CCW with just a t-shirt?

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LooseGrouper

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I'm semi-new to CCW and I just can't get comfortable carrying under a tshirt, which is what I wear most of the time if I'm not at work. I'm 5'10" and a fairly stocky 200lbs. I have a Kahr k9 that I prefer to carry at 4 o'clock and a bladetech "summer special" type holster. I feel like every time I bend over or sit down in a restaraunt that my gun is just too obvious.

I have no problems with carrying a J frame snub with a clip draw, so that is what I have been using most of the time. If I could shoot my snub as well as I shoot the Kahr, this wouldn't even be an issue any more.

Am I just being paranoid, or do most people need an additional concealment garment? If all else fails, I will just have to put in a lot more range time with the snubby.
 
You got to go with what feels best i guess. I have a OWB hume agent holster i wear with my xd-45 cocked and locked. I always just wear a t-shirt with a cutoff t-shirt under it and dont have a problem. im 6'1 300lbs and dont find that i have to overly hide it. Plus i have found the only thing that makes you paranoid is your own mind. How often have you looked at everyones hip while they were bending or sitting? Most people dont even give others a second look unless they are something to look at. So noticing a little bit of holster sticking out from under your shirt isnt really going to be high on their priority list. and even if they did see it...so what? your carrying legally so there isnt much they can do.
 
I see your point. Actually, though, I check out the hips, ankles, and pockets of lots of people ever since I started carrying. :)

I'm giving it another test run in a few minutes to go to a nice little chineese restaraunt down the street. I'm wearing a slightly larger and darker tshirt, so maybe that will help.
 
I'm 6'2" and about 200 and I carry my Commander under a loose tee occasionally, fairly often under a Polo. I'm more at 3:15, just behind the hip so the butt doesn't print unless I lean further left or forward.

The thing you figure out the longer you carry is that concealed doesn't mean "invisible", just not noticeable.

Pretty much, if you suspect someone is carrying a decent sized weapon in anything resembling a convenient draw location, you will spot it eventually. So, you as a CCW should just avoid doing the hundred and one things that are gun tip offs (like adjusting the gun) and then an occasional "something is on that guy's belt under his shirt" moment won't matter (in most states printing isn't illegal).

People carry iPods, Blackberrys, pagers, phones, leathermans, sheath knives toolkits, digital cameras, all sorts of things on their belts. Most people don't notice any lumps at all and don't care what that lump is even if they noticed it.

We're hyper-aware of our weapons, most people are totally oblivious of their immediate surroundings, much less worrying about your clothing fit.
 
I think even in Washington the gun would have to be actually physically revealed or visible as a weapon for that to count, not just printing through fabric. Check the statute.

After all, anything could be under your shirt poking a corner into fabric. If "they" have to move the shirt to definitively identify that object as a weapon, that object was still concealed and thus legal.
 
I carry a S&W 640 at about the 1 o'clock position under a dark colored pocket T shirt or a knit golf shirt. Using a thin IWB holster it doesn't print too badly. Generally if someone is looking directly from the front it is hard to see. There is a little printing when the view is from an angle. I have never had any comments or any problems here in Florida. Generally speaking if the gun is covered you won't have any problems from the public or the law. I find that the straight grip frame on semi-autos tend to print a little more than the small revolvers.

Bill
 
Here in WA has to be CLEARLY visible to be considered unconcealed according to the sheriff here (UNLESS you live in Seattle and then all commonsense bets are off !) . Summer time if I'm in a hurry I just jam my Taurus 85CH in my pocket and call it good during tshirt season .
 
Wear a dark T shirt (Dark blue, green, charcoal, or black) one size too big. That's what I do. Works great.
 
I'm 5'10" and 190 and can carry under a t-shirt easily. Make sure you have a good belt that's holding the holster snug up against you.
 
A dark tee shirt is best. Obviously, the looser the fit, the better.

I also suggest carrying at the 3 or 9 O'Clock (depending if you're a righty or a lefty) position, if possible.

The only problem with carrying OWB or IWB on your hip (7 or 4 O'Clock) is if you lean over or squat, the butt of the handgun can print. If the gun is on your side, the printing is reduced to nil. I carry a Glock 19 under a blousey tee shirt occasionally.

An alternative is to start wearing light weight sports jackets. They go well with casual trousers or jeans. I bought a light weight leather sports jacket from Sportsman's Guide just so I can more easily carry the Glock (in a belt slide holster).

Another alternative is pocket carry, but your K9 is too big for that (and my MK9 is too heavy).

No matter what you carry...or how well you conceal, you'll be quite self conscious for the first few weeks. The main thing there is to carry as often as possible and don't think about the gun.
 
I carry concealed wearing a t-shirt all the time, but it just never occurred to me to carry concealed wearing ONLY a t-shirt. I just don't feel comfortable running around pantless.
 
I'm 5'7", 170 lbs and carry either a full sized 1911 or a G30 in a IWB holster with just a T-shirt nearly all the time. I don't have a problem or atleast don't think I have a problem.
 
There are a few things you can do to avoid getting made.

If you're going to bend over to pick something up, bend at your knees instead of bending over.

If you're afraid of being made in a restaurant while sitting down, sit against a wall with the gun facing towards the wall.


I have a OWB hume agent holster i wear with my xd-45 cocked and locked.
Click to expand...

*ahem* you can't carry a XD45 "cocked and locked." Theres no thumb safety to "lock" the gun :D
 
Hi All-
"...People carry iPods, Blackberrys, pagers, phones, leathermans, sheath knives toolkits, digital cameras, all sorts of things on their belts. Most people don't notice any lumps at all and don't care what that lump is even if they noticed it..."
Click to expand...
You're absolutely correct. Not to mention portable storage devices, insulin pumps, cuff cases, flashlights, and all sorts of other stuff. The secret is to stay comfortable with yourself.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Well, I tried it out at the local buffet. No one pointed and whishpered, or ran away from me screaming. Guess I'm one step closer to toting my Kahr full time.

Thanks for the advice folks.
 
I can conceal my G26 with a CTAC under a t-shirt as long as its not super fashionably tight...:neener:
 
I'm 6' 4", 210lbs and I carry a full-tilt boogey P97DC and have not any issues with being it being noticed at all with my IWB at about 4 o' clock under a dark t-shirt. The people around me are so wound up and oblivious in thier own little worlds that I get the urge to shake some random and scream, "Wake Up! You're missing it all!" sometimes. :p

Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )
 
I stand 5'11", weigh 195 lbs, and measure 48"-36"-38". I can carry a single stack service pistol (SIG P210) in a Bulman AIWB holster worn between 3 and 4 o'clock, inconspicuously and without undue hardship. An XXL sized t-shirt worn untucked suffices to keep this rig well concealed. In this regard, my spare tire works as an impediment, and my deep chest and broad lats, an advantage. I have to be careful in guarding the sidearm with my elbow, and swquatting to pick things off the ground instead of bending over. I sit against the wall whenever that position is available. Dark hues conceal better than light ones, and if you can stand the look, patterned clothing conceals much better than solid colors.
 
I am a 5'11" 250 lb powerlifter......

I just put my Keltec in my pocket. If I feel something "more" is required, I carry it in a man-purse. Gotta remember to write down the name of the maker so you guys can check it out.......chris3
 
I rarely carry with only a t-shirt uptop, because I just don't like that look. But there is something very important to note. I carry a cell-phone and a PDA clipped to my belt at 9 o'clock and 8 o'clock respectively. Additionally, I carry one of a variety of handguns at 4 o'clock inside my waistband. Always all three. People just don't think anything of seeing a bulge around one's waist. I've carried for 10+ years and I've never been made.

As far as keeping it concealed goes, you don't want to let yourself be made, because the 'maker' can create a world of hurt for you if they lie to a police officer and say you brandished it. You'll be assumed guilty in far too many cases because you do in fact have a gun on you. Unfortunately, to the wrong kind of officer, you're a threat because you have a gun and threatened people don't think clearly. Even if you aren't arrested, they can pull your CCW permit far too easily to risk that.

One last thing. If at all possible for your build, I'd recommend an inside the waistband holster like the Fist Ultra-thin kydex I carry. It is like a second skin, snuggly held close to your body. It doesn't ride and it doesn't show. The barrel of a gun could easily be 'made' if it's sticking out below your shirt line. Your shirt under normal activity, just doesn't ride up high enough to display the butt of the gun.

Hope my thoughts help.
 
When I am not at work ninety percent of the time I CCW with just a loose fitting tee shirt (naturally untucked), also wearing jeans or shorts and the smallest gun that I am willing to carry is my P239 or P2000SK.

I usually carry in a Galco Mister Softy (IWB).

I stand 5'11 and weigh in at approximately 160-165 pounds.

I've been doing that same routiene for over five years now and sometimes with larger framed guns.
 
So I have a different way of doing things. I bought one of those ultra cheap do all nylon holsters for my Taurus 445 in .44spl. My holster has loops on all sides to allow all the conventional carry patterns. What I have discovered is that if I put the holster between my belt and my pants, the overall profile is muted greatly. I have found that I can even draw faster with the holster held as such. When I carry my SIG P220 I either use a Safariland 1090 gun quick crossdraw holster with a shirt over it or I use an uncle mikes IWB neopreneish "sack" that also affords a fast draw and great concealability. I usually carry IWB at 4:00 with an untucked tee shirt. One point to make is that in addition to the oft mentioned bend vs. stoop, avoid open backed chairs that force your shirt to conform to you too much! In those situations, I simply slide my hips forward and lean back to keep the profile hidden. Another point is to those of us who have extended magazines. The extra little nubbins at the rear of your grip is the most visible part of your gun when carrying strong side. Losing one round's worth of ammo to remain concealed is a worthy sacrifice. Finally, make sure that any loved ones you may go out with are aware that they should not put their hands on your back. My wife forgets so often that I now favor the shoulder holster when I go out with her.
 
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