CCW Questions

[talleymonster]

Does anybody carry inside the belt at about 6 o'clock, right in the small of your back, almost in your crack? No joke. If so, how do you like it? I'm getting ready to get my CCW and I'm just trying to figure out how and where would be the best place to conceal? I figure the concave shape of your back right along your spine would help to conceal the bulge. And it would seem easy enough to reach behind and pull with my right hand. I realize that it wouldn't work siting for long periods of time, but for a quick sitting I would think it would be ok. I've never really CCW before so I am open to any suggestions / advice. What do you think?

 

[redneckrepairs]

Bad idea , you slip on the ice or whateaver you do not want a large hard object even close to your spine . Others will address other issues with it , but that is mine .

 

[JLStorm]

There are really two issues here, one is that if you fall backwards while carrying the gun you can cause serious damage to the spine. The second issue, is that this position is really for someone experienced in CCW IMO, because keeping a gun that you cant see covered on part of your body that is the most likely to have your cover garment moving great distances when you move such as bending down and sitting down etc is a challange. Not to mention the ergonomics dont lend itself to a quick draw.

Generally this position is frowned upon either way.

 

[Car Knocker]

Retention is more difficult, also.

 

[notbubba]

Just about every company makes a Small Of Back holster.

I wouldn't carry SOB for the reasons listed already.

Most carry strong side at 4 o'clock.

 

[Monkeybear]

SOB seems like a good idea, mostly because we see it in movies from time to time but its really not. Its dangerous and difficult. Trust me strongside carry works alot better than you think, hearing it described for the first time I was skeptical but once you do it you realise how much more comfortable it is. Over the waistband strongside carry is probably the most comfortable carry option.

 

[Ala Dan]

Nope, when I carry IWB its in the 4 o'clock position~!

 

[romma]

I did when I first started carrying. I thought it concealed easier, and it probably does. However, I would hate to have to draw from that position in a hurry. I now carry at 4 O'clock because if I need to draw in a hurry, it's a much better position. Not just for the gun hand, but if I need to lift up my shirt, then my other hand can reach around to that side well enough to do the job.

 

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

I tried that when I first started carrying. It was OK for standing and walking, but sitting down was a PITA. I now carry 2:50-3 oclock. I have a Taurus Mil Pro and use a Bianchi 100 "The Professional". It's virtually invisible under an untucked shirt, and feels like it's not there. If you're right handed, experiment with positions from 2-4 oclock.

 

[CNYCacher]

I've also heard it said that it is somewhat difficult to not poitn the gun at yourself when holstering/drawing.

other thing is you need to wedge your hand between the gun and your body to draw from SOB. Not easy to do, especially if you are on your back

 

[pax]

Small of Back carry has a lot of things against it:

• Injury potential if you fall on it.
  .
• If you are attacked and land on your back while defending yourself, you won't be able to draw from the downed position.
  .
• Slow draw, even under the best of circumstances.
  .
• Awkward draw, which puts your hand behind you and (often) your body off-balance -- big negative if you are in close quarters which is the most likely scenario.
  .
• Due to safety concerns (sweeping others), draws from small of back holsters are rarely (if ever) allowed on most ranges, and rarely (if ever) allowed in professional training classes. Thus, few people practice these already inherently-slow draws enough to become proficient with them.
  .
• Not all that well concealed. I think people think they are well concealed because they themselves cannot see the gun. However, it is literally impossible to pick something up from off the floor without severe printing -- even if you flex your knees properly and try to keep your back straight. You are more prone to "clunk" when you sit down and (added bonus good for a giggle from a friend) if you sit in a chair with wide slats, the chair just might follow you when you stand up again.
  .
• Very, very bad for retention. If someone spots your holster and grabs for your gun, you can neither see the grab (no eyes in the back of your head) nor easily defend from it (your arms don't bend that way).

Rather than putting the gun at 6 o'clock, directly over your spine, consider moving it to 4 or 5 o'clock, in the flat area behind your hip. You will get most of the advantages, and few of the disadvantages.

pax

 

[talleymonster]

Wow, I didn't realize all of the negatives about the 6 oclock position. That's why I love this forum - answers to every conceivable question - gun related or not. Thanks everybody.

 

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

The one positive of 6oclock I can think of is this: In a mugging situation, you can slowly reach for the weapon and it will just look like you are going for your wallet in a back pocket. Whereas 3-4 oclock is going to look like you're going for a weapon, as it's not close to any pockets, and it's visible from the front.
But that one slight positive is far outweighed by the negatives Pas mentioned. And if you really want to do the "I'm reaching in my pocket" fakeout, just get a revolver and put it in your coat pocket.

 

[beaucoup ammo]

My .10 (Inflation)

As previous, more experienced posters have pointed out carrying SOB isn't a good idea.

Speaking only for myself, a Bianchi Cross Draw for small KAHR 9mm or S&W "J" frame is ideal. It's become second nature over the past year and a half. With my build it's invisible for the most part. Take your weight and build into account as to how you carry.

You're smart to have checked here first. I'm never hesitant to ask questions on THR as the members are among the most knowledgeable on the web..and it's free!

 

[BHPshooter]

Many who are new to carry initially believe that the 6:00 or SOB position will give you the greatest concealment. I thought so, once upon a time.

The cons have already been listed, but I'll add some. For one, sitting down sucks... it's either pressing on your back/butt/hips, and if you try to sit without touching the back of the chair, your gun pokes out like you wouldn't believe. And sitting over time really sucks (like driving).

I've gotten my most comfortable carry results from strong side carry, IWB, at about 4 o'clock. The gun rides right in the hollow behind my hip bone.

My next best results have been in the same position, but OWB.

Make sure you try a few ways before you make up your mind.
Wes

 

[Essex County]

If I am going to carry IWB it's going to be a J Frame at 2:30 or 3 o'clock..Essex

 

[Moondancer]

Personally I carry strong-side at either 3:00 or 4:00 position, either OWB or IWB. To some extent the actual position is dictated by the positioning of the belt loops on my pants. It's comfortable and convenient in a variety of situations.

I believe that SOB carry is a viable alternative if someone tries it and likes it. Just as some people swear by cross-draw carry (which I've wasted some perfectly good money buying holsters for) but I can't abide it.

However, it just irks me no end when I read everyone jumping in to say it's a potential problem for spinal injuries. Yes... I realize the potential. But, we all drive cars and have a much higher potential for injury doing so. I've asked numerous times for one of our internet people to cite an actual FIRST HAND experience with injury and SOB carry and have yet to hear one. So, let's just let this one die, okay? There are enough good reasons not carry SOB, give up on a potential injurious one.

There. I'm happy. I just had my daily rant!

 

[madmike]

If you panic squeeze the trigger while rotating it into position, you'll shoot yourself through the kidney.

And that could ruin your whole day.

I carry a compact in an inside coat pocket in a fitted holster.