Practical advice for concealed carrying
Maybe this is more of a general discussion type post but I was looking for some tips/tricks/discussion about carrying mainly from the older guys here that have been around the block a few times. I have been shooting quite a few years but only recently have been carrying. So far I've been using a Kahr 45 which works well because it is thin and Commander-ish sized. Been using a Bianchi IWB, which works well with its adjustable cant. But I have noticed, my boxers tend to ride up. Is this because my belt is too tight, the material they are made of, just the way it is? What can I do about it besides new undies or going without? I do have a couple heavy leather belts I rotate through which work well. Just looking for any tips/tricks. Thanks!
0
-
What I can say about this is that the "best" way to carry concealed is always highly idiosyncratic, depending largely on daily activities, individual anatomy, clothes preference, gun preference, and other factors.
For everyone who carries concealed, there is usually a period of trial and error where you have to try different rigs to find out what works for you. In some (many) cases, you may need to have different rigs for different seasons/activities.
EG, it may be a lot easier to conceal a big gun under winter clothes than in light summer clothes, and you may want to conceal it in a different place. If you're at work, you may be sitting down and like one type of carry, but working outdoors, prefer another.
I can't answer the specifics about your BVD issue, though maybe a different brand/fit of underwear may help. Maybe just slightly altering the location of your holster may help. Maybe just changing the TEXTURE of your holster (eg with a piece of duct tape to make its outside more slippery) might help. Maybe a different type/brand of holster may help.0 -
Other than the suggestion to alter your holster's surface, I'm not sure what to tell about your boxers.
However....
You say you use a heavy leather belt, but you might give a stitched belt a try. Bear in mind that you're bouncing around a full pound supported by only a few inches of belt and one solid piece of leather is going to become deformed over time.
Either triple row or an equivalent amount of decorative stitching stands up well to this sort of stuff. It's more rigid, meaning it holds a holster in position well and maintains it's intended angle much better over time.0 -
Having carried concealed for a while - 37 years in LE and 7 years retired now I have tried just about every scheme and system possible. That being said, I can only tell you what works for me, everyone needs to be open to finding their own method. I'm fairly big at 6'1"/230# so I can hide a bit more than a long-distance runner. I carry my Kahr in a Don Hume IWB leather holster in the small of my back. To do this I use a holster designated for a left handed shooter so the butt is toward my strong hand. I tried an ankle holster and found that the two methods of getting to the gun were not practical for me - a 70 YOA man hopping around on one foot while trying to pull up your pants cuff and get to the gun is not a pretty sight, flopping on my butt for a sitting position draw seriously limits any mobility once the gun is retrieved. Strong-side IWB or "pancake" style holsters are practical if worn just behind the hipbone. Some are advocating the "appendix" carry with the gun carried in front of the hipbone - haven't tried it so I don't have anything to say. I use a Tex Shoemaker "River" belt and find it supports the weapon quite well. I make sure that my rig is between my pants and boxers, usually with a T-shirt between the rig and my body, unless the T-shirt is the only shirt I'm wearing.
Experiment and find the system that works best for you. Remember a concealed carry rig is NOT a fast-draw rig, your draw is a stealthy move.0 -
Outside of a belt clip for a P3AT over the appendix, I need a pancake holster, as having no hips my belt needs to be tight making iwb very uncomfortable.
The cheapo Glock 19 plastic holster can be altered with knife to make a cutout for the slidestop & the TP45 will fit snugly against the body.
A leather Galco CM266 pancake holster made for a 226 fits a TP45, Tokarev, Hi Power, G19 and others very comfortably but the Kahr 45 is the best combination considering size and weight.0 -
I have my shirt out and a Pair of Dickey's suspenders that have a plastic peace that fits over my belt and doesn't tear up my belt or jeans. Winter or summer makes no difference and Walley World has them for around 10 bucks. I have a gut but no butt and it keep my pants up when I carry
You might also look at Tread Softly Concealment Custom holsters and he ships fast and very reasonable on price.[^]0 -
+1 good gun belt 0 -
Great tips guys, keep 'em coming!
I will try a stitched belt when I wear this one maybe out,or too far down to work well.
TooBig I might try some suspenders also, gun+belt+knife+wallet+holster+lighter+double-kneed pants=load/
V35 I should have specified, mine is the lower priced CW45, 6+1. It has been good so far.I like it better than my G23, much better trigger, slimmer, feels better in my hand with no finger-grooves, stainless components and also made in the USA.
The CW, at least mine was not very well finished IMO. Under the vapor/glass beading, there are a series of small arcs the entire length of the slide. Leftover from either machining or maybe polished on a surface grinder? Seems hard to believe. Also along the sides as well. Either way I did polish the sides flat, 320, and it looks much nicer. The nose and rear of the slide where likewise rough and I had (wanted) polished them as Well. Just FYI on the CW series. IDK but they are also only $400ish new.0 -
Buy the best holster you can afford once you decide what works best for you. It does make a difference. I don't carry IWB because there is too muuch in there already, but I carry a belt mounted holster. Like most I went through several before I descovered what works for me. Then got the best I could find. 0 -
He Dog is spot on. Once you figure out how your going to carry, buy the very best holster you can afford. Holsters, as with optics, comes down to the old adage, you get what you pay for. There is a very wide range of quality.
W.D.0 -
I have been carrying guns for 40+ years. I use a Fobus brand Kydex paddle holster. It does not have a manual release, but holds the gun securely by friction. You could hold me upside down and shake me and it stays put. I like it because all you have to do is grip and pull. The paddle design allows me to put it on and remove it without releasing my belt or pants. I carry it under a loose button front shirt. 0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
10 comments