Some people carry seriously full size pistols concealed. Other people have full size guns they really love but don't like to carry them cocealed. Obviously, the larger the pistol, the more of a challenge it is to carry it concealed. I plan to carry a Beretta 92A1 concealed. While one of my shooting buddies carries his Inox concealed and has no problem with it, I have been designated by some as stupid for wanting to carry the 92A1 concealed because it was not designed for and is not "optimal"'for that purpose. Of course, there are personal preferences. I just don't care for pistols under full size. I prefer to focus on proficiency with one pistol and to carry that pistol. Your comments, views, opinions and observations on this subject will be appreciated - hopefully shedding less heat qnd more light. Thanks!
Full size pistol - concealed carry
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AK103K
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For the most part, Ive always carried full sized handguns, as well as double reloads and second guns, and never had any issue doing so. Most full size handguns really arent all that big to begin with, so I've never really understood the complaints. I always figured the person who said they couldnt, just didnt "want" to.
If you use a good IWB type holster, at around 4-4:30, even with just a light shirt over it, you can hide pretty much anything. The Beretta shouldnt be a problem.
If you use a good IWB type holster, at around 4-4:30, even with just a light shirt over it, you can hide pretty much anything. The Beretta shouldnt be a problem.
ny32182
Member
I carried a 226/.40 for a short while.
Concealing isn't really the issue; it is the weight. If you are committed enough, you CAN do it, but "can" and "actually will, day after day" are two different things. I found before long that there is a reason they make compact plastic guns.
Concealing isn't really the issue; it is the weight. If you are committed enough, you CAN do it, but "can" and "actually will, day after day" are two different things. I found before long that there is a reason they make compact plastic guns.
I had to send my Taurus PT709 Slim in for some repairs last week and all I have to carry is a my full size Sig P220. First I'm an ItW appendix carrier...that had to stop with the 220, so I stuck it on the side in a basic Uncle Mikes ItW. Since it is winter here the pistol is concealed but holy crap! its like a brick and completely uncomfortable. Even more important, is some matters that have come to light for me carrying a full size gun. One is there are definitely some times it couldn't be carried, next the on the side and jammed almost up to my arm pit(especially when seated) makes such a gun hard to access. Did I say a full size is uncomfortable 
Interesting! My build is on the smaller side of medium, and my shooting buddy is probably about my size or even a little smaller. He carries the Beretta 92 Inox on his strong side hip every day. He says he doesn't notice the weight when carrying but notices and really appreciates it when shooting. I guess some of us would rather carry a gun that's comforting rather than comfortable. But I do like seeing these different points of view. Keep 'em coming!
hardluk1
member
Only people i know that carry a full size or more than likely also wearing some kind of vest,coat or jacket over it to be concealed. I have carry for 26year and all though a own several full size handguns i never had an interest to try to carry one. Just not practical for so many. If you can hide yours from a couple of your friends, sit in your car and conduct business like normal, it's good choice for you. With 26+years of carry'n and for me be'n a big boy and most always in a tshirt maybe a button down and jeans or bibs a large gun is out. I don't change the way i carry so a winter coat does not affect how i carry,always the same. I have through the years allway had a 38 snubby and for many a tomcat. With lighter 9mm's out i now carry a KT pf-9 as my everyday carry gun but also a ultra lite 38 on occasion. I am running a new KT p-11 with a 15 round mag through 600 rounds and may carry too . Thats as heavy as I want to carry.
scaatylobo
Member
changed my ideas
I read an article a few decades back and it changed my ideas as to CCW.
It was written by a fellow LEO and he said that if you are allowed to be armed,or required to be = then dress to carry a real gun !!.
I dress to be ARMED and not dress and then find a gun to suit my clotes style.
I carry a Glock 23 and a spare mag as well as a BUG often.
Stay safe and be armed legally !!.
Oh --- and TRAIN as if your life depended on it.
I read an article a few decades back and it changed my ideas as to CCW.
It was written by a fellow LEO and he said that if you are allowed to be armed,or required to be = then dress to carry a real gun !!.
I dress to be ARMED and not dress and then find a gun to suit my clotes style.
I carry a Glock 23 and a spare mag as well as a BUG often.
Stay safe and be armed legally !!.
Oh --- and TRAIN as if your life depended on it.
AK103K
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Carrying IWB takes a little getting used to, and you have to find your sweet spot, and give your body a chance to get used to the gun being there. At first, it will seem uncomfortable, but once youre used to it, the only time you notice it, is when the gun isnt there and things feel off. I've carried Government Models, Commanders, High Power's, P220's, P226's, P229's, Glock 17's, and a few more, every day for about 35 years now, so I know it can be easily done, if youre wanting to do it.
A good gun belt and a good holster are a must, and make all the difference in the world, and will usually give you totally different experiences. This isnt a good time to want to scrimp and be a cheapskate. A good belt and holster are an investment, and well worth the money. Like anything else, you do get what you pay for, and only rich people can afford cheap stuff (which you usually dont see them buying either, by the way) so spend more than you can afford, you wont regret it.
With proper gear, weight isnt an issue, or at least, not nearly as much of one. I know some will tell you you have to wear pants a couple sizes larger to accommodate things, but I dont agree, I've always worn my regular size, and while snug at first, the material gives, and the pants hold the gun more firmly and things dont move around, and it tends to carry the weight better. On the rare instances I should decide to wear an OWB or no gun at all, my pants still fit properly too.
If your trying to carry a full size gun in sweat pants with a Fobus paddle holster, youre going to have a totally different experience than you will if you carry the same gun in a Milt Sparks VMII with a proper belt, wearing a pair of properly fitting Carhart's. I'll guarantee that.
A good gun belt and a good holster are a must, and make all the difference in the world, and will usually give you totally different experiences. This isnt a good time to want to scrimp and be a cheapskate. A good belt and holster are an investment, and well worth the money. Like anything else, you do get what you pay for, and only rich people can afford cheap stuff (which you usually dont see them buying either, by the way) so spend more than you can afford, you wont regret it.
With proper gear, weight isnt an issue, or at least, not nearly as much of one. I know some will tell you you have to wear pants a couple sizes larger to accommodate things, but I dont agree, I've always worn my regular size, and while snug at first, the material gives, and the pants hold the gun more firmly and things dont move around, and it tends to carry the weight better. On the rare instances I should decide to wear an OWB or no gun at all, my pants still fit properly too.
If your trying to carry a full size gun in sweat pants with a Fobus paddle holster, youre going to have a totally different experience than you will if you carry the same gun in a Milt Sparks VMII with a proper belt, wearing a pair of properly fitting Carhart's. I'll guarantee that.
ny32182
Member
A G23 is smaller, and much lighter than a full size steel gun.
I carry a G19 (same size as a 23), and to me it is a perfect balance; it retains 90% of the handling and shootability of a full size gun, while being compact and light with 15rds on tap.
You will want a good belt and holster to matter what gun you decide to carry, with the possible exception of a "pocket gun", but I find those nearly impossible to handle efficiently, and if I can't shoot it well I don't see the point of carrying it.
Give the 92 a try; you'll be better for the experience even if you decide to go to something lighter later on. I rotated to three guns and three belts before deciding what was optimal and personal preference will play a large part.
I carry a G19 (same size as a 23), and to me it is a perfect balance; it retains 90% of the handling and shootability of a full size gun, while being compact and light with 15rds on tap.
You will want a good belt and holster to matter what gun you decide to carry, with the possible exception of a "pocket gun", but I find those nearly impossible to handle efficiently, and if I can't shoot it well I don't see the point of carrying it.
Give the 92 a try; you'll be better for the experience even if you decide to go to something lighter later on. I rotated to three guns and three belts before deciding what was optimal and personal preference will play a large part.
hardluk1
member
I might look a little silly dressing to cover a full size as a carpenter.That is not so smart an outlook if you are a regular working grunt. You have to carry for how you dress an live, period. You don't change your life style unless your some dooms day advocate or tv host. If you wear a suit and tie then by all means carry a full size if you wish and go to work but most of the general working class will have a hard time dressing to hide any fullsize pistol. I also never felt undergunned with 5 to 8 rounds + reloads. Many all leo's I have known have run around off duty carry'n a small lower count compact or subcompact firearm on them.
AK103K
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I've worked heavy construction most of my life, all day, every day, in all weather, and never had a problem.
Carhatts, a tee shirt, and an untucked oxford work shirt in the summer, a fleece/sweatshirt, bibs, and/or winbreakers in the winter. Its not hard, you just do it.
Things are so much nicer now, as there are a lot more options, and good options for carrying a gun, than there were just 10-15 years ago, let alone 30. If you cant find something that will work for you these days, then youre being way to picky, or probably need to find other options. A gun bearer will probably look more out of place than an untucked shirt anyway.
Carhatts, a tee shirt, and an untucked oxford work shirt in the summer, a fleece/sweatshirt, bibs, and/or winbreakers in the winter. Its not hard, you just do it.
Things are so much nicer now, as there are a lot more options, and good options for carrying a gun, than there were just 10-15 years ago, let alone 30. If you cant find something that will work for you these days, then youre being way to picky, or probably need to find other options. A gun bearer will probably look more out of place than an untucked shirt anyway.
Deanimator
Member
The Beretta is one of the biggest actual self-defense pistols you can carry.
I regularly carry one of the following:
If you can do it, there's no reason not to carry the Beretta.
I regularly carry one of the following:
- 5" Norinco M1911
- Browning Hi Power
- Glock 22
- Glock 19
- 3" S&W Model 65
If you can do it, there's no reason not to carry the Beretta.
I worked in a machine shop for several years were everyone* carried and I never saw that anyone had a problem concealing. I wore Dickies every day plus an apron and never had a problem.
* To be fair not everyone carried there were a couple of convicted felons and the shop manager & owner that didn't carry.
We did, however, actually have a section in the employee hand book stating that if we wanted to use the facilities to work on our personal weapons that was acceptable to the owner. As long as we did it on our time and observed the basic safety rules.
* To be fair not everyone carried there were a couple of convicted felons and the shop manager & owner that didn't carry.
We did, however, actually have a section in the employee hand book stating that if we wanted to use the facilities to work on our personal weapons that was acceptable to the owner. As long as we did it on our time and observed the basic safety rules.
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FAS1
Member
For me a full size gun is not what I want to carry even though my G17 is the gun I trust the most. It is my nightstand and range gun. Usually carry a G26 in a Supertuck, but even that can be cumbersome. When I am it shorts and T shirt or being active my P3AT pocket carry or bellyband is my best choice. Too many different circumstances that do dictate a little as to what works best for me. For instance if I drive my Explorer the G26 is comfortable enough. If I am in my 3000GT the side bolsters on the seat make it very uncomfortable. Can you do it? Yes, but why do you have to be so uncomfortable when there are other options? The one gun/holster for all the time just doesn't work well for me. Try jogging with that 92F. It seems with CCW I have to accessorize more than my wife
swinokur
Member
I have a G29 and a G30. For HD I use the G21 or G20 mags with mag sleeves which gives me the same capacity as the full size Glocks with a slight decrease in muzzle velocity which in HD scenarios isn't a factor. When I go out I use 10 round mags in each with a spare.
Perfect for me YMMV
Perfect for me YMMV
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easyg
Member
These days, I can't really see why anyone would actually want to carry a full-sized pistol concealed.
Especially a huge 9mm pistol like the Beretta.
I don't get it because right now there are so many great mid-size and compact size pistols readily available that still offer good magazine capacity and excellent shooting characteristics, and in a serious caliber.
Pistols such as (and not an all inclusive list by any means)....
Glock compact models 19, 23, 32,
Glock sub-compact models 26, 27, 33
S&W M&P 9 compact
S&W M&P 40 compact
SA XD9 compact
SA XD40 compact
HK P30
Beretta PX4 Storm compact
Beretta PX4 Storm sub-compact
Ruger SR9compact
I can shoot my G23 just as well as I could my G22 and it doesn't give up much in capacity (13+1 rounds vs 15+1 rounds).
Truth be known, I can even shoot my G27 just about as well as the G22, although it does give up more rounds (9+1).
Especially a huge 9mm pistol like the Beretta.
I don't get it because right now there are so many great mid-size and compact size pistols readily available that still offer good magazine capacity and excellent shooting characteristics, and in a serious caliber.
Pistols such as (and not an all inclusive list by any means)....
Glock compact models 19, 23, 32,
Glock sub-compact models 26, 27, 33
S&W M&P 9 compact
S&W M&P 40 compact
SA XD9 compact
SA XD40 compact
HK P30
Beretta PX4 Storm compact
Beretta PX4 Storm sub-compact
Ruger SR9compact
I can shoot my G23 just as well as I could my G22 and it doesn't give up much in capacity (13+1 rounds vs 15+1 rounds).
Truth be known, I can even shoot my G27 just about as well as the G22, although it does give up more rounds (9+1).
harmon rabb
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The #1 most important item you need to carry a full size gun is a real gun belt. A real gun belt pretty much negates the weight of any gun. If I try to carry my SP101 on a normal belt, it's incredibly uncomfortable. On my beltman gun belt, I barely feel the weight.
After that, it's just holster, dress, and commitment. Where you live matters a lot. If you live somewhere cold, you'll have all winter where you can pretty much carry anything, as you'll be so bundled up that concealment won't be an issue. If you live in south Florida, you're not going to have that luxury, and it's going to take some real commitment to carry a full size year round. But you can do it.
About the largest I can go under a t-shirt without printing like crazy is my cz-82, which is G19 sized... and even then, I have to choose the t-shirt properly or it'll print bad.
I have to say that since I got my Sig 238, I feel a little less guilty about pocket carrying. I can actually shoot the thing, unlike my LCP.
After that, it's just holster, dress, and commitment. Where you live matters a lot. If you live somewhere cold, you'll have all winter where you can pretty much carry anything, as you'll be so bundled up that concealment won't be an issue. If you live in south Florida, you're not going to have that luxury, and it's going to take some real commitment to carry a full size year round. But you can do it.
About the largest I can go under a t-shirt without printing like crazy is my cz-82, which is G19 sized... and even then, I have to choose the t-shirt properly or it'll print bad.
I have to say that since I got my Sig 238, I feel a little less guilty about pocket carrying. I can actually shoot the thing, unlike my LCP.
JTQ
Member
Check with THR member Shipwreck if he doesn't check in soon. He has posted pictures of his concealed carry Beretta 92 in a Comp-tac IWB holster.
There are so many irritations to which I have accustomed myself over the years - carrying a heavy brief case, sweating all day in rubber boots while hunting (the leather ones got waterlogged in that environment), contact lenses, wearing hearing aids all day - just to name a few. I'll buy and try the Beretta 92A1 as a CCW. I have confidence in that gun and my ability to shoot it well and accurately - as in fact I have done so. I have carried an all steel Beretta .380 during certain times when LE advised me on three occasions of the escape of a convicted murderer who blamed me for his conviction. Frankly, I just don't like small guns - at ANY range. Anyway, I'll post from time to time with the news that it's not working out or with the news that it really IS working out. I thank all for their input, and please don't hesitate to keep it coming.
AK103K
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What, and not take advantage of longer sight radius, extra velocity, as well as capacity, and shootability? Overall, the bigger guns are usually easier to shoot well with.
Realistically, I think its best to carry what you shoot best with (what ever size that is), and then go from there. But why limit yourself, especially over basically trivial dimensional differences?
I have Glock 17's, 19's, and 26's. Even though I have a couple, the 19's just never made any sense to me. They really arent any smaller than the 17, and are still bigger than the 26. The difference in size between the 17 and 26 is something different. I normally carry both a 17 and a 26 (and usually together) and the 19's are just occasional range guns.
And youre right about the smaller Glocks shooting just as well as the larger ones, at least when shot slowly and deliberately. When you try to get them into action quickly from concealment, and shoot them quickly, they start to wane somewhat. I dont have any trouble shooting mine well, but the 17's are a lot easier to get into action, and shoot quickly and accurately with. Having an extra 7 rounds on board isnt a bad thing either.
easyg
Member
I hear ya.
But when we're talking about pistols like the Glock 19 or Glock 23, we're not really talking about a "small" gun at all.
We're talking about a "smaller" (and lighter weight) gun than the Beretta92, which is rather heavy and big for a 15-shot 9mm pistol.
Beretta 92A1:
Length = 8.5"
Height = 5.4"
Width = 1.5"
Weight empty = 33.9 oz
Mag. cap. = 15
Glock 19:
Length = 6.85"
Height = 5.0"
Width = 1.18"
Weight empty = 20.99 oz
Mag. cap. = 15
As you can see from the numbers, the Glock 19 is NOT a small handgun.
Just smaller and lighter than the Beretta.
The slightly smaller dimensions, and the significant weight difference (nearly 13 oz) makes the Glock a much better carry pistol, yet is has excellent shooting characteristics.
It's not a "mouse gun".
And it gives up nothing to the Beretta in capacity or caliber.
Easy
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Don't worry if other people think what you picked is too big. Only you can determine that. Get the right sized pants and shirts, a good belt and holster and you can make it work. Most people would be surprised what they can carry if they put forth the effort. I carry a Glock 26, but this is more for convenience and comfort than performance to be honest. Not that I can't shoot it well, but I can shoot my G17 even better.
I agree that to carry a big gun, you must have a GOOD holster with a GOOD gun belt. I usually carry a Glock36 in an IWB holster. But when I feel like it, I can carry a full size govt. model Taurus PT1911 in a leather (I forget the brand) IWB hoslter quite comfortably.
mljdeckard
Member
First of all, do you know what the difference is between an oboe and a bassoon?
I'm with you. Most people shoot full-size guns better. I don't want to give up any advantage. If it were impossible to carry full-size, no one would do it. I carry a full-size steel 1911 year round, including 100+ degree summers, in various rigs, but mostly a crossbreed supertuck. I tell people, "Learn the difference between CAN'T be concealed, and what you are just UNWILLING to conceal. I think there is an effort in place by the gun magazines and the manufacturers, to convince people that they need more than one version of everything. That you have a full-size, but the cool kids get a compact version too. If you shoot it well, carry it.
Having said that, your Beretta is a pretty bulky choice. It's about as big as it gets. You can still do it, try a few different things. Shoulder, IWB, etc, see what works.
I'm with you. Most people shoot full-size guns better. I don't want to give up any advantage. If it were impossible to carry full-size, no one would do it. I carry a full-size steel 1911 year round, including 100+ degree summers, in various rigs, but mostly a crossbreed supertuck. I tell people, "Learn the difference between CAN'T be concealed, and what you are just UNWILLING to conceal. I think there is an effort in place by the gun magazines and the manufacturers, to convince people that they need more than one version of everything. That you have a full-size, but the cool kids get a compact version too. If you shoot it well, carry it.
Having said that, your Beretta is a pretty bulky choice. It's about as big as it gets. You can still do it, try a few different things. Shoulder, IWB, etc, see what works.
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