I just completed my safety course and now It's time to apply for my ccw. I am almost definately going with a Smith 637 and am probably going to be carrying in either front pants pocket or jacket pocket. I would like to see some examples of what other big guys/fat guys are using for a ccw rig. I am 5'4" 230 lbs. so concealment on me is not as easy as someone who is normal sized. I.E really loose or baggy clothes look bad on me. Thanks in advance. Damian
Big guys/fat guys whats your ccw rig?
- Thread starter Dambugg
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mcdonl
Member
Pocket carry is good. I am 5-10 250 with a 40 waist. I used to do the IWB with a P3AT but due to corrosive sweat I switched to OWB. If I wear a 2X t-shirt or any other pull over shirt it covers my Full sized Norinco L213 or revolver with little problem, although the revolver does print.
ChefKristian
Member
XD40 4" with Uncle Mike's IWB Size 15 in the 2 o'clock.
6' tall, large frame 300 lbs. (I am not fat fat. I have a big bone structure... wear a 2XL sometime 3XL glove, my hands are over 4" across... and size 13 shoe)
6' tall, large frame 300 lbs. (I am not fat fat. I have a big bone structure... wear a 2XL sometime 3XL glove, my hands are over 4" across... and size 13 shoe)
SharpsDressedMan
member
Just about any holster that doesn't go in the waistband. I use shoulder holsters, hip holsters (FBI cant, and straight drop when used on the weak side), ankle holsters, and sometimes a bellyband rig wit hthe gun under the armpit. I find the IWB rigs annoying.
sheepdog
Member
...I have a 40" waist and weigh 240..most of the excess is above my belt...I'm 6'...I carry a Ruger P90 IWB at 11(I'm lefty) and a S&W 2" Bodyguard at 12...the primary fits into the hollow between my leg and abdomen and is easily concealed beneath a 2XL work Tshirt or polo shirt...which doesn't look baggy on me but does come to about 3" below my belt...
...your J frame would conceal well either place, or in a pocket holster...if you decide to carry full-size...you'd be surprised how easily you can do it with minimum discomfort...I like Clint Smith's opinion that our handgun is to be comforting, not comfortable...but, with a little work...we can have both...
...your J frame would conceal well either place, or in a pocket holster...if you decide to carry full-size...you'd be surprised how easily you can do it with minimum discomfort...I like Clint Smith's opinion that our handgun is to be comforting, not comfortable...but, with a little work...we can have both...
Im 6' 340lbs, Im a BIG guy but also a FAT guy. IWB forget it, no room. If you have a light gun like a Ruger LCP or LCR, or scandium smith, then I highly recommend pocket carry. I find this works best for me in the warm months. When its colder and I wear a jacket I carry a smith 325PD in an OWB hip holster. Its only 21oz empty so it doesnt pull my pants down. I find that if I am going to be standing/walking tightening my belt up an extra notch keeps things in place. Im an LEO and carry all of the time, its a constant battle of size/weight vs firepower. I have learned to pay extra for light weight as I will carry it a lot more.
Wardrobe selection is affected by CCW I usually have an undershirt w/ an untucked outer shirt all of the time. This can be a pain in the ass, but you hafta plan accordingly. And finally when all else fails, the .380 may be weak, but my LCP in my pocket is better than the Wilson Combat I left at home because its too damn hot to carry
Wardrobe selection is affected by CCW I usually have an undershirt w/ an untucked outer shirt all of the time. This can be a pain in the ass, but you hafta plan accordingly. And finally when all else fails, the .380 may be weak, but my LCP in my pocket is better than the Wilson Combat I left at home because its too damn hot to carry
sarduy
Member
i'm 6' and 230lb i use a Marc Insternational IWB for a 1911 in the 4 o'clock works great
I"m 5'7" and about 225. First, I buy pant that fit at my waist and are a little loose. I carry whenever I legally can and carry a Commander size 1911 or an H&K P7M8 in a Milt Sparks Vera Max 2 IWB holster. I wear a stout belt, usually one from El Paso Saddlery. I wear either jacket or, in hot weather, a light vest.
earlthegoat2
Member
Where are the pictures?
If you insist.earlthegoat2 said:
Here I am in Sedona, Arizona (in October of 2008). I'm wearing an H&K P7M8 in a Milt Sparks VM2 at about 3:30. On my weak side, I'm carrying 2 extra magazines in a Com-tac double magazine pouch.
Thanks so much guys. I really want to get used to carrying the snubbie j frame and make it a habit that way as time goes on I can incorporate a larger gun ala glock 19, bertta 92, 1911, etc. and the bigger gun won't be such a detractor from carrying because I will have made it a habit to carry.
I really appreciate all the advice, Damian
I really appreciate all the advice, Damian
bigfatdave
Member
Jonah71
Member
I use an IWB with the Taurus 24/7PT Pro Compact 9mm. A little heavy at first but now I don't even notice it. I'm 5'7" and 230 lbs. (weighed 260 when I first started carrying IWB) 10 months ago. With the shorter 13 rnd clip and my shirt over it, I can keep the grip out and it's not noticeable and easily accessable.
ozarkgunner
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I'm 5'11", and 260. I don't look it, alot of my weight is in my upper thighs. I carry a P11 in a cheap Uncle Mike's IWB. It's fine if I'm wearing pants that are looser, and I need a belt. Other wise pants that fit with out a belt, very uncomfortable in the long run. I don't usually tuck my shirts in, and I regularly double layer. So carrying OWB with shirts covering isn't a problem. I generally wear jeans, so I don't know about the rest of you, but carrying in the pocket isn't very comfortable, or accesable. Especially since I always have my tactical folder in my right front pocket. I'm a righty. Becaus of my build I can carry in a sholder hoster with out printing in even a button down shirt or other.
I carry in my cargo pants pocket some times, but too much flopping around. In colder weather I carry in a front jacket pocket. I'm comfortable carrying OWB, so long as my shirts are long enough to stay covered.
Even though we can carry open in my area, I prefer to CC.
I carry in my cargo pants pocket some times, but too much flopping around. In colder weather I carry in a front jacket pocket. I'm comfortable carrying OWB, so long as my shirts are long enough to stay covered.
Even though we can carry open in my area, I prefer to CC.
Quoheleth
Member
6'4", 300#
Three carry rigs:
Right now (Saturday/day off/casual putzing around) I have a OWB slide style holster I use with my 1911. Very comfortable, year round, as long as I go with either an untucked long-tailed shirt (and t-shirt underneath, tucked into the pants) or a jacket of some sort.
Usually, I use a simple pocket holster for my LCR. Fast into the pocket and almost as fast out of the pocket. Folks know something is in the pocket of my slacks, but don't really know what it is. I wore it to Handel's Messiah last night and didn't even get a look.
I like my Crossbreed Quick Clip holster for IWB carry of my LCR. It's adjustable for various positions. I keep it set with the FBI cant and position the holster about 8:00 (lefty) with the barrel of the gun just touching my left hip pocket. Very comfortable rig.
Q
Three carry rigs:
Right now (Saturday/day off/casual putzing around) I have a OWB slide style holster I use with my 1911. Very comfortable, year round, as long as I go with either an untucked long-tailed shirt (and t-shirt underneath, tucked into the pants) or a jacket of some sort.
Usually, I use a simple pocket holster for my LCR. Fast into the pocket and almost as fast out of the pocket. Folks know something is in the pocket of my slacks, but don't really know what it is. I wore it to Handel's Messiah last night and didn't even get a look.
I like my Crossbreed Quick Clip holster for IWB carry of my LCR. It's adjustable for various positions. I keep it set with the FBI cant and position the holster about 8:00 (lefty) with the barrel of the gun just touching my left hip pocket. Very comfortable rig.
Q
chaim
Member
I'm 5'11" and around 300LBS (I'm trying to lose weight- I was 305 at my peak, last couple weigh-ins I was 295). While I do have a large-frame, unfortunately I do qualify as fat.
I find IWB to work just fine. When I'm not pocket carrying I usually carry IWB (often I carry in the pocket at the same time) when in a carry state. I like to carry IWB just behind my hip bone on the strong side. I find it comfortable, and it disappears quite nicely. I have spent the extra money for a decent gun belt for years now and it makes a big difference.
I have several guns, from 1911s to a Taurus PT140 Millennium Pro (Glock 27 sized) to J-frames that work very well IWB, hide very well, and are very comfortable.
I also like pocket carry. As big guys our pockets are often a little bigger than normal so this may work with a better variety of guns than for thinner guys. My PT140 almost works pocket carry- it fits, though the lump in the pocket is a bit thick and gun-shaped. Generally a lighter gun is more comfortable this way (doesn't feel like it is pulling down your pants) and I think it prints in your pocket less.
I really like my S&W 442 in a leather DeSantis pocket holster. Lightweight J-frames are nearly the perfect pocket carry gun. 15 oz, 5 rounds of .38+P, the lumps that may be shown by the gun are rounded and don't scream "gun" like the squared off corners of an auto, and they fit well. Occasionally I carry the Taurus 85CH that way, but at 21oz it prints a lot more than the 442.
Your intended use of your 637 in a pocket is a good choice. I'd also suggest buying a cheap Uncle Mike's IWB holster to see if you are OK with IWB carry. I do think IWB is the easiest to conceal (especially "tuckable" IWB holsters) and it is doable for us big guys. If you find the thicker guns like Glock or the Taurus Millennium Pro series to be too thick, there are plenty of thin CCW guns that should work well IWB even for a big guy. Check out 1911s, Kahr, Walther PPS, etc.
I find IWB to work just fine. When I'm not pocket carrying I usually carry IWB (often I carry in the pocket at the same time) when in a carry state. I like to carry IWB just behind my hip bone on the strong side. I find it comfortable, and it disappears quite nicely. I have spent the extra money for a decent gun belt for years now and it makes a big difference.
I have several guns, from 1911s to a Taurus PT140 Millennium Pro (Glock 27 sized) to J-frames that work very well IWB, hide very well, and are very comfortable.
I also like pocket carry. As big guys our pockets are often a little bigger than normal so this may work with a better variety of guns than for thinner guys. My PT140 almost works pocket carry- it fits, though the lump in the pocket is a bit thick and gun-shaped. Generally a lighter gun is more comfortable this way (doesn't feel like it is pulling down your pants) and I think it prints in your pocket less.
I really like my S&W 442 in a leather DeSantis pocket holster. Lightweight J-frames are nearly the perfect pocket carry gun. 15 oz, 5 rounds of .38+P, the lumps that may be shown by the gun are rounded and don't scream "gun" like the squared off corners of an auto, and they fit well. Occasionally I carry the Taurus 85CH that way, but at 21oz it prints a lot more than the 442.
Your intended use of your 637 in a pocket is a good choice. I'd also suggest buying a cheap Uncle Mike's IWB holster to see if you are OK with IWB carry. I do think IWB is the easiest to conceal (especially "tuckable" IWB holsters) and it is doable for us big guys. If you find the thicker guns like Glock or the Taurus Millennium Pro series to be too thick, there are plenty of thin CCW guns that should work well IWB even for a big guy. Check out 1911s, Kahr, Walther PPS, etc.
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Magichelmt
Member
Well I was 315#'s but I am now down to 260#'s. I carry a Beretta mini cougar .45 in a milt sparks inside the waist holster. At about the 5 o'clock position.
SouthronBoy
Member
I'm 5'10", 250+. I generally carry a Kel-Tec P11, either in a pocket holster or clipped to my belt at about 4:00.
If I'm wearing it in my belt, I tuck in a t-shirt and wear something loose untucked over it. Right now I'm in a nearly worn out pair of Levi's and a hoody sweatshirt. I've had the Kel-Tec on my hip now for about 6 hours, and until I read this thread, I'd forgotten that I was wearing it.
Pocket carry works better in a pair of loose khakis than the Levi's.
Sometimes I carry a Taurus 605, the .357 version of their 85. I have to pocket carry it because it prints too much in the cheap Uncle Mike's IWB holster I have. I cut the belt clip off, and it works just fine in the pocket of my khakis. Not so much with jeans.
I have a very nice S&W j-frame, but don't usually carry it because it was my grandfather's. It's my "barbeque gun".
I have a shoulder holster that works with either of the small revolvers, but I don't use it often (ever) because I can't carry at work, and the shoulder holster is too much of a PITA for quick trips to the grocery and such, or situations where wearing a jacket indoors would look wrong.
A large cop that I know carries a Kel-Tec P32, or maybe a P3AT in his pocket. Another carries a j-frame in his front pocket.
If I'm wearing it in my belt, I tuck in a t-shirt and wear something loose untucked over it. Right now I'm in a nearly worn out pair of Levi's and a hoody sweatshirt. I've had the Kel-Tec on my hip now for about 6 hours, and until I read this thread, I'd forgotten that I was wearing it.
Pocket carry works better in a pair of loose khakis than the Levi's.
Sometimes I carry a Taurus 605, the .357 version of their 85. I have to pocket carry it because it prints too much in the cheap Uncle Mike's IWB holster I have. I cut the belt clip off, and it works just fine in the pocket of my khakis. Not so much with jeans.
I have a very nice S&W j-frame, but don't usually carry it because it was my grandfather's. It's my "barbeque gun".
I have a shoulder holster that works with either of the small revolvers, but I don't use it often (ever) because I can't carry at work, and the shoulder holster is too much of a PITA for quick trips to the grocery and such, or situations where wearing a jacket indoors would look wrong.
A large cop that I know carries a Kel-Tec P32, or maybe a P3AT in his pocket. Another carries a j-frame in his front pocket.
jhco
Member
I use crossbreed supertuck with most of the guns I carry.
jhco
Member
Oh I am 6'00 240# but I've been up to 280#
herohog
Member
ohioshooter
Member
I'm 6'1 and 245 not fat but still I'm considered a big guy and I carry a Kimber .45 strong side (left handed) and just tried last week carrying a G19 in the small of my lower back and two extra mags for the G19 on my right side. Both guns IWB and the extra mag pouch OWB and it felt very comfortable.
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