Good carry location for a full size pistol

[Nushif]

What works for me ... And I am pretty similarly built being about twenty pounds heavier than you is an FBI cant OWB holster at about 4:30 or 5:00 with a cover garment.
the real trick with the duty size guns to me is usually barrel length actually. The longer the barrel ... The longer my shirt or jacket has to be.
My usual carry mode these days is a Check-Six holster, no clue who the maker is, but a slide holster and a check six seem to work just fine for me. Given of course the overgarment.

 

[230therapy]

I have a Glock 17. Looked at G19 but didn't see it as being much different in size, and the grip groove spacing felt uncomfortable. I can't stand carrying IWB, so it's all OWB. I am also not skinny... 5'10 and 200 lbs so don't have much space between my gut and the belt.

The differences between the Glock 17 and 19 are significant and manifest themselves during carry...especially after a few hours.

One is at 2:30 or so, grip canted forward. It' easiest for me to draw, and it doesn't bother me sitting down (although sometimes I have to adjust it so that barrel doesn't dig into things & push the gun up). There's still a small amount of discomfort every now and then.

The most convenient way to carry, where it doesn't print at all and I can't practically feel the gun, is at 5:00. The problem here is sitting down, I end up leaning with my back on the grip. This is not an issue for a quick lunch at a restaurant, but I wouldn't want to drive for an hour like that.

You have made the case for the Glock 19. The problems you described are the EXACT reason why I dumped all my 17's. The Glock 19/23/32 solve these problems. The shorter slide prevents the gun from digging into the kidney or lower ribs when sitting in a soft chair or booth. The shorter grip also reduces printing when seated.

Dump the 17 and get the 19!

I guess my problem is finding a solution that works for all daily situations.

All situations = discretion = Glock 26. If you need a full grip, buy Glock 19 magazines and add A&G's Glock 19 grip adapter. This makes a bobtail style grip that provides support for the palm during shooting. Use the flat base 10 round magazines for increased discretion and the 15 round magazines when it's not needed (or you have extra clothes on).

So, what do you do when you carry a full size gun around, driving, walking, sitting down etc. ? Do you keep it on you at all times, if so in what location ? Do you take it out in the car ?

Glock 19 in most instances.
Glock 26 when discretion is required.

Given the financial situation described, I recommend you get the Glock 26. It is the one gun you can use for all situations. It is very accurate, offers very fast follow-up shots, and can take Glock 17 and 19 magazines.

Robar and other companies can professionally remove the finger grooves for you.

Holsters:

Custom makers should be able to add extra forward cant to an OWB holster.

Look at Dillon Precision's Plan B for off body or car carry.

Magazine carriers:

Don't buy a double magazine holder. Buy two singles instead. You get some versatility and two singles conceal better than a double. The double is more blocky and doesn't bend to match the curve of the hip.

 

[Steve Raacke]

My carry option for a full sized pistol?
At 3 oclock (right hip) on my belt in an Uncle Mike's Pro3 triple retention duty holster. Pistol is a Ruger P89 9mm.




Steve
www.laopencarry.org

 

[RedAlert]

I didn't see any mention of a two holster plan. One for on person carry and one for driving in your vehicle.

A safepacker holster can attach to your seatbelt while in the car or be carried like a PDA into a store if desired:

http://www.thewilderness.com/storepinnacle/index.php?p=catalog&parent=171&pg=1

Combine it with a good on person holster and you have all your bases covered.

The transfer from one holster to the other can easily take place in the vehicle out of general sight.

Red

 

[AK103K]

Im 5-6, and Ive carried fat and skinny (215# on the high end, 150# on the lower, 165# right now) and always carried full sized pistols IWB in the same spot on my belt, right around 4-4:30. Never had any troubles doing so fat or skinny.

These days I carry a Glock 17 in the same place, and more often than not, and 26 in an ankle holster as well. I myself ever got the point of the 19's (I have a couple too). The difference between the 17 and 26 is enough to be a difference, the 19 really isnt any smaller than a 17, and cant be carried in places where a 26 easily can.

IWB really isnt bad, even with a gut, but it does take a little getting used to. Many people dont give it a realistic chance, and give up to soon. Once you find your sweet spot, and you give your body a chance to get used to the gun and holster being there (takes about a week or so of constant use), you dont even know its there. The only time I notice it , is these days, is when its not, as things dont feel right. I dont by larger sized pants, and just wear my normal size. I find the gun and holster are held in place better, with less movement, and the gun is drawn closer into the body. My pants also look more natural, and like they "fit" (they just dont make the waist bigger when you go up in size). While the gun and holster do feel a little snug at first, but within a minute or so, they stretch enough that they feel right.

As far as access in the car, Ive never found it to be a problem. I myself will release the belt anyway (why wouldnt you?), so its not going to be a problem, but I can still get to the gun even with it in place. The 26 in an ankle holster is also very easy to get at in the car, and offers other options.