Questions for Concealed Carry

[chemist308]

How do you folks conceal carry? I hear of folks carrying a 357 mag--heck I have trouble concealing my 32 ACP Iver Johnson. Is there some tricks to this I'm not getting?

A little more info, I'm somewhat overweight (44 in waist). Is it easier to do if you're thinner? What about holsters--do they have a lot to do with it? Generally, how do I carry and not print?

 

[bensdad]

I have two carry rigs, but I'm pretty thin so my format might not mean anything. I have an IWB (in waistband) that goes about where my appendix is (That's called "appendix carry"). If you have any sort of gut, that won't work.

I also have an OWB (guess what that stands for) that goes at about 3:30. That means just behind the hipbone on the right side (I'm right-handed).

You have two choices where holsters are concerned: 1) buy a nice one. Pay quite a bit for it (Mine were $45 and $60). 2) get a cheap one, then get another because it wasn't comfortable/functional. Then get another, until you have a dresser drawer full. Then, get a nice, expensive one.

If it's at all possible, find someone in your area that can help. Being physically there to give advice about fit - based on how you dress, your shape, what you carry, etc. etc. etc. - would be extremely beneficial.

 

[chuckusaret]

2) ............get a cheap one, then get another because it wasn't comfortable/functional. Then get another, until you have a dresser drawer full. Then, get a

I don't agree with your comment. I have, to name a few, Fobus, DeSantis, Hume and Galco holsters that I don't use. The most confortable IWB holster that I have is a Uncle Mike's, cost was about $15 and I have used it every day for the last couple of years. When it wears out I'll buy another.

 

[eitrheim31]

i have a cheap iwb that works pretty well. also the thinner you are the more difficult it is to conceal a pistol. one thing that helps is longer and baggier shirts

 

[mokin]

I've experimented quite a bit to find what seems to work best for concealment and comfort. I used to carry a Browning Hi Power in either a pancake holster, under a loose, untucked shirt, or in an IWB under something as light as a dark t-shirt, usually in between 3 and 4 o'clock. Presently, I usually carry a Glock 29 in an IWB around 2 o'clock or more frequently, a SmartCarry rig. For me, concealment is the top concearn. My build is on the athletic side so as long as I'm not climbing rocks or crawling under fences tight clothes are not a big issue as far as concealment is concerened.

From talking with guys I know who carry regularly, I think maybe, a pocket holster may work for you.

 

[Hungry Seagull]

Got a pair of pants one size larger than me but not larger than my gut. Everything is buried under a big shirt. I tend to watch my diet because sometimes I can swing through two sizes either way each month depending on wife's cooking.

 

[wyocarp]

Mostly it is those who are new to concealed carry that fret about printing. For the most part, people don't pay enough attention to see an open carried gun, much less one that doesn't show at all.

 

[Hoxviii]

One of my friends went through this, but with the right holster he carries a Tuarus Tracker 2" 44 mag about 5 o'clock with a heavy cant; now it's hard for me to pick it out even when I know he's carrying.

The way we did it was I'd sit there and he'd adjust the gun until I couldn't distinguish it anymore. Once he did that, he took notes on where the gun sat on him, how high, what angle, etc.- that way he knew exactly what he needed in a holster.

Managed to get it right on the first buy by doing that.

I'm just fortunate to have a tiny waist and wide shoulders. IWB I can conceal anything short of a square butt N-frame under normal clothing.

 

[Kind of Blued]

also the thinner you are the more difficult it is to conceal a pistol.

How many different sizes have you been while carrying concealed?

I'm 6'4", 155 lbs., with a 30" waist and very wide shoulders. Consequently, if my shirt hangs straight down, I could conceal a brick or two in that big "pocket". "Egg-shaped" individuals (for the lack of a better term) often have their hips being th widest point of their bodies, so adding a gun to that width without making it obvious can be difficult.

To chemist380, my advice is similar to what I'm getting at above. Consider your body shape, not just its size. Consider what you wear most of the time, or what you're willing to wear most of the time, and think about the locations on your body where a gun wouldn't print.

I have wide calves, but thin ankle, consequently a Smith & Wesson J-frame disappears on my ankle.

My wide shoulders and thin waist allow me to conceal large guns on my waist, and I prefer inside-the-waistband carry because it's pretty hard to find pants that are small enough in the waist, and long enough in the leg. Having a gun stuffed in my pants is actually more comfortable than NOT having one, because it's the only way I can get pants to fit me.

So really, it's all about your body, how you dress, what kind of gun you want to carry, and your awareness of holster selection. I say "your awareness" because there's something out there for everybody, you just have to find it.

 

[mbr]

Is the concern comfort, or worries about printing? Most comfort issues are related to the type of holster and where on your body you carry, while printing issues are primarily about clothing. My suggestion is get a couple of decent holsters of different types, Inside the waistband, belt holster, etc., and try them out in the house. Be sure to get a good belt, as this adds greatly to the comfort, especially if the gun is heavy at all. Try them in different positions; an inch or two makes a big difference. Most folks have a "Sweet spot," where the barrel/slide nestles in to a natural hollow someplace. Mine is about 3:30/4:00 on my right hip, but others' are further back. If the main concern is about printing, try some different shirts, and observe yourself in the mirror as you reach for something, bend over, etc. You will have to modify some movements, but its nothing radical and fairly quickly becomes habit. Then you are ready for the all important Walmart run! Assuming of course you are legal to carry.

 

[Philip Marlowe]

My life changed when I got a really good gun belt. Thick leather wins all the time.

I also agree that the larger your waist, the more difficult to conceal.

Try appendix carry (up front, at your 2-3 o'clock). This makes some people very uncomfortable (muzzle discipline and all) so it may not be for you. I have a manual safety, so I'm less worried. Probably wouldn't do it with my Kahr.

 

[kyo]

I do an IWB that has a really low rise. I am only 150 and 5'10". At 4-430 you can't tell anything with just a tank top. The jeans and belt do it all.

 

[Vonderek]

IWB for an overweight guy is no fun. Especially IWB with a revolver. I would recommend a OWB pancake style holster with a good belt designed for the purpose. The pancake holster will hold the gun close to your body and aid in concealment. You will still obviously have to wear untucked shirts or a jacket to conceal.

 

[crebralfix]

1) Belt: must be a gun belt to adequately support the weight of the gun, holster, ammo and ammo carrier.

2) Wardrobe: must change to accommodate a gun. Loose clothing!

3) If you're fat, then you need to start a fitness and diet program. If you cannot spar for 1 minute, what makes you think you'll be able to withstand a real assault? CCW is about fighting, not carrying a gun around because it's neat.

4) CCW is not convenient or even fun. If you're all about convenience, don't bother carrying. I guarantee you the "after shooting" events will be neither convenient nor fun. Court will suck worse and your bank account will suffer even if you are 100% right.

 

[Vonderek]

If you're fat, then you need to start a fitness and diet program. If you cannot spar for 1 minute, what makes you think you'll be able to withstand a real assault?

How true! I'm 48, not too fat, but hugely out of shape. I shot paintball for fun my first time last weekend and after the first game of only moderate movement between cover I was sucking air BIG-TIME. I can only imagine how quickly I would cave in a protracted actual fight. Eye-opening to say the least and time to hit the bicycle, treadmill, and weights again.

 

[SomeDude]

Crebralfix makes very good points.

I use a Clipdraw http://www.clipdraw.com on a full size 9mm with it just behind my hipbone. Can wear shorts and a tshirt without anyone noticing. I also wear a Cross Tac reinforced nylon belt and that makes a world of difference. Don't skimp on the belt.

 

[jackstinson]

If you're fat, then you need to start a fitness and diet program

Thanks for the advice. I'll be sure and tell my doc down at the James Cancer Hospital next week to cancel my medication, because I can't be fat and expect to protect myself. May as well just roll over and die now.

Back to the original subject....
I'm 5'10", 242 pounds (no longer the 28" waist of my former self) and usually IWB carry a S&W 6946 or a PPK/s. I cant the pistol forward some and set it at about the 2:45 position. Yes, I use an inexpensive Uncle Mike's IWB holster. I wear Levi's jeans mostly, with loose Haggar button-front shirts, t-shirts, or a jacket. I experimented a lot with trying 2:00 and 3:30-4:00 carry...but I'm more comfortable with 2:45 or so.
I'm comfortable, the gun is comfortable, "we're all alright, we're all alright".

 

[Hungry Seagull]

I almost adopted a year old Golden Lab and I spent 15 minutes with it and a ball in the play pen to evaluate the animal and me and by the time I got Mr LEGS and TAIL back to his cell I was blowing from exhaustion. He was happy for the play time.

The rubber knees lasted the day. That started changing my diet right then and there. Now I wish I can still get that lab. Oh well.

 

[Deanimator]

How do you folks conceal carry? I hear of folks carrying a 357 mag--heck I have trouble concealing my 32 ACP Iver Johnson. Is there some tricks to this I'm not getting?

A little more info, I'm somewhat overweight (44 in waist). Is it easier to do if you're thinner? What about holsters--do they have a lot to do with it? Generally, how do I carry and not print?

I'll NEVER be diagnosed as anorexic.

You haven't said HOW you're carrying. IWB? OWB? Pocket?

Other than the occasional times I carry a S&W Model 36 in a pocket holster, I ALWAYS carry a handgun no smaller than a Glock 19, IWB in a Don Hume 715M. There are two important considerations:

Pants should be at least a size large in order to accomodate the holster.

You need a good belt. Cheap, flimsy belts are anathema to good CCW, IWB or OWB.

You don't have to spend a lot of money on equipment, but you have to spend WISELY.

 

[BHPshooter]

Firstly, What gun you planning on carrying?

Some CCW secrets:

1) Get a good, stiff gunbelt. Don't compromise on this one.

2) Get a good quality holster. There are a plethora of good brands, any of which will do. If you're going to carry OWB, get one that rides nice and high.

If you're going to carry IWB, it really depends on what gun you're carrying. If you're going to carry a mid- to full-size gun, get holster with belt loops that are good and wide (example: Milt Sparks VM2). This helps distribute weight, but it also decreases the overall thickness of the package.

If it is a smaller, thinner gun, you can usually get away with loops that are narrower (example: Milt Sparks Summer Special).

Those 2 things are probably the biggest factors that will aid most in concealment and comfort.

Wes

 

[7mmSTW]

Untucked shirt any Quality belt and IWB i prefer the AKJ Concealco's. You should be able to conceal a fullsize pistol this way. Nicer events I suggest a vest or something smaller in a pocket rig or ankle.

 

[glockman19]

i pocket carry a S&W 442/642 and IWB a Glock 26 and Kimber Ultra wiht no problems.

 

[sohcgt2]

Trial and error, what works for me may not work for you. In fact I'm fairly sure it won't since I carry a full size auto and a 5 shot revolver for back up.
Just keep trying different combinations until you find one that works for you. If your interested I can hook you up with a variety of slightly used holsters at a fair price. JK.

 

[moooose102]

i carry my 45 in a left handed iwb holster on my right side at about the 5 o clock position. (over my right rear pants pocket) the pistol sits with the magazine facing the front. for me, it is quick and conveininet. and by the way, my pants size is also 44. one thing you need to know is you may have to change your wardrobe a bit. no matter where you carry the pistol, you will still need to cover it up. so either a **** untucked, or some kind of jacket. if it is a little loose (oversize) it is easier to conceal.

 

[loneviking]

Make sure you have a very good holster, that not only covers the trigger guard but prevents anything from pushing on the trigger. As to how to conceal, that is an art that gets better with time. For starters, I'd suggest you look online for 'The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry, by Massad Ayoob'. A very good book that will keep you busy experimenting for quite some time.