By Paul Rackley, GunBroker Editor

Being in the firearm/outdoor industries is a lot different than most people realize. I don’t spend all my time hunting and shooting. Nor do I get gifts of guns from companies wanting positive coverage; imagine my disappointment. I do, however, get asked lots of questions about guns and shooting, especially about my daily carry guns. 

Now, I try not to bash any firearm manufacturers over others. I do, of course, have my preferences, created by different factors in my life. Some of these include caliber, costs, feel and even father and mentor influence. This doesn’t mean my choices are really any better than anyone else’s. I might have more knowledge and experience about firearms than the average shooter, but it is still personal experience. 

Just because I prefer one gun over another doesn’t mean that it is truly that much better. It means that it felt good in my hand, I’ve had good luck with the brand or even that I found it for a deal. For various reasons, I have three daily carry guns that I use, depending on the carry situation. 

Kimber Ultra Carry in .45 ACP

When I decided to start carrying a gun daily, long before entering the industry, I started by researching calibers. This was the mid 90s, before technological advancements greatly improved ammunition. It was a time when 9mm pistols were considered underpowered by many, especially with the F.B.I. going to the .40 S&W. 

I chose .45 ACP because I wanted a daily carry gun that could handle anything I came across, even if I had to use ball ammunition. There were, of course, quite a few .45 ACP pistols available at the time. However, most people were in one of two camps. Shooters were either a 1911 fan or a GLOCK fan. I never really understood the argument, as both guns have their benefits. 

The 1911 fits most shooters and is a classic piece of hardware. The GLOCK, on the other hand, holds more rounds and is extremely reliable. All this was right around the time, Kimber introduced semi-custom 1911s at quite reasonable prices. Since this was a carry gun and I knew I planned on inside-the-waistband carry, I ended up choosing the Kimber Ultra Carry, simply because of width. Later, I added Crimson Trace Laser Grips and upgraded the holster. 

I still carry that Kimber in a Milt Sparks VM-II holster, along with a spare magazine in a Galco mag holster. This is my primary daily carry gun. However, I am debating going down to a 9mm. I’m looking really hard at the SIG Sauer P365 XL and the Springfield Hellcat Pro. Today’s technology has advanced 9mm ammo, and I like the higher round counts of both guns. I have also reached an age where I want my carry gun to be smaller, lighter and more comfortable to carry. 

Ruger LCP in .380 ACP

When Ruger brought out the LCP back in 2008, I jumped at the opportunity to buy one. I liked the idea of a super-small pistol that could be easily hidden on the body. There are times when a big gun on the hip just isn’t practical for the situation. During those times, I’m prone to dropping this subcompact pistol into a pocket or down the shaft of my boot. I also regularly carry this gun as a backup when I want to two-gun it that day. 

Now, the LCP comes with extremely small sights. They work OK, not great, for close-range shots, so I added a Crimson Trace Laser Guard to this pistol. I also load it up with Hornady Critical Defense ammunition to ensure it can punch through thick clothing if needed. 

This pistol will never by my primary; it’s just too small and too weak. I mostly use this gun as a backup in the boot. However, there are times when I’m just too lazy to strap on the big boy. And having this little gun is better than having nothing. 

Smith & Wesson Model 637 in .38 Spl.+P

The first handgun I ever bought was a revolver. It was a single-action Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt, but it was a revolver. After that I pretty much got into semi-auto pistols. However, there is just something about the known reliability of a wheelgun. So, when an opportunity to purchase a J-frame Smith & Wesson arose, I bought it. 

Originally, I planned this airweight .38 Spl. to be the wife’s gun. And it still technically is hers. It usually sits in a safe, loaded, for when she might ever need a gun. I, however, have started carrying this revolver in an ankle holster during those few times a year when I wear a suit. I would prefer the Kimber, but as I’ve gotten older, the drycleaner has shrunk the suits. I know I’m not the only person this has happened to over the years. 

In any case, these are my three main daily carry guns. I’ve owned all of these for quite a while, and have trained with them regularly during this time. This includes draw training to ensure I can actually get them into action if needed. That is the most important factor of a carry gun and rig. Having a gun is important, being able to get into play is imperative. 

Related Article: Gun Review: Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp OSP

Tags: .45 ACP, Carry Pistol, Kimber, Ruger, Ruger LCP, self defense, Smith & Wesson