I'm new to carrying and I carry a SIG P226 in a Crossbreed IWB holster and the grip seems to press the back of my seat which feels awkward. Is it just me or does this happen to everyone and you just dont notice over time?
Sidearms & Scatterguns Awkwardness while concealing while driving
- Thread starter futurerider103
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Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
I take my gun out while driving, I have my console cleaned out and put it in there, I can't draw from the strong side well anyway while in the car.
I take my gun out while driving, I have my console cleaned out and put it in there, I can't draw from the strong side well anyway while in the car.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
I generally stuff the pistol between the passenger seat and center console for easy access. If you spent a lot of time in the car, consider a shoulder rig. Also, the car is where ankle holsters (NOT for Sig226) work great.
I generally stuff the pistol between the passenger seat and center console for easy access. If you spent a lot of time in the car, consider a shoulder rig. Also, the car is where ankle holsters (NOT for Sig226) work great.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
I have the same issue when wearing my Comp-Tac Mtac. A Remora holster between the seat and the console would be the perfect option for in the car.
I have the same issue when wearing my Comp-Tac Mtac. A Remora holster between the seat and the console would be the perfect option for in the car.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
Depending on the vehicle, I use a shoulder holster or the holster mounted inside the console.
Depending on the vehicle, I use a shoulder holster or the holster mounted inside the console.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
Just bear in mind that an unholstered handgun in the car is dangerous in a MVA and that you might get a faceful of barrel (or worse) in a traffic stop. Andrews Leather makes a special use, quick on, quick off holster for just such an application: http://www.andrewsleather.com/carjackerx.htm
Just bear in mind that an unholstered handgun in the car is dangerous in a MVA and that you might get a faceful of barrel (or worse) in a traffic stop. Andrews Leather makes a special use, quick on, quick off holster for just such an application: http://www.andrewsleather.com/carjackerx.htm
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
I carry a p220 iwb in a milt sparks vm2, and it doesnt bother me to drive with it.
I carry a p220 iwb in a milt sparks vm2, and it doesnt bother me to drive with it.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
You will get used to the feeling after a while, especially if you carry same holster same piece for several months/years.
I have (2) glock 23s and a S&W 37 for ccw.
The Glock 23s get carried in milt sparks summer holster when wearing belt, or safariland iwb when not.
The model 37 I wear when on shorts and tshirt days.
Find a holster you can wear 24/7 comfortable, then get (2) of them.
Even the best holsters will wear down, sometimes this is good for comfort, not so good for containment.
I like leather for IWB or CCW belt style, some gus do run kydex for IWB, i find comfort suffers along with pistol wear, even on my glocks.
If you are in environment where light jackets are the norm, you cant beat a shoulder holster for driving comfort.
good luck.
You will get used to the feeling after a while, especially if you carry same holster same piece for several months/years.
I have (2) glock 23s and a S&W 37 for ccw.
The Glock 23s get carried in milt sparks summer holster when wearing belt, or safariland iwb when not.
The model 37 I wear when on shorts and tshirt days.
Find a holster you can wear 24/7 comfortable, then get (2) of them.
Even the best holsters will wear down, sometimes this is good for comfort, not so good for containment.
I like leather for IWB or CCW belt style, some gus do run kydex for IWB, i find comfort suffers along with pistol wear, even on my glocks.
If you are in environment where light jackets are the norm, you cant beat a shoulder holster for driving comfort.
good luck.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
I carry in an IWB 90% of the time when we are traveling. I use a Desantis Cozy Partner for my G26 or 1911. It has snaps for the belt loops, so pulling it off in the car is no problem. It goes back on fast at Gas stations or rest stops. I really only take it off if I am going to be in the car for several hours.
I run my holster just behind the seam of my pants (IDPA style). This puts it in a location for fast draw and more easily protected from grabs (even though it's concealed). Running it behind your back or SOB makes for additional problems besides the discomfort when driving.
I despise shoulder holsters. They limit your clothing options (who wants to road trip in a suit coat or jacket in the summer?) and they are slow to draw from.
It's better to make sure you have a car with a large enough center console to place a holstered handgun inside.
The other option is something like a 5.11 Messenger bag on the passenger seat (if you don't have a passenger). I have used this technique many times. My handgun is safety concealed inside and very easy to grab the whole bag when I get in and out. It makes it quite a bit easier if you carry support gear (magazines, cuffs, first aid, etc.) or a tablet, nook or the like. That is my main reason for a messenger bag.
If carrying in the car just feels weird, you will get over it. If it's causing pain, fix it before it becomes chronic. You can get nerve damage from a holster jamming into the same spot day in and day out. It's something we take into consideration when fitting the drop on a duty holster. Too low of a drop and it jacks that side up when you sit in a car.
I carry in an IWB 90% of the time when we are traveling. I use a Desantis Cozy Partner for my G26 or 1911. It has snaps for the belt loops, so pulling it off in the car is no problem. It goes back on fast at Gas stations or rest stops. I really only take it off if I am going to be in the car for several hours.
I run my holster just behind the seam of my pants (IDPA style). This puts it in a location for fast draw and more easily protected from grabs (even though it's concealed). Running it behind your back or SOB makes for additional problems besides the discomfort when driving.
I despise shoulder holsters. They limit your clothing options (who wants to road trip in a suit coat or jacket in the summer?) and they are slow to draw from.
It's better to make sure you have a car with a large enough center console to place a holstered handgun inside.
The other option is something like a 5.11 Messenger bag on the passenger seat (if you don't have a passenger). I have used this technique many times. My handgun is safety concealed inside and very easy to grab the whole bag when I get in and out. It makes it quite a bit easier if you carry support gear (magazines, cuffs, first aid, etc.) or a tablet, nook or the like. That is my main reason for a messenger bag.
If carrying in the car just feels weird, you will get over it. If it's causing pain, fix it before it becomes chronic. You can get nerve damage from a holster jamming into the same spot day in and day out. It's something we take into consideration when fitting the drop on a duty holster. Too low of a drop and it jacks that side up when you sit in a car.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sgt. 0811</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I can't draw from the strong side well anyway while in the car. </div></div>Lefty?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sgt. 0811</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I can't draw from the strong side well anyway while in the car. </div></div>Lefty?
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
I put the belt clip canted(front is in the lowest hole and the back belt clip is in the middle hole) and this has made it a bit bitter and conceals the grip a bit better as well
I put the belt clip canted(front is in the lowest hole and the back belt clip is in the middle hole) and this has made it a bit bitter and conceals the grip a bit better as well
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
This sounds odd, but...
I wear Wranglers. The belt line is pretty high compared to most pants. I can conceal an SP101 in a high belt holster with a T-shirt. Last Christmas I drove 3000 miles with it on and it honestly did not bother me a bit (the 1911 is a different story).
I recently bought a pair of Levis. I can't conceal with the normal holster w/o a parka and it jabs me when I drive.
Not that you need to change your entire wardrobe, but consider a higher beltline if you can.
This sounds odd, but...
I wear Wranglers. The belt line is pretty high compared to most pants. I can conceal an SP101 in a high belt holster with a T-shirt. Last Christmas I drove 3000 miles with it on and it honestly did not bother me a bit (the 1911 is a different story).
I recently bought a pair of Levis. I can't conceal with the normal holster w/o a parka and it jabs me when I drive.
Not that you need to change your entire wardrobe, but consider a higher beltline if you can.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
I like a good quality paddle holster for this very reason. easy to completely remove and replace when getting in and out of vehicle.
I like a good quality paddle holster for this very reason. easy to completely remove and replace when getting in and out of vehicle.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
I like a good quality paddle holster for this very reason. easy to completely remove and replace when getting in and out of vehicle.
I like a good quality paddle holster for this very reason. easy to completely remove and replace when getting in and out of vehicle.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bobo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like a good quality paddle holster for this very reason. easy to completely remove and replace when getting in and out of vehicle. </div></div>There's no such thing as a good quality paddle holster.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bobo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like a good quality paddle holster for this very reason. easy to completely remove and replace when getting in and out of vehicle. </div></div>There's no such thing as a good quality paddle holster.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
While driving you might consider looking into a cross draw style of holster.
While driving you might consider looking into a cross draw style of holster.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bobo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like a good quality paddle holster for this very reason. easy to completely remove and replace when getting in and out of vehicle. </div></div>
Better hope every problem requires a "gun" solution. Paddles are great because they come off quick. Paddles suck because they come off quick. If you ever end up in a hand-to-hand situation where you aren't justified in shooting, then you have a very large problem hanging off your side.
I own a couple. About the only time I use them is if i am stripping out of entry gear and going into a debriefing or if I am swapping between sidearms at the range (IDPA).
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bobo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like a good quality paddle holster for this very reason. easy to completely remove and replace when getting in and out of vehicle. </div></div>
Better hope every problem requires a "gun" solution. Paddles are great because they come off quick. Paddles suck because they come off quick. If you ever end up in a hand-to-hand situation where you aren't justified in shooting, then you have a very large problem hanging off your side.
I own a couple. About the only time I use them is if i am stripping out of entry gear and going into a debriefing or if I am swapping between sidearms at the range (IDPA).
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bobo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like a good quality paddle holster for this very reason. easy to completely remove and replace when getting in and out of vehicle. </div></div>
Better hope every problem requires a "gun" solution. Paddles are great because they come off quick. Paddles suck because they come off quick. If you ever end up in a hand-to-hand situation where you aren't justified in shooting, then you have a very large problem hanging off your side. </div></div>
+1 ... Many people new to carrying firearms hate the inconvenience of having to live around the intrusion of an object whose care and feeding has to take precedence, namely, that pistol. Your wardrobe choices may change, you may find your shirts picking up wear on rub spots from grips and spare magazines, and you may not like the 3pm/9pm lumps or the extra cost of good belts and proper holsters, but it's either do it right, or don't. Paddles definitely suck, and as close as I come is a CQCS arrangement. Folks may disparage thumb breaks as "suicide straps," but a retention device of some sort can keep your pistol from turning into a liability.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bobo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like a good quality paddle holster for this very reason. easy to completely remove and replace when getting in and out of vehicle. </div></div>
Better hope every problem requires a "gun" solution. Paddles are great because they come off quick. Paddles suck because they come off quick. If you ever end up in a hand-to-hand situation where you aren't justified in shooting, then you have a very large problem hanging off your side. </div></div>
+1 ... Many people new to carrying firearms hate the inconvenience of having to live around the intrusion of an object whose care and feeding has to take precedence, namely, that pistol. Your wardrobe choices may change, you may find your shirts picking up wear on rub spots from grips and spare magazines, and you may not like the 3pm/9pm lumps or the extra cost of good belts and proper holsters, but it's either do it right, or don't. Paddles definitely suck, and as close as I come is a CQCS arrangement. Folks may disparage thumb breaks as "suicide straps," but a retention device of some sort can keep your pistol from turning into a liability.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
Carrying concealed is not comfortable, it provides comfort.
Carrying concealed is not comfortable, it provides comfort.
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
no such thing...thats a bit harsh, but i see where you coming from. i certainly realize paddles aren't the best, but if i'm in and out of a vehicle a lot, their are quick and easy.
+1 on retention being good idea
no such thing...thats a bit harsh, but i see where you coming from. i certainly realize paddles aren't the best, but if i'm in and out of a vehicle a lot, their are quick and easy.
+1 on retention being good idea
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
I get it sometimes with my 1911,which wuld be like your p226
there is a piece of leather that rubbed raw from my pistol's butt hitting it actually (from my duty holster) lol
I get it sometimes with my 1911,which wuld be like your p226
there is a piece of leather that rubbed raw from my pistol's butt hitting it actually (from my duty holster) lol
Re: Awkwardness while concealing while driving
I drove between 60,000 and 70,000 miles last year with a G19 on my strong side hip. I'm in and out of the car fairly often but sometimes run 5 hours or more without getting out. I usually just slide my holster forward just a bit so the seat pushes along my side instead of into it.
But to answer the OP's question of it hitting the seat, yes it does. You may just have to move it around to find where it is most comfortable but you get used to it being there.
Jeremy45
I drove between 60,000 and 70,000 miles last year with a G19 on my strong side hip. I'm in and out of the car fairly often but sometimes run 5 hours or more without getting out. I usually just slide my holster forward just a bit so the seat pushes along my side instead of into it.
But to answer the OP's question of it hitting the seat, yes it does. You may just have to move it around to find where it is most comfortable but you get used to it being there.
Jeremy45
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