What carry setup for a construction site?

[lwsimon]

I've recently decided to seek a master's electrician's license, and am really enjoying the work so far. I'll be turning 21 soon, and want to be ready. Do any of you carry during the day on a construction site? I vary from commercial jobs - parking lot lighting, new construction on office buildings, stores, and remodelling existing stores - to people's homes. Currently, as an apprentice, my attire consists of carpenter's pants, a sturdy leather belt, and either a button-up shirt or a worn t-shirt. As I progress in skill and position, I will be wearing heavy slacks and a tucked polo. I don't wear a toolbelt, I carry a toolbag, and the pockets on my carpenter's jeans carry dykes, screwdrivers, linesmen, etc. I have a multitool pouch on my belt, and occasionally a battery drill holster. What should I look at buying, and please provide either links or pricing. I'm still poor, and I'm saving up for a good 1911, so I need to know about how much I need to tack on for carry gear.

O, and in advance - thanks for the advice, o wise elders

 

[Derby FALs]

My anytime carry is a Kel-Tec P3AT in a pocket holster. Lint buildup is a problem.

 

[WT]

At a construction site one is more likely to die from a fall than a shooting.

 

[George S.]

I would not carry while working at a construction site for a few reasons. First, you will probably be moving and twisting a lot during the work day. This will cause rubbing on the body and maybe lead to irritated skin surfaces. Sweat will not help a leather holster. Also if you are reaching up or out with your arms, there is a chance that your outer clothing may ride up and display a carry gun or at the very least print. You would expect this with lighter weight shirts and especially tee shirts.

Then as an electrician, I would certainly not carry a metal gun! There is always a chance of brushing a hot wire or even a hot panel and I don't think that would be conductive ( ) to good health.

Even if you never wear a tool belt, carrying the extra tools in different pockets and the additional weight of something like a 1911 and holster adds to the load you have on you. At some point that gets tiring. And you may change to a tool belt at some point depending on the specific task you may be doing.

At the sites you describe, I would think that the only people around you would be your company co-workers and/or other trades people and not necessiarly the general public. This might be a bit "safer" environment if the job site is not open to anybody just walking past. And carrying in a private home where you are working may cause problems with the customer if you are found out. You could be working at the home of an anti and if they see a gun, a quick phone call to your boss may be the end of your job.

 

[HiWayMan]

I also work on construction sites. I carry a Beretta Bobcat .25ACP in an ankle holster most of the time. Work boots help to keep the setup nice and high without chaffing. I do a lot of drainage work and carry it mainly for snakes and vermin. My bosses might not be pleased to know I am carrying while on the clock so discretion is the word of the day. In a pinch a neck lanyard may be used, or the same lanyard may be used to suspend it down a pant leg. The ankle rig was some cheapie I got out of Sportsman's Guide for I think like $9. Hope this helps.

 

[Stoney]

Most of the sites I work on are posted at the site job trailer as no carry allowed.So if you do decide to carry, best keep it real low profile.Like George S suggests, it could end up costing you your job.

 

[clown714]

hey sparky

been in the trade for over 17yrs :banghead:

usually carry a kimber ultra carry in a talon tactical paddle.
no tool belt of course,but easy to put on or remove.
many jobsites are posted

i've also found that the NAA mini-revo. are quite nice and
I,just slip it into a dedicated slot in my tool pouch.

another thing you might find that works is a small of the back(sob)
rig that works.used to carry a 5 shot revo. that way
and it didn't get in the way of my tool belt.but thats me though.

it's really a matter of too many different variables(stature,etc.)

I,seem to carry on alot more commercial jobs than anything else.

it's really a matter of what works for you.
simple trial and error.

but one thing i'm sure of is,

just like any other tool,

buy quality!

but,i'm sure you know that

just my $.02.

and i hope it helped

clown

 

[AK103K]

I work in heavy construction and carry a Combat Commander IWB with a double reload OWB, usually under a untucked oxford type shirt(summer) or sweatshirts/fleece in the winter. I wear a tool belt off and on during the day and its no problem. You definitely need kydex instead of leather if you sweat a lot and want to go IWB. You also need a good gun belt. The Wilderness Instructors belt works great and you can use it to tie in in pinch if your up in the air. I help my buddy on the side from time to time who is an electrician, and I usually just wear what I wear to work(I'm not an electrician by trade or by any strech of the imagination ) Most of what he does is residential upgrades and some new residential and commercial work. I've never had trouble hiding my gun, even when raising my arms or bending over. You become used to whats going on around you and sub consciously do what you need to to keep it hidden. Most people on the job, or anywhere else for that matter, are not looking to see if your wearing a gun and no matter what type of job you do, your gun will print at some point, I dont care how good you think you are or try to be. Just dont act like your wearing a gun and you'll be fine. We are not supposed to have weapons of any kind, according to our company manual, but they all say that for the most part, its just CYA and their lawyers. Most of the boys I work at least have a gun in their trucks and a couple wear one, but you never know when, and no one asks, except when it looks like you might just want to have one handy at the time and then its "...uh, you got something with you?".

 

[R.H. Lee]

You could do one of those t-shirts that has the built in pocket under the arm. I don't remember the name.

 

[AK103K]

I think your thinking of the Kramer Confidant. Its a mesh undershirt with a holster pocket under each arm. I have one and it works well for certain times, but I dont think you would want to use it for this type of work or if your very active and sweating a lot. It works best with smaller guns, like a PPK, etc, but you can carry a 1911 on one side and your double reload in its carrier in the other pocket, all under a tucked in and buttoned full cut dress shirt. Its also best to order it one size smaller so things dont flop around. They aren't very expensive, so if you think it might be what your looking for, your not out a lot if it doesnt work out, and I think you'll find a use for it anyway once you have it.

http://www.kramerleather.com/

 

[dbracin]

I would suggest pocket carry. There are very good affordable pocket pistols available today. North American Arms, Kel-Tec and Seecamp, just to name a few. Order a pocket holster from Ron Graham or RJ Hedley and you will not be disappointed. Just dedicate the strong side front pocket to this special "tool".

 

[Derby FALs]

I've carried Kel-Tecs since the P-32 first came out. Right front pocket and no one knows unless I tell them.

 

[ExtremeDooty]

I started a thread yesterday about needing my gun on a jobsite and not having it. You just never know when trouble will come your way, especially working residential construction.

I solved the carry problem on a jobsite by buying 5.11 pants and a Nemesis pocket holster. The 5.11 pants hold up well to construction wear and tear and frequent washing and have plenty of pockets to put stuff in. I carry either a Bersa or Taurus 605 in a back pocket (except for yesterday). There's even a cell phone pocket that will hold most mags.

Ditto on get a good gun belt. RafterS is my favorite.

 

[carebear]

Same way I carry everyday, much like AK103K, my commander IWB.

 

[Jordan]

We need to petition Occidental Leather (best tool belts ever) to start making a holster line.

 

[The_Antibubba]

Accuracy is most important

As all the gun rags will tell you, what you want is a tackdriver!

 

[Sunray]

"...seek a master's electrician's license..." Deal with one thing at a time. Get the license first, then worry about other things. Get the ticket. Forget about everything else.

 

[Bainx]

Dear God, by all means, carry on the job if you possibly can.
Don't listen to some of the elitist above.
Think double action only and you will be OK.

 

[rdbrowning]

If you start out with a Small Of Back carry and you bend over like most electricians (and plumbers!) aren't you going to end up with a Smell Of Butt Crack carry?