I'm a fairly small guy, 5'7", 130 lbs. I'm gonna get one of the shields when someone can stock one. I feel like I want an alternate higher capacity pistol. I'm wondering if this is realistic for someone my size. The caliber will be determined by my demoing different models, but most likely 9mm or .40. I'll get a 1911 for my .45. I know it's a broad question. Do you carry a large capacity pistol? What model, and why?

I appreciate any input. I'm not on the ban bandwagon; I planned on getting my first two pistols in Jan 2013, and couldn't have picked a worse time.

thanks

I'm waiting on my CHL, so I can only speak from others' experience... That said, the prevailing wisdom seems to be that the gun you carry, regardless of capacity, is better than the one you leave at home. That in mind, I got a PF9 so I'd never have an excuse not to carry.

I carry a block 21 in a on your 6 holster works great my buddy your size carries the same rig. I bet my wife could too you know I'll test and post pics.

I really do like my little Kel Tec P11. I have several hundred rounds through mine with nary a bobble. 10+1 rounds in a package that's very easy to carry. That being said, it all depends on how you dress.

My buddy, your size, carries either a 5" 1911, a G36 or a G21.

I'm 5'11" 180lbs and I carry either a G23, G22, or a Kahr P9 but I've also carried all sizes of 1911s with a 5" being my first ccw.
The 23 gets carried 80% of the time with my spare mag always being a G22 mag for higher round count.

I'm your height, 180lbs and have carried several guns over the years. It's best, as stated, to get one you will carry. I started out carrying a 92fs. I never emptied the mag in a gun fight. Lot's of capacity but too big and heavy. Then again I haven't emptied my 5 shot titanium revolver in one either and it's the most comfortable to carry gun I have.

Glock 36, 6+1 rounds of .45ACP. Love it.

I carry a Springfield XD9sub - either in my Crossbreed Supertuck or Comptac 2oclock for appendix carry. The SC comes with a 13rd mag and a 16rd with the extended grip. I carry with the smaller mag because the shorter grip doesn't stick out near as far. I keep my 16s in various places and swap it out whenever I'm around the house not carrying.

Glock19 15+1 carried in a raven concealment phantom. Have a 33 round mag for it as well.....

I generally carry a full size 9 or 40 in the appendix(front) position. It really comes down to what you can wear comfortably and dressing around the gun. You will probably experiment with several methods, holsters, and guns before you find what works best for you. I'm 6' 3" and 200 lbs, so what I do won't necessarily work for you. I will say that a good belt is mandatory and a good holster helps tremendously. Good luck.

My DM Bullard dual carry IWB allows me to carry my Hi Power comfortably. I'm 5'9" 200lbs. It's the only full size hi cap I carry.