Concealed carry, "how to" practical gear approach

[HighExpert]

I know the method is not popular but, I have been carrying daily for more than 25 years using a Bagmaster funny pack. I have purchased only 3 in all those years using their lifetime warranty. I have gotten pretty quick on the draw with practice. It helps that I am now in my 60s so folks don't seem to even notice. I do use a shoulder rig with a suit which I wear about once every five years. I carry a Glock 23 with a spare mag and a high powered flash.

 

[nickdiazfan209]

I think one often overlooked aspect of gear setup is how well it will stay in place during a fight. It's amazing how a little grappling can result in random crap from one's pockets and waistband littering the ground in no time.

 

[nebraska_farmer]

For what it's worth, I've recently started carrying and found myself with a few holsters I didn't care for. Mid range $50 leather holsters for my glock and LCR - I ended up selling them on ebay for not much less than I gave for them. If money is a concern, keep in mind you may be able to resell them and get most of your money back. Your mileage may vary of course

 

[TRX]

For concealed carry, the holster is *way* more important than the gun.

You deal with the holster all the time you're wearing it. You only deal with the gun when you draw it.

 

[Blue Thunder]

I like others here have a "Holster Drawer" which is where the not good one's eventually go into. I have a Safariland FBI cant holster for my G-19 that I have used for the last 5-6 years. It works for me. I have a double pouch mag holder that has adjustable tension for two 15 round spare reloads. When I wear my Tux, I use a Bianchi X-15 shoulder holster for my Colt Python 6 inch with two spare Dade Speedloaders just below it. I used to carry a 1911 and found it a little large and over the last 10 years have settled with a pair of G-19's (one at a time though). YMMV but good luck in finding something that works.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

As others have said, you will have to do a lot of trial and error to figure out what works for you.

What I like to carry is a glock 19, in a Comp-tac minautar (IWB) holster with an uncle mikes kydex belt.

Here is why I like it:

Glock 19- 100% reliable, easy to service, and for me (I'm 6'2 220) it is just small enough to conceal easily - it is just short enough that I can't feel it when I sit down. Also, it doesn't have a decocker or external safety to fiddle with when drawing the gun.

Whatever gun you decide to carry, the draw should be the same as the other guns you regularly practice with. For example, don't keep a glock in your nightstand, and carry a 1911 cocked and locked - you might forget to unlock it.

Comp-tac holster. Rigid plastic holsters are not comfortable. Leather holsters don't work in hot humid weather - they stretch and shift. Also, leather IWB holsters are very difficult to practice with since they close up when you draw and you have to stick your fingers in there to re-holster. The Comp-tac minautar is (for me) the best of both worlds. It has a big slab of leather against your body, but there are three sides of plastic to keep the holster rigid and in place.

For me an IWB holster on the strongside is the best bet. I can't open carry in Florida (and I probably wouldn't) so its IWB for me. A cross-draw almost requires you to sweep the guy to your left when you draw it, so practice is more difficult. Also, a cross-draw is more susceptible to being grabbed in a scuffle. The only situation where strongside carry is not great is while driving, since the seatbelt is usually right over top of the gun. I don't drive around bad neighborhoods much, so this is a tradeoff I can live with.

Kydex Belt - It doesn't much matter which belt you go with, so long as it doesn't stretch in the heat and humidity. Kydex liners are as rigid as they get, so I just started there and never left.

 

[Sam1911]

Also, leather IWB holsters are very difficult to practice with since they close up when you draw and you have to stick your fingers in there to re-holster.

To be fair, only crappy, bottom-tier leather IWB holsters do that. Buy a good one and you won't have that problem at all.

 

[JustinJ]

My advice, be flexible. Have multiple holsters for different attire and have a gun for the hip and a gun for the pocket when the former is less practical. Also, though, don't be afraid to go places without carrying when its not practical or even convenient.

 

[locnload]

Lots of good advice, heres my 2 cents worth, keep it simple. Choose a good primary weapon, find a comfortable holster system that you can live with 90% of the time, then consider one or two alternative options for the other 10% of the time. I love my G19 in a Kydex IWB holster but for some situations its just not practical. So I may carry a Ruger LCR in a pocket holster or a Glock 42 in and ankle holster. Most of all, know your own mind. What will you do or not do under different circumstances. In an active shooter incident, will you kick out the bathroom window and escape, or stay and engage the threat? Does your gear meet your needs to match that decision? Whatever it is, make that decision before you find yourself forced into making it on the fly. Good luck.