Carry/CC Disarming Question

[Good Ol' Boy]

I am getting ready to enter the world of everyday (most days) CC, but really this could be pertinent to anyone who carries, open or concealed. I have a question for you guys that carry to and from work but can't carry at work. What type of holster do you use? Do you have a "through the belt" type that you have to go through the hassle of undoing your belt when you disarm, or a simple clip on/paddle style that comes off relatively easy?

I'm basically wondering about retention versus ease of disarming.


Note: Specific to me, I'm in construction so just removing the gun and keeping the holster on would still be an inconvenience while trying to wear a tool belt. The whole thing would need to be removed.



Thanks in advance....

 

[orionengnr]

Pocket carry side-steps the entire issue, but requires a smaller pistol.

Something like a Smart Carry does the same (whilst allowing a larger pistol) but as an undergarment, you would probably want to own 3-5 of them, to always have a clean one available.

 

[azrocks]

What's this 'disarm' you speak of?

I've worked a few jobs that prohibited firearms. Carried at all of them. I figure if I don't go crazy & shoot someone it's all good. They catch me they can fire me, but they won't (and didn't), and I remained secure.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

Pocket carry side-steps the entire issue, but requires a smaller pistol.

Something like a Smart Carry does the same (whilst allowing a larger pistol) but as an undergarment, you would probably want to own 3-5 of them, to always have a clean one available.

Pocket carry is something I refuse to do. I've already got both pockets filled with stuff and the extremely small pistols that fit that category I'm not interested in at all.

See the original question, an IWB or OWB carry situation.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

What's this 'disarm' you speak of?

I've worked a few jobs that prohibited firearms. Carried at all of them. I figure if I don't go crazy & shoot someone it's all good. They catch me they can fire me, but they won't (and didn't), and I remained secure.

You obviously did not read my entire post. It's not a matter of doing it anyway (which I don't advise), it's a matter of those of us who for whatever reason decide not to carry at work, or other places that are prohibited.

 

[Predator55]

Well depends on what you carry, I use IWB holsters, one for my Ruger LCR and one for my Kahr CW9. My kusiak holster for my LCR is easy to take out and put in with fantastic retention. I have one on back order for my CW.

 

[Bobson]

So you carry on the way there and disarm before leaving your vehicle?

My preferred way of handling this (the only way I've ever done it) is to simply have a cheap secondary holster that stays in the car. Unholster and put the gun in your "car holster," but leave your primary holster on the whole time.

I use a leather/kydex hybrid tuckable design, and I don't want to switch to anything else. Yeah there's the whole "a holstered gun is a safe gun" and unholstering to change to a new holster is an opportunity for an ND, but I've just decided I'd rather deal with that than deal with changing holster or going to a gun small enough for pocket carry. I've chosen what I feel is the lesser give-in.

 

[X-Rap]

Paddle holsters are an option I like.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

I came to the conclusion that carrying to and from work was more trouble than it was worth, particularly with the risk of theft from the vehicle, so I don't bother. Not what you asked, but worth considering.

 

[sequins]

I use a Galco KingTuk holster (two clips). It sticks to my belt quite well re: retention, but it's easy to put on or remove at work.

I'd recommend looking at double-clip IWB holsters with really solid clip design and positioning, they're nearly as good as a looped belt holster. They work especially well with lighter polymer pistols which seem to be the most common.

 

[Tirod]

Considering my work place is more risky than travel, I concentrate on what I have there available to me for defense rather than hassle storing the gun in the car where it can and will be stolen. It's my experience that the parking lot at work is more prone to theft than in front of my house. A significant number of firearms are stolen from vehicles and the owners make no effort to lock them in place - gloveboxes, consoles, door pockets, and just slipping it down between the seat cushion and tunnel are about it.

And yet the work place is where I have to deal with thieves, customers with serious anger issues, and bullies. We are talking a simple retail chain store, too. Company says, "no guns," reality says "I need to understand bare hand combatives and the use of extemporaneous tools on the spot." After all, if I carry deep cover to hide the gun from management and customers prying eyes, then it's NOT a quick draw McGraw rig that so many professional internet commentators push as the only possible answer.

Now we are back to handling people bare handed with whatever tool we can use until there is a serious space in time to draw a deeply concealed weapon. Plan on the first response and you don't need the second. It's what most people in retail have to do - and there are millions.

Carrying concealed is actually a pretty small part of the overall daily life around us. It's no help seeing my customers come in OPEN CARRY all the time as that is 100% legal in MO. But I can't. Gee. So much for 2A rights, etc. A discussion for another time.

I've been on vacation and carried every day so far, it's been taking time getting used to it simply because 5 days a week it's impractical or not allowed. What holster really isn't the issue, it's how and when.

My answer to the holster issue is a fabric shoulder holster - which is more accessible when driving anyway compared to any belt holster trapping the gun under the seat belt, or a pocket holster buried even further down. You can wear the holster thru the day and with optional pouches even carry other defensive tools. It does require a loose fitting overshirt and there is no option about removing it. It will get wet with sweat and require frequent cleaning, at $45-60 each they aren't cheap, either, unless you shop an ebay supplier. A shoulder holster avoids the whole belt line issues that come up wearing a tool belt or having pockets used for other purposes. Try that for two months in July and August and I suspect that carry to work will be seen as less necessary compared to the hazards with a job site.

 

[AK103K]

I work in construction too and use both a Blade Tech "Ambi Klipt" for my 17 and a Smart Carry for my 26.

Lately, Ive been taking the 17 off and leaving it in the car when I get there due to the job Im on and time of year. The 26 stays on all day.

The Blade Tech works well, and is easy on and off, and you dont have to remove the gun to take it off.

The Smart Carry is a great holster and I wont ever be without one again. Ive been using one daily for a long time now, and they are one the most versatile holsters I own. While they dont look it, they are very comfortable, and one of the most concealable holsters Ive ever used. You can easily carry a near full size gun in a pair of shorts with no shirt. Full size is doable too, I just dont find them as comfortable.

The back of the SC is waterproof, so as long as the gun is seated properly, rust isnt much of an issue. Still better to use something with a finish like a Glock, if you're active and sweating like a pig. My tee shirts are soon soaked in sweat, and Im usually dripping wet this time of year by 9am. I was trying an LCP in my Seecamps SC, and the gun was a little to big, and the rear of the slide popped up above the back of the holster, and I did get a little rust (in just one day too!) where it was exposed. Never been an issue with the Seecamp or 26.

One thing I noticed early on was, the guns in the SC dont get dirty like all the other methods of I carry Ive used over the years. Even in a dusty, dirty construction environment, there is very little dirt or even dust bunnies in the gun or holster. I have to constantly clean both my 17 and the Klipt it rides in, at work or not.

This is my current (its about 3 years old now and due to be replaced) SC with my 26 and a 17 reload in it.....



This is my Seecamp with its holster......

 

[Browning Guy]

I use a IWB holster from Theis holsters everyday. It slips inside my waistband and an adjustable clip goes over my belt. Easy to slip in and out. When restricted areas are encountered I slip the gun and holster off and lock it up then rearm upon leaving. I too worked construction (retired now) and the "solutions" some folks come up make me chuckle. I can just see the antics req

 

[SVTOhio]

A OWB paddle holster would probably work well for your purposes. Simple slid the paddle out and secure the gun in auto safe.


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[Browning Guy]

I use a IWB holster from Theis holsters everyday and everywhere. It slips easily in my waistband with an adjustable clip (for depth and cant) going over my belt. When I go to a restricted place, the whole holster and all slides out to get secured in my car and then reinstalled on leaving the area. I worked construction for years (retired now) and I have to laugh at the mental picture of some of these "solutions". I can just picture the antics of someone with "deep carry" trying to draw their pistol with a tool belt, tool belt suspenders, a safety harness and lanyard system, and maybe a set of welding leathers on. Not to mention the "discomfort" involved with a "crotch carry" while wearing a safety harness that is strapped around your waist and thighs in the groin area (ouch). Not sure how the above post happened but moderator can delete please

 

[MedWheeler]

I work in EMS, and travel to and from work in my duty uniform, which doesn't allow for a concealed firearm on the belt. So, during such transit, I do step down to pocket-carry of a smaller pistol than what I carry off the job.

If I know ahead of time I'm going somewhere after work, and have brought a change of clothes, I will also have brought a "change-of-gun" and holster.

 

[hdwhit]

I have a question for you guys that carry to and from work but can't carry at work.

It may or may not be pertinent to your situation, but if the employer does not allow guns in the workplace, they may not allow them in an employee's vehicle in the parking lot. It could make the whole question moot.

That was the situation I experienced; no guns were allowed anywhere on property owned by the employer. Even having a gun in the trunk of your car was grounds for termination.

 

[AK103K]

I suppose if youve never tried it, it might seem "comical", but its actually quite comfortable and not hard to get at, even with a belt. I dont wear a harness (construction is a wide and varied industry, and we all dont wear one), and I agree, it probably woudnt be my choice there.

As far as drawing goes, with or without a "belt" or two, you simply hook your thumb behind them, suck your gut in a little, and slip your hand on the gun. Its actually a lot quicker than you might think.

Then again, if youve never tried it, you'll never know.

 

[Deanimator]

I use nothing but pocket and tuckable IWB holsters with clips.

 

[jmace57]

hdwit Check the last passed effective last September that allows you to store in your car. Unless you work at a nuclear plant... or government

My company allows visitors to carry, but it's immediate termination for employees. The rare time I have to take the train to work, I carry anyway (pocket carry). Every homeless person, people just released from jail ride it.

 

[Mheff44mag]

I'm a carpenter, so I have the same issue. Wearing a tool belt during work doesn't allow me to comfortably, or conveniently carry while working. I carry a full size M&P .40 in a kydex/leather hybrid iwb holster with metal belt clips. I unclip the whole rig and leave it in my center console locked up. Not the most convenient, but it works for me.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

She is small, durable and she roars....

 

[Sam1911]

I have a holster that uses two "press-the-dot" snaps to secure belt loops and that's very easy to get on and off even sitting in a car.

Paddle holsters are another very viable option here.



Consider a lock-box that secures to your seat mounts with a steel cable. Won't keep out a prepared thief, but a quick smash-n-grab may not be able to get it free before he feels the need to move on.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

Thanks for all of the responses guys, especially those of you who do or have worked in construction.

I work for a small company and have already had a talk with the boss. He's an avid outdoorsman and while I wouldn't call him a gun enthusiast I feel it's safe to say he's "pro" 2A. He doesn't want me to carry on the job site and I wouldn't even if he was okay with it. Aside from being uncomfortable and inconvenient I personally think it could be a safety hazard given the already dangerous environments we are typically in. He has no problem with me leaving it in the truck. NOTE: the majority of our work is high end residential, so I wouldn't be too worried about there being an issue of keeping it in the truck or getting stolen. We do however have one school that we do a fair amount of work for. On days where we'd be there I would not carry. VA law as I understand it says I can have a gun on school property so long as it is secured and unloaded in my vehicle as long as I am in it. Obviously I would have to get out to actually start working so that's a no go.


I have also considered Sergei Mosin's option of just not carrying when going to work because of the inconvenience. But that would essentially limit me to only carrying on the weekends, which kind of bums me out. Although our work is primarily all high end nice neighborhoods, I have to go through some shady areas to get there a lot of the time.


So, thanks for all the replies and feel free to keep them coming. However, I'll reiterate, I'm NOT going to be carrying on the job, NOT going to pocket carry, and NOT open carry. So the subject at hand is convenient ways in which to disarm IWB CC, retention of those options, or is it even worth the hassle?

 

[entropy]

I have several carry systems that would work for your situation; I too cannot carry at work. I usually use a Versa-Carry with my .38, and have one for my compact .45, too. I also just got a nice handmade IWB Kydex holster that fits the .45 and is easy to take off fairly discreetly in the truck. I have a lock box for the gun, and store holsters either in the armrest or door cubby. I have carried my holsters at work (sans gun) just to see if anyone would notice. They haven't.