Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we talked about how to stay sharp in the freezing cold winter months. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to look at the idea of having a carry gun that's outdated. I cannot tell you how many times I have read people say that snub-nose revolvers are antique or outdated. While I understand why people may think that is the case, is it actually true? Let's take a closer look at the question: can carry guns really be outdated?
How The Gun Market Encourages People
The nature of the gun industry is to sell the latest and greatest. In the last 20 years, there have been giant progressions made in terms of magazine improvements that allow us to carry 12, 15 or even 17 rounds in a small compact handgun. The last decade has been an incredibly exciting time to be a concealed carrier with the flood of new options for carrying guns. While the improvements and options we have gotten over the years are incredible, it also makes older models seem obsolete by marketing the new options as the greatest upgrade in firearms history.
Companies are fantastic at making new models seem like the greatest thing since sliced bread. Reviews and media coverage of these new products also play a big role in making people feel like they have to upgrade to keep up with the times. Certain models become the older versions of current offerings and even though they may not be the newest model, they are still extremely capable. This creates a great opportunity to pick up a fantastic carry gun at a discounted price.
The Reality Of Carry Guns
The hard truth about many older carry guns is the fact that they are almost all still extremely capable and good options. Of course, there will be better options that are more efficient with a higher round count and smaller overall size, but the older models can still be extremely effective. The two models that are still some of my favorites that many people have stopped carrying are the original Glock 43 and Glock 26. These two are still really useful and the overall size of the original Glock 43 is fantastic for smaller pocket carry where the slightly larger frame of the Glock 43X is better on a belt set up to me.
I absolutely love both of these models and they absolutely have a use in the market today. Other models like the Smith & Wesson 340 PD and airweight models are looked down on by newer shooters because they lack capacity, but they are some of the only firearms that can be fired point blank without worrying about malfunctions and can even be fired out of a coat pocket at close range. A modern semi-automatic can't do that, so yes, it absolutely has a place even though it may not have the capacity or features of a modern handgun. There's an old saying that says you need the right tool for the right job and some of these guns absolutely serve a unique purpose without being outdated or inferior.
I’ve seen a number of people say guns like the Glock 43, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Kahr Arms PM9 and even the Glock 26 are outdated, but that's simply not true. They are all fantastic options that are still great choices for people who carry a concealed handgun. Some of these are really easy to slip into a pocket, whereas some modern guns are really tough to do. The simple truth is they aren't outdated by any means.
Most Modern Handguns Aren't Outdated
If we are being realistic, most modern production handguns are far from being outdated or inferior. They may not be in the correct caliber for you or have the capacity you desire, which are personal choices, but the vast majority of guns are still extremely capable of protecting you, even though they aren't the latest options on the market. Of course, guns like black powder handgun replicas that are still being produced are indeed outdated.
I think people are interested in the latest handguns on the market, which is perfectly understandable. The issue I have is the fact that they start to look down on people who carry older models because they are either really comfortable and happy with their carry gun or simply can't afford the newest version just yet. I think there's become a lot of judgment from people who carry concealed handguns and at the end of the day, if you can effectively make your hits and carry a gun comfortably, that's all that truly matters.
Overall Thoughts
I can't tell you how many times I pick up my Glock 43 or even my Glock 26 and carry it to this day. They are still incredibly effective handguns even though they aren't the newest models from Glock. I think people need to carry what they are comfortable with and there's nothing wrong with that. At the end of the day, you need to do what's best for you and that includes what is best to carry. Is there an older gun that you personally enjoy carrying? Let me know what gun that is down in the comments below. If you have questions about carrying concealed or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Concealed Carry Corner.
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