Posted on 08/28/2011 6:15:47 PM PDT by West Texas Chuck
FYI: 9X18 Makarov is still standard issue with the Russkies. Practice ammo is cheaper than 9mm Luger. I can't reload cheaper than that stuff.
Right track with the IWB. Small of the back is ok, but limits you when seated, AND if you end up in a scuffle and on your back, your spine is at risk. Consider strong side hip just below the kidney. a loose open shirt or vest covers the piece, it can be reached while sitting, and with a half turn places your body between a bad duy and your piece.
If the small of the small of the back rig is the choice, your grip on the pistol should be palm in, thumb toward your body. Palm out you run the risk of covering your pelvic area during the draw (lots of sensitive squishy bits).
Look at the Blade-tech IWB and the Galco RG212 in horsehide (much more comfortable)
there is also appendix carry. Can’t do it m’self, too much good eats, and I value those squishy bits. There is some research available on the web..
Good luck
Assuming you have a CHL. During the course most instructors go over the various options available. Like others on here have said, the type of firearm and your body style, your comfort level with the options and your typical attire have a major bearing on choices.
My carry weapon is Colt Defender. My attire consists almost exclusively of cargo pants (BDU) and cargo shorts with deep front pockets and shirts designed to be worn not tucked in (as opposed to the so-called style of wearing shirts with tails not tucked in.
For normal out and about in town, I mostly use a DeSantis pocket holster (works well but you’ve gotta tighten the belt to keep pants from dropping). That also allows for t-shirt ops. For travel, I mostly use a OWB Desantis mini scabbard (great conceal ability) or Galco snap-on holster (the less expensive non-leather version. I also have a couple of Blackhawk Serpas (good for securing the weapon but not as concealable. Every holster I have cost less than $50 and the ones I use the most cost less than $30 and they do a good enough job for me. Before you go spending $100+ on a holster, try a lower cost item in a quality brand. If you ask around you will find that some people have a drawer full of holsters that they never use (trial and error can get expensive).
Often overlooked is the BELT. It should be substantial and the SAME width as the holster belt opening to prevent sagging (the old that guy keeps pulling his pants up, he must be packing).
Shopping the net will keep you occupied until Dec. 2012.
I have a S&W M&P 40 compact. It has ONLY a trigger safety. Would anyone feel comfortable carrying that in a holster? I would think it could be safer if a round wasn't chambered, but that would take a little longer to fire. Thoughts?
I use a Fobus paddle holster for OWB, and a Crossbreed Supertuck for IWB duty.
perfectly comfortable. Do not touch the trigger while drawing from holster.
If you are still chary, make sure the chambered round is a plain metal jacket and not a hollow point. Lol.
“I have a S&W M&P 40 compact. It has ONLY a trigger safety. Would anyone feel comfortable carrying that in a holster?”
Perfectly comfortable. Do not touch the trigger while drawing from holster.
If you are still chary, make sure the chambered round is a plain metal jacket and not a hollow point. Lol.
First of all, its not a "fanny pack", it's a "field pack".
Fanny is NOT a very nice word in Australia. (Look it up) And second of all, your concealed carry instructor didn't have to travel all over the USA with 12 college girls.
I always travel with my field pack when I travel with the team. Got a headache? Ask me, I have something for it. Need something for your upset tummy? Got it right here. Need some Dramamine for your air-sickness? Got it right here in my FIELD PACK. You want something from me? Then DON'T CALL IT A FANNY PACK.
Comes with the territory.
I wear a CW 9mm from Kahr with an IWB that is five inches of elastic belt with the slot for the pistol. It is extremely comfortable, and I can wear it under my trousers with a tucked in shirt with no visibility. Very stable and it is not connected to a belt, but worn at any height by wrapping around your waist or lower. When you put your trousers on, you can fully conceal and it is no more than 1/2 inch below the belt line. You can rotate the velcro belt around your waist so the pistol rides exactly where it is hidden the best and feels the best. Left or right hand is possible.
I don’t think it would work for a 45 but I did not buy that size, so I don’t know. I tried many on the belt holsters but I can’t conceal unless I wear a jacket.
It is called a Defender Holster from Activeprogear.com. You can wear it all day and never think of it.
Yeah, guess I sorta screwed up and left that part out. XD-40 most of the time, Smith M19 sometimes. I really like the belly bag (OK, laugh if you guys want, but it works and is comfortable).
I’m still kicking this around, don’t wanna spend a bundle on something I won’t like. The Fobus or maybe the Super Tuck are looking pretty good.
Yah, I’m licensed. My instructor never went over the options, either time, mostly just the laws.
I’m medium height, little bit of a belly but not too bad, I’m just not a large enough guy to hide something on me very well. That is why I have used the belly bag. I really like it, weapon is accessible and if I need to hit the head at Wally World I can unsnap it and drop it in the cart for She Who Must Be Obeyed to guard while I take care of bidness.
There are so many options out there. I like some of that 5.11 stuff, may take a closer look at their stuff.
Great thread!
Glocks are like that too. Tom was discussing this on Gun Talk today. He made some good points about having to rack the slide during a scuffle if you don’t have one in the pipe. I carry my handguns ready to go, the XD is pretty safe because you have to have a good grip and a finger on the trigger for it to go. I’d pack a 1911 with the thumb safety, locked and loaded, but it is just too heavy and the trigger digs into my belly, through the bag.
It scratched up the plastic a bit, but I used that holster for another 7-8 years before it was worn enough that I replaced it.
I conceal carry with mine quite a bit, but I do not worry about getting my picture in GQ, so I just wear a loose shirt over it.
I would *not* recommend the roto-holster. It sounds good in concept, but I managed to pop the holster off of the paddle exiting my truck, when the holster caught on the seat. They are nowhere near as tough as the simple Fobus paddle holster.
Trigger? Ooopsy, meant the hammer.
Why carry concealed? Carry a single action in .45 Colt in a drop holster, and you’ll be stylin’. ;-)
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