Concealed carry vests and jackets

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Harold Mayo

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I have never carried a handgun in an OWB holster with a concealing garment. I've always carried IWB with an untucked shirt or a sweatshirt over the firearm. I've decided, for fun, to take an executive protection course in which I will probably be better served to wear OWB with a covering garment.

Can anyone recommend a good, light vest (yuck) or jacket to wear? I've been looking at the Cabela's catalog and their safari vests and jackets as something that I could latch onto fairly quickly but I'd like some input from those who normally carry this way. I really don't want to wear a vest. Really. But I will if I must. I would prefer something like the lightweight safari jackets that I see in Cabela's.

Anyone have any input? Is there any real advantage to the vest over the jacket? Other than being a little lighter and, probably, a little cooler? Any place other than Cabela's to look at? Concealed Carry Clothiers or something?
 
This probably is not what you are looking for at all, but Coronado Leather makes some very nice vests and jackets that have slide holsters built in.
 
Harold...

The last time I posted something about vests I got a lot of comments like, "Why don't you just write the word ARMED or GUN in big letters across your forehead"? Well, I think it's good that a BG might look at my vest and pass on me. Thus, I have three or four vests. The best of which is my Concealed Carry Clothiers "Double Action" model. However the "(yuck)" in your post leads me to believe you might be unhappy with the price of that particular vest. It's the best I own though. My wife has one also.
We're probably going to get each other the "Tropic Weight" model too. I particularly like the holsters that can be repositioned in a different pockets and that I could order an extra long model so I would be sure the pistol on my belt is covered. It's built for carry. Even the arm holes are cut so that a shoulder holster won't be seen. There's even a little velcro "wind tab" on the front so even if the vest is unbuttoned, a stray breeze won't expose your weapon. Lots of photographers vests are made that would do the job just fine for less money. However, for honest to goodness pistol carry, Concealed Carry Clothiers is my best bet. When I was talking to the owner, she told me that the Secret Service had placed a large order with her. So, I'd say that's a pretty good recommendation.

KR
 
KY,

I was probably one of the ones who MADE one of those comments (as a matter of fact, I think that I remember doing so!).

The "yuck" isn't a nod to pricing, which doesn't matter, but a dislike of vests in general. I DO NOT think that they look good on anyone, especially me. I hate the thought of wearing a vest. I would much rather wear a jacket of some sort. Also, most of the vests that I've looked at that are actually made by people catering to the concealed carry crowd look rather cheap to me.

I'm considering this:

http://www.orvis.com/store/product_...ubcat_id=3&pf_id=48X0&adv=1195&feature_id=100

or this:

http://www.orvis.com/store/product_...ubcat_id=3&pf_id=32HX&adv=1195&feature_id=100

Neither is designed specifically for concealed carry, however, and I'm not sure how the fit would be. They should both be OK but I hate ordering clothing without being able to first try it on.

I just hate vests. I always think they look goofy (like Mac's sweater-vests on "Night Court").

A lightweight jacket might be the ticket. I don't know. It's mostly just for the course but I might end up wearing it more than that. I just hate living in the boonies now when I'm wrestling with major life decisions like this one.

:D
 
I might just go with an old windbreaker but I wanted to look cool and all. :D

I might actually end up carrying with a jacket or something but I really hate to do so after carrying under a shirt of some sort all this time. Just looking for opinions. I went ahead and searched the forum for vests and such and found some interesting links but I really think I'll stick with the Orvis stuff. It looks nice and seems to be durable. Now I've got to figure out a way to keep a friend of mine from trying to smoke my hemp jacket....
 
I have given thought to this also ... but ... main prob is .... in summer, too damn hot .... a T Shirt is all I can handle. In winter months no prob (usually 4 o'clock OWB ..... Fobus at present ..... or sho rig.)

Other prob I have is ... even with relatively light weight pieces ..... in a vest or pants pocket there is always some ''drag'' downwards on the carry side. I find that both uncomfortable and .... feel self conscious as it tends to (I imagine) advertize my carry status!

Anyone else think along similar lines??
 
I have several vests. (I also have lots and lots of holsters. I have little sales resistance for gun accessories.)

When I wear the Cabela's safari vest people always ask me if I'm going fishing.

When I wear the concealed carry classic vest people compliment me on it, though one person did ask me if I was going hunting. It does not really look "gunny" at all, but is rather short if you are a tall person. They do make them in longer sizes, which I didn't realize when I bought it.

The best concealment vest I have is a Cabela's fleece vest, which comes in long and tall sizes. The long and tall sizes are very helpful in concealing OWB. The problem, of course, is that it is quite warm, so you can only use it in the winter, which here in Oklahoma is rather short.

I also have a lightweight nylon vest with the logo of my school, marked "Gear for Sport."

Several folks I know like the vests from travelsmith.com. I think they have a lightweight travel vest and a longer, heavier vest.

Good luck. I have just about given up on vests. They work, but here in Oklahoma they call attention to themselves, which is what I'm trying to avoid. They are also hotter than an untucked shirt. L.L. Bean has a division called L.L. Bean traveler that sells long sized shirts with flat hems that conceal handguns very well and look fairly hip.
 
Mr. Mayo,

The two best vests I own are an old Bananna Republic photojournalist style in a light cotton like safari clothing. I am not sure they sell it anymore, but I am sure someone has one just like it for sale. The currently produced Royal Robbins 551 vest is designed for carrying guns and is easily the best I have used.

Check out New York Clothiers for the best prices on Royal Robbins and check out their pants too. Trust me. I've spent a lot of money on junk over the years. Try their stuff FIRST.

http://www.newyorkclothiers.com/store/publicsafety/royalrobbins.htm

I own several Concealed Carry Clothiers (CCC) vests and find them a distinct second to the above two.

In my seven years of carrying concealed in Texas heat with a vest I can honestly say I have never received an odd look for wearing one. Not a BIG fanny pack is another story.

:)

- Anthony
 
i'll secound the advise for the royal robbins vest and newyork clothiers ,they have very good service.
 
Right now I have a light waterproof shell that has velcro closures. Real light, and velcro can be used to keep it from blowing open, but the velcro is real easy to get off in a hurry.
 
Harold

If you want light weight and quality at a reasonable price check out the royal robbins "go anywhere vest" I purchased one of there other vest and I think it will probably last a life-time.They are a well known quality manufacturer. They are on the web
 
I thought of another thing. I own a very light windbreaker type jacket. I believe the material it's made of is called "micro-fiber". Water resistant and stains "spot wash" off. (The ladies of the forum probably know what makes up micro-fiber.) Sometmes, I wear this light jacket which is long enough to cover a belt holster, but I usually wear a shoulder rig in the plane for comfort. Plus, since I really don't know what "micro-fiber" is, I usually take it off when I'm underway. (Strictly non-flammable cotton for me when I fly.)
Jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Believe me, I know.

KR
 
Looked over a bunch of vests and ettled on the Domke Photo vest.

http://www.saundersphoto.com/html/body_vest.htm

Wilson's sold this one for quite a while @ $80 but can be had for $65 thru NYC Camera stores:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh2.sph...___DOVPM___REG___CatID=4392___SID=F46CD78EE80


Vest is long so pistol is always concealed even when bending, etc.
They're also sized large to fit over Winter garments so sz. accordingly for Summer wear.
Fit and drape is exc. and cool enough for most Summer use.
Bought mine solely for IDPA but it's proven so practical that use it as a jacket. Min'e beat up enough so it dosen't have the "Yuppie with a Gun" look.
 
I have a couple of the photo/safari/hiking-style vests myself that are very similar to the ones offered by Cabela's...the brand-name on mine is "Fox Outdoor Corporation" or something like that.

I sometimes get the "you-goin-fishin" or "you-goin-huntin" questions, too, but I really like these vests when the weather allows. I'm actually starting to see more of them out and about around here, too, (Alabama)...I guess either more of us are hunting, fishing, have taken up photography...and/or are packing heat! :)

Of course, I do chuckle at the gun shows because they look like a photo-vest convention of some sort!!!!:D
 
All of those jackets are great. But does anyone know of something light that might go with slacks and a dress shirt? :rolleyes:
 
The concealed carry clothiers classic vest is dressy enough to wear with slacks and a shirt and tie. As I said, it does not look gunny at all. It's cooler (I mean in temperature, not hipness) than a jacket, but still warm in summer.
 
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