best way to conceal carry
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There's as many methods and options as there are people with permits. Just have to find what works best for YOU. What kind of gun is also a big factor, as is your size, type of dress, etc.
Most folks agree to avoid small of the back (SOB) holsters and ankle holsters, and most seem to like inside the waistband (IWB) holsters.
Personally what works for me is a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster for my .38 snubbie, and a 1.75" Beltster for my 1911's. But that's just me.
One that seems to be very popular and extremely well-made is the Milt Sparks Versa Max II (VMII) IWB holster. I have one, and it's a great piece of leather, but I'm too fat to wear it comfortably. Be advised there's usually a several month wait for them though, and they're weapon-specific. A VMII for an Officer's size 1911 WON'T work for a full-size 1911, for example. They're tightly formed and fitted to your particular model of pistol. Many other options out there though.
Another huge factor is you MUST have a top quality heavy-duty gun belt to support whatever system you choose. The best holster in the world won't work well with a regular old belt.
FWIW - this is a Beltster....
This is MY Beltster with an Officer's size 1911....
This is my Beltster with a ful-size 1911....
Conceals well under a fat-boy shirt....
He makes these for any pistol you want. Perfect solution? No. The muzzle is exposed to bang on things, and the rivets on your jeans will mar the slide. But I remove the rivets, and I don't carry my expensive guns around. I don't mind if my carry pistol gets scarred up, it's a working gun IMO, not a safe queen.
Like I said, this works for ME. It's very comfortable, conceals very well, rides nice and snug against my side, and grips the pistol very tightly. I've never had a problem with it coming loose. I do recommend the 1.75" size over the 1.5" size.
Most folks agree to avoid small of the back (SOB) holsters and ankle holsters, and most seem to like inside the waistband (IWB) holsters.
Personally what works for me is a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster for my .38 snubbie, and a 1.75" Beltster for my 1911's. But that's just me.
One that seems to be very popular and extremely well-made is the Milt Sparks Versa Max II (VMII) IWB holster. I have one, and it's a great piece of leather, but I'm too fat to wear it comfortably. Be advised there's usually a several month wait for them though, and they're weapon-specific. A VMII for an Officer's size 1911 WON'T work for a full-size 1911, for example. They're tightly formed and fitted to your particular model of pistol. Many other options out there though.
Another huge factor is you MUST have a top quality heavy-duty gun belt to support whatever system you choose. The best holster in the world won't work well with a regular old belt.
FWIW - this is a Beltster....
This is MY Beltster with an Officer's size 1911....
This is my Beltster with a ful-size 1911....
Conceals well under a fat-boy shirt....
He makes these for any pistol you want. Perfect solution? No. The muzzle is exposed to bang on things, and the rivets on your jeans will mar the slide. But I remove the rivets, and I don't carry my expensive guns around. I don't mind if my carry pistol gets scarred up, it's a working gun IMO, not a safe queen.
Like I said, this works for ME. It's very comfortable, conceals very well, rides nice and snug against my side, and grips the pistol very tightly. I've never had a problem with it coming loose. I do recommend the 1.75" size over the 1.5" size.
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Hungry Seagull
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You MIGHT go through SEVERAL different methods before finding THE method to carry that works for you.
It's going to cost you a few dollars and trial/error.
My issue is the gun. It's about as big as it gets and very hard to conceal. That is MY problem.
I can throw on a large jacket in 120 degree August Summer and conceal it on the hip and look totally like a dork or a pending ER call.
Or I can bury it with the smart carry down near the jewels and walk like I ride horses all the time. My own wife didnt know I was carrying when I did the walmart walk with her until she noticed I had a limp that wasnt there prior to arrival at the store. (Whoops....)
Or I can stick it in a pair of pants 2 sizes larger than my waist and wriggle that gun inside the waist band holster and make it fit. But it makes for a one hell of a Print and makes me appear to be suffering flatuence, diaherrea or other bodily function problems of a severe nature.
Not to mention the weapon flopping all over the place like a cowbell alerting every LEO in ear shot.
Or I can hang it under my arm pit and walk like a bird with bent wing. Someone is going to wonder why I sweat wet on one side of shirt and completely dry on the other while working the land in 135 degree weather.
Or I can tie it to ankle and pretend Im under GPS Survillence by the Authorities or dragging a cannon ball.
Or I can shove it into the large pants previously mentioned and drop a large shirt over it. Hopefully the damn thing wont clatter to the floor in the checkout line.
That is about all I got.
Oh yea. Learn something new every day.
Just the other day Im standing on that doctor's scale and nurse was going... hmm... you gained an awful lot of weight very quickly.....
WHOOPS!!!! TIME to fix that little problem QUICK before the REAL Exam starts. They dont even know Im packing and I plumb forgot the damn thing was there. So I asked where the bathroom was. Packed everything into the jacket and throw it all into the car saying that it must be getting a tad hot these days.
They bought it all without suspecting.
It's going to cost you a few dollars and trial/error.
My issue is the gun. It's about as big as it gets and very hard to conceal. That is MY problem.
I can throw on a large jacket in 120 degree August Summer and conceal it on the hip and look totally like a dork or a pending ER call.
Or I can bury it with the smart carry down near the jewels and walk like I ride horses all the time. My own wife didnt know I was carrying when I did the walmart walk with her until she noticed I had a limp that wasnt there prior to arrival at the store. (Whoops....)
Or I can stick it in a pair of pants 2 sizes larger than my waist and wriggle that gun inside the waist band holster and make it fit. But it makes for a one hell of a Print and makes me appear to be suffering flatuence, diaherrea or other bodily function problems of a severe nature.
Not to mention the weapon flopping all over the place like a cowbell alerting every LEO in ear shot.
Or I can hang it under my arm pit and walk like a bird with bent wing. Someone is going to wonder why I sweat wet on one side of shirt and completely dry on the other while working the land in 135 degree weather.
Or I can tie it to ankle and pretend Im under GPS Survillence by the Authorities or dragging a cannon ball.
Or I can shove it into the large pants previously mentioned and drop a large shirt over it. Hopefully the damn thing wont clatter to the floor in the checkout line.
That is about all I got.
Oh yea. Learn something new every day.
Just the other day Im standing on that doctor's scale and nurse was going... hmm... you gained an awful lot of weight very quickly.....
WHOOPS!!!! TIME to fix that little problem QUICK before the REAL Exam starts. They dont even know Im packing and I plumb forgot the damn thing was there. So I asked where the bathroom was. Packed everything into the jacket and throw it all into the car saying that it must be getting a tad hot these days.
They bought it all without suspecting.
wnycollector
Member
90% of my CC is done with an IWB holster. WIth IWB, I have carried my SIG P220 or Ruger security six sunb comfortably with cargo shorts and a t shirt. If your ccw is a J frame S&W .38...the job is even easier! When I hike/camp or canoe I carry OWB either in a safepacker or a simplyrugged sourghdough pancake.
Also +1 on the 1 size larger pants suggestion. That is the best way to make IWB work.
Also +1 on the 1 size larger pants suggestion. That is the best way to make IWB work.
BlacklabelOP
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I pocket carry my LCP
Small of the back or IWB for my sp101
Depends on clothing.
Small of the back or IWB for my sp101
Depends on clothing.
I'm a fan of IWB myself. Though I only rectnly started carrying, I have no comfort/printing issues using a Don Hume IWB holster with my SW Sigma 9VE. It fits the gun perfectly, and conceals with little more than a slightly oversized T-shirt. I've done the "Walmart walk" wearing a t-shirt and jeans and/or shorts without so much as a second thought. Comfort wise, it takes a day or two to get usedto, but really isn't bad after that. You know its there, but its certainly not overly uncomfortable.
FLORIDA KEVIN
Member
I like carrying in the small of my back
I usually carry a glock 30 in right handed inside the waist holster either in the small of my back or or at about 7 o'clock (I'm lefthanded ) and find it very comfortable and secure ! I can also easily reach it while driving and it conceals well with just an untucked t-shirt ! I know police dont like small of back because of potential back injury if they fall on it !and some say they dont want to sweep anyone with the muzzle ! I dont know how they draw but I dont see the problem !Kevin
I usually carry a glock 30 in right handed inside the waist holster either in the small of my back or or at about 7 o'clock (I'm lefthanded ) and find it very comfortable and secure ! I can also easily reach it while driving and it conceals well with just an untucked t-shirt ! I know police dont like small of back because of potential back injury if they fall on it !and some say they dont want to sweep anyone with the muzzle ! I dont know how they draw but I dont see the problem !Kevin
indiandave
Member
You have been given some excellent already. I would add that it's good to dress around your gun. If it is cold out and you are wearing a coat you can carry a big gun OWB. In the summer wearing shorts and a tee shirt pocket carry with a small gun may be in order.
Like davek1977 and wyncllector said you can carry IWB alot of the time. I buy LL Bean comfort waist jeans where the waist expands a couple of inchs. Every thing else on the jeans fits me well (not baggy). I wear a one size larger tee shirt or a 5.11 button down shirt untucked.
As others have said buy a good holster and a good gun belt. you will do fine.
Like davek1977 and wyncllector said you can carry IWB alot of the time. I buy LL Bean comfort waist jeans where the waist expands a couple of inchs. Every thing else on the jeans fits me well (not baggy). I wear a one size larger tee shirt or a 5.11 button down shirt untucked.
As others have said buy a good holster and a good gun belt. you will do fine.
Concealability is overrated. People are way too wrapped up in their own lives to pay attention to any bulges under your clothes. Nobody’s looking for guns. They’re oblivious. Unless you're a supermodel or on fire, you don't have to worry about a close inspection.
I carried a M-29 Smith in an OWB holster and 2 speedloaders under a Hawaiian shirt for a few weeks just for fun. The thing stuck out a mile. Felt like half a steel grapefruit hung on my belt. Obvious as hell. No one noticed a thing.
I like a Glock 19 in a Kydex paddle holster with a spare mag (Glock 17+2) and a light in another paddle on the left side under a Hawaiian shirt. P3AT in the left front pocket.
If anyone asks you what you've got under there, the correct response is:
Have you ever seen a colostomy bag?
Would you like to?
I carried a M-29 Smith in an OWB holster and 2 speedloaders under a Hawaiian shirt for a few weeks just for fun. The thing stuck out a mile. Felt like half a steel grapefruit hung on my belt. Obvious as hell. No one noticed a thing.
I like a Glock 19 in a Kydex paddle holster with a spare mag (Glock 17+2) and a light in another paddle on the left side under a Hawaiian shirt. P3AT in the left front pocket.
If anyone asks you what you've got under there, the correct response is:
Have you ever seen a colostomy bag?
Would you like to?
hardluk1
member
Madjohn It as more about how you dress and what you carry than asking a general whats best question. If you are going to carry a mid to large size handgun then you will have to carry on your beltline and then have to cover . If you carry a smaller pistol or revolver you can carry in a pocket and or ankle or someother much more hide'n way. I am a t-shirt kind of guy so i have been carry'n in a front pocket and if carry'n a second gun in an ankle holster for 26 years. I have a 13oz 38 revolver and a teltec 9mm that are my new carry guns from a tomcat and heavy 38. Just decide how you will dress and see if you can carry the way all the time and live with out changeing much what comes as normal to you. Moveing that gun around could get you hurt when you need it and it has been moved to a new location because of clothing change.
texas bulldog
Member
i go with IWB, even with tiny guns like the ruger LCP. this is partly just because all of my pockets are well-spoken for with all the other stuff i carry everyday (no, i'm not a mall ninja).
i also carry in the "appendix" position, which is about 1 or 2 o'clock. some folks aren't comfortable with that, but it doesn't bother me. just make sure that either the trigger guard is covered (duh) or it's an SP101 with its million-pound trigger (for that, i use a clipdraw). hasn't been a problem, and i don't anticipate it being one in the future. that position conceals way better for me than the more common 4 o'clock carry.
i really envy the guys who say they can conceal a full-size 1911 without any printing at all. i don't know if it's my build or clothes or what, but that just ain't working for me, regardless of where on the "clock" i locate the holster. i keep trying to find something with more capacity than my SP101 that will conceal as well. i'm thinking a glock 26 or maybe 36 will be my next bet. a 27 might work too, but i'm not looking to add a caliber right now.
i also carry in the "appendix" position, which is about 1 or 2 o'clock. some folks aren't comfortable with that, but it doesn't bother me. just make sure that either the trigger guard is covered (duh) or it's an SP101 with its million-pound trigger (for that, i use a clipdraw). hasn't been a problem, and i don't anticipate it being one in the future. that position conceals way better for me than the more common 4 o'clock carry.
i really envy the guys who say they can conceal a full-size 1911 without any printing at all. i don't know if it's my build or clothes or what, but that just ain't working for me, regardless of where on the "clock" i locate the holster. i keep trying to find something with more capacity than my SP101 that will conceal as well. i'm thinking a glock 26 or maybe 36 will be my next bet. a 27 might work too, but i'm not looking to add a caliber right now.
Hungry Seagull
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Japle, +1 on people not really inspecting.
No one gives a *&^&%^ on me who is fat, with a gut hanging over the belt buckle which happens to contain the gun's handle in addition to my other gun.
But show up as a pretty or whatever as a young adult you will be inspected pretty close. Kinda hard to hide such a big gun on a body that has not yet finished maturing or filled out yet. Age has it's advantages.
I have said hello and excuse me walking right past armed LEO's in close store shelves in the smaller places and they have had no idea that I was armed.
That means the clothes for the weather was slightly bigger but all things considered the Walmart Walk plus the LEO encounter without raising his suspictions... pretty much passes your concealment course.
One thing I forgot to mention. When I first put on the gun, I walked funny, acted funny, accomodated the gun too much, wriggled too much, moved around too much, touching the gun too much and did everything wrong.
It will take weeks of daily wear in the right holster before YOU forget that the gun is there and you actually look natural.
Only then you are ready for your walmart walk.
No one gives a *&^&%^ on me who is fat, with a gut hanging over the belt buckle which happens to contain the gun's handle in addition to my other gun.
But show up as a pretty or whatever as a young adult you will be inspected pretty close. Kinda hard to hide such a big gun on a body that has not yet finished maturing or filled out yet. Age has it's advantages.
I have said hello and excuse me walking right past armed LEO's in close store shelves in the smaller places and they have had no idea that I was armed.
That means the clothes for the weather was slightly bigger but all things considered the Walmart Walk plus the LEO encounter without raising his suspictions... pretty much passes your concealment course.
One thing I forgot to mention. When I first put on the gun, I walked funny, acted funny, accomodated the gun too much, wriggled too much, moved around too much, touching the gun too much and did everything wrong.
It will take weeks of daily wear in the right holster before YOU forget that the gun is there and you actually look natural.
Only then you are ready for your walmart walk.
I am 22 and pretty well built so that probably helps, but as i said, I can carry a full sized 1911 in about 4 to 5 o'clock and not print at all.. now, that doesnt mean it wouldnt be seen if I had to bend down for some reason but even then, bending primarily at the knees, it would be minimal. with good posture my upper back extends quite a bit over my lower back. with a good holster that holds the gun close to the body at the correct angle, a large gun is quite comfortable even while sitting and cannot be seen under most conditions.
obiwan1
Member
Mad:
The above is all good advice. It all depends on your size/body type, the gun that you carry, and how you LIKE to dress.
That said - I'm 6', 210lbs and relatively fit. My H&K P2000 goes practically everywhere with me OWB in jeans/Dockers under Hawaiian shirts (all silk at Costco for about $20). When it can't, I go to either a Jframe in pocket, KT P11 in pocket, or Kahr K40 in bellyband or Thunderwear.
Most people are in their own world anyway. You can carry a Ma Deuce and no one would notice.
The above is all good advice. It all depends on your size/body type, the gun that you carry, and how you LIKE to dress.
That said - I'm 6', 210lbs and relatively fit. My H&K P2000 goes practically everywhere with me OWB in jeans/Dockers under Hawaiian shirts (all silk at Costco for about $20). When it can't, I go to either a Jframe in pocket, KT P11 in pocket, or Kahr K40 in bellyband or Thunderwear.
Most people are in their own world anyway. You can carry a Ma Deuce and no one would notice.
doc540
Member
The Smart Carry is appropriate for some body types and deep concealment purposes (especially when you simply CANNOT risk exposure of your handgun).
Just another option to consider. Not for every body type and every situation, but for some it works very well.
Just another option to consider. Not for every body type and every situation, but for some it works very well.
deputy tom
Member
"Hawaiian shirts"
As I've said in the past,the brighter/louder the shirt the bigger the gun you can hide.Holster choice is up to you.YMMV.tom.
As I've said in the past,the brighter/louder the shirt the bigger the gun you can hide.Holster choice is up to you.YMMV.tom.
DFW1911
Member
I think this is probably the most overlooked advice in carrying: I agree 100%.
I mainly carry OWB and every so often IWB. It's probably going to take some time to A) get used to carrying a firearm and B) finding a way to carry that works for you.
Oh, and you'll probably start a nice holster collection during your search for the "right" one!
Welcome to the club.
Take care,
DFW1911
John Parker
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Yes, but a loud shirt draws attention. I'd rather not be looked at, so I stay away from them. If you are in a place where everyone wears them, cool! The local toughs always seem to snicker at people wearing outlandish stuff, so why draw their attention?
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bradfromearth
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http://www.specgear.com/Truss.html
This is by far the best set up for "office carry" you just need to carry a little lower than the pictures and wear a shirt that has the long front and long back as most dress shirts do. I always make sure that the bottom edge of my shirt is exposed right at 3 o clock. Grab with the left and put your thumb in the opening and lift all the way up. Takes practice.
I don't use the suspenders, just the wrap. Once carried a g19 with tlr2 laser light and 3 mags just to give it a test run, did not even need a patterned shirt, just solid blue dress shirt.
This is by far the best set up for "office carry" you just need to carry a little lower than the pictures and wear a shirt that has the long front and long back as most dress shirts do. I always make sure that the bottom edge of my shirt is exposed right at 3 o clock. Grab with the left and put your thumb in the opening and lift all the way up. Takes practice.
I don't use the suspenders, just the wrap. Once carried a g19 with tlr2 laser light and 3 mags just to give it a test run, did not even need a patterned shirt, just solid blue dress shirt.
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I find that during the Summer, I almost always wear cargo shorts. My 642 shrouded in a pocket holster fits perfectly in my right side pocket, with a speedloader or two in my left side pocket. Not as quick to access as a typical holster, but I can go an entire day without even noticing it. If I had to carry in a holster in the summer, I probably wouldn't.
No visible printing
My most frequent method of carry has been a Glock 27 carried just to the right of the zipper in a Fist Kydex clip on IWB, untucked loose t-shirt.
I think some people call that appendix carry.
For me it eliminates any issues with printing when leaning over or seated.
Anything bigger (height of 4.0-4.1'') than a Glock 26/27 or a Kahr PM9/40 and this method won't work for me, I have a PM45 and the extra grip length prints unless I wear a button up untucked loose fitting plaid shirt to hide the print, in which case I could move to strong side IWB.
For a bigger pistol like Glock 23/38 or XD45 compact (overall height not to exceed 5.0'') I'll go to a strong side Kydex IWB with a forward cant.
With a tucked in shirt I'm reduced to pocket carry with a P3AT.
My most frequent method of carry has been a Glock 27 carried just to the right of the zipper in a Fist Kydex clip on IWB, untucked loose t-shirt.
I think some people call that appendix carry.
For me it eliminates any issues with printing when leaning over or seated.
Anything bigger (height of 4.0-4.1'') than a Glock 26/27 or a Kahr PM9/40 and this method won't work for me, I have a PM45 and the extra grip length prints unless I wear a button up untucked loose fitting plaid shirt to hide the print, in which case I could move to strong side IWB.
For a bigger pistol like Glock 23/38 or XD45 compact (overall height not to exceed 5.0'') I'll go to a strong side Kydex IWB with a forward cant.
With a tucked in shirt I'm reduced to pocket carry with a P3AT.
george29
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I dunno how you guys do it. The only gun I am comfortable with is my 642 in my front right pocket. I know Clint Smith says you should dress according to your gun and not carry a gun according to your dress style, but after years of unconcealed carry or concealed carry as an off duty LEO which for me meant I couldn't care less if I printed or not, I now am very careful to not print and so I go with smaller calibers (.38) and smaller guns (642).
You have gotten some great advice so far. I am a fan of the SmartCarry, although it isn't perfect for all occasions. As one of the above posters mentioned if you get any questions about a bulged you could claim its a colostomy bag. While I have never been "made" I prefer the lie about an insulin pump for diabetes, just in case I need to use it.
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