Carry options for desk jockies?

[honkeoki]

Hi, all. I'm new to CCW and I'm looking for advice on the perfect setup for a 6-foot, 180-lb desk jockey.

I thought a J-frame airweight in a pocket holster was the way to go. Well, in a Desantis Nemesis, my J-frame looks like a paperback book wedged in my front pocket. It doesn't quite scream "GUN!" but close. It's important that I don't get made at work.

I tried tucking the J-frame into my belt about 12:30, which is great with an untucked shirt. But most of the time, a tucked-shirt dress code is in effect. And sitting at the desk, the barrel really starts to dig into my bladder after about 2 hours.

Here are the options I see:
1. Smaller pocket gun - P3AT or Kahr PM9. I fear the 380's too small for viable SD and the PM9s don't have the best reps for reliability. I had one before and got rid of it.

2. Off-body carry in a fanny-pack/bag. Lots of issues involved with off-body carry... I'd prefer to have the gun on me at all times.

3. IWB carry. Can you carry a compact (G19-sized) pistol IWB if you sit on your tuckus all day? Or should I stick with the Jframe? Can an IWB really make a pistol disappear?

Holster recommendations for off-body or comfy IWB desk-jockeying are greatly appreciated!

[cookekdjr]

2 words:

ankle holster

-David

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

I work in an office shirt & tie environment daily. Options:

1. Use the Sky Ops holster made by Galco. See http://www.arizonagunrunners.com/Products/galco/skyops/skyops.html

2. Use an Ankle Holster with plenty of padding so that your ankle is rubbed by the firearm.

3. Get top-quality tactical training. Couple of suggestions:
--www.pfctraining.com
--www.frontsight.com

[Yardstick]

The DeSantis Tuck-This looks interesting for a small auto or revolver. I'm hoping to get mine soon (ordered, but haven't recieved it yet) for my PT-111. The adjustable angle and IWB appealed to me since I'm in a similar situation -desk jockey & driving a lot, but slightly looser dress code most of the time. I don't know what the best angle or position is going to be so I can try this thing until I figure that out and then maybe get a higher quality holster later.

[made2cut]

Get one of these http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterT3.asp?ProductID=2240&CatalogID=7
and a Kahr PM9. I've been carrying this combo to work everyday for months at the one o'clock position and it is practically invisible. I carry a leatherman in a nylon horizontal sheath on my belt that covers the small jhook for additional stealth. If I had to do it over again I might have bought an MK9 due to it being more reliable (or so I've heard) but since the breakin period and a new recoil spring my PM9 has been perfect.

[honkeoki]

Anyone tried Smartcarry? It's certainly nonconventional...

[RyanM]

My limited experience with smartcarry is that it's surprisingly comfortable and concealable with a small frame revo, but if it has a hammer spur, that can get caught on the draw.

[Rezin]

I have the DeSantis "Tuck This" as well.....It is OK for my PPK/S. But I also have the DeSantis "insider" and find it more comfy.

I too am 180, 6 foot and a desk jokey for the most part. The Insider and my PPK are positioned at about 1:30 on my strong side. I slide it up slightly as I sit. The FULL leather of the insider is WAY more comfy than the exposed barrel via the Tuck-This.

I let it ride high when seated, and when I am standing/walking it can slide really deep if needed (part of the grip goes IWB) and it's very easy to conceal, or you can let it rest naturally.

The drawback is the pants you wear. I wear jeans, and diff brands have the belt loop in diff spots, so occasionally (like today, lol) the position is just a bit off from my ideal comfort zone.

Overall, I'd say the Insider is my fave IWB. And it's a good price.

Remember not to underestimate the value of a good belt. I just bought a thicker, wider belt, and it made a noticable diff.

[rockstar.esq]

Belt fed machine gun mounted to the desk, behind the modesty panel!

I have a Kel Tec p32 that's barely larger than a palm pilot and it comes with clips to allow you to tuck into the waistband without anything sticking out.

[porterdog]

3. IWB carry. Can you carry a compact (G19-sized) pistol IWB if you sit on your tuckus all day? Or should I stick with the Jframe? Can an IWB really make a pistol disappear?

Yes. SIG228 in a Comp-Tac C-Tac. I started with the "C" clips and recently swapped to the "V" clips which adhere to your belt via velcro. Had to make some wardrobe adjustments but it works well...

Anyone tried Smartcarry? It's certainly nonconventional...

Tried it, sent it back. It's a good product and well made but my double-stack pistol wouldn't both hide and be comfortable. About useless when sitting, IMO.

$0.02,
Robert

[mbr]

What about a shoulder holster, such as the K.L. Null SKR?
http://www.klnullholsters.com/NewHolsters/skr.htm

I have the DeSantis Apache and can wear my J-frame all day, though its not without a little discomfort.
http://www.desantisholster.com/062.html

I can also carry it in a pocket holster in the pocket lining of a Levi's jean jacket, with no print through. Just have to balance with a speedloader or two on the other side.

[Standing Wolf]

Well, in a Desantis Nemesis, my J-frame looks like a paperback book wedged in my front pocket. It doesn't quite scream "GUN!" but close.

When was the last time you looked at someone else's pockets?

Didn't think so.

[imas]

PM9 is supposed to be very reliable. But it seems to be a tad thick for pocket carry. I have had better results with a snubby in the pocket than a small frame Kahr. But it depends on the pants. The Kahr does make a good pocket gun but not for slacks.

I pocket carried my snub in slacks a couple times and thought I saw a coworker eyeing it suspiciously. I have no trouble with heavier fabrics though.

I recommend you go to a P32, P3AT, or a NAA Guardian. Put a nice backup in your glove box and you should be ok.

Or start wearing a jacket and go with an IWB at 3oclock.

[Mulliga]

I tried a tuckable IWB holster, and I couldn't figure out how people could conceal their firearms that way - it looks like you have some horrible bulge growing out of your midsection, at least for me.

[boofus]

I have my P7 stuck in a day planner.

[obiwan1]

Kahr PM9 in ankle rig. It's OK as long as no one has unblocked view of your ankle while you're sitting. Your slacks will ride up exposing the rig. Your gun has a great, unobtrusive positioning for drawing while sitting. My experience with "office jobs" was many years ago, but I used a PPK in a Rybka pocket holster or Jframe in Mika pocket holster. Later it was a KT P11 in generic pocket holster. All were in dress slacks or suits. Never had to use them, but they were there just in case.

[Pilot]

I carry in a brief case at work. I just can't afford being made there.

[nyresq]

belly band... 1- around the waist under the belt line (need to buy pants one size big) and keep you shirt loosly blouse around your waist but still tucked in, or option 2- wear it high around your mid section with the band pulled around so the pistol is in your arm pit kind of like a shoulder rig. Very hard to see if you are wearing a dress shirt, or even a polo shirt as long as its not too tight.

I wear a sig 229 almost every day undercover in close contact with people, (using the under arm location) and no one has ever made me.

[ruger270man]

just go with a kel-tec.. a small gun is better than no gun

[parsec]

I use the P3AT with the Desantis and it conceals very well. You can't tell I'm carrying whether I'm wearing jeans or slacks. I also have a planner holster from Ray's Holsters. The one I got has a complete planner plus calculator, and holds my G19 and extra mag:
http://www.shado.com/

The planner was for protection when I was driving up to an hour and a half to and from work. Once I got to work I would lock it in my cabinet and have the P3AT in my pocket. Nobody ever knew.

[imas]

Ok I'd like to change my answer...get a Rohrbaugh.

[owsi26]

Several suggestions:

Shoulder holster if you want to be "coated" all day.

Ankle holster (best for me)

Carved out book or day planner (have to carry everywhere all day)

Thunderwear holster (no digging, but when sitting the weight on my bladder makes me have to go too often!)

Wallet holster (downside: either a .22 or .25)

I go for the ankle holster in most cases. I use a small piece of memory foam between the holster and my ankle - very comfortable. So comfortable I forget it's there.

[Mr_Moore]

When I got my CCW, it said that I can carry anwhere in the state of PA except court rooms and federal buildings.

I asked a police officer if I could carry to work (I was not going to do this but was curious) and his response was that I could lose my job if there was a no weapons policy.

Sure enough, my work HAS a no weapons policy. I remember that at least one of the other places I have worked had a no weapons policy.

[TexasRifleman]

Think twice about off body carry (day planner etc). You will leave the thing somewhere eventually. Not if, when.

Everyone I know that has tried that has a story about the
"time i left it sitting in xxxx"

[bulbboy]

Galco Glove Ankle Holster


Dillion also makes a "Dayplanner" that I use once and awhile but wouldn't feel comfortable leaving around on my desk. I use it in the car occasionally.

[ExtremeDooty]

Currently, I carry an XD-40 (4" model) in a RafterS IWB and belt. Our dress code is non existent so I wear jeans and an untucked over sized shirt. It's very comfortable driving and sitting.

Sounds like your dress code is somewhat more strict. Can you wear 5.11 pants?
You can hide all kinds of things in 5.11's, especially with a decent holster.

[sigstroker]

Seecamp

[cliffy109]

It's important that I don't get made at work.



I'm in the same position. If I get caught at work, it will cost me my job. Deep concealment is required. I played around with several different options. I tried the ankle holster but if you sit a lot, remember what happens to your cuff. It creeps up and can expose your gun.

I have carried a Kel-Tec but I consider that to be a BUG and not something I would prefer to have as a primary defensive tool.

Tuckable IWB holsters can work, but eventually, somebody is going to ask what that bulge is on your hip. It just doesn't look natural.

If you ALWAYS have a sport coat in, a standard IWB will work and Milt-Sparks makes some great stuff.

I settled on two different carry methods. Both of them require a light, flat gun. I settled on a Springfield Micro 1911.

1. Smart Carry or thunderwear. I have the SC and use it when wearing polo shirts in the summer. Its not terribly comfortable. I can't figure out how the guys on the web site can actually bend or sit with the thing sitting straight. I move it so the gun is over my right thigh and it gives me decent mobility and I can tolerate sitting. There is no friggin' way to be spotted like this.

2. I have a chest rig from www.action-direct.com. This is the one I wear with a button-up shirt. Its essentially a belly band that is worn at chest level. Its fairly easily accessed but in an emergency would require the ripping of buttons. Again, its just about invisible, but I do have to be careful of back-slapping co-workers and touchy office staff. The only down side to this is that its VERY hot and scratchy in the summer.

[medic_guns]

ankle holster combined with dress cowboy boots. Thats my plan

[Krenn]

http://www.action-direct.com/234.htm

I think one poster already mentioned it.

[P. Plainsman]

in a Desantis Nemesis, my J-frame looks like a paperback book wedged in my front pocket. It doesn't quite scream "GUN!" but close.
That's interesting. Perspectives differ. I'm your size and to my mind, that very gun in that very holster in my front slacks pocket doesn't look like much of anything. Could be key chain, building ID card, what have you. I've never gotten a question, or even a suspicious look that I recall.

However, I wouldn't lose my job if I got made, either. It makes sense that you want to be very fastidious about depth of concealment.

[sm]

Good advice already given.

Dress around the gun(s),good belt, holster, and remember "comforting" not "comfortable".

That said [tm]

You really need to get a better 'desk'.

I used to keep a Ithaca 12 ga on one of my 'desks', along the Ithaca the Model 19 and Gov't Model of 1911.

870s and 1300s adorned other desks...

ALL the desks had at least one gun,( in it for sure) most often atop it. under the register, in the safes, kitchen drawers...

Basically Shotguns, Handguns and even Rifles were 'here and there'. All Loaded and ready to employ.

This did not include the firearms folks had on person...

This was a wholesale/ retail business.
Customer service was paramount.

For the BGs we had a different motto:

This ain't Burger King - and you ain't gonna get it your way for damn sure". ;)

[Colt]

For those of you that work in a no-firearms workplace like mine, consider wearing an ankle holster and then just leaving your handgun in your car. Lock it up if you're nervous or have to park in a bad area.

My primary motivation for carrying at work is really to be have a gun on my way to/from work, especially in a SHTF situation. I want to be sure I can get home to my loved ones without someone taking my car from me.

I say ankle rig because it's practically invisible, and very comfortable when empty. Even if people do see it, it's empty, so there's no violation of company policy. It is also extremely easy and inconspicuous to holster and unholster while seated in your car, and is one of the prefered methods of carry while actually in the car.

Just something to consider.

[another okie]

I have a Galco ankle glove, which I recommend and which works for me. You do have to dress around it a little - make sure your pants are a little long and put your left hand on your knee as you sit down so the pants don't ride up.

I also have the Kramer undershirt. I think it's called the "undercover" or something like that. It works, but is extremely slow. I guess if you heard gunshots three floors away you could have it out by the time they came for you. You probably don't want to carry a semi chambered in the undershirt rig, and you will need to avoid very thin fabrics in your shirts and probably avoid white shirts as well.

[Waitone]

P3AT in a pocket holster is about as concealed as it gets.

Might also consider a .38spl snub with a Barami Hip Grip. Hides as well as anything I've seen and is light. I most likely will get flamed for that suggestion.

[oct_97]

Belt fed machine gun mounted to the desk, behind the modesty panel!

I have a Kel Tec p32 that's barely larger than a palm pilot and it comes with clips to allow you to tuck into the waistband without anything sticking out.

The clip sticks out. As an experiment I put my clipped pocketknife IWB of my pants as you would the Kel Tec. First day my boss asked if it was a gun. I do carry a P3AT in a pocket holster, I also have a G-19 in my glovebox and a Sub 2000 with two 33 round magazines in my trunk.

John