What do you do if you have to reach for something?

[camslam]

I'm curious what the consensus is from the concealed carry crew out there regarding how you maintain concealed status with the firearm if you have to reach up for something or bend over to grab something.

I carry a Glock 30 in a Fobus Paddle holster OWB and it works great. However, even with long shirts if extend my reach fully there is a chance of exposing the gun. Also when bending over, even using the legs to squat, it seems like there is some definite printing.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I'm not too interested in pocket carry, IWB, smart carry or others. That may be my problem, but I like the OWB carry and would prefer to stick with it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[hydrashok407]

I carry a 1911 in a comp-tac kydex paddle holster, and I run into that, as well.

When carrying, I'll kneel down as opposed to bending over to reach for something. If I have to reach high, I'll either use my other arm or I'll look around to see who's watching. If no one is on my gun side, I may have to expose my bbl momentarily. If there are people around, I may turn to have the gun between myself and the place I'm reaching. Your gun does not necessarily have to be covered to be concealed.

The paddle holster is not NEARLY recommended for concealed carry, but with a jacket and being careful, it has worked out for me during the winter months.

For other situations, I may have to carry differently. That's the pain of choosing to carry... it certainly is a lifestyle modification in more ways than one.

 

[GRIZ22]

I have been carrying for almost 35 years as a LEO and since I retired. Even as a LEO you really don't want anyone to see your weapon. The answer to your question is to be careful and if you have to make some adjustment, like holding your shirt when you bend over, just don't make a big deal of it.

 

[Vitamin G]

What to do when reaching for something

I reach for it. I grab it, and then if i have to, i re-adjust.

Such is the benefit of living in a concealed carry/open carry state.

 

[PRazz]

I encounter this mostly at the grocery store. If it's something up high it isn't a problem just reach up, down low I squat or take a knee. The only time I do anything different is while checking out, I'll usually ask my wife to get the items that are in the bottom of the cart and she understands why.
I carry a 1911 mostly, in a Mitch Rosen 5JR leather holster at 4 o'clock. I can usually feel the handle touch my back a little so I know where it is. This works the best for me especially in summer with a t-shirt and wifebeater on. My fobus doesn't get used alot as it holds the gun way too far off my body, more of a winter/woods holster for me. I can open carry but choose not to. It's like going to a party with an unwrapped present. No suprise at all.

I'm probably the most aware that I'm printing when walking to the store from the parking lot. The wind always seems to blow right on my back and I print like crazy.

 

[jt1]

One thing to keep in mind is that you know you are carrying, others do not. The average person will not make a print because they are not looking for it. You will be surprised by the lack of attention people pay to even obvious printing or accidental display because they are just to busy doing their own thing. I think more ccw's are made because of the constant adjustments and checking made by the wearer that by someone ID'ing a print. I have found that if are not carrying in a manner that is comfortable enough for you to pretty much forget about the ccw you will bring more attention to yourself by your self-conscious actions, often that you are unaware of, than by the average person who usually has close to zero situational awareness.

 

[Lonestar49]

And That Is Why

...

Great advise from all that I read.. BUT,

When I carry, such as in a crowd or, in a store, I carry inside my left front waste, using an FBI degree + cant, cross draw, as I'm right handed. But the good news is, I can reach straight up, high as I want, T-shirt hangs out, not gang style long either, OR bend over and reach, or if my back is hurting me, then, yes, I bend at the knees, but anyway I want, without painting one bit. And, having the gun in front, it's where my eyes are looking, for the most part, and have no thoughts of accidentally painting if it were at the SOB, or IWB just behind right hip on FBI cant, and some really good Pick Pocket may, or could, take it, or with it on one's side or SOB, accidentally get made, and one could become a mark, as in, "hey, he has a gun, I'll bop him over the head outside and take it.." Never even enters my mind with it in the front, nor invites trouble, in that, you don't know that your gun has been spotted from the rear or side, by Mr. BG, who can, cause you don't have eyes in the back of your head, can easily lift your shirt, grab/lift the gun, and push you away, and pop a thumbstap, if experienced, as well and as quick. But not from the front, as you see what your gun sees, along with, the only way anyone is gonna touch you from the front, is a hug, and she's gonna ask the questions with big eyes, "that a gun, or are you just happy to see me?" .. and the rest of that episode is up to you.. LOL

How is this possible with a Sig P229 CT 9mm? Easy, as I have stated many times, and took the heat, and it doesn't bother me, that it is a cheap holster, etc., etc., but I can tell you, it holds either gun, my 40cal Beretta, which is a bit longer, or my Sig 9mm the same way, in full comfort and mobility, and it holds either gun to my body, like a glove, no thumbstrap, and trust me, I can draw it out as if it were on ice, coming out.

Uncle Mikes IWB #15 for 15 bucks, and no break-in required, no sweating because of it, no barrel marks from constant re-use, and if I take out my gun, I don't have to take off the clip-on holster, as it just flex's with my body and feels kinda like a nice warming pad, if I think of it still being on at all, where ever I might have it.

Final closer on this simple, but most effective and forgiving holster, it has an enclosed bottom, meaning, no spiders, lol, really, no dirt, dust, moisture, from me, if I sweat, and not because of the holster, but normal sweat, which I rarely do anyways, and it never gets to the gun, it stays dry, as it breaths out, but does not let little sweat moisture in.


BTW, the IWB holster and my 9mm are on me as I type, inside left front, and I'm sitting, and barely notice it's there, that's how easy it is to place this holster, and the cant that you like best, and feel comfy, normally.


LS

 

[buck00]

I carry a Glock 30 in a Fobus Paddle holster OWB and it works great. However, even with long shirts if extend my reach fully there is a chance of exposing the gun.

That is the problem right there- a Fobus OWB.

I carry a Glock 30 as well and use an IWB Desanti holster- you can't beat it. It is held close to your body and you don't give yourself away. You can wear a T shirt and no one can tell you am carrying.


http://www.desantisholster.com/n87.html

 

[old4x4]

I reach with the hand opposite the side my handgun is on. The couple times I forgot, I didn't mind (and no one saw). Besides, my CCW is LEGAL. So what if someone gets a quick view of the end of the holster? 99% of the people wouldn't know what it was, anyways.

 

[camslam]

Desantis or C.T.A.C. IWB

Thanks for all the responses so far. A lot of good ideas and info.

While I agree that a Fobus OWB Paddle isn't necessarily the best for CCW, it is very situation friendly and allows me to move or remove the holster when needed. I guess that is the price I pay for a paddle holster.

Regarding IWB, I have looked for awhile at getting a C-TAC and have held off because of multiple responses regarding IWB carry on this forum. That being said, it may be the best option.

Does anyone have any opinions on Desantis IWB vs. Comp-Tac IWB.

Thanks again in advance.