[Nick1911]

I'm ready to start carrying. All red tape is aside, I got the permit, I got the gun (Sig P239) All i need is a holster and a LOT of reassurance. The thing that's bothering me is how can I be confident that someone won't come pu behind me, draw my gun and shoot me? I guess what I'm asking is, how do I go about doing it safely?

Of course on the other side what's bothering me is that last week I got charged by a rottweiler while on vacation walking person I was staying with's dog.

Just thinking aloud... Sorry if it's not really cohearent. What should I look for in a holster? I'm going IWB.

Thanks,
Nick

[tcdrennen]

Milt Sparks VersaMax II

[P95Carry]

Nick ....... as far as ... "someone won't come up behind me, draw my gun and shoot me?" .... if you are concealed .... and situationally aware .... this is almost impossible and unlikely.

Without being paranoid or even showing excessive and obvious furtiveness .... you can train yourself to scan your environment efficiently .. make use of peripheral vision .. use reflections .. just be alert. Practice it.

Choice of holster? You may get many recommendations ..... but I am strictly OWB so no specifics from me. I would tho say that what you choose or find must be comfortable ... and make for good retention but easy access and draw... then once you settle on a rig .. practice .. practice draw ... practice competance with the piece. be proficient and at ease with your own proficiency. If you are unsure and uncertain ... you need more practice.

Oh and did I say ... practice .... a lot!

Finally - please remember your need for taking this responsibility of carry with seriousness and dedication. As we all should.

[Nick1911]

Nick ....... as far as ... "someone won't come up behind me, draw my gun and shoot me?" .... if you are concealed .... and situationally aware .... this is almost impossible and unlikely.

I figured as much. More then anything I'm trying to anticipate any problems before I start carrying; and that was sticking out in my mind. After I find a sutiable holster and get settled in and comfortable with what I'm doing, (and yes - that'll involve LOTS of practice! :D ) I'm pretty sure that these concerns will seem un-warrented and pretty trivial. Thanks for hearing them out none-the-less.

Milt Sparks VersaMax II

I'll give it a look-sy, thanks

Nick

[Josey]

Only one IWB choice for me. Galco horsehide.

[P95Carry]

I'm pretty sure that these concerns will seem un-warrented and pretty trivial. Thanks for hearing them out none-the-less. No prob's Nick ... I and I'd wager most here, want you to set out on your ''carry career'' with utmost efficiency, confidence and safety.

It matters not what you ask or even how often .. however dumb you might think questions to be ... just ask. I am as keen as anyone that you and those like you start on right foot .... it matters.

Stay safe.:)

[itgoesboom]

Nick,

Trust me, if you get a good holster, and practice carrying, nobody will know. I have a good friend, who knew I carried, and I was helping him move. I bumped into the wall, next to him, loud "thunk" sound, from my pistol hitting the wall. He never noticed.

Later on, when he and I were talking guns, and he asked about my CHL. Even after telling him that I was carrying, what to look for to determine if someone is carrying, and telling him where I was carrying, he was unable to see my pistol on me.

And he is a smart, observant person. Most people aren't.

Just get a good holster, Comp-Tac, Milt Sparks, Alessi, etc.

I.G.B.

[Amish_Bill]

In the waistband.... one of the tuckable holsters from Tucker Leather (http://store.yahoo.com/rlcompanyusa/tugu.html). I've tried "The Answer" and liked it alot. I'm prbably going to be buying the all-leather Texas Heritage or Tecas Heritage Plus.

On the belt - I'm a big fan of High Noon Holsters (http://highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/product_line.html) for on the belt holsters. The Sky High is my current choice.

Someone coming up from behind and drawing your weapon? Not very likely... You'll have some sort of cover garment over it, right? Unless you're trying to carry a Desert Eagle in a duty holster under your shirt, it's likely most people will never know.

Don't picture a uniform holster when you think about carrying - CCW holsters (if done right) keep the gun in tight to your body.

[Treylis]

The thing that's bothering me is how can I be confident that someone won't come pu behind me, draw my gun and shoot me? I guess what I'm asking is, how do I go about doing it safely?

While I would say that's basically an unfounded fear--and in any halfway-decent holster, a 1911 is going to disappear on someone's body--you always could look for a rig with retention straps.

I prefer OWB myself, so I can't give you any advice otherwise, I'm afraid.

[Valkman]

You can't go wrong with any of the holsters listed here - personally I have Spark's VM2 and Brommeland's belt, mag/flash pouch and Max Con V holster. Gary Brommeland is especially helpful to people who call and are new to carrying - he'll spend all the time you need to explain what works and what doesn't. Great guy.

Brommeland Gunleather (http://www.brommelandgunleather.com/)

[hnm201]

Kinda off topic. But I think that if you shot a rottweiler in the situation you described and you'd have lost your CCDW. The rottweiler probably wasn't charging you, but was charging the dog you were walking. In which case it's probably best to let the dogs work it out, even if it means that fluffy gets chomped. I suggest that in areas that for dogs you carry a whistle and pepper spray and a bright light. But don't take my advice on this. Please call your local PD and ask them specifically about situations involving dog attacks or threats.

[Nick1911]

Dominic, in retrospect that's true, but at the time it sure scared the crap out of me. I had walked the dog passed there for the last few nights, and the rottweiler and his buddy - a German Shepard always came running up to the fence and barked and growled, and I just think "stupid dogs" :rolleyes: . However this night was different. I'm walking the dog down the road, and as I'm walking I notice some movement in the brush - then I saw him. The rottweiler was crouched down, waiting, watching. So I think "S&%#! Ok how am I going to handle..." but about then the dog charged.

So I drop the leash for the miniature poodle, thinking "sorry guy" and beat feet out of there!

And you guessed it. the rottweiler came flying up to the dog I was walking, they stood there and looked at each other point plank for 10 seconds; then the rottweiler walked off. :confused:

And about 10 minutes later I stopped shaking.

back on topic, thanks for the holster recommendations.

Nick

[dev_null]

Once you have a holster (another vote for the VMII, btw), try carrying around the house a day or so until you feel confident. I was worried that I'd either have the gun fall out or be exposed. Wearing it all day around the house not only proved it was secure, but that I could trust carrying it in condition one. Avoiding exposure is generally on my mind but not as obsessively as when I started. Frankly, the constant tugging on my shirt tail was more of a possible giveaway than the gun itself!

- 0 -

[Nick1911]

That's a great idea dev_null! I can get comfortable carrying it about for a day or two before I go outside.

How does sitting down work for these? I'd think that It'd push the butt/grip out, exposing it from under the shirt; I'm guessing that this is not the case? (probably what a good holster solves, right?)

Nick

[Flashpoint]

Nick,

Whatever you get make sure that it has a guard to protect you from the hammer. I too have a p239 and only carry it OTB because the hammer gouges me in the side when I use the IWB holster I have. I have a friend that is thinking about buying my Sig from mebut if he doesn't them I going to give PCRCCW a call and talk to him about one of his new holsters. It can be seen on this (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83263) thread.

[hnm201]

In line with Flashpoint's recommendations, an excellent holster is

http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/_Slide_Guard/_slide_guard.html

Roger that on the Rottie. Been there. It's terrifying.

[Flashpoint]

That "excellent holster " Dominic mentioned is the same one I use to carry my p239. It rides high and close, but I prefer IWB as long as my pant have the room to spare ;)

[dairycreek]

And IMHO you are going about learning how in just the right way. Can't help but responding to your concern--

The thing that's bothering me is how can I be confident that someone won't come pu behind me, draw my gun and shoot me? I guess what I'm asking is, how do I go about doing it safely

Others have already responded and have given you good advice. Let me add a bit. Remember - concealed means concealed!!! It is up to you to carry in such a manner that your concealed weapon remains .concealed until you want to take it out.

IMHO the most effective concealed strategy is an IWB holster on an excellent belt - one that is sufficiently strong and stiff to hold the gun, distribute its weight effectively. Do not overlook getting a good gun belt.

A holster of which I am particularly fond is the FIST #1 clip holster. www.fist-inc.com It has a metal clip which, while it is absolutely secure, allows for the gun and holster to be put on and taken off without having to undo your belt. It sure works for me.

With your gun effectively concealed on the right belt in a good holster it should acessible only to you. Good shooting;)

[dev_null]

How does sitting down work for these? I'd think that It'd push the butt/grip out, exposing it from under the shirt; I'm guessing that this is not the case? (probably what a good holster solves, right?)
Not a problem with a good holster, whether the VM2 or another of equal quality. I can wear a fullsized 1911 all day -- in the car, walking around the mall, shopping at the bookstore, or whatever -- and damn near forget it's there. I've gotten in the habit of squatting down when looking at something on a low shelf, rather than bending over, which is better not only for concealment but also for my back, not to mention a better balance for situational awareness. Only caveat is watching that my shirt doesn't ride up when getting out of the car or straightening up from the aforementioned hunker. Now, if I could just control this obsessive tugging at my shirttail... :cool:

One note on holsters -- most well-made holsters are tight when you first get them. That's as it should be, because they loosen a bit with use and you don't want to start just right and get sloppy from there. Just follow the maker's directions for acclimating the holster to the gun and you'll be fine. I spent my first week drawing and reholstering a bunch of times and it was soon a perfect, and I do mean perfect, fit. Now, two years later, it's still perfect. That's a good holster.

One more note on the VM2 and I'll shut up about it. I know that there are many good designs from first rate makers out there. When I initially asked about holsters (on TFL, if I recall), I was deluged with suggestions to get the VersaMax. I bought one from Craig at Lightning Arms Sports and it was one of the best investments I've made yet. Craig is a standup guy and instead of a several month wait I had my holster in my hands in less than a week. In fact, I've just ordered another one from him for my SIG P232.

- 0 -

PS: One more thing: get a good belt. I bought a Don Hume, doubleweight two years ago. I'm still using it. Getting ready to buy another, not because this one's worn (it isn't), but because I'm tired of switching them out between work clothes ("business casual") and jeans.

[kidcoltoutlaw]

versa max 2 great stuff i have 4 of them love there work,thanks,keith

[Majic]

If you choose an IWB or OWB holster make sure you get a quality belt. The two make up a system and will greatly add to your comfort.

[Nick1911]

If you choose an IWB or OWB holster make sure you get a quality belt. The two make up a system and will greatly add to your comfort.


Are there and qualities in particular I should look for in a belt with carrying in mind? I’m guessing that wider (like 1.25” to 1.5”?) and probably leather of a good make? My current one is about an inch wide and made of Italian leather; and has held up to a good three years or daily use…
Thoughts?

Nick

[Majic]

It's not so much the width as it is the thickness and strength of the leather. A gun belt will support the handgun and holster holding it close to your body with no movement. A normal belt, in time, will allow the rig to sag under the weight and the handgun will then begin to bounce and move around. Thsi will make carrying tiring and uncomfortable in short order. You want your handgun firmly in place, moving with your body, and in the exact same position should you ever need to draw it.