I have noticed the "trend" towards smaller single stack...380/9mm and such, while all fine and dandy if thats for you some choose to conceal larger pistols...such as Glock 19's and such, what do you do to conceal and how do you conceal/carry a bigger pistol that you feel comfortable with?
Concealing a bigger pistol?
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g.willikers
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Live in a cold climate and wear suspenders?
improperlyaged
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I carry a Glock 19 and on occasion XD service 9. They conceal fine IWB at 3 o clock. I wear loose shirts and slightly baggy pants and I have absolutely no problem keeping them concealed. And I am not that big of a guy.
zerobarrier
Contributing Member
I conceal a Beretta 92FS Brigadier, 5" 1911, S&W model 69 combat, and soon to be glock 23 with viridian light. All are used with a good holster and a really good elephant belt from beltman. Mostly carried OWB but every now and then IWB and always with at least one extra mag on my weak side.
My normal attire consists of Khaki or dress pants, occasionally a nice pair of jeans and a button up collared shirt, long or short sleeve. The pistols all seem to conceal well as long as my shirts aren't too tight
My normal attire consists of Khaki or dress pants, occasionally a nice pair of jeans and a button up collared shirt, long or short sleeve. The pistols all seem to conceal well as long as my shirts aren't too tight
Schwing
Member
The older I get, the more I fall into the pocket pistol group. I just find it so dang convenient and comfortable that it is an easy way to make sure it is always on me.
Having said that, I have found that a good pancake type holster that sits a little higher on the waist with a solid belt and an un-tucked shirt works fine for most full size pistols.
For better concealment but slower access, belly band holsters work well for many full size semi-autos as well. I find that I have to wear an undershirt to prevent rubbing on my skin so summer isn't a great time for this IMO.
On those rare occasions that I wear a suit coat, the sky is the limit for a good quality shoulder rig.
Having said that, I have found that a good pancake type holster that sits a little higher on the waist with a solid belt and an un-tucked shirt works fine for most full size pistols.
For better concealment but slower access, belly band holsters work well for many full size semi-autos as well. I find that I have to wear an undershirt to prevent rubbing on my skin so summer isn't a great time for this IMO.
On those rare occasions that I wear a suit coat, the sky is the limit for a good quality shoulder rig.
TimeIsRunninOut
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I used to carry a Glock 19, it has it's challenges. I'm on the short side 5-6, I used a comp-tac mtac with a wilderness 5-stitch belt. Setting the can't more aggressive with a higher ride height helped a lot. It all comes down to comfort level, I've noticed where I live most people aren't paying any attention to who is or is not carrying a gun. I used to wear a size larger shirt, but no longer due. A good holster and belt combo make it easier to wear comfortable clothes and still conceal rather easy.
To be honest sometimes I carry an XD-40 or SR 1911 but often I carry a smaller gun. If I want to carry one of the full sizes I wear an untucked loose fitting shirt & use a good belt slide type holster. Of course there are also times when I carry a Kel Tec P-11 in a cheap fobus paddle holster just because of the convenience & the fact that I can take it off & put it back on easily if the need arises.
BobWright
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Here I am with my wife and two sisters on an out-for-the-day drive and lunch. (I'm on the left) Under that vest is a Ruger Blackhawk .44 Special:
Works for me in casual attire.
And dressed for Sunday:
Bob Wright
Works for me in casual attire.
And dressed for Sunday:
Bob Wright
A few years ago, I carried a 4” S&W M29 OWB for a couple of weeks, just as an experiment. I wore Hawaiian shirts (size small) and cargo shorts. At 5’9” and 142 lbs, it was like having half a steel grapefruit strapped to my side. The thing stuck out a mile. The two speedloaders were almost as bad. My right arm hung well out from my body to clear the gun.
No one noticed a thing.
It was kind of interesting, but I went back to my G19, then to a full-size, 20 round XDm 9mm, then a PF9 and now an XDs 3.3 .45.
After packing daily for over 25 years, I’ve come to the conclusion that people don’t look at other people. No one pays attention to bulges under your clothes. Unless you’re a supermodel or on fire, no one will give you a second look. Hell, they won’t give you a first look.
No one noticed a thing.
It was kind of interesting, but I went back to my G19, then to a full-size, 20 round XDm 9mm, then a PF9 and now an XDs 3.3 .45.
After packing daily for over 25 years, I’ve come to the conclusion that people don’t look at other people. No one pays attention to bulges under your clothes. Unless you’re a supermodel or on fire, no one will give you a second look. Hell, they won’t give you a first look.
Phaedrus/69
Member
I'm no "fashion plate" and tend to wear T-shirts and sometimes a button up shirt over the top, unbuttoned. Since I tend to wear baggier, looser, more comfortable clothing I can carry anything up to maybe an HK P30 without any trouble. The only time I have any issues with a basically full-sized gun is during the hottest part of the summer. If I'm in just shorts and a T-shirt and it's too hot to wear anything more I generally carry the Beretta Nano or Ruger LCRx.
Twiki357
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I rarely carry a larger or full size gun, but when I do, it’s a 1911 in a shoulder holster. Any other method puts too much load on my suspenders.
USAF_Vet
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S&W model 469 in a Bianchi 19L left handed OWB holster.
All it needs is a good belt, but suspenders don't hurt. A light jacket is enough to keep it concealed, but since MI is an open carry state, I don't really bother with deep concealment.
All it needs is a good belt, but suspenders don't hurt. A light jacket is enough to keep it concealed, but since MI is an open carry state, I don't really bother with deep concealment.
Hunter2011
Member
For me the part that gives it away most easily that I carry is the grip, not the length of the barrel. I see some threads were people modified their G19 or G17 to be able to load G26 magazines. In this way you carry something with a short grip, but still have a good sight radius and your spare mags can be the G17 mags. This is what I would do if ever I need more capacity
I have tried several different methods, and I find owb pancake holsters most comfortable. I have broadish shoulders for my frame and a fairly small waist (for now
). An unbuttoned over shirt hides most everything.
Shoulder holsters are less comfortable, but it makes concealing a Beretta 92fs possible.
However my daily work attire requires a gun that doesn't require such measures. My daily carry is a single stack polymer 9mm. It's easier to keep out of sight, and my back thanks me for it.
If the world goes to hell in a handbasket, I'll carry that 92 in my teeth if I have to. Day to day, gimme the Nano.
). An unbuttoned over shirt hides most everything.Shoulder holsters are less comfortable, but it makes concealing a Beretta 92fs possible.
However my daily work attire requires a gun that doesn't require such measures. My daily carry is a single stack polymer 9mm. It's easier to keep out of sight, and my back thanks me for it.
If the world goes to hell in a handbasket, I'll carry that 92 in my teeth if I have to. Day to day, gimme the Nano.
I stopped carrying larger pistols altogether for concealed purposes. I just don't like the weight. In winter, it's easier to carry because you have more options and the thicker clothes help distribute the weight, but in warmer months, forget it. I actually went from my Sig P238 to a Glock 42 for daily carry because it was several ounces lighter. At first, I didn't think these things would matter, but to me they did.
Uncle Nubbs
Member
My preferred carry pistol is a GI model 1911. It's hands down my most reliable handgun. Because I sit/ stand a lot, I've found the most successful position is cross-draw just aft of my left hip. Plus, when I draw, the position of the barrel does not come across my body. Yes, harder to reach but much easier to move around!
Also, I like to use a sticky holster. It's non-obtrusive and I can adjust it for comfort as a loaded full size pistol can get a bit heavy. The whole rig is pretty secure IWB, cinched up by a big belt. Works for me!
Also, I like to use a sticky holster. It's non-obtrusive and I can adjust it for comfort as a loaded full size pistol can get a bit heavy. The whole rig is pretty secure IWB, cinched up by a big belt. Works for me!
thewillweeks
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My primary carry of choice is a G23 with a spare magazine on the side of the mag and I tuck it in the small of my back and it disappears even with the $20 holster I've got, even with just a looser tshirt and standard jeans. I'm not a big man either, I'm pretty skinny so it I don't have a lot of space on the side for it.
My brother buys nicer holsters, and he tucks a full size Sig 1911 under any tshirt he's wearing. On the same note, I've tucked a 1911 in back, but I need an extra loose tshirt to pull of a 1911, at least with the holsters I have.
Basically, a good belt and pants, even if they're not made for carry, negates the weight of a gun. I could nearly forget I had the gun with me, and I've had to feel to see if I've got it when I've been sitting around playing Xbox for too long (I have the bad habit of taking it out and setting it beside me when doing so, so I always have to check to make sure I've got it before I move elsewhere in my home).
My brother buys nicer holsters, and he tucks a full size Sig 1911 under any tshirt he's wearing. On the same note, I've tucked a 1911 in back, but I need an extra loose tshirt to pull of a 1911, at least with the holsters I have.
Basically, a good belt and pants, even if they're not made for carry, negates the weight of a gun. I could nearly forget I had the gun with me, and I've had to feel to see if I've got it when I've been sitting around playing Xbox for too long (I have the bad habit of taking it out and setting it beside me when doing so, so I always have to check to make sure I've got it before I move elsewhere in my home).
RustyShackelford
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Tradecraft, concealment ...
There are tips and tricks you can pick up on if you have the time, $ & resources to learn how to conceal firearms.
I own a LE trade in Glock 21 gen 04 .45acp pistol. I considered buying a OWB holster for it but it would be a &@#% to carry around for extended periods,
.
If I really needed or wanted to carry a larger pistol like a 92/96 size, a P229/P226 or M&P full size, I would go back to a well made horizontal shoulder rig. I liked my black Aker Comfort Flex, . The Galco Miami Classic II holster could conceal a big pistol. I prefer the wider shoulder straps to balance out the weight of the gun & spare magazines/handcuffs etc.
Many serious gunners & armed agents get natural or brown shoulder holsters to avoid the black dye from staining clothes or causing wear-tear.
Some CCW license holders or new gun owners buy synthetic or nylon holsters.
They aren't bad for occasional use or brief periods but leather breathes & provides a better fit after long periods.
I watched a "unscripted" LE series that ran on basic cable. The real police detectives from a large mid-south city all wore Glocks and HKs in brown or natural leather shoulder holsters.
There are tips and tricks you can pick up on if you have the time, $ & resources to learn how to conceal firearms.
I own a LE trade in Glock 21 gen 04 .45acp pistol. I considered buying a OWB holster for it but it would be a &@#% to carry around for extended periods,
.If I really needed or wanted to carry a larger pistol like a 92/96 size, a P229/P226 or M&P full size, I would go back to a well made horizontal shoulder rig. I liked my black Aker Comfort Flex,
. The Galco Miami Classic II holster could conceal a big pistol. I prefer the wider shoulder straps to balance out the weight of the gun & spare magazines/handcuffs etc. Many serious gunners & armed agents get natural or brown shoulder holsters to avoid the black dye from staining clothes or causing wear-tear.
Some CCW license holders or new gun owners buy synthetic or nylon holsters.
They aren't bad for occasional use or brief periods but leather breathes & provides a better fit after long periods.
I watched a "unscripted" LE series that ran on basic cable. The real police detectives from a large mid-south city all wore Glocks and HKs in brown or natural leather shoulder holsters.
Zach S
Member
I carry a 5" 1911 in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II around 4 o'clock. Conceals well, comfortable, after about ten years I dont notice the weight.
On other occasions, I carry a 5" 1911 with a surefire X300 Ultra in a modified Raven Concealment holster. IWB Around 4 o'clock, since i use my pockets. Slightly less comfortable when standing, and sitting in most seats. Extremely uncomfortable when in one of my vehicles, due to the side bolsters of the seats (92 Accord, 92 integra, early 90s Mustang).
On other occasions, I carry a 5" 1911 with a surefire X300 Ultra in a modified Raven Concealment holster. IWB Around 4 o'clock, since i use my pockets. Slightly less comfortable when standing, and sitting in most seats. Extremely uncomfortable when in one of my vehicles, due to the side bolsters of the seats (92 Accord, 92 integra, early 90s Mustang).
ohioshooter
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I carry full size 1911's both IWB and OWB on left side. Carry full size 1911 or G19 in small of lower back. Always with a shirt/sweater/sweatshirt untucked.
WestKentucky
Member
In summer when I wear gym shorts and thin t shirts I pocket carry. Spring, fall, and winter I carry either my pt99, Beretta 92, or taurus m44 6". Shoulder rigs, or deeply set IWB works well. If I'm carrying IWB I'm carrying the pt99 because it doesn't dig in.
huntsman
Member
4566 in the Remora clip IWB, so far so good.
herrwalther
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I don't really consider Glock 19 sized guns to be on the bigger end for common concealed carry, I would call those just about average. Bigger carry to me is 5" 1911s, revolvers with 4 inch or longer barrels, etc.
My favorite carry guns are 4" barrels and have magazine capacities of 10-15 depending on caliber. I have measured them all and they all roughly have the same weight, grip circumference, length, and function. They all carry the same way: IWB holster, halfway decent belt, covered by jeans and a T-shirt. It is hot enough in the south for this Yankee that I don't wear an undershirt or over shirt. On the rare occasion I carry a 1911 I use the same holster and setup. I suppose eventually I will get a smaller gun for around the house/bug/running niche.
My favorite carry guns are 4" barrels and have magazine capacities of 10-15 depending on caliber. I have measured them all and they all roughly have the same weight, grip circumference, length, and function. They all carry the same way: IWB holster, halfway decent belt, covered by jeans and a T-shirt. It is hot enough in the south for this Yankee that I don't wear an undershirt or over shirt. On the rare occasion I carry a 1911 I use the same holster and setup. I suppose eventually I will get a smaller gun for around the house/bug/running niche.
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