Trying on shoes with a gun

[Zeke Menuar]

OK that sounds a bit strange.

My current pair of bumming around shoes has been comdemned by the "Imperial Red-Headed Scorpio". Some nonsense about the duct-tape and silicone seal holding them together.

On Sundays I usually park my car and walk if I need to run errands. No big deal, put on my Galco Concealable holster, Safariland mag holder, get the LW Commander and go take care of business.

So this leads to my question. How does a guy try on shoes with a gun stripped to his hip?
Have you guys ever dealt with this?

I am thinking I will drive the couple of blocks and lock the gun in the car while shoe-shopping (and gun shopping, this place has both). This will be done with carry gun #2, a CZ-83 and a el-cheapo clippy holster. Easier to take on and off.

Comments?

Thanks
ZM

 

[SMLE]

Why would this be an issue? Do you need to take off your pants to try on shoes?

Is there an issue of legality with carrying in the store? I have had no problems trying on boots and shoes with my CCW tucked in my waistband.

 

[Zundfolge]

Are you asking because when you sit down and bend over to take off/put on shoes you print real bad?

If this is the case, then move the gun to the 3 o'clock position (maybe wear a light jacket) and you'll be fine.

Also, if possible sit with your back to the wall.

 

[Bear Gulch]

I am baggy chamois shirt man.

 

[trickyasafox]

i'd throw on a fleece vest and consider a shoulder rig.

 

[Mulliga]

If this is a gun store, no one will care.

This is an example of when a "deep carry" pistol is useful.

 

[GRB]

I don't see the problem with a gun on my hip in a secure holster. It is easy to cover if that is your concern.

Just imagine though, you go to buy new shoes and are wearing an ankle holster (I would not be caught dead withone). Just picture the face of the show clerk as he helps you slip your hoofer into a pair of booties and he or she gets a face full of semi-auto pistol or revolver.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

There is no good way to handle this situation.

Its damn near impossible to try on new Nikes while carrying a gun. Lots of assaults occur in shoe stores; don't kid yourself that its safe in there.

Here is how I would do it:

Go ahead and get ready just as you would for any other trip to the mall. Strap on some Kevlar, your Leatherman, Sure-Fire flashlight, and Pepper Spray. If you have a large fanny pack, I would add Nun-Chuks to that list also, to handle close combat.

Then get several of your friends who have gun permits to go with you. Friends who say they are ex-Special Forces would be best. One of them can carry a couple of extra guns on his belt. They can lay down cover fire til you can fight your way to them with your chuks and get your guns. Problem solved.

You think someone is gonna mess with you if you go in prepared like that? Heck no!

 

[logical]

Buy some shoes on Ebay...no need to ever leave your house.

 

[P95Carry]

Just don't sweat it!!! All that is required is enough shirt - length in particular.

I am sure got gonna worry about maybe someone glimpsing my piece whilst trying shoes on ... and sure as heck ain't gonna leave it in truck! NO way.

 

[sm]

I just bought new tennis shoes at Academy Sports about 2 wks ago.

Oh Goody - Quiz time:

Steve is wearing jeans, tucked in long sleeved oxford shirt, and his old tennis shoes. NO cover garmet. CCW with spare mag, and sitting out in the middle where other folks are trying on shoes. I even helped a 4 yr old with getting her Barbie tennis shoes getting laced up and on the correct feet.

Where is my Keltec P-11 and spare mag? NO ankle carry, and gun not in my pockets? I don't do fanny packs, and no off body carry like day planners.

I bought my older shoes ( the ones I replaced) at Sports Unlimted, dressed the same way , CCWing a full size 1911, and two spare mags btw.

 

[trickyasafox]

www.zappos.com cheapest shoes ever and free shipping back and forth if you dont like em

 

[EricO]

Ok, here's my angle on this one. Courtesy of one of Massad Ayoob's books, although it was shown there as an example of what to do while sitting in a higher backed chair. Wear an open front type shirt/jacket/sweater of some sort, and when you sit down don't take it off but rather part the item, take it off the shoulders and carefully let it drape around your waist and back. The extra folds and material should work well in breaking up the outline of the hidden firearm, while also covering it. Just remember to put it back on when you stand up. Depending upon where you wear your holster, tying a sweatshirt around your waist may even cover up an IWB.

Another option could be putting on a "fanny-pack" type carrier just for the trip into the store and changing back at the car.
EricO

 

[logical]

I'm just curious....do a lot of you struggle this much with normal everyday tasks? I guess it's why I went to pocket carry as a primary CCW years ago.

If I have a jacket I know will stay on I might go to a bigger gun on the belt.

 

[sturmruger]

I carry in MN so I don't really need to worry about sales people seeing my gun. I don't try to hide my gun all that much. If people see it oh well, I haven't had a problem yet.

 

[jlwatts3]

Sorry if I'm being obtuse but what exactly is the problem here?

 

[Fly320s]

SM,

Something tuckable? Like a Milt Sparks VersaMax II with the tuckable clips?

I never could get my VMII to work well with the clips.

As for shoe buying, Zeke Menuar, just use your normal carry method. Odds are no one will notice anyway.

 

[Roadrunner]

That shouldn't be a problem. I bought a pair of boots a couple of weeks ago while carrying. If it's properly concealed, the salesperson won't even know it's there. I was wearing a fleece jacket with my G23 holstered on my right side, she never knew it was there.

 

[AZLibertarian]

Others have stolen my wise-acre advice: Buy your shoes on the internet.

That said, I'd carry however you carry now. Be aware of moments you might 'flash', but I wouldn't dwell on them. Let's face it: In most places in America, you could walk right down the middle of the street, with a couple of pearl-handled and chromed 1911s in your fists, and as long as you weren't shooting, screaming, or on fire, most people wouldn't notice at all.

 

[No_Brakes23]

AZLibertarian said...
In most places in America, you could walk right down the middle of the street, with a couple of pearl-handled and chromed 1911s in your fists, and as long as you weren't shooting, screaming, or on fire, most people wouldn't notice at all.

Well of course they aren't gonna notice the pearl handled grips, your hands are covering them.

 

[TarpleyG]

I am so glad I went to carrying a J-frame in my pocket. No more worrying about this crap all the time. And yes, I have had prior similar concerns in shoe stores.

Greg

 

[Zeke Menuar]

I waited until it was Monsooning real heavy. Put on my big winter coat. I can hide a 50BMG under that coat. No one gave me a second look.

ZM

 

[Sean85746]

Where did the shoes get a gun?

Or did you mean...."Trying on shoes while I was wearing a gun." ???

 

[runswithscissors]

easy solution

carry on the small of your back

 

[c_yeager]

An ankle holster would be the most amusing choice by a fair stretch.

If you are trying to CONCEAL the gun then I fail to see how your regular IWB would be an issue. If you cant put on a pair of shoes with it, then its not very well concealed in the first place.