concealment for a large man

[ab4ka]

Another Smartcarry recommendation

I'm a big guy myself (that's putting it politely) with a large spare tire (we're talking full size monster mudder) and the Smartcarry was the answer for me. It rides right under my spare and carries just fine. I've had mine for about a year and a half and have never been made that I know of, and it's the most comfortable carry mode for me. The people at Smartcarry are really great. They custom make them for your waist size, so they can make any size you want. I have a 56" waist and the one they sent me is perfect. About 4" of the velcro overlaps in the back to keep it up, and there's another foot or so left just in case by some miracle I can lose some weight (and I really am trying). I tried IWB, and it was fine as long as I was standing, but the minute I sit down, the butt of the gun would stick out to the side, and here in Florida it's not like I can cover it with a jacket. I cannot recommend the Smartcarry highly enough. I carried a Kel-Tec P32 in a pocket holster for a long time (and still do on occasion) but wanted more firepower, so I picked up a Taurus PT145 and it rides nicely in my Smartcarry.

 

[Alphazulu6]

Yeah Belly Band...if you cant do it still b/c of the clothing, work, etc. Try getting a Kel-Tec P3AT (.380 ACP) and a De Santis back holster in addition to a Don Hume Front pocket holster. If you cant conceal that then its hopeless. Try a walking stick....I hear a 91-year-old man took out a bad guy with one Good luck!

 

[jdm1986]

I'm 6'3" and 300 lbs. I thought only pocket carry would work, but I have found IWB works well, with a clip on the holster, so when I sit down, I can put it in the passenger seat (or end table, desk drawer at work). I didn't think it would work, but I like it better than pocket carry now. Faster draw (for me at least) as well.

Maybe this has already been mentioned; but I don't really want to go read the 75 prior posts.

 

[Kevin108]

I'm about 5'10" 250 lbs myself. I've found where you carry depends equally on the gun, holster, your style of dress, and having a quality gun belt.

I started out with a Glock 17 (full siuze) at 5:00. I went to a Glock 26 (subcompact) at 4:00. That's my standard carry although from time to time I carry my Glock 17 and 1911 at 3:00 and have been finding that comfortable as well.

I have Comptac CTAC holsters for all my guns. They are all configured differently for each. You can't be afraid to spend money on a holster. The CTACs run about $85 or so. Before I found them, I tried a Galco Fletch too. It's a high-riding OWB holster that hugs the gun very close to your body.

I'm a t-shirt and jeans guy. I wear an Aker belt with polymer insert from Galls.com It's the best belt I've ever owned!

On the occasion I open carry, it's my Glock 17 in a Fobus paddle holster with my shirt tucked in.

One of the recent gun rags has an article bike Mike Venturino (another big man) about the different styles of carry he's tried. I'm not sure which mag it was or if it's still on news stands but if you're interested in reading it PM me and I'll get the article to you.

Good luck with your search!

 

[HerrWolfe]

Small of the back. They're just jerking your chain, besides you don't listen to anyone, do you.

 

[delta_chi_senator]

Thanks. For now, since its summer, I can carry in the cargo shorts. Unfortunately, with my job a suit on and my size, I guess I'll have to carry in back wasteband. Oh, well.

 

[elkhuntingfool]

I'm a big guy

I'm 6'4 and 285. I carry a Taurus PT145 IWB - shirt untucked. No problems at all. This week I carried it while golfing - just for the hell of it.

Nobody knew it was there. Just wear the right clothing and you'll be fine. Like what's been said 'a good stiff belt and the right holster'

 

[MikePGS]

This may have already been mentioned but the most recent issue of American Handgunner actually has an entire article on carrying for bigger guys.

 

[W Turner]

I am 6'8" and 350(and losing). I pocket carry a SW 642 about 90% of the time. The rest of the time, it's a 1911 IWB for me.

I've pretty much come to realize that until I am back in the 270 or so range, IWB and pocket carry are pretty much my only options. Only exception to this is when I am using my Maxpedition Fatboy for off body carry, but that is pretty rare and means a special set of circumstances.

W

 

[GotGlock]

Im pretty chuncky, at 5'10 250, and IWB works for me. Don't let anyone tell you you need to pucket carry, etc. You can pull off IWB.

 

[Tom Fury]

plus one for the Maxpedition Versipack

Have carried Commander or 4516 in it for 2 yrs and am very pleased: Its' not fast though; I can also tolerate planner (Bible Cover? Outdoor Research makes an interesting sort of Secretary, also a company called Jandd makes a useful journal cover; padded to disguise shape) or off body carry, also not fast, I personally don't like fanny packs, but if it means the difference between having a gun when I need one or not...I have a blue nylon one and a leather one.
Does your body shape preclude carry in a behind the hip OWB? If not, then lets think about least intrusive gun.
Cheers, Tom Fury

 

[Hawaiian]

I am not a really big guy, but I do have a belly. Still, I really like pocket carry. Not the best in Levi's, but it works great with Dockers as they have large pockets. Cargo pants and shorts are also great as you have more pockets to put your stuff in and keep your carry pocket for the gun only.

Kahr PM9 and Taurus 9mm 905.

 

[XLMiguel]

Lots of good suggestions here. FWIW, the current issue of American Handgunner has a good article on CCW for big guys . .