While shopping for a winter coat I came across a good waterproof shell that looks good for concealed carry and thought I'd share my findings.
It is the Carhartt Grayling Jacket.
The Carhartt website says that it is out of stock (which may be a prelude to being discontinued) but as of November 2014 they are in stock at sierratradingpost.com on closeout for $75.
The great thing about this for concealed carry is that it has two large side-seam zippers that open up the sides to give access to a holstered gun. The zippers are two-way, so you can make them open by zipping down, which can be done one-handed in a hurry.
The rest of it's features are pretty standard for a good-quality shell of this type:
o Waterproof yet breathable.
o Doesn't look like "workwear".
o Nice, zippered hand pockets.
o Nice, big chest pockets.
o The front has both two-way zippers AND snaps: I like to just fasten a snap or two most of the time and ignore the zippers. Also, if you only fasten the snaps you can rip the front open for quick access to, say, a shoulder holster.
o Nice snap-off rain hood.
o Roomy enough in body and sleeves for a down parka underneath.
o Nice moss green (or black) color.
o The sleeves are rather long, but the velcro-tabbed cuffs can be cinched down to fit your wrist to hold the sleeves up.
o When extending your arms up, forward or to the sides the sleeves DON'T ride up your arm!
o With the side slits open you can access pockets in your parka and pants (although of course if you wear a parka it will cover a holstered handgun).
o Not as stiff and noisy as some other waterproof shells I've had.
(cross-posted to Defensive Carry)
It is the Carhartt Grayling Jacket.
The Carhartt website says that it is out of stock (which may be a prelude to being discontinued) but as of November 2014 they are in stock at sierratradingpost.com on closeout for $75.
The great thing about this for concealed carry is that it has two large side-seam zippers that open up the sides to give access to a holstered gun. The zippers are two-way, so you can make them open by zipping down, which can be done one-handed in a hurry.
The rest of it's features are pretty standard for a good-quality shell of this type:
o Waterproof yet breathable.
o Doesn't look like "workwear".
o Nice, zippered hand pockets.
o Nice, big chest pockets.
o The front has both two-way zippers AND snaps: I like to just fasten a snap or two most of the time and ignore the zippers. Also, if you only fasten the snaps you can rip the front open for quick access to, say, a shoulder holster.
o Nice snap-off rain hood.
o Roomy enough in body and sleeves for a down parka underneath.
o Nice moss green (or black) color.
o The sleeves are rather long, but the velcro-tabbed cuffs can be cinched down to fit your wrist to hold the sleeves up.
o When extending your arms up, forward or to the sides the sleeves DON'T ride up your arm!
o With the side slits open you can access pockets in your parka and pants (although of course if you wear a parka it will cover a holstered handgun).
o Not as stiff and noisy as some other waterproof shells I've had.
(cross-posted to Defensive Carry)
