During summer months I switch to a pocket gun, a Ruger LCP. I am not allowed to bring my gun to work, so I must leave it in the truck. I change into uniforms at work, so I usually wear cargo shorts and tee shirts to and from work. I am slim build and I have always tucked my shirts in, including tee shirts, so any way except pocket carry is out. During winter months I carry IWB and wear a light jacket, I can go as large as a 1911 Officiers model or a 4" Walther PPQ.
Tips for Conceal-ability
- Thread starter SCMikeyP
- Start date
- Status
Vern Humphrey
Member
Appendix carry is not a good choice for a tuckable -- try the 3:30 to 4:00 position and they'll work very well.
Hangingrock
Member
Not meant to be demeaning, but the will nourished average male adult tends to be over weight, thus weight reduction would be of benefit for concealed carry.
FAS1
Member
These shirts tend to get very warm in the Summer, but since you are in an office environment, one might be an option for you for deep cover.
MedWheeler
Member
^^ My sweat would destroy pretty much anything carried in this manner if it were so carried routinely, but it does look like an option for an occasional "deep-conceal sneak-in" means.
Vern Humphrey
Member
And if you come up with a solution for quick, easy and permanent weight loss, you will become a billionaire.
Boarhunter
Member
A Smith 43C 22LR revolver carries well and always in my front right pocket regardless what I wear or my circumstances (e.g., in the office). And when I leave the office, a second gun goes on my belt. Works well for me.
BOARHUNTER
BOARHUNTER
Good Ol' Boy
Member
If you make it so concealable that its impractical to get to if you needed it quick you might as well leave it in the car. I only say that because some of the options mentioned by other members are quite ridiculous.
Jeb Stuart
member
Sorry to say that I have not even been carrying for the past 27 days. Something I have done for the past 10 years. 27 days ago I missed renewing my CCW permit by two days. Now have to go through a 45 day wait process. I have always concealed and wear all my shirts etc. like the one's mentioned above. I am of medium Height, medium build, no paunch etc. Just hate to tuck in a shirt and just cannot find a solution for outside carry. It is amazing how the feeling of a certain right is taken away due to Bureaucracy. The thing is, I have not even had so much as a parking ticket in decades. Why can't someone get a drivers license renewed so quickly yet a responsible gun owner would take this long? It is what it is, so I am just sucking it up.
If I do get killed by a bad guy while not being able to defend myself, I will be even more upset. If I do have to go down that way, I would much prefer to go down fighting. Never thought that open carry would suck so much. I do carry mace now and a Knife for quick use.
And what is interesting is the fact that I have purchased two firearms in the 27 days with no problem and fast service.
If I do get killed by a bad guy while not being able to defend myself, I will be even more upset. If I do have to go down that way, I would much prefer to go down fighting. Never thought that open carry would suck so much. I do carry mace now and a Knife for quick use.
And what is interesting is the fact that I have purchased two firearms in the 27 days with no problem and fast service.
Last edited:
AK103K
member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2002
- Messages
- 7,610
The only way to find out what works best for you, in your own situation, is to try as many different things as you possibly can, and pick what works best for you. There is really no other way. If you want to carry a gun, without fail, you need to figure out how to do it. Its really not hard, IF you want to do it, but you do have to put in the time and effort to figure it out. And its not likely going to be cheap in the long run either.
Ive carried pretty much every possible way you can think up, at some point over the years, and found some things work great, and some dont. Some are limited to just one type of carry for specific situations, others work well in many different situations.
The one thing that is a constant across all of them is, you have to actually try (and give it a good try) whatever it is you think might work, and prove it wrong or right, "for you". It doesnt mean crap if it does or doesnt work for someone else. It has to work for you.
Ive carried a full-size handgun daily, and on many, if not most occasions, a back up as well, and with reloads for both. Im constantly told I couldnt possibly carry a full sized gun, by people who only carry a little, third line back up as a primary. I have never had any troubles doing so, they obviously have a different experience. But due to my experiences, I have to question if they really ever tried. But thats besides the point, its what works for them, and it works for me. Or, at least it has for the past 45 years or so.
Holster types I have used in the OP 's "office"/NPE type environments have been the undershirt type holsters, ankle holsters, and the Smart Carry holsters. All worked fine too. And with practice and some understanding, the gun can be easily accessed and deployed.
Of those three types, I find the Smart Carry's to be the best choice for me. Very comfortable for 12-18 hour use, in pretty much all environments. Allows for a realistic gun to be carried in deep concealment. Quick, easy access from pretty much any position. And easily removed or put on, if that should need to happen. And the least likely to be noticed or discovered across most circumstances.
To give you an example here as to how well they work, I got bushwhacked into a drug test with no chance of ditching my BUG (left my primary in the truck when I went in), and had to empty all my pockets, take off my shirt (still had a tee on), unbutton my pants, etc, all in the presence and watchful eye of the nurse, for the test. She never noticed my 26 and its reload or the holster.
Some things may seem silly or undoable at first glance, but youll never know until you actually try them out and can prove them one way or the other.
The way Ive always looked at carry permits is, they are a "learning permit" that allows you to learn to carry the gun and its accessories properly, in relative safety from reprisals, until you are comfortable enough that even without a permit, or should you end up someplace you shouldnt have the gun along, you wont give it a second thought and wont get caught.
That way when if and when they should decide to take back the "permission" they gave you to exercise your right, youre already well trained and good to go.
Good Ol' Boy
Member
I'm not saying that the ridiculous suggestions by members aren't ultra concealable I'm saying they're not realistic in the sense that they're not accessible.
I'd certainly be willing to watch a video of someone using these applications in a practical sense.
Dang. I hope that treatment is worth whatever they’re paying you.
AK103K
member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2002
- Messages
- 7,610
They may not look like they are accessible, but in reality, they are, or can be.
But again, what works for me, may not work for you.
As an example, I dont pocket carry, and for a number of reasons. The main being, I already have to much other junk in my pockets to do it. The other, it limits me to second and third line back up guns, and in general, its slow and difficult to quickly get to the gun and get it out.
The Smart Carry on the other hand, has none of those limitations. It allows for the carry of a realistic gun, along with a reload, is easily and quickly accessed, even from a sitting position.
Heres a link that shows how they work ......
If you do a search, there are a bunch of others.
I work in heavy construction. We are subject to random drug tests all the time.
Anymore, many places require it when you are hired too. Just more "people control".
That time I got snagged, I was at the DR's office, just to pick up a script for a dreaded opioid, and the "supposedly" random drug test, is now part of the drill. That part of it is just another money making racket they have going on. They charged my insurance $650 just for the test, and billed me $140 for my part. We had quite the discussion too when I got that bill!
All that, just to keep some pain killers on hand, should they be needed. I simply wanted a refill on a 7 year old script with 35 of the original 40 still in it. They wouldnt give me more than 10 this time, and that was a major fight. The world is going crazy!
JR24
Member
It's also worth trying something in front of the hip but not true "appendix". My magic solution is at 2 oclock (right above my front right pocket) with maximum forward cant with my Vedder light tuck. Tucks the gun between my slight gut and love handles where my shirt naturally hangs well.
Doesnt print no matter how I stretch and bend but it does take a bit of time before it stops being uncomfortable.
I personally cant conceal even an LCP well at 4 oclock due to posture and body type but daily carry a full size gun (1911 or 226) with little issue. Even less at church when I tuck a dress shirt around it.
Good Ol' Boy
Member
They may not look like they are accessible, but in reality, they are, or can be.
But again, what works for me, may not work for you.
As an example, I dont pocket carry, and for a number of reasons. The main being, I already have to much other junk in my pockets to do it. The other, it limits me to second and third line back up guns, and in general, its slow and difficult to quickly get to the gun and get it out.
The Smart Carry on the other hand, has none of those limitations. It allows for the carry of a realistic gun, along with a reload, is easily and quickly accessed, even from a sitting position.
Heres a link that shows how they work ......
If you do a search, there are a bunch of others.
I work in heavy construction. We are subject to random drug tests all the time.
Anymore, many places require it when you are hired too. Just more "people control".
That time I got snagged, I was at the DR's office, just to pick up a script for a dreaded opioid, and the "supposedly" random drug test, is now part of the drill. That part of it is just another money making racket they have going on. They charged my insurance $650 just for the test, and billed me $140 for my part. We had quite the discussion too when I got that bill!
All that, just to keep some pain killers on hand, should they be needed. I simply wanted a refill on a 7 year old script with 35 of the original 40 still in it. They wouldnt give me more than 10 this time, and that was a major fight. The world is going crazy!
I'm glad you're happy with that method of carry but I would never be sold on that no matter how many videos I watched.
IMO that method is even worse than pocket carry as far as quick accessibility. I can tell you for a fact that I wear my belt very snug in order to keep my pants up, there's absolutely no way I'm getting my XXL hand down in there to get a gun. I suspect I'm not the only person that feels that way.
If you wear your pants loose and have small hands maybe its workable. I can almost guarantee it's not going to be as quick as my OWB pancake though.
Jeb Stuart
member
Nice shirts
Last edited:
AK103K
member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2002
- Messages
- 7,610
Never say never. You never really know until you actually try.
I felt the same when I first saw them. After just a little time with one in a real world atmosphere, I was convinced. If I could only have one holster, the Smart Carry would be it.
I normally wear Charhart and Dickies carpenter type pants, with a Wilderness "Frequent Flyer" gun belt. I wear the belt for two reasons, for my primary pistol carried AIWB, and to hold my pants up. My pants "fit" too, they aren't baggy or up sized like many who carry IWB and my belt is snug.
I have no troubles getting my hand ( my hands aren't really small, I wear an XL glove) on my 26 in the Smart Carry and quickly getting it clear. I can pretty much guarantee, I can get it out faster than someone pocket carrying, if our hands are at our sides when we start.
I also have no troubles getting it out one handed either. Just suck your gut in a little and slip your hand in.
One other thing I can guarantee you is, I can carry in places you can't go with your gun OWB, or even IWB, if you can't wear a cover garment, so your (possibly faster) speed draw is moot. I'd have my gun, you wouldn't. And with just a little regular practice, the draw really isn't all that slow, especially since you don't have to clear a cover garment, and the draw looks nothing like going for a gun.
MedWheeler
Member
AK103K writes::
This guy is always armed.
This guy is always armed.
Last edited:
OP
OP
SCMikeyP
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2019
- Messages
- 84
I can appreciate your point but I think it's a leap to go from "slower to draw" to "might as well leave it in the car." Admittedly we are talking about carrying in ways that are less than optimal but there are still a variety of self defense scenarios that could prevent themselves where having slower access due to deep concealment would still be better than having no access to your sidearm at all.
Again, we are talking about less than optimal to avoid not carrying at all but I think in general people tend to only think of self defense situations as sub second quick draw scenarios. Being ready for that scenario is the goal, but the mentality of being ready for that OR just leave your gun in your car leaves a lot of grey area where less than optimal carry still beats not carrying at all.
OP
OP
SCMikeyP
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2019
- Messages
- 84
Great read!
I carry at the 4 O'clock though, so it's a little more difficult to draw the eye away with these techniques... Maybe I'll invest in some flashy shoes
crestoncowboy
Member
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2011
- Messages
- 3,307
I'm a weightlifter/powerlifter and I'd bet In about 23 seconds his arms would be numb and useless because of lack of circulation. Same with a shoulder holster if adjusted high up. Then the weight pulling down on the traps by a shoulder holster also impedes circulation. There are some slight downfalls to keeping in shape and having a 6-pack year round believe it or not. Lol. Anything near 10 % body fat leaves very little padding to help. The lats push the gun into the tricep and brachial. I've also carried every other way imaginable and find iwb to be best for me 99% of the time, although not perfect I don't think. A wide upper body and shoulders and a small waist makes even a tight tank top hang down over the gun and hides it pretty well. May not apply to the op depending on what a "few pounds" is. But for me and the guy pictured and every other gym rat, it does. I carry a glock 27 usually, but can and do carry a 22 or a Sig 226 at times, in a crossbreed. If I'm driving long distance I may use a shoulder holster. With the arms up and on the steering wheel, the circulation problem isnt a big deal.
Every body is different and can only offer what works for them. Also climate and dress play a huge role. I hope you find what works before you get the dreaded "holster box" full of well thought out, but not great in practice, holsters.
MedWheeler
Member
Good read, but only applicable to me maybe 15-30 days a year, and not even consecutive days. Not only am I too old for hoodies (though I acknowledge other jackets could be used), but it's just not cool enough around here for one very often. You will be "inspected" more closely by someone bent on evil if you look like me but are wearing unseasonable attire, as I'm taken for a cop often enough already.
JTQ
Member
I didn't read the linked article very thoroughly, but I think you may have missed the point of the article. Wearing a hoodie just happened to be his cover garment, the point was his shirt was the thing that brought the attention point up and away from the gun's position.
I suspect anything that draws the eye away from where your gun is located is the point, such as a hat - especially one with logo on it that would cause someone to try and read it - or a pair of sunglasses, or whatever shirt you are wearing.
theotherwaldo
Member
It's already over 95 degrees down here on the Border and snug golf shirts & slacks are the uniform of the day.
That pretty much leaves pocket carry.
I use a pocket holster that fits tightly into a pocket that is sewn onto the inner surface of my front pockets of my slacks. This stabilizes the holster and gun while disguising the outline. It also allows almost normal use of the pockets, which further disguises the fact that you are carrying a gun.
That pretty much leaves pocket carry.
I use a pocket holster that fits tightly into a pocket that is sewn onto the inner surface of my front pockets of my slacks. This stabilizes the holster and gun while disguising the outline. It also allows almost normal use of the pockets, which further disguises the fact that you are carrying a gun.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
- Locked
- Locked