make P220 work or get something smaller for concealed carry?

[merkaba]

My smallest handgun is a full size P220. I haven't tried an IWB with it yet but I have a Bianchi Shadow 2 which sucks the gun up nice and close to my body (it rides quite high though) but it still feels too big, esp. when the weather is hot and I have to dress accordingly. I've tried button down short sleeve shirts untucked but it still seems to print to me. I don't want to buy an IWB holster to find out it doesn't conceal much more than my Bianchi.

I've read a number of times where people say they carry a full size P220 with no problems but it doesn't seem to work for me, at least not with the holster I have now.

Your thoughts please: do you think an IWB holster would make a P220 much much more easy to conceal or should I opt for something smaller?

Thanks

 

[crebralfix]

IWB with lots of forward cant works well. Carry it with a 7 round flat based magazine in the gun and two spare 8 round mags.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

That is one of the finest combat handguns the world has known. Make it work.

 

[pistolero6869]

Sig 220

Its a full size weapon I doubt I would ever carry mine. Right mow my carry is a polmer frame walthet p-99 40 s&w It has to work for you if your going take the time and effort to start packin it.

 

[crebralfix]

The trick with a P220, as I said, is forward cant, flat based mags, and a large t-shirt. Go one size large. I carried one for years and still occasionally carry it.

 

[jetrecbn]

I can't make it work. I have a hard enough time with the Makarov while wearing shorts and a t shirt here in VA. I feel paranoid. Now during winter months in CO, I can make anything work.

 

[crebralfix]

I can't make it work. I have a hard enough time with the Makarov while wearing shorts and a t shirt here in VA. I feel paranoid. Now during winter months in CO, I can make anything work.

Ugh...different problem (feeling like you're printing). In that case...new gun. Like you need an excuse! (But now you have one!)

You may want to watch yourself move in a mirror. A friend can help too. I think you'll find that you print less than you think you do.

 

[evan price]

I carry mine in a Galco FBI-Forward-Cant OWB holster with the factory 7-rd mags. It covers with an untucked shirt quite well. The Hogue grips cause the shirt to pull a little sometimes but in Ohio printing is not a problem for me.

Most people don't notice printing anyway- don't be so self conscious and you won't emphasize printing.

 

[crebralfix]

I carry mine in a Galco FBI-Forward-Cant OWB holster with the factory 7-rd mags. It covers with an untucked shirt quite well. The Hogue grips cause the shirt to pull a little sometimes but in Ohio printing is not a problem for me.

Most people don't notice printing anyway- don't be so self conscious and you won't emphasize printing.

evan makes a great point: don't be self-conscious about it. One give away is that people will pat the gun or adjust their shirt right around it. Even worse, they'll fiddle with the holster or ammo carrier. Others will look at the area where the gun is.

The trick, if you have to adjust, is to do it in a hidden manner. Adjust before stepping out of the car (after scanning) or go to the bathroom.

 

[slustan83]

I carried a p220st in a VM-II. Couldn't even tell it was there by looking. The only reason I got rid of it was that I could definitely tell it was there due to the weight.

 

[loplop]

It's up to your level of comfort. If you feel comfortable about your rig, no one will notice. If you don't... Get another gun.

 

[harmonic]

I've owned 220 and the 220ST, as well as the 226. No matter how you cut it, they're massive handguns for CCW.

The only time I could pull it off was in winter with lots of outer clothing.

I downsized to a 239 SAS DAK. That's my primary carry piece.

 

[JaxNovice]

I have a p220 and it is awesome. However it is not a CCW. It is bulky and heavy. For less weight and size you can get a higher capacity CCW that is as reliable.

 

[loplop]

I'll digress and say the P220 is a fine CCW piece. Like I said, it's all about an indivudual's comfort with CCW...

I'm 5'11" 155lbs and I have successfully CCW'd a Smith & Wesson N-Frame 4" (BIG gun), Sig P220, and Gov't model 1991 with nothing more than a t-shirt.

It's a state of mind--assuming you have a good holster and belt, of course.