Moving to AZ, New Way to CCW

[AlaskaErik]

I will be moving from Alaska to Arizona shortly and need some ideas on how people carry concealed in warm/hot climates. What works for me in Alaska obviously won't work in Arizona. I see the need to change everything, from a new pistol (I currently carry a Glock 23), to new clothing. I'm thing IWB will be the new way, although I'm open to almost anything except fanny packs! So, how and what do you carry down in the blazing hot parts of the country?

 

[Old Fuff]

Exactly where in Arizona are you moving to? It makes a difference because some places are much warmer or cooler then others, and while it may be hot during the day it sometimes quickly cools off at night.

 

[Sistema1927]

The nice thing about CCW in an open carry state is that you don't need to keep your weapon 100% concealed all the time. No worries about printing, or someone catching sight of your weapon, etc.

As a result, many of us in this part of the country wear OWB with a light cover garment such as an untucked, unbuttoned shirt over the top of a tucked in tshirt. I have been able to carry a Commander 1911, a Glock 17, and even a 4" S&W N-frame this way. Even if you are wearing shorts you don't look out of place when dressed this way.

In very hot weather an IWB gets pretty sweaty. Fine in winter, but when the temps are hovering at 100 or above you don't want anything inside your waistband. Trust me.

When I need to be more formal in hot weather, annd need to tuck in my shirt, I go to pocket carry (in an appropriate pocket holster) with a smaller weapon. For me that is a Kahr PM9 w/CT in a Desantis pocket-tuk.

 

[mljdeckard]

I have done the IWB thing. In Phoenix. In summer. With a full-size 1911. No big deal. I frequently do it in St. George, in 100+ summer weather. I use a Crossbreed Supertuck.

The dilemma you have is, when it's that hot, any kind of concealment garment looks odd. Even baggy t shirts that hang low enough to cover an OWB. I do use the fanny pack, but mostly when I am driving long distances, and I would rather have all my accessories in my lap than in my back pockets and waistband.

 

[threefeathers]

Where will you be? My chief CCW instructor is a TPD Detective Sergeant who includes this information in his course. He is also a senior instructor for TPD and assists Mas Ayoob when we sponsor him.
We are in Tucson'
gatorfarmtactical.com

 

[Nom de Forum]

I don't think you will have a problem figuring out how to discreetly and comfortably CCW during the hot summers in certain parts of Arizona. There are a very high percentage of people carrying concealed and you almost never know who they are when you are amongst them. It is really going to depend on what attire is appropriate for what you will be doing and how essential it is that your pistol remain undetectable (would an inadvertent exposure be a problem despite open carry being legal), and what is the minimum size of weapon you are willing to carry. Personally I have an appropriate size weapon for CCW in any attire (including a swim suit) and chose a weapon for my attire as opposed to choosing attire for my weapon. Even on the hottest 115+ degree day you should be able to discreetly and comfortably carry a G23 in casual attire.

 

[armoredman]

CZ SP-01. not exactly a small pistol, carried concealed under a t-shirt in Arizona summers. High Noon Rock Steady gun belt and High Noon Down Under IWB rig with straps.

I recommend a rig with a sweat shield - even Glock finish can get eaten through. http://www.highnoonholsters.com/
The BIGGEST thing you will have to adjust to is water - drink plenty of water. Learn all the various heat related injuries, and recognize the signs. Water in your car, and not just for the radiator. When you come down here I highly , highly recommend a trip to the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum out West of Tucson. There you will learn a LOT about your new home and all the critters that hang out here.
Welcome to Free AZ!

 

[Old Guy]

Well your Glock 23 will work just as well in Arizona, my G19 is the same size, I have carried in Arizona, nice outside the belt shirt, works at home in Orlando as well. A tee shirt under the cover shirt, keep the pistol off your skin.

I use an el chepo Glock holster, cut some bits off it, weighs nothing.

I spent 40 years in Canada! Moving to Florida was a no brainer.

 

[Apachedriver]

I'm in Texas. Don't just buy larger clothing but look at how they are cut to fit. In some brands, a larger size is just big, baggy, and/or sloppy looking (and that's ok in some situations.)
Try different brands to see how their cuts fit with/without your CCW. It takes a little shopping on occasion but it's well worth the time/effort to look well dressed without a jacket in the summer.

 

[AZ PAUL]

I have been stuck here in Phoenix Arizona my entire life.

Since I began carrying, I have mostly carried OWB. I have carried both a Kimber 5" 1911 and now carry a Springfield 3" 1911. I have tried both of these IWB in the summer and it just is not comfortable to me. As another member said above, you don't really have to worry about being 100 percent concealed either. I never worry about printing or if I bend over, my shirt riding up.

 

[gamestalker]

First off, let me welcome you to our wonderful state. Our great gun laws aside, I think you are going to love it here.

During the winter months, well you know, it's not an issue. But when the temps start to rise, IWB gets very uncomfortable, sweaty and just plain uncomfortable to walk around with.

So what I do is wear a tee shirt tucked in, and then either a decent shirt that is meant to be worn untucked hanging over the firearm. I then wear a comfortable duty type belt over the tee short, this way it's loose and can be arranged for comfort and function. If your going to wear something other than casual, a pocket piece or OC are viable options. Although, IWB has worked ok for me as long as I remove it now to let things dry up.

And depending where you are moving to, nights are very nice, they can often even be a bit chilly after the sun goes down. Down in the SW desert around Tucson, Benson and the eastern parts of the state, the evening temps are usually very nice. And although the day time temps will very often exceed 100 degree's, in the shade it feels wonderful due to very low humidity.

But if you are moving any where near the western boarder, like Yuma, doesn't matter if it's day or night, the weather is miserable all summer long. Never lived any place quite like it, temps often hang over 100 degree's all night long and the humidity is terrible. Phoenix can often share some of this type weather also. 120 degree's is not at all unusual. I know I lived there 3 times for extended periods. Great bass fishing though.

GS

 

[AlaskaErik]

I'll be living just south of Tucson, so I expect it will be hot day and night.

 

[gamestalker]

South of Tucson is actually pretty nice after sun set. My Son owns a home in Sahuarita, evenings are super nice and cool after sunset, usually mid 70's. It's when you get west of Tucson, or around the Phoenix area that the evening temps don't change very much in the summer, day or night. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

GS

 

[Bobson]

I lived in Phoenix, AZ for the last four years. I carried a Glock 19 in a Galco King Tuk. I never wore a real gun belt, and I never had any problems. Typically covered my gun with an t-shirt, polo, or dress shirt, and never had anybody "make" me, to my knowledge.

And really, it doesn't matter if you print or even completely expose your gun. Both CC and OC are legal in AZ without a permit, and it's very common to see people walk around with guns on their hips.

I've lived in Washington (an OC and shall-issue state) for just over a month now, and haven't seen anybody with a gun yet. I got pretty good at making people who we're trying to CC when I made it a point to start practicing, and I still haven't made anybody here yet. It almost seems strange to not see people carrying guns.

By the way, I wouldn't look for a new EDC if I were you. The G23 will work just fine. Moving from AK to AZ in the Summer is ballsy. Good luck, brother. I'll never go back between mid-May and early-October.

 

[RustyShackelford]

OC?....

If you can carry OC style, I would.
Just buy a good level II holster & well made belt.
I like the new Safariland AS7 line. The special polymer is designed not to scuff or damage the firearm. It's safe & easy to clean.
The Blade-tech holsters & SERPA from www.Blackhawk.com are worth buying too.
For leather holsters, see the well engineered Predator from www.Wrightleatherworks.com . It has a side shield & band to guide holstering, . Being able to re-holster without looking at the rig(and on the threats/background) is important.
Some Kydex or polymer holsters are good because you can quickly switch the carry style or cant. I used to like the FBI cant but now think the traditional format works best. I carry cross-draw too sometimes.

A "safari" vest from 5.11 Tactical, Duluth Trading, CCC, etc can help in hot weather places like AZ.
Some gun forum members & 2A supporters say the vests scream; gun. I don't think 99% of the general public is that observant or really honestly cares. If 1-2% of people you meet or have contact with are "switched on" & ask if your armed, Id be surprised.
A well made vest can also pack your sunglasses, OC spray, pocket knife, cell phone, spare magazines, pen(s), etc.
If open carry isn't your thing, pocket holsters like www.stickyholsters.com or the top quality DeSantis Nemnesis might work.
A BUG or back-up pistol may be smart. You can add a Glock 27 .40S&W then carry the full size mags for either gun.

 

[threefeathers]

Hi, we are located south of Tucson. We are the official training Instructors at the ranges you will use.
go to gatorfarmtactical and take a look. Or just IM me on this site. The graduates of our courses recieve a certificate from Diamondback Police Supply to buy a firearm at the same price the a LEO pays. That alone pays for much of the course. And, you get a cop to testify for you in court if need be.

 

[Fred Fuller]

One advantage ... you're probably going to need a complete new wardrobe anyway.

 

[AlaskaErik]

Hi, we are located south of Tucson. We are the official training Instructors at the ranges you will use.
go to gatorfarmtactical and take a look. Or just IM me on this site. The graduates of our courses recieve a certificate from Diamondback Police Supply to buy a firearm at the same price the a LEO pays. That alone pays for much of the course. And, you get a cop to testify for you in court if need be.

I thought you just go out into the desert to do your shooting!

 

[loose noose]

I just carry a little Taurus TCP .380 in a pocket holster during the really hot parts of summer, in my cargo shorts. I keep it loaded with Hornady Critical Defense ammo. BTW I have a CCW permit, but have never been had when carrying concealed.

 

[Old Dog]

Former Tucson resident here (still have family there).

A loose T-shirt, a lightweight "camp shirt" and cargo shorts were my usual off-duty attire. IWB with a Glock 23 (in those days) or a Colt LW Commander (Kramer IWB #3 in horsehide was the best leather holster for that climate I ever used).

There's really no need to go to a tiny handgun just because it's hot outside. What with the plethora of fashion options and great holsters available now, it's still easy to conceal a full-size pistol ...

 

[armoredman]

AlaskaEric, we used to go out in the desert to go shooting, especially when I was young and dumb. As I grew up, and my friends did, we realized the garbage we were leaving out there, and quite trashing out landscape. You will find it easily, piles of beer cans, broken bottles, rusting steel cases in the dirt, eyesores. Almost looks like the trails the criminal aliens leave when they sneak in.
So, i use real ranges. In Tucson, the two indoor ranges, both owned by the Marskman, last time I looked, were pretty good. Tucson Mountain Park range is a fun one in the middle of nowhere. No facilities, bring your own water and toilet paper.
I go to a combo of "shoot in the desert" and "modern range" - the Elzy Pearson Memorial Firing Range at Casa Grande. City cleans it up, maintains it, open and closes it, but it's unmonitored. Also is free - I like free.

 

[threefeathers]

Yes I grew up in Tucson Salpointe 59 and we walked from Campbell to the Rillito river and shot all day. Then when we got cars (flames on the side of course) we used the desert aroung Eiver and Pontatoc Ave and killed many a Korean era bad guy there with our .22's. Unfortunately as Tucson grew turds moved in and began to destroy the desert. Between 63 and 75 or so thousands of Saguaro's were simply destroyed and trash was spread all over the shooting areas. Holy cow, we used to be able to hike to 7 Falls and get ready for basic training which we all knew we had to do.
So now I do go shooting in a few places, never alone, in the desert south of Tucson, or up toward Oracle.
But, I'm a member of the Pima Pistol Club, and the lead instructor for the Pima County ranges..
The ranges in Tucson are clean and cared for.
Here are most of them.
1. Tucson Rod and Gun at Threepoints (just a klick from the reservation.
2. Pima Pistol near the little town of Catalina (a mile from some nice restaurants on Oracle Road)
3. Tucson Mountain which is a Pima County range where I give private lessons (county)
4 The south east regional park SERP at the County fairgrounds in Vail. (We have two classes next weekend there)
5-6 The indoor Marksman ranges. A couple of great teachers there including Don Radke and his Dad.

Benson has some places along the river for desert shooting.
Wilcox has ranch land and the ranchers expect you to clean up.
Sierra Vista has several forest areas including Hunter Canyon, and the large and improving Sierra Vista range on Hway 90.
Bisbee has ranch land and the old range behind the mountain and baseball park. We are looking to clean this up by September.

 

[armoredman]

Threefeathers, isn't the range in Three Points the Tucson Rifle Club? The Tucson Rod and Gun Club was at Sabino Canyon, where I learned to shoot at age 9, before the (censored) shut them down over that VERY fishy "stray bullet" job. I worked at the Tucson Rifle Club some years ago, part time, nice place, over a mile wide, 7 different ranges including the Southwest's only civilian 1000 yard range, last time I looked. I can't shoot 1000 yards, so I didn't check real hard. I also worked at Jensen's Indoor Range, before the Marksman bought them out when Bob gave up the ghost - GREAT rebuild on the place, much nicer, even better than when the guy with the Rottweiler owned it, can't remember the name, Arizona Firearms Academy, was it?

 

[cheesebigot]

Another welcome to the Tucson metro area!

What's been mentioned so far is pretty good - there's also Marana Shooting Club that's a private, members-only range on the north side.

Since you'll be south of Tucson, there's the Pima County Fairgrounds range (I can't ever remember the name) out on the east side near Houghton and I-10.

Armoredman said it best - drink LOTS of water! Enjoy your trip and welcome home!

 

[gamestalker]

Good ol Jenson's, I dated his daughter back in the early-ish 70's. I also used to shhot up in the cotton woods by River Rd. and Craycroft or up at the end of Swan against the Catalina's. Ya, sure do miss the good old 200K population days. And until recently, we used to have a pretty neat little shooting spot right down the way from my property, Iron Wood Forest, but that got closed down due to moron's leaving their old TV's, bath tubs, car doors and every other piece of junk littered. Now I'm shooting out by Silver Bell Mine, good for just pressure testing rifle and shooting handgun, but can't get anything past 100 yds.. But I have a new long range spot, keeping that a secret so none of the moron's will show up and trash it. A hint, it's west of the Tucson Mountains and South of Manvill.

Bet you can't wait to get her. BTW, out south of Tucson there are lots of middle of the desert or up against the mountains spots to shoot that are just minutes away from that region.

GS