New to CCW. Looking for Rig.

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BravoGorilla

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Hey, guys. I'm new to the forums. I had a question I figured some of you guys might could give my some input on. Currently, I'm 20 years old, but my birthday is in November. At that time, I'd like to get my CCW. I've been shooting since I was a kid and have plenty of firearms knowledge and a good bit of experience, mostly with military surplus weapons, though (M1 Garand, 1911, Makarov, Nagant, etc.). As such, when I was about 13, My dad got me a Bulgarian Makarov. I've loved the thing. Shoots great and I've never had a jam out of it. Anyway, since I'm gonna be reaching that magical age of concealed carry soon, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a rig as the military flap holster seems a bit... unsuitable. Just a little information that might help, I'm about 6' tall and heavy set so IWBs tend to be a little uncomfortable, though I'm not opposed to the idea. My usual attire is a t-shirt with either a light jacket or dress shirt thrown over it. The Makarov is a very popular carry gun around where I live so I know it can be carried relatively easily, I just haven't found anything that quite suits me. It's a great little handgun, though and I highly recommend it. It's done great on the range and even the one time I had to grab it during a perceived self-defense scenario (long story), everything has functioned as it should and I've always felt comfortable knowing I have it in case something happens. Anyway, any input on the matter would be great. Also, I'm a bit on the broke side these days, so something that won't break the bank or cost more than the handgun itself would be preferable. Thanks
 
I'm 20 as well. In De you can get your CCW at 18, although I just got mine.

I use a Glock 23 and IWB Crossbreed Holster and don't change my atire really. Just get a little bigger pants to account for the IWB holster.
 
In my opinion, holsters are a lot like shoes.

Everyone will develop their own preferences over time.

I personally can't stand IWB holsters and choose to carry outside the waistband.

I also don't like the stiffness of kydex, or the non-support of those "one-size-fits-all" nylon holsters, so I go with leather OWB.

You might have your own personal preferences. If you don't, due to your newness to CCW, like a pair of shoes, you will eventually figure out what is comfortable and what is not.

I would reccommend, for someone starting out, a solid belt with a thumb-break OWB holster at 4 or 5 o'clock. (I personally don't like thumb-breaks, but I developed the dislike over time. You may prefer the retention it offers.)

The belt is as much part of the "rig" as the holster is. You can have a high-dollar, top of the line holster, and it won't work worth a crap tied to a pair of sweatpants with some string.

You will find that, with your above stated cover garments, you most likely won't have a problem concealing. If you do, and don't want to convert to an IWB, simply buy longer T-shirts, or learn to incorporate untucked and unbuttoned, button-down shirts into your wardrobe.
 
Thanks

I've heard a lot of good things about the Crossbreeds. So far, my biggest problem has been finding a holster that fits both me AND the Makarov. Walther PP holsters are a little finicky due to the slight differences in size, weight, and trigger guard. Any recommendations, specifically for the Makarov?
 
I have had every kinda holster under the sun. I started making holsters myself because I would pay my money, wait forever, and then not be pleased when the holster arrived. This is what I make for concealment, and it is my best seller and what i use everyday. I do not like a leather holsters, cross breed is nice and i have one fro my xd, but the kydex shell is not good enough for me. It is not rigid enough to rach the slide on, not a hard enough point, and that is my biggest gripe. It also happens to be something that is a must have for me in a holster of any kind. The below holster happens to be the most comfortable all kydex holster that I have ever had.

Ludus Magnus IWB. 15 degree cant, no body shield, and 1.5" IWB tuckable loops. Of course you can order it anyway that you want it.
DSC_0037.jpg
 
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