How easy to conceal? (M&P 9, XD 9, CZ P-01

[streetstang67]

I'm considering these three pistols (M&P 9, XD 9, and CZ P-01) and wondering from those of you with CCW experience how they compare in easiness to conceal. The CZ is smaller than the others but seems "taller" from the top of the muzzle to the bottom of the rail. The M&P seems to have a very low profile, and the XD I'm just not sure about.

How do these compare in "concealability"?

 

[elkhuntingfool]

Since there are quite a few people that conceal a full size 1911 I would say it's a safe bet that concealing one of those choices would be quite easy. Good belt and a good holster and you're good to go.

 

[Rumble]

I can only speak to the CZ, so...here goes:

I don't have much trouble concealing it--I usually carry it OWB, under an untucked shirt (either a camp shirt or a large T-shirt). The gun is in a custom holster, and it rides fairly high and close. It's also fairly comfortable to wear IWB, being relatively slim. BTW, I'm about 5'11" and 280lbs, which is sadly not all lean muscle.

By way of comparison, I find it much harder to conceal a Glock 30 OWB--it's likely a combination of the gun being relatively bulky, and the holster (a Don Hume). On the other hand, a full-size 1911 may be even easier to conceal than a CZ P-01, due to slimness (although the length means it might peek out from under the shirt).

 

[stevemis]

I picked up a ballistic nylon holster with a removable belt clip at the last gun show for $12. The clip moves to either side, so I can go IWB and OWB.

I have no trouble at all concealing the P01 or the SP01 Tactical, even with weapons lights on the rails. I'm about 6' and 215 pounds. I regularly wear shorts and a tee-shirt.

The P01 is a fantastic pistol, especially when you consider the price.

Steve

 

[whitestone]

The CZ hides well. It's a bit fat but nothing that can't be dealt with using a cover shirt. I have the XD subcompact and that hides likes a dream too.

 

[shadowalker]

I've concealed a P90, XD 45 ACP Service and every day conceal a Sig P229 OWB with 2 extra mags, and a SureFire under just an untucked t-shirt or polo using a belt slide or pancake type holster behind the hip. Of the three the XD is probably the hardest to conceal, I find the grip tends print fairly easy.

The biggest factor for concealment is quality of the holster and belt and matching it to body type, if you use a cheap holster / belt you will have a hard time concealing anything. Dark colors and patterns (even just some stripes) help conceal better than solid light colors.

Haugen Handgun, High Noon, Desantis, Galco and other holster companies make great products for concealing firearms and most people shouldn't have too hard of a time concealing any of the service size handguns.

 

[Mulie]

I can tell you that the M&P full size is not that hard to conceal. I am sure that the M&P compact would be even easier.
The M&P9 full size has replaced my S&W 3913 as my daily carry weapon because it is lighter, has a higher capacity and I shoot it well.
I am using a Com-Tac Infidel IWB kydex holster and like this system a lot. I typically use a loose fitting untucked hawaiian shirt as a cover garment and it works great.

 

[Gary G23]

I own all three.
I have carried all three.
They are all good.

 

[Ghostrider_23]

XD sub-compact

I first bought the XD service model and yes it is very easy to conceal, but I wanted something more easier. So I decided to purchase a XD sub-compact. Let me tell you in your cargo pants pocket, in an Uncle Mike's IWB holster it is VERY easy to carry and conceal.