Tell us your best tips for Summer CCW carry>>>

[sierra1]

Here's one that works for me...

I call it the "tourist" look. Carry a "point-and-shoot" camera around your neck, and a corresponding camera bag on your belt. People automatically assume the bag is for the camera. Make sure the bag will fit the camera AND your weapon of choice, in case you do have to stow the camera. Add a zipper pull of your choice to the bag, and you're good to go.

The camera bag doesn't scream "gun!" like the fanny pack does. In fact, it's a little disarming - people just think you're just a harmless tourist out snapping photos.

 

[TexasVet]

Nylon "walkman" carrier that clips to your belt. It has a compartment in front, normally for the player, which is handy for notebooks, multi-tools etc. In the back there is a second area for carrying a CD in case. My little Backup 380 DAO fits in there perfectly, and the stuff in the front hides the print. Works great.

 

[TheFrontRange]

.... also,lets talk about vests...is there any such thing as a good quality vest at a reasonable price??What has been your experience with vest for ccw???

I've heard a mixed bag of comments about the vests from Concealed Carry Clothiers, including some posts here at THR about them. Ditto the leather vests from Coronado. I don't own one of their garments yet but want to try one. It would seem they're considered a lot lower-profile than the photo/safari/hiking-type vests.

I personally have been using the photojournalist-style vests for a few years now. I have two, one in khaki, the other olive. I know to "gun people" and cops they're considered obvious...but where I live (greater Birmingham, AL) they don't seem to stand out too terribly much. In fact I'm seeing more of them out and about lately...used to be the only place I'd see people wear them were at the gun shows!

Seriously, I've had folks that I know are non-gunners asking about them and remarking they really liked them. Ultimately, for me, these vests are comfortable, convenient, and they cover my handgun and spare ammo like nobody's business.

Mine are from Fox Outdoor Corporation and are comparable to anything I've seen at Banana Republic, Cabela's, etc. Super quality, vented mesh back for ventilation, and the trademark pockets and epaulets. Most seem to run from $50 to as high as $90, but I found mine at a local outdoors shop (Roger's Trading Company) for $45 a pop...my wife was kind enough to buy me two for my last birthday!

Funny thing about those vests, though...whenever I'm in the likes of Academy Sports and Outdoors or WalMart, I'm often mistaken for a store employee!

 

[labgrade]

I'm in the "why change?" crowd.

IWB/BHP year-round. Summertime gets shorts & maybe a bit blousier shirt. I like the flats-type fishing shirts - lotsa pockets, great ventilation, long tails, arms 'n stuff for sun protection, etc.

I'm 6'5" & about 180# Stuffing things about my body appears that I'm smuggling auto parts or some sad thing, but have CCWd a BHP for years now with not a notice.

Something brought up in Handguns General & bears repeating here.

Nobody's really looking at you - except for fellow CCWers & possibly an LEO-type. CCWers don't care & if you're legal, LEOs don't matter.

Not 1 in 1,000 are gonna "make" you & if some busybody wants to know about that "unsightly bulge," you always have the option of saying "cell phone" or "none of your business."

&, this is the Year of the Sheep.

 

[P12]

I was in the Mall about 3 weeks ago. While in Beals I saw a man wearing cowboy riding boots, jeans, western short sleeve shirt and a cowboy hat. Wallet was in his left hip pocket and a can of snuff in his right hip pocket. He was wearing a low hung strong side fanny pack.

My wife asked me why I was laughing. The dude saw me, I said hi and he had a puzzled look on his face.

I later explained it to my wife. She saw the humor but was more discrete.

Talk about screaming gun!

When I explained to my wife what I had seen, I also made the statement of "brethren of the good side"

I'm of the camp of "I don't care if I print". Most people are in condition white.

 

[Roadrunner]

Regarding vests, get yourself a fleece vest and no one will know what you're carrying. I've got a couple of lightweight polartec vests and heavier ones for winter.

I use the vest during the cooler months before summer arrives. I also like oversized button-down shirts, something like cotton or flannel shirts. I'll wear a t-shirt or polo tucked in, G23 in a Dillon pancake Master holster, and cover with the button down shirt. No one will know what you're packing under your casual attire.

 

[TheFrontRange]

Roadrunner - fleece vests

get yourself a fleece vest

Roadrunner, where did you get your fleece vests? I may have waited too late in the "fashion season" this year to find one, but I've been looking for a month now for a nice, medium- to heavy-weight vest for CCW. Academy, Eddie Bauer, and the department stores seem to be out.

 

[Jack19]

I'm also one of those people who carries the same thing all year round. Although I will switch from OWB to IWB in the summer.

Dark, untucked, Polo type shirts cover a multitude of sins.....and long grips. The truth is that most people will never ever notice because they just aren't looking.....including cops.

 

[Poohgyrr]

Dittos on what DaveR posted, that works here in our 90 to 115 degree summer heat.

And I really like JohnBT's post, but my wife might have an issue with it. Guess I'll have to take her clothes shopping again.

Year round, IWB/BHP or G23.
A bellyband or ankle covers the slacks/shirt/tie/ and no jacket or outer cover situations.

Lately I've been looking at 3" & 4" N frames, IWB & boot grips. Also a very comforting combination.

 

[Riphalman]

Hey, labgrade.....

Your way is my way. Especially the "none of their business" part. The decision to carry is a highly personal one.

 

[Roadrunner]

TheFrontRange,
I got my fleece vests and other related clothing at a local outdoors store "Hudson Trail Outfitters" here in Northern Virginia. There are many brands available. I have ones by Layers, Mountain Hardware, and The North Face. The Layers fleece vest are well made and relatively inexpensive compared to the North Face vests.

Check your local sporting goods store, Sports Authority, even K-Mart, Target, Wal-Mart, etc.