[MJRW]

Got this J-frame I have pocket and ankle holsters for. However, I anticipate some occassions where I won't be able to carry either very securely. Was looking at belly bands and this seems like a good answer and I was wondering if there any, other than thunderwear, that I should look at.

P.S. Not real comfortable with idea of thunderwear at all. That's just kind of creeps me out.

[Bainx]

MJRW...have you considered both IWB and OWB?
Just curious.

[MJRW]

Yeah, I carry my Compact Baby Eagle .40 and my Bersa .380 IWB, my GP-100 or 686 OWB. I also carry my 637 in pocket and ankle. I tried shoulder carry but it doesn't conceal well nor is it comfortable. I won't carry SOB due to dangers. That basically leaves belly area.

[Zundfolge]

You might look at an Action Direct Defender (http://www.action-direct.com/defender.htm).

I carry my Kahr MK40 in it and its very comfortable and descrete (I've carried in shorts and a t-shirt and been fine).


I had an idea a while back that I haven't followed through on but probably should.

My Defender is about ready to retire (holster and mag pocket are getting too loose) and I plan on ordering a Fist Ultra Thin Kydex holster for my MK40 but not have any clips put on or belt slots cut. Then I'm going to sew it into the pocket part of the belly band.

[Stevie-Ray]

I carry both my Kimber CDP and my Glock 26 in a De Santis belly band. Most comfortable carry ever for me.

Look here:

http://www.holster.com/gunny-sacks--belly-bands--gun-caddies.html

[Al Thompson]

Don't have a link, but best friend carries FS HGs in a Kramer shirt holster with outstanding results.

[Blackhawk]

I have a Thunderwear holster, and it stays in the cabinet. Doesn't creep me out, and it works well as far as that goes. However, it's uncomfortable and worst of all, it requires 2 hands and a dance to draw from it.

[AK103K]

I'll second the shirt holster over the belly band, its lots more comfortable, especially if you carry some weight other than your gun at the belt level. You can easily carry a full sized pistol under a dress shirt with it. A smaller gun, like a SIG P230 or Walther is even more comfortable. The shirt has two holsters on it, so its ambidextrous or you can even carry two pistols if you want. If you get one, follow their advice and get it one size smaller as it will carry the weight better and not move around on you.


http://www.kramerleather.com/
3 down under "gun holsters"

[BobK]

MJRW; You already have the J-frame. Now get an IWB holster
for it. I find that the Uncle Mike's open top IWB holster works good for me. I'm wearing mine right now, in the crossdraw position,which I like when I'm sitting alot.
I also wear it strong side(right), in front of the hip, when I'm doimg some standing or walking. You can try different positions to find what is right for you.
They're cheap too! Less then $10!!! Bob;)

[SW9mm]

i think www.smartcarry.com is worth a look it's definitely in my bag of tricks but my main carry method is milt sparks iwb

[MJRW]

Bob, AK103K, and others,

Carrying normally isn't an issue for me (see second post). I have plenty of options for the most part. I intend to get the IWB, but the situations I am describing are for when you can't carry IWB, the shorts won't stay up with a gun in the pocket, and the ankle is exposed. I appreciate everyone's help. I checked out the Kramer shirt holsters. Looks basically like a shoulder holster that isn't tight to the body. Those don't conceal well for me but thank you. How does that conceal for you? I think I'm going with that SmartCarry. Thats about exactly the kind of thing I want. Thanks.

[AK103K]

MJRW,
The shirt holster isnt like a regular shoulder holster. I dont have luck with(or like) most of them either. It is possible to conceal a 1911 pistol with a double reload under a tucked in dress type shirt(not a fitted one). If you carry something like a SIG P230(or two), its a lot more comfortable. Until you get used to it, you swear everyone knows your wearing a gun, cause it goes against what your used to in concealing a pistol. I feel naked in my mind not having a normal cover garment. I dont use mine all the time, but when I need it, it works great and can be comfortably worn all day.

[flashbackk]

my .02

the smart carry is alot more comfortable than you'd think. In the summer a pair of cutoffs, the smart carry, a taurus 357 and a speedloader works like a charm. You would never know it's there.
......freaks my wife out.

[Lancel]

I also agree that Smart Carry for my J-frame size Taurus 731 is comfortable physically and not uncomfortable mentally.

But now I usually carry IWB at 5:00. Got a FIST #K1 on order just for that purpose.

Either way, I still have to practise safe drawing.

Larry

[TDDude]

I have a Tucker IWB and a Smart Carry. The Smart Carry is the best thing in the world if you like to wear overalls. With jeans or slacks, my slightly too big tummy kinda gets in the way so I've gone completely to the IWB when wearing pants but with my overalls, the Smart Carry cannot be beat and yes, it freaks my wife out. :)

[COHIBA]

alot of my customers like the galco belly band. i'v tried it and it works great. the sewn in leather holster makes the difference.

[hd1.]

I usually carry my Kahr MK9 in an Uncle Mike's in my back pocket, (shirtail out), or in a concealment vest. However, in a situation where I need to tuck the shirt, I wear an elastic back support (Kinda like the Home Depot) and tuck the Uncle Mike's under my left arm. I can get to the gun pretty easily, leaving one button undone on the shirt. It's the "Cheap Charlie" method, since I don't do that often.

[benEzra]

Not real comfortable with idea of thunderwear at all. That's just kind of creeps me out.
Actually, if you do it right, the gun doesn't point at, um, anything important, but rather straight at the ground.:rolleyes: I generally carry a spare mag holder in my back pocket rather than in the Thunderwear mag pouch, though (more comfy that way).

Wearing fairly lose pants helps speed the draw quite a bit. (It does NOT work well with tight jeans, but does pretty well with loose jeans, Dockers, or even dress pants.) Having fairly flat abs also helps, although I suppose a little overhang would aid in a retention situation.:D

[seeker_two]

I'm interested in the SmartCarry/Thunderwear holsters, but I think you could rotate the holster to a traditional IWB position (4 o'clock or 7 o'clock) instead of high noon...:D