Sidearms & Scatterguns Suggestions for concealed carry rigs

[perttime]

If it is on your belt, you should have a good belt that doesn't start sagging after a couple of hours.

 

[Downtown]

I find it interesting that people think a 1911 is awkward to carry. The pistol is flat and almost a perfect shape. Magazines are thin enough for iwb carry. I carry a G19 now, but for twenty five years I carried a Government Model and two mags iwb in a Milt Sparks Summer Special and a Beltman horsehide belt, and by "carry" I mean if I was wearing pants, I was armed. Old school, I know, but quite comforting.

 

[perttime]

I find it interesting that people think a 1911 is awkward to carry. The pistol is flat and almost a perfect shape. Magazines are thin enough for iwb carry. I carry a G19 now, but for twenty five years I carried a Government Model and two mags iwb in a Milt Sparks Summer Special and a Beltman horsehide belt, and by "carry" I mean if I was wearing pants, I was armed. Old school, I know, but quite comforting.

It can be done, but isn't as easy as some.
A Government model has a pretty long grip and a pretty long slide. Depending on clothing, it can be tricky to keep one end or another from printing. Also, it is heavier than some smaller or polymer pistols. So you'd better have a pretty rigid belt to keep it from sagging.

Disclaimer: legislation being what it is, here, I only try carry stuff at home and at shooting range. Haven't bothered to try SOB or Appendix holsters.

 

[Downtown]

True that it's heavy, but a stiff belt solves that. I guess I've worn a double layer leather belt for so many years, I no longer notice the weight. Slide length doesn't seem relevant really. I carried a LW Commander for awhile back in the Eighties, but didn't notice a difference. Any extra length is in the pants and causes no discomfort or concealment issues. I suppose it's just what you get used to.

 

[Fig]

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

View attachment 7233860

Is it me? Or, is that a weird place to keep a cock holster?

 

[308pirate]

@Maggot This fascination with printing, and with carrying the smallest, lightest pistol possible is classic of people new to carrying handguns all day, everywhere.

I know, I was like that 12 years ago.

I started with a J frame in a tuckable IWB (Comp Tac MTAC) holster and still have both. They hardly ever get used, unless I'm going somewhere where ultimate discretion is required.

Nowadays, the smallest I'll carry is a Glock 19-sized semi auto. In my case a CZ P-01.

I have several holsters for it. For the week, when I need to leave it in the car while at the office, I have a kydex IWB clip on holster. When I leave work I loosen my belt, slide the gun and holster in, and slide the clip over the belt. Clip on one OWB kydex magazine carrier to the offside and I go on about my day.

For days when I decide to carry IWB all day long, I prefer leather. My choice is the IWB/OWB convertible (setup as IWB) from TT Gunleather. For OWB carry, which is my overwhelming choice on days that I know I won't be taking the gun off, I use a leather pancake holster from Winthrop Holsters.

On occasion I will also conceal full size service pistols (CZ 75BD, P-09, and P-10). For those I use a kydex pancake OWB holster from KT Mech (one for the 75, and another for the P-09 and P-10). Those holsters can be converted to IWB use by removing the plastic belt loops on the inside and replacing them with IWB straps with pull the dot fasteners.

Belts are critical. I no longer use leather because they become too flexible eventually and worse yet, I never seem to find the buckle hole that gives a comfortable fit. I have two Instructor belts from The Wilderness, and they were my #1 choice for a while until I came across belts made from two layers of scuba harness webbing and infinitely adjustable buckles.

My belts of choice now are the Ares Aegis and the EDC dual layer belt from Recycled Firefighter

I always wear an undershirt when carrying a concealed handgun. It's otherwise extremely uncomfortable for me to have the pistol rubbing against my skin. I don't care how hot it is because I got used to it in the Navy. In the summer I almost always wear untucked shirts, either a polo or a button down shirt. If I have to go somewhere very nice, where an untucked shirt would look out of place, I'll either use a tuckable holster and the j frame or I'll wear a summer weight blazer.

And yep, it does get very hot and humid here in Ohio.

 

[wade2big]

@308pirate, I moved away from small pistols long ago as well. I will only carry a small single stack pistol on certain occasions.

Clint Smith said, “nobody that has been in a gunfight ever said man I wished I had a smaller gun.”

Carry as large of a pistol that you will actually carry everyday.

 

[Vodoun daVinci]

Yup. Carrying a full size Beretta Px4 in a kydex Appendix holster and with a stiff belt and close to the body I forget it's there most of the time.


.

VooDoo

 

[wade2big]

Yup. Carrying a full size Beretta Px4 in a kydex Appendix holster and with a stiff belt and close to the body I forget it's there most of the time.


.View attachment 7234197

VooDoo

What are some good appendix holsters you like?

 

[Alphatreedog]

I am disappointed that the level of ass grabbery is slipping around here . You made me post this .

 

[308pirate]

Clint Smith said, “nobody that has been in a gunfight ever said man I wished I had a smaller gun.”

Carry as large of a pistol that you will actually carry everyday.

And plenty of ammo

I used to be a big wheelgun fan for ccw but as mass shootings have become more common I really don't feel comfortable any more with six rounds in the gun and a reload that takes 3 - 4 seconds and is easy to fumble. I practice the shit out of speedloader reloads for IDPA, so I know exactly how long they take me and how easy is for shit to go sideways with them.

 

[308pirate]

My standard winter carry. Of course I throw a XXXL shirt over the top with a huge punisher skull on the front

- Photo Credit to “Mike the Cop” Facebook page

View attachment 7233835

Is that shit real?

That piece of shit couldn't run 25 yards without dying

 

[FatBoy]

@308pirate and @wade2big

I change 3 times a day, and carry into where I change. One location is a self-professed gun free zone, marked but not legally for TN. Many of the restaurants I eat in are non-carry restaurants. (Legally marked but fuck it) I know the argument for just not using places like this, etc. but it's not feasible if I want to live a normal life with my family and friends. Many of us who work or live in or around left ran cities are in the same situation.


These are situations for micro-pistols. Would I be outgunned? Almost certainly, but in many of the places I go I'd be one of two or three who had a firearm, with at least one other guy being the bad guy...

I fully admit my choice of attire is maybe the biggest limiting factor. 90% of the time I'm in Jean's and either a fitted T or a 5.11 polo or Under Armor polo. Length is always an issue and if you wear fitted shirts, as I do, it's impossible to do any type of physical activity and not have the shirt pop over and expose the grip.

I agree with 98% of what you guys are saying, but you have actually changed much of the way you live to accommodate these choices. Some of us, I, would take the risk that 7 or 11 shots would suffice and lessen our chances of being escorted out of a premises by the local PD.

Now, off to the gym so I can slim these quads down some and move back to my Recluse holster

Edit: autocorrect makes me crazy..

 

[Bigfatcock]

Mernickle gun leather makes a very good gun belt. They also have some good OWB carry options that work very well.

My daily carry is either a 1911, a Beretta M9, and on occasion a Colt’s SAA Sheriff’s model. I don’t dress like a hobo either. The guns are pretty easy to conceal in a summer special 2 or extreme high rise belt holster.

If I have to use deep concealment then I take a Colt Mustang pocketlite or a Seecamp.

 

[3-0-hate]

Be like this guy.. Seen at a Walmart if I'm not mistaken.

 

[3-0-hate]

In all seriousness though, I rotate this guy in my carry routine in the colder months when I will have a hoodie or jacket. Glock 19, InForce APLc light and T-Rex holster. This is also my standard when I go to the movies, or some other confined space event with lots of other people with my family.

In the warmer months I carry a M&P9c in a locally made custom kydex holster. Always a spare mag and flashlight in the pocket as well.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

I find it interesting that people think a 1911 is awkward to carry. The pistol is flat and almost a perfect shape. Magazines are thin enough for iwb carry. I carry a G19 now, but for twenty five years I carried a Government Model and two mags iwb in a Milt Sparks Summer Special and a Beltman horsehide belt, and by "carry" I mean if I was wearing pants, I was armed. Old school, I know, but quite comforting.

For me the 1911 carries very well. It's the weight I don't like. And yes, I have good belts designed specifically for carrying. Crossbreed belts for me. FYI, the infinitely adjustable buckle really helps over the traditional belt holes.

From this:

To this.

 

[Downtown]

Fatboy, you are correct that I changed my attire to accommodate my preferred carry. Bought pants two inches larger and expensive belts. Took to wearing an undershirt year around. Dress in untucked square hemmed button shirts a little on the baggy side. But that choice allowed my to carry a full size 1911 and two mags undetected for decades. I've just grown used to that and everybody whose met me in the last thirty years just got used to my idiosyncrasies. That was at the beginning of this concealed carry era. Holsters were all leather and Bruce Nelson, Milt Sparks and Lou Allesi were still alive. The hot rig was a IWB Colt LW Commander. Lots of choices today.

 

[308pirate]

Fatboy, you are correct that I changed my attire to accommodate my preferred carry. Bought pants two inches larger and expensive belts. Took to wearing an undershirt year around. Dress in untucked square hemmed button shirts a little on the baggy side. But that choice allowed my to carry a full size 1911 and two mags undetected for decades.

Same here, except for the 1911.

 

[Downtown]

Yeah, I've switched to a G19 in my old age. Pat Rogers wrote a good article on that a few years ago "Giving Up The Man Gun." ? Pat Rogers was as much a proponent of the .45 as Jeff Cooper.

 

[Alabusa]

Looking for thoughts and suggestions especially with spring and summer coming and less heavy coats to hide the print.

I wouldn't worry about printing so much unless you are going to be going somewhere that requires the ultimate is stealth. 99% of the population will never notice a bit of printing. They are to caught up in their own little world to give a shit enough to look you over.

Most days I print to one degree or another. I dont worry about it cause open carry is legal and the reason stated above. I watch people when I am out, always have the head on a swivel, and have rarely ever had anyone to show signs of knowing I was carrying. This of course is just my opinion and as always YMMV.

 

[Downtown]

What gets my attention and makes me suspect someone is armed isn't printing. It's other things, like a haircut, a ball key fob, a covering garment, a style of boots or pants, many small details.
More than anything, what I seem to notice is that the other person is alert and is seeing what's going on around them. You can just tell when someone has situational awareness. I also think that's what gives me away to other armed people.

 

[Downtown]

Sometimes I check someone out, maybe in a grocery line, and when I meet their eyes, they seem to be thinking the same of me as I of them. Wonder how often I'm right.

 

[Fig]

I totally agree, and see printing all the time. But it's because I am scrutinizing the people who look like they would be carrying anyway.
I have a half dozen nice gun-belts. My favorite are my Belt-Man belts, but I also have a nice, thin Milt Sparks, and of course a couple of Wilderness Instructor belts. I have a whole drawer full of old holsters. I have everything from ankle holsters to a double Miami rig, pancakes, super tuck, and everything in-between. Pretty much I've tried everything, and the best you can do is keep trying holsters till you get kind of comfortable. Then you just have to get used to it. Nothing beats a full-sized duty belt with an OWB holster in terms of overall comfort. But I am not in a profession or area where walking around OC strapped is OK.

I just quit messing with it all and went mouse gun in a sticky. It's just simple and easy like putting your keys in your pocket, and I honestly feel just as safe and secure as I did carrying a full sized (or commander sized) Government or Sig 229. Odds are I never have to pull it, and if I do odds are it's going to be bad breath distance against one or two enemies (criminals). Six .380s or 9mm is enough for me.

If I'm in a higher threat environment I gun up and keep my 229, with an extra mag, in a clip-on OWB that I can just slide under my sport coat if I'm going to enter an abandoned building in a bad neighborhood or expose myself to more threat than I'm comfortable with. Even then I've never had a problem or felt like I may have to skin it.

I don't begrudge you feeling safer with a full sized pistol, but I feel plenty safe with my subcompacts.

 

[Downtown]

That's it exactly! "Scrutinizing people who look like they'd be carrying anyway". They don't really need to print. I once asked a well known instructor, (don't want to be a name dropper), if his obvious style of dress wouldn't be a give away to bad guys. He said probably, they then know better than to fuck with him.

 

[308pirate]

"Scrutinizing people who look like they'd be carrying anyway". They don't really need to print.

LOL how to look like a douche without trying

 

[Fig]

 

[Fig]

LOL how to look like a douche without trying
View attachment 7235080

View attachment 7235081

View attachment 7235088

Hard to believe they’re not trying!

 

[Mooncake]

Someone can find fault in any style of carry:
ankle is too inaccessible and limits gun size
pocket carry limits gun size, slow draw
appendix is pointed at your cock'n'balls
shoulder requires that you muzzle sweep your brachial artery and plexus
belt makes it uncomfortable to sit in a chair and hard to draw from seated position

Etc. etc. Carrying something is better than nothing. I learned long ago that I'm not the kind of guy who will tailor what I'm wearing to a large gun and lots of magazines. When I can cover well I carry a HK P7M8 in some Del Fatti leather, but as soon as it's T shirt weather I drop a shitty G43 in a front pocket with a pocket holster of some kind. I don't wear hot pants anymore so it's invisible and pretty easy and fast to get to.

In cold weather, I've found that a grandpa sweater, usually cardigan, maybe with a shawl collar and some leather buttons, not only conceals a gun well but makes you look like you'd never have it on you. It appears like I'd be more likely to give a criminal a Wether's than a pill in the face, and that's a nice advantage.

 

[308pirate]

Douchebaggery magnified

 

[Fig]

I don't wear hot pants anymore so it's invisible and pretty easy and fast to get to.

Pics or it didn’t happen!

 

[A&8's]

At 5'11" and 180lbs, I carry a Springfield Armory Range Officer Compact 90% of the year. When it gets crazy hot and my only option is a T-shirt, I carry a Springfield XDS. Both are carried in a kydex OWB, You'll learn to dress and walk around your gun. It's easy to spot the FNG with a brand new CCL. lol

 

[Back Spin]

For those who say the average (presumably law abiding) person won't notice printing of your gun, I agree. But, it's not the average law abiding person we need to worry about. If you print too much, it may make you a target to the right criminal.

Man Robbed Of His Gun, Nearly Killed With It In Philly

bearingarms.com

 

[Snuby642]

Some times I want to be unnoticed by all, sometimes I gaf and other times open carry just to piss some assholes off.

My wife suggested you guys get one of these.

http://femmefataleholsters.com/site/mobile?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffemmefataleholsters.com%2FCorsets.php#2713

 

[Unknown]

Much depends on your carry position, holster and belt, not just the size of the pistol. I successfully carried a high capacity (13+1) 45acp 1911 style pistol, extra magazines and handcuffs concealed for many years. I'm only 5'8.5" tall and about 200 pounds..give or take a few.

Much depends on using a quality holster and belt. Trying to conceal a full size pistol with a cheap holster and belt combination is very difficult because of how the gear will flop around and shift in position. This also makes it more difficult to draw consistently and with reasonable speed because things aren't where you expect them to be.

Often, the solution to concealment is changing wardrobe from what is fashionable or looks new and modern, or choosing what will properly conceal the firearm. Some people get all hung up on trying to look fashionable, then say they can't conceal the pistol. Changing from a skin tight tank top and a speedo swim suit to an oversize Hawaiian shirt and baggy cargo shorts would make it much easier to conceal the pistol. Granted, that is an extreme example, but you get the idea. It would be unusual for you to be able to have it both ways.

I figured that looking a bit out of fashion and "doofy" looking, makes me blend into the background more easily, and that makes me both less of a target, and better able to conceal my pistol...kind of like hiding in plain sight..don't call attention to yourself. Something must be working because in decades of carrying a concealed pistol, I have NEVER been asked for a permit, or had anyone mention my pistol to me.(wife doesn't count).

Keep in mind I am talking about carrying a 13+1 alloy frame 1911 style pistol and a spare 15 round magazine on a daily basis, so I'm not trying to conceal a Kel-Tec 32acp. So it can be done if you are willing to make some adjustments.

 

[steelheadr99]

A P365 in the front pocket or jacket pocket, I worried about it printing but nobody has ever said anything to me.

 

[MadDuner]

CZ P-07, IWB Stealthgear holster at 3:00.
Untucked 2XL t-shirt.
Extra mag in stealth holder on belt.
All day.
Every day.
Nobody notices.

 

[Spdy]

I'm 5'10 and about 190 so on the well fed side. My pants are one inch oversize so I can carry a 1911 single stack Commander in a CompTac MTAC IWB holster counterbalanced by 2 spare mags on the weak side. Holster is 4 o'clock and pitched forward so the butt stays tucked in. All this is held up by a Mitch Rosen belt. Covered by a polo or sweater depending on season that's bloused out. As others have said a holster that fits ME and a solid belt make this work.


The picture below brings up a question. If you're carrying in a mass shooting situation or a crowd and have to draw how do you identify yourself as a good guy to the responders and other CCW holders?

 

[Snuby642]

They don't gaf about your license.

 

[nikonNUT]

I carry Appendix and sit a lot - driving is half of my job. I think Appendix is uncomfortable when sitting if one is carrying a little extra around the waist. When I started if was poking me and pissing me off and then I lost 30 pounds and it works well.

Just sayin....Appendix ain't for everyone but if yer lean it's way better than if you have a little tire.

VooDoo

It isn't as bad as you think. The trick is understanding the 300th parallel. If you get the joke good on ya if not google it! Anyways, I use a Kore Essentials belt (super thin, super stiff!) with a Tier 1 Axis Slim and when I sit I click the belt open a bit, hike my belt up and I can sit comfortably no problem! Wearing my rig now as I type actually to prove the point. I am printing but I have my weapon close at hand. As for hiding things... What am I wearing?


If you said a STI Stacatto-P and a 21 round spare mag you get a cookie!

 

[Jlknights61]

As others have said a good belt is crucial. I’ve had good luck with a hanks gun belt. Reasonably priced thick leather belt that I’ve worn basically every day for the last 2-3 years hasn’t worn out yet. (100 year warranty if it does)

I also agree that printing is definitely something you worry about a lot more when you first start CCW. I carry a gun almost every day (unless going somewhere prohibited I.e. DC/MD govt facility for work etc.) and nobody ever seems to notice. Current carry is a CZ PCR and as others have said a larger gun is never a bad idea and are much easier to carry than you think.

My holster of choice as of late has been strong side IWB hidden hybrid. Gun specific Kydex attached to thick leather backed by a suede. Super comfortable and does not move. Clips are also adjustable for cant, accommodate a tucked shirt and are easily replaceable ($5 I think) if they break. Routinely carry under that CZ under a tucked shirt and speak in front of crowds with non the wiser at least none that have said anything to me about it.

 

[BullGear]

The best belt in my opinion is the steel core Bigfoot Gun Belt. A little costly, but well worth the money.

Best Leather Gun Belts for Open and Concealed Carry | Bigfoot Gun Belts

Gun Belts | Made In The USA | Steel Core Reinforced | Dual Layer English Bridle Leather | Corrosion Resistant Hardware | Starting at $68.88. Get yours today

gunbelts.com

 

[Sieg]

One nice thing about a shoulder rig is..... if you need to relieve yourself you're free to do whatever you want with your pants and not worry about forgetting your sidearm in the stall.

I also don't wear shirts untucked and don't like pullovers so the shoulder rig works well..... for me.

Definitely a lot of options. I always lean towards comfortable, convenient, minimal print, and least noticeable access/draw options. I'm too lazy to deal with stripping holsters off belts, if I belt carry it's with a paddle holster for easy on/off.

I have a shoulder holster for this too.....

Used it when I hunted deer and rode my enduro motorcycle for transport.

 

[Tobyboy22]

I don’t have any first hand experience, but I’m looking close at Tenicor for my Glock 19

 

[gigamortis]

After building up the inventory in my holster drawer for 10 years now, I have a couple of favorites depending on winter or summer. When it's cold enough all day to be comfortable in a jacket, my preferred holster is a Dale Fricke Gideon Elite OWB kydex holster. It is a straight drop configuration, but with the way Dale positions the belt loops, the butt of the gun is tucked nicely against the body without kicking the top of the gun out away from the body. I have one for my G34 and my 1911. The draw from Dale's holster even in IDPA competition is fast and smooth. My summertime go to is a Crossbreed Supertuck IWB holster for my G26. Its pretty much my 3 warmer season carry method for our southeast weather.

 

[yakstone]

I just picked up a Dara OWB for my G19.
Best made, most comfortable kydex holster I’ve ever used.
And I have a drawer full of holsters.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

I've been using Alien Gear for years, Cloak Tuck 2.0 and 3.0. I have broke down the liner of a 2.0. For $14 they will upgrade it to a 3.5. I've carried a Makarov, a snub .357, a Glock 30, and 1911 with different shells (and a different backer for the Cloak Tuck revolver).

Started with a Glock 30, last year went to a Keltec P11. For the weight a good belt is needed.

 

[cmoore806]

Experiment. It took me a year to admit my first compact size pistol was bigger than I wanted. Bought a subcompact and then found a holster that I could wear to carry appendix. It has to fit your own personal preferences or you’ll never carry it and what good is a gun in the safe at home? practice always and wherever you go keep your wits about you and your eyes and ears open.

 

[coyotewillie]

Seems I'm odd man out here. I've got a Sig 365 that I carry in a Dara IWB small of the back holster. Easy enough to reach and the most comfortable for driving or sitting that I've worn.

 

[bornhunter04]

Watch this video from phlster. I didnt believe this is until i tried it myself. I carry a g19 with rmr or g17 in a raven eidolon. A g48 or g43 n a ksg armory holster (same holster) and i just ordered a jm custim kydex for a vp9 with rmr which will become my primary carry year round. All carried appendix. A wedge and claw allow you to carry longer guns appendix, comfortably. Btw, im 5'10 220lb (with some padding) working on losing a bit, and i carry large guns comfortably.