Carry without holster aka "Mexican Carry"

[rantingredneck]

Do you do it? Will you admit to doing it? Every day or Occasionally? Underwhat circumstances?

I'll admit there are times when I do, but it's rare. If I'm at home and not already carrying (which is the rare part) and I have to run out to the local convenience store for a couple items, then I'll sometimes just slip one of my Rugers IWB without a holster. That is if I'm only going to be away from home for a few minutes and kindof lazy and in a hurry. It happens.

You?

[CWL]

What's the benefit? Do NC permit laws allow this carry method?

[rantingredneck]

NC's laws do not disallow it. They do not speak to it one way or another.

[rantingredneck]

99.9% of the time I don't do it, It's just every now and then when the wife says we need milk and I don't feel like putting on a holster. 9 times out of 10 I'm carrying at home already so this is an extremely rare occurrence even for me.

[rantingredneck]

And even though I am a cheap )(&(^^%), I do own quite a few holsters!

:)

[Vern Humphrey]

Mexican carry provides no ptotection to the gun. You'll find rust start to form from the moisture and acids of your body. It's not good over the long term. For the short term, something like a clip draw for automatics or a Barami hipgrip is a good idea if you just have to carry Mexican style.

[Glockman17366]

Never....leave this to the gangbangers.
And, too much potential to shoot Mr.Happy off...and not in the good sense of that phrase!

[rantingredneck]

I don't put a gun down the front of my pants even in a holster :). I will not be shooting mr. happy off. Maybe a chunk out of my butt but that's all.

[DirksterG30]

If I have a gun on me, it is in a holster.

[Dallee]

Once in awhile I've been known to slip one behind my hip for a short hop or possible SHTF. Been lucky, have never lost(or had to draw) it. :)

[birdv]

One time. And one time only. G34 with surefire light and 33round clip.
Start laughing now.

It was conceld. I did not believe it so I had to take a picture. (the only pictures I took on the trip)
I was on a trip stopped late at what I thought was a nicer motel, it was not. I grabbed the wrong bag. So instead of my CCW. I have a G34 without a holser. I went to grab food and ran into a group of drunks in a parking lot on my way out. Nothing happened...I did not want to explain self defense carrying that gun.

[BigG]

If you Mexican carry, you might possibly get a Mexican vasectomy. :uhoh:

[scottw]

Some time back I posted a comment on what I call the modified Mexican. It works extremely well. At the time I was carrying a 380 Bersa. Now I use a P3AT and carry it this way sometimes. The modified Mexican is to put the pistol between your belt and pants, and put the barrel in the watch pocket. I wear Levis and this is great for that, of course you wear your shirt on the outside or cover with a jacket. The Pistol does not touch the skin and does not move and I have never had it come loose. Try it before you knock it.

[ok41]

Like Rantingredneck, I may threaten to lose a part of my rear, but my 642 drops nicely into my back pants pocket, And I do own two holster for it but there seldom used.

[Rembrandt]

When wearing briefs, this is how to protect "Mr Happy".

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v405/Rembrandt51/ConcealedCarry.jpg

[Old Dog]

No ... no ... no ... never. Can't understand the attitude that hey, maybe it's all right for just a quick trip to the corner mini-mart for some milk and diapers. I mean, if you're thinking you might need a handgun for something that might happen ... wouldn't it follow that you might need a holster to secure that handgun for something else that might happen?

Murphy's Law, and all that ... Take the extra three minutes to put on a pair of belted pants with a holster (or even break out that shoulder rig to "just slip on."

[jamz]

I did it just today!

Was carrying a j-frame off-body (in a bag, which had it's own holster) for some twisty lying down data center work. Later we went out to lunch, couldn't find my pocket holster, so dropped the j in the pocket rather than leave it in the car.

[plexreticle]

Mexican carry is a good way to have your gun fall down your pants.

[denfoote]

Why do I need to??
If I'm going out to the local stop and rob, I just put a pocket holster in and carry the MK9.

[scbair]

I generally prefer pocket carry for my 642, but have a set of Barami Hip Grips; with a T-Grip Adapter, it handles just fine, and is more available seated. Sits "deep" in the waistband. I can lightly "blouse" my tucked-in shirt and it would take a sharp eye to notice it.

Very rarely used; once recently when wearing a tux with no suitable pocket! :D

I'd never carry a semi with a pre-staged trigger (Glock, Springfield XD, etc.) :uhoh:or any condition one piece (1911 or P35) :what:, but I'm not at all uncomfortable with a DAO revolver in that mode.

[Kalindras]

I carry my Kel-Tec P11 or P40 IWB, sans holster, exclusively. I have both of them mounted with the little clip that keeps them from sinking straight into my pants, and I have yet to find a decent, comfortable holster for them that doesn't cost almost as much as the guns themselves!!

I carry just off the small of the back, at about 5 o'clock, and have never had a problem. Most times, I wear an undershirt, which prevents any worries about rust from sweat and acids from skin, but on occasion I'll go without, if I get caught by surprise in having to go out. I figure I'll take the risk of having to clean the gun before I'll get caught without.

My rationale is simply a carry-over from why I carry in the first place: the gun is a tool, and it's better to have it when you need it, than to have left it at home because you don't have a spiffulous way to carry it...

Let the flaming begin!! :evil:

[illEagle]

I've only had my permit for a month or so but I have carried my P3AT with a ClipDraw at about 3 o'clock every day. I bought a Pop-Up holster for it but it just thickens the package. The clip is very secure and the little Kel-Tec doesn't move around at all. It just peeks out of the top of my pants. It rides between my drawers and my pants/belt covering the trigger and is virtually invisible. While I've only carried for a short time I've been around firearms for over 40 years... Is this considered "Mexican Carry"?

[GunNut]

Even a cheap holster is better than blowing your #@$% off.

[scurtis_34471]

I never do it. When I run out like that, I just grab my .380 and toss it in a pocket holster.

[HiWayMan]

I carry a Smith J at 12:30 with a hip-grip and a thin leather scabbard. Not classic Mexican, but I'm not the least bit worried about blowing my Johnson off, and my J has never fallen down my pants. I think many of you worry too darn much.

[GunNut]

Add to that a heavy double action pull and of course you are safe.



If you are real man shove a Glock or other similiar single action type gun down the front of your pants.:neener:


I carry a 340PD most of the time in a basic uncle Mike's pocket holster, but carry a Glock the rest of the time. No way in hell am I sticking that thing loaded over the family jewels sans holster.:D

Steve

[The Lone Haranguer]

I only use it when walking from my apartment to my truck in the carport, and when I will not be getting out and carrying the gun when I reach my destination. Examples would be the late-night fast food drive-through:), or going directly to/from work/home. I also put it behind my hip where a conventional belt holster would be, not down the front of my pants. Lately in the above situations I've taken to simply using my pocket gun (Kahr PM9 in a Mika holster) and eschewing "Mexican" altogether.

[jaysouth]

I carried a cocked and locked GI 1911 for several years tucked inside my waistband. What's the problem?

The only time it ever caused a problem was when it jumped out whilst sitting on a bar stool. It went skittering across the floor and wound up under a table with two beat cops eating lunch. One of them put his foot on my hand and said "who the f*** are you? I said "Number 9(my precinct). He said "show me some creds a**H***. I showed him my badge and ID. He told me to go drink somewhere else.

Can't say that I would carry a stiker fired weapon except in a holster that covered the trigger, but with a wheel gun or large auto, what's the problem.

[TimboKhan]

Never....leave this to the gangbangers.
And, too much potential to shoot Mr.Happy off...and not in the good sense of that phrase!

Well, even Massad Ayoob has admitted to carrying thus on occasion. In fact, I had a thread a few months back when I specifically asked Massad about this, and his response was that he has but that he doesn't necessarily advocate it. In any event, he is certainly not a gangbanger.

For me, I Mexican carried for a long time simply because I am a pretty big guy, and it was very hard to find a IWB holster that was comfortable enough for me. By comfortable, by the way, I mean "Not a instrument of torture". The gun itself was comfortable, and it stayed in place just fine. Leather holsters just dug into me so bad as to cause open wounds! Anyway, I finally found an uncle mikes holster that works just fine and now use that most of the time. In the past, I have also made use of the clipdraw, and have been perfectly satisfied.

I don't think that mexican carry is inherently unsafe at all. First, if you carry a revolver with a hammer as I do, you can just put your thumb on the hammer, and there is no way it can fire accidentally from the trigger being pulled somehow. Secondly, a holster is not some sort of "can't shoot myself in the leg" device. It offers a theoretically more secure way to carry a handgun, and in practice there probably won't be anything in it that can trip the hammer, but thats about it. That being said, there is nothing inside my waistband that can trip the hammer either! In either case, care and attention are what keeps you from shooting yourself, not the method of carry.

Finally, I don't know about you guys, but holstered or not my barrel is nowhere near my junk. If it goes off (in either case) I am going to have one heck of a painful leg wound but thats it. If there is one simple rule I have in life, it's this: Don't point a weapon at your crotch. Ever.

[dasmi]

Yes, sometimes. Not often though.

[Mat, not doormat]

I did it the other day. For about three seconds.

My dad and I were heading to the range together. I was already wearing my CCW, but dad didn't have his permit yet. He handed me his Kimber, and said, "Here, you're legal, carry that for me, will ya?" I obligingly stuck it down my britches, movie style. About three seconds later, I looked down, saw the cocked hammer, saw where it was pointing, and my eyes sort of bugged ouit a little. I quickly went back in the house for another holster.

~~~Mat

[hexidismal]

No, I never do it. Seems very silly to me... I mean , if you're going to go get your gun anyway, what is it another 15-20 seconds to throw on on a holster ? Most importantly, a holster-less belt carry can (and very well might) cause the gun to snag if you need to draw it. Seems like a ridiculous risk for 15-20 seconds of minimal effort. Leave the potentially dangerous methods to the thugs and hoodies, and maintain you're advantage.

On a side note, Am I the only one who thinks the term "mexican carry" is extremely insulting and racist, and that it doesn't make us all look very high road ?

[The Lone Haranguer]

Originally posted by hexidismal:
On a side note, Am I the only one who thinks the term "mexican carry" is extremely insulting and racist, and that it doesn't make us all look very high road ?

Probably. :)

The term has its origin in Mexican vaqueros (cowboys), who were colorful, romantic and honorable figures.

Also, the "Mexican carry" I'm familiar with does not put the gun down the front of the pants, but behind the hip where a belt holster would usually ride.

[Nomad, 2nd]

Around the house... sometimes, with a 1911...

[TimboKhan]

On a side note, Am I the only one who thinks the term "mexican carry" is extremely insulting and racist, and that it doesn't make us all look very high road ?

I happen to agree with you that it sounds bad, but it has been the accepted term for quite some time now. It's usage isn't based in racism, and thus I think it's probably ok. This is also the most politically correct thing I have written on THR, ever...

[Geronimo45]

Around the house, yes.

[mashaffer]

Also of note is that the SAA that the Mexican Cowboy probably carried would be perfectly safe sans holster since there would be and empty chamber under the hammer.

mike

[Ala Dan]

I'm gett'in away from "Mexican Carry", more and more each day, as I realize
that this is not an ideal way to carry a firearm~! :scrutiny:;):D

[Vern Humphrey]

On a side note, Am I the only one who thinks the term "mexican carry" is extremely insulting and racist, and that it doesn't make us all look very high road ?

I happen to agree with you that it sounds bad, but it has been the accepted term for quite some time now. It's usage isn't based in racism, and thus I think it's probably ok. This is also the most politically correct thing I have written on THR, ever...

Like Dutch Courage, French Leave, Irish Bull, Spanish Windlass, or putting English on a ball?

[scbair]

Thank you, Mr. Humphrey! Being of Dutch, Irish & English descent, I am, indeed, offended!! :D I propose we coin a new term: "Chicago Carry." No weapon, but a cellphone in a quickdraw scabbard that automatically calls 911 upon being drawn!

The main drawback to Mexican carry, using the Barami Hip Grip on a snubbie, is slow draw. Advantage is excellent concealibility, and (per my previous post) ability to carry without belt or pocket (like in a rental tux).

A slow draw beats running back to my vehicle!!

[Vern Humphrey]

I may have invented the clipdraw -- certainly when I made my first one I had never heard of the idea before. (Equally plausible, that may be because I had my head up my a**, and everyone else knew about it.)

I used a sheet of aluminum from a hobby shop. I traced the right grip for an M1911 on the sheet, drilled the screw holes and cut it out -- leaving a long finger pointing forward (just over the trigger.) I made the finger long enough to double back. Then I simply put the aluminum on the gun, screwed down the grip over it, and stuck the gun into my waistband. The double-folded "finger" just covered the end of the slide lock.

This is a good carry method -- but not if you don't have a garment between you and the gun.

[Sean85746]

My carry gun is a Glock. So...NO...I never carry meskin' style. I won't carry a Glock in ANY manner of holster that does not fully cover the entire trigger guard.

In fact, the only gun I will carry without a fully covered trigger guard is a revolver, but that's just me.

But to refine the point...I never carry ANY pistol meskin' style. Were I to want to slip the gun into my waistband...I will do it in a clip on IWB at the very least.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i293/sean85746/Glock23IWB.jpg
Here's one of my clip-on IWB's I use when I am being lazy, and just want to slip it in the waistband.

[bl4ckd0g]

It's more than urban myth that the occasional gangbanger has shot himself in the goods while carrying "Mexican Style".

The only time I carry w/o a holster is if I'm answering the door while wearing my oversized Carhartt work pants. I can almost conceal a full size pistol in my front pockets while slightly leaning over.

Otherwise, leave the Mexican Carry to the Mexicans.

[Walter]

I answered "occasionally", but I really do it a lot more often than
that. A Government Model 1911 or a Walther PPK slipped inside the
waistband at about 3:30, just behind the hip bone, sits pretty good,
so I do sometimes carry that way. Especially if I'm wearing a tee
shirt.
I won't plan to carry that way for the whole day, but for an hour or
two, it's convenient, and not at all uncomfortable for me. So I do it.

Walter

[tank mechanic]

When I first came to the realization that I wanted to carry a fire arm with me at all times I carried Bersa 380 at four o'clock mexican carry. When I saved up enough money to buy a beretta 92 I carried that mexican carry for a few years. Now I am on to a Glock 31 and just to be right and proper I bought a galco IWB holster for it. While I would not advocate the mexican carry for everyone, it worked perfectly for me. Kept it close to my body and concealed it quite nicely. And I kept my finger off the dang trigger. I don't know why every one is so afraid of an unholstered gun in their trousers.

[Lupinus]

Can't understand why. You can go to the gunstore and get an el cheapo holster for 10.99. If you can aford a gun, even a cheap pot metal gun, and some ammo to load it with, I think we can all assume an extra 10.99 is doable.

[glocktoberfest]

no way .

FYI , after trying all kinds of holsters , my favorite is a $25 OWB I found at the local gunshop .

[rantingredneck]

Can't understand why. You can go to the gunstore and get an el cheapo holster for 10.99. If you can aford a gun, even a cheap pot metal gun, and some ammo to load it with, I think we can all assume an extra 10.99 is doable.


I suppose the sarcasm and obvious humor of the "buy a holster" option was lost on you. :)

I have plenty of holsters for my cheap pot metal guns BTW. lol.

[Lee Lapin]

Back when I got started carrying several decades ago, it was with a Smith Model 36. I never did find a comfortable way to carry it though.

Then I traded up to a lightweight Commander, and i found I liked the watch pocket method described in a previous post a lot. It worked, and wearing a light cover garment was all that was required.

Now that I am older, retired, and since global warming has set in, I usually wear a tee shirt and carpenter pants and carry a S&W 642 with CT grips in a pocket holster.

J frame to J frame in thirty years... 8^)

lpl/nc

[jimmy]

I got my first concealed handgun license over ten years ago and in that time have never used Mexican carry. I gave some thought to it, but decided it was not secure enough for me. Besides, like a lot of guys with a CHL, I've become an unintended collector of holsters, so I might as well use some of them.

[Lupinus]

I suppose the sarcasm and obvious humor of the "buy a holster" option was lost on you.

I have plenty of holsters for my cheap pot metal guns BTW. lol.
Wasn't meant towards any post lol

Just saying that why mexican carry when el cheapo holster is so, well, cheap.

[Leadhead]

Never could figure out the gangster style of pants low and underwear high till I tried "Mexican" carry....
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/Candown/mexi.jpg
The high underwear helps with chafing.:)
For me this is comfortable for short periods and secure.

[Harold Mayo]

Leave the potentially dangerous methods to the thugs and hoodies, and maintain you're advantage.

It isn't just "thugs and hoodies" that do it. Many very professional gun handlers do it, too. As for advantage...? I guess you're not aware of the speed with which a handgun can be deployed if carried in this method. Yes, there are disadvantages but nowhere near what people seem to think.

On a side note, Am I the only one who thinks the term "mexican carry" is extremely insulting and racist, and that it doesn't make us all look very high road ?


"Mexican carry" isn't racist at all. It's just a reference to a purported origin of the method.

The original poster left out any other responses that might have been appropriate in the poll such as, "I seldom carry with that method because I don't find myself in a situation where it might be appropriate", or something similar. While laziness might play into the carry method for some, it's just a matter of choice for others.:rolleyes:

[rantingredneck]

Ah, Lupinus. Accept my appologies for getting snappy. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. :)

[Walter]

I rarely respond to a topic twice, but this one intrigues me.

It isn't just "thugs and hoodies" that do it. Many very professional gun handlers do it, too. As for advantage...? I guess you're not aware of the speed with which a handgun can be deployed if carried in this method. Yes, there are disadvantages but nowhere near what people seem to think.


+1! I agree with Harold Mayo. There are times when IWB, sans holster,
is just the BEST way. Perhaps it takes the experience of "been there,
done that" to understand that, but I don't understand why there is such a strong dislike of the "Mexican Carry".
If it works for me, (and it does) I will use it. If you don't like it,
don't do it. But don't bother me with your bother.
I have a box full of holsters, price ranging from 5.00 to over 200.00.
But sometimes just sticking the gun behind your belt under your shirt
works best.

Walter

[normal]

I have IWB clip ons for most of my pistols. If I just want to grab a pistol real quick, I will use a clip on holster. It is just as easy, more comfortable, and safer than mexican carry.

[4fingermick]

I used to carry a Model 10 like that a lot. We used to hand over the weapon, sometimes for short periods and it was easier than removing the holster. I also we used to carry our team members revolvers if they had to disarm and go inside a cell block at night and open a celldoor. We would wait outside or vice versa. Worked ok. Would work better with a 1911. If you had to break into a run, I'd be drawing the piece before I went far.

[rantingredneck]

I went for a short walk this morning and put my P345 in a cheap Uncle Mikes clip on IWB. I was wearing drawstring shorts with no belt so it was really the only option. It's the kind that is real soft feeling cloth instead of the typical nylon. When I got back and took the weapon off I took it out of the uncle mikes to put it on the shelf and the front sight dot was gone. At first I thought "Oh crap, Ruger's gonna have to send me a new sight. Turns out though that lint from the holster had crudded up the painted recess of the white dot front sight. Glad I didn't need to find that front dot in a hurry. Won't be using that IWB any more. If I could've located my Don Hume I wouldn't have used it this morning.

[aguyindallas]

Nope...no Mexican carry for me. I usually have my 642 in my pocket in a Galco Pocket Horsehide. If I am not carrying that 642, I have either my G23 or my 1911 on my side in some form of belt holster.

[DJAteOhAte]

I only do it to carry the gun from the room in the house where I am to the room where the holster I'm about to use is located.