CCW for *ahem* fat guys: which holster/position?
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jackstinson
Member
I qualify for this!
First off.....for anyone who's first response was "lose weight"...sometimes it just isn't an option. In my case, medical treatment precludes that option (as much as I'd love to get back to the weight/size I was at two and a half years ago).
SUMMER: I carry in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, or put a pocket gun in an IWB holster. IWB is comfortable for me if the gun is small.
WINTER: I carry a larger main gun in my coat pocket & a pocket gun either IWB or in pants pocket.
btw- I'm hoping to be able to get off these meds in two more weeks, then I can try getting back to where I started!
Jack
First off.....for anyone who's first response was "lose weight"...sometimes it just isn't an option. In my case, medical treatment precludes that option (as much as I'd love to get back to the weight/size I was at two and a half years ago).
SUMMER: I carry in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, or put a pocket gun in an IWB holster. IWB is comfortable for me if the gun is small.
WINTER: I carry a larger main gun in my coat pocket & a pocket gun either IWB or in pants pocket.
btw- I'm hoping to be able to get off these meds in two more weeks, then I can try getting back to where I started!
Jack
James T Thomas
Member
according to your tastes
Pear shape?
-Shoulder holster.
Rolly Polly?
-Cross Draw.
Hot 'n Tot?
-Pocket carry.
At the trough?
-Doggie bag.
Pear shape?
-Shoulder holster.
Rolly Polly?
-Cross Draw.
Hot 'n Tot?
-Pocket carry.
At the trough?
-Doggie bag.
Last edited:
ugly old guns
Member
Carry style for big men
I've been carrying three now for about a year. Best is OWB at 3-4 o'clock. Main carry is a steyr ma1 (Think glock midsize) and it disappears under a covering shirt, whatever style it is. It does help a lot if you wear another t-shirt under the pants, preferably tucked into the underwear. Next best was a 1911 in an IWB holster, tucked about 4 o'clock. great concealment, but the draw was a pain, and always put a big strain on my right shoulder when doing drills. Pocket carry was alright, but always felt too hidden, like the gun would be irrelevant by the time an attack on my person was concluded. So, for movement and ease of use, OWB at 3-4 o'clock works best for me in most situations. Just don't let it ride back too far around the love handles, or you'll forgetit's there, but everyone in a one mile radius will see it when you move at all. For what it's worth, I'm 6'5", and currently go around 330. Oh yeah, spend your money on the belt, not just the holster.
I've been carrying three now for about a year. Best is OWB at 3-4 o'clock. Main carry is a steyr ma1 (Think glock midsize) and it disappears under a covering shirt, whatever style it is. It does help a lot if you wear another t-shirt under the pants, preferably tucked into the underwear. Next best was a 1911 in an IWB holster, tucked about 4 o'clock. great concealment, but the draw was a pain, and always put a big strain on my right shoulder when doing drills. Pocket carry was alright, but always felt too hidden, like the gun would be irrelevant by the time an attack on my person was concluded. So, for movement and ease of use, OWB at 3-4 o'clock works best for me in most situations. Just don't let it ride back too far around the love handles, or you'll forgetit's there, but everyone in a one mile radius will see it when you move at all. For what it's worth, I'm 6'5", and currently go around 330. Oh yeah, spend your money on the belt, not just the holster.
chieftain
Member
5'8" lbs.
I am fat. I use a Milt Sparks VMII to carry my 1911's, IWB very comfortably.
For my High Powers, I use a UGB Canute, which is similar to a VMII. IWB.
For my Glocks I use a TS IWB Kydex.
And for my SIG's I use Blade Tech UCH.
Depending on the gun, they can all be comfortable. I like the VM II and Canute the best.
I normally carry a full size 5" Colt Gunsite Pistol, Government.
Go figure.
Fred
I am fat. I use a Milt Sparks VMII to carry my 1911's, IWB very comfortably.
For my High Powers, I use a UGB Canute, which is similar to a VMII. IWB.
For my Glocks I use a TS IWB Kydex.
And for my SIG's I use Blade Tech UCH.
Depending on the gun, they can all be comfortable. I like the VM II and Canute the best.
I normally carry a full size 5" Colt Gunsite Pistol, Government.
Go figure.
Fred
Ash
Member
As to the comments made by folks about losing weight, it is pretty low class to recommend it on a thread such as this. Folks know their shape and either are happy with it or not. Those who are happy frankly don't welcome the advice, those who are not happy, don't need the advice as it seems like nagging.
I lost 30 lbs once out of desire, and maintain the same overall college weight (have to still fit in my kilt, you know). But I'm not going to pontificate about the merits of losing weight and tell others to do it. That's what women-folk are good at (not a sexist comment, just a fact based on growing up with 4 sisters). Guys aren't even supposed to care what the other guy looks like.
As to CCW, I do it with a cruising vest when I can't open carry (orange vest used to carry my gear in the woods while I work). That is basically a cross between pocket carry and using a fanny pack. Probably more akin to guys using a photographer's vest. Would a vest such as a photographer's vest work in this way?
Ash
I lost 30 lbs once out of desire, and maintain the same overall college weight (have to still fit in my kilt, you know). But I'm not going to pontificate about the merits of losing weight and tell others to do it. That's what women-folk are good at (not a sexist comment, just a fact based on growing up with 4 sisters). Guys aren't even supposed to care what the other guy looks like.
As to CCW, I do it with a cruising vest when I can't open carry (orange vest used to carry my gear in the woods while I work). That is basically a cross between pocket carry and using a fanny pack. Probably more akin to guys using a photographer's vest. Would a vest such as a photographer's vest work in this way?
Ash
FranklyTodd
Member
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2007
- Messages
- 517
I've never heard this criticism of pocket carry. I have a lightweight hammerless snub in a Nemesis 99% of the time, and other than while driving, I can't imagine anything faster. 1/2 the time while walking around I have the gun invisibly in my hand already - presentation is as fast as you can pull your hand out of your pocket... In addition, seems a likely mugging scenario is "give me your wallet" which invites you to calmly reach into your pocket... To the poster that said pocket carry drags down their pants, have you tried one of the new 12-13oz snubs? Or a P3AT/LCP? Just thought you may have only tried a steel snub - there really is a big difference.
I sometimes carry a Glock 26 IWB at 4 o'clock. I like having double the shots at times, but access is much, much slower, and more obvious that I'm going for a weapon.
That's just me - YMMV. Didn't mean to go off topic, I just think pocket carry is hard to beat for any size person.
OP
OP
1KPerDay
Member
Couldn't bring yourself to type that number, huh? I know how you feel.
OP
OP
1KPerDay
Member
Think about it until you actually try it, then you'll likely think of something else.
5'11" - 340lbs
I AM FAT! I know it and it is a daily struggle, you skinny guys just shut up and let us large folk try n help each other out. OK, I find pocket holsters are the best solution for me. I was carrying a Taurus 905 in a DeSantis pocket holster. The all stainless gun was a bit on the heavy side, but I made it a habit of walking around with my hand in my gun pocket. No one even glanced and I had the added benefit of having my gun at the ready all the time. Im telling you guys no one pays attention, even other gun guys who knew I pocket carried had to ask if I was carrying or not.
Now after 6 weeks on a waiting list I got a Ruger LCP, I havent been unarmed outside my home since. I am sacrificing power for weight but a .380 in the hand is always better than a .45 in the safe. The LCP sits in a Galco pocket holster and is light enough that I dont hafta do the hand in the pocket thing. I swear it weighs less than a cell phone and the average set of car keys put together.
So I guess what Im saying is that big pants usually have big deep pockets and I have found in the front pocket not only comfortable but very tactically sound as having your hand in your front pocket is a very common unthreatening movement to the average person.
BTW I dont recommend keeping your hands in your pockets if you come into contact with law enforcement. They legitimatly get real froggy when people put their hand in their pockets.
Ok some thoughts form a 4X'er I hope this helps. +1 on a good pants belt, cant get to your gun if ur pants are around ur ankles
I AM FAT! I know it and it is a daily struggle, you skinny guys just shut up and let us large folk try n help each other out. OK, I find pocket holsters are the best solution for me. I was carrying a Taurus 905 in a DeSantis pocket holster. The all stainless gun was a bit on the heavy side, but I made it a habit of walking around with my hand in my gun pocket. No one even glanced and I had the added benefit of having my gun at the ready all the time. Im telling you guys no one pays attention, even other gun guys who knew I pocket carried had to ask if I was carrying or not.
Now after 6 weeks on a waiting list I got a Ruger LCP, I havent been unarmed outside my home since. I am sacrificing power for weight but a .380 in the hand is always better than a .45 in the safe. The LCP sits in a Galco pocket holster and is light enough that I dont hafta do the hand in the pocket thing. I swear it weighs less than a cell phone and the average set of car keys put together.
So I guess what Im saying is that big pants usually have big deep pockets and I have found in the front pocket not only comfortable but very tactically sound as having your hand in your front pocket is a very common unthreatening movement to the average person.
BTW I dont recommend keeping your hands in your pockets if you come into contact with law enforcement. They legitimatly get real froggy when people put their hand in their pockets.
Ok some thoughts form a 4X'er I hope this helps. +1 on a good pants belt, cant get to your gun if ur pants are around ur ankles
SG1 Carrying middle of back or SOB as some call it is dangerous. If you were to fall it could result in a serious injury to your central nervous system-something to consider. I don't really qualify for this thread though I could stand to lose about 20 pounds-just thought I'd raise that point
Rock_Steady
Member
Mini-zombie thread!
I am 6'3" to 6'4" depending on what convenience store I am leaving. I am 290 lbs. About 60 lbs overweight with a 52" chest and a 40" waist. Summer I am packing a 38+p j-frame in a pocket holster. In the cooler times, when I can have a good cover garment without sweating all over somebody, I either have an XD-9sc or a Kimber fullsize at 3:30-4:30 IWB. Biggest problem I have is the love handles pushing the grip out into my shirt, causing some printing.
The reality of it is that I don't think anyone even notices when I carry, even if it looks like i have a library book under my shirt. Odd thing in our society, but fat makes you invisible. You look like everyone else.
I am 6'3" to 6'4" depending on what convenience store I am leaving. I am 290 lbs. About 60 lbs overweight with a 52" chest and a 40" waist. Summer I am packing a 38+p j-frame in a pocket holster. In the cooler times, when I can have a good cover garment without sweating all over somebody, I either have an XD-9sc or a Kimber fullsize at 3:30-4:30 IWB. Biggest problem I have is the love handles pushing the grip out into my shirt, causing some printing.
The reality of it is that I don't think anyone even notices when I carry, even if it looks like i have a library book under my shirt. Odd thing in our society, but fat makes you invisible. You look like everyone else.
chieftain
Member
Fair enough. 5'8" 285lbs.
I guess, I can run for President now.
Go figure.
Fred
theotherwaldo
Member
One prob that hasn't been covered is weather.
Folks, it's normal down here to have 98 degrees, 98% humidity, and 15 to 35 mph winds, gusting higher. Un-tucked shirts are alternately glued to yer bod and blown up around yer ears.
Vests? You're kidding, right? And not even the mayor wears a jacket outdoors here.
That pretty much leaves pocket carry or something below the beltline.
Or doing without.
Folks, it's normal down here to have 98 degrees, 98% humidity, and 15 to 35 mph winds, gusting higher. Un-tucked shirts are alternately glued to yer bod and blown up around yer ears.
Vests? You're kidding, right? And not even the mayor wears a jacket outdoors here.
That pretty much leaves pocket carry or something below the beltline.
Or doing without.
elsullo
Member
Me beeg.
Yah, thanks to the kind people who suggest losing weight! Gosh, I never thought of that!
I currently carry a Walther PPK holsterless in a front pocket. I place a "credit card wallet" in front of it so that the only printing of the loose pants is a small rectangle---never been noticed by security scrutiny. The weight and size are not a problem. I just need to regularly clean out the pocket lint from the gun.
In past years I worked a job where being caught carrying meant instant termination. I was told by co-workers that I should get a different job if I felt a need to carry (driving city bus at night in gang territory.) I agreed with them, and was resolved to get a new job IF I was ever fired!
I had great success, and comfort, carrying a Glock 19 in a low-carry inside waistband holster, canted forward with the slide just behind the hipbone (8-o'clock). Under a light "baggy-waist" jacket it did not print and was never seen, even when I was in close contact with supervisors. That is ONE advantage of being soft and fluffy!
My favorite and most comfortable carry was a three-inch barrel S&W J-frame revolver carried under the belt just forward of the hipbone "9-o'clock". We chubby guys have a "belt-groove" in which the revolver cylinder can be held snuggly in without a holster. My snubbie had the Uncle Mike's "Combat Grip" which is shaped like a banana, and besides giving excellent control, can be hooked OVER the belt to prevent movement. It also does not appear to be a gun grip, so on the two occasions I accidentally exposed it nobody noticed it. I don't know if these "Combat Grips" are still made, but they are available used at any gun show---lots of folks took them off to get pocket carry grips. If I had still had a dangerous job I would now carry one of these one either side. My useful flab is ambidextrous!........................elsullo
Yah, thanks to the kind people who suggest losing weight! Gosh, I never thought of that!
I currently carry a Walther PPK holsterless in a front pocket. I place a "credit card wallet" in front of it so that the only printing of the loose pants is a small rectangle---never been noticed by security scrutiny. The weight and size are not a problem. I just need to regularly clean out the pocket lint from the gun.
In past years I worked a job where being caught carrying meant instant termination. I was told by co-workers that I should get a different job if I felt a need to carry (driving city bus at night in gang territory.) I agreed with them, and was resolved to get a new job IF I was ever fired!
I had great success, and comfort, carrying a Glock 19 in a low-carry inside waistband holster, canted forward with the slide just behind the hipbone (8-o'clock). Under a light "baggy-waist" jacket it did not print and was never seen, even when I was in close contact with supervisors. That is ONE advantage of being soft and fluffy!
My favorite and most comfortable carry was a three-inch barrel S&W J-frame revolver carried under the belt just forward of the hipbone "9-o'clock". We chubby guys have a "belt-groove" in which the revolver cylinder can be held snuggly in without a holster. My snubbie had the Uncle Mike's "Combat Grip" which is shaped like a banana, and besides giving excellent control, can be hooked OVER the belt to prevent movement. It also does not appear to be a gun grip, so on the two occasions I accidentally exposed it nobody noticed it. I don't know if these "Combat Grips" are still made, but they are available used at any gun show---lots of folks took them off to get pocket carry grips. If I had still had a dangerous job I would now carry one of these one either side. My useful flab is ambidextrous!........................elsullo
chieftain
Member
I am a Florida boy. Although I have lived in Arizona since the mid 70's after 10 years in the Corps, I did go back to Florida in the mid 90's for 8 years. I used to have CCW permits for both states for about 12 years, back then.
Now I don't doubt where ever your from is more humid than coastal central Florida (you know REAL coastal Florida, the east coast), and you have it hotter than we have it in Phoenix all the time.
But IWB works fine in either place. It is important what your holster is made of. I strongly recommend horsehide for the Milt Sparks holsters. Horsehide pretty much prevents the moisture, read that sweat, from coming through and doing damage to your weapons. (Glockenspielers, watch that slide lock disappear after wearing sweat for a while)
Or wear Kydex/Plastic. Tuckers the Answer and few others do use a "sandwich" and place a membrane between layers to protect the weapon from the sweat.
Oh, one other thing. At a 115-120 degree's plus, the humidity next to your holster is pretty high too. Now think how sweaty that pocket is. I have had to dry money and other papers stuck in the pocket in the summer. Both in Florida and Arizona.
Go figure.
Fred
jakk280rem
Member
i also am a man of some substance and have difficulty concealing a gun properly. while standing and moving its no problem, but when i sit down my love handles print like a typewriter. i have found that a small gun worn iwb and worn as low as possible is the way to go. but you must use quality leather that is very stable. a larger frame weapon worn in the front iwb with the muzzle pointed toward my sensitive man parts with the grip parellel to my belt is also quite comfortable and aids in access while seated, but i cant bring myself to wear a gun while pointed at my raspberries.
OP
OP
1KPerDay
Member
LOL
theotherwaldo
Member
chieftain: The weapon is expendable. Flashing and printing is what I'm trying to avoid. The standing 40 mph updraft at the front door of my place of business makes most supposedly concealed guns print like Bigfoot if it doesn't flash 'em!
Thus, pocket carry is my choice.
Thus, pocket carry is my choice.
Darthbauer
Member
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2007
- Messages
- 677
like someone on the first page said, Id go with some sort of bag if your really big.
Get something like the Jack Bauer man bag. Holds the gun and spare mags.
Get something like the Jack Bauer man bag. Holds the gun and spare mags.
if you are talking generally about a messenger bag, certainly there are those with holsters built in. The common "Jack Bauer bag" aka "Jack Pack" does not have a holster in it (I liked the looks and size of this bag so I bought one). It would have to be modified to accommodate a pistol in a ready fashion (add a holster, add some velcro or a zipper).
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