I live in Texas and the summers get pretty warm so this is focused on that time of year as winter shall be much easier. I have a m&p 9 with the 4.25" barrel with a dsg alpha holster configured for iwb. I am 5'6" and weigh 156lbs. My question is does anyone have any tips for concealing with this setup while trying to pick something up or while doing normal everyday movements? I would like to carry between 3 and 4 but I don't feel like it is concealed well so I am currently going between 4 and 5 but it is definitely not my preference.
Concealing a full size pistol.
- Thread starter biokillr
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smalls
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http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=665046&highlight=concealing+full+size+pistol
Here's a recent thread we had on the subject, tons of useful info in there.
Here's a recent thread we had on the subject, tons of useful info in there.
Thanks I didn't see that forum. (I guess I didn't search good enough 
) I guess the only question left is if anyone has any tips for moving. I can conceal fine while standing up but if I squat or bend over the handle sticks out of my back a good ways.(or it feels like it)
) I guess the only question left is if anyone has any tips for moving. I can conceal fine while standing up but if I squat or bend over the handle sticks out of my back a good ways.(or it feels like it)Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Yes, always squat with you knees, don't bend with your back. Keep you back as erect as possible. It's better for you anyway.
And stop worrying about it. No one's looking anyway.
And stop worrying about it. No one's looking anyway.
This, and I tend to buy shirts that are a little longer to help keep things covered. I am 5'9, 225lbs and carry a full sized 1911. I have never had any issues or had anyone say anything to me about it.
W.E.G.
Member
Isn't Texas one of those places where they jack you up if its not 100% concealed 100% of the time?
Best thing to do...
Whenever you buy shirts, buy them larger than you would normally. I carry a full size pistol (either 1911, gp100 or MP9) all the time IWB at 3-3:30. I use a Theis holster (Supertuck Clone) and with the large t-shirt, never prints where someone will see it. I also work where I interact with the public and do a lot of bending, climbing etc.
No one notices, and I myself rarely notice anyone else carrying.
HTH,
LNK
Whenever you buy shirts, buy them larger than you would normally. I carry a full size pistol (either 1911, gp100 or MP9) all the time IWB at 3-3:30. I use a Theis holster (Supertuck Clone) and with the large t-shirt, never prints where someone will see it. I also work where I interact with the public and do a lot of bending, climbing etc.
No one notices, and I myself rarely notice anyone else carrying.
HTH,
LNK
And Arizona, not to mention the mid-western USA this Summer, is much the same.
Anyway, yes you can carry a full-sized handgun in hot weather. But before I do, I make a threat assement to decide if the "big gun" is truly necessary or just overkill depending on the environment and probable circumstances. I am in no way connected with law enforcement so that isn't a factor. I find that a pocket sized snubby is more then enough until the weather cools down, and even then.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
That's often said, but most Texans report it isn't really like that. You can't display it, but a quick breeze blowing open your shirt won't get you tossed in the hoosgow.
At least not usually. I'm sure it has happened.
Mizar
Member
Most people won't notice a handgun even if you wear a tight t-shirt and half of the gun is sticking out. This is a sad fact - people just don't pay too much attention to the surroundings. With the above I'm not advocating it, just to point out that even if you see that your gun is printing under your shirt probably 99% of the time nobody will notice. My colleagues and my relatives that know that I'm carrying a gun are often surprised when I say - "Yes, it's with me right now". I'm carrying a full-sized 9mm pistol every day in an OWB holster, I'm 5.9 feet/198 lbs (yes, I know I'm overweight) and summers are HOT here.
Boris
Boris
Dnaltrop
Member
I'm 6'5" and even with XXL shirts, my long frame bends enough to expose my .40 M&P in a IWB at 4'o if I'm not attentive to the hem of my Hawaiian shirts.
I have less trouble, (in the same clothes) concealing a 4 5/8" .45 Blackhawk in a shoulder rig, but it does slow down access slightly.
The missus has been eyeing my shoulder rig off and on, she seems to think it would be an even better option for concealed carrier's comfort for the curvy.
I have less trouble, (in the same clothes) concealing a 4 5/8" .45 Blackhawk in a shoulder rig, but it does slow down access slightly.
The missus has been eyeing my shoulder rig off and on, she seems to think it would be an even better option for concealed carrier's comfort for the curvy.
MCgunner
Member
Flashing of any kind is a no, no, but at least they did put something in the code to eliminate printing as a concern.
I pocket carry a subcompact in summer. I'm in Corpus, lots of crime, don't feel in the least under gunned. But, then, I know I can hit with it. 10+1 rounds of +p 9 will stop the threat on a human, and I've never seen a zombie.
On bending over while carrying IWB, I've found if you kick one leg up as you bend, the shirt doesn't ride up so much. It also helps my bad back as the leg acts as an outrigger of sorts. You develop these little habits if you carry on the belt enough.
Lately, on occasion, I'll carry my medium frame 3" .357 magnum in a fanny pack. Great in the car on a trip, better than 4 oclock or pocket carry. Fully concealed in plain view. I don't care about people misjudging my manhood. I usually have my hot wife with me.
W.E.G.
Member
+1 on the oversized shirts to conceal "full sized" pistol
Works for me http://youtu.be/7PnN8GuRV2Q
Not that the G22 (full-size .40 caliber Glock) is really that big in the first place
Works for me http://youtu.be/7PnN8GuRV2Q
Not that the G22 (full-size .40 caliber Glock) is really that big in the first place
armoredman
Member
Boris, I'd love to be 198 pounds again...244 today.
Good leather and belt make the difference, and I use High Noon Holsters. The Down Under and Rock Steady, best combo yet. I can conceal, did so running around all day today, and am doing so right now, a full size CZ SP-01 Phantom under a loose t-shirt with no issues.
I ditto watching the bending over, always squat. Anyone looks at you funny, just say, "Bad back", and leave it at that.
Good leather and belt make the difference, and I use High Noon Holsters. The Down Under and Rock Steady, best combo yet. I can conceal, did so running around all day today, and am doing so right now, a full size CZ SP-01 Phantom under a loose t-shirt with no issues.
I ditto watching the bending over, always squat. Anyone looks at you funny, just say, "Bad back", and leave it at that.
CharlieDeltaJuliet
Member
Main thing like these other guys have said, careful when bending and squatting. Choose clothing that helps hide it. Solid colors are a little harder to hide with. I am 5'10" 195lbs. and carry a Sig P220R most days, if I don't carry it, I have a 1911 on my side.
The Man With No Name
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I'm not that far off in size compared to you. I am 5'9" and 155 to 160 depending on how I'm eating.
I have no problem concealing a Glock 17 using strong side carry in a Blackhawk Serpa using the belt option. I wear one size larger shirt (XL) when carrying concealed and prefer black as it conceals better vs. lighter colors. I wear it strait up (you can adjust the angle of the holster) as that seems to be the best concealment position for me strong side while not losing much in speed out of the holster. Plastic holsters (most) are cheap just get one like the Blackhawk so you can experiment with the angle so you can find what works best for you.
I have no problem concealing a Glock 17 using strong side carry in a Blackhawk Serpa using the belt option. I wear one size larger shirt (XL) when carrying concealed and prefer black as it conceals better vs. lighter colors. I wear it strait up (you can adjust the angle of the holster) as that seems to be the best concealment position for me strong side while not losing much in speed out of the holster. Plastic holsters (most) are cheap just get one like the Blackhawk so you can experiment with the angle so you can find what works best for you.
justice06rr
Member
I carry a G19 (roughly the same size as your M&P 9) appendix with a zach trigger guard holster, it works great. I adjust the zach's cord to allow the G19 grip to ride just above my belt line. it really doesn't print in just a tshirt. I'm only 5'4" 140lbs, because it's in the front, bending doesn't show anything either...
cleardiddion
Member
I'm a 165lbs on a smaller frame and I've taken lately to carrying a full size 1911 in the 3:30-4 o'clock position in an OWB rig lately. Mostly due to the fact that my compact guns are either waiting for replacement parts (Taurus 856) or stolen (Pa-63).
The changes that were required of me were that I needed to (like others said) be more aware of how I pick up objects on the ground/lower level and I had to start carrying my wallet in my left pocket since with the 5" barrel the muzzle of my pistol actually tucks into my right back pocket.
Then again, I'm not really all that concerned if it prints or goes full OC mostly because I'm up in WY where not too many people, with the exception of out of staters, really care if my gun shows or not.
The changes that were required of me were that I needed to (like others said) be more aware of how I pick up objects on the ground/lower level and I had to start carrying my wallet in my left pocket since with the 5" barrel the muzzle of my pistol actually tucks into my right back pocket.
Then again, I'm not really all that concerned if it prints or goes full OC mostly because I'm up in WY where not too many people, with the exception of out of staters, really care if my gun shows or not.
armoredman
Member
cleardiddion, sorry to hear that, hope you get your guns fixed/replaced soon.
MedWheeler
Member
100 percent cotton, button-front shirts long enough to cover your gun plus two inches should be cool enough. Though I normally wear a Kel-Tec PF9 in an OWB belt-slide holster, today I'm wearing my Ruger Police Service Six 4-inch-bbl revolver. I do this every now and then, mostly out of nostalgia; this was my father's service gun many moons ago, and I also trained extensively with and carried service revolvers when I was in law enforcement. I wear it in an IWB holster, just aft of my strong-side hip (which is left side for me), but the holster/gun combo is worn between the belt and pants. This is known as ITB, or inside-the-belt, carry. It requires a cover just as long as OWB carry, but the belt "smoothes" over the gun's profile more.
If I have ever been "made", it has never been brought to my attention. My appearance, however, would probably have most people guessing I'm an off-duty LEO.
If I have ever been "made", it has never been brought to my attention. My appearance, however, would probably have most people guessing I'm an off-duty LEO.
I buy 100% cotton button-down shirts from thrift stores in plain, low key colors, oversized. The wife then removes all the front buttons, and replaces with two small sections of velcro that hide beneath the fabric. Use the breast pocket to carry I.D. and a small bit of cash or credit card, and you won't have to lift or open the outer shirt and expose your firearm. Never has anyone asked about it.
My main problem is when I bend or squat the handle really sticks out. It's not printing enough that you can tell what it is, but it looks like I'm trying to smuggle a baseball bat(exaggeration ) but it is very obvious I have something bigger than a cell phone there.
) but it is very obvious I have something bigger than a cell phone there.kali13
Member
I also live in Texas and am about the same size as you. I carry a Glock 23 in an IWB holster SOB or kidney position and can conceal it under a tshirt or untucked pearl snap shirt. I bend at the knees when crouching and the printing is minimal to non-existent . Most people aren't looking for that sort of thing anyway. The trick is to keep your back straight. Definitely helped my posture!
rodinal220
Member
You really need to be in-tune with what you are doing.Some makes and models are more concealable and how your body is shaped,clothing,climate and holster selection should be balanced.
Good quality belt holsters and belts are a must,as are shoulder rigs.They should mold to your body shape and clothing.A cheap nylon external belt rig may be fine for a knock about rig on the farm but not for CCW.
I find it easy to carry a full size 1911 or BHP with a Milt Sparks EX and a heavy gun belt under a untucked shirt(not a t-shirt).These two examples are fairly slim for full size pistols.But in really hot climates I normally just carry some kind of light weight J-frame.
Trying to really conceal a USP or Glock in hot weather may be a challenge for some.If its winter and you have a shoulder holster and jacket not so much of problem.
Since the growth of the CCW movement most folks have found that carrying smaller guns makes a lot of sense and are more concealable and comfortable.The pocket gun has once again become very popular for a reason.
Concealed means concealed.You should always strive to be very professional and make intelligent decisions to blend in and be "invisible.Just because you have a badge or permit doesn't mean you should get sloppy.
Good quality belt holsters and belts are a must,as are shoulder rigs.They should mold to your body shape and clothing.A cheap nylon external belt rig may be fine for a knock about rig on the farm but not for CCW.
I find it easy to carry a full size 1911 or BHP with a Milt Sparks EX and a heavy gun belt under a untucked shirt(not a t-shirt).These two examples are fairly slim for full size pistols.But in really hot climates I normally just carry some kind of light weight J-frame.
Trying to really conceal a USP or Glock in hot weather may be a challenge for some.If its winter and you have a shoulder holster and jacket not so much of problem.
Since the growth of the CCW movement most folks have found that carrying smaller guns makes a lot of sense and are more concealable and comfortable.The pocket gun has once again become very popular for a reason.
Concealed means concealed.You should always strive to be very professional and make intelligent decisions to blend in and be "invisible.Just because you have a badge or permit doesn't mean you should get sloppy.
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