A question for Massad Ayoob.

Status
Not open for further replies.
TimboKhan

TimboKhan

Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2005
Messages
8,178
Location
Greeley, CO
This question is specifically intended for Massad Ayoob, but obviously anyone can weigh in on it.

In Combat Handgunnery, which I will admit that I have not completely finished, there is a photo along with the mention that carrying a gun loose in the waistband is "never the best idea" (p. 107). Yet, in one of your reviews in, I believe, American Handgunner, a while back, you mentioned that you carried the gun you were reviewing in your waistaband. As I recall it was a Taurus CIA or something similar. So, I guess my question is, what do you really think of Mexican carry, does your opinion differ between autos and revos, and so on.

For me, I carry my CCW piece, a Taurus 605, loose in my waistband almost exclusively for a few reasons. First and foremost, I think it is just as safe as a holster with that particular gun. When I put it in my waistband, my thumb guards the hammer from moving, and so there is very little danger of a accidental discharge. Second, I am a very big guy, and mexican carry just suits me better. I can draw smoothly, and wear the gun longer and more comfortably. Finally, it is much easier for me to "reholster" the gun in the event that I need to do so. I do own an Uncle Mikes 76001 ITP holster, and while that holster is fine, I find it difficult to reholster. That is directly attributable to my size as opposed to the holster.

So, anyway, I am curious to hear a more definitive view from you. It works for me, and I haven't had any problems in the couple or so years I have carried that way. But, your the expert and I am really interested to hear your opinion.
 
He has posted under his real name. Also to orig question.

"Combat Handgunnery, .., there is a photo along with the mention that carrying a gun loose in the waistband is "never the best idea" (p. 107). Yet, in one of your reviews in, I believe, American Handgunner, a while back, you mentioned that you carried the gun you were reviewing in your waistaband. .... So, I guess my question is, what do you really think of Mexican carry, does your opinion differ between autos and revos, and so on."


Did he say he was not using a holster? There are (dang near) a million types of holsters. Bare gun (What is often called Mex. Carry) is normally not recomended. I like most here have done it on occasion. Same for back pocket carry/jacket pocket carry.
2am outside alarm goes off/pounding on door. I pulled pants/sweatshirt and grabbed gun/flashlight and took look. It was Police so gun went into back pocket and found out *** is going on. Have used Mex carry if I needed to go outside and not sure what is going on. For safety reasons I doubt anyone would (recomend) it to anyone else.
Danger level is fairly low. But more then a holster and MUCH more then correct holster.
 
Larry,

In the picture in Combat Handgunnery, there was not a holster, no. The picture itself reveals that. In the article, yes, he specifically said "mexican carry", a point which I now realize was not made particularly clear. I remember that mainly because that was the first time I had ever heard that term.

Also, I just want to make sure that it's really clear that I am not challenging Mas Ayoob or anything, so much as it is I would just like clarification one way or the other. I would hate for my question to sound like I am trying to catch him in a lie or something like that...
 
The problem with no-holster waistband carry is that the gun can slip downward through a pantleg and end up on the floor. Or when a person is sitting under some circunstances it can be pushed up and then fall out of place. If one uses a inside-waistband holster they will have most if not all of the advantages of "Mexican carry" without the associated hazzards.
 
On rare occasions (fewer as I've gotten older) I've carried loose in the waistband for short periods of time. For reasons already well articulated by others in this thread, it's never the best idea.

There have been times I rode without seat belt fastened. That wasn't too swift, either...mea culpa.

Best,
Mas
 
There have been times I rode without seat belt fastened. That wasn't too swift, either...mea culpa.
Click to expand...
I recently purchased a copy of your edition of Combat Handgunnery, and found it very helpful. I'm primarily an NRA Conventional Pistol competitor and handn't shot two handed much in the past twenty years. The techniques illustrated in the book greatly improved my two handed shooting, especially with my Glock 22. Prior to reading it, my Glock was almost uncontrollable with 180gr. Blazers. Afterward, my accuracy at 21' and 50' went up greatly. Thanks for a very useful training tool. I have since loaned it to my boss to study from after his recent purchase of a new Springfield XD9.
 
On rare occasions (fewer as I've gotten older) I've carried loose in the waistband for short periods of time. For reasons already well articulated by others in this thread, it's never the best idea.

There have been times I rode without seat belt fastened. That wasn't too swift, either...mea culpa.

Best,
Mas
Click to expand...

If the choices are "Mexican" and going without, and that one 15 minute outing to the mini-mart just happens to be "the day"...

First rule of gunfighting, have a gun.

Here in WI, that means sending a check to Dick Baker for the WCCA/WCCM. I gotta get cracking. :D
 
When working in the yard, thanks to my neighbor who has (1) a short fence and (2) two pit bulls, I carry a stainless ruger P90 in a pocket... The waistband thing just doesn't work well for me, and I don't wanna do the holster thing while mowing the grass.
 
DirtyBrad,

With my thumb covering the hammer, there is no way for the gun to fire. In other words, even if the trigger was pulled (which is unlikely, but not impossible), my thumb would keep the hammer from coming back to begin with, thus preventing a discharge.
 
When working in the yard, thanks to my neighbor who has (1) a short fence and (2) two pit bulls, I carry a stainless ruger P90 in a pocket... The waistband thing just doesn't work well for me, and I don't wanna do the holster thing while mowing the grass.
Click to expand...
On those rare occasions when I get an unexpected ring of the doorbell, I always stick my Chief's Special in my hip pocket. I always tuck my shirts in, so Mexican carry would just be open carry for me anyway.
 
Wow! It's really neat that Mas reads these boards and replies as well. Thanks for taking the time to reply!
 
Yeah...it's awesome we have a resource to ask such an incredibly knowledgable and bona fide fire arm guru questions. Anybody know any other gun "celebrities" that post here? Clint smith, or ken hackathorn, somehting along those lines?
 
Anybody know any other gun "celebrities" that post here?
Click to expand...

Dave Chicoine is my father, if that counts. Not that I can compare to his 30 years of experience, but check out his website in my signature to view some of my restoration work. It has been a wonderful experience growing up around someone so knowledgeable about firearms, history, and gunsmithing. My only regret is that I didn't follow in his footsteps right out of high school. I went into the USAF, then into auto mechanics. I have worked with him in his shop of and on since I can remember, but now I am trying to work with him more, as I see it can be wonderful career. I am David "T".
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

T
  • Locked
Massad Ayoob?
2 3
Replies
72
Views
10K
Japle
Japle
harrygunner
  • Locked
"35 Years of Concealed Carry" by Massad Ayoob
Replies
7
Views
1K
harrygunner
harrygunner
B
  • Locked
The latest from Massad Ayoob
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
Al Thompson
A
B
  • Locked
Has Anyone HEard or Read Massad Ayoob Say this....?
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
TexasRifleman
T
M
  • Locked
Massad Ayoob, guns, and a dinner, too!
2
Replies
40
Views
3K
Monkeyleg
M
Back
Top