How do you guys carry full size guns??

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TonyB

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My usual carry is a Ruger SP101.The other day just for the heck of it I carried my Taurus PT99(the poor man's Beretta).I used a Fobus holster I use for IDPA.The thing felt HUGE!I kept hitting things and having to pull up my pants every 2 minutes.:D
Was it the holster or just getting used to a full size gun?I know some of you guys and gals carry full sized guns ,is it all in the holster?I like the idea of having 15 9MM hollow points at my disposal,but it was way uncomfortable.What should I try??:confused:
 
It is a combination of the holster, the gun's weight, method of carry and body size. With the proper IWB or SOB holster and a little practice, you can carry almost any handgun without it's being detected.

For example, I have a 3" SP-101 and a Beretta 92F and I find it easier to conceal the Beretta.
 
I regard my P95 (or P97) as essentially ''full size'' ...... tho it's mainly winter carry .. but in a Fobus paddle strong side ..... it's just fine ... I do find paddle suits best so as to get best ''o'clock'' position .... and it doesn't pull just on belt. Or ...... also in winter ..... use a Bianchi sho rig for same gun .. again very comfortable ...... only reservation sometimes is transverse top elastic sometimes riding up.

Certainly, if you find right combination for your build and weight ... it should be fine. I'm 6'.00" and about 200 lbs so .... not that much weight over ..... I do tho like to avoid what I call ''bony pressure'' .... so lots of experimenting sometimes needed.
 
IMHO:

-Don't cheap out on your belt. This means no Wal-Mart work belts, no K-Mart, no S-Mart. Buy a good belt from a reputable gunleather maker. If you don't have that kind of cash, sell a gun and get it! ;)

-Don't cheap out on your IWB holster. A Hume is nice but it is not a Sparks, Rosen, etc. If you want comfort, you have to pay for comfort.

-If you have a gut/love handles/etc. lose it. Eat less, cardio more. If you're pregnant, be patient! :)

-Believe you can conceal it effectively. Don't check it every five seconds.

-Tailor your wardrobe slightly.

-Enjoy.
 
I found that I could carry my SIG P-225 (almost full size) more easily than I could carry the S&W M-60 I used to have.
When I carry a big handgun, it is usually not concealed. I often carry one while walking in the woods. It is either in a military shoulder holster or on my belt.
 
Full size 1911 style are so "flat" using IWB.

I have friends using the Kimber Pro Carry ( some are ladies), weight and body type...belt and holster is the key.

K frames, 3" use a holster/belt combo that rides "high and tight" , whether IWB or OWB

Many good makers, Tucker, Milt Sparks, Alessi, High Noon...too numerous to mention all. Nice , helpful and can assist with personal questions...
 
I carry a full size 1911 in a Ted Blocker LFI Rig. (IWB).

Hang in there, you get used to it. A full sized gun deserves a serious holster. You may have to try a few different holsters to find one that suits you but when you do it makes carrying it bearable. Clint Smith says carrying a pistol isn't supposed to be comfortable, just comforting. If you get the right holster it can be comfortable though.
 
I like the idea of having 15 9MM hollow points at my disposal
Click to expand...

... as opposed to 5 .357mag?

CCW is always a compromise otherwise everyone would be hauling AK's or AR's or 12ga's around.

I'm no expert, but, if the SP101 is more comfortable, then what's the problem?

Maybe get a speedloader or two and practice.

Just another alternative.
 
I carry a full-sized pistol most of the time, either a 1911 or a CZ-75. I find that a full-sized pistol conceals best in an IWB holster with sufficient forward rake, to tuck the butt of the gun in high and forward. My 1911 rides in a Galco Summer Comfort, and the CZs ride in either a Summer Comfort or a Mitch Rosen ARG.
 
Also don't forget that the "sheep" that you will run into while out and about have NO idea what that clank or clunk while you bumped into the doorframe means. If you ignore the sound they will too.

Greg (who often has a full sized USP sitting on his hip bumping into things due to his total lack of coordination :D )
 
True, Greg!:D Plus, I'm so skinny that I hardly ever bump into anything. And if I do, I just tell them that that thump was my hip bone.
 
Thanks guys...I'm really happy carrying my SP,but it's good to have options .I will soon be paying off my Combat Commander and I beleive that this will be the best of both worlds.....more rounds,bigger bullet,flater design.:cool:
 
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That's me with my 686 4 inch .357. Holster is by Old World Leather. Grips are Butler Creek rubber Boot Grips (designed by Craig Spegel).

I use a vest or jacket as covering garment.

Works fine, not as comfortable as my Centennial 640 but not bad.
 
B27 - where'd you get the grips for that 220? My brother is in the market for some wood grips for his 228.
 
I have to agree with what Dan Florey posted. If you're going to spend good money on your gun, why skimp on the rest of your equipment? 'Member, you get what you pay for. I can easily and comfortably carry my full-size HK USP in a Mitch Rosen beltslide design. And I'm just 125 lbs. One thing that helps greatly in carrying it is using a Mitch Rosen belt. Common belts don't have the rigidness to hold the weight.
Also, don't use SOB )small-of-back) holsters. Falling onto anything placed there can cause serious injury. Try placing something there and backing into a wall - it hurts. Not good to fall and have an object there to injure your spine.
Once it's there, leave it alone. If you don't bring unneded attention to it's presence, nobody else will know.
 
I carry a full-size 1911 in a DeSantis Inner Piece IWB.

A couple of years ago, the men's section of The Gap had some honkin' thick leather belts, so I scored a couple. They're great for toting, as they don't buckle under the weight of the gun, yet since they are not "tactical", they were reasonably priced by comparison.
 
Tony, carry a gummit sized 1911 and a Kahr P9. Secret is a stable platform--good holster AND a good belt. You will realize that they can be vital to fighting with a pistol. I recommend buying both from the same maker so that they can ensure stability.

We are fortunate that there are many excellent makers today. I prefer Milt Sparks horse (Executive Companion) but I admit to being Old Skulesque. YMMV. I prefer straight drop as it is more of an aid in one hand draws and reloads, especially with non-dom hand. YMMV.
 
Beretta Brigadier 92FS, Blade-Tech IWB, carried at 4-5 o'clock with a Fobus paddle mag carrier with the extra 15 round mag on the 7-8 o'clock.

Oh, and a real good thick rigid belt. Just got a used S&W 6906 that may take the Beretta's role...we'll see...

Mike
 
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