Want a smartcarry, but I have one concern...

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erikd65

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And that is draw speed. Last thing I need is to not be able to pull my pistol out of my pants in time. Any suggestions from people who own these to get the draw time down to a minimum? Thanks!
 
Well, practice, practice, practice of course. This type of holster is meant more for deep concealment, so you have to accept the fact that it will be a little slower to access. I have one and use it often, but more in warmer weather. Under a pair of shorts, or even sweats it works well and is easy to draw from. Colder weather would offer more problems of course. Also, if you are carrying a few pounds extra, that obvioulsy makes drawing and holstering more difficult.


One thing I have to deal with in Ohio is the 'in plain sight' law for vehicle carry. It the weapon is not in plain sight it has to be locked in glove box or locked in a case and the case has to be 'in plain sight'. Of course 'in plain sight' is subjective. That makes the Smart Carry a poor choice sometimes, because it can be a little difficult to holster a weapon prior to leaving the vehicle, or at least doing so without alarming bystanders.

Another option that you may want to consider is the elastic style shoulder holster, worn under your shirt. Here's the link - http://www.holstersrus.com/ - just go to the Concealed Carry Holster link. This is an elastic holster, but not the belly band type. If stretches around your chest instead. It's easy to adjust with a large velcro type fastener. It will easily carry a wide range of weapons, I've carried everything from a Makarov to a full size 1911, and also snubbie revolvers in it and it has room for an extra mag too. Access it pretty fast, once you practice a little. If you're wearing a flannel shirt or a light jacket, concealment is excellent.

Oh yeah, they also make a thigh version for when you are driving. Works great and it at least fits my definition 'plain sight'. :D
 
I use a Smartcarry and I personally think the draw speed thing is a little bit overstated. As long as your pants aren't too tight and you practice your draw, it's really not that slow. Now reholstering is another matter entirely. And don't even think about trying to draw while sitting down, especially in a car.

Rick
 
IWB were you can reach it when you need it. The other might be ok for a BUG but would never be my primary. What if your seated or in a car with seat belt across lap
 
While sitting in a vehicle...you can easily pull the weapon slightly higher and have the grip exposed. Of course.this ISNT a full combat grip as you would get from a real holster..but again.this is DEEP concealment.

It has its place..
 
My average draw to fire time with Smartcarry is 1.8 seconds with a condition 3 Glock 27.

- I only carry with Smartcarry <5% the time and there is no way I am carrying with one in the pipe so close to the family jewels. The rest of the time, I am in an IWB with a round in the chamber.
 
If I have to use SmartCarry - it is cos it is my only option remaining - in which case draw time is secondary, to actually still having a piece!!!

It is far from ideal from the draw standpoint ... but any gun is better than no gun ... and so I try and live with that. Beyond this - situational awareness is everything.
 
I carry in the smartcarry three different ways. First, is the conventional way as seen on the website. With practice draw time is adequate for my needs. Second, If I’m in a vehicle I just pull the smartcarry up so that the grip of my gun is just above my beltline. Sorta like mexican carry but in a pouch. Very quick draw in this position. Third, I carry the smartcarry across my lower chest with the large pouch just to the left of my belly button. I had my SO make me a small lightweight harness (sorta like suspenders) which keeps the smartcarry from riding down towards my waist. This is the setup I use esp. in the winter months. The gun is just to the left of the button line of your shirt and you can leave the button open for a very quick draw. This setup is much more comfortable than the shoulderholster I used to use. :cool:
 
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