Holster for, errr, 'portly' guys (lol)

[fatfreddiescat]

I have a few things that I take meds for that 'allow' me to pack on the pounds...in fact, my high school waistline is gone forever. (diabetes)!




I have been experimenting with holsters, trying to find one that is (1) able to keep the barrel of my P226 out of sight when I wear a windbreaker or T-shirt, and (2) comfy. The question is, (having never tried one) is a Miami or Jackass rig anything CLOSE to comfortable? I have a Fobus, A Galco Belt, and I've just ordered a Yaqui and a custom paddle from Haugen, who has quality thats close to Del Fatti or so I've heard. (I know, just buy those Israeli short sleeve jackets).

The light at the end of the tunnel is that I pick up my new Springfield EMP 9mm next week. Its a lot smaller, and should be much lighter and easier to conceal!

Any suggestions.... and yes, I'm signing up today at a local gym.

 

[danprkr]

In somewhat same boat, and if you get a good combo I'd appreciate a note.

 

[skidmark]

Maybe it's not the holster itself, but where you are wearing it?

Sounds like you & I have many of the same issues re: health and meds. I am nearly as tall as I am around, thanks to meds and water retention. (Do NOT go there or this grumpy old man will go upside your noggin!)

First thing I learned from a real tailor is that the "natural waistline" goes through your bellybutton. If your belt is located significantly below that point you are just kidding yourself about your pants size, and need longer shirts to cover the Dunlap. Once you get the holster situated at the equator instead of the Tropic of Caprircorn you should find most of the problems of the barrel peeking out below your cover garment are resolved.

Another trick I learned is that instead of "shoot-me" vests there are a number of folks who make garments specifically for CCW use that are fashion statements rather than utilitarian good-ole-boy getups. Concealed Clotheiers makes vests with stiffened internal pockets. Coronado Leather makes nice leather vests with internal, crossdraw pockets. Both can be heavy in the summer. Smith & Alexander makes a nice single-layer cloth garment that drapes well for CCW and offers good quick access in spite of using buttons.

Finally, try a cover garment that is only 1 size larger that what you usually wear. It eliminates printing issues without getting all tangled up.

Hope these thoughts help you.

stay safe.

skidmark

 

[dairycreek]

I am 6'3" tall, weigh 260 pounds and am 72 years old. I have lost somewhat over 100 pounds in the last two years and, in that process, have done a lot of experimentation with a variety of modes and combinations of concealed carry wear.

First, effective concealed carry starts with a good foundation and, by that, I mean a good gun belt. I chose a Wilderness CSM belt and that will make carrying any gun easier.

A lot of large men do not opt for belts because of their girth. For those guys I recommend looking at Perry suspenders http://www.perrysuspenders.com/. This device actually attaches to your belt and supports that. This is a great platform for carrying a CCW (particularly for a heavy gun) being both effective and comfortable. I found it particularly useful when I weighed 360.

I tend to like holsters like the FIST #1

because they are really simple to get on an off. Makes it easy to find that "just right" spot on your belt. Of course, they work the best when you have that great gun belt.

Last, but surely not least, is the Smart Carry! http://www.smartcarry.com/ Carrying a concealed weapon in your crotch area is the stuff of a lot of junior high school humor but even a cursory search will show that a lot of men and women have found this to be a safe and effective way of concealed carry. It sure is for me and I recommend it highly.

Hope some of this is helpful to you and I wish you good luck!

 

[largecaliber]

I am hitting 58 now and have gained some weight also due to medications. What I have done is to pick up a nylon shoulder holster. They are inexpensive and if you wear a light shirt with the tail left out nobody will spot it and another thing, if you get the one which attaches to your belt it helps to work as suspenders. Works for me!

 

[The Annoyed Man]

56 yrs old and overweight here too. I bought a Minotaur MTAC from Comp-Tac IWB holster. It is far and away the most comfortable holster I own. Plus, you can get extra holster bodies for $35/each which you can swap out to carry different guns. I have holster bodies to fit my Kimber Ultra (a 3" 1911), a 5" Springfield 1911, and an H&K USP Compact .40. Additionally, this holster is tuckable.

I also own holsters by Galco and by D.M.Bullard for these guns, and they are all well-made. But none of them are as comfortable for all day carry as the MTAC.

I highly recommend this product. Also, their customer service is A1. The products even arrive with a couple of pieces of candy in the package and a hand drawn happy face on the invoice!

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I just Fanny pack it or use a slide with suspenders on the belt.

 

[Valkman]

6' 3" and 300# here, and I've gone to the Miami Classic rig to get away from IWB. I must say it's comfortable and easy to wear all day long. I am also going to try some OWB holsters and just got one from Simply Rugged for my XD45's.