Handgun choices for concealed carry.

[harmonic]

My handguns are pretty big. For example, my Ruger Super Redhawk is gentle to shoot but sure throws my cadence off when I wear it in an ankle holster.


For colder weather, whenever outer clothing is appropriate, I carry a Glock 17 in a CompTac holster. Sometimes I'll carry a Sig 220ST in a similar rig. The Glock is comfortable to carry. The Sig is pretty heavy.

More and more I'm carrying a S&W Model 66-1 with 2 1/2 barrel. It's not too bad but it's still a pretty big gun. The overall width (of the cylinder) is 1 3/8 inches (1.37 inches for comparison).

All of the above are OWB carry. Now I'm thinking of IWB carry.

My Glock's width is 1.18 inches. The Sig is 1.4 inches. But these guns would seem to be too big for IWB carry.

Finances are a consideration and I really hate to sell an existing gun. So I'm leaning toward a Glock 26 with pinky extension for IWB carry and a sometimes pocket gun.

I can't justify paying the price of a Kahr and can get the Glock for $470.

My question is this: Would I benefit significantly for CCW with the 26? If I wear baggy pants with big pockets can it be a pocket gun?

Or should I just stick with the Smith 66 and buy a first rate IWB holster?

 

[fletcher]

Stick with what you're comfortable with, and buy a quality IWB holster - this will make all the difference in the world. The best IWB holster I have is a comp-tac, and it's great. Any of my buttoned shirts will conceal a full-size USP with it. 99% sure they also make them for revolvers.

 

[highfive]

they do, I am carrying now a 4" revolver OWB and IWB both holsters I have are from galco and desantis makes a pretty good one too if you want top notch also check in here, I don't have one yet from here but it comes highly recommend from a fellow member http://www.epsaddlery.com/default.aspx

Keep what you like and just get a good holster you'll see the difference
Happy hunt

http://www.kramerleather.com/home.cfm

http://www.simplyrugged.com/index.html

http://www.desantisholster.com/index.html

http://www.usgalco.com/

http://www.hoffners.com/products.htm

hope any of this sites will help like I said happy hunt

 

[harmonic]

What about a pocket gun? Is there such a thing in the real world? And if there is, does a Glock 26 qualify as a pocket gun?

High5: What about fist? I have a chance to buy a new/used fist at a good price. How are their IWBs?

 

[Autolycus]

A snubbie makes a great pocket gun. From holding the Glock 26, I think it maybe a little big for a pocket gun but it can be done.

I would recommend the Glock 26 as a ccw. I would also suggest getting a proper belt and holster as that is the real key. Most people wont notice the extra width of a gun in your belt, especially when it is behind the hip.

I would call up www.comp-tac.com and get yourself a CTac slide for your Glock and get a mag holder. Then I would call up the Beltman (google for his website) and get a belt.

And then get the Glock 26.

 

[highfive]

harmonic sorry I have no idea how fist is, I know what are you talking about but I don't really know. Here, I'll show you my gun in his galco you have to make the decisions. But I can say go with something that is comfy for you.

hey i want it to show you my holster but this program won't let me attach it here or I just don't know how to do it again with the same picture

Well if you want to see it is in the thread (holster help 357 mag tracker) I began that thread when I was having problems with a holster also, have fun

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I carry a full-size M1911 (currently a Kimber Classic MK I.) It's flat and just about ideal for IWB. But sometimes I stick a Colt Detective Special in my pocket as I go out the door.

My advice is to design your wardrobe around your carry piece -- loose pants will solve a lot of CCW problems.

 

[redneckrepairs]

Try the Kahr cw series .. a little bit cheaper than the p or k series without doing away with anything a fella is likely to miss except the spare mag .

 

[harmonic]

Vern, you carry a full size 1911 IWB? Does it print when you sit, etc? Because if you carry a full size 1911 IWB, then I could carry a Glock 17.

I guess I could also carry my Commander IWB, but I've never gotten comfortable with carrying cocked and locked.

 

[highfive]

Hey I finally did it, here it is

 

[P97]

It all depends on how you want to dress. I carry a Ruger P97 year round in a Milt Sparks IWB holster with a loose T-shirt untucked. You have to match the gun and mode of carry with how you dress.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Vern, you carry a full size 1911 IWB? Does it print when you sit, etc? Because if you carry a full size 1911 IWB, then I could carry a Glock 17.

I carry it in an IWB of my own design. Go here http://paul.desertskyone.com/gunstuff.html and look for "Vern's Instructions for building an IWB" about 2/3s of the way down the page.

I have no more problems with printing than I would with any other handgun -- less than I would have with my Colt Detective Special in a holster.

I guess I could also carry my Commander IWB, but I've never gotten comfortable with carrying cocked and locked.

When the M1911 was designed the Cavalry were the functional proponents -- that is, it was designed to meet their needs. A man on horseback needs a gun he can bring into action with one hand, and return it safely to the holster with a minimum of manipulation.

The Army had two modes of carry -- what today we call Condition 3 (chamber empty, magazine loaded) was preferred, but Condition 1 was prescribed for carrying when it might be immediately needed.

Funny story -- I was out in the woods with a friend and was carrying my M1927 Argentine (same as the M1911A1) with my Colt Service Ace conversion kit. My friend noted I was carring in Condition 1 and said it "made him nervous."

I pointed out he was carrying a Ruger .22 automatic in exactly the same condition -- but just couldn't see the cocked hammer!

 

[Golddog]

I find K frame revolvers to be much comfortable in an IWB than blocky "small" autos like the 26. A Sparks Versa-Max or a Tucker Texas Heritage (my favorite, for comfort) carries a snub 66 really well.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

It's the holster design that makes the difference. A holster that "spreads out" the bulk is more comfortable and less likely to print than a more "minimalist" design.

 

[strat81]

My Glock's width is 1.18 inches. The Sig is 1.4 inches. But these guns would seem to be too big for IWB carry.

Finances are a consideration and I really hate to sell an existing gun. So I'm leaning toward a Glock 26 with pinky extension for IWB carry and a sometimes pocket gun.

The Glock 26 and 17 are the same width. The 17 has a longer grip and slide. I love my Glock 26, but you need pretty big pockets to pocket carry it.

 

[stevek]

Harmonic,
I have four IWB Fist holsters for different pistols. (Have a few of thier spare magazine holders too.) Mine are the model 1A in hybrid. Love these holsters, very well made. I will certainly be ordering more from them

 

[TMann]

I have a Glock 26, and for most people it is way to big to carry in a pocket holster. (Though there ARE those who manage to do it.) However, with the proper IWB holster, the Glock 26 can be carried easily with just a single shirt for cover. Untucked shirts are obviously easier to manage, but many holsters allow shirts to be tucked over the gun. Even though the 26 is similar in width to the 17, the grip is much shorter, so it conceals much easier, IMHO.

Good luck with your choice.

TMann