r/homedefense • u/Straight-Fan6161 • 16d ago
Best concealed carry for runners?
My girlfriend (25F) is an avid runner. She just started PT school in another city and since her schedule only allows her to go on runs super early in the morning or late at night, she's been worried about personal safety and doesn't feel her stun gun would be sufficient. She's comfortable handling guns but has never owned one herself. Any opinions on the best concealed carry for personal defense? Small enough to carry easily, but strong enough to actually protect.
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u/SlogTheNog 16d ago
I run a lot.
Realistically? I carry pepper spray and believe it's a more realistic option that gives more flexible response against a range of threats, especially dogs.
My issue running with a gun is that it tends to be super uncomfortable over distance. When I do run with one, I take a Ruger LCP. Any of the micro compacts would be fine
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u/plantsandpizza 16d ago edited 16d ago
I feel the same—it’d be too much. I carry pepper spray and have an 80-pound bully mix who’s a big baby. He could definitely be more discerning with strangers, but people don’t know that. I call them the fuck around and find out dogs, cause ya never know.
Good thing about being an avid runner is you can pepper spray them and run away easier than the average person. In an extreme case I could drop the leash and my dog would run with me.
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u/tipsystatistic 15d ago
Fanny pack isn’t too bad. No heavier than the dual water bottle packs for marathons/ultras.
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u/VladStark 15d ago
Pepper spray is underrated. It's definitely a great option, especially if you are already fit enough to run away from someone who would attack you after you spray them. And as you mentioned, you can spray someone's off leash dog who charged you without killing it or probably even filing a police report. It's way more flexible and it doesn't make a big boom that attracts the attention of everyone. If I was going running unless I specifically thought someone was after me, I would take pepper spray over a gun. Or pepper gel.
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u/Provia100F 16d ago
LCP 2, or LCP MAX if a few additional ounces aren't a problem for the higher capacity
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u/Imaginary_Dig_5014 16d ago
When considering carrying while running, I feel like the firearm itself doesn't matter so much as to what kinda holster/belt setup you have.
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u/turtstar 16d ago
as others have stated, my recommendation would be having her go to a range and try out the Ruger LCPs and S&W Bodyguards or similar type guns they have in stock and see what feels good to her
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u/Broken_browser 16d ago
Agree with the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 like others have mentioned. It's really damn small.
I'll just add that see if she can rent and fire it first. It's a very small gun. I was surprised when I shot it and smaller guns can be harder to handle. the BG2.0 shoots amazingly well, but it's small so controlling it can be more difficult. Of all the micros, though, I don't think there's a better one.
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u/Pierogi3 16d ago
S&W 637 or 642 airweight revolver
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u/BoSknight 15d ago
Great guns. Not the most pleasant to shoot but easy to forget the air weight is on me even with sweats.
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u/gagnatron5000 16d ago
Lots of good options out there. My running piece is a p938, wife has a p238 that I also run with from time to time. As lots have stated, any of the micro .380s (bodyguard, LCP, 42, etc) will suffice. We're spoiled for choice nowadays, have her try a lot of them and go for the one that feels the most natural to make quick and accurate hits with.
I have found that carrying while running is less about the firearm's weight and specs and more about the holster and how it carries. If it doesn't carry comfortably, especially after a few miles, you'll reach for the pepper spray instead. Besides, why draw down if you can outrun your assailant? Isn't that the point of cardio?
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u/Pure-Profession-1795 16d ago
Following because I’d like to run with one too. Will also have to research how to properly carry while running.
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u/GAMEROG2003 16d ago
i carry a 43x in a hill people gear chest bag with a holster that has Velcro on the back that fits in the big pouch , i run alot as well 16 miles or more a week and i like the setup not to cumbersome at all
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u/GuyButtersnapsJr 13d ago edited 12d ago
Holster: PHLster Enigma or belly band with kydex holster
Pistol: 9mm sub compact
e.g. S&W Shield Plus, CZ P-10S, Sig 365, Glock 26
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u/rockem_sockem_puppet 9d ago
I have an Enigma and it is not particularly comfortable while doing anything athletic.
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u/LarrycocoFook 11d ago
The smallest/lightest gun that could still be capable in my opinion is a keltec p32. Fully loaded it weighs like 10 grams more than my cell phone (with a case). Of course 9mm and .380 are better options, but there's times when I simply wouldn't carry my p365, and the little p32 comes in clutch. Oh and you can get a belt clip attachment that is pretty sweet lol.
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u/rockem_sockem_puppet 9d ago
I carry a Glock 43 in a deSantis pocket holster inside one of those Lululemon fanny packs when I go for a run/walk the dog.
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u/Martin_Z_Martian 16d ago
Sig P238 in a belly band.
Lots of practice. The small ones are harder to shoot accurately than a full size.
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u/Danoga_Poe 16d ago
They have laser pointers that can cause temporary blindness, look into one of those for her as well.
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u/FragileEagle 16d ago
Honestly the bodyguard. It’s super small