ccw question

[pitbullman]

i just went through my ccw class and got my permit in the works.
question is i heard or read somewhere that you had to carry in a holster.
seeing as i read this after my class i could ask my instructor sometime i like to carry gangster so to speak and stick it down the front of the pants iwb so to speak for quick tips tot the store and what have you. has anyone any idea if the ccw must be in a holster or not

thanks
paul

 

[Shadowangel]

Carrying "gangster" is dangerous, and an overall bad idea. Get a holster.

 

[Thernlund]

As far as I know there is no law stating you must have a holster. Indeed, many people carry in their pockets (ie. pocket carry).

Carrying "gangster" as you suggest is not a good idea though.


-T.

 

[tblt]

I carry my 38 the same way.I do need to get a holster but can't find the correct one.

 

[Jeff White]

I think that there is at least one state that requires a holster.

Gangster or mexican style carry is unsafe and not the best way to quickly access your weapon if you need it. There are a couple different types of easy on/easy off holsters that will cover the entire trigger guard and keep your weapon in the same place you put it.

Jeff

 

[pitbullman]

ya i know i dont carry like that offen just late night runs to the corner market when i dont feel like strapping up
thanks for the advice

 

[wheelgunslinger]

Mexican/Gangsta carry:

It can and probably will fall through the waistband and down through your pants, jeans, whatever- unless you're an emo kid and wear those shrink wrap jeans. If and when it does do that, it's going to suck. Especially if it's 2 seconds before you need it.

You may need it and try to draw it and it will, very likely, get hung on your pants waistband. Not cool. You may wind up blowing your privates off or shooting yourself in the knee from gripping too hard and not having proper training on trigger discipline- or just not enough experience.

These are two good reasons to have a holster. They keep it in place. They make it easy and safe to draw. Nothing wrong with either of those.

 

[ilbob]

I think that there is at least one state that requires a holster.

Gangster or mexican style carry is unsafe and not the best way to quickly access your weapon if you need it. There are a couple different types of easy on/easy off holsters that will cover the entire trigger guard and keep your weapon in the same place you put it.

Jeff

what do you think of the clips that go on guns so you can clip them to your belt but have no holster?

 

[Jeff White]

Bob,
Those clips don't cover the trigger guard. IMO way too easy for someone who doesn't have a lot of training and practice to end up with his/her finger on the trigger when it shouldn't be resulting in an ND.

Jeff

 

[Shawn Dodson]

Sounds like you want to carry "appendix" style.

Order yourself a Milt Sparks Summer Special II (it'll take about 6 months to get your holster). You can carry appendix style or behind strong side hip.

Uncle Mikes has an inexepensive "Fruit of the Loom" soft holster than can be modified to carry appendix style. Much more comfortable than metal against skin.

Cheers!

 

[springmom]

A friend of ours, who ought to know better, occasionally carried Mexican style. That is, he did until one day he was in a VERY nice restaurant for a meeting with his church board, and as he was walking to the table, started feeling his gun s-l-i-d-i-n-g down his leg.

In a moment of inspiration, he groaned, grabbed at his leg as if in pain, nodded toward the bathroom, and made a beeline to the men's room. Having caught the offending piece before it clattered to the floor, he was able at least to replace it where it had been.

IIRC, he said he started carrying in a holster shortly thereafter.

Mexican carry is a bad idea because your trigger guard is not covered, as Jeff said. Grab for the gun like that and you are more likely to end up with an AD. An Uncle Mike's is easy and doesn't require the full "get the belt on, thread it through the holster, yadda yadda" bit.

Springmom

 

[camslam]

Not a good idea at all. Common sense tells you that an unsecured weapon, regardless of make or brand, is not a good idea.

There are plenty of reasons why a gun could become loose in your pants or waistband.

I would recommend you do a search or two here on the THR and figure out if you want to carry IWB, OWB, pocket carry, Smart carry, ankle carry, or some other way. But I would definitely say, stay away from Mexican carry.

I started out with OWB, moved to IWB with a Comptac MTAC, and also use smart carry when I wear shorts without a belt. That smart carry is surprisingly awesome. Although for access + comfort, the MTAC is hard to beat.

 

[def]

I think the notion of a gun in my waistband and pointing at my junk is enough for me to not even care if there is a law. For the love of your best friends, don't point a gun at him and throw it in your pocket if you must.

However, as far as any law goes, it's probably a state matter, so what is legal in my state may not be in yours. I'd give the place where you took your classes a buzz and ask them, or call the Sheriff's department.

 

[BedPimp]

I have a fanny pack for those situations when I don't feel like dealing with everything associated with IWB/OWB carry. It has 3 pockets. 1 takes my pistol, 1 takes spare magazines, and the last takes my wallet, cell phone, flashlight, and any other little thing I may need. When I'm shuffling out late in the evening in sweats, I'm not worried about fashion and don't need to find a cover garment.

I also keep everything in it at night in case there is a fire or something. Means I can grab it and go without having to look for everything.

 

[Big Del]

My P11 I carry with belt clip only it is very fast to pull and quick to put on for the quick trips. I also like it for SOB carry as it sits a little lower, and can be done with cargo shorts summer wear.

 

[Bradco]

I just have to chime in here as carrying that way is bad, some years back a friend of mine used to carry that way and he was sitting in his car and it accidently went off causing him to have to urinate in a bag for a long time. Get the Picture? rethink that one.

 

[brighamr]

Rather than telling you what you should or shouldn't do, I'll simply answer your question:

Most states don't require a holster.

If you'll tell us the state you're talking about, we can answer your question more accurately.

 

[FieroCDSP]

I know that in Ohio, if in a vehicle, you have to have it in a holster on your person, or locked in a case, or in plain sight. (with the new law in September, an unlocked glove-box or purse, etc is acceptable also.)

I could not find anything specific requiring a holster here, but Ohio's a common sense state. If you're just slipping it into your waistband and the thing discharges in a public place, they'll find something in the books to stick on ya, perhaps just having your license suspended, but possibly more to prove a point.

Given the legal and civil issues involved with a negligent discharge, and the safety factor to yourself, a $30 holster that clips on in a hurry is a good idea. For upwards of $60, you can get some nice ones.
A friend of mine carries in a Comp-Tac infidel with Ghurka strut. Costs about $80, but disappears on him easily, and slips on and off quickly.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I sometimes use the "Mexican Carry," as it is called, for short distances and durations, but not down the front of my pants. (This is a legitimate carry - called "appendix" - but should be done in a holster.) Instead I put it in my waistband, behind my right hip where a normal belt holster would be. With guns that do not have protruding controls it is surprisingly comfortable, but not very stable over the long term. A holster will position the gun more consistently and securely.

BTW, "Mexican Carry" is not an ethnic slur - it has its roots in Mexican vaqueros (cowboys), who were and are colorful and romantic figures.

 

[printcraft]

paddle holster

I carry my 649 Smith in various holsters.
Desantis pocket, Galco leather w/clip IWB,
and Fobus paddle holster.
By far the paddle holster gets used the most almost every day.
Slips right over the top of the pant and does not need a belt
to function with jeans. Slip on Slip off not a hassle.
I usually pocket with the De or appendix carry with the Galco
when I'm looking for deeper concealment, but I've never
been looked at twice with the paddle anyhow. I think UncleMikes makes
a paddle style as well.

 

[MechAg94]

I recently got a couple of Galco IWB holsters that seem to work well. You would be surprised how easy it is to conceal even full size pistols at least as long as my shirt doesn't hang up on the gun. However, it is much more comfortable with an undershirt.

I don't plan on ever carrying bare in my waist band. I doubt the gun would sit still more than a few minutes. Damn uncomfortable if I had to sit down also. I would rather just tuck my P32 in my pocket.

 

[mljdeckard]

I regard it as the worst possible violation of the rule: "Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to destroy." Think about the last thing on this planet you want to put a bullet through, and see what you are sweeping pretty much every time you put it in and out.

Like others have said, seriously, look at a GOOD IWB holster like the Milt Sparks line, you will never go back.

 

[chipperi]

Good way to take yourself out of the gene pool. Get a good holster!

As far as I know GA is the only state that requires a holster.

 

[pitbullman]

"I regard it as the worst possible violation of the rule: "Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to destroy." Think about the last thing on this planet you want to put a bullet through, and see what you are sweeping pretty much every time you put it in and out."

i love the way you put that lmao .
yea i think iwb is the way im leaning on this one thanks for the advice

 

[bdickens]

Since you're asking what seems to be a legal rather than practical question, it would be helpful to know what state you live in.