A Day at the Beach

[steve2267]

My family vacations in Florida beginning next week. Besides NPEs such as Disney World, we will be spending at least one day at the beach... with a three and five year old, I'm quite sure I'll be in the surf as well as building sand castles on the beach...

What words of advice, wisdom, or experience might you have regarding how to carry concealed at the beach, in the surf? My choices include a S&W 642 or a Kahr PM9. I'm leaning towards the S&W snubbie in Smart Carry, perhaps inside a plastic baggie, or an Aloksak waterproof bag ( http://www.rei.com/product/697944 ).

While the snubbie ammunition, Speer .38spl 135gr +P GD, has sealed primers and (I assume) sealed crimp around the bullet, I am somewhat concerned about the effect of saltwater on the aluminum and steel of the 642 -- especially the internal lockwork should I simply stick it in a smart carry holster without a baggie. That is, would I have to remove the sideplate and all the internal parts, clean and oil everything to prevent corrosion?

If the baggie option is best... I do understand it won't be exactly a quick draw... but I'm working from the it's better to have and not need, then to need and not have paradigm.

Thoughts and comments appreciated.

[Brownie]

Steve,

Have a good time in Florida with the family.

I wouldn't personally carry either of your choices in salt water, let alone fresh water unless absolutely necessary. I jumped a guy at 3am one morning on a dock who was caught on a vessel we were keeping secure and we both ended up in the Atlantic ocean off the dock end.

I had a model 36 tucked in my waistband, as well as my beeper and small surefire as well as everything usually found in my pockets. The gun had to go back to S+W [ fortunately at that time I was only a few hours away from them so I drove it out to Springfield, Mass ] to be completely stripped and extensively cleaned right away. Even in a baggie or something designed to be waterproof, personally, I'd be very leary of much keeping the gun dry for long.

[Brownie]

Steve,

Thought I'd add that if I had to take one or the other, I'd take the pm9 into the water. They can be stripped and flushed with breakcleaner by yourself more easily, all parts getting a good flushing over the revo's, and then re-oiled well.

Hope that helps

[JMusic]

Steve have a good time at the beach. I would shy away from the 642 because of the galvonic effect that saltwater will have if you were to immerse the pistol because of the dissimilar metals. As you know most boats have an anode such as a zinc devise on them to combat this natural reaction. The PM9 should do just fine. I like the Hefty one zip bags for dry storage. They are a little heavier and very easy to open quick. When you put your pistol in one try to get as much air out as possible. You can then in an emergency shoot with the pistol still in the bag, works pretty good. Almost forgot I've been using a "Belly Band" to carry deep concealed. It will work with just about everything except a thong.:p Good luck.

Jim

[steve2267]

Jim,

Any hints on any particular brand of belly band? I'm leaning towards Smart Carry (http://www.smartcarry.com) -- I've seen repeated good things about them... plus I can get a Smart Carry model with an extra pouch for my DL / FL CCW permit, cash etc. I see that Galco and DeSantis make Belly Bands -- is yours by them? Or is it more just a really stout ace bandage sort of affair?

[RTBRANE]

Steve,
I have a couple left and right hand bellybands by Guardian Leather. Leather pockets on elastic. Not sure if they are still around. On the Smaartcarry/thunderwear type pouches, try not to use ones that have a seam at the top of the pocket. They tend to get caught on the ejection port, which really screws up the draw. As to which is better, it depends on what you are wearing. The belly bands usually have a strong-side FBI cant and a cross-draw on the other side. It can be rotated around the body, and worn high or low, so has some versatility. The front pouch types can conceal a surprisingly large gun, depending on body size/shape, and the pants/shorts worn. Be careful with leg length/diameter of shorts, as the pouch may become visible in some positions. Might consider matching underwear color. Or, wear it inside your underwear:D

Will

[JMusic]

Mines a left hand Action Direct. It mounts the pistol straight up has a pouch for one mag. I carry mine behind the hip though it was made to wear in front. Oh the match black underwear is a good idea. The wife might like it too.:p Have you considered an attack dog trained for the beach.:eek: These rigs work better if you DO NOT wear a belt. Have fun.

Jim

[Brownie]

Jim,

Nice picture of the protector:cool: Thats his way of getting the BG's to ignore him until they get close enough for him to jump up and grab their butt right? That takes a lot of training to get them to where they can do that from what I've heard.

My bellyband is the Bianchi which I've had for too many years now. You're right, they work better without a belt and are a lot more comfortable. I've not thought to wear the gun behind the hip with mine, but that would work just as well now that you mention it.

[JMusic]

Buddy's simulating sunbathing in that pic. Fully alert ofcourse.:p

Jim