CCW Method Question....

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Crash_Test_Dhimmi

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I carry a HK USP CT 45 ACP, in an IWB holster at 6 o clock in the small of my back. My wife has been complaining for a while that "Its so big anyone can tell you are printing!" and she has been getting on me to get a smaller gun, and or change my carry method. I feel like it is only noticeable when I bend over/flex my back (when the small of my back no longer curves inward). Which I can manage. She sees it because she KNOWS it is there. But others dont have a clue. Its already a "Compact" CT.

I love the 45 and the firepower it brings to the table, what should I do?
 
Crossbreed supertuck. It makes guns disappear.

Other than that I would say carry it in the front of your waistband.

You could also look at a smaller .45 if you're dead set on keeping that caliber.
 
I second the Crossbreed Supertuck. A bit on the expensive side, but well worth it. Once you wear it a little bit and you break it in, you'll completely forget its there. Not to mention that you can pretty easily conceal with just a tshirt.

You may also want to look into carrying around 4 o'clock instead of 6. I find my guns conceal better around 4 and are more accessible in all positions, but especially while sitting. Also, if you fall on your back while a gun is over your spine, you can get some pretty nasty back issues. Most local LEOs (that I've talked to at least) don't carry SOB for that reason.

If you want a smaller .45, you could look into the Sig P220 or if you want to stay with the HK, the HK 45c is pretty good.
 
look at comp-tac also. More options across there line ,returnable. Also you can swap holster out for different guns.
 
I am a comp tac MTAC fan also... First thing first, get it away from 6 o'clock! I think (and I am not the only one) that thinks SOB is the most difficult and uncomfortable place to carry a gun. I wear mine a 3 to 4 o'clock and find it much more comfortable and MUCH quicker to draw.

I am not sure if you get much of a winter in your area, but if you slip on the ice, you may well land on your gun. Trust me, I did it once. That hurt....
 
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I like the crossbreed but I think you really need to get the combat cut on it. You can't get a proper grip with the full crossbreed. Just my 2 cents.
 
+++++Crossbreed Supertuck+++++++
Love mine, if you elect not to get the combat cut, you can trim it yourself to your liking. I'm a big guy and carry @4 o'clock with shorts and a t-shirt. My wife doesn't know when I carry or not! S&W M&P40 fullsize or compact...both work great in this holster and position!
 
+1 of the Comp-Tac. I've really enjoyed mine...very comfortable, makes my full size 1911 disappear. I do like the ability to switch out the kydex shell on the Comp-Tac (so one holster can handle more than one pistol)and it's very easy to adjust the cant. I'd heard good things about the Crossbreed but didn't like that you couldn't order it without crosses all over it (I know some like it, but it wasn't for me), found the Comp-Tac and it performs wonderfully, was about the same price, and I personally think has a more refined look to it.

All in all, it seems to be a personal preference thing and you really can't go wrong with either the Comp-Tac or the Crossbreed. I would also recommend moving your carry position away from the small of your back.
 
Try another holster. There are some good recommendations in this thread already.

she has been getting on me to get a smaller gun
Click to expand...

I WOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS.
Keep your gun and get a smaller gun too!
WIN WIN WIN. Everyone's happy.
 
Maybe consider honestly the reasons you DO carry "SOB" style. Make sure you really have to. There are some very good reasons not to.

Perhaps the least important of them is that it is (maybe the) one position where other folks really CAN tell better than you that you're carrying (printing).

Others are the risks of sweeping one's side/hips/kidneys when drawing from back around there (worse with the inverted SOBs than the more standard style), the fact that most ranges and training facilities won't let you practice with them because of risk to yourself and others, the risks of spine and other damage from falling on that hard object held against your vulnerable back, the inevitable discomfort while sitting and/or driving, the lack of access when sitting and/or driving, and, of course, the constant printing and cover garment riding up when you bend/move/sit/stand/stretch, etc.
 
Take it from a guy with a severely damaged disc in his low back - you want to find another method of carry. That area of your back is quite a bit more susceptible to injury than the rest, and as mentioned, the potential for sustaining an injury during a fall (or an ND while drawing) is pretty high with a SOB rig.

Others have mentioned the Supertuck, which I think is a great option. If you're interested in a less-expensive version and want to support a small independent holster-maker, give the Kholster a look. Very, very similar to the Supertuck, less spendy, and the guy who makes 'em is a pleasure to deal with.
 
I go with kingpin on this one as another guy with bulged discs. Guy on another forum I frequent carried SOB and got tripped up walking his dog and landed on it. He didn't go in to the doc or hospital for xrays (Which I highly recommended to him) and was complaining about how bad it hurt, even when he is taking vicodin for another non-related pain. And I also go with the other comments, the wife sees it because she knows it's there. People don't look at people anymore unless your head is shaved and painted neon green or the like, and even then they aren't checking you out for a CCW.
 
Actually, I had to try it to prove it to myself....but I have an easier time concealing a full size 1911 strong side OWB than I do a snubnose SP101 appendix IWB. Usually a good shirt, or light jacket is all it takes. You might give that a shot. It's much easier on the back as well.
 
Also for sob crowd ,you can't bend over with out telling anyone looking your have something stuck in your pants. I don't carry a full size, kahr cw9 or cm9 . That i can carry over my front pocket and tuck a shirt in and have no problems setting with it in a Comp-Tac MTAC neutral
 
It's never too early for an early Christmas present to yourself. Shop around for holsters or smaller guns. I really like an AKJ Concealco holster, works great for me just slightly forward of 3:00. (I don't do plastic holsters)
 
Having had spinal fusion surgery, there will never be a SOB holster in my collection.
Any double stack is fat in the grip. A double stack .45 moreso.
I am not comfortable with a double stack on my hip. SOB? No. Hell no.
 
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