[Commander Guineapig]

HUZZAH another CCW thread!

Sorry. I read the other threads and got to thinking...
I'm 6'1", 155 lbs.
How does a skinny guy carry with out being terribly obvious?
I can see sticking my wife's Bersa Thunder in an IWB no problem,
but what about say, a P228, or something like that?
Where do you carry it, and what holster do you use?
In winter, it's obviously easier...you can wear anything you need
to in order to cover up. What about summer time?
What do yall skinny guys do?

GP

[Polish_Pounder]

I am 6'1", 165 lbs. I carry (daily) a Sig GSR (full size 1911) IWB in a holster very similar to the Milt Sparks Versa Max II. I regularly conceal it under a T-shirt, and with a button down shirt or sweatshirt I could carry 3 of 'em! Having carried a few guns, I can tell you that for skinny guys width is the most important factor. I had a 4013 TSW compact, but it was harder to carry than my full-size 1911 because of the double stack magazine. My recommendation is a 1911 or Kahr, IWB strong side with belt loops on either side of the holster (not on top of the holster), and a good gunbelt. If you are sensitive to gun weight I recommend either a Springer Lightweight, Lightweight commander type, or if really sensitive, the P9. A bigger gun may seem like a bit of a drag, but you'll want it should you ever have to use it. PM me if you have any more questions or want me to send some pics of my rig.

-Polish

[The Lone Haranguer]

I typically carry guns IWB (inside the waistband) with a butt-forward tilt, behind my right hip bone. OWB (outside the waistband) in the same position also works, but I have concerns about the bottom of the holster getting exposed. Vertical carry does not work for me, as the gun butt sticks out like a flag. If I move the holster to the "point" of my hip to minimize the "flagging," it is then very uncomfortable. Paddle holsters do not conceal well for me, either. All of them space the gun out away from my body.

I typically wear the kind of shirt called a "camp shirt" - I also like Cabela's "Safari" shirts - with a squarish-cut hem, untucked. I want the shirt to be slightly oversize as well. In winter I will wear a jacket, so I tuck the shirt in then. With a cover garment that does not hug my body too closely, I find that even guns with full-length grips (i.e., most military/police service pistols) do not "print." Of course, I have no fashion sense. ;)

[El Tejon]

Good holster AND good belt. No, not the belt you bought at the mall while in high school, not the belt your girlfriend bought for you. A good thick gun belt made by people who know holsters and guns.

Many good holster makers now, but I like Milt Sparks, Executive Companion AND a good belt (I like horsehide): http://www.miltsparks.com/ (disclaimer: holsters are like guns in the gun culture, i.e. the subjective is objective, what I like you may not and vice versa).

Summer time? Untuck your shirt, don't worry it's hip and cool now.:D I like an undershirt but I'm a little sensitive.:neener:

[The Lone Haranguer]

If it goes with the rest of your clothing, an excellent belt is the Wilderness Instructor five-stitch. The reinforced area (which comprises most of the belt) is very stiff. There is a long Velcro strip on it which is mainly to anchor the loose end of the belt, but which will also grab onto at least one belt loop of your holster and positively prevent it from moving. The best part is the infinite adjustability. A few times with leather belts I've had a given buckle hole be a little too loose while the next one in is too tight.

A really good leather belt is made by Jim Speidel, The Beltman. (http://thebeltman.net) But were I to order another one it would be with the option of seven holes 3/4 inch apart instead of the usual five holes one inch apart, just to give it that little extra adjustability.

[BullsEye10x]

I'm 5' 10" and 165, not exactly a bean-pole but not a pumpkin either ;)
I usually carry a Glock 30 in a Don Hume open top clip-on (IWB), or my 1911 Govt. in a Hume open top pancake (OWB). Both are easily done.

The trick is to use your body shape and place the gun where it will conceal best. For me, with a full size 1911, I like the pancake holster that puts the grip high and slightly forward at about 3:30-4:00. There's a little hollow area between my hips and lats where the grip just disappears under a cover shirt. Smaller framed pistols can tuck away in holsters where the opening is level with my belt.

It takes a bit of time and experimentation to figure out what carry methods best suit a person. Once you've found it, though, you'll be able to conceal just about any handgun from the casual observer (99% of the population).

[EShell]

I'm 5'10/150 and IWB a PPK/S (better than a knife) at the 10:00 (crossdraw) position and it rides well. Never shows and I forget it's there.

I used to IWB at 4:00, behind my RH hipbone, and that's not too bad if I'm not doing anything, but that position limits my permissible movement - too easy to print and/or have my shirt ride up.

I used to carry a BullDog .44 Spcl, but it's too fat with a rigid holster, no matter where I put it. I also tried a 4" Kimber Pro-Carry for a time, but the grip printed.

[Geronimo45]

Vertical shoulder rig. Belt carry just annoys me with most any size gun. With a shoulder rig, I can wear a full-sized K-frame with a 4" barrel with comfort and great concealment. Slap on a hawaiian shirt or a suit jacket - or, if your rig permits, wear an undershirt and a full-sized t-shirt in a darkish color on top, holster inbetween. Since I've got a Y harness instead of the classic X harness, wearing underneath a non-collared shirt isn't a great idea (strap will ride up your neck a ways). You can stuff it under an oxford if you like, and leave the oxford tucked-in. For me, I need a shirt to lay the holster on, then something with a noticeable collar to conceal it. Tucking in either shirt is not a problem.

[IDriveB5]

not the belt your girlfriend bought for you.

unless you have a girlfriend that loves you and buys you a belt from the beltman :D

how do you guys carry small framed revolvers like the SP101?

[jlbraun]

Carry IWB, wear an untucked shirt and forget about it. 98.5% of people don't notice, even if the grip is making your shirt stick out.

If you're really worried, go buy a SmartCarry. Google for it.

[xMetal]

I've found that length of barrel makes no real difference, it's the length of the grip. I've quite thin but can conceal well enough that no one can tell when I'm carrying, even my wife. I usually carry an HK P2000SK and originally had the magazine with the pinky rest on it. That concealed ok, but switching to the flat mag made a big difference. Just that extra 3/4" or so was quite noticeable.

I have a good IWB holster, on a good belt, and carry at 3:30-4 o clock and the only real time I could get some printing is if I bend over at the waist.

[rero360]

5' 10" 150 pounds as well here, i carry a full size 1911 in a andrewsleather MacDaniel 2 IWB on a raftersgunleather cowhide belt. ocasionally the but of the gun will print on the back of my shirt but thats due to bad posture.

haven't figured out a way to carry my S&W 500 with the 8 3/16" barrel, i think thats a lost cause. oh well, it'll be my car gun.

[Jackal]

Me, I'm 6' and 200lbs. While I may not be as skinny as others here, I have a very hard time concealing anything but a pocket auto. Of course, I like to look good, so my tight(ish) fancy pants and my fitted shirts do not help my carry options. I usually carry in my coat pocket. I can carry my Para P12 in the inside left pocket of my Levi denim jacket without any printing or any real discomfort.

[Skunkabilly]

I used to pack a Beretta 92G (with carbon fiber grips). I'm 5'5", 123 lbs.

[DZL HOG]

Im glad someone posted about us skinny guys CCW. I was thinking about posting it the other nite. Im 6'4 155lbs. No waist, all legs(30x36). LOL

Ive been trying to figure out what holster to order to carry my XD9 4". Like posted above the barrel aint the prob, its the grip. Definitely no concealing it on my hip. Its gotta be in front(not comfortable sitting) or behind my hip. Of course its colder weather now(even tho today was 80*??) so I can conceal OWB pretty easily. I carried it at work Saturday with a Carhart coat over it, and no one knew. But in the summer with just a Tshirt and undershirt pulled over the XD it looks like Im smuggling a dictionary. LOL

It doesnt really matter if it prints that much. I can legally open carry. But sometimes its best if no one knows. Like out with the family or something. Ive already had an aunt ask me why I was carrying a pistol around. At that time I didnt have a CCW. It was Christmas, we were at my granddads and I had been hunting all day. I just kinda looked at her and gave a puzzled smile, sorta saying cuz I can. She lives in Richmond, Im suprised she doesnt carry. lol

I may end up just goin with a Jframe wheeler or pocket auto(P3AT or P32). I think PF9 is too big for pocket carry, but should be easy with IWB.

Matt

[19-3Ben]

how do you guys carry small framed revolvers like the SP101?

I'm 6'0, 160LBS with a 30" waist. and carry a 3"SP101 daily in a IWB holster from www.concealco.com
Best damn holster for that amount of money that I have ever had the pleasure of coming across. I also have an IWB holster form them for my Sig P232, and it carries like a dream. Honestly though, that holster makes it so easy to carry the SP101 that I barely even carry the Sig anymore. The Ruger just disappears under anything but a really tight t-shirt.

[trueblue1776]

I'm a pretty skinny guy too, (6'5", 220) I feel like a whore putting my measurements out there on the interweb :p.

I don't carry often, but when I do I don't worry too much about a print, it's called concealed, not invisible. As long as you make a good effort and it's not obvious, I figure it's concealed. Bottom line, I wear a comfortable Galco high rise at about 4:30 (above the cheek).

[Hoppy590]

blouse type shirt, untucked, 4 o clock, OWB. doube stack 1911

i tuck a bit of the shirt into the bet just to keep it from blowing back. but im a young, non proffesional type. so im allowed to look like a slob, wear long sweatshirts, dickies jackets, et

im short and skinny. bout 5-10. 130lbs

[AZ Husker]

I used to be 6', 185", and haven't changed my style now that I've gained 60#. When you've reached you're 50's, fashion is no longer an issue. I can carry three 1911's in good IWB's over a t-shirt with an untucked hawaiian shirt. Nobody looks!. Just stay away from those stupid photographer's vests and tactical pants!

[Commander Guineapig]

I did Google Smart carry...very nifty set up!

Great ideas so far, but there's two options I don't think I have seen mentioned much... ankle holster, and small of back. I realize the Small of Back has the downside of becoming more obvious if you bend over...are there other things to consider though? Is the 3:30-4:30 carry the popular alternative to the SOB carry?
and when you carry at 4:00-5:00, do you carry with the draw palm-in, or palm-out?
thanks for the suggestions so far, ya all got some great ideas. post pix if you so desire too. pic = 1000 words. :D

GP

[AZ Husker]

SOB=Spine damage if you fall down. Plus, it's a huge sweep of innocent area in the draw. One more drawback...try to sit in a chair or in a car with that wad against your spine!

[BikerRN]

What do yall skinny guys do?


Learn to "Dress Around The Gun".

I carry a 4" N-Frame off duty and have carried a Gov't Model 1911 as well as a Glock 19 and various other assorted handguns over the past 20+ years. I use good gear and buy my Belt and Holster from reputable makers. I carry IWB and prefer Milt Sparks, Mitch Rosen and Matt Del Fatti for my leather holsters and belts.

As far as clothing, jeans or Cargo Shorts and a one size too large Polo Shirt, untucked seem to do it for me. With winter here carrying just got really easy for me. It takes time to get used to carrying and if you act like you're not carrying others won't notice unless they have a "trained" eye to spot the little details.

Biker

[AZ Husker]

Biker hit it on the head...just don't act like you're carrying! I can't count the Goobers that continually "feel" that their pieces are hidden, or look at themselves in every window/mirror they pass to see if they're showing. Dead giveaway!

[NoScreenName]

Pique polo shirts work well for me... even with a 228.

extreme or FBI cant IWB holsters are a must.

A real gunbelt. Wildnerness works wonders.

and as mentioned previously... don't mess with it constantly... if it's shifting all the time you need a better belt.

Attitude is alot. Concealed not invisible. People hardly notice common things let alone things they would have to be specifically looking for to notice. I'm 100% sure I do print every once and awhile but I don't freak out when it happens and I realize most likely I am the only one that notices.

Although...if you are as handsome as say I am... a quick glance in the mirror or reflective glass on a building is hardly noticed and completely understandable...:D

[Seancass]

*marking this thread for later reading...

i dont have my CCW yet, but i think i'm going to get it this winter.

i swear anything bigger than a Kahr and i might as well be trying to hid an AK47. it just feels huge. this could take some getting used to.

[Zach S]

6ft, 155lbs.

5" Kimber, carried IWB about 4:00, in a milt sparks summer special II.

Winter is easy. In summer I wear a wifebeater under a t shirt. If it prints, oh well. You may see it, LEOs may spot it, but other people wont unless they see an exposed grip, even with a big flashing neon sign above my head with the word gun on it.

Half the people dont see the 8x10 signs on gas pumps that say "pay before pumping."

[littlelefty]

5'5" 135lbs.
Full size 1911 when I can.
Kel Tec P11 when I can't.
1911 OWB in a Don Hume 721OT (pancake) or IWB in a Galco Summer Comfort.
P11 in a Hume 715M IWB or Desantis Nemesis pocket holster.
Wilderness Tactical 5 stitch as the foundation
A couple of guns with a couple of holsters each to suit what I'm wearing at the time.

[Commander Guineapig]

Half the people dont see the 8x10 signs on gas pumps that say "pay before pumping."
LOL, Ain't THAT the truth! I work in the tech biz, so I see all kinds of dumb stunts linked to lack of observation.
Many of you have said "a good belt" ...
what IS a good belt? What are your requirements?
I wear a leather belt that's decently thick. I hate cloth/office/dress belts..
I like big, thick, dog-beater belts. I don't beat dogs with them, but I still like them. Is there something more to a good CCW belt then that?
GP

[BikerRN]

I'll give you my personal list of good belt makers, most of them also make good holsters too. I own a belt or a holster by the various makers.

The Beltman
Mitch Rosen
Milt Sparks
Ted Blocker
Bruce Gibson
Matt Del Fatti

That's it, that's my personal list. :)

[Bowwave]

+1 Bullseye10x. I can tuck a BHP as he describes using a quality IWB and belt. I have somewhat large shoulders and the weapon disappears with most shirts, even t-shirts. Not all t-shirts work, but I have several wide in the shoulders and waist that hang just right and don't cling. I think the one time I was in doubt was walking on a beach boardwalk with a 25-30 mile tailwind. But that IWB holster was so well designed that I doubt the printing stood out.
Bowwave

[jad0110]

Yes, I am a beanpole :o.

I agree with Biker and AZ: dress around the gun and don't be so self-conscious. And a good holster and belt are musts.

However, I also agree with Polish Pounder's statement:

I can tell you that for skinny guys width is the most important factor.

I would say if anything is going to be a problem, width/blockiness is it. Read through this thread and you'll notice a large percentage of us prefer single stack guns (particularly 1911s) and revolvers, with their rounded easier-to-hide contours. I'm not saying that a thick XD or Glock can't be done (some on this thread do it successfully), but you are going to have to select your carry rig MUCH more thoughtfully.

Ive been trying to figure out what holster to order to carry my XD9 4". Like posted above the barrel aint the prob, its the grip. Definitely no concealing it on my hip.

I ran into the exact same problem with my XD9 4". All guns print from time-to-time (the tiny mouseguns may be an exception), but on me a S&W 642 carried IWB does not scream "GUN" on the rare occassions that it does print, unlike the XD. However, my 5" single stack 1911 conceals very readibly. And I don't even have an IWB yet (I've ordered a Brommeland Max Con V, but they are very backed up right now), but I tested by putting it in a cheap OWB holster in an IWB position. Almost totally disappeared, and I know the Brommeland will work even better. Heck, I could even conceal that 1911 OWB, if my shirts were long enough to cover the bottom of the holster.

[Scanr]

Remember one thing, with everyone carrying cell phones and PDA's there are going to be some bumps on peoples hips under their clothing. If your set up blends in, then you have concealed your weapon. Just so long as you are not printing.

I have been carrying only since Oct., so I am still a little self conscious. My wife had told me she couldn't tell when she has watched me from a distance. While waiting for my license, I started looking at shirts to hide my carry. My wardrobe changed, your's may too. I wear button-down shirts that are not meant to be tucked in, about 1 size larger than I would normally wear. I have not ventured into the realm of Hawaiian shirts, yet.:D

[IDriveB5]

Are the 3" SP101s pocketable with a Mika or similar?

[Rexster]

If you are a skinny guy, which I am, the important thing is WHERE you are skinny. A skinny guy with wide shoulder bones can conceal canned hams on his hips. Wide shoulders enable the fabric of the covering garment to drape over the weapon without touching it.

[Black Majik]

I'm 6'1 165 lbs, so I'm kinda skinny. For t-shirt carry, I always have to go IWB. Any OWB holster will print on a double stack pistol.

I can conceal a fullsize 1911 no problem with a Milt Sparks #1 Heritage IWB on a M.S. belt. For the P2000, which is a double stack that I have problems printing wearing OWB, I can conceal all the way with a Comptac Infidel IWB holster.

[Commander Guineapig]

If you are a skinny guy, which I am, the important thing is WHERE you are skinny. A skinny guy with wide shoulder bones can conceal canned hams on his hips. Wide shoulders enable the fabric of the covering garment to drape over the weapon without touching it.

would having wide shoulders lend itself to carrying in a shoulder holster as well?

..love the canned hams remark.... :D

[EShell]

Carry IWB, wear an untucked shirt and forget about it. 98.5% of people don't notice, even if the grip is making your shirt stick out.and
I don't carry often, but when I do I don't worry too much about a print, it's called concealed, not invisible. As long as you make a good effort and it's not obvious, I figure it's concealed. . . .
Yeah, probably true, but even having a CCW 6 years and not worried about LEO recognition or the soccer moms, I'm still a bit concerned I might be saying "shoot me first" if I print at all . . . IMO, there is a different way you inspect people when you're thinking in terms of armament, or lack thereof . . .
. . . I can't count the Goobers that continually "feel" that their pieces are hidden, or look at themselves in every window/mirror they pass to see if they're showing. Dead giveaway!
LOL, not *that* concerned. ;)

[still442]

6', 160. No body fat around the middle. I refuse to buy pleated or oversize pants - they're tight enough that pocket carry is uncomfortable for me.

I carry a J-frame IWB at about 3:30. Liger Gun Belt for dress up, most days its a Wilderness 3-stitch. I was using a homemade IWB holster made from a Desantis Nemesis, and that did work, but when I upgraded to a nice Kramer it made all the difference.

I can wear a T-shirt and shorts and be just fine. Untucked button down and jeans is my typical outfit, and that works well.

When you're skinny and your pants fit you, there is a small bulge where the gun is riding IWB. But, as most have pointed out, absolutely no one is noticing. I was walking arm-in-arm with my girl the other morning, and her arm was resting on the butt of my gun. She had no idea until I mentioned it.

I will say that I tried to go the compact-auto route, to save thickness, thinking it would help. But the nice curvy shape of a J-frame conforms to my body far better than the squared-off auto grips.

[Rexster]

With shoulder holsters, some depth to the chest is important, or the weapon's barrel and/or grip will poke outward if the weapon is large. Building those pecs and lats will help make a shoulder rig more workable, though really big pecs give the weapon hand a longer reach to the weapon.

[B yond]

I'm 6'2" 200lbs. Most of the time I carry a Ruger P345 in a cheapo leather universal slide holster I got for >$15 bucks from cheaperthandirt.com or sportsmansguide.com. I usually wear it IWB at 3, canted foward as far as far as possible. This holster has a clip for IWB and slots for OWB, so once in while I'll carry OWB between my belt and pants to keep the profile down. I've found that pulling my pants up just a little bit higher than I used to wear them helps to angle the grip in towards my body to prevent printing IWB or OWB. I commonly use a T-shirt as a cover garment.

When I know I'm going to be doing a lot of physical activity I use a Pro Outdoors belly band at 3. It holds the weapon closer to my body and prevents it from shifting.

Other than that I pocket carry a very small auto in RF pocket with an Uncle Mike's pocket holster with my laminated CCW as the only other thing in that pocket, covers the pistol's outline and makes it print like a wallet.

[gp911]

6'2" 165-174lbs on any given day. I carry a Glock 21SF in a Comp-Tac C-TAC and it disappears under pretty much any shirt. It tucks that fat grip right against my ribs, and you know how most shirts kinda blouse out on a skinny guy anyway... The only thing that prints is the extra mag holder on the opposite side. It prints like a mofo in some shirts, but I figure around here people probably think it's a folding knife or something. Regardless, the gun itself disappears, and it is a chunky full size gun. If I were to pick an ideal setup, I'd run what I have but in a 30SF (which isn't out yet, but is allegedly in the works) or a regular Glock 30, as the extra barrel length of the 21 setup is more "pokey" than a shorter barrel would be. I don't have firsthand knowledge but I think it is probably easier to carry as a skinny guy, as a heavier fellow has more bulges and less hollows, as it were.

My 2 cents.

gp911

[BRASSM]

I'm 5'10" and at 150# , with a 28" waist so I'm really skinny. I normally carry a Browning Hi-Power in an IWB and a two extra magazines, and a maglite. I usually wear a sweater or a vest. Perfectly concealed with no problems. The holster is normally just behind my right hip.

[target1911]

I love these threads...........It just means I get to post pics again. I think that when this type of question is asked, it helps to show pics of how you carry so the OP has a visual reference.

...........I know the trigger is exposed very little with this holster. I still feel VERY safe with it due to the safeties. So Please no comments about it.........

5" Kimber 1911 in a ........
www.andrewsleather.com This is the Mc Daniels II
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z304/target1911/DSC01429.jpg

Same set up under a different shirt.
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z304/target1911/CCW-1.jpg