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!

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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

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