I just got my conceal and carry and am not sure what kind of holster I want to go with. I think the shoulder harness would be good for the winter but not sure what for summer. right now I only have a ruger single six with a 5.5" barrel but I plan to get a ruger Blackhawk 6.5" barrel and a GP100 4" barrel. I don't plan to carry at all times but on occasions when I can and keep it in the car/truck the rest of the time. Can't carry at work. what do you guys recommend? I don't want people to know if im carrying a gun so summer time is the tricky part.
what kind of holster for CCW?
- Thread starter javjacob
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Those are big guns for CCW. Your clothing will be just as important as your holster. I would honestly consider rethinking the Blackhawk and GP100 as your next purchases. If you want a revolver maybe a SP101 with an IWB holster or a S&W j frame with a pocket and/or IWB holster.
If you are dead set on those guns, I might look at a IWB hybrid style holster with pants/shorts with a good belt
If you are dead set on those guns, I might look at a IWB hybrid style holster with pants/shorts with a good belt
F-111 John
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You won't be carrying those revolvers concealed for very long. A J-Frame in an Old Faithful Holsters IWB is my summer T-shirt and shorts carry. When I have a heavier shirt or jacket, it's a Glock 26 in another Old Faithful Holster.
You can probably do the GP100 in a high riding OWB holster if you have a long enough cover jacket or vest.
You can probably do the GP100 in a high riding OWB holster if you have a long enough cover jacket or vest.
wnycollector
Member
+1 on Theis holsters. I have four of his holsters now for service sized revolvers and pistols (S&W M28, Sig P250 full size etc) and you can carry them in the summer with the right belt and clothes. That being said, I personally prefer to carry a J frame or Ruger LCP in warm weather.
I would suggest something smaller for CCW. The GP100 is certainly doable depending on your clothing and body type. However, either of the guns you mention will get HEAVY very quickly. I have an Old Faithful hybrid I put together myself for $40. Best deal out there in a CCW holster IMO. Something no one else has mentioned is the importance of a quality GUN belt. If you plan to CCW a heavy revolver, get the heaviest belt you can afford that is designed for carrying a firearm and then get a holster to fit it. Without a good belt, any holster you try will suck. I learned this lesson the hard way. Save yourself money and fatigue and buy a good belt if you don't already have one.
Pudge
Member
Check out Simply Rugged. One of their pancake holsters with the IWB loops is a good choice for a GP100. I've no complaints with their quality, prices, or service.
For those sized guns, you may want to adopt the old unbuttoned over-shirt form of carry with an owb holster.
I recently started carrying an SP101 iwb in a quick and dirty holster of my design. It's actually quite comfortable as the weight is pretty much distributed in the middle.
But if you are wanting a dedicated carry piece, I'd rethink the GP or Blackhawk even though I am big fans of those guns. The lcp, lcr, or glock 26 are my go to lighter edc.
I recently started carrying an SP101 iwb in a quick and dirty holster of my design. It's actually quite comfortable as the weight is pretty much distributed in the middle.
But if you are wanting a dedicated carry piece, I'd rethink the GP or Blackhawk even though I am big fans of those guns. The lcp, lcr, or glock 26 are my go to lighter edc.
I will only be actually carrying on rather rare occasions, mostly I will have it in the car or truck so I am capable of accessing it at all times. when I actually carry I wont be carrying for long periods of time so im not worried about the weight. the main problem I see is actually concealing a big gun. I will check out the theis and look for a good quality belt.
The single six I don't consider too big or heavy and might carry it on other occasions where it might be more practicle.
Im just not a fan of small hand guns or short barrels and any gun I own will serve more than just one purpose. cant really afford a dedicated carry only gun
The single six I don't consider too big or heavy and might carry it on other occasions where it might be more practicle.
Im just not a fan of small hand guns or short barrels and any gun I own will serve more than just one purpose. cant really afford a dedicated carry only gun
Good quality stiff belt + high quality holster and none of what you listed will be hard to carry or conceal.
Here's a Large Frame Blackhawk in a Simply Rugged holster that will conceal easily under a loose fitting T shirt. Weight isn't an issue as it's a well designed holster with a nice stiff heavy leather belt. Skimping on the belt will produce poor results no matter how good the holster is. Department store belts aren't going to cut it.
Here's a Large Frame Blackhawk in a Simply Rugged holster that will conceal easily under a loose fitting T shirt. Weight isn't an issue as it's a well designed holster with a nice stiff heavy leather belt. Skimping on the belt will produce poor results no matter how good the holster is. Department store belts aren't going to cut it.
CZ9shooter
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My preferred holster type is the kydex/leather IWB ones such as CrossBreed. Keeps the weapon close to the body, nice weight distribution, and easy one handed reholstering. Not quite as comfortable as an OWB, but with a small gun it is not much of a problem. My J frame carries supurbly with any of my normal attire (T shirt and jeans). I occasionally carry a full size 9mm as well. However, this usually requires a jacket or larger buttoned shirt to avoid printing of the grip.
I would think that the GP100 you are considering might carry well in this fashion. With heavier guns like this, adding a set of suspenders really helps out too.
I have considered an OWB for my 9mm, but I am worried about my shirt riding up and exposing the barrel. At 6'3 it is often tough to find shirts that hang much below the belt line.
I would think that the GP100 you are considering might carry well in this fashion. With heavier guns like this, adding a set of suspenders really helps out too.
I have considered an OWB for my 9mm, but I am worried about my shirt riding up and exposing the barrel. At 6'3 it is often tough to find shirts that hang much below the belt line.
BSA1
member
I will only be actually carrying on rather rare occasions, mostly I will have it in the car or truck so I am capable of accessing it at all times. when I actually carry I wont be carrying for long periods of time so im not worried about the weight. the main problem I see is actually concealing a big gun. I will check out the theis and look for a good quality belt.
The single six I don't consider too big or heavy and might carry it on other occasions where it might be more practicle.
Im just not a fan of small hand guns or short barrels and any gun I own will serve more than just one purpose. cant really afford a dedicated carry only gun
It seems like a waste of money to buy a conceal carry permit for a gun that is left behind in the truck because it is too heavy to pack and hard to conceal.
The single six I don't consider too big or heavy and might carry it on other occasions where it might be more practicle.
Im just not a fan of small hand guns or short barrels and any gun I own will serve more than just one purpose. cant really afford a dedicated carry only gun
It seems like a waste of money to buy a conceal carry permit for a gun that is left behind in the truck because it is too heavy to pack and hard to conceal.
tomrkba
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Given your criteria, you'll likely need a holster that you can easily remove from your belt. Look for holsters that have snap loops, such as the Milt Sparks Axiom. You will find many outside the pants holsters, including most paddle holsters, stick out too far.
Check out Blade-Tech holsters. They have some good kydex stuff that is durable.
Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 for GP100 will also work. It rides inside the pants for enhanced concealability (the gun stays closer to the body). Move the rear strap and replace it with a rubber strap from knifekits.com. This gives it extreme forward cant, which reduces the printing of the grip.
For example:
Check out Blade-Tech holsters. They have some good kydex stuff that is durable.
Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 for GP100 will also work. It rides inside the pants for enhanced concealability (the gun stays closer to the body). Move the rear strap and replace it with a rubber strap from knifekits.com. This gives it extreme forward cant, which reduces the printing of the grip.
For example:
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788Ham
Member
I carry an SP 101 3" .357 in a Bianchi pancake holster, on a stiff instructor belt, OWB, never know the units there ! I tried my S&W 4" K38 Masterpiece on the same belt, too heavy for concealed carry, but not if I was going to carry it uncovered. With the SP 101 rig, I wore a jac-shirt over it, perfect, nothing obtruse at all. The S&W rig, stuck out like a sore hind-end in fly time, not good. As was mentioned earlier, if you're going to leave the revolver/pistol in the vehicle, why the CCW permit? May end up having it stolen….. bad Juju !
I really like that set up savage260. where do you get a holster like that? I have mostly only seen outside the belt holsters. and BSA1 how is it a waste of money to get a CC permit? I CAN'T carry at work so there is nothing I can do about that. I doubt I will ever be saying "I wish I hadn't got my conceal carry permit dang it".
F-111 John
Member
Getting your CCW is never a waste of money. In many states you cannot vechicle carry without one. In many states a CCW takes the place of a NICS check when purchasing a firearm. With a CCW you're never afoul of state transportation regulations when you move your firarms in your vehicle. Does it need to be unloaded? In a locked case? Inaccessable from the passenger compartment (good luck in a van or SUV)? With a CCW it doesn't matter.
I can't carry at work either, and I cannot even vehicle store at work (education related workplace) so I only carry when I run errands at night and on the weekends. But I still carry every chance I get, and I never considered my CCW license a waste.
My wife also has a CCW license, even though she won't carry. It is handy to know that for any reason, she is allowed to have a firearm in her vehicle, or in mine, or for whatever reason she needs to take posession of my firearm, she legally can.
I'm slowly working on her to actually carry, but it necessarily must be her decision and at her time.
I can't carry at work either, and I cannot even vehicle store at work (education related workplace) so I only carry when I run errands at night and on the weekends. But I still carry every chance I get, and I never considered my CCW license a waste.
My wife also has a CCW license, even though she won't carry. It is handy to know that for any reason, she is allowed to have a firearm in her vehicle, or in mine, or for whatever reason she needs to take posession of my firearm, she legally can.
I'm slowly working on her to actually carry, but it necessarily must be her decision and at her time.
F-111John is that true of every state? My understanding is some states will not "honor" MS CCW permit. Meaning I still have to be careful and check local laws when not in my home state as far as traveling with a gun in the car. Not sure NY (and others) would take kindly to me driving around with a 15rd loaded handgun, even if I have a MS CCW
all you have to know is the laws of your home state which you are leaving and the laws of the state that is your destination. that is the way I understand it.
and F-111 John said it exactly how I would have said it. hit the nail on the head. Its a hassle to transport a firearm without a conceal carry permit. also the laws can change at any time so with a CC you don't have to worry about it.
and F-111 John said it exactly how I would have said it. hit the nail on the head. Its a hassle to transport a firearm without a conceal carry permit. also the laws can change at any time so with a CC you don't have to worry about it.
F-111 John
Member
I was only speaking with regards to within your home state. Not all states allow vehicle carry without a permit. For example, my home state of Michigan requires the firearm to be cased, unloaded, and inaccessable to the passenger compartment if you don't have a CPL. I also believe that Michigan still requires that you only transport the firearm when going to or from a hunting location, target shooting location, gunsmith location, or transporting between residences if you do not have a CPL. In other words, without a CPL, in Michigan you can't just keep your handgun in the truck with you everywhere you go.
And no, California, New Jersey, New York, and some others will not honor anybody's permits, and even though the FOPA is supposed to protect you when travelling through those Nazi states, expect to be arrested, jailed, then assert FOPA at your trial as a defense the charge. Once you leave your home state, handgunlaw.us is your friend.
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tomrkba
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Back to the discussion.
The GP100 is not too large for carry. It is a great choice. It shoots really well and soaks up 357 Magnum recoil. I just did a two day defensive revolver course with it and found it to be very fast to shoot. All it needs is a holster with lots of forward cant and a boot style grip. They're available from Badger Custom (with or without finger grooves) and Herretts Stocks. I chose Milt Sparks as mentioned above; I'll see how it turns out in a few weeks.
In my mind, there is no reason to carry a revolver unless you're going for magnum performance. There are small semi-autos in 9x19mm that perform better than a snubby for concealed carry.
The GP100 is not too large for carry. It is a great choice. It shoots really well and soaks up 357 Magnum recoil. I just did a two day defensive revolver course with it and found it to be very fast to shoot. All it needs is a holster with lots of forward cant and a boot style grip. They're available from Badger Custom (with or without finger grooves) and Herretts Stocks. I chose Milt Sparks as mentioned above; I'll see how it turns out in a few weeks.
In my mind, there is no reason to carry a revolver unless you're going for magnum performance. There are small semi-autos in 9x19mm that perform better than a snubby for concealed carry.
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mdauben
Member
Those are all rather large, heavy guns, as others have said. On the other hand, I sometimes carry my 4 inch S&W 686 (similar in size to the GP100) in a Hoffners ITP Ultrux Mirage holster. With a good gun belt its amaizing how comfortable this combination is. The gun sits very high, with only the barrel IWB so it won't suit some people, but its worth a look if you want to carry a full size revolver.
RealGun
Member
I am confused by law versus good practice. If a gun is loaded in a car, in my mind it needs to be on my person, i.e. the standard of being under my control. My vehicles have gun safes, so I either am wearing the guns, they are in the safe, or the guns are unloaded, and I am in the vehicle protecting them from theft. For example, I might be going to the range or may have just purchased a gun or picked one up at the gunsmith, actual cases that come to mind.
This notion of routinely leaving a gun in a vehicle concerns me. When I go to a restaurant that serves alcohol, I put my loaded guns in the car safe. It has to come out and go back onto my person, not in the glove box or under the seat or any other scenario one might have seen on TV.
To make a gun accessible while in the car I use cross draw holsters or a shoulder holster or a fanny pack. In cold weather, clothing has everything to do with how one might carry a gun from a cramped seating position, seat belts and all.
The guns you mentioned will all work, as long as you provide adequate protection from theft and maintain legal control of them while driving.
This notion of routinely leaving a gun in a vehicle concerns me. When I go to a restaurant that serves alcohol, I put my loaded guns in the car safe. It has to come out and go back onto my person, not in the glove box or under the seat or any other scenario one might have seen on TV.
To make a gun accessible while in the car I use cross draw holsters or a shoulder holster or a fanny pack. In cold weather, clothing has everything to do with how one might carry a gun from a cramped seating position, seat belts and all.
The guns you mentioned will all work, as long as you provide adequate protection from theft and maintain legal control of them while driving.
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ArchAngelCD
Member.
Initially that's why I got my LTCF (License To Carry Firearms here in PA), to be sure not to mistakenly fun a foul of the transportation laws. Soon after I decided to carry full time.
My wife also has her LTCF because of the very same reason as above, so she can legally take possession of my firearm if need be and transport it home legally. We don't have a lot of restrictions here in PA but one is no loaded weapons in the car without the license.
She also got her license to let the local politicians know there are more constituents with a permit than without which just might make them vote in our favor when gun laws come up.
To the OP, I know you think you won't mind carrying such a heavy handgun but when it comes down to it you just might decide to leave it behind "because you don't feel like carrying that thing today". Those new to carrying have to get used to carrying and trying to conceal and carry a big heavy gun makes that transition harder.
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