Belly band users question

[wbwanzer]

First let me say that I can not carry where I live in the People's Republic of Maryland. I do have a Utah non-res permit that will allow me to carry in neighboring states, but the point being that it will be a rare occasion that I'll be able to carry. That being said, I bought a belly band holster at a gun show recently. I was playing with it and trying out positions around my body and drawing. It works extremely well with my S&W 3913. It doesn't work so well with my new FNX-9. Even with the gun situated in the two or three o'clock position it gets snagged up and doesn't want to come out. In the four or five o'clock position where it's being pulled out on more of an angle, it's almost impossible to get out. And if I'm lifting a shirt out of the way I can't be holding the belly band down to ease the extraction.

So I guess I'm wondering, has anyone else had this problem? Is it just a matter of getting a belly band that is maybe made to accomodate a larger pistol? Any insight is welcomed from belly band users with mid-size to larger pistols.

I realize that there are other types of holsters besides belly band. I have tried a few and have found the belly band to be most comfortable. It can be slid around. It can be placed up above the belt line almost in the rib area. It seems to be the most versatile and comfortable. And I don't have to almost take my pants off to install or remove an IWB type holster. Again, I am very inexperienced with holsters, but the belly band seems to have a lot going for it, although I would guess that a vast majority of carriers use 'real' holsters.

And remember, I could always just carry the 3913 in the band, but the FNX holds so many more rounds and it is a light weight pistol that I would love to carry when the oportunity arises. Taking a trip this summer through Virginia, N. Carolina and Tennessee to the Smokey Mts. Looking forward to carrying then. The FNX would be my preference but the 3913 will work if need be.

Thanks for any help.

 

[rocinante]

I just ordered one so I will let you know. I ordered mine a size or two too small for a girdle

 

[Beaux Nehr]

I used to use one on occasion when I was too lazy to snap on my proper belt and holster.

It is uncomfortable, and the draw from a bellyband is not a repeatable, learnable motion.

 

[Zundfolge]

I started off carrying a Steyr M40 in a belly band many years ago. Eventually I found that the constant pressure around my midsection gave me a horrible case of IBS (that went away when I discontinued use of the belly band).

Also I ran into many of the same problems you're running into, so there really are reasons why "...a vast majority of carriers use 'real' holsters."

That said, I did find that as the belly band "breaks in" it will become easier to draw from (of course it doesn't hold the gun as firmly at that point, but your pants do most of the work anyway).

If you really like the belly band way of carrying, I'd recommend you get a band for each gun you carry and then find someone that makes either kydex or leather holster bodies for your pistol and sew them in place.

I eventually sewed a used Don Hume IWB holster body for a Kahr MK9 into my belly band and found that it was great for times when I needed a super deep carry holster (and worked a lot better than stock).

Honestly I'm surprised some enterprising holster maker hasn't considered making belly bands with real holster bodies in them ... I expect they'd sell just fine.

 

[wbwanzer]

Zund thanks for the insight and suggestions. It is a wonder no one has developed the setup you are describing. I think it would sell well also.

 

[Onward Allusion]

wbwanzer
Belly band users question

Assuming you're right handed, try the 10 o'clock position - cross draw. Lift shirt with left and draw with right.

Belly-band holsters and ankle-holsters are better on opposite side of strong side, at least that has been my experience.

 

[BADUNAME37]

SmartCarry

I know someone who wears a 500 Magnum 4" barrel, concealed with the SmartCarry.
I'm sure baggie pants would be a must in that scenario!

 

[LightningMan]

I do use a belly band, which works really well for me, but I'm only trying to conceal a Kahr PM9 (subcompact pistol). I wear button down shirts with the tails tucked in, and I carry on my left side, with the guns muzzle just above my belt line. I'm right handed so I leave one button undone to make it easy to slip my hand inside if I ever needed it. I have practiced pulling it and can do so within a couple seconds. Works for me. LM