Help me pick a holster

[metallic]

Hello people. I'm new to the world of concealed carry and need some advice. First a little, background on me. I'm 6 feet and 210 pounds and my job pretty much requires me to sit around all day at a computer. For work, OWB is pretty much out because of my attire (pair of slacks with tucked in shirt) so I pretty much have to have an IWB holster that is tuckable. I'm also not opposed to having both an IWB and OWB holster for outside of work.

Now what I am fuzzy on is where to position the holster. That's where I need the greatest amount of advice. First off, I am a lefty. Why would I want a middle of back holster, versus a small of back holster, versus a strong side holster? And just how concealable is a strong side holster on the average person? I could also use any other information or tips that you could give me.

I forgot to mention, the carry pistol is a Sig P226R.

 

[BobCav]

I'd check your Employee Manual, most companies do not allow their empolyees to carry on company property or time. It's become a huge legal issue as well.

 

[nwilliams]

I'm right handed and have always carried on the right side with a holster on the outside. I usally have on a button-up shirt that isn't tucked in, but even when I do tuck my shirt in I still carry on the outside. I own an IWB holster but I could never get used to using it, I'm not fat, but I'm not skinny either and all I own are fullsize guns so keeping it under the waistband always feels uncomfortable, plus I mostly where jeans and cargo pants, I'm not really required to dress up for work I also find that sitting and driving is much more comfotable with a OWB holster.

I have a different kydex holster for each gun I own (that I carry), I personally like Fobus over Uncle Mikes because the plastic is more flexible and Fobus has some great technical designs also. Recently I discovered that I really like Bladetech kydex holsters also. Also I've moved away from paddle holsters to belt because the paddle digs into my side while sitting or driving, the belt hoslter can be moved around a bit more. While at work I leave the gun in a lockbox in the car and just leave the holster on, no gun - no one cares.

I have never liked carrying in the small of my back, sitting and driving with the gun there just feels awful to me. On the side you feel like its not even there. Anyway thats my imput on the matter, everyone has their own preferences though so experiment and see what feels right, there are many ways to carry, you just need to see which one suits you. Also keep in mind that it really depends on what kind of gun you intend to carry....Sig 226 I would carry on the outside, its rather large gun to carry IWB, at least in my opinion it is.

Good Luck!

 

[Shadan7]

It also depends on *what* you are carrying. A true pocket pistol, in a pocket holster, will disappear (and if kept in your back pocket should still afford access while sitting). A small pistol (say pocket or a little larger) will also hide pretty well in an ankle holster. And then there's a cross-draw tuckable IWB for bigger guns which will still allow easy access while sitting.

I also like my SmartCarry set-up for deep concealment, and some guys can get to a gun in that even while sitting, but I find it difficult.

Good luck!

7

 

[Monkeybear]

If you are sitting all day look into getting a Mitch Rosen Style Express Click on the link and then select Express line and its near the bottom of the page. If you wear a thick/semi thick button up shirt tucked in you should be able to secure a shoulder holster just fine. Its much more comfortable sitting down than a waist band holster. Get a good IWB/OWB holster for your days when your out and about. If your walking around then a waist holster is more comfortable than a shoulder just about any day of the week. Get something like the Workman Express and wear it at 8 o'clock.

Just my advice. Many makers of fine leather out there, it dosnt have to be Mitch Rosen, just a reccommendation is all.

 

[metallic]

Right now I'm looking at the Milt Sparks VM2 and the Comp-Tac C.T.A.C. Not real sure which one I'm going to order but leaning more towards the CTAC. I'll probably end up ordering both eventually.

 

[distra]

I use a Crossbreed Adjustable tucker carried at 3-4 o'clock. My carry is either 1911 commander, Kahr P45 or Springfield Micro Compact 1911. It is by far more comfortable than my CTAC. It has a leather backing with Kydex outside. CTAC all day wears on the skin a bit. I've heard the Milt's are nice as well, but my experience is with the Crossbreed holsters.

 

[rmurfster]

Keep the comments coming! I'm also looking into which IWB holster to wear.

 

[oldCop]

I don't have much experience with IWB, but if you can afford it, be sure to buy quality like Sparks, Alessi, Rosen, et al....they are solid and sure, and will last at least one lifetime.

 

[rmurfster]

decisions, decisions, ...

After much thought and searching, I talked to Rob over at Tucker Gunleather (http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/index.html). He was very helpful. I'll either be ordering a "Cover Up" or a "Texas Heritage" to wear at 4:00-5:00 position.

Richard

 

[mcwjr13]

I Just bought a Comp-Tac Infidel holster today and like it so far not sure about lefty options though
http://www.comp-tac.com/index.html

 

[GeorgiaGlocker]

I just ordered a IWB Versa Max II holster this week Milt Sparks. It it perhaps the best IWB holster on the market. The problem is the wait. Current turn around time is 24 weeks. Some people will wait that long and some will not. I can.

 

[oldCop]

I also have a Milt Sparks OWB, and believe me it was worth the wait! If you just ordered, and need a mag holder, you might call them back. You will love them! I got the OWB double.

Jim Bryan

 

[Optical Serenity]

I'd love to see pictures when you get it.

 

[metallic]

I just ordered a IWB Versa Max II holster this week Milt Sparks. It it perhaps the best IWB holster on the market. The problem is the wait. Current turn around time is 24 weeks. Some people will wait that long and some will not. I can.

Wow, that's a huge turnaround time. If I go that route, I guess I can always buy a good holster for the interim. But what from I'm hearing, it's worth the wait.

 

[AnthonyRSS]

Lightning Arms carries Milt Sparks and other quality holsters. They charge a premium but you don't have to wait 6 months. I haven't used them personally, but I hear that their service is excellent.

Anthony