CCW advice.

[Kuyong_Chuin]

I have been planning on getting my CCW when I can find the right class. But I have a problem. When I go out I am to wear this monstrosity.

Having it hooked onto it like I have here will not work concealed. :banghead:

So any suggestions on where I would wear a holster?
This thing goes down to the groin area and makes it look like I am wearing full body armor under my shirt so no hiding a shoulder holster with that thing on.

 

[Old Fuff]

You do indeed have an unusual problem. Off the top of my head the only thing I can think of is a small pistol or revolver in a pocket holster. The other is some sort of pouch attached to an outside belt that looks like it's holding something else. A computer tablet for example.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

You do indeed have an unusual problem. Off the top of my head the only thing I can think of is a small pistol or revolver in a pocket holster. The other is some sort of pouch attached to an outside belt that looks like it's holding something else. A computer tablet for example.

A a large fanny pack like thing?

 

[Al Thompson]

I have been planning on getting my CCW when I can find the right class.

If you are close to Memphis, strongly recommend Tom Givens.

But I have a problem.

That Ruger and holster are sub-optimum for CCW (unless with a coat) as they are more "duty" type tools. While Tennessee is open carry, I intensely dislike the practice.

This may be one of the few times that changing your "tools" makes sense. Something like a S&W Shield or a Kahr would certainly conceal better.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

If you are close to Memphis, strongly recommend Tom Givens.

Closer to Nashville than Memphis. I live right in the middle between Dickson, Columbia, and Centerville TN and about 52 miles south west of Nashville.

This may be one of the few times that changing your "tools" makes sense. Something like a S&W Shield or a Kahr would certainly conceal better.

I have "access" to other pistols that I could carry but the Ruger is my favorite and was handy since it was in my safe that I was next too when I set up the tripod to take the picture.

Maybe a Ruger LC9 9mm or some other compact semi auto in 40cal that will fit my left hand.

 

[Old Fuff]

A a large fanny pack like thing?

Perhaps. But I agree with Al Thompson that while your current pistol is an excellent one, it's a questionable choice for concealed carry for a person facing your situation.

At the present time 7" and 10" computer tablets have become popular, and many carry options are being offered, some of which might work for you, if you had a smaller/flatter pistol. The same can be said about a side pocket holster that would be outside the brace and not affected by it.

Also those with serious medical disabilities have to carry around all sorts of specialized stuff, on or about their person. No one gives this a second thought so you may be able to turn it to your advantage.

As an aside: I knew a member of an elite foreign military unit that sometimes worked undercover. One of his favorite carry methods was to simply wrap a hundgun in a paper bag.

 

[Al Thompson]

I have "access" to other pistols that I could carry but the Ruger is my favorite and was handy

Gotcha.

Try and shoot one of those .40 cal compacts first. I've had a couple of buddies get one and they found that the recoil was too snappy.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Try and shoot one of those .40 cal compacts first. I've had a couple of buddies get one and they found that the recoil was too snappy.

Any snappier than a .45 1911 or a 44 Mag?

 

[allaroundhunter]

Any snappier than a .45 1911 or a 44 Mag?

A 1911 in .45 ACP is not snappy at all, it is much more of a push. Many people much prefer the .45 to the .40 for that reason, myself included. Is it as snappy as a .44? Not a chance.

 

[Al Thompson]

Any snappier than a .45 1911 or a 44 Mag?

It's almost a cantaloupes to bowling ball comparison. While my 629 has more recoil, I have more to hold - better grips/stocks. The .40s I've shot move around enough that you have to adjust your grip often. Just to put it perspective, I find my 9mm Shield to be very comfortable and a G23 to be the same.

 

[tomrkba]

Dillon Plan B for off body carry.

Try pocket carry in a coat or pants.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

The other is some sort of pouch attached to an outside belt that looks like it's holding something else. A computer tablet for example.

I think this will actually work for me. I am surprised I didn't think of it since I wear a pack all the time when wearing the brace. I can not get to my front pockets while wearing it so I wear the fanny pack to keep my keys, phone, and a few other things I need when I go out. Now if my Kindle fire fits in it too I'll be good to go. It is ether this or a larger camera bag that has a place for a ccw handgun along with my camera and my other gear.

 

[Fred Fuller]

The Wilderness Safepacker works pretty well for this purpose also, and comes in several sizes to fit different size pistols. But there's no room in it for much of anything else save a spare magazine...

http://www.thewilderness.com/?p=catalog&parent=171&pg=1

 

[hedrok]

There is a "shooting school" in southeastern Ohio that offers a specific class for physically challenged shooters about once a year. They also offer many other types of basic through very advanced self defense training.
My wife, adult daughters and I can personally vouch for the very high level of professionalism and training at their facility in West Union, Ohio.
The web site is: tdiohio.com

 

[herrwalther]

Forgive my ignorance but what is the white shell? Some sort of support or vest?

If you have something smaller, pocket pistol size, you could try attaching a Sneaky Pete holster to that. Would blend better than a fanny pack or tablet case. Sneaky Pete looks more like a belt carrier for a smart phone than a pistol holster.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Some sort of support

Yes, it's a body brace (Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis) to help support the spine.

 

[Shadow 7D]

You're in a turtle shell
so it depends on how you are dressed, you want cammo
dress down, frumpy, put inexpensive "useful" stuff in obvious, convenient places.

upside, easy to conceal gun, cause it's just another lump
down side, you ain't gonna win a fashion contest and you will look more 'vulnerable'
there's a twin to play it, one too poor to bother, other too pissed off to bother.

Or get something like one of the 'cell phone' style holsters

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

You're in a turtle shell

LOL I call it that too. If I have my way that turtle shell is going to get some sort of climate control system added to it if I have to design and build it myself. That thing is a sauna even in the winter. Have no idea how I am going to shoot a rifle with that shell on. I have to have the neck cut down some so it is not pushing into my throat when I sit down so I might get them to mod it where the shoulder pockets are at so it will not be in the way for rifle shots.

 

[herrwalther]

Yes, it's a body brace (Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis) to help support the spine.

As always you are a great source of information thank you Fred.

Have no idea how I am going to shoot a rifle with that shell on

Probably won't be as bad as you think. I shoot all the time with body armor on including the occasional set of shoulder pads. It will take you a few rounds to get used to it since you won't be able to "feel" the butt of the rifle actually in the shoulder pocket. But with enough muscle memory and a glance down you can see it there. Once you get over not being able to "feel" it there, you might actually shoot a rifle better with it on. Almost like a wearable recoil pad. So carrying with that monstrosity is probably your hardest firearm related task.

 

[Al Thompson]

Have no idea how I am going to shoot a rifle with that shell on.

With an AR (collapsible stock), not an issue. What would be an issue (IMHO) would be a rifle or shotgun with recoil. I'm thinking that shortening the stock would be required.

 

[Byrd666]

Just out of curiosity, how low to the waist does your shell fit you? My childhood girlfriend had to wear one that was similar to yours and hers came down to just below the belt line. If yours is of a similar style, than almost any holster would work.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

With an AR (collapsible stock), not an issue. What would be an issue (IMHO) would be a rifle or shotgun with recoil. I'm thinking that shortening the stock would be required.

One of the reasons I added the recoil pad and am adding a muzzle brake to my M44 is to bring the recoil down. I only have two rifles that I could hunt deer with the M44 and a M91 6.5 Carcano Calvary carbine that I have only shot one deer with and I almost missed it because I have no way to mount a different type of sights on it so it doesn't shoot a foot high at 100 meters on the lowest setting.

Just out of curiosity, how low to the waist does your shell fit you?

From the base of my neck to the groin, so unless I wear my pants over it with both the pants and the belt being three sizes too big it will not work. That is why I wear a fanny pack most of the time I can not get to my front pockets with it on.


What d o you guys and gals think about the CZ-82 9x18 as a carry pistol? I don't have one yet but it looks like about the right size if it will fit my large hands.

 

[MrCleanOK]

Fanny pack all the way. Your medical equipment already gives you all the reason you need to wear a huge uncool fanny pack. Nobody is going to give you a second thought for wearing a fanny pack, whereas it might draw more scrutiny for some other people.

 

[Byrd666]

I have fairly large to large hands as well and the CZ83 fits me perfectly. It's easy for me to carry, reliable as all get out, even with my accidental and impromptu torture tests, and as accurate as can be. Being a .380, it can be snappy when firing it, but it's still one of my favorites. So the 82 oughtta be fine. If you can still find one.

The fanny pack makes perfect sense now.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

So the 82 ought-ta be fine. If you can still find one.

Classic Firearms normally carries them but are out of stock at the moment but I have found a few here and there. One guy has one for $250 including 200 rounds of ammo. They will probably be back in stock somewhere before I have the money to get one saved up. There are other things I have to get first before then. Lets see the CCW Classes, the CCW permit, and 100 rounds of 40 cal ammo for the class since I'll be using my Ruger for the class. Probably need to find some sort of brass catcher here soon. Not sure how to get that worked out. The pistol ejects on the right and I have to shoot it with my left since my right doesn't work very well any more.