[RTFM]

Anyone use them?
Need to get a holster for the new SIG 229.

I think I have narrowed the selection down to Smart Carry or Milt Sparks IWB

Comments? Suggestions?
RTFM

[Flashpoint]

How about posting a link to a Smart Carry web site?

[RTFM]

Here ya' go
Might be a small hurdle with the Smart Carry to get over the fact that the muzzle is pointed at you know what :what:, but I trust the SIG implicitly, so it will just be a mental hurdle.

http://www.smartcarry.com

http://www.smartcarry.com/scinvi.htm

http://www.smartcarry.com/pntsup.jpghttp://www.smartcarry.com/pntsdn.jpg

VS:

http://www.miltsparks.com


http://www.miltsparks.com/images/Photos/WS_large.JPG

[Vic303]

My suggestion is to get both! Smartcarry for those times when an IBW isn't practical, like when you're earing shorts that don't have beltloops. And a Sparks 'cause nearly everybody here highly recommends them!

I'm gonna use Smartcarry 'cause I don't do belts, and my Coronado Leather bag.

--Vic
Now calling TX home.

[clubsoda22]

smart carry is good if there's no other choice (for instance, try anything else with gym shorts and a t-shirt) and the barrel is actually pointed in between your legs, not at your genetals. Anyway, if you don't like it, there's a 60 day trial on them, so you can return it for a full refund.

[Andrew Rothman]

I've been using the SmartCarry holster for the last 61 days.

It is nearly perfect!

I carry a Ruger P95, a 9mm with a 4" barrel, which is not a small gun by any means, everywhere I go.

I have worn it with shorts, jeans and slacks.

I have worn it at home, while shopping, doing yard work and just walking down the street.

Last week I wore it to an amusement park and went on a corkscrew ride that turned me upside down repeatedly. No problem.

Is it safe? I think it is.

When the gun is holstered, like any good holster, the trigger guard is covered and protected.

When worn correctly, unless carrying a mouse gun, the barrel points down between your legs, not at your family jewels.

As the web site says, to draw, you hook your weak side thumb into your waistband and pull out. you draw straight up using the butt of the gun.

It is actually pretty easy.

Let me emphasize: no one knows I am carrying. Even my wife can't tell without, well, grabbing at me.

I like that I can wear this holster with a suit, or with shorts and a t-shirt -- or even no t-shirt!

A couple of things to keep in mind:

1) You need room in your pants for the gun. No painted-on jeans!

2) How can I put this delicately? I switched from briefs to boxers, in order to carry my original equipment in a muzzle-down position. :)

3) If you're like me, and it's summer, there will be perspiration down there!

Although moisture can't come through the back of the holster, it seems to go around. To combat this, I use the Sentry brand Marine Tuf-Cloth protectant. Nonetheless, I am seeing a little bit of rust stain on the holster itself. (This may be an issue with any IWB.) I should have paid the extra $35 for the stainless model!

Overall, I love this holster. I don't want to wear a vest, second shirt, a belt, or a jacket all the time. With this, I wear what I want and stay comfortable all day.

Oh, and I'm not a paid spokesman, just a satisfied customer.

Matt

[morganm01]

ditto

[KpEng16]

Hey fellas,
How does the smart carry feel when sitting down? It seems like it would get kinda cramped in that region..say, sitting at my desk at work? when sitting does it ride up like an uncomfortable pair of underwear?

[Andrew Rothman]

How does the smart carry feel when sitting down?

Well, it depends on your wardrobe and your body type.

With an unloaded weapon, sit down in a chair. place the butt of the gun against the inner angle made by your legs and torso, with the barrel facing straight out away from you. That's where it will sit. If your pants are sufficiently roomy, it should fit fine.

If you have a gut, like me, the hammer is sticking you right there (through your undies and shirt).

Honestly, it bugged me at first, then I got used to it.

Matt

[KpEng16]

Maybe if I get one and it does push into my slowly growing belly, it will be enough motivation to get myself to the gym. thanks

[RTFM]

Matt, thanks for the info, that is exactly the info I need to help make my decision, it looks I'll call Charlie and get one for my self soon.

Hey also WELCOME to THR.

Good to have you.
RTFM

[PCRCCW]

Another staff member of the CZForum and I had a discussion about deep concealment carry a while ago.

He wears a smart carry once in a while and at the time, my deep gun was a snub in a pocket holster. He loves his and swares by it...as I did with my style. In this discussion we got into draw/presention times with both methods of carry.

My point was this, If my hands in my pocket Im ready to draw and no one is the wiser..bad or good guys. His point was with practice the Smart Carry was as fast as my method. I didnt think so at the time and am still hesitant to think it actually is. My hands on my gun and Im ready....draw and fire. He said he can reach in his pants and draw very quickly also.....
Which I dont doubt in the least...BTW.

Now picture actually being in a situation where both deep carry methods may have to be used. My hands in my pocket and no one is wiser.

The other style of carry would have to reach in his pants and draw the gun....IMO takes a tad longer. But the act of reaching in your pants will do one of two things....cause MAJOR wonder in the BG's mind, thus giving you a little more time "What the F" is he doing?" LOL...or it simply draw unwanted attention to you.

After pondering this I'm still considering one myself...I cant carry a fullsize gun in my front pocket...unless I buy pants like my son wears....NO THANK YOU! :rolleyes:

So Im still throwing around the idea....

Shoot well

[cma g21]

RTFM: I think I have narrowed the selection down to Smart Carry or Milt Sparks IWB

As has been suggested, get both. :D
The Smartcarry conceals better, the Milt Sparks allows faster access.

[CleverNickname]

I've used a Smartcarry for almost two years to carry a Keltec and then a Kahr at work. It's the only carry method I've found that works for me in business casual dress and doesn't leave some part of the holster exposed (IE, a clip on a IWB tuckable.) I use tuckable holsters at other times, but I need an extra super secret carry method for work, as I doubt they would approve. No one's going to find out about my Smartcarry unless they grab my crotch, and then I've got a sexual harassment lawsuit. :D

[nemesis]

Tell me again how you quickly draw your pistol when seated in your car and confronted by a car-jacker.

[Jesse H]

I returned mine, couldn't remember if it was smartcarry or thunderwear. Not even w/a thin PPK/S could I ever find it comfortable. But then I'm a little guy. I prefer IWB much much better, but for deep concealment I use a bellyband.

[PCRCCW]

nemesis,
I see where your going and I dont carry with one of these. But you and I both know there are compromises that go with deep carry.
No form of deep cover with the exception of an Ankle rig is driver friendly.
Shoulder or cross draw are my trip rigs........................

Shoot well

[yzguy]

the only thing I don't like about the Smart carry is when my shirt is not tucked in I have to move it out of the way.

so when the shirt is tucked in, smart carry is good, when it is not a belt holster works better. (for me)

[Sludge]

Well, I cant say much about the smart carry, because I dont have one.. however I think getting anything other than a small BUG from there might be a slow procedure. Fishing down under your belt while retreating to cover or running or what ever... I kinda put it in the same class as my Galco ankle holster.. they can be comfortable to wear, but by the time I can get to it.. the fight may be over

I do have a Melt Sparks holster like the one pictured above for my Springfield 1911. Carrying a full sized 1911 in it I can actually forget im carrying at times. Riding is comfortable.. etc.. The only thing about the Milt Sparks holster that I would think is worth mentioning is that if you regularly remove the gun when sitting or driving. It tends to collapse since the leather is so thin. This makes it a pain to reholster. I dont remove it.. so I havent had a problem with that aspect. The weapon is also easily accessible in the IWB position and can be brought to bear pretty fast.

I tend to switch my guns with my attire. In hot weather I go to a pocket holster and a S&W 638 if concealing a larger gun is a problem.

Another holster worth mentioning is the FIST inside outside. I have one of those too. I wear it for Glock and Springfield XD. It is also very comfortable. Perhaps not as comfortable as a Melt Sparks, but it can be worn IWB for concealment or outside for something like IDPA etc. So its handy that way.

Hope that helps ya some.

[nemesis]

Concealed carry will always be a compromise but some modicum of sense must be used to assure that the weapon will always be available in a minimum of time. The continuously hot climate in deep south Texas precludes the type of masking provided by the extra garments worn in more northerly climates and I have found that a tuckable IWB is the only holster I can conceal all day at work. I admit this slows the presentation as a Hackathorn rip must clear the way to the weapon but I can retrieve my pistol easily, even when seated or driving.

The groin slung weapons pockets don't appear to precisely locate and secure a weapon. The "one size fits many/most" formula will likely lead to some amount of weapon shift. Also, it appears that the "belt" lacks any method of offering a consistenly repeatable weapon position.

I'm not too worried if my pocket knife is in my left pocket or my right pocket and I am comfortable that my life does not depend upon a rapid presentation of it. On the other hand, I want my pistol to be consistently positioned and readily available for a rapid presentation, under any condition.

There is great concern expressed that CHL weapons should be "snag free" as many comments are made regarding the perils of a weapon being snagged when it is needed. How much is this problem compounded when we are grasping in our underwear for our defensive weapon? We are often reminded of the need to keep our fingers off the trigger until the target has been identified and acquired, yet many ND's occur. I, for one, don't want to experience an ND in my groin when I need to defend myself.

I believe I will continue to use holsters.

[Skunkabilly]

That Glock in that Milt Sparks just looks...wrong :neener:

[DBR]

What I don't like about Smart Carry: they are a knock off of Thunderware - the original crotch holster. I looked up the Smart Carry patent and IMHO it is trivial. All it claims is a reposition of a seam from the inside of the pouch to the outside of the pouch. I like my original Thunderware better and I prefer the slight retention feature of the original design. I also have nothing but contempt for people who counterfeit original designs. That said: if I need deep concealment I use an ankle holster, pocket holster, Kramer Confidant, or a conventional shoulder holster under a slightly oversize shirt.

[tiberius]

I also have nothing but contempt for people who counterfeit original designs.

Don’t be silly, it is not a counterfeit!

It is a legal, honest product that “improved” on the original design. The seam is a significant, if simple, improvement as it reduces snagging, which is an inherent problem in this type of rig.

The whole reason that we have a patent system is to encourage innovation, not to stifle it.

I'm glad that we have choices.

I have a Smartcarry because it worked better for me. YMMV of course.

It is a specialized rig. I wear it when I wear gym shorts and the like. I find it more comfortable than a belly band, but I sometimes wear it as one. It is very versatile, but not my first choice for standard carry. I like having the option however.

If you are interested in this rig, by all means check out Thunderwear as well. It may suit you better.

[bubbygator]

Another satisfied customer of SmartCarry - with a Glock-26.

I find as a "stout" person that I have plenty of room down there, & the gun outline is just not seen at all.

When I pull out my belt & reach down, the gun grip is right there - there is no fumbling or searching - it's just right there... very natural and intuitive and easy.

For driving, I've found that if I'm not wearing tight-waisted pants, and if I unbuckle my belt inside the car, that I can make the draw sitting down... no seatbelt, though. It's not something I could recommend - I'd rather just take it out & place it inside the car.

................

That said, I am also an advocate of pocket-carry for J-frames.

[sensei]

About the only thing that makes me made about these threads is people who start out: "I don't have one of these but", then proceed to blast a product. IMO!!!... If you do not have one of the products...you are not qualified to give an realistic opinion on it. IMO!!!


Some of these people live in shorts and a T shirt. Good for them...However some of us have to present a little more professional appearance
There are times, such as at work, when the only way I can carry is in a Smartcarry. It is very comfortable and is very well concealed. It may not be the fastest presentation, however, at least I have the weapon on me and not out in the truck.

I understand you are looking for opinions...Just choose for yourself which opinions you place value upon.

sensei



.

[Dorian]

I carry a fullsized USP 9mm Stainless in a smart carry daily.

It DOES print right on the butt of the pistol as in the pic above, but it really looks like I just have something in my pocket. Plus that's the price I pay for carrying such a large pistol in my pants :cool:

I wear tight shirts and loose pants, so anything that goes above my waistline would print the entire pistol outline.

I'm carrying the fullsize cause my USP compact .45 is at HK VA right now getting some modifications. The compact prints even less.

[Andrew Rothman]

The groin slung weapons pockets don't appear to precisely locate and secure a weapon. The "one size fits many/most" formula will likely lead to some amount of weapon shift.

Where to start?

First of all, the SmartCarry is fitted. It is available in four gun sizes, Left and Right, in any hip size (also in two colors). There are instructions of the site for measuring your hips (not waist) for a properly sized holster.

Also, it appears that the "belt" lacks any method of offering a consistenly repeatable weapon position.

The belt, made of elastic fabric and about 3" thick, goes all the way around your waist. The gun does not move at all laterally, and moves very little vertically. The same cannot be said of a normal belt or a holster which slides on it.

There is great concern expressed that CHL weapons should be "snag free" as many comments are made regarding the perils of a weapon being snagged when it is needed. How much is this problem compounded when we are grasping in our underwear for our defensive weapon?

Well, if you had looked into it, you'd see that only your pants are over your gun -- not your underwear, or your shirt, both of which are UNDER that holster. I see this as no different than reaching into a shirt, under a jacket, etc.

We are often reminded of the need to keep our fingers off the trigger until the target has been identified and acquired, yet many ND's occur. I, for one, don't want to experience an ND in my groin when I need to defend myself.

Silly.

The holster completely covers the trigger guard; you can't pull the trigger while holstered. Granted, you need to know how to handle a weapon, but the SmartCarry presents no greater particular hazard than keeping a gun at your kidney or under your arm.

I believe I will continue to use holsters.

I'd say that the SmartCarry/Thunderwear concept is just a different kind of holster, but I know what you are trying to say.

It's fine that this particular method of carry doesn't appeal to you, but since you've apparently never seen or tried one of these, don't pontificate about their imagined shortcomings.

Matt

[blue86buick]

When I see this holster, I wonder....how could it fit well when you're sitting? When I sit, the inseam of my pants seems to "pull up" to where it is snug...and there doesn't seem to be enough length between the crook of my legs/torso, and where the inseam curves down to the rear, to allow a pistol barrel to extend in that direction. That must be why they have a 60 day trial period, so you can try "before you buy"...see how it really works, how it fits, etc.

BTW, the pants I notice this in are Tommy Hilfiger carpenter jeans...not tight by any means, but not huge either. I imagine it'd be worse with dress pants.

[pytron]

As the owner/user of a SmartCarry (in fact, I'm wearing it right now) I'll throw in my experiences. I use it with my Republic Arms Patriot 45 (Slightly longer and taller but thinner than Glock 26/27)

Is it concealed?
Certainly. It is the best concealment holster I have (better than pocket carry with my P-32). I never worry about accidentally breaking concealment or if my shirt is riding up.

Is it comfortable?
Depends. I tend to wear pants with enough room to move comfortably, but I don't like the saggy look that is popular nowadays. So, for some pants, the inseam is too high and the gun pushes back against my gut. However, for others, I don't even notice that I'm wearing it. It depends totally on the pants. Since I have enough pants that work, I didn't send it back before the 60 day trial was over. If I didn't, I would just send it back without remorse. It also took me about two weeks to figure out at what height to wear it to maximize comfort.

Is it fast?
In a word: No. Compared to drawing from a Kydex OWB on your strong side kidney, heck no. But, is it reasonably fast, sure. I don't even think it takes very much practice to get pretty good at it. Obviously when you are in the car, it is more difficult, but so are most other carry methods. Just understand this particular limitation and you'll be fine.

Is it safe?
Without a doubt. The holster covers the trigger guard entirely and there is no danger of the gun falling out because of my gut and the top of the pants. When you draw, JUST LIKE WITH ANY OTHER HOLSTER, keep your finger off the trigger.



As mentioned before, there are certain drawbacks (sweat, needing a low inseam, speed) but you take those with the benefits (excellent concealment, ability to use with different pistols, ability to wear shirt in or out or none at all).

I can see why people bash these when they have never tried them. Honestly the holsters can look pretty foolish and seem to pointing at your gentials most of the time.

I was initially skeptical. I didn't really believe all the hype on the Smartcarry website, but I figured that I had nothing to lose by trying. I tried the Action-Direct Defender (belly-band) and I sent it back, so I have no qualms about getting rid of something that doesn't work for me. I kept the Smartcarry.

-Pytron