Hiding the heavyweights

jstert said:
what about something in belted cross-draw? after all a shoulder holster is a cross-draw configuration.
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The trouble I see with cross-draw, is that the instant you start to draw, it will be obvious. Again, with a draw from the dominant side, you can turn away from the threat, and "disguise" the draw. It also allows you to raise your left hand (or right if lefthanded) in the universal "don't shoot I will obey" sign or gesture, and a verbal "warning" that you are going for your wallet/money. Also more opportunity to "stage" your draw, get your hand on the gun which cuts down on the draw- time quite a bit. ? Make sense?

I see the same problem with shoulder holsters, the draw becomes obvious as soon as it begins. Now I ain't no gun-fighter, never been in a gun fight, (have looked down a few barrels though) and I'm pretty sure it's not like those training classes where you face a paper target at 90 degrees, draw and fire on command. Like Josey Wales said, "it's good to have an edge". "Disguising" a draw, if possible, would be a pretty good "edge". !!!! :)
 
The point of all that hot air above is that concealment and comfort have to be integrated with one's vision of how one would respond to a "situation" and the dynamics of the situation. Sorry to ramble on.
 
Hhmmm.... I find the strong side draw to telegraph intent far more than CD. Strong side is a bit faster for folks without shoulder issues, for those that do, crossdraw carried just forward of the left hip is faster. I've timed both, CD is way faster than strong side, for me.

I'm not a LEO anymore. I carry very well concealed, I can discreetly have my hand on it when things get sketchy. I can also draw with either hand easily, I was never able to do that with strong side carry. A big belly can be a problem I guess, I don't have that issue. Drawing in a car? Impossible on the right hip and a bad shoulder, it just isn't going to happen.

I find CD just as discreet and fast as a pocket pistol in the front jacket pocket.

I know I'll need asbestos undies for posting this, but find the best carry for you. Don't discount carry methods based on internet opinion. Experiment with a few carry methods. Find what works, FOR YOU.

Notes: I'm talking strictly CCW here. Not on public ranges, IDPA or other types of competitions where CD is not allowed, and only with a cover garment.
 
Tinman357 said:
I know I'll need asbestos undies for posting this, but find the best carry for you. Don't discount carry methods based on internet opinion. Experiment with a few carry methods. Find what works, FOR YOU.
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I agree. What makes sense to one, may not to another. And of course, what works for one, may not for another.
 
Having thought about it....I guess with a cross draw or shoulder holster you can also turn you dominant hand side, right side if you are right handed away from the threat, possibly hide the draw, same as with a strong side draw. Same difference.
 
On the ranch it really doesn''t matter much, OWB Colt Python/4", for the very few times a month I head into civilization during warmer temps, Colt Lightweight Commander/Gov't (38 Super) with t-shirt cover. I'm seriously thinking about adding a 3" Python.
 
All, I’ve not posted here in just about forever. I must have felt a disturbance in The Force or something…I’ve been doing quite a bit of S&W N-frame concealed-carry of late, and a holster I once owned; a Kramer Thomas Perfectionist, sprang to mind, and I Googled for reviews, and here we are. The pic in the first post of this thread with a mahogany Perfectionist and a Hogue-gripped revolver is actually ME haha…

As noted in this thread, what works for one may not work for all. I didn’t get comfortable with the Perfectionist and wound up selling it. I somewhat wish I’d given it more of a try.

Alas, what has worked for me is the Summer Classic IWB from Barranti Leather. I have one for each of my S&W Model 27s in 3-1/2”, 4”, and even 5” trim. I’ve carried the first two a good bit but not the 5” as much, until lately. I think I was reading back up on the late Skeeter Skelton and his use of a 5” 27 and was thusly inspired to strap this revolver onboard.

Nerd that I am, I’ve started keeping a “carry log” of the 5” gun. I plan to keep doing so for a month. Just for my own records and to share if anyone cares to see the results.

I’ve carried the 5” 27 up to 17 hours at a stretch. Granted, I’m living the suburban civilian life haha…but…I’m amazed at how well the Summer Classic handles the gun and spare ammo (along with a good belt, mind you). Zero discomfort. Zero issues. And, at the range where I’m allowed to draw on the line, I’ve been working with gun and holster regularly.

N-frames and IWB will not be for everyone. There are too many good carry choices out there. As for me, I’ve been shooting my Ns better than anything else these days, and it’s been nice to have them along for the ride.

DC1F91E6-61E2-47A1-89B0-6B5543CB212A.jpeg D326C4E9-8789-4234-AE4A-7223AAA69FF2.jpeg 1F39D98B-7BCA-4B9D-8D21-7316985B4F22.jpeg 172FB005-DD70-411A-ABAE-26155BB6022F.jpeg
 
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E7C92B68-AD9B-4B20-8B00-12F6F8AB5BEA.jpeg 9FCF6F56-7883-4704-93EE-C73CA5EF62B4.jpeg View attachment 1135785 Front range thank you for chiming in! Those holsters look amazing. My 5 inch carry project has taken a slight turn and my focus is now on a Ruger match Champion I’m picking up tomorrow. I’ve been wanting to shoot some matches and the MC got the call. Instead of the perfectionist I’m going to order another Kramer belt scabbard for it. I’m a loyal guy and Kramer is going to get my business again

I’ll have one for each of my 3 bigger guns.. 3 inch Colt, 4 inch MC and the 5 inch half lug. The big Ruger will be relegated to woods carry and range toy. Please come around more often. We need guys like you! Nice N frame btw
 
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Hey, thank you @shoebox1.1 I appreciate that! And love those revolvers and gunleather of yours!

Edited to add - I love the Kramer Belt Scabbard for OWB use. I have one each for a Glock 26, a SIG P229, and now a 3-1/2” Model 27-2. I think I’m going to have to grab one sized for a 5” 27 next. (Trying to add a pic but believe I have a bad Internet connection at the moment). (Nope - just operator error haha - pic in next reply, though).
 
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I carried a duty gun for about 45 years. Full size revolvers, 1911’s and Glocks.

Since I retired, I carry either a Sig P239, Sig P232 or a Ruger SP101 appendix.

Several reasons. Appendix is infinitely easier to conceal. The draw is much faster. It’s accessible with either hand. Etc. Plus, I’ve beat up my shoulders and, that super high draw from right hip concealed doesn’t work well for me anymore.

But, I still carry on the right hip at the range. Out hiking etc.

I carried a Springfield Armory EMP4 for a long day recently. On my right hip. At the end of the day, my right hip and lower back hurt.

I think my body said “Ya know all those years you hung all that weight around your waist? Yeah, when you retired, I thought you said we were done with that. We’re just not going to do that anymore…”

So. For me, now, carrying that weight centerline is the answer. Especially since there’s not a bunch of other crap on the other side of the gunbelt to offset it.

But…those are beautiful holsters! :)
 
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Not a fan of IWB carry...not comfortable for me unless I change my pant size up one notch. I use instead, an OWB of my own make that rides high, but not too high, and I dress around the gun...no big problem short of a 'wife-beater' and gym shorts ensemble. But then I'm 76, and far past my fashion maven years. Here's a cpl of pics of my usual revolver carry rigs: Smith M-60, 3" bbl. and an open top OWB. 2nd pic: It'll even work with a 4" bbl. if you tuck the bbl into your hip pocket. Both rigs are home made. Regards, Rod

IMG-7965.jpg

686-Side-Holster.jpg ​
 
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Ugly Sauce said:
The point of all that hot air above is that concealment and comfort have to be integrated with one's vision of how one would respond to a "situation" and the dynamics of the situation. Sorry
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Very valid points. I read a Clint Smith article years ago and his words stick in my head when I carry anything.

Comforting not comfortable. I took it to mean that you need to tailor your apparel to the weapon you are carrying and carry in a fashion that hides the gun the best and it may not be the most comfortable. Getting back on topic I carried a Smith and Wesson 625 performance center with a 4 inch barrel and unfluted cylinder in a Mernickle paddle holster. The ride height the best I can describe it is a low high ride. If it wasn't in that, it rode in a Rogers shoulder rig.
 
92205F43-79DA-4432-ABE6-9C1A18CC750F.jpeg I carried my new 4 inch match champion in my 5 inch Kramer on errands today and it was very comfy, Even in the car! My shooting vest does cover it unless I raise my arms. I’m loving the MC. Cleaned it and oiled then did 300+ dry fires. Smooth as silk now. Was a gritty in the first 3rd of travel out of the box
 
Rodfac said:
Very good functional, good lookin' rig, DR. Full trigger coverage, adjustment screw, lined, split belt loop for varied placement & a covered hammer flap....Doc did some figurein' on that one. Very nice... Rod
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I was looking for a good holster....Milt Sparks is just down the road from me, but his was 6+ months wait time. I received Doc's in less than 4 weeks. This was during the height of the Wuhan Virus scare.
 
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