Fanny Pack for Conceal Carry

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pdh

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Hi all.
I have been studying on how is the best way to carry my S&W 3913TSW.I have been looking at upteen number of conceal carry holsters and still scrathing my head on what is the best for me.

Could anyone out there give me opinions on Fanny Packs for conceal carry?I have be eyeing the one from Uncle Mikes.

Thanks
 
They are convenient, but with drawbacks. A quick "Cutpurse" could have it off you. Draw may be slow. Mine uses velcro, so draw will be noisy.

Mine has a knife, a light, spare ammo in speedloaders, cell phone as well as a revolver.
 
Fanny pack carry is my last option. I only carry that way if it's UNBEARABLY hot and humid to carry IWB (my preferred method) or if my dress mode doesn't allow IWB (i.e. swimming shorts). It's effective, but slow and less descrete. I have the BlackHawk 5-5-10. It does the job and is great for a long day at the amusement park. You can fit lots of stuff in it (pistol, spare mag, flashlight, keys, wallet, cell phone, chewing gum, et). IMHO, if you're carrying a 3913, IWB or OWB shouldn't be very hard to do since it was designed with smaller dimensions specifically for CCW. You just need to find a good rig (belt and holster) that work for you. I wouldn't chose fannypack as a primary carry option. If you decide on fanny pack, AndersonEnterprises, EagleIndustries, BlackHawk are a good place to start. Sorry, I don't know the URL's.
 
I thank you Gentlemen for your replies. Advises are well noted.
 
I think waist packs are a very good way to carry handguns which do not comfortably fit in the pocket. Very large pistols can be carried with ease in this way. Another advantage: the pistol is easily accessible while sitting down. And the other pouches can be used for carrying extra mags, keys, etc. I can comfortably carry the Para 14-45 this way. And you can remove the pack and leave it in the car if you have to, without exposing the firearm. I have one from Bagmaster and one from Magnum that are very useful.

Some people think waist packs are totally gay. But is it gay if it contains a full-sized, fully loaded .45 auto?

Drakejake
 
I used to carry a Ruger P95 in an Uncle Mikes fanny pack. Found it to be not very comfortable. Usually carry a Bersa .380 IWB now, but if I want the P95 still carry that way. I still think it is a good way to carry given other less viable options.
 
I may want to add one point.In my community....crime rate is very low.I see no real need to carry on my person on average daily bases...just in my community.I understand that there is always small percentage of a chance of confronting a gobblin,anytime and anywhere,at any place.

I want to alway have my handgun in my vechicle....especially while traveling....in situations where I am at late at night and on my person while out on recreational activities as hiking,hunting and 4 wheeling.

So .... I am wondering if the fanny pack will suite just my basic needs for now,though I know my opinion is still a concealable holster.

Thanks guys.
 
I DO NOT recommend the Uncle Mike's pack.

The Uncle Mike's design requires you to grab the front of the pack and pull it outward, away from you.
This "breaks" a snap at each side of the pocket and tears open the Velcro seal.

The problem is, the Mike's is made of slick nylon, there is no "handle" or tab to grasp, and it's difficult to maintain your grip.
What often happens is, as you attempt to tear open the pocket, your hand slips off, and you fumble the draw.
It works better if you grab with both hands, but this is very awkward, and slows you down also.

There are a good number of packs on the market, and the better ones DON'T look like gun carriers.

I can recommend the Blackhawk 5-5-10, and the Eagle Industries of Fenton, Missouri which is a close copy.


I like the Blackhawk because it's a more refined pack than most on the market, isn't huge, and doesn't scream "GUN".

Most packs are basically just standard fanny packs, with a gun pocket added to the design.
The Blackhawk was designed from the get go as a gun "holster" not a gun "carrier".
In other words, IT'S FAST, and secure.

It also has a more refined and sturdy construction, smoother and more rounded buckles, rubber coated zipper pulls, spare magazine loops, and loops for attaching a "rip cord" handle for fast opening.
Unlike the Velcro-seal models, there's no chance of the gun working it's way through the Velcro and exposing the gun, or worse, dropping it out onto the floor.

The only "minus" is that you need to supply your own "rip cord" handle, which is easily made from some nylon cord and a toggle or ball handle of some sort.

The best thing about the fanny pack is, it's a complete carry system.
You have your gun, spare ammo, CCW ID, wallet, checkbook, keys, and cell phone in one package.
This helps eliminate the chance of running down to the local Stop 'N Rob WITHOUT your gun.

Since everything is in one package and the pack attach's to you so quickly, you're less likely to leave the gun at home.
 
I want to alway have my handgun in my vechicle....especially while traveling....in situations where I am at late at night and on my person while out on recreational activities as hiking,hunting and 4 wheeling

For the reasons you listed, a fanny pack will fit the bill.

The only "minus" is that you need to supply your own "rip cord" handle, which is easily made from some nylon cord and a toggle or ball handle of some sort.

Where do you tie the rip cord to? I have a 5-5-10 and haven't noticed a way to attached a ripcord. Especially since the flap opens via the 2 zippers and those have to be opened horizontally then down to drop the flap\cover and expose the pistol. Can you explain a little more? I'd like to try it out, but can 't really picture it.
 
Let me add a voice to the idea of "waistpacks'

I have a number of these from Bagmaster. I'm adding a pic for explanatory purposes.


BPP_XL_PRP_1_gun_Web.jpg


These can be worn by attaching them to your belt. But, I opt for over-the-shoulder carry. I have attached a three inch metal split ring (any decent hardware store) to each belt holder loop and then clip an over-the-shoulder belt to them. Makes for an exceptionally comfortable carry and avoids the dreaded "off the body carry" situation. Over-the-shoulder belts can be purchased at stores that carry camping gear or luggage. I actually make mine using webbing and delrin clips as appropriate.

I find a lot of guys (and gals) carrying one kind or another of over-the-shoulder purses so I know I don't stand out.

FWIW I carry a SIG 220 ST in a bag (with extra mags) the color of the attached pic. I guarantee you people do not suspect a firearm being carried in anything this color. Good shooting;)
 
rappa:

If you open your 5-5-10 you'll see two small nylon loops at the top front two corners of the gun pocket.

These are to attach a nylon "rip cord" to. Simply take some nylon cord and loop it through the loop OPPOSITE of the side you draw from. (Right handed, put the cord on the LEFT loop).
Then attach some kind of toggle or ball end to the cord for a quick-grab handle.

To use the pack, simply grab the handle and "rip" the handle downward and forward to tear the pack open.

The advantage is, you don't have to "hunt" for the opening between the zippers.

Some people prefer this over grabbing the pack itself, and this is the method most pack manufacturers use.
 
Unless you carry in places that are normally visited by tourists, then the fanny pack blends right in.

By the way, I prefer the Gun Pacs which loop through your own belt -- less likely someone is going to get that off of you unless they take your pants with them.
 
Thanks fellas for all the inputs.
I am going to take a look at the Blackhawk 5-5-10 and the Bagmaster packs.
 
Umm... Highland ranger... a FANNY PACK IS NOT OFF BODY CARRY!!! they either attach to your own belt, or have a built-in belt...

I use one in the summer when I am wearing shorts which are not condusive to belt-carry...

and even if it DOES scream "GUN"... I don't care... I still have my protection! (then again, I have no problem W/ OPEN carry either!)
 
I don't know about anybody else, but every time I see a fanny pack, it just screams GUN to me!!!


I think it screams GUN! to a gun owner. To every one else, you're just another dork with a fanny pac. I have one, and when I have carried it, I thought I looked like a dork.:barf:
 
I use an Uncle Mike's and am comfortable with it as far as carry and draw. I also carry IWB and paddle holster when out of state, but fanny pack is my only option here in Illinois. Here at home the firearm must also be unloaded to be legal. you may keep a loaded magazine with the gun but nothing in the gun. So when practicing drawing from the fanny pack, you must practice loading also. I do wear the f-p often without a firearm quite often just so I feel comfortable with it. Yes it does scream gun when I see someone with a f-p but that is only since I started using one. Before I started using them I just considered them kind of gay and never really gave them a second thought. Jim.
 
I agree with Denfoote. I think it screems GUN unless you're in a touristy area. Take a look at those pouches designed to carry CD/MP3/tape players. Secure it to your belt and you look like a guy who likes to take his tunes with him.
 
"Off body carry should be a second choice."


Close.

Off body carry should be the Last Choice.

But everyone is different, so if that's what works for one, then that's what needs to be done. Get a sectional pack that has a compartment for the gun and a compartment for like a wallet, cell, PDA, whatever.

I remember when NAA gave me a .32 NAA Guardian to check out... it had a pack like thing from De Santi to carry the little gun in. It worked well, but was kinda bulky for the size of the gun and it didn't have a compartment for anything else. I thought this was an oversight.
 
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