SOB Question

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Styx

Styx

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First, I already know all the "what ifs" about SOB carry. Falling on your back, maybe/possibly sweeping one's self, etc, etc. I'm not wanting to rehash that hear it hear debates on the merits of this method of carry and why you do not like it outside the scope of My question pretty please.

My main question is, for those of you who have or still do SOB carry, did you find that you had issues concealing your gun? Did it print and/or flash a lot?
 
I didn’t care for it because it always felt like my shirt was hiking up and exposing my pistol even if it wasn’t actually showing I am sure it was printing. If I had a jacket on it seemed fine.
 
I have carried SOB, but not regularly lately. My lower back has a hollow in just the right spot that aids concealment. I won’t do it if I know ahead of time that I’ll be seated for any big length of time, such as in a restaurant or at a similar function. Only if I know I’ll be on my feet without a lot of bending over.
 
Styx said:
My main question is, for those of you who have or still do SOB carry, did you find that you had issues concealing your gun? Did it print and/or flash a lot?
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I haven't carried that way for years (for the reasons mentioned above) but when I did it became very evident that I was carrying a gun every time I bent over.

That said, if the very legitimate reasons listed above aren't enough to dissuade you have at it.
 
I used to SOB back in the day.

As you mention that particular location was bad for printing under almost anything but a coat. On my body anyway.

What cured me of carrying that way was falling flat on my back. To say it hurt would be an understatement. For a second or two I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get up. (I did). That was with a Star PD in 45acp.
 
Prints as others have said. If you're doing it as intended a right handed shooter buys a left handed holster , then if (when) you don't like it you have one more holster in your box-o-holsters . it is more comfortable than appendix carry but less comfortable than 3-4:00 position IMO. I always felt like your gun could be taken much more easily too, around your back is tough defensively and if you end up flat on your back in a fight the manipulation gets tricky.
 
I played with some about 25 years ago. For me 6 o’clock was significantly a slower draw than 4 o’clock. Also the cover garment was more of a hassle to deal with when drawing and holstering.

I do find it comfortable while standing in an open carry situation. But I personally would not go out in public like that.

2DFE9AA7-ACEB-40EB-88AE-5A2491884267.jpeg
 
I tried SOB carry years ago and did not like it for the reasons already stated. I'm skinny and find that carrying at 3 O'Clock works best for me. I can even conceal a full size 1911 that way. What position you carry is a personal preference and there really isn't a right or wrong answer as long as you are being safe and have good firearm retention.
 
I tried SOB in the late 90s with a Kahr K9. It just seemed to weigh my pants down in the rear, just couldn't get comfortable with it. I was always aware of the gun every step I took. Yes, I had a good carry belt at that time, still felt odd.
 
Completely negating the risk of falling on your back and risking paralysis, I stopped carrying SOB for 2 reasons. Most importantly, I have back problems. And having a 1-3 pound mass of steel sitting on my spine made them worse. Second reason is it was harder to conceal. When carrying a firearm at the normal 3-4 or 8-9, rolls of your body help hide a firearm. The lower part of the rib and flair of the pelvic bone are biological areas that help hide a firearm. The small of the back is typically flat and makes bulges more pronounced...harder to conceal.
 
sparkyfender said:
I tried SOB in the late 90s with a Kahr K9. It just seemed to weigh my pants down in the rear, just couldn't get comfortable with it. I was always aware of the gun every step I took. Yes, I had a good carry belt at that time, still felt odd.
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Funny you should bring that up. I seen an inexpensive but quality used SOB holster on Ebay that I was thinking about getting for my Kahr K9.
 
I have LONG done something close. I use an IWB left handed holster for my 1911s carried on strong side just forward of spine. I like it since when I reach the grip is easily had by strong hand. So yes it will print if you do not dress for it. I often use just a shirt left out. They are of course bought one size larger to help. Most of the time I of course just do not care if someone "thinks" it may be a gun. Only time its been totally exposed is if the shirt was not long enough and I bent over to pick something up, or reaching under a shelf in some store to grab something. So SOB would of course be the same thing. You can learn to dress for it and get in the habit of checking when you get out of your car or get done reaching for something.
 
I tried it several times with different pistols and holsters. Issues like security and speed aside, like others have stated, I felt like the gun kept getting exposed. Although it was comfortable physically, I just couldn't adjust to it psychologically. I never tried it with a jacket though. I came to the conclusion that I have too much bending, crouching, other types of movement in my day to carry that way.
 
Reinz said:
I played with some about 25 years ago. For me 6 o’clock was significantly a slower draw than 4 o’clock. Also the cover garment was more of a hassle to deal with when drawing and holstering.

I do find it comfortable while standing in an open carry situation. But I personally would not go out in public like that.

View attachment 939291
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Galco holster? I saw the same holster on Ebay being sold used for cheap, so I just brought for ghits and siggles. I reckon I won't like it and will have the same experience other members had, but I decided to try it out anyway.
 
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Styx said:
Galco holster? I saw the same holster on Ebay being sold used for cheap, so I just brought for ghits and siggles. I reckon I won't like and and will have the same experience other members had, but I decided to try it out anyway.
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Yes, that is Galco. It’s very nicely made.
 
Reinz said:
Yes, that is Galco. It’s very nicely made.
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When E-bay first opened up shop holsters were one of the first things I found I liked them for. I had already been carrying for a long time by then. Like many CC'ers I had a box of holsters that were in great shape that I for one reason or another no longer used. I started putting them up for sale and they all sold. So then when I would want to try something new to me I would look there first. Often was able to find what I was looking for at a great price. Then if I got something I did not like or sold the gun it fit, into the sell box that one would go.
 
Alex Clayton said:
When E-bay first opened up shop holsters were one of the first things I found I liked them for. I had already been carrying for a long time by then. Like many CC'ers I had a box of holsters that were in great shape that I for one reason or another no longer used. I started putting them up for sale and they all sold. So then when I would want to try something new to me I would look there first. Often was able to find what I was looking for at a great price. Then if I got something I did not like or sold the gun it fit, into the sell box that one would go.
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Yea I still have every holster I ever purchased and that includes guns I traded or sold off. I really should look into finding them a new home or draw to sit in.

I always look up there or on gun forums for used holsters before I buy new. I usually get a great deal ($15-$40) on holsters that usually go 5 times at much that are still in great condition.
 
No. I never had problems concealing anything I carried that way unless I bent over pretty far at the waist.

This includes having carried a Ruger P90 back there, a Glock 19, and a S&W Shield. (Not all at once.)

When I carried the P90 I was on my feet all of my work day. Same for the Glock 19. I acquired the Shield much later, and it's so flat by comparison that it seems to virtually vanish in that position.

(Edited to add additional detail.)
 
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Not my typical carry method, but I have carried an SP101 that way; still do on rare occasion. As others have said, it prints unless under a jacket.
 
The holster came in today. I have to say that I actually like it so far. It prints some, but that's to be expected with a OWB holster. It's comfortable to wear (I only wore with around the house). The draw is easily within reach, and I don't sweep myself at all with this holster and the angle in which I unholster the gun. I can see myself wearing it this Fall and Winter with a jacket or sweat shirt. The only issue I see is that the holster does show when I sit down.

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I have two decent SOB holsters. One made by Alessi (I felt horrible when I sent a friendly email asking about its whereabouts and a young lady responded that the owner had died) and one by desantis. The Alessi is for a Walther PPS and the DeSantis is for a J-frame. For a quick trip out, it’s fine but a lot of work to put them on. But for all day, I liken them to the toddler who plays hide and seek by simply covering their face. There is a feeling that you can’t see it so no one else can. In reality, the lump is pretty noticeable and your clothing bunches. When I used to dress up for work, I tried SOB in a sport coat, thinking that if the coat pulled open, I’d be better off. I just looked like I had a lump in my back, especially while seated. Carrying 4:00 was much better.
 
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