SmartCarry Question

[GDownRange]

I'm going to try out a SmartCarry holster. In the videos I've watched people carry full size pistols and a spare mag in these deep concealment solutions. I know that I can technically stuff a service sized pistol down my pants, but I can't imagine walking around with it grinding against my fruits all day is very comfortable.

Do any High Roaders use SmartCarry/Thunderware? Do you actually carry a full size pistol, or would you recommend a compact/ sub compact for comfort?

Beyond comfort, it seems like a smaller gun would be much easier to draw. Again I see demonstration videos of full size pistols being drawn, but I'd love to hear from someone who actual carries this way.

I'm thinking I may order a smaller holster and try carrying a Kahr P380, or maybe a Kel-Tec PF9. However, I do believe in carrying a big gun if possible, so I'd love to hear some feedback.

 

[wild cat mccane]

Did it before.

I was super excited to switch to this carry but it simply does not change the physical size of the gun. Surprise I know

It will still print and look like a gun. A lot of people talk about the barrel looking funny. However, the grip is still there too.

My take: it doesn't do anything a iwb holster does if you put it in the position except allow you to moderately bend over.

 

[Mainsail]

My concealed pistol is lawfully and comfortably concealed in an OWB holster behind an unbuttoned shirt of fleece vest, so those have no purpose for me.

 

[roscoe]

Seems like it would only work if you wear very baggy pants. And it seems like it would bang around if you walk with any vigor, let alone jog across the street. I go IWB at 4 o'clock - with a S&W Shield in a Cross-Breed IWB or clipped P32. I like being able to put my hand on my gun grip with my hand behind my back, relatively unseen.

 

[Stumper]

I wore a Smartcarry for years carrying a KT P3aT. It worked great, was invisible and did not cause problems in a very active job. However, going bigger and carrying 'there' didn't seem viable while wearing a harness and climbing trees and pocket carry of a small .380 became easy with the proper selection of pants.

 

[AK103K]

I use one with a Glock 26 and a 17 reload, pretty much every day. I wear my normal pants, Carhartt or Dickies "carpenter" type pants that are not "baggy", and more along the lines of "fitted" (read that "flat" in the front).

Ive always found them to be very comfortable and more concealable than anything in a pocket. Certainly quicker to draw from, even when sitting. With a little familiarization, I think you will find them quite easy and quick to draw from. Reholstering is what it is though, and not as easy.

Never had any printing issues, although you will over time, start to have wear issues in the fabric where high points on the gun tend to rub the fabric. A strategically placed "iron on" patch on the inside of your pants solves that for the most part.

The largest guns Ive used in mine have been a Glock 19 and a SIG P239. Both were doable, and both were not as comfortable as the smaller guns when wearing the same pants I normally wear. Something cut a little different would probably give a different experience.

I have a number of Smart Carry holsters of varying sizes, and the larger ones can be quickly modified to use smaller guns if needed to do so. A proper sized holster is best for regular use though. I quickly learned that they are one holster I will never be without, as they are the most versatile holsters I have.

They do work best with smaller guns, at least in my situation and style of dress. Ive used one with my Seecamps, LCPs, J frames, etc, and you quickly forget they are there. Even the 26 is quickly forgotten.

The only way to know if its something you will like, is to get one and give it a good try and with an open mind. They are different, and take a little getting used to, but once you do, I think you'll quickly begin to see the real value in them.

One other thing. I am referring to "Smart Carry" from Smart Carry, and not Thunderwear or any of the various knock offs.

I tried one of the Thunderwear holsters (got it off Ebay for a real reasonable price)and found it wasnt anywhere near as well made as the Smart Carry's. I began to think it was a knock off, and emailed Thunderwear (twice) to confirm what I got was in fact their stuff, and they never returned my emails, so Im assuming it is.

I have seen reports of people having bad experiences with some of the knock offs, so be aware.

The Smart Carry's I have are well made of a heavy material that has a water/sweat proof rear facing, and as hard as Ive tried, I cant get the trigger on any of my Glocks to trip, when manipulating the fabric over/around them. With the Thunderwear version, I was able to do that.

I just retired this holster last fall. It had seen 4-5 years of daily use at that point.



This is one I use with my Seecamp.....

 

[GDownRange]

Thanks for the feedback AK103K. That's exactly what I was looking for. I'm going to order a smaller size and try it out. To your point, I'll never know if I don't try it.

 

[AK103K]

Id touch base with them as to size. They size them to a "group/type" of guns instead of specific model. They also dont use a waist measurement for the belt. You need to measure at a specific place. If you use your waist size, it will most likely come up short.