like to hear what everyone here relies on for concealed carry.
Specifically:


Handgun: What make/model do you carry most often, and what drew you to it (size, reliability, capacity, etc.)?

Ammunition: What self-defense rounds do you trust (brand, bullet weight, type), and have you noticed any differences in performance at the range?

Reasoning: Why do you stick with that setup—track record, accuracy, recoil control, barrier performance, or just overall confidence in it?

Alternatives: Have you tried other guns or loads before settling on your current carry choice?

I’m always interested in what people trust when it matters most, and I think others here would benefit from hearing real-world experiences too.

 

[tomrkba]

One guy I know is either very wise or completely insane. He put three Glock 17's on the permit. His rationale was that he has identical backups in case of loss or malfunction and he has training momentum with the gun. This makes sense to me because I'll be stuck with just the LCP and 43 if I lose the 19 for some reason. SFPD doesn't want to change guns on the permit even after I did the quals.

1) 80%: Glock 19. Trijicon HD night sights, NY-1 trigger, 3.5# Ghost connector. Federal Hi Shoks for now. Prefer Federal HST or Speer Gold Dots. I have tried hundreds of guns from the Beretta M21 Bobcat to Colt Anaconda 6". I started with the G23, but had trouble with fatigue in training (600+ rounds in 2 days). It just carries better than larger guns. I also like the Glock 30 and 30S, HK 45 Compact, and SIG P229 due to similar size. Carried in 5 Shot Leather SME. The Glock 19 will be replaced with something in 45 if Duncan v Bonta is not decided or doesn't go our way.

I carried the Glock 26 for at least a decade. I am considering going back to it for my 9mm slot. While the ballistics will be the same as the 43, it shoots far better.

Another option is to go with a SIG P229. I will consider it if we get full capacity magazines back in this state.

2) 20%: Ruger LCP. No mods. Finger rest magazine base. Hornady FTX 90 grain 380 ACP. Fits in my pocket best. I like the Beretta M21 Bobcat, but it's only a 22. DeSantis Super Fly or a Vedder clip on IWB holster. Spare ammo in either a Milt Sparks IPS or Remora sticky pocket holder. I am considering acquiring a Ruger LCP Max to get the 10 round capacity. However, it's wider than the LCP, and may not conceal as well. I have to find one to try.

3) 0%: Glock 43. I decided I dislike the gun but it's stuck on the permit. I'll replace it with a gun in 45 ACP or 10mm. Don't discount the 1911 Commander! People don't realize that 1911's conceal very well because they don't have extra material on the rear of the slide to accommodate the striker. That outside rear point is what prints; any hammer fired gun doesn't have that. I can do the 1911 AIWB, but the Glock 17 (of identical size except for the rear of the slide area) will print slightly.

5 Shot Leather SME. Best AIWB holster made. Just add a wedge to the back. Gun shown is a 2004 19.3.



The rear of the 17's slide is almost exactly the length of the 1911's hammer. The hammer is not wide and therefore doesn't print.