comfortable driving w/ concealed gun?

[yhtomit]

OK, this is one of my persistent newbie questions: How do you ("how does one") drive with a concealed carry gun? I want to take advantage of my permit when I can, this summer especially.

I've tried to simulate geting into / out of my car with a gun by using a realistic-sized Airsoft pistol, and feel a bit foolish -- how do people do this comfortably? Small of back? This is fine when standing or in a backless chair, but sure seems to jab me when sitting down in a chair with a back.

And with a less centered carrying position (10 or 2 oclock) ... I'm still trying to figure out how to not be uncomfortably jabbed.

Note: No, I haven't been doing this with a holster -- a Kel-Tec P11 is likely in my future, but until I get the right CCW gun, I don't want to buy a holster. But the airsoft gun I'm using has dimesions very close to that of the P11, and the holster will only make things bigger, eh?

This is making me want a Miami Vice style holster / harness! Drawing in a car sure seems awkward -- even getting out a wallet from a rear pocket at toll booths isn't easy, which is why I like to keep my toll money in the center console.

Perhaps there are videos online that show me how others do this ... but any advice in the meantime? Is this why people like to recommend J frames and pocket carry?

timothy

 

[Shadowangel]

Crossdraw works well for driving in cars.

 

[SWModel19]

IWB at 4 O'Clock. Even though I am a big guy, it sits comfortably in the crux of the seat just behind the seatbelt latch. No problems.

Or, if I carry a compact, it is a pocket pistol. Again, being a big guy, I have big pockets. No problems for me.

 

[CB900F]

Yhtomit;

I've been carrying in a vehicle for decades. What works for me is: The Milt Sparks executive's companion IWB, Inside WaistBand, holster and an H&K USPc pistol. I got the belt and holster as a matched pair, having the right belt is important.

900F

 

[Stickjockey]

OWB 4:00 seems to work fine for me.

 

[Lennyjoe]

If you IWB, look for a holster with a body shield. It helps keep the pistol from digging in. Same can be said for a OWB as well. Either way, I wear a tee shirt under anyway.

 

[helpless]

Carrying is always going to feel awkward at first especially while getting in and out of a vehicle. After a while it is a non issue.

 

[Ala Dan]

Either IWB or OWB at 4 o'clock works for me; but a seatbelt adjustment may
be required by some of the pack'in crowd.

 

[pax]

You're not going to get a good idea trying it without a holster. A holster and a solid belt are utterly necessary for comfort as well as security.

I carry my Glock 26 IWB, in the appendix position (between belly button & strong side hip). Never been uncomfy in a car and could draw if I needed to. YMMV, of course -- every body is different.

pax

 

[tank mechanic]

I always carry IWB at four oclock with with my american express gun( don't leave home without it). I have found that this is a huge PIA to draw while sitting and strapped in. My solution was to have a another gun in the car that is easily accessible. This makes the draw time a lot quicker and I am not fighting a seat belt and trying to bend and contort while sitting in the seat.

 

[gregma]

I carry my Beretta 92FS OWB in a SERPA at 3:00. It was slightly uncomfortable for about 15 minutes, but now I don't even notice it.

Thanks!
Greg

 

[Cheeseybacon]

I pocket carry my GLOCK 26 in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster and really the only significant complaint I have when driving is the fact that my gun sometimes interferes with my ability to move the gearshift into the proper gear (I absolutely refuse to own a car equipped with automatic transmission). I'm a pretty big guy and thus my legs are already pretty close to the shifter anyway, so having the gun in my pocket just makes it that much worse. I could probably solve this problem quite easily by getting a roomier car or losing some weight (which I should be doing anyway, carrying issues aside).

 

[IllHunter]

What you wear helps,

NRA has a new under shirt for ccw see http://www.NRAstore.com Please post if you've tried this shirt or any like it. I think I might need 1 in each color!! (5.11 Tactical Holster Shirt)

 

[WeThePeople]

If I am driving around town, my carry remains in place. If I am going out of town, my carry goes under something on the seat next to me if permissible by the state in which I am. Check your local laws before doing that!

 

[RevolvingCylinder]

"Get out of" during the summer? I just simply stand up and throw a leg over it and I'm off. It's not much different than if I were to sit in a chair.

As I'm usually wearing my riding jacket(even during the summer) concealment is a non-issue. Plus I'm not wasting gas with a 30 mpg gas-guzzler and then whining about gas prices.

So I can't really give you any helpful advice. Sorry.

 

[beaucoup ammo]

yhtomit, so many variables and preferences! I favor a cross draw leather Bianchi for my KAHR P9 at 4 o'clock...or velcro / cloth "Kangaroo" under the left arm for my "Airweight" Smith 637-2.

As others have mentioned, once you make your choice (remember you'll be living with this) your mode of carry will become second nature. In South Texas, in the summer, the Airweight .38 Spcl in the cotton Kangaroo holster will make tomorrow very comfortable as we're fixin' to head to Rockport to get some trout!

 

[Rumble]

Honestly, no, I have never been entirely comfortable carrying while driving. Sometimes it's quite uncomfortable; usually it sits right around the level of "I know it's there but it's not terribly bothersome at the moment." I consider it one of the inconveniences of carrying.

 

[Lashlarue]

Horizontal shoulder rig in the winter is fine, in warm weather, I just put the pistol on the seat next to me. My backup a 22wmr derringer stays in my front left pocket.

 

[1BLINDREF]

Try an ankle holster if you are wearing long pants. Its quite easy to draw when you are sitting in a car. You can pull up your pant leg over the butt of the gun when you get into your car to make it that much faster to draw. If you are wearing shorts, go with a cross draw holster.

 

[PH/CIB]

I carry in Cargo pockets, Glock 34 in right cargo pocket, two Glock 33 round 9mm magazines in left cargo pocket and never have any problem in cars driving or going to the bathroom or sitting in a chair for long period of time. http://handgunholsters.net

 

[swingcatt]

Strong side hip (or 4 o'clock, as others call it) is the only way to carry a full size auto. It is comfortable to drive with everyday. Xdraw and s.o.b. are all bad news. If you carry a small frame auto or snubbie, you then have the option of pocket carry, which I also recommend to students. - SC

 

[Daemon688]

I do IWB every day with a P239 SAS in a Cochise Defender from K&D holsters. There was a pretty long wait for it, but it was totally worth it. The holster itself is very comfortable and well made. I carry it at a 1 o'clock position and it works for me. In the car, I just lift up my shirt and tuck it behind the holster for easy access.

 

[MD_Willington]

Could try a Ross Leather #M23 Driving/COB Holster


Here's one:

http://www.ccwsupply.biz/RossM23DrivingHolsterPAGE.htm

I just use my IWB or OWB, works in my Toyota PU, Chrysler Concord & Town & Country minivan...

 

[Biker]

Ankle.

Biker

 

[budney]

IWB at 4:00. You quickly develop the habit of sitting in such a way that it doesn't dig in.

For ease of draw, an ankle holster is worth a look. A "car gun" is probably a bad idea, if it means leaving the gun in the car where it can be stolen easily. Better to carry on your person, even in the car.

--Len.