New to CC, how to drive comfortably?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I carry IWB or OWB at 2:30-3:30. I'm right handed and the gun fits between me and the seat belt buckle. It isn't terribly accessible though.
 
I carry a 1911 commander in a Raven holster. Most of the time it is ISWB at the 3:30 position and have no problems. Quick access is not the best and I may change to an appendix carry for long tips. I have actually thought about getting a Bond Arms derringer and a driving holster but still just thinking.
 
The classic argument of carrying a gun comfortably or carrying it for comfort.

I've come to the conclusion that carrying a gun IWB while driving can be an uncomfortable proposition regardless of where on your hip it resides. Additionally, I've found that quick draw while seated and carrying IWB is also a pretty tough proposition.

The only compromise I've found is to remove the gun from my hip and place it in another holster either between the seats or the center console. Otherwise, I just deal with the slight discomfort and drive on.
 
I've found that smaller guns are almost always easier and more comfortable to concealed carry. I only carry full sized handguns in the winter, and even then I find a large gun bangs against things more than a small gun. A question to the OP, have you tried carrying a single stack sub compact? If you try a few different sub compacts you may find one that you shoot as well as your 92C. I know the 92 is called a compact, but compared to some other options the 92C is a HUGE gun.

These day's I mostly carry a Kahr P380 in my pocket, or a Sig 938 IWB at 3:30. After getting used to these styles of carry both are very comfortable for me in most of my daily activities..

As far as carrying in the car goes, both of these methods are comfortable to me, but not the fastest to draw. The P380 in a pocket is darn near impossible to get to. I can draw the 938 from 3:30 with a strong shifting of the hips, and lots of core strength, but even with practice it's tough to do. When I go on road trips I carry in a shoulder holster. Very comfortable, enables a very fast draw while seated and wearing a seat belt. Plus I don't have to take the gun off and on every time I get out of the car. I know a lot of people dislike shoulder holsters, but it works well for me. Maybe give it a try.
 
I once had a job (such as it was :rolleyes:), where I had to drive to hospitals at O dark thirty. The "solution" for me was cross draw IWB. I could get to it in the truck, with the seat belt on.
 
GDownRange said:
I've found that smaller guns are almost always easier and more comfortable to concealed carry. I only carry full sized handguns in the winter, and even then I find a large gun bangs against things more than a small gun. A question to the OP, have you tried carrying a single stack sub compact? If you try a few different sub compacts you may find one that you shoot as well as your 92C. I know the 92 is called a compact, but compared to some other options the 92C is a HUGE gun.

These day's I mostly carry a Kahr P380 in my pocket, or a Sig 938 IWB at 3:30. After getting used to these styles of carry both are very comfortable for me in most of my daily activities..

As far as carrying in the car goes, both of these methods are comfortable to me, but not the fastest to draw. The P380 in a pocket is darn near impossible to get to. I can draw the 938 from 3:30 with a strong shifting of the hips, and lots of core strength, but even with practice it's tough to do. When I go on road trips I carry in a shoulder holster. Very comfortable, enables a very fast draw while seated and wearing a seat belt. Plus I don't have to take the gun off and on every time I get out of the car. I know a lot of people dislike shoulder holsters, but it works well for me. Maybe give it a try.
Click to expand...
No, I have only tried the 92C. I don't own many small handguns, I have a lot of pistols but most are full sized. I have a Bersa Thunder but I don't really like or trust the gun. I might try carrying it though, just to see how it does.
 
Like zaitcev, I recommend a shoulder rig. Mine is an Alessi Bodyguard (horizontal). My pistol is small, but one of my friends carries a SIG X5 Competition in his Bodyguard. Yes, he's a big guy.
 
I carry in a shoulder rig, so any activity requiring 'sitting' presents no problem for me.

Some form of 'cross draw' might solve your problem, or IF your State allows....remove your weapon and place it somewhere easily accessible in your vehicle when driving.
 
1. What size are you?

2. What size is your vehicle?

I'm 6'3" and 320 lbs. I carry a 4" 1911 at 1500 with no problem while driving a Tahoe with bucket seats and my Ram 2500 with bucket seats. If I were to attempt the same in a Honda Fit I'd have a problem.
 
I like to carry right at about 2 o'clock and find that is a reasonably comfortable spot for my CCW to be while driving. If I need to I'll slide it over more towards 3 o'clock for more comfort.

This works for me IWB and OWB from everything from a little Glock 26 to a 1911.
 
I have had great luck with various belly band holsters. Still, my 92FS isn't super comfortable when driving but it is the best method I have found short of unholstering it and putting it in my center console.
 
Cannibul said:
1. What size are you?

2. What size is your vehicle?

I'm 6'3" and 320 lbs. I carry a 4" 1911 at 1500 with no problem while driving a Tahoe with bucket seats and my Ram 2500 with bucket seats. If I were to attempt the same in a Honda Fit I'd have a problem.
Click to expand...
5'11 220. I drive a BMW M3.
 
I carry a full size Colt 1991A1 IWB, at about 4 O'Clock.

This seems to fit right into the space formed by my body, the sest back, and the seatbelt buckle on my 2005 LeSabre.

Carrying a full size pistol requires thought when it comes to where and how to carry it. There are many factors which go into this, and quite frankly some people don't want to hear about all those factors.

For example, sometimes a particular size/shape handgun just isn't going to work out well for some dress codes or environments. Trying to force the issue, or live with it, simply means being miserable at best, in pain at worst.

Sometime body size/shape has a lot to do with what will and will not work. If you're carrying extra baggage around the hips and waist, that directly impacts what you can carry and how you can carry it.

It could be that what works for me in my car simply won't work in your car due to your car's configuration.

I recommend taking your holstered gun off, then sitting in your car with the seatbelt on. Then test fit the holstered gun in various places to see where, if anyplace, it may fit between you and your car's seat and seatbelt. If is doesn't...then you'll have to change SOMETHING . Maybe it's just not possible with the way your seat and restraints are built. Maybe you need to consider a different holster or handgun. Maybe you need another holster style that lends itself to easy removal (with your gun still holstered) and later donning again. Maybe dropping some weight over the next few months is the answer.

Heck, maybe a different vehicle is the way to go.
 
I would try some of the suggestions and positions with the Bersa, while sitting in your driveway (since you don't trust it). If it is more comfortable and accessible than your 92, then you can look for something that size. A new pistol is often cheaper than going through a dozen holsters trying to make a gun do something that it was not intended for.
 
I've been trying the Bersa and it is certainly easier to carry. I think I'm going to have to buy another, smaller pistol. It sucks, I have both versions of the Wilson Berettas and I shoot them both so well that I was hoping to carry the compact.
 
Flintknapper said:
I carry in a shoulder rig, so any activity requiring 'sitting' presents no problem for me.

Some form of 'cross draw' might solve your problem, or IF your State allows....remove your weapon and place it somewhere easily accessible in your vehicle when driving.
Click to expand...
What do you wear to cover the shoulder rig?
 
eazyrider said:
What do you wear to cover the shoulder rig?
Click to expand...
Depends upon the time of year (weather).

I live in the great state of Texas, so it is HOT about 8-1/2 months out of the year. A light cover shirt or vest (when things are informal) serves my purposes.

We are also an Open Carry State now and depending upon circumstance, I will carry that way too. More often concealed...however.
 
Flintknapper said:
Depends upon the time of year (weather).

I live in the great state of Texas, so it is HOT about 8-1/2 months out of the year. A light cover shirt or vest (when things are informal) serves my purposes.

We are also an Open Carry State now and depending upon circumstance, I will carry that way too. More often concealed...however.
Click to expand...
I live in Houston so I feel you on the heat. When you say vest, do you mean like a part of a 3 piece suit?
 
My 3 1/2" M1911 is fine at 3:30-4:00 IWB, at least for short to moderate drives.

Work doesn't allow carry, so it's in the glove box during the week anyway. It's easier to get at there anyway.
 
Cannibul said:
Sometimes referred to as a "Shoot me first!" vest.

Since I'm retired and have a very strong aversion to formal events I just wear a light button up shirt from Academy. They conceal my Commander sized 1911 quite well whether carried IWB or OWB.
Click to expand...

Or maybe a "you should pick a softer target vest"? ;)

But, yes.. vests, fanny packs, even a light shirt over a shirt can ALL be tale tell signs (potentially) of someone carrying.

To the practiced eye, none of those things would even be necessary. My advice, carry how ever you need to, use situational awareness to the degree it is prudent and keep your weapon in a state of readiness (read.. a round in the chamber).
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Cygnus
  • Locked
I want to carry, but...
2 3 4 5
Replies
106
Views
10K
SSN Vet
SSN Vet
F
  • Locked
Anyone have experience with belly holsters
Replies
20
Views
1K
rolltide
R
Skribs
  • Locked
Tips for increasing comfort when carrying IWB?
2
Replies
30
Views
7K
Skribs
Skribs
D
  • Locked
What are some good ways have a concealed but accessible handgun while driving?
2
Replies
39
Views
2K
Mannlicher
Mannlicher
H
  • Locked
hybrid IWB comfort around 0300?
Replies
12
Views
1K
RussellC
R
Back
Top