Full size concealed carry rigs.

Thunderwear.

Dual wield Desert Eagle.

Winning!



Just kidding.

A lot depends on body type. So what works for one person might not be ideal for another.

That being said, I've got a Kramer horsehide IWB holster for a 1911 that I bought 25 years ago. It does great, and still works great after all this time. I also like the Crossbreed Super Tuck that I use for a full-sized Glock.

Don't go cheap on the belt. You want a good stuff one, preferably one designed for holster use. It's part of the overall system, and does make a lot of difference.

Look into alien gear holsters, i have the cloak tuck 4.0 and carry a sw sd9 with no problem, really in love with how comfortable this holster is i can carry all day with no problem

Not quite a full size rig. 1911 officers model. The owb holster is a Bianchi 85, the mag holder is by G code. The hybrid iwb holster is by Foxx, it's a cheap knock off, I didn't want to spend a lot on a hybrid, and decide I didn't like it. I couldn't have been more wrong about the hybrids. When it wears out I will get a better one. The belt is by Volund gearworks, good stiff gun belt, I highly recommend them. I also recommend looking at G code. I am very happy with this setup.

frogfurr said:

I do know it's expensive to experiment with holsters.

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Ergo, the ubiquitous "holster drawer" that most of us have...

With a lose shirt or jacket this work for me

I spent a summer concealing a Ruger SR45 in a T-shirt.

A good belt and holster was very important. I get good results from an original alien gear hybrid holster.

I don’t have that pistol anymore, but now I carry a G19 aiwb which I find conceals well as long as my belt is up to the task. More and more I find that the belt is the deciding factor.

Glock 17L with TLR-1HL IWB every day for me. 5’8 & 250#

That's a ... uh, a lotta gun to pack inside the pants ...

I think the guidelines in 'ATLDave's #15 posts will lead you there.

I had to develop my approach in California where an alarmed person could lead to my losing my permit.

A stiff belt, IWB carry, a dark top made of fabric that won't cling or conform helps.

Mr. Ayoob had an article in the late 90's (Guns Magazine, April 1996 "Practical Tips for Concealed Carry") that discussed bending at the knees, reaching high with weak hand and more. Too bad he can't republish it.

Winter. I spend much of it in a coat. Good belt and a good holster holds my Glock 41 just fine.

To be honest, the average public are a bunch of rubes. You could open carry and they would never spot it. I could care less if they notice the slight bulge on my hip, if I take my coat off for a bit.

Old Dog said:

That's a ... uh, a lotta gun to pack inside the pants ...

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I barely notice it anymore, most of the time I almost forget I’m carrying it.

Im going to carry this under a sport coat.

I've always had problems trying to carry larger guns. I guess I'm a wimp but my body shape (larger love handles) the added weight and having something digging into my side all day just wasn't fun and of course I started leaving my gun at home and that's unacceptable.

I started getting more serious about making an effort because I truly want the most firepower I can sensibly carry. I started buying shirts that came down a little farther, purchased a good sturdy gun belt, and tried several holsters. It's still a fluid process but a 1911 in a Crossbreed supertuck is relatively comfy. OWB seems to open up a lot of options if the weather dictates being able to dress around it. I have carried my Glock 20 in a Desantis OWB holster and as long as i stay conscious that its on my hip as i bend over or reach out i believe its nearly impossible to see with a jacket on.

So I've came a long way but have not settled on my full size carry so I'm glad to come across this thread. Very useful info. Thanks

I'm not a big dude by any stretch of the imagination (5' 7" and 130 lbs) and I wear a lot of tailored clothing (suits, slacks and dress shirts, more form fitting polos and sweaters, etc.) and I find that there are a few keys to effectively and discretely carrying a full sized gun when I'm so inclined. As a point of reference, the full size guns I'll occasionally carry are a Sig Sauer P226 and an HK P30L. Thing one, get a good GUN BELT. I use a Wilson Combat gun belt and it does the job well. Also use a good quality IWB or OWB holster that hugs the gun close to the body and distributes the weight well. I opt for IWB carry and very much like the Blackpoint Tactical Mini Wing Holster for this. I have one for my P226, P229 and P30L. It's an excellent holster that's comfortable to wear all day and not bulky. Lastly, dark clothes are your friend, they'll tend to break up the outline of the gun more effectively than lighter colored clothing.

Nope, I wear the gun at 3:30 or so and so long as my belt is snug it stays put and once you find “the spot” to carry it, it is almost like you aren't carrying.

bullseye308 said:

Nope, I wear the gun at 3:30 or so and so long as my belt is snug it stays put and once you find “the spot” to carry it, it is almost like you aren't carrying.

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Look at the photo -- a good deal of the gun's weight is on the hips, not on the belt.

I use a 1.75" bullhide belt from thebeltman.net. Best $80 I ever spent, custom made to measurements 10 years ago, and I still use it daily. Galco IWB royal guard holsters take care of a Glock 17/22/30 for me. I attempted a S&W 686 6" with boot grip in a Simply Rugged IWB pancake and it works - but only when standing.