MY TOP 5 GUNS for Everyday Carry
Everybody has their favorites and here are mine! I’ve got many reasons to brag on all of these firearms. Having used them for so long they’ve proven their worth and durability time and time again. I have no problem endorsing these models for my family, friends and the thousands who have been in my care!
I think it’s important to note that one shouldn’t modify their firearms so much so that it brings it out of spec to where it will not perform appropriately. Keep in mind to fix the shooter not the gun… One who tricks out their gun first without training is setting themselves up for disappointment. You can only modify a gun so much before you realize that you still have to know how to shoot!
My Personal Favorite – Sig P365XL
for myself, I carry a Sig Sauer P365XL, a variant of the original P365 which is slightly smaller. My wife carries that model due to her being so petite. The reasons I chose this model are capacity, compatibility and comfort on body. There are many quality shooters and Instructors that may not agree on the exact model or make but this we do: Can I get the most amount of ammo and compatibility in a thinner format that I can beat up and train with and not compromise quality and accuracy?
The Sig P365XL answers that question for me. It’s not too short either in grip or barrel, I can deeply conceal it w a 12rd mag and carry a 15rd mag with ease, the night sights, trigger and ease of use of this model works well for me! I’ve been and still am a Glock fan and Glock & Sig are my two go to’s. Sig also makes the P365XL with an external safety, and if you do get that model you’ll have to train to use it all the time or your performance won’t be there. Thus far, I have just over 3,700rds down range with it and have had no hiccups to say the least! I find it to be a safe pistol with it’s internal safeties and having grown up with Glock, to me it’s a mute point when it comes to safety, reliability and performance.
The Glock Models G43, G43X, G48
The Glock models are probably my most subconscious performing platform. I’ve had the pleasure of running them hard for nearly 30 years now. When it comes to my full-size pick; I’ve used my Glock 17, 4th Generation (from 2011) the most with over 150K rounds downrange so far with recommended maintenance.
I haven’t modified any of them much only slightly. If you want a long lasting, good working gun remember, too many bells and whistles increase potential failure.
You will be just fine with a possible textured “stippled” grip, an easier trigger, checkout Haley Strategic’s Skimmer Trigger, (Good people there), night sights that are made of steel that illuminate at night, also see Haley Strategic, MeproLight and Trijicon for sights.
My EDC Glock 43, ZT knife, Surefire light, Ridge Wallet, Benchmade Tac Pen, Luminox Watch, Aurum Brothers bracelet.
The Glock 43 is a great choice as is the 10rd mag, fuller gripped G43X and its longer barreled brother the G48. These models are “single stacked magazine” handguns so they are thinner, lighter and easier to conceal than their bigger brothers the G17, G19 & 26 in 9mm. The Glock 43 has a factory 6rd mag. In my professional opinion and depending on your hand size, you will be more satisfied with a higher capacity mag by purchasing a two round extension for this model, I chose Taran Tactical but there are others out there. Overall, love these models and carried the 43 for years. Solid performer, you can beat it up, neglect it and it will still give you the bang for your buck you need when it matters most!
The Springfield Armory HELLCAT
The Springfield Hellcat is new player on the scene and they came to win. Shooters from all over were curious to the new kid on the block in 2019 and many have been impressed to say the least. Surprised by its durability, performance and fit & feel to the hand with it’s semi aggressive texture it is pleasing for sure. Springfield came to compete with the Sig P365 for sure.
This evil kitty isn’t as thin as the Glocks but, it is more comparable to the Sig P365 series due to it also having stack and a half mags and not to mention it’s whopping high capacity flush 11rd magazine and the extended 13rd magazine and red dot optic capability model! All in all, the recoil is lighter than expected and if you go and test drive one, my hope is that you get to take it home!
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0
When it comes to pioneering the Smith & Wesson came out early with its M&P Shield and now the 2.0 and their Ez models on the scene with better triggers and ergonomics and easier slides to rack. It’s a sleek platform, very concealable and I recommend the 9mm caliber models more than others for less shock and awe of the higher calibers on the gun overall, reduced recoil and lighter carrying.
The Shield’s have metal mags, noticeable ergonomics and the point and shoot ability needed especially for new shooters. If you’re grabbing the shield for defense, I’d grab some night sights for your gun. Having the capacity of 6 and 8rds is what is standard and the 8rounders are the most popular. When deep concealing, depending on your body frame and other factors you may want the flush magazine and that is completely up to you.
The recoil when firing it is comparable to the Glock 43’s recoil, more so than the Hellcat and P365 series guns. It’s a bit snappy but I know very petite shooters that can handle it with ease, so don’t let that steer you away from test driving it. Overall, a dependable option, and it’s proven itself over the years for sure.
Revolver…Anyone?
And in this corner and last but not least is the wheel gun category! I’m a fan of the Smith & Wesson snubnose models and I prefer the MP340 in 357magnum. If you’re asking me what other companies would be good to use, I’ll give them to you in order based on my experience of failures, their reliability and overall performance. Colt, (if you can find one) Smith & Wesson, Ruger and Taurus. For availability and bang for your buck stick with S&W and Ruger (the Ruger LCP model is comparable). Most shooters new to the game prefer less recoil enjoy the .38special calibered, 442, 642 and a couple of others with hammers. For EveryDay Carry, hammerless is the most popular and easiest to retrieve in pockets and holsters without impeding draw-stroke.
Why a revolver? Because it’s easy to point and shoot, deeply concealable, you can tell it’s loaded fairly easily, reliable and less moving parts overall. Shooter comfort is pretty high when handing one over and it’s proven track record of throwing hot fishing weight in the right direction is very consoling.
Why not a revolver… Well, do understand there’s a steeper learning curve in loading and reloading which you will have to use more dexterity under pressure to accomplish the task. As well as understanding how to put some finesse on a longer, heavier trigger travel of this little pocket rocket but if that’s your affection, get after it cowboy or cowgirl, you can do it!
I’m not speaking like a politician, I’m being pragmatic. A revolver does answer the call for personal defense as do the semi autos. Weigh out the pros and cons and decide for yourself. If you happen to have the option to grab a couple, well, God Bless America, DO IT!
READ THIS!
Remember, when it comes to choosing you will need to find the gun that honestly feels good in your hands and evaluate the following: hand size, gun size, holster chosen, holster placement on your body, clothing style and your body’s abilities to skin that smoke wagon when you need it and hang on to it when it’s unleashing flame out of it’s mouth!
Bottom line, there are several other solid manufacturers and models out there that I didn’t mention. There have been many who’ve asked for me to share my experience on what I’ve seen work over the years so I accommodated.
Whatever handgun you choose not only make sure it works, but it works for you and you incorporate it with a consistent safe, training regiment to help you evolve your skills!
That’s all I got for you today! Stay tuned, Stay Safe and may God bless you and this Great Nation!
Stephen D. Powell
The GunLife Coach
Subscribe, Follow me on Facebook & Instagram!
Comment away!
We'd love to hear your thoughts about this article. Please take a minute to share them in the comment section by clicking here. Or carry the conversation over on your favorite social network by clicking one of the share buttons below.
Join the conversation!
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.
Guns
Prepare for the Worst: Domestic Sabotage and Violence on the Horizon
The wheels of extremism are already in motion
Leading up to this November, and beyond, it now seems inevitable that America will experience extreme turmoil, if not outright hostilities and even urban warfare. Nothing that I write here will have any impact in terms of what is likely to occur. For one, Leftists don’t tend to read articles by conservative and, two, the wheels of extremism are already in motion.
Tactics Without End
I devote at least 500 hours annually to reading about political, historical, and cultural matters, adding up to more than 5,000 hours in the last 10 years. I’ve reached the same conclusion which legions of others have: Domestically the U.S. is headed for huge trouble. We already know many of the Left’s tactics to hinder Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, which include devious hoaxes, endless lies and slander, bogus lawsuits and selective prosecution, unconstitutional fines, and much more.
As spring leads to summer, Trump’s lead over Biden could grow. As such, expect the Left to act even more desperately with reprehensible tactics. Consider that of late RINO Congressional Representatives are suspiciously retiring early on dates with no chance for a special election to occur in their districts. Hence, Democrats can retake the House. Do you smell payola? Thereafter if Trump is elected, the House could attempt to deny certification.
By June or July, invariably, the Left will seek to foment another “George Floyd” incident and blame it all on Trump. With the power of The New York Times and major networks embellishing the narrative and offering World War II level coverage, the masses will be snowed. Think about Donald Trump observing that if he’s not elected there will be a bloodbath in the auto industry, and how the mainstream media, in unison, immediately claimed that Trump was calling for nationwide violence.
The Left is Violent and Everyone Knows It
The most violent segment of our society happens to be on the Left, as even many casual observers know. If Trump is ahead in the polls in September or October, expect dissension wherever the Left can prevail. When Trump wins the election in November, expect riots in 200 cities or more, surreptitiously funded by George Soros and his kind.
The money will fuel Antifa and other groups of young men and women who do not have career level jobs but do have questionable futures. The riots will last for as long as the extremists can persist; days, weeks, even months. From there, open warfare, in the form of urban snipers, is entirely possible.
Leading up to inauguration on January 20, many key dates such as certification from Congress, approval of Electoral College votes, and so on, represent key opportunities for the Left’s planned disruptions.
Disruption and Sabotage
January 20 could be a day of extreme violence. Washington, DC will have to be put under martial law. National guards from every surrounding state will be employed. The violent Left will not allow Trump to peacefully take over the reins from the corrupt, demented Joe Biden.
Biden’s administration, ruled by Barack Obama, will not offer a smooth transition of power, unlike all other presidents since our nation was founded. This is except for Obama, who did all he could to sabotage first Trump’s administration from the get-go.
The rest of January leading into February will represent days of turmoil. The Left will attempt to disrupt Trump’s second administration 24/7. They will harass and threaten political appointees. They will form roadblocks. They will resort to antics in front of federal buildings, the Supreme Court building, and other targeted locations which they deem to be ‘in their way.’
Eventually, Trump can clean it all up but at enormous financial and social cost. Rioters and less-than-peaceful protestors can be taken off the streets and, this time, held for much more than 24 hours. They can be charged, fingerprinted, photographed, and processed by a now lawful Department of Justice . However, such major operations will result in a lot of pain and gnashing of teeth.
Sadly for our nation, the scenarios above are more likely to be true than not.
– – – – –
Life
With Representatives Like Kelly Daughtry, We Can Take Back America
Daughtry is a soft-spoken woman who gets things done
When President Trump takes office next January 20th, he’s going to need a cadre of strong-willed Congressional representatives. It’s not enough to simply retake the White House, we need the foot soldiers with the unshakeable resolve to restore America.
In North Carolina’s 13th district, one candidate is firmly rooted in the values that made this country great, and will make it great again. Her name is Kelly Daughtry and, quite frankly, the nation needs many others like her.
Raised in rural North Carolina and the daughter of a U.S. veteran, farmer, lawyer, and entrepreneur, Daughtry has been a practicing lawyer for the past 25 years in Johnston County, where she makes her home. She’s been in the trenches and is not skittish about the slings and arrows that come with taking bold, conservative positions for what is right.
Clear Positions on Vital Issues
Daughtry is exceedingly clear on where she stands and on what will improve the lives of American citizens. She is a vigorous supporter of law enforcement and decries ‘de-fund the police’ movements wherever they arise. She understands that, by and large, the men and women in law enforcement are dedicated, hardworking individuals who, in many instances, put their lives on the line.
Similarly, Daughtry supports the U.S. military and our veterans. She knows that nations around the world with rogue leadership wish to do us great harm, and that we must maintain a strong military at all times. Not coincidentally, a strong military is the best prescription for peace.
On the border issue, Daughtry recognizes that the Biden Administration is firmly committed to swamping our country with illegal aliens. Why? Because the U.S. Census count doesn’t focus on U.S. citizenship, only the number of residents per county and state.
Hence, Democrats can gain a 20-seat advantage in the U.S. House of Representatives by continuing to flood our nation. This ploy is precisely why Biden and company have brought lawsuits against border states seeking to protect themselves.
The drugs, the crime — the murders — and the bursting budgets of towns and states trying to cope with the onslaught of illegals should never have happened in the first place. Daughtry knows what needs to be done, and done immediately.
Reversing Biden’s Reckless Agenda
Daughtry will go to work on restoring our nation, dismantling Joe Biden’s reckless agenda for America. She understands that Biden’s policies towards China in particular, and the bribes he has taken, have been nothing less than devastating for hard-working Americans and for our national security.
Most notably, she is firmly opposed to the Chinese Communist Party and their representatives who are seeking to buy farmland throughout North Carolina as well as every other place in the United States.
Biden’s out-of-control spending has particularly hurt North Carolinians. Farmers have taken the brunt of the punishment. The unending inflation that we’ve faced for 38 months also has dealt a crushing blow to North Carolina small business owners and families in general. One of Daughtry’s first agenda items will be to help steer our country back towards fiscal sanity, which in turn will have a direct impact on the cost of groceries and gasoline.
Americans First
Like President Trump, Daughtry understands the importance of putting Americans first and of safeguarding or voting procedures, elections, and indeed what it means to be an American citizen. Of note, she has no misconceptions about the differences between men and women and will work to stop the malarkey that the Left imposes on us every day, with their “56” types of genders.
Daughtry is a soft-spoken woman and in her quiet way, gets things done. If Donald Trump had an army of Kelly Daughtrys, the country would be on firm footing in relatively short order. She knows what hard-working Americans want and need, and is exactly the type of politician that North Carolina must send to Washington D.C.
It is not an exaggeration to say that in Wake, Harnett, Johnson, and Wayne counties in North Carolina, as well as the entire state and entire country, the 2024 election will be the most important in our lifetimes. This has been said about other elections at other times, but considering the damage that the Democrats have wrought on America, the time is now to reclaim our great nation and, with the likes of Kelly Daughtry, we can.
– – – – –
America No More…
Biden wants to tie Israel’s hands
Prepare for the Worst: Domestic Sabotage and Violence on the Horizon
America’s Unjust Justice System
With Representatives Like Kelly Daughtry, We Can Take Back America
Why East Coast Workers are Blurry Eyed on Monday Morning
The Rise of Mark Robinson and the Benefit to North Carolina
Jesus, Master of Influence
Chris Widener, speaker and best selling author of The Art of Influence, teaches that Jesus is the master of influence. In sixteen sessions you will learn from one of the most influential communicators how the life and teachings of Jesus Christ is the best model for how to become an effective influence that can change people’s thoughts, beliefs and actions.
LEARN MORE
