Carrying a Baby Eagle

[SpaceFrank]

Hey all, I bought a semi-compact .45 Baby Eagle for myself for Christmas and will be taking a CCW class as soon as I can get back to the state of my driver's license for a weekend. (I'm a student, so I won't be changing my residence over to the state where I effectively live until I'm sure I'll stay here after graduation.) I saw a thread in the main forum about carrying with one in the chamber, and to me that's a no-brainer, as I'm sure it is with most of you. My question is whether I should carry this handgun with the safety on or off.

The whole argument for having a round in the chamber is to save yourself what might end up being an important couple of seconds racking the slide back. Well, how long will it take to flip up the slide-mounted safety when you're under duress and not looking at it? As you probably know, the BE is SA/DA with a decocker that doesn't allow the hammer to be back when the safety is on. I'll have to practice my draw of course (snap caps and all), but I think it might be better to carry with the safety off and the hammer down.

The DA trigger pull on this gun is about a ton and a half, which seems like safety enough when combined with good trigger discipline. That seems to be good enough for the Glock carriers, at least. The only real concern I would have, however, is that unlike a Glock, I don't know how the BE will put up with abuse when the safety is off. What are the chances that it will fire when dropped, for example?

What do you guys think?

[HunterLee]

I don't know, The Baby Eagle is a great handgun (I own one in 45 ACP), and my dad owns a Jerricho (same, but in 9mm or 40- I can't recall). I never thought of using one for concealed carry due to the weight, as it would definently pull my pants down about the ....well, you get the picture ( unfortunatly), unless you like that style- it is growing trend. Maybe they are all carrying Desert Eagles, thats why there pants are so low? But seriously, God blessed me with a very flat backside, so, something like a Baby Eagle is just way to heavy unless it was on a shoulder rig. What if someone comes up behind you, grabbing for your gun? With it chambered, you stand a better chance of being shot in a struggle. I could go on, the argument is sound on both sides. Whatever you do- enjoy that pistol! It is one fine gun.

[SpaceFrank]

Yeah, I didn't buy this gun fr the purpose of carrying it. This was my first autoloading handgun, so I wanted something more or less full-sized. If I decide to carry a handgun regularly, I will make my next purchase something more concealable.

However, I would like to get a proper holster so that I can conceal it if I want. I'm about 6'4"-200, so it shouldn't be too bad with the right clothing.

[SpaceFrank]

Does anybody concealed carry their BE? I'd really like to get a holster recommendation from someone who has done it before. I'm thinking IWB, but that seems like it might be uncomfortable.

Anybody?

[Masada]

I carry mine, but it's not that concealed. I usually have a shirt or jacket over it but it's not a big deal if it prints or shows. Your state laws probably differ.

I also carry without a round in the chamber. You need to practice something called the Israeli draw. Basically draw, rack, acquire target. It's faster than you think. Yeah, I know all the reasons I shouldn't do it. It's how I learned, and it's how I carry. Take it up with my zaide.

Do you have an original BE or the BE II? The biggest problem with a BE is that it's hard to find a holster. It's easier with the semi compact. Watch out for the compact poly though! I'm still looking for a decent holster for it. Galco makes some holsters for the BE. The semi compact rides nicely in the Yaqui paddle. Fobus makes one for the Jericho that fits the BE but not the BE II (the picatinny rails don't fit), but not in the US - you have to order from eBay and have it shipped from Israel. This guy makes one for the BE, too (Elite Survival Systems/Shooting Systems Belt Holsters). OWB though, not IWB.

Someone told me that a lot of holsters for the Springfield XD .40 would fit my BE. I'm going to take it to a gun show next week and try some out.

[SpaceFrank]

Thanks for the info, Masada. I will try practicing that draw, but I think I'd still feel more comfortable carrying with one chambered.

None of the markings or the manual say it is a BE II. It is fairly new, bought in December. I have the semi-compact. I will look into those holsters you mentioned. Which one do you use, and what do you think of it?

[Masada]

If it has picatinny rails it's a BE II.

Here's the difference. This one is a BE. Slim, no rails. http://magnumresearch.com/images/baby_homepix.jpg http://www.visi.com/~dux/hosted/BE-steel.JPG
This one is a BE II. http://magnumresearch.com/products/BE9915RL_L_t.jpg http://www.visi.com/~dux/hosted/BE-semi-steel.JPG See the rails?

I have a 3 of these things, haha. The BE fullsize and a BE II semi compact both fit in the Galco yaqui paddle (YP202) (get a discount and a free hat if you buy through LA Police Gear). That's what I carry mine in, and if I have my shirt out or a jacket on, it's concealed enough for here. I sometimes use the Fobus for the BE, when I'm feeling especially IDF-y. The Fobus is marked for a Jericho and the BE II doesn't fit (rails get in the way).

I also have a BE in the compact polymer. The trigger guard is different on this one so it won't go in that same Yaqui paddle. I'd like to carry it so I am still looking for a concealable holster. It fits fine in the sort of universal semiauto holsters but they aren't easily concealed.

I'm taking the poly to a big show next weekend to try various holsters out.

[Masada]

this claims to be am IWB for the BE. Frontline makes good stuff. FRONT LINE IWB Holster 4 Baby Eagle Jericho FS RS 941 - eBay (item 160322495510 end time Mar-25-09 10:06:54 PDT)

[raymillsus]

I know this is a bit old but i have been looking at 2 guns for CCP one the Baby Eagle and the other the Taurus P145 Pro.Even though I will probably end up with both. Either way I am considering using the Crossbreed Super tuck. Everything I have read about this holster seems to make it a very interesting choice for next holster to eventually throw in a drawer. but from what I have read I am thinking this one might be a keeper. Anyone used this holster or have an opinion of it, especially with either the BE or the P145 pro. I read that someone carries a full size 1911 daily IWB and they forget it is there even on long drives. Just curious of anyone's input.

Thanks

Ray

[ecbaatz]

Originally Posted by Masada

I also carry without a round in the chamber. You need to practice something called the Israeli draw. Basically draw, rack, acquire target. It's faster than you think. Yeah, I know all the reasons I shouldn't do it. It's how I learned, and it's how I carry. Take it up with my zaide.

Yes it can be fast with practice but..... it requires two hands to do it fast. I carry a 1911 in condition 1. I can have it out and the first shot in 1.2-1.5 sec, with ONE hand. That allows me to have a free hand to do other things that might be necessary, keeping a loved one behind me, fending off the attacker.

Sorry, one in the chamber ready to fire is the way for me. I don't want any delays in stopping the threat.


Eric