Concealed carry for fat boys like me...

[offroaddiver]

IWB, ankle or what i would call accesory carry. I have seen people who carry organizers everywhere... put one in there. I have seen the fanny packs.... now i notice people who are wearing fanny packs... there are "tactical" clothing...
My personaly rig varies on what i'm doing, risk factor, and clothing. I usually wear cargo pants and sewed a small pocket in there to help carry. I also like to carry close to the same motion as grabbing my wallet in case someone has been watching me.

 

[Pat McCoy]

Those aren't "love handles", but "anatomical retention devices". Got a pair myself.

I like Milt Sparks IWB with good belt about 1-2" larger than normal trousers.

 

[skidmark]

http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/Default.htm

They make some excellent pocket holsters, and all styles can be made up for Lefties.

While others have their preferences for animal hide, I like their thin kydex pocket holsters. They have a great thumb-push feature, are quite, do not print as an obvious GUN! , and are available for most every brand and size firearm you might want.

I do not own stock in the company, nor do I get a fee for shilling for them. I just like the product.

stay safe.

skidmark

 

[Mannlicher]

Pete409

Quote:
I have found that a quality belt, and a good pancake holster worn OWB works well for a 'husky' lad like myself.
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The problem with OWB holsters is that they are too likely to expose a portion of the firearm when the wearer bends over or stretches to reach something. Some states (such as Florida) don't permit non-concealed carry.

Unless you're wearing a trench coat or a VERY long shirt, it's way too easy for the pistol to play "peek-a-boo" when you bend or stretch. This could cause a person to lose their CCW license.

Maybe. I have been carrying concealed in FL for about 45 years now, and to date, that has not been a problem. Conjecture is one thing, what really happens is another.

 

[pete f]

OWB with a big shirt over it. 5 10 275, I carry a full size or a commander 1911 with ease, a good high ride like an askin's avenger and no one knows unless I tell them.

 

[Cougfan2]

I'm a big guy too and I have a Bianchi bag with an internal holster that works great for me. No one gives two thoughts to my "man purse" out here in the Northwest.

 

[Pete409]

Mannlicher wrote:

Maybe. I have been carrying concealed in FL for about 45 years now, and to date, that has not been a problem. Conjecture is one thing, what really happens is another.

Well, FYI, it wasn't "conjecture". I've tried it and it didn't work for me for the reason stated, i.e. too many instances of the gun barrel playing "peek-a-boo" under my shirt or jacket. Maybe you wear longer shirts or jackets, or maybe you wear your belt higher than me. Whatever, if it works for you, that's fine, but it didn't work for me (based on experience, not conjecture).

 

[enfield303]

I also fall into the "Big Guy" category. i carry a Walther P99 in a cheapo Uncle Mike's IWB @ 4:30. if you do it right, the love handles actually help with the concealment.

 

[crebralfix]

What are the odds that the confrontation is going to be very close? Will you be able to move quickly enough to dodge his aim (and possibly punches, kicks, and/or stabs) while you deploy your weapon?

If you're that overweight, do you really expect to be able to hold off a felon fresh from 10 years of weight lifting in prison? If you are easily winded just going up one flight of stairs, you are NOT ready for a gun fight. The gun isn't the answer to everything. It's just a tool...YOU will save yourself, not it.

Time to say it: get off the couch and into the gym. It is the only solution regardless of what the BoobTube says. But, you need the right gym...one that understands fighting and that you're training for it. A good trainer will take those into account and be able to build a program for you. One guy at Team Ruthless (teamruthless.com--I'm a client and they've done WONDERS for me) is 55 with bad back, bad knees, and a bad shoulder. Well, his knees aren't bad anymore, back is fine, and shoulder is still bad, but he's working around it (per his testimony).

I fully encourage you to talk to many gyms and trainers. Tell them your physical limitations and goals. Find out what they say and compare programs. Also look for an understanding of fighting and preparation for fighting. A boxing coach may be the way to go.

If you want additional guidance, PM me with your questions.

Good luck!!! It's a hard road, but it's worth it. My friend lost 3" off his waist in 30 days....

 

[Owens]

Here is another thread along the same lines, just in case you didn't see it:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=322937

 

[doc2rn]

Being big and barrel chested makes concealment of my OWB easier since I use a Galco High RIse holster. I have one for each of my carry weapons, keeps the peak-a-boo away.

 

[simpleguy]

I am 5'4" and 175lbs......I carry a Smith M&P .40 full size IWB and tucked in a Ted Blocker - DA3 and you can't tell.

 

[Clipper]

I'm 6'2", 350#, and I pocket carry a Kel-Tec PF-9 in cargo pants or shorts, in a deSantis Nemisis, which is ambidexterous, BTW...

There are those who carry larger pistols in similar fashion, as the nemisis is available for larger pistol configurations, but I draw the line at 20 ounces loaded weight...

 

[che_70b]

crebralfix,

Not all big guys, not even fat big guys, are easy to deal with in a hand to hand fight. From the size descriptions folks are giving I am the biggest guy posting in this thread and would give myself pretty good odds in a close encounter.

That said I do practice american kenpo and other assorted fighting tidbits I glean from other sources. The one thing everybody says after sparring with me for the first time is "wow, i did'nt think fat guys could be fast".

Not to say that a person should not work toward getting in better shape. What i mean is that anyone can take their current strengths and weakness into account and become a decent up close fighter, within reason of course.

 

[Eastex]

I was carrying a PPK in a pocket holster. Now carry a 1911 5" in a MacDaniel ll IWB at 4-4:30. Found the holster on ebay at 1/2 price.

 

[chipperi]

I am 6'1" 357lbs I was a firefighter for a long time so I am a fair mix of belly and muscle. I carry a S&W 4516 in a vmII iwb @ 4 O'clock with no problems.