Business-casual conceal-carry with a snubnose?

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Mitlov

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My daily work attire is wool slacks and a dress shirt (tucked in); no coat or tie. I've been looking around for a daily-carry option, and I was wondering whether a snub-nose revolver (J-Frame, LCR, or Bodyguard 38) would be viable.

OWB isn't viable because I don't have a cover garment. Pocket carry isn't viable because of how wool slacks drape (they'd print a lot with the revolver's cyliner). So I'm looking at either tuckable IWB or ankle carry and curious about people's experiences with either. Does the shape of a snubnose (as opposed to a very flat shape like, say, a Ruger LCP) make IWB carry uncomfortable or difficult to draw? Do people find snub-nose revolvers too long front-to-back for ankle carry? Or have you had success with one of those two carry methods?

Thanks!
 
Maybe I'm not answering the question exactly, but I've found that a tuckable IWB can help you very discretely conceal quite a large firearm -- so no need to go to an LCP or J-frame in the first place.

I can 1911 in slacks or shorts and a tucked in polo shirt or dress shirt. My "deep concealment" rig is this that member Joel made this for me early in his holster-making career:

0910110025-1.jpg

Very comfortable and VERY tuckable. Only the straps show when I've got a shirt tucked in around the gun.

For best results, try darker colors and patterns.
 
I have carried a j-frame IWB at 3:30 tucked and it was fine. A LCP would be less noticeable than a j-frame to the person wearing it, but a j-frame is easier to draw IWB than a LCP. If you "blouse" your shirt out a little at the waistline you can even carry a larger handgun, like a glock 19. Ankle carry is OK, but mostly for a back up gun, but not your only carry gun, in that it's harder to draw from when moving.
 
If you are inside and it's Air conditioned, Belly Band or Smart Carry. I think I would also look at a Tuckable Holster. At least have Two options. I would use my 442 in that case. If I ever get it back from my wife. (Long story)
 
Think I would go with flat and light.
How about a concealed carry t shirt with the sewn in pockets?

You could pocket carry a Seecamp or LCP in a pocket holster and it wouldn't print.
 
Sam1911--If I could find a way to comfortably/safely/effectively conceal my 1911, then that would solve a lot of problems. What position do you carry that holster at? (3, 3:30, etc)
 
I've run my SP101 3" in a standard-fitting polo with +1 sized cargo shorts and a sturdy belt - I've had my Sig P232 and Walther PPS BOTH give themselves away in the same outfit, while the SP just slips below the radar.

Get an SP101 and a Crossbreed, tuck it with your shirt and call it a day. The SP101 is hard to beat for a concealable powerhouse.

The LCR's are attractive, but I've got problems with any revolver sporting a sub 2.5" barrel, as they have a tendency to reduce velocity enough on most loads to risk poor expansion. A 3" will at least make good use of of a .357 Mag, and will do SPLENDID with a .38 +P, while still maintaining concealability.
 
Can't recommend ankle carry in an office - slacks tend to ride up the leg as you sit, exposing the ankle rig. Can make for uncomfortable meetings for some folks.

I use an old Kangaroo Carry shoulder band/holster over my undershirt but under my dress shirt. It's comfortable sitting or moving around and, while I am not going to win any quick-draw contests, it lets me carry every day.
 
I know a lot of people dismiss the "smart carry" holsters but they do serve a purpose for deep conceal and still pretty quick access. Also, no tell tale hooks or loops on the belt for people to ask about. Properly worn, they are comfortable and absolutely invisible.

I've tried the holster shirts and even with a p238, it printed too much for me to use. Your body style may be different but it may be worth a shot.
 
Sam1911--If I could find a way to comfortably/safely/effectively conceal my 1911, then that would solve a lot of problems. What position do you carry that holster at? (3, 3:30, etc)
Click to expand...

More like 4:00. But that's entirely up you and your body style and comfort level. Having it a bit more to the rear helps keep the butt tucked in against you.
 
I carried a 340pd in a thin horsehide pocket holster, in a lightweight pair of wool trousers for years. Never any issues at all.
 
*NEVER carry a snub nose revolver in a pocket without a pocket holster - with a decent pocket holster like a Mika you won't get an identifiable "printing" and it will keep you safer, and your firearm cleaner. As long as you don't wear tight fitting pants and have decent depth to your trouser pockets, a S&W 642 or similar lightweight snub hides well in a packet holster, or a small semi-auto as well. In either case, don't do pocket carry without a pocket holster.
 
With those clothing requirements, I've settled on an LCR (.38 +P) in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster, in my right front pocket. Never been made. Sometimes, depending on the pants, I use a Nemesis.

Never could get any IWB/OWB setup to work, for me, without some form of jacket, or at least an untucked shirt. But tucked in...not happening.
 
I cannot in good conscience recommend an Uncle Mike's or Blackhawk nylon pocket holster for a J-Frame or LCR. They just don't work for me. The Nemesis is much better, and there are others that are even better.

ECS
 
I carry an alloy frame S&W .38 snubbie routinely wearing khaki and tucked-in polo in a business environment. I carry the snubbie front pocket, in a hybrid kydex/leather pocket holster made by a local craftsman. I don't even know it's there, and it's impossible to detect.

The key is a set of khaki's with large enough pockets. There are several good makers, but my personal preferences are made by 5.11, especially the Covert Khaki, which have as many pockets as cargo pants, but with all of them hidden (no patch-pockets). Excellent pants, and they make the snubbie dissapear without effort.

I tried and never was happy with any of the tuck-behind IWB holster options. None were easy to use, or easy to access when needed.

Willie

.
 
Doesn't directly address the question of which firearm, but from a very practical point of view, if the attire is slacks and a button-down shirt already, you probably wouldn't look out of place if you throw on a sweater or sport coat over those and give yourself a cover garment. Just because the minimum requirement is "slacks and a button-down shirt" doesn't mean you can't be just a little more nicely dressed if you opt to. What are they going to do? Would they say "Hey Jones, stop looking nicer than the absolute minimum. We don't want to give customers the wrong impression."

In fact, I really like the whole "sport coat but no tie" look, and I dress like that pretty frequently.
 
I carry a Ruger KLCR in a Cozy Partner ankle holster when I can't carry it in an OWB CrossBreed holster and find it very comfortable. If I'm going somewhere where I feel the need for more I'll carry two KLCRs, one in the ankle holster and one OWB ... with an outer garment of course.
 
Every body is different. Different shape in different places. I can carry a J frame in my pocket with slacks and a pocket holster. I also like shoulder holsters for deep concealment. Most dress shirts start to come un-tucked on me at some point during the day so the tuck-able holsters are ok but i have to constantly make sure i am still tucked. The 5.11 shirts that i have help a lot, it is just how they fit me. If you find the perfect holster on you first purchase you will be lucky. I have a whole tub of holsters that i have tried. good luck
 
Are you prohibited from wearing a sport coat? or you simply choose to not wear one?

I wear one every day and it is not an encumbrance at all; in fact, the extra pockets are a plus. I really like the Duluth Trading presentation jackets with eleven or twelve pockets, several of them hidden.
 
The old Dallas PO-lice way of carrying a gun still works exceptionally well, I use it on occasion. Dress as usual. Unbutton bottom button of shirt, slip gun inside to the left of your belly button. A revolver carries quite well like that, you may have to cinch your belt just a little more. If you have slippage, rubber bands around the grip help a lot.

If you spend a lot of time sitting, ankle holster. The best I have ever found is made by Renegade. They are awesome.
 
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