Office/formal carry?

[ColdDeadHand]

Please help me pick something. I normally carry a S&W M&Pc .40 just about everywhere. My current job requires tucked-in polos and the occasional suit. A lot of sitting at a desk is involved. I do not trust the chunky M&P with printing.

Any suggestions? I consider .40 to be an adecuate minimum, but am willing to consider something as small as a 9.

I've been thinking .357 derringer or maybe a DB9 by diamondback.

Ideas?

 

[9mmepiphany]

MY standard carry for formal occasions is the H&K P7. For casual office wear, My Kahr CW9 has replaced my S&W M-642

 

[kmrcstintn]

if your pants pockets are loose enough you might consider the Beretta Nano or Sig P290 in a pocket holster that allows drawing from a seated position;

if the 'majority' of your time seated is in your office behind your desk you might consider a device that mounts to the bottom side of your desk and keeps your handgun within reach and then pocket carry when you 'go mobile'

if you are considering an ankle carry option you might have to go smaller and lighter than a small 9mm and opt for an ultra lightweight .380 'micro' semiauto;

if your wardrobe allows your shirt to be untucked during the draw you might consider a bellyband or an IWB for on-body carry;

I own a Beretta Nano in 9mm as a companion to my S&W 642 in .38 spl +p; my primary mode of ccw is pocket carry; as far as the Nano is concerned, the recoil is easy to manage and the ergonomics are very good. I do not have any trigger time with the Sig P290, but I have handled one and the ergonomics felt good

 

[PabloJ]

Please help me pick something. I normally carry a S&W M&Pc .40 just about everywhere. My current job requires tucked-in polos and the occasional suit. A lot of sitting at a desk is involved. I do not trust the chunky M&P with printing.

Any suggestions? I consider .40 to be an adecuate minimum, but am willing to consider something as small as a 9.

I've been thinking .357 derringer or maybe a DB9 by diamondback.

Ideas?

It would be a lot easier if you consider 9x17 adequate. Something like Ruger LCR is five yard wonder.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

It depends how formal. Tie and coat, the P7 is hard to carry with a dress belt. I drop to a Sig 238. Office is a P7PSP or EMP rarely.

 

[PabloJ]

If one can afford P7 they can also afford Rohrbaugh R9. Why carry a "brick" when there is no need to?

 

[MedWheeler]

If you're considering the DB9, take a look at the Kel-Tec PF9, too. The Diamondback is a tick smaller, but is not yet as "proven" as the Kel-Tec, which has been around longer. Both have had issues, and either will require a serious "proofing" period before being placed into service. I carry the KT, and it is as small as I'd want to go in a 9x19, as it can be snappy, particularly with +P loads over 115 grains.
I have no experience in them, but several of the reputable holster makers offer "tuckable" holsters that allow the gun to be worn IWB-style, with the shirt tucked into a slot between the belt clip and holster body. Drawing from such requires that the free hand yank the shirt upward from the waist while the "working" hand draws the weapon.
It's rare I have to wear a shirt tucked in while in a place at which I can carry (I do wear a uniform at work, but EMS is a no-carry profession.) When I do, I pocket-carry my KT P32. I understand you don't want a carry gun in that caliber, but you might consider the various guns in .380 that are essentially the same size.

 

[MedWheeler]

PabloJ writes:

It would be a lot easier if you consider 9x17 adequate. Something like Ruger LCR is five yard wonder.

The LCR is a revolver offerred in .22, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum. I think you meant "LCP", which is chambered in 9x17mm (.380ACP.)

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I carry a full-size M1911 in a tuckable of my own design. It disappears under a T-shirt, polo, or any other garment.

First of all, you might want a thinner gun -- the M1911 is excellent in that regard.

Next, you want a "pancake" style holster, which minimizes the thickness of the whole assembly.

Finally, you want reverse J-hooks. I make mine out of Kydex. I cut two strips about 1/2" to 3/4" wide, clean up and round the ends with a bench sander, then use a heat gun to make a J. The tip of the J is bent inward so it contacts the long stem of the J. Holes are drilled in the other end, and the reverse J hooks are attached to the toe of the holster, one on either side of the slide about level with the front sight, using Chicago (post) screws.

With your shirt tucked in, unbuckle your belt and shove the holstered gun down between pants and shirt. The reverse J hooks will slide down over the belt and snap.

Next, pull your shirt out from behind the holster and re-tuck it between holster and pants. Finally, position the holster, tighten your belt and "blouse" your shirt -- pull out two or three inches all around and allow it to hang naturally.

 

[XxBulletBendeRXx]

Just go with a LCP (.380). Its for defense. Not a tactical pocket carry... Then again you did mention a minimun cal. of 9mm, assuming you meant 9x19, so in that case go with the Ruger LC9 slightly larger than the LCP. I have a LC9 and it is a good little pistol that I feel confortable with as far a firepower goes for a DEFENSE situation.

 

[STL73]

Kahr PM45, High Noon tuckable soft holster with a black belt and no one will have any clue. I have even gone so far as to take my jacket off, still no print. I carry a spare magazine in my left pocket just like a knife or a set of keys. Provided you have a little room in your pants, it's not even that uncomfortable.

 

[9mmepiphany]

If one can afford P7 they can also afford Rohrbaugh R9. Why carry a "brick" when there is no need to?

Because there is a lot less recoil with the P7 (good for followup shots) and I'm more accurate with it (although I only shot about 20 rounds through the R9).

BTW: I got my P7 when they were new to this country and paid < $400 for it...ticked me off a couple of years later when they were offering the M13 for $378

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Agreed. The P7 is very easy to shoot really well. It handles well and is exceptionally safe to carry. No worry about "cocked and locked" if that bothers you.

Besides, it would make a heck of a weapon when empty! Anyone who owns one knows what I mean.

 

[Rail Driver]

I carry a 1911. It's slim, and .45ACP... Easy to conceal, comfortable to carry (with a proper belt and holster), and it's a proven design. MUCH thinner than an M&P, higher capacity than the derringer with a larger bullet than the DB9.

 

[hso]

I pocket carry a PF9 or P3AT frequently, but I've carried a BHP or Colt Commander IWB with a vest or jacket as a cover garment. I've put a bunch of rounds through these guns and trust my life to them.

Look into a tuckable holster.

 

[exavid]

LC9, easily concealed especially with the flat magazine floorplate installed, yet reliable, very good sights, and light weight. I find it easy to shoot even with it's small size the recoil is very light and not snappy.

 

[VA27]

MY standard carry for formal occasions is the H&K P7. For casual office wear, My Kahr CW9 has replaced my S&W M-642

Nothing is quite as classy as a P7 tucked in your tux.

 

[seelawyer]

+1 to 1911 (3"). I have same dress situation for work. I have IWB tuckable hoster ... works for me.

 

[Winkman822]

I use a compact 1911 by Wilson Combat and have no printing issues while wearing the gun in a tuckable IWB holster, standard IWB holster with a sweater over it, or an OWB holster with a suit jacket over it. For what it's worth, my Wilson Combat 1911 is a 4" bushingless bull barrel and slide assembly atop a short compact (officer's) sized frame. I run it with a Wilson Combat 47C 7 round magazine loaded to capacity with one in the chamber.

Similar sized 1911s are available from Smith and Wesson, Kimber (be careful here and be sure to fully run the gun in first as my experience with Kimbers has been that they require some shooting in and some tuning to run properly), Sig (I think it's called the C3), Colt (Talo CCO, these are tough to come by), Les Baer (Stinger, but these are sort of spendy at about $1,800.00), and of course you could go the Wilson Combat, Nighthawk or Volkmann Precision avenue (these are VERY spendy at $2,600.00 or easily more).

Another great gun is the Springfield Armory EMP in 9mm or .40 S&W, these are a 1911 patterned pistol that is specifically modified for the shorter 9mm and .40S&W. I have an EMP 9 and LOVE it, but the mag capacity is MARGINALLY more than my sxtandard .45 every day gun.

In the non 1911 arena, you can't go wrong with a Kahr, HK P7, or my personal favorite the Sig Sauer P239 DAK. These are all single column magazine pistols that are a good bit slimmer than your M&P.

 

[FMF Doc]

Ruger LC9. The DB9 is junk! I had one, now I happily have and carry the Ruger LC9.

 

[Dr_2_B]

Cold,

I come from a different place than several people here. If you've never tried to conceal under a tailored coat, you'll soon find that they are tapered at the waist and make hip carry surprisingly difficult. I found during my suit wearing days that pocket carry was preferable. Of course also remember that in our casual society, suit coats often wind up draped over a chair during the day. And obviously pocket carry is your best option when wearing polos too. The front pockets on suit pants or separates pants are usually quite roomy and drape well.

I recommend pocket carry for both scenarios. Something along the lines of a Kel-Tec PF9, Ruger SR9, or a snubby revolver would work well for you.

 

[Winkman822]

As stated above, suit jackets and sport coats can create concealment challenges thanks to being tapered at the waist (and if you're like me REALLY tapered at the waist), this is why a proper holster is an absolute necessity. I find that I can comfortably carry my CQB Compact in a Blade-Tech UCH with a shirt tucked over it (though I have to be careful to pull an off the rack shirt out of the closet as opposed to one that was done by my local menswear shop. The UCH allows the shirt to be tucked over the holster, and holds the gun tight to the body; it keeps the gun concealed when I decide to hang up my jacket between appointments.

On days where I have to do a lot of running back and forth to and from court, I carry in a Summer Comfort style IWB holster. this again keeps the gun flat and close to the body, but is easy on and off thanks to the one way snaps so I can easily strap the gun on or remove it holster and all and stow it in my office safe before I head to the courthouse. This holster is also good with my tailored jackets because it keeps the gun close to my body. I've been curious to try a Milt Sparks VM2 with the tuckable clips, but haven't taken the plunge yet.

If you want to stay with something belt carried, I'd recommend a good slim pistol like a compact 1911, Sig Sauer P239 or HK P7 I'm sure there are others as well, they're simply not coming to mind at the moment. If you decide to go the pocket gun route, a good lightweight revolver, Walther PPS, or Kahr would be be good options. In the event that you do go for a pocket carry peice, be sure to also get a proper pocket holster.

 

[Guillermo]

I often carry a P7 in a Kangaroo when I have to tuck in.

With a polo it sometimes prints so I go to PM9.

The P7 is a great gun but it is heavy for its size. This can limit where you carry it.

I LOATH IWB but many do so daily quite happily.

If boots are appropriate there are tons of good boot options.

 

[psyopspec]

Years ago in a similar situation, I carried an M&P 340 SC (J Frame) on the ankle in a Desantis rig. Athletic cut suits are not great for carrying on the hips, and pocket carry made me uncomfortable; I worried that the pockets might not be durable enough, or that the gun might fall out.

Before the J-Frame I had a Khar PM9 that I would appendix carry in a High Noon tuckable IWB. That worked well as a carry setup, but the Khar didn't live up to what I expected for reliability.

 

[CheapFuneral]

Look into a walther pps in 40. Ultra thin and comes in the cal u are looking for. Also if a suit is ok all the time shoulder holster and don't remove your jacket if u don't like a dress belt. With the polo I would look into a pps with a nice tuckable holster.