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Old 11-03-2010, 05:57 AM
snub56 snub56 is offline
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How did you choose your style of carry? How did you choose your style of carry? How did you choose your style of carry? How did you choose your style of carry? How did you choose your style of carry?  
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Wink How did you choose your style of carry?

Hello everyone, I was just wondering how people came to the style of concealed carry that they use. Which came first the gun and then a style of carry to fit that gun ? There is also the option of choosing the style of carry first and getting a gun that goes well with that style. Myself I found the gun I wanted first and then I spent a lot of money buying holsters until I found front crossdraw in a bellyband. The only style of concealed carry that really doesn't do well imo would be ankle carry in shorts
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Old 11-03-2010, 09:13 AM
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Mostly by body Karma. SS just didn't suit me with the shoulder pull. I found that cross-draw that includes the shoulder rig gave me more confidence in the presentation and draw phases.
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Old 11-03-2010, 09:17 AM
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Body structure. I find that appendix carry IWB works well for me because I can't reach around behind me and crank a gun up out of a waist level holster. Cross draw is fine for me while driving long distances.
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Old 11-03-2010, 09:40 AM
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I chose my style of carry based on my LEO training. Never carried before recruit school. There we trained strong side, belt, open, of course.

When I bought my first off-duty revolver I carried it strong side, OWB/IWB, about 3:00-3:30, as I carried my duty revolver.

Now I sometimes carry with a shoulder holster, but that's mostly when in a vehicle for long distances. Very, very rarely pocket carry. The vast majority of the time it's OWB or IWB in the same position I was trained initially.

Yes, I did receive plainclothes carry training as a LEO. That training allowed only strong side belt....OWB and IWB. Period. No cross draw or shoulder holsters were permitted for plainclothes duty. One could place their holster just about wherever they chose provided it was strong side, but toward the front (appendix) and toward the rear (SOB) were strongly discouraged for the obvious reasons.

Be safe.
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Old 11-03-2010, 12:46 PM
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Way back in the 60s and 70s, when I was a police officer, I carried my back-up in an ankle holster because I could get to it very easily when seated in the car.

I still carry that way, and did for all the years I was a prosecutor, when dressed in anything nicer than jeans.

I carry my J-Frame in my right front pocket in a pocket holster when wearing jeans or cargo shorts and T-shirt or polo. I carried that way as a police officer (before pocket holsters became common and wore many holes in the pockets of my jeans).

At home, I carry in my pocket or IWB and go to Thunderwear when wearing only shorts or swim trunks. The Thunderwear just came about of necessity since even my 642 is too heavy in the small pockets (if there are any) of shorts/swim trunks with elastic waist bands.

Bob
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Old 11-03-2010, 02:50 PM
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My daily attire dictated my method of carry.
  • I HATE untucked shirts.
  • I never wear extra cover garments except when it's cold out.
Therefor, I carry either a full sized auto or revolver IWB (first with Don Hume 715Ms, now with my own handmade tuckables) or a J-Frame Smith in a pocket holster.
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Old 11-03-2010, 03:30 PM
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Default Style of carry

When I was a LEO I carried my gun on my duty belt-right side.

When off duty you carry where you normally carry your duty gun.

Do not switch fron RH belt to cross draw, to shoulder holsters. If you

ever need to use it, you might forget where it is. Plus it is easy for the

BG to grab/or stop your arm going for the CD/Shoulder rig. Train

the way you want to fight. Good luck

8th
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Old 11-03-2010, 05:42 PM
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Comfort. Stick it in the front pocket and forget it.
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Old 11-03-2010, 05:56 PM
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I guess I learned through trial and error. In law enforcement it was normally the old FBI carry at 4,0, clock. Shoulder holsters were allowed when undercover. Now its normally at 3,0, clock. Occasionally in some other location based on the occasion.
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Old 11-03-2010, 05:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by straightshooter1 View Post
Way back in the 60s and 70s, when I was a police officer, I carried my back-up in an ankle holster because I could get to it very easily when seated in the car.
i have considered this way, as they make a nice ankle holster for my Bersa thunder, my question is..how does it affect your balance/gait? i'm on my feet all day and have heard some people dissuade the ankle carry for this reason. i'm not a fan of open carry or IWB, im just not really into showing off my firearms. concealed means just that
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Old 11-03-2010, 07:14 PM
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Dress and preference to revolvers for backup dictated how I carry.
I carry a Model 36 or Colt non-shroud Det. Spec.

I generally ankle carry 90% of the time. For me, it
is the only place comfortable/practical/quickly
accessed in uniform. It is easily accessed in the top of my Justin Trooper boots. Carry in an old Bianchi thumb break ankle holster
with Winchester lead hollowpoints.
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Old 11-03-2010, 07:46 PM
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Weather & mode of dress, but almost always IWB appendix. UPDATE 2017: Due to hip & back problems I've switched to pocket carry, L/F (lefty), w/a holster. IWB or OWB is too uncomfortable, even w/my LCP or 340PD.

Last edited by Old cop; 07-18-2017 at 07:22 AM.
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Old 11-03-2010, 10:26 PM
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scandmx5-never a problem running, climbing fences, etc. I carried a Model 36 most of my time as a LEO, and, after a day or so, never noticed it or thought about it unless I wanted to get to it.

Nowadays, it's a lightweight 642 though for about three years it was a PM9. No problems with either.

Bob
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Old 11-03-2010, 10:36 PM
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I started with IWB at about 4:00 but found that while my gun was covered it stood out like a sore thumb.

I tried to move it to small of the back but found out that only works on TV. It shifted too much when I sat and always got uncovered when I bent over or sat down and stood up.

Eventually I switched to appendix carry and became a big fan. Comfortable, easy to get to and easy to conceal. I like untucked button up shirts and with my body structure that provides a nice loose fit around my waist which enables me to carry anything without it being noticeable.
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Old 11-04-2010, 01:00 AM
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I have always preffered 3 oclock carry with a 15 - 20 degree forward cant on the holster. Either IWB or OWB. This lets the grip hide with the side of your body with a loose shirt. When going IWB, the loose shirt isn't really needed. If you carry a compact or sub compact, it disappears.

Of course this is all with a good holster. A bad holster will make you think you need a micro compact gun. I have no problem hiding a fullsize M&P, Glock, or occasionally a 1911 or Beretta 92 at all times of the year in my holsters or other high quality holsters. You just need to understand what makes a good holster good. Oddly, this often translates to the larger the holster the more comfortable and concealable it is. But thats a whole other discussion.... PM me for more info.

Ankle carry for the primary gun is useless in the event of a confrontation for the most part. Cross draw also has its limitations and can be potentially dangerous (a reason they are excluded from competition) and slow. The logistics are simple. The more the gun moves, the slower it is to the target. In fact, my preferred 15 degree cant is slightly slower than a straight drop (were talking hundreths of a second usually though).

The new thing is appendix carry. There are a lot of pro's to this style, but it has some cons like any other carry method. The pro's are great speed, accessable in a car, easily concealed, and not easily prevented by an attacker. The cons are it can be uncomfortable if not in tip-top shape, can be awkward at first, and can be VERY dangerous if you aren't careful when reholstering and drawing. The gun just happens to point in a very bad spot.... so make sure you have PERFECT trigger finger discipline before trying appendix carry.

Steve
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Old 11-04-2010, 12:09 PM
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I approached my conceal carry decision conventionally.

Already had my weapon selected (Commander size 1911), which should be the first decision, and elected to go with a strong side high rise OWB holster.

Admittedly it took a lot of practice to get proficient with this setup, plus a handful of holsters to find the right one.

Lessons I learned were:

- Find a holster than can convert from strong side to crossdraw.

- Ability to quickly remove the holster w/o having to take my belt off is a nice feature. Milt Sparks Axiom/VM II or similar style holsters are ideal once you get used to the snaps.

- Avoid changing your weapon based on the season unless you can maintain proficiency with them. I was tempted to go the pocket pistol route during the summer when shorts and flip flops are my standard attire but I am not bright enough to flip between weapons.
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Old 11-04-2010, 02:05 PM
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I started with pocket carry just for convenience and have pretty well stuck with it, although I have found some IWB combinations that have worked for me. I switch between those two, depending on where I'm going, how I'm dressed and what I'm carrying.
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Old 11-04-2010, 04:16 PM
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I carry a Kimber Ultra CDP II in a Kramer Horsehide IWB #2 in appendix position in hot weather, I can conceal it under a T-shirt. In colder weather when I'm wearing a jacket I carry the same gun in a Kramer Horsehide vertical scabbard in appendix position. I'm 6' about 175 pounds.
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Old 11-04-2010, 07:50 PM
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Agree with most of what you're saying but wholly disagree with the concept that the "larger the holster" the more comfortable and concealable it is.

I see some holsters that must have cost a whole cow/horse its life. Makes little sense to me. In fact, the most concealable, by far, holster I have ever worn is the Remora. (It's even endorsed by PETA. ) It's minimalist. Even my other IWB's work just fine and are quite comfortable w/o such added "extravagances" as multiple snaps, sweat guards, "wings," and other, IMHO, unnecessary add-ons. (Yes, I do sweat!) Give me a simple Galco or Active Pro Gear with a j-hook, and I am good to go.

Be safe.



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I have always preffered 3 oclock carry with a 15 - 20 degree forward cant on the holster. Either IWB or OWB. This lets the grip hide with the side of your body with a loose shirt. When going IWB, the loose shirt isn't really needed. If you carry a compact or sub compact, it disappears.

Of course this is all with a good holster. A bad holster will make you think you need a micro compact gun. I have no problem hiding a fullsize M&P, Glock, or occasionally a 1911 or Beretta 92 at all times of the year in my holsters or other high quality holsters. You just need to understand what makes a good holster good. Oddly, this often translates to the larger the holster the more comfortable and concealable it is. But thats a whole other discussion.... PM me for more info.

Ankle carry for the primary gun is useless in the event of a confrontation for the most part. Cross draw also has its limitations and can be potentially dangerous (a reason they are excluded from competition) and slow. The logistics are simple. The more the gun moves, the slower it is to the target. In fact, my preferred 15 degree cant is slightly slower than a straight drop (were talking hundreths of a second usually though).

The new thing is appendix carry. There are a lot of pro's to this style, but it has some cons like any other carry method. The pro's are great speed, accessable in a car, easily concealed, and not easily prevented by an attacker. The cons are it can be uncomfortable if not in tip-top shape, can be awkward at first, and can be VERY dangerous if you aren't careful when reholstering and drawing. The gun just happens to point in a very bad spot.... so make sure you have PERFECT trigger finger discipline before trying appendix carry.

Steve
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Old 11-04-2010, 08:16 PM
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Before getting my cwp I only carried when hunting or at the range so I lacked the years of experience that many Leo's have and can share with you. Initially, I assumed that I'd perfer an OWB belt slide, wrong. You know what they say about assume. I now prefer, IWB carry because it hides very well. I owned several handguns over the years, but felt most of them were to heavy and large to conceal and they kind of were. It's been a wonderful and VERY expensive journey thus far to find a carry rig that I actually like. But, with anything the more you do it the more more you learn. Oddly enough, I have shifted back somewhat to larger guns due to the fact I really prefer having a full grip and as mentioned the holster plays a BIG part in what feels comfortable and wears well.

For a carry gun, I started with a 642 and a PM45. At the same time my wife got her a PM9. I later sold the 642 and went to a SP101 and she also picked up a 340MP somewhere along the way that I fell in love with. It was lighter than the SP and similiar in weight to the 642. However, the more I carried, the more thought I put into capacity and power. I recently, sold my SP in favor of a 327NG 8 shot as the weight was comparable to the SP and now I have 8 rounds. I'm using a Concealco dual loop IWB that wears like a dream. I also sold the PM45 and bought a Colt Lightweight commander which is a little lighter but in the ballpark of the 327 weight and capacity. I carry the Colt in a 5 shot leather IWB. At this point I alternate between the two.

So, I have learned that weight isn't the biggest issue if you have a great holster. You have to find a balance with capacity, power, grip etc that's right for you. I hope to never need my carry gun but if I do I want to be able to fight with it. Lastly, I use to think the Glock 19/23 and M&P compact guys were nutzs because those guns were way to heavy for me. But, when you look at their weight, capacity, tons of accessories etc it's something to consider. As you can probably tell my journey isn't over....lol. Good luck with whatever gun/guns you choose.
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Old 11-04-2010, 10:21 PM
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Agree with most of what you're saying but wholly disagree with the concept that the "larger the holster" the more comfortable and concealable it is.

I see some holsters that must have cost a whole cow/horse its life. Makes little sense to me. In fact, the most concealable, by far, holster I have ever worn is the Remora. (It's even endorsed by PETA. ) It's minimalist. Even my other IWB's work just fine and are quite comfortable w/o such added "extravagances" as multiple snaps, sweat guards, "wings," and other, IMHO, unnecessary add-ons. (Yes, I do sweat!) Give me a simple Galco or Active Pro Gear with a j-hook, and I am good to go.

Be safe.
The problem with the minimalist style is it doesn't blanket the gun. As an example, put your shoe on the ground to "hide" it. Put a dishtowel over the gun and spread it out. You will see the shoe index under the dishtowel. Now try grabbing a bath towel and stretch it out. It begins to index less. Grab a blanket and stretch that over it and you hardly notice the bump.

With holsters, we hit a point where "enough is enough". A good holster should make the gun look like it is part of the waistline. There shouldn't be a "bump", just an added inch to the torso.

The other advantage of bigger holsters, and adding things like wings when carrying IWB, is that the load weight is distributed more on the belt. If there is a single belt clip, the entire weight of the gun is concentrated on that single spot. If you have 2 clips spaced a good amount apart, the load weight is distributed across the entire area. This becomes very important when fullsize high capacity autoloaders are carried.

Many people may find a fullsize 1911, G17, or M&P9 to be hard to conceal. With the proper holster, these guns can easily disappear and be comfortable to carry. I carry a fullsize high capacity gun everyday without issue. Even summer can be concealable and comfortable with big guns.

Not trying to start an arguement, but I think it will be hard to find experienced people to agree that a smaller holster is more comfortable and more concealable. Of course a holster can be too big, but finding the right size often means people new to guns and carry will think it is too big of a holster. A common mistake is to pick the smallest holster. Then when the gun doesn't hide, people start buying smaller guns. Often, a good holster will make almost any size gun disappear comfortably.

But to each their own...

Steve

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Old 11-04-2010, 10:39 PM
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First, I am not trying to start an argument, either. Many diverse opinions are presented here each day. You won't hurt my feelings when disagreeing with me.

Now, back to the point.

I daresay I have more CCW experience than most. I have CCW'ed for 35+ years and have done so in every state.

I have carried everything from j-frames to 14 round autoloaders and have never (to the best of my knowledge) been "made."

For IWB I have never used other than a belt clip holster. (Until a couple months ago when I became a Remora fan.)

For OWB I have never used anything other than a two slot holster...some with retainers...most not.

So, less is more...at least for me.

Be safe.

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...

Not trying to start an arguement, but I think it will be hard to find experienced people to agree that a smaller holster is more comfortable and more concealable. Of course a holster can be too big, but finding the right size often means people new to guns and carry will think it is too big of a holster. A common mistake is to pick the smallest holster. Then when the gun doesn't hide, people start buying smaller guns. Often, a good holster will make almost any size gun disappear comfortably.

But to each their own...

Steve
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Old 11-05-2010, 01:17 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Big D View Post
First, I am not trying to start an argument, either. Many diverse opinions are presented here each day. You won't hurt my feelings when disagreeing with me.

Now, back to the point.

I daresay I have more CCW experience than most. I have CCW'ed for 35+ years and have done so in every state.

I have carried everything from j-frames to 14 round autoloaders and have never (to the best of my knowledge) been "made."

For IWB I have never used other than a belt clip holster. (Until a couple months ago when I became a Remora fan.)

For OWB I have never used anything other than a two slot holster...some with retainers...most not.

So, less is more...at least for me.

Be safe.

QUOTE=PersonalSecurity;135682570]
...

Not trying to start an arguement, but I think it will be hard to find experienced people to agree that a smaller holster is more comfortable and more concealable. Of course a holster can be too big, but finding the right size often means people new to guns and carry will think it is too big of a holster. A common mistake is to pick the smallest holster. Then when the gun doesn't hide, people start buying smaller guns. Often, a good holster will make almost any size gun disappear comfortably.

But to each their own...

Steve
[/QUOTE]


I completely understand. I know its hard to tell tone on the internet, but I don't get sensitive when talking about gear. If you could tell tone, I would have a friendly voice constantly and never approach a discussion as a confrontation. I just try to pass on what experience of myself and trained professionals has taught me works best. At the end of the day, there are hundreds of handguns and hundreds of holsters... so nothing is a "one size fits all". There is always a degree of personality to gear selection, and 35 years of carrying is called "valuable experience" in my eyes.

Should you decide to get another holster down the road, I urge you to try one of mine - even if it is only for a week and you send it back for the full refund. Worse case, you don't like it and it didn't cost you anything. I try and implement what works best over what looks best and I am always open to revisions. Given your time carrying, I would be all ears on any issues you came across. I make sure to get my gear in the hands of LEOs on a constant basis for Testing and Evaluation, and I'm always open to listening to any improvements my customers suggest.

As always, this is just my $0.02. YMMV.

Steve

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Old 11-05-2010, 07:24 AM
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Mostly RH strong side, tried crossdraw never had an ankle holster liked pocket carry for my J frame. Tried different shoulder rigs and always came back to the 3 o'clock strong side just more comfortable for me.
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Old 07-18-2017, 03:46 AM
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How did you choose your style of carry? How did you choose your style of carry? How did you choose your style of carry? How did you choose your style of carry? How did you choose your style of carry?  
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Default It took awhile to get to a new style of carrying for me ...

... back in the old days, when I was a PI/Bodyguard, I carried in a shoulder holster, cross-draw. Typically I wore sports coats during that period of life. Plus I lived in the Detroit Metro Area, so it was nice and chilly most of the time. I was carrying a Colt Combat Commander back then or a Colt Gold Cup. When I did switch to a 9mm, due to the hi cap, I carried it the same way, in fact, part of the reason I picked the 9mm I picked was because it has a similar weight and feel to my Colts. It was a Ruger P-85 and I still have that gun. Now that I'm not doing that kind of work anymore, I don't feel the need to carry such big guns. Plus I live in Virginia where the weather is much warmer, thank you, God! LOL! Anyway, these days my weapon of choice is an S&W, M&P Bodyguard 380.
Since I am a pretty tall guy (6'3", pretty much) and a lot slimmer since the old days, well I weigh a lot less, but I worked out constantly at the time, I weighed around 235 pounds, now I weigh about 165 pounds, LOL! So carrying a full-size handgun is not really an option if I want to conceal it anyway, hence the BG 380. I carry it in an IWB just under my right kidney, most of the time. Generally, I just wear slightly larger shirts, not tucked in and the gun is very well concealed. If I have to, I do have an in-pocket holster, but I dislike how long it takes me to get it out of my pocket. The simple Blackhawk IWB holster does the trick for me. I found out just how quickly I can access the gun last weekend when a rabid fox attacked our back door. I just happened to have the Bodyguard in the IWB when I walked out the door, I recognized what was happening instantly and by the time I thought about it I had already shot Mr. Fox in the spine, twice. Quick note for those of you in rural areas that might come in contact with a rabid animal: Don't shoot them in the head, because that's where the rabies is and you'll just make more of a bio-hazard for yourself or your Health Department. I got that from our county health department after I had shot the fox already. I know, I know, just lucky I guess!
The main lessons for me were; 1) you never know when you might NEED the gun; 2) my training is still telling me what to do all of these years later, muscle memory doesn't go away apparently, otherwise I'd have been much slower to react to the situation. I've always had pretty good reflexes but I figured being this close to 60 years old I would have slowed down quite a bit. Apparently not, since the act of shooting the fox took about the blink of an eye for me to do and no I'm not exaggerating, LOL. I can't catch spring flies like I used to but I can still juggle and other quick hands things that keep me moving at a decent rate of speed, phew.
Oh, and to the OP, I bought the gun and then tried the various holster set ups until I found the one that fit 90% of my clothing choices, the Blackhawk IWB, just under my right kidney, though at times a bit more at 3 o'clock.
Safe shooting folks-
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Old 07-18-2017, 04:56 AM
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Default My body build dictates....

My body build dictates what carry I use. A second factor is what I'm wearing. I know people will say they are uncomfortable and not what they are cracked out to be, but I lean toward shoulder holsters. I have a Remora and a Kangaroo Carry. The Remora is neat because you use the same harness and snap other holsters into it for different guns. Right now mines set up for 'J' frames (I have two 'J' frame guns) but I'm going to add the Shield.
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Old 07-18-2017, 07:12 AM
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I spent nearly my whole career on the road. Early on I found that carrying a snub nose weak side ( door side driving a vehicle) cross draw was very comfortable. So I've adopted that mode of carry permanently, whether driving or not.
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Old 07-18-2017, 08:53 AM
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My carry firearms have been almost entirely based upon the firearms, (with the most personal history), I was either issued or purchased while employed in federal law enforcement...both on the revolver side as well as the semi-auto side.

In a nutshell, that boils down to S&W J frames and Glock 9mm pistols.

I see no need to switch from a combination which has worked for me for decades.
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Old 07-18-2017, 09:06 AM
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My 9mm Shield is in a pocket holster of my shorts. SC climate means I wear shorts 9 months of the year, some times 10 months. Only problem is, not a fast draw. Still looking for better solutions.
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Old 07-18-2017, 09:19 AM
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I can not open carry because of my job. I can't be known to carry by anyone from work. So, CC is my only option despite my state allowing OC. I either carry IWB in a hybrid or pocket carry when I CAN NOT print. Those circumstances dictate how I carry. I have landed on Black Arch Hybrids as the most comfortable for me in the IWB category and I like the DeSantis Nemesis for pocket carry.
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Old 07-18-2017, 01:10 PM
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If there's an award for the oldest thread re-opened, then RedPointGS oughta get it.

But, it was a good thread "back in the day" and it's pretty darned good today.

Bob

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Old 07-18-2017, 01:35 PM
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Default IT MIGHT BE A CASE OF...

It choosing me. Depending on the gun, my attire, climate. It can quickly become what does not work, or is uncomfortable. Now mostly T shirt pocket with a flat wallet kinda holster, SS owb, SS butt forward outside the pants & inside the belt.
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Old 07-18-2017, 01:58 PM
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My daily attire during Spring, Summer, Fall is shorts and T shirt.
Winter is warm-up pants and T shirt with jacket.
That's it unless I am going to some important meeting.
So,,, inside pants belt-clip is what I use.
Actually, Kel-Tech has a factory belt-clip that is absolutely perfect.
My P-40 and my P-11 are equipped with it.
There is available at gun shop a product that has the clip and special glue so you can put one on some other pistol, but I haven't ever used it.
Now, for my S&W model 60, 2" bbl, 5 shot, I use a soft fabric holster with a belt clip on it.
My sidearm is totally hidden, even bending over, and has never been exposed, ever,,yet easily drawn when needed.
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Old 07-18-2017, 01:58 PM
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My daily attire during Spring, Summer, Fall is shorts and T shirt.
Winter is warm-up pants and T shirt with jacket.
That's it unless I am going to some important meeting.
So,,, inside pants belt-clip is what I use.
Actually, Kel-Tech has a factory belt-clip that is absolutely perfect.
My P-40 and my P-11 are equipped with it.
There is available at gun shop a product that has the clip and special glue so you can put one on some other pistol, but I haven't ever used it.
Now, for my S&W model 60, 2" bbl, 5 shot, I use a soft fabric holster with a belt clip on it.
My sidearm is totally hidden, even bending over, and has never been exposed, ever,,yet easily drawn when needed.
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Old 07-18-2017, 02:25 PM
Lee's Landing Billy Lee's Landing Billy is offline
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I've been carrying legally since 1976. Every day. The guns and the holsters change, but always two, one in each front pocket.
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Old 07-18-2017, 02:54 PM
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Default So I presume....

Quote:
Originally Posted by blues7 View Post
My carry firearms have been almost entirely based upon the firearms, (with the most personal history), I was either issued or purchased while employed in federal law enforcement...both on the revolver side as well as the semi-auto side.

In a nutshell, that boils down to S&W J frames and Glock 9mm pistols.

I see no need to switch from a combination which has worked for me for decades.
So I presume you use a belt holster?
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Old 07-18-2017, 03:29 PM
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I carry a Glock 19 on my right side at around 3:30 in a Galco Combat Master pancake holster. On my off side I carry 2 reloads in a Bianchi Triple Threat magazine pouch with a Gerber Multitool in a Bianchi Accumold single magazine pouch right BEHIND it. I carry all of this on a Wilderness Tactical 5 stitch Instructor belt.

I arrived at this "style" by trial and error and by wasting a lot of money buying holsters and belts and magazine holders (and other junk) that I was hopping would be "good enough" that never were.

I arrived at the Glock 19 by downsizing as I got older
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Old 07-18-2017, 04:09 PM
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Eh, I'll play. Novel alert.

Pretty much from the beginning I carried my gun on my strong-side hip, going back to when I worked as an armed guard many years ago. That's how I always trained. Therefore, when I started carrying concealed a few years ago I decided to stay with strong side carry because I didn't want to find myself in desperate need of a gun and reflexively go to my right hip only to find my gun was in my pocket, for example.

After that it was experimentation. I tried both OWB and IWB, ultimately deciding that IWB worked much better for my needs. Positioning around 3:30-4:00 gave me the best balance between concealability, access, and comfort.

I also realized, after trying different holsters, that I needed an IWB holster with a reinforced mouth and much prefer minimal or no side shielding (the shield kept interfering with my thumb...worst case, I would trap the shield between my thumb and the slide, essentially locking the gun in the holster).

I also concluded that if I use an IWB holster with snap loops, they have to be one-way snaps. I had a holster that didn't use one-way snaps, and occasionally the act of holstering the gun would cause the snaps to come undone. That never happened with one-way snaps.

I've used the wide-body, VMII-style holsters, and while it does improve comfort and lowers the profile a bit, I've actually come to prefer more of a Summer Special-style, minimal profile holster. My current EDC holster is a Side Guard Quick Clip IWB holster with a reinforced mouth and a minimal profile. The offset clip, positioned behind the cylinder, keeps the profile low while pulling the gun butt into my body for better concealment.

Another thing I found out was that, when carrying a revolver IWB, I much prefer having the gun positioned such that the cylinder is in-line with my belt. It may seem counterintuitive, having the thickest part of the gun directly under the belt, but I found it helps keep the gun stable while still accessible and concealable. Much higher and the gun would want to tip out. Much lower and it can be difficult to grab the grip when drawing.

As for gun choice, it was mostly financial. When I started carrying I had a 3" 65, a 2" 64, a 642, and a Glock 23. At some point I decided to consolidate "platforms" and calibers, so I sold the Glock and stuck with .38 Special DA revolvers. My financial situation took a bad turn and I had to sell a couple of my guns, but decided to keep one. The 642 seemed to be the most versatile option I had, in terms of carrying concealed, and I probably would've gotten less return on it, so I kept it and sold the other two. I regret that decision, but one has to do what one has to do.

The 642 works for me, and has a lot of strengths that fit my personal situation. I'm not opposed to carrying a semi-auto, and would like to add a concealed carry semi-auto at some point (a Sig P239 in 9mm would be my first choice, but a Glock 19 would probably be a more practical/cost-effective choice). I have a Beretta 92FS, but I don't have any decent carry gear so until I can get a good holster and mag pouches it will fill a home defense role.

That's how I figured out what works for me. YMMV.
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Old 07-18-2017, 05:21 PM
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Started with a M36 IWB....just because that's what I had.

When I'm not at work I carry a revolver of some sort IWB at 3 o'clock...the more clothes I'm wearing the larger the revolver I'm carrying.
Usually it's that same old 36 or it's much newer cousin the 442.

At work I'm wearing a tucked in shirt and jeans. IWB and pocket carry don't work for me then.
Resort to the 442 in an ankle holster...slower but still with me.

Pocket carry on a very rare occasion... then it's the mighty little LCP
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Old 07-18-2017, 07:55 PM
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I just watched John Wick a few times, he seemed to be in the know.
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Old 07-18-2017, 09:56 PM
forrestinmathews forrestinmathews is offline
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Resurrection at its finest...almost seven years.
I have a lot of holsters. I got my start when I was first able to get my permit. Strong side OWB because I knew what I was doing with it. Soon I got tired of playing dress up and went Mexican with a 1911. One day said 1911 got me into a conversation with an employee at a movie theater when I subconsciously adjusted it in public. I looked that person square in the eye and lied to him. After all, I hate guns and am sadly diabetic confined to an insulin pump. No one has the balls to ask to see it. Can you spell HIPA and lawsuit? I went out and bought a very nice holster for that gun the next day. I don't have the gun any longer but the holster remains in use.
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Old 07-19-2017, 07:34 AM
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Default Appendix Carry ISWB ...

I have found that AISW is both the most concealable with the fastest access, it also provides excellent retention and protection.

I like kydex for it's thinness and sweat resistance but I also like clipless pocket holsters also AISW and not in the pocket. The DiSantis Nemesis is a favorite.

The high friction pocket type has carried AISW comfortably and allows re-positioning for comfort and better concealment. I have not had a problem with it dropping through and ending up in my shorts.

Even with my 547, a K frame six shooter that is heavy and large compared to my J frames. The Nemesis holds it securely and hides it well, even under a T shirt.



Often posted but still illustrating carry of J frame and 3914 that conceals quite well.



My 547 and 915 in ISWB kydex holsters that I carry when "Going Heavy" the 915 may go in the small of back in a sort of "Mexican Carry" to hide the grip better.

I also have an ankle carry rig for my 360 PD AirLite but rarely carry in that fashion, only when dress dictates a tucked in shirt. A custom shoulder holster is also available when wearing a sports coat, the ankle carried J frame becomes the BUG when wearing the shoulder holster.

digiroc

Last edited by digiroc; 07-19-2017 at 07:41 AM.
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Old 07-19-2017, 08:14 AM
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I wanted a method of carry that well accommodated carrying from the time I got dressed in the morning until I went to bed at night. For me, that was pocket carry with an LCP. I've got other options that I simply won't carry.

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Old 07-19-2017, 09:18 AM
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Pocket carry alot 32,.380, .38, 9mm all in black hawk pocket. 40, 45 IWB.
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Old 07-19-2017, 09:27 AM
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Mine evolved over many years of trying different methods, and different firearms. For the past 20 or so years I have used a Bianchi fanny pack that allows for not only my pistol, but other things like extra loaded magazines, handcuffs, badge, flashlight, etc.
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Old 07-20-2017, 09:47 PM
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First time I carried was in the woods of Alaska and while fishing there I carried mid chest and in town at 3 pm .. that was back in 69 ..

Has evolved to while there is no open carry here in Illinois so I carry at 4 to 4:30 either IWB or OWB .. extra clip OWB on off side ..

Last edited by Whitwabit; 07-20-2017 at 09:50 PM.
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Old 07-21-2017, 08:20 AM
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IWB's a lot more comfortable since I peeled a few pounds. That said, still prefer OWB, strong side, 3-4 o'clock.
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Old 07-21-2017, 04:10 PM
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I use an IWB holster because of practicality. I KNOW I can conceal with an IWB holster, I don't have as much certainty in other systems. I also don't have a lot of disposable income to buy a bunch of stuff to try. I'm keeping an eye on Alien Gear Holsters' new "shapeshift" system where you buy one kit and it can support any kind of on-person carry. They just need to add my XD variant then I can get it and try different styles.
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Old 07-21-2017, 10:07 PM
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As a kid growing up all the cops I knew generally carried on their strong side hip, so when I started carrying a gun every day I did the same thing. Twenty years later and I still carry on my right hip at 4 o'clock. These days it's usually a SP-101 or 340. At work it's always concealed by a sport coat. When I'm not at work and it's too warm for a light jacket then I carry the 340 or a P32 in my pocket.
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Old 07-31-2017, 07:00 PM
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Like most here I have tried different methods and firearms... semi-autos (large and small) and revolvers (large and small)... IWB, cross draw and have settled on a 19-4 snub and a 640nd at 3:30 OWB in a leather pancake style or paddle holster, either Lobo or Galco.
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