How many conceal carry full size auto pistols?

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I frequently do

with a good belt, designed for CCW, and a quality holster, it’s easy to carry a full size M&P or 1911
 
I am 6’6” tall and weigh 235# having large hands. I carry a Les Baer PII and it seems to travel well. I have tried the smaller framed stuff but it just doesn’t feel right to me - I favor larger/ heavier handguns but lighter/ compact hunting rifles - I am a confused soul!
 
I'm in plainclothes and mainly carry a Glock 35 on duty and off. On days when I'm feeling kind and gentle I'll wear a 1911. Anyway, for the Glock I have a Kirkpatrick Under Cover holster which keeps it high and tucked away, yet readily accessible. Utilizing the correct holster for your build makes all the difference in the world.
 
Restating my case.

I am 5'4" and weigh about 190 [ 48" jacket ].

So not being slim,and not being young = the fashion thing is NOT a consideration in the least.

I am retired LEO and that must shade my judgement a bit.

I have carried so many BUG's and primarys that I wont bore y'all with the long list.

But what I learned is IF [ or heaven forbid WHEN ] you NEED a rosco [ pistol for you young un's ] you will NOT EVER complain that its too big or holds too many rounds = I can promise that !.

So my choice at present is a G-23 converted to G-19 with Stormlake barrel and flat trigger and at the very least a G-19 spare magazine [ and if even a few miles from home , 2 spare mags and a BUG = S&W 340PD ].

I live in Western NYS,the range of temperatures is from COLD & snow to heat & humidity.

I dress to carry what I pray I wont need.
 
I am retired LEO and that must shade my judgement a bit.

But what I learned is IF [ or heaven forbid WHEN ] you NEED a rosco [ pistol for you young un's ] you will NOT EVER complain that its too big or holds too many rounds = I can promise that !.
I'm not an LEO, but I wonder if the LE (current or retired) concealed carrier may have a little different perspective than the non-LE concealed carrier?

For instance, as an LEO, if your gun, for whatever reason, temporarily becomes un-concealed, and you end up in an encounter with another LEO about your carry, you probably have more experience dealing with LE than the general population, and also as an LE, would probably expect professional courtesy in an encounter with your fellow officers.

Conversely, I suspect the typical non-LE concealed carrier is probably a little paranoid about the possibility of being spotted as a concealed carrier and really aren't looking forward to an encounter with LE regarding their carrying of a concealed weapon, regardless of how legal it may be.
 
I'm not an LEO, but I wonder if the LE (current or retired) concealed carrier may have a little different perspective than the non-LE concealed carrier?

For instance, as an LEO, if your gun, for whatever reason, temporarily becomes un-concealed, and you end up in an encounter with another LEO about your carry, you probably have more experience dealing with LE than the general population, and also as an LE, would probably expect professional courtesy in an encounter with your fellow officers.

Conversely, I suspect the typical non-LE concealed carrier is probably a little paranoid about the possibility of being spotted as a concealed carrier and really aren't looking forward to an encounter with LE regarding their carrying of a concealed weapon, regardless of how legal it may be.

Guess it depends on location. I've interacted with LEO a few times and informed them I was carrying (not required but I just handed my CCL over with my DL) and the response has always been. "Ok, thanks for telling me".

But then again around here you do see some open carry relatively often at the farm store
 
I have a few full size guns that I carry concealed off duty.
Glock 17
FNS9
S&W M&P 45
Glock 45
The key to concealing a full size gun is your holster.
Weather is another factor.
 
Yes. 1911s or a Sig P320 both in .45 with Sticky holsters. Feels great!
 
I'm not an LEO, but I wonder if the LE (current or retired) concealed carrier may have a little different perspective than the non-LE concealed carrier?

For instance, as an LEO, if your gun, for whatever reason, temporarily becomes un-concealed, and you end up in an encounter with another LEO about your carry, you probably have more experience dealing with LE than the general population, and also as an LE, would probably expect professional courtesy in an encounter with your fellow officers.

Conversely, I suspect the typical non-LE concealed carrier is probably a little paranoid about the possibility of being spotted as a concealed carrier and really aren't looking forward to an encounter with LE regarding their carrying of a concealed weapon, regardless of how legal it may be.
I am sorry in that I wish I could speak for all LEO's.

But retired now for 12 years,I see that many in the LEO community are VERY paranoid about either taking or NOT taking action.

I try VERY hard to CCW,as that makes for NO CONFRONTATIONS [ not had one yet ].

But I would actually expect a bit of courtesy from ANYONE that saw my CCW --- if that were to happen.

Reaching for items on upper shelf when shopping,or bending over = all are "moments" that need to be addressed BEFORE you "print".

I have even tried on clothing when I knew I would show,just went to the clerk and identified myself as a CCW'er [ not a cop ] and asked if it were ok.

In no state or store have I had a refusal --------- yet.

The one advantage of having carried constantly for so many decades,I will NOT ever reach for my gun if I hear a loud command to "FREEZE".
 
I’m the guy on the forum whose year round edc is a Beretta 92FS in a Milt Sparks Executive Companion holster. I have carried this gun and holster combination for three years now. I either Open or Conceal carry depending on the weather. Now that the summer weather is here I will Open Carry for the next several months. Technically my carry is more semi-open carry as it is iwb. I make no effort to conceal the grip and slide that is above my belt. When Fall arrives and I start wearing a jacket I still carry the same gun and holster. It just happens to be concealed because of the garment.

I have only seen one person notice my gun. It was a pharmacy clerk as I was picking up my meds. She didn’t say anything but kept staring at it. Mind you I was standing directly in front of her only 2 or 3’ feet away so it was very easy for her to notice.

I'm pretty much in the same boat. While concealment is quite easy, it's not always my first priority. The weight and size have never been an issue but I dress accordingly with a serious belt (Dickies!) and suspenders.
 
I ccw a G17 most every day even in the hot and humid deep south. I have at times gone to a G26 because of clothing constraints, even J frame pocket carry for such reasons. one thing I have on my side is that in this region of the country people are less likely to panic if they see an inadvertent glimpse of a holstered handgun on somebody not "looking suspicious" and minding their own business for the most part.
 
OP update - I purchased a Beretta 96A1. I tricked it out a bit and have been shooting it pretty regularly. I love it. I discovered an important part of the carry equation is the belt to which the holster is attached. I picked up a Kore Essentials Tactical ratchet belt that keeps the holster snugged up against my body really well.
 
It's DA/SA by the way, just saying. Carry on. Interesting thread, no advise due to not willing to carry a g19 IWB. I'll stay with my SAxde/ xdsc.
 
OP update - I purchased a Beretta 96A1. I tricked it out a bit and have been shooting it pretty regularly. I love it. I discovered an important part of the carry equation is the belt to which the holster is attached. I picked up a Kore Essentials Tactical ratchet belt that keeps the holster snugged up against my body really well.
Congratulations on finding something you love! Yes, the belt is a very big deal. It's the foundation of your whole carry system, assuming you carry at your waist.
 
Congratulations on finding something you love! Yes, the belt is a very big deal. It's the foundation of your whole carry system, assuming you carry at your waist.

Indeed it's equally important to holster design. With a good belt (mines a RDR) and a Vedder Light Tuck I can carry almost anything reasonably well under a t-shirt.
 
yes. I carry full sized often and extra mags on my belt. all kinds. I find no issue doing it due to my body shape. my wide shoulders and thinner waist can hide the printing from any gun even a hk usp45 tactical and fn 5.7, govt 1911, cz75/85/sp-01, beretta 92, sig p226, etc you name it. now bending over gets tricky. have to squat to not print.

during the week while I tuck shirts in I carry pocket pistol. I used to tuck shirt iwb carry a glock 19 though. just decided I preferred a pocket pistol.
 
You single action guys, Colt, Browning, etc. carry cocked and locked or cock it when you're ready? Those miniature Sigs that are so popular seem especially impractical if not actually dangerous. All that fumbling sure is glamorous...(sorry :)
 
You single action guys, Colt, Browning, etc. carry cocked and locked or cock it when you're ready? Those miniature Sigs that are so popular seem especially impractical if not actually dangerous. All that fumbling sure is glamorous...(sorry :)

Proper hand placement swipes that safety naturally.
 
You single action guys, Colt, Browning, etc. carry cocked and locked or cock it when you're ready? Those miniature Sigs that are so popular seem especially impractical if not actually dangerous. All that fumbling sure is glamorous...(sorry :)
When I carried a 1911, it was cocked and locked.
 
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