New to CCW

[lpsharp88]

Ok, this is my first post so I'm sorry if this has been covered already. I am in the process of getting my CCW permit (I just made an appointment with local LEO to do the application, I live in Ohio) and am curious about a few things. First, I will be carrying a Glock 23 gen 4 or a Springfield G.I. Model 1911. First, I can't decide on a holster. I have it narrowed down to either a Crossbreed Supertuck, or a Comptac Minotaur Spartan. Is there any significant difference in quality between the two? Next I am wondering about ammo. I know JHP is a good idea, but what kind? I have Federal Hydrashok JHP and have heard good things about them, and my weapons eat them up just fine, but just wondering if there are better alternatives like Speer Gold Dot etc. Another thing I am curious about is a good way to carry a spare magazine (or two). I am NOT trying to get into the debate on weather you should, or shouldn't carry spare ammo or not, I have decided that I am going to, just wanting to figure out if just throwing it in a pocket is good enough, or if getting a pouch for belt wear is better (and if so, what pouch). Lastly, from what I have read it is a good idea to get a good belt for CCW use. What is a good belt that won't break the bank? I know Crossbreed and Comptac make some, but I also saw some Blackhawk! leather belts that were less expensive.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Spats McGee]

Welcome aboard, lpsharp88!

I'll offer what I can to answer your questions, and leave the rest to those who know more than I.

First, I can't decide on a holster. I have it narrowed down to either a Crossbreed Supertuck, or a Comptac Minotaur Spartan. Is there any significant difference in quality between the two?

Well, I cannot speak to the difference between those two. However, I've carried a full-sized pistol in a Theis rig for almost two years now, and have no complaints. Bear in mind, that I do not carry the full-sized pistol on a daily basis, but I've had no complaints when I do carry it. I offer this only to say that Theis is also worth a look: http://theisholsters.com/

Next I am wondering about ammo. I know JHP is a good idea, but what kind? I have Federal Hydrashok JHP and have heard good things about them, and my weapons eat them up just fine, but just wondering if there are better alternatives like Speer Gold Dot etc.

I can't offer any highly technical information, complete with ballistics tables and circles and arrows and all that, but I can say that there's a pretty wide selection of capable ammo out there. Git yer gun, and go shoot up a few boxes. See what your gun likes. Hydrashoks and Gold Dots are carried by quite a few folks. There's also Remington Golden Sabres and Cor-bon Pow-r-ball ammo. Be sure that your chosen ammo is legal in your jurisdiction, and wherever you might carry it on your travels. Some jurisdictions don't like hollow point ammo.

Another thing I am curious about is a good way to carry a spare magazine (or two). I am NOT trying to get into the debate on weather you should, or shouldn't carry spare ammo or not, I have decided that I am going to, just wanting to figure out if just throwing it in a pocket is good enough, or if getting a pouch for belt wear is better (and if so, what pouch).

Personal choice here. I'm not comfortable with extra magazines in my pockets. Too much chance that they'll get tangled up keys, or whatever else might be in there. If I'm going to carry a full-sized pistol, I'd rather have an extra magazine on the weak side in a mag pouch. I like having an extra magazine for a variety of reasons, and having it on my belt balances out the weight of the pistol.

Lastly, from what I have read it is a good idea to get a good belt for CCW use. What is a good belt that won't break the bank? I know Crossbreed and Comptac make some, but I also saw some Blackhawk! leather belts that were less expensive.

I've never used either of the belts mentioned, but I am of the opinion that a good belt makes a WORLD of difference in carrying. As you're planning on carrying a full-sized pistol, this is going to be especially true. I currently use an Aker B21 (http://www.akerleather.com/off-duty...ed-carry-gunbelt&name=Concealed+Carry+Gunbelt)

I've also read lots and lots of good reviews about The Beltman http://thebeltman.net/

Theis also makes a belt, but I haven't handled one of those.

Good luck and, again, welcome!

 

[psyopspec]

First, welcome to THR!

First, I can't decide on a holster. I have it narrowed down to either a Crossbreed Supertuck, or a Comptac Minotaur Spartan.

I have a Supertuck, and I've been very happy with it. It's only been a couple months, and I'm currently without a carry permit so it's only been worn at the range and on competition days. Still, at least one of those competitions was in 80+ degree weather for about 8 hours drawing and shooting from a variety of positions.

For the other brand you're considering, I've tried on a friend's Comptac Infidel and really liked the build and fit. I didn't do any moving with that holster on, but after trying the Supertuck I believe I prefer the spread out clips. Since both of your selections are a good design by holster makers with a great reputation, you could flip a coin. If you go Supertuck, I do recommend the combat cut to give you a chance at a full grip on the gun before drawing.

I know JHP is a good idea, but what kind?

Any from a reputable manufacturer, that will cycle in your gun. The differences tend to be pretty negligible these days, to the point that I'll shop around and buy whomever of the bigger manufacturers can give me the best price so that I can cycle/practice/test that bullet in my gun to the point of confidence. Last time it was Gold Dots, but I'd have been just as happy with Golden Saber, Federal, etc.

Another thing I am curious about is a good way to carry a spare magazine (or two).

I bought a single IWB mag pouch with my Supertuck. For competition use I continue using a double paddle magazine holder. For carry, my only rule is to try to keep it on the weak side. A pocket with nothing else in it is fine, as is a mag holder. Others may prefer to keep it in the same place all of the time for consistency's sake; that's okay too. If you're going to go that route, the cheapest commonly available single mag carrier that has a slim profile and will do the job will be the ones with the clip on the back sold by Blackhawk.

What is a good belt that won't break the bank?

I don't know if there is one. For gun belts, quality costs $. Currently, my gun belt is a Crossbreed (bought it with the holster and mag carrier). I'm very happy with it, and it's held up very well. Prior to that, I'd owned 2 of the Blackhawk ones that you mentioned. While they were stiff, they weren't leather. Instead, it was a strip of plastic coated in vinyl. Mine began to show wear after less than a month of use, and a 4 hour day hike with a light backpack on stripped off a large section of vinyl on the back. Because they're not durable, I DO NOT recommend the Blackhawk belts.

 

[JTQ]

Those holsters with the wide space attachment points are very popular and probably have some advantage for a heavy pistol like a 1911, as they spread the weight out. However, both seem like a lot of material to stick in your pants for a relatively small, lightweight, pistol like the G23, and they are more difficult to put on. Some will argue the holsters with the outboard loops or clips are thinner than the holsters with the loops over the holster body, and that is probably true, by about 1/16", an insignificant number in my mind.

I have a 5", 1911 and I don't care for all that materiel inside my pants. I prefer more compact IWB holsters along the lines of the Milt Sparks Summer Special/Summer Special II possibly because I'm a relatively small guy and the holsters with the wide spaced loops like the Sparks Versa Max II (VM II) take up too much belt space. Kydex works for the 1911, but leather seems like a better match to me.

Kydex does seem like an excellent choice for Glock pistols in general and something like the Comp-Tac Infidel, or the equivalent from Blade-Tech or any of the many others of similar design seem like a better idea to me for the G23. With the G23, you may be able to carry in the appendix position. You may also be able to get away with a high ride OWB holster with the right cover garment.

One of my first recommendations, especially for Glocks, is the Raven Concealment Phantom. The wait is long, but you get one holster that you can wear IWB or OWB and you can change the ride height and cant as you experiment with different carry methods. These are very helpful, especially for the guy new to carrying as you can try out a bunch of different carry options with just one holster.

Here are some top kydex makers.

Raven Concealment Phantom http://www.ravenconcealment.com/

Blade-Tech http://www.blade-tech.com/home.php

FIN Design http://www.findesigns.net/fin.html

Garrett Industries http://garrettindustries.mybigcommerce.com/

Dale Fricke http://www.dalefrickeholsters.com/

In spite of the recommendations you get here, and your own research, you'll find yourself going through a few holsters as you find the one that works best for you.

A&G Custom leather is a well respected belt maker, and most leather holster makers also make their own belt.

http://www.agcustomgunleather.com/

For a less expensive belt, the Wilderness Instructor belt is popular. The 5 stitch or CSM models are most recommended.

http://www.thewilderness.com/storepinnacle/

 

[Skribs]

I actually have a Supertuck, and I personally do not like the design. Yes, it is tuckable and it is fairly comfortable and it doesn't move once its on. However, I find it a lot more of a pain to get on and off (especially on), and without the combat cut it actually was somewhat difficult to get a good grip on the draw. With the combat cut it's no more comfortable than a basic kydex rig, and it still takes up a lot more room. It's also going to take up an extra pant size compared with a standard belt loop or clip-on IWB rig. Just some things to consider before getting it.

Currently, I carry a spare magazine in an old cell phone case. DeSantis makes single magazine pouches for pockets, and several manufacturers make IWB magazine holsters. Just remember you're going to need an extra size or two in your pant's waistline in order to carry both a gun AND spare magazines IWB.

As for ammo, there are a lot of decent options, but I think the standards are Speer Gold Dot or Winchester PDX1. I'm going with Speer.

Belt, I went with a Galco Instructor Belt and it works pretty good.

Another tip - polo-style shirts work better than t-shirts for concealing (they're a bit thicker, so they print less), and you may want to go one up on your shirt size. Yeah, you can't show off your muscles that way, but if you wear a L instead of a M, you'll notice a huge difference in printing.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

For the most part all the current commercial SD ammo out there will do a good job. You should worry about hitting what you aim at more than which ammo to carry because the best ammo in the world will do no good unless you make good hits. The other worry would be function but you already said the Federal ammo works great in your pistol.

The Supertuck is a good and comfortable holster but I don't know anything about the other so I can't comment on it.

Carrying a spare mag is a matter of preference. Some pocket carry a spare mag while others like a carrier on the belt. You will figure out what's best for you as you go along.

BTW, the first thing you have to do when buying a holster is to find a good stiff box to put in your closet so you can store all the holsters you buy that you swore were just right...

Welcome to the forum.

 

[JustinJ]

Personally i've pretty much given up on IWB and find OWB to be far better and more comfortable. I have quite a few OWB holsters and which i wear tends to depend on a few things. For example, i have one holster that is easy to get on and off in a car so i usually go with it after work. Then i have a couple more that conceal a little better but belts must be looped through so those generally are only worn if i'm headed out from home. What i'm doing also plays. I carry an HK P2000sk so its a about the same size as your Glock. I've found the key to CC is more about wardrobe than anything else and one doesn't need to wear oversized shirts. I have great luck with the 5.11 concealment button ups. My local gs/police supply store had a huge sale so i bought a ton of them.

I don't usually carry a spare mag but i like clip on holders as they are easier to get on and off.

As was said already any reputable ammo is fine but i tend to go with Gold Dot.

One other thing i would consider is a gun for pocket carry when attire does not allow for any other option. I have a Ruger LC9 that goes nicely in the front pocket and a LCP when even that is too large.

 

[wisconsin]

I have nothing but good things to say about crossbreed. I got their belt and supertuck holster for my 1911 and it disappears under just a tshirt. I think they make some spare mag holders but i cant speak from experiance on how they are.
On that note thougj Galco makes an IWB holster much like the supertuck for aboit $20 less

As for ammo, if your gun eats hydra shocks well, use them. If you try something else look into Buffalo Bore, i just tried some of thier ammo and it shoots exceptionally well. Still cant beat the proven track record of other ammo though

 

[Skribs]

For the most part all the current commercial SD ammo out there will do a good job.

Most will do a decent job, but there are a lot of options out there where the focus is on faster follow-ups, and that hurts penetration. They'll do fine for straight-on shots and scaring people, but not good for those shots at odd angles and through extra limbs.

 

[lpsharp88]

Thanks for all of the help!

 

[psyopspec]

Most will do a decent job, but there are a lot of options out there where the focus is on faster follow-ups, and that hurts penetration. They'll do fine for straight-on shots and scaring people, but not good for those shots at odd angles and through extra limbs.

True, there are some downloaded bullets like Hornady critical defense. But in reality the speed of a follow up shot (or lack thereof) does not correlate to penetration. If you have the same bullet weight and speed, and that bullet is bonded, performance should be comparable.

 

[lpsharp88]

I think what he is saying is that loads geared toward having a faster follow up will be lighter, and will therefore have less penetration. Just my guess though

 

[Lawdawg45]

Ok, this is my first post so I'm sorry if this has been covered already. I am in the process of getting my CCW permit

Welcome and congratulations! You'll find on this (and many other) forums that with a question, you'll get 10 different answers and most will be right. It's a matter of personal preference and trial and error.

Personally, I've never liked IWB holsters, but the Crossbreed Supertuck comes highly recommended, and as far as ammo, it depends on which gun you select. The Glock will feed anything you put in it, but some 1911's are pretty finicky with ammo weight and design. Speer Gold Dot is my personal choice. With belts comes a plethora of choices, my personal being leather over nylon. Lately I've purchased a Desantis and a real beauty from Ruger for $40! My extra magazine always goes in my front left pocket, but if I needed to carry multiple, they would be in a horizontal belt pouch. Now comes the good advice.........train, train, train!

LD


BTW, the photo attached shows my all around best choice for CCW holsters, the Don Hume JIT Slide. It conceals a 5 inch 1911 easily and it only costs $23!

 

[Shawn Dodson]

I've been carrying a Glock 19 (same size as your Glock 23) for more than a decade in a Milt Sparks Executives Companion IWB holster (at 4:00 position on my waist). It has been a very comfortable holster for me. It consistently stays put regardless of the amount of physical activity I engage in. The only drawback is the waiting time to get one after you place your order (about 5 months, but it's worth the wait). See - http://www.miltsparks.com/EX.htm

I use the Executives Companion for my Kahr PM9 too.

I carry a spare magazine in a Milt Sparks #17 snap on magazine carrier. (I have one each for my Glock 19 and Kahr PM9.) See: http://www.miltsparks.com/17.htm

What I like about the Executives Companion and the magazine carriers is they're quick and easy to put on.

I normally wear a 1 1/2-inch, polymer lined, 5-stitch "Frequent Flyer" belt from The Wilderness. It doesn't have the same appearance of a typical nylon gunbelt and I can cinch it down exactly the way I want it. See: http://www.thewilderness.com/storepinnacle/index.php?p=product&id=2503&parent=142

Good luck!