New to holsters and carrying

[Average Joe]

LCP goes in a DeSantis IWB or on occasion in a Ruger pocket holster for pocket carry. The LC9s goes in a Kydex Bladetech IWB holster.

 

[SteadyD]

I really like the Desantis mini-scabbard.

It's definitely weird when you first start carrying in public. You think everybody knows and somebody's gonna call the law on you. Which is really a shame in free America. That will subside over time. You will always want to be conscious of it, especially in situations where you really don't need to expose it or print but at the same time, most people won't notice anyway. So it's best not to fidget with it, which will draw attention to it. I'm in the habit of checking it or shifting it on my belt with the inside of my elbow, rather than a hand.

https://www.desantisholster.com/mini-scabbard/

Is this the one you are using? If so, what clockface position and what gun? I have considered getting one so I’d love some input.

 

[Spats McGee]

FWIW, whether I'm carrying IWB or OWB, I always prefer a holster with the loops out on either side of the pistol. I get a lower profile than I do with belt clips or loops that "stack" on the pistol.

 

[CraigC]

https://www.desantisholster.com/mini-scabbard/

Is this the one you are using? If so, what clockface position and what gun? I have considered getting one so I’d love some input.

Yep. Both the Ruger LC9 and the S&W Bodyguard .380. Usually around 3-4:00 position.

 

[Craig_AR]

@cdahl383
A lot of advice here, much good, some needing more info for you.
Biggest recommendation: buy and study Tom Givens' 2020 book Concealed Carry Class: The ABCs of Self-Defense Tools and Tactics
Almost all "concealed carry class" offerings are really only about safety and laws, the minimum needed to get a state-issued permit or license.
Tom's book is about what you need to know to carry a handgun and be ready to use it in a life-threatening emergency. He includes advice on belt and holster selection in the book. It is not about how to get a license or permit to carry.
Most folks with concealed handguns carry them to feel better because they are armed. Only a small percentage learn the skills to actually draw and fire under stress. This book covers the latter; and if at all possible taking actual hands-on class on the topic is advisable.
Also, you can find a lot of good carry advice on YouTube (and also some bad advice there). I recommend selected videos in the YT channel Active Self Protection Extra, where advanced instructors John Correia, Neil Weidner, Brian Hill, and others give excellent advice on gear and training.
Note: Givens is not a fan of appendix carry, yet many other instructors encourage folks to use it when properly trained. Good idea to start with strong side carry and move to appendix if and when you learn the nuances and have some instructions.

 

[SteadyD]

Yep. Both the Ruger LC9 and the S&W Bodyguard .380. Usually around 3-4:00 position.

Is there ample clearance for your knuckles as you acquire a full firing grip?

 

[CraigC]

Yep!

 

[danez71]

I ended up getting a Crossbreed IWB for my EC9S. I’ve worn it every day with my old belt and it fits just fine. So far I really like it.

Certainly feels different carrying around a loaded gun both physically and mentally.

View attachment 1009321 View attachment 1009322

One thing that doesn't get mentioned much and really should be.....

Start practicing now what you'll do when using a public bathroom,,,,, particularly sitting kind of potty. Even if you avoid public restrooms, you could be at a friend's house.

Unbuckling your belt changes things a lot... sitting with your pants pulled down past your butt changes EVERYthing .


I've seen more than 1 story of the pistol being left on top of the toilet paper holder or back of toilet and falling off your lap during the wiping process


That is 1 thing I like about a clip on IWB. I pull the whole thing off and stuff it in my pocket. My gun never leaves the holster and never leaves my secured on person possession.


Think about and practice now before you need to.

Congrats.

 

[Craig_AR]

That is 1 thing I like about a clip on IWB.

Many (most?) quality holsters allow you to replace the clips yourself. With this option, consider trying soft loops instead of spring metal or plastic clips. My current EDC holster came with soft loops, but I also tested it for a month with clips, then went back to the original soft loops. It's all about personal preference, including ease of removal and replacement of the hostered gun as @danez71 described above.

 

[Father Goose]

My wife and I just recently got our CPL and wanted to start carrying. I have no clue where to start on holsters though and what would be best for carrying.

I have a Ruger EC9S and my wife has a Ruger LCP II .22lr. The LCP fits in my pocket easily but the EC9S is a bit tight in my pocket.

Maybe my wife could use a pocket holster and I could use an inner waistband one? I’m guessing I’d need a better belt too to support the weight?

Totally new to all this stuff so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

View attachment 1004753

The first question to ask oneself is "what's the mission?"

Where are you going?

What will you be wearing?

What do you plan to be doing?

You've got to answer those first before you can really go further. That generally means "more than one holster." I have 6 holsters I use right now for the 3 handguns I carry.

For me, I like outside-the-waistband or pocket holster but even that depends on what gun I want to carry and the questions above.

Before you carry, read this book! Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right to Self Defense by Massad Ayoob. You also might want to consider self-defense insurance. After I came within 0.5 seconds of having to shoot an attacker, once I calmed down (took a few days) I bought USCCA carry insurance and have kept it renewed since. Although I am sure I'd have prevailed in court had it come to it, it would have cost me a lot of dough I'm sure. I feel much better now.

Also, get some good pepper spray, keep it on you, and learn how to use it! Me having that is all that saved the attacker's life and me a ton of money. I suggest Sabre Red or POM and only in the Mark 6 container. Clip it into your weak-side pocket and practice enough so that when you need it, it comes out without thinking about the draw. Just like it did for me.