Concealed carry...on the belt...recommendation..??

[ArmyAviator]

This forum was absolutely key in my selection of a pocket carry some time back; I bought a Kel-Tec .380; fits perfectly in "professional pocket"; 300 rounds +; no problem.

So....here's where I am now. US Army BlackHawk driver deploying to TX/MX border in JAN; licensed CCW and fully versed on reciprocity accorded my CCW in TX. I want something more substantial on my belt...not inside pants...but on the belt. My flightsuit is 2 piece version and accords ample concealment.

What's your recommendation that is IYHO a suitable compromise betwixt size, caliber, weight, # rounds, etc. I would want something that fits nicely in a belt holster...although I love Fobus paddle styles...extra mag slot if available....and price of the gun is not a total constraint; I can afford most...I think.

Yes, I know that such a query is as broad as Hillary's rump , but I know I'll hear the credible personal perspective.

Best regards, all.

--Bryant

 

[GaryArkansas]

Glock 23 if its kept in a holster. The price is middle of the pack, its drop dead reliable and parts are cheap and readily available. It has enough power to knock down an assailant, it is forgiving of intermittent maintenance and is the hands down selection of most plain clothes law enforcement (FBI too).

 

[usp9]

For a CCW thin is always good, so the entire Kahr line is worth a look see. The P45 gives you .45acp power in a very compact weapon. I carry in a Mitch Rosen OWB premier, and find it very easy to carry and conceal.

There are many other great choices too. You can never go wrong with a HK, any HK. Especially easy to carry is the venerable P7.

 

[rantingredneck]

I've been very happy with my Ruger P345. Very concealable, but still allows for a full size grip on the gun. It's about the same dimensions as a commander size 1911. Mine's been stone cold reliable and dead nuts accurate since purchase. I've got approaching 1K rounds through it to date, factory FMJ, Hornady TAP, Gold Dots, and my own reloads. Nary a hitch. I carry it in a Bianchi Minimalist OWB holster every day. In the summer time I can conceal it under an untucked T-shirt. Shouldn't be any problem concealing it under a flight suit.

And thank you for your service........

 

[Babalouie]

If size is more important than firepower then the KelTec PF9 carries really well in a belt holster...I prefer to carry it in a pancake style holster and its extremely comfortable and under an untucked shirt there is no printing. If firepower is the most important then a S&W M&P is an aboslutely great firearm in either the compact or fullsize. Another choice that is a compromise between the two is the Taurus Millenium Pros in your caliber of choice...lots of rounds in a nice compact package. My PT140 is a fantastic shooter and was a great value.

 

[jlficken]

My vote would be for the Glock 23 for reasons as mentioned above plus you can always get a 9mm and .357 Sig conversion for it if you want to. I switched from a Kimber Ultra CDP II to the G23 for ammo capacity (which is double) and if I am going to possibly beat up a gun be it dropping or just bumping into things on accident (never on purpose of course but s*** happens) I don't want to damage my $1100 Kimber.

 

[rudy99]

I'm a little confused by this question. Are you wanting something to carry "off-duy" so-to-speak? I'm just asking because you will be wearing it with your flight suit. I'd think if you were "on-duty" you'd be able to carry a weapon on your belt without worrying about concealment. What am I missing?

 

[ArmyAviator]

for Rudy99

Rudy99,

Perceptive, I concede. "On duty" there be a plethera of weaponry of most manner exceeding any CCW desire. However, once leaving the "compound" for lodging, such weaponry are secured therein; however, we remain garbed in aviation clothing going to and fro lodging. When in civilian clothing that doesn't conceal, my P3-AT is suffice. But we spend a LOT of time off compound in military duty uniform.

 

[WC145]

It sounds to me like you're going to be pushing the army's rules more than a little bit with what you are suggesting. They're not going to sign off on you carrying a personal weapon when you're working and I'd be very surprised if they'd see the "off-duty in uniform" carry from the same perspective as you also. Plus you have the issue of having personal weapons on a military base or compound to contend with as well.

I understand concealed is concealed and what they don't know won't hurt them but you are talking about actions that may have a real negative impact on your career depending on the army's rules and regulations. I think I'd be checking with them on this subject rather than us. That's my .02 anyway.

 

[DMK]

So you are talking about carrying OWB, not IWB right? I'm a little confused about how a 2 piece flight suits works as a concealment garment. Will you be carrying inside your flightsuit, or outside with a jacket over it?

Anyway, my favorite semi auto carry weapons are:

1) My Colt CCO (somewhat rare, but I found mine within two months of searching). It's a thin, lightweight, 7+1 round 1911 that is easy to shoot and comfortable to carry. This is my favorite CCW (as you can see by the amount of holster wear on the slide).

2) My CZ40B an out of production gun (they were not good sellers), but very light and low cost weapon if you can find one. A funtional equivelent would be a CZ-75B, CZ40P or CZ-75 Compact in .40 S&W.

3) Full size 1911 Govt model. This gun is easy to shoot well and is comforting to carry, but it's a heavy SOB. An alloy framed Govt. model or alloy framed Commander might be better for you.

I also like to carry a Ruger Sp101 .357 or an S&W 642 .38 Special +P, but it appears that you may be set on an auto.

All these guns are 100% reliable and I know each will put the shots where I need them to. I've shot more than 500 rounds of my carry HPs though each them (200 to certify them as SD weapons and a box or two every now and then to validate my trust) plus countless FMJs through them. The CZ40B and CCO were my guns of choice when I shot USPSA competition and neither let me down.

I'm presently looking for another gun about the size and weight of the Colt CCO, just in case it's ever out of service, or lost. The Sig P226 and P239 look like good candidates to me.

 

[ROCK6]

It sounds to me like you're going to be pushing the army's rules more than a little bit with what you are suggesting. They're not going to sign off on you carrying a personal weapon when you're working and I'd be very surprised if they'd see the "off-duty in uniform" carry from the same perspective as you also. Plus you have the issue of having personal weapons on a military base or compound to contend with as well.

I understand concealed is concealed and what they don't know won't hurt them but you are talking about actions that may have a real negative impact on your career depending on the army's rules and regulations. I think I'd be checking with them on this subject rather than us. That's my .02 anyway.

This is sound advice. When I lived "on-post" in GA with my GA State CCW, the MP's/Provost Marshall had no issues when I traveled on/off post with my CCW; I just couldn't carry outside my vehicle (i.e. shop at the PX). My boss (LTC) use to carry to and from work when he was in AK (bear repellent). I really depends on "your" Commander and the base commander's policies. I won't get into the idiotic Federal restrictions, but if done smartly and a little coordination, you can cover your bases to and from work. As to being in uniform, I would avoid being seen except when heading to/from work and maybe stopping to get gas...you're not under official orders to carry, so don't put yourself in a compromising position (maybe changing to civilian clothes after work before departing the base?).

So, what are you comfortable with? DAO, SA/DA, SA only? Revolver, semiauto? To keep the same manual of arms as your duty carry, maybe a compact Beretta 9mm (I've seen several in $300-400 range on Gunbrokers).

I only have the larger framed CZ's (85 and 75), but they are great pistols and the compacts would be more appropriate for CCW.

A paddle holster is nice, as they're much more convenient to put on and take off, but a belt slide is pretty slim as well.

Good luck and let us know what you decide on,

ROCK6

 

[ashtxsniper]

Glock 17 or 22

 

[strat81]

Glock 19, 23, 32, or 38, depending on your caliber preferences. I think 9 is fine, so I'd say Glock 19.

 

[Glockman30]

Try a Glock 30 in a Gould and Goodrich pancake belt holster. 10 rounds of .45 that will go bang every time.

 

[ArmyAviator]

Rock6, your experience is identical to the current military position. So, WC145, while I appreciate your concern, please, we are responsible enough to examine the official position of those appointed over us; we have and we do.

 

[WC145]

So, WC145, while I appreciate your concern, please, we are responsible enough to examine the official position of those appointed over us; we have and we do.

Whatever man, you came here looking for advice and I gave you some. It's your ass and your career so see what you can get away with and let us know how it works out.

 

[PakWaan]

My new Colt "New Agent" subcompact .45 1911 disappears in a belt holster - it's thin and small size make it very concealable, even on my small body frame. I got a Don Hume 721 OT OWB holster for it and it's perfect.

 

[JDGray]

G23! And use your military discount
http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=GLOCK-PI23502