"Belly Wrap Holster" Good for CCW?

[Crosshair]

I am getting my CCW permit and I am looking for a holster. It is easy enough to conseal a gun in the winter here, but summer it can be a big problem since often all that you wear is jeans and T-shirt making it very difficult to conseal anything other than a derringer. I was thinking about getting a "Belly Wrap Holster" from Sportsman's Guide. (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=213575) Has anyone used these before and how did they like them. I want to CCW my Charter Arms Bulldog in 44 Special but I am having trouble locating a holster and I think that the belly hoster would be my best bet for a summer time holster.

On another note. Does anyone know about a good pocket holster for the Bulldog. In winter I would probably want it in my jacket.

/Thanks all

[Geronimo45]

Should be an IWB that would handle your gun. Don't know if there's pocket holsters for one of those... look up a few custom makers and email them, ask if they've got any for your gun, or would consider making them.

[omcf]

Heartily recommend Mikas custom made pocket holsters: relatively inexpensive, stays in the pocket when you draw, doesn't print, lightweight, super fast draw, and maintains proper orientation of the gun in your pocket.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/pocket.htm

[John Wesley]

If I need good concealment for a large gun a belly band is sometimes about the only thing that will work and it seems to work well.

The only problem I have had with them seems to be perspiration. In fact, yesterday I wore one (it had been a while) and when I got home I noticed that the entire side of my gun had beads of sweat on it. :cuss:

Neither my t-shirt or covering long sleeve shirt had any damp spots - just the side of the gun that faced my body. :what:

Presentation will be slightly slower than other modes of concealment also.

Summertime is when I need it most and it is the worst time to wear one. - At least in my case.

[Vonderek]

Belly band...ugghh! I got one early on after I got my CCW (along with a bunch of other holsters and contraptions that ended up in a box). At least for me, a belly band is sheer torture. I could wear it in the south Florida heat for about 15 minutes before I could stand it no more.

Now if it's a J-frame or smaller it goes in the front pocket in a pocket holster (a cheap Uncle Mike's works fine). Larger than a J-frame goes in a IWB. Look for one with a perspiration shield or wear an undershirt.

[rtl]

I found the belly band to be about the most uncomfortable way to carry. Gave mine to my brother-in-law who threw it away after he tried it once.

For warm weather (inexpensive) carry, when not carrying via belt slide, I usually go with an Uncle Mike's IWB. If your t-shirt is long enough, in a pinch you can also carry an Uncle Mike's IWB clipped in your pocket, grip exposed (but concealed). If wearing light walking shorts without a belt, I've also clipped an Uncle Mike's to a nylon gun belt worn low on the waist under the shorts with the tip of the barrel just to one side of the 'package'.

[RonC]

I wore it once on a hike and it irritated my back and sides. It hurt every time I moved. I had red marks in those areas that lasted for days.
I won't use it again, but if I did, I would wear it over an undershirt, and never directly on skin.

Ron

[usp9]

Just how do you draw a gun from these things with any degree of speed and subtleness?

[symr00]

I have one, not that brand and use it occoasionally. Mostly for jogging. You will sweat on the gun but that's normal on most carry that is not OWB. I think pocket carry is pushing it for the Bulldog. You might look into the Barami Hip Grips http://www.baramihipgrip.com/ They offer an easy summer alternative carry and are quite comfortable.

[wuchak]

I think the smartcarry, http://www.smartcarry.com/, is a better option than a bellyband. It puts the weight on your hips, is quick to draw from, absolutely invisible, and has a moisture barrier to protect your gun from sweat.

[Zundfolge]

My first concealment "holster" was a belly band.

They do conceal well, but there are trade offs.

The sweat has been mentioned, but I had a worse problem ... the constrictive nature of the band caused a pretty bad case of IBS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndrome) :uhoh: .

Also they aren't the most secure thing in the world, the gun moves too much for my liking.


However they are the best "tuckable" holster out there.

I still have my belly band (although I've sewn a leather holster into it). I wear it for formal events when I have to wear a suit and need real deep concealment.

[fiVe]

Heartily recommend Mikas custom made pocket holsters: relatively inexpensive, stays in the pocket when you draw, doesn't print, lightweight, super fast draw, and maintains proper orientation of the gun in your pocket.

Another vote for a Mika pocket holster. Robert's craftmanship and service are A+ first-rate. I REALLY enjoy my round-cut.

Safe shootin'!

fiVe

[Trisha]

Good choice in revolver, btw, especially if you handload. VV N340 does wonders.

I'd recommend KL Null for their kydex inverted shoulder rig - superb.

[DFW1911]

Crosshair:

I know a guy who carries using one of these:

http://www.tidepoolwebdesigns.com/kangaroo/

Personally, I have no experience with one, but he swears by it and wears it all summer long...in Texas. May be worth a look.

Sorry I can't help w/ a good recommendation on a pocket holster for your Charter Arms, I'm just not that familiar with them. Are you adverse to a belt holster? I think your options might open significantly if you'd consider using one.

Take care,
DFW1911