trouble with CCW

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lobo9er

lobo9er

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the gun is a charter arms mag pug. the problem isn't the gun it shoots fine and has been 100%. The problem is carrying it. maybe i'm still just getting used to carrying as I just got my permit. I have an uncle mikes inside waist band holster looked liked any of the more expensive ones and a shoulder holster. so far both are kinda awkward. to be honest jamming it in my waistband with out the holster is more comfortable and easier to conceal. but leaves me open to the risk of dropping it of course. any suggestion? and is there a waist band clip that attachs to the grip like for the S&W.(friend carries a S&W like this) That seems to be what I am looking for. The mag pug wieghs more than the scandium guns but was lighter than the ruger sp101 and lighter or same as the other steel framed snubbies. Anyone else carry similiar revolver, steel framed snub nose. I can see why the scandium revolvers are so expensive now, ease of carry. But on the other hand i would imagine .357 would be a bit worse outta one compared to the Mag Pug.
 
If the beltclip grips are not currently available, they can still be easily made, eh? I'm guessing the concept was probably first simply whittled by some guy at home for his own use.
 
Welcome to the CCW BUY -Try - Sell, BUY - Try - Trade - Try - Sell Club.

My membership lasted 4 rounds and I ended up coming back to the 637 I first Tried and Sold.

It's just a process :banghead:
 
I feel you there fishjar, I started off at a 442 moved around four times and ended recently back with a 642.... maybe its a smith thing? I'm itching for a 3" Model 60 again too.
 
Try in your pocket, using something like an Uncle Mike's 8744-3. I don't know how big you are, but I'm a big (230-pound) guy, and this works best for me, especially in jeans.

Be very careful, though, to NEVER have pens or keys or similar objects in the same pocket with the revolver, and ALWAYS use a holster that covers the trigger guard and hammer!
 
I also found, after much experimentation and swapping around as mentioned, that high and tight on my strong-side hip (about 4 o'clock for me) was the most comfortable and accessable. (Plus, there is a little too much of me inside my waistband as it is.)
 
Fishjar said it well...

You are going to have to try different modes with different dress attire. I use several methods depending on my dress and season of the year --Pocket carry, IWB, and uncle mikes waist pouch on the belt.
 
Welcome to the club, I had to try several guns and several holster types and numerous positions before settling on one
 
is there a waist band clip that attachs to the grip like for the S&W.(friend carries a S&W like this) That seems to be what I am looking for.
Click to expand...

Yes, google Clipdraw. You may want a trigger block as well if you decide to carry like this. It is a quality product, don't let the tape thing throw you (or do, not my loss ;)). I've been using one every day for almost 3 months now and I am surprised how well it works. The only time the tape came off was when I first got it, I put the tape on my gun and then pried it back off after a day to see if it really doesn't leave any residue. You can wear what you want, put your gun where you want, and it's daaaarn comfy.
 
Sounds like you need to try a better holster. I've found the Uncle Mike's style holsters to be virtually useless, and not even worth the small amount of money they cost.

A good leather IWB holster designed to hold the gun and butt close to the body, and a good belt will make all the difference in the world IMO.

I was frusterated as well until I broke down and purchased a quality holster.
 
I make my own holsters. For my Colt Detective Special, my holster is made by lying the gun on the leather, and drawing a line completely around the gun. This is the back of the holster -- so when wearing it as an IWB, there is leather between gun and body.

I double stitch, and cut the belt slots between the stitches. The holster can be worn as an OWB. For IWB, I simply punch holes in the backing in front and in back of the holster pouch at the top, and use Chicago screws (post screws) to attach belt loops with snaps.

To convert the holster to a Tuckable, I punch holes at the bottom of the holster, attach straps with Chicago screws, and then attach the belt loops with snaps to the other end of the straps.

The key to a successful carry, either IWB or tuckable, is a good belt. Pull your belt a little tighter than you're used to, and buy pants a bit larger than usual.
 
I carry a Bersa Thunder in an Uncle Mike's IWB holster, but occasionally carry a Charter Arms Undercover in one, too. They are carried between the belt and pants, though, with the holster's clip outside the belt. Just not enough room in the pants for the gun and me. Never had any issues with this setup with either gun. As a new carrier, you probably are just getting used to it. Give it a little more time.
 
Vern Humphrey got it right!

A good stiff belt made specifically for carry a holstered handgun is essential regardless of what holster you use.
 
Spend money on a real gunbelt, I've got two, a Gunner's Alley, which I'm told is a Beltman belt, it is great because it very much appears to be any ordinary belt, and a Comp-Tac Kydex reinforced belt, which is a bit stiffer and probably sturdier, however it is also a bit thicker and a couple holsters are not amenable to it. It will work with them, and once on they are NOT going anywhere, but getting them on can be trying if they have narrow belt slots.


Also buy a decent holster, not an Uncle Mikes, though this will be heavily mitigated by a good belt made for carrying.
 
Buy a quality leather molded holster, I have a Don Hume IWB holster that will hold the gun in even when you turn it upside down and shake it. Beware of nylon holsters for CCW due to moisture retention if carried next to the body.
 
the biggest change in my daily comfort came when I bought a 5:11 reinforced trainer belt

carrying is a breeze now, whether a high cap XD 45 or a PM9 I am comfy
 
No one goes jogging in a 3-piece suit. No one goes elk hunting in a tank top and running shorts. We dress for the activities in which we engage, and we should remember that rule when carrying. Wear fairly loose-fitting clothes and a good, stiff belt, and you can carry nearly anything.
 
I use Galco's leather pocket holster for my hammerless S&W snubbies, one Scandium 342 which is a bit painful to shoot, and a stainless 640 more pleasant to shoot but drags my trousers down a bit. For a while I used Uncle Mike's nylon/whatever pocket holsters, not nearly so good as my leather one from Galco. Fat guy, 5' 7 240 pounds, hard to find another place to carry. Also bought a Galco belt, very strong, good for various modes of carry. By the way, Speer Gold Dot 135 grain 38 Spl +P is designed specifically for 2" barrel guns.
 
Sounds like you need to try a better holster. I've found the Uncle Mike's style holsters to be virtually useless, and not even worth the small amount of money they cost.

A good leather IWB holster designed to hold the gun and butt close to the body, and a good belt will make all the difference in the world IMO.

I was frusterated as well until I broke down and purchased a quality holster.
Click to expand...

No one goes jogging in a 3-piece suit. No one goes elk hunting in a tank top and running shorts. We dress for the activities in which we engage, and we should remember that rule when carrying. Wear fairly loose-fitting clothes and a good, stiff belt, and you can carry nearly anything.
Click to expand...

I agree 100% with the above. For a very short time, I tried carrying my 5-shot aluminum frame S&W J Frame 642 in a cheap IWB holster on an even cheaper Wal-Mart belt. Upgrading my gear (about $70 for my 1.5" bullhide belt from thebeltman.com, and between $55 and $110 for leather IWB holsters), I find I can carry larger, heavier guns as comfortably or even more so than the little J Frame with the crap stuff.

Part of it is just getting used to it. It took me a day or two to adjust to carrying my first sizeable gun, a 5" steel 1911 IWB. It was a little painful/awkward at first, but once I got used ot it, it has proven to be one of the most comfortable carry guns I own, if not my favorite to carry.

I prefer leather, but some like Kydex better. Either material is superior to Nylon, IMO, though significantly pricier. My one recommendation is to find a holster with the belt loops spread far apart. I've never understood placing the belt loops right on top of the fattest part of a revolver: on the cylinder. But to each his own.

Heck, with quality gear and proper attire, my 4" S&W Model 28 carries a bit more comfortably and conceals nearly as well as the 642 did with the cheap stuff. Granted, the S&W N Frames are a little extreme for most folks, but I don't mind carrying them.

So if I can carry this beast with good gunbelts and leather holsters, you can certainly do to the same with your Pug.


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