Smartcarry vs Tuckables vs IWB vs Mexican Carry vs ...
Howdy:
Good thread.
I think it boils down to doing the best you can with given circumstances while bearing some principles in mind:
1. Concealed means CONCEALED.
2. Quality belts & holsters are the best way to go. When it comes to leather, you get what you pay for. Kydex is another story, however.
3. Whatever method, gun, cover garments, are chosen, remember to BRING A GUN, 'cause that Owl Gore voter whose butt you might save from a brutal raping, torturing, & murdering surely won't.
*Smartcarry*
Smartcarry is a viable option. To dismiss them without having tried it is in the same league as dismissing tuckables without having tried them, IMO.
The only time the muzzle is covering any part of my anatomy is when I deliberately scrunch my thighs together. I don't do that naturally & I don't think many (any?) guys do. When seated, the muzzle is pointing away from me, roughly parallel with the ground. When standing, the muzzle is pointing at the earth. A yoga master practicing his art while carrying might have more issues, however, I'll grant.
The trigger & triggergaurd are covered by the holster material. A proper draw has the trigger finger outside the holster, not inside the holster, even if there is room for the finger. Keep the finger off the trigger until ready to fire, in other words.
Now, the Smartcarry surely isn't the preferred mode of carry. It does, however, have its place. It is particularly good in concealing a large handgun. I would consider it a "deep cover" option for service revos/autos.
*Tuckables IWB*
I haven't had as much luck with these as some of y'all. I may try another soon, given some of y'all's experiences. Any models you'd recommend? I have tried a couple, currently not in use (Galco Deep Cover & another that slips my mind). I had three issues:
1. Weapon would not reamain in place. It would generally tilt one way or the other during the day.
2. Keeping the shirt tucked around it. I would wear an appropriate overshirt, but the durn shirt would kinda work its way up & loose. I found myself adjusting my shirt seveal times/day.
3. The visible clips/straps scream "I'm packin', baybee!" Maybe if I also kept my phone mounted near/beside them?
*Std IWB*
Really good method with the right holster & belt. My favorite for when I wear just an undershirt & untucked overshirt.
*OWB*
Most comforatable, least concealable. Long bbls are the bane of OWB.
*Pocket*
I can do it with an AMT .45BU, Kel-tec P40, & smaller. As stated above, baby Glocks look like yer totin' a brick. Thin is good, here. If a pistol is what is carried so you can fight your way back to your rifle, a pocket pistol is what you carry to give you time to deploy your main CCW, hidden in a less accessable location (ankle, Smartcarry, etc.).
*Ankle*
As stated before, not the "coolest" way to pack heat these days, but still viable. I learned a neat trick a whlie back for when I wear lace-up boots. Pull on the boot, unlaced. Put on ankle holster with CCW inside the boot around your ankle, but don't secure TOO tightly. Finish lacing up & lace tightly. I like logger boots, lace-up ropers, & the like, so this is common for me. I originally bought a cheap Uncle Mike's just to try it with the intention of replacing it. But the sucker never wore out. Still use it. Sometimes you get more than you pay for [like Uncle Mikes Kydex OWB holsters...the best kydex OWB produced (If they produce it for your make of gun) This might hurt the feelings of those who paid 4X for a similar Kydex plastic ugly holster].
*Western Boot*
Take that pocket holster & pocket pistol & slip it in the top of your cowboy boot, inside left leg for righties. Works too darn well.
*Clipdraw & the like clip IWB*
Not a bad solution for when you want to slip a gun in your waistband & boogie. A quality leather IWB & stiff belt is preferable, but the clips are mighty convenient.
*Mexican Carry*
Just stuff it down yer pants & go. NOT the preferred technique for trips beyond the mailbox. Get a clip or some 550 cord at least.
*550 loop*
Start with some 550 cord. Tie a square knot with safeties & burn the ends. Take the loop, slip it under your belt & back through itself then stuff your pistol through the loop IWB. The universal holster.
*Shoulder*
Never tried it, so can't comment on it. I suspect its utility for civvie CCW is limited. Anybody get any success?
*Fanny Pack (AKA, "Fag Bag;" AKA "Man Purse;" AKA "Shoot ME! Bag")*
I own two, big & small. I generally only carry this way out in the woods where they are common. Do yourself a favor & sew on a non-threatening company logo real prominently on the outside, like Eastpack or North Face. I don't really like these, but they have thier place.
One thing I've learned: your not gonna conceal a gov't model 1911 wearing Speedos, shower shoes, and a light coat of CLP. You gotta dress for success in CCW.
