So here’s the deal, in our ever expanding quest to bring you the best news in the world of cool, we sometimes find ourselves looking in places where others have never gone. In this case we found ourselves sitting down to talk with Officer Neal to get his view on the best choice for someone who may be considering to get their concealed carry permit. So read on! – Jef

The introduction of  “right-to-carry” laws in 40 states permit law abiding citizens to arm themselves. Literally thousands have chosen to do so and it has been proven that this right to protect one’s self leads to less societal violent crime*.

Individuals who intend to carry a concealed firearm* for personal protection often ask me “which gun is best?”

Truthfully, there is no single “best” answer applicable to all individuals and situations, but I can share some considerations that led me to carry a Glock 26 as my undercover and back up weapon.

Here are some items for your check list:

Safety, reliability, ease of operation, caliber, and cost.

Glock “safe-action” pistols have proven to be virtually unfailingly reliable. Glocks have built in safety systems making a discharge without pulling the trigger a virtual impossibility.

I prefer the fact that Glocks have no separate manual safety lever or button to disengage before firing. But some individuals and carry considerations may dictate the use of a firearm that has such a feature.

The 26 has proven to be less ammunition sensitive than some other fire arms and operation is the same as the Glock 31 I carry as a duty arm so my learned response is the same for both weapons.

The 26 is only slightly larger than the Walther PPK/S I formerly carried. Yet it is chambered for the more potent 9mm (rather than the .380 of my PPK/S) and functions with all varieties of brand name ammunition I have fed it.

Glocks are completive priced when compared with other high quality firearms. A properly maintained Glock will last for many thousands of rounds so you also have the option of finding good ones in the used market.

Finally, a word of caution.Carrying any firearm brings a high degree of responsibility (not unlike driving). Study the owner’s manual and practice until use of whatever arm you choose is nearly automatic. Take formal training through qualified instructors (NRA, law enforcement, etc.) and make safety your highest priority.

* Check the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action and your state’s Attorney General. Nothing in this NC article is intended to offer legal counsel or advice. regarding state and local law.

Neal

Officer Neal (a pen name as he is an active law enforcement officer) has been a deputy sheriff for 20+ years and had tactical training with various weapons. He has worked uniformed, undercover, VIP protection and felony arrest teams.