How do you conceal carry your weapon?

[awtavani]

Just wondering how different people ccw. I typically wear jeans and Polo Shirts or T-shirts untucked, will OWB work ok for me?
I'm new to concealed carrying.

[bigwheelzip]

Howdy from South Carolina, and welcome to the forum.

10 months a year in this area, we dress as you describe, jeans and polo shirts. We carry IWB at 4 o'clock, during those warm months.

Your body type will dictate what works for you. A purpose built holster belt is highly recommended. I use a Galco SB2 belt.

[BossHawg]

I would choose IWB for most situations with untucked polo or tshirts. Like bigwheelzip that is how we usually dress here in NC. IWB works great to keep it concealed but very accessible.

[CH4]

Depends on what I am doing, where I am doing it, and the weather.
OWB
Shoulder rig
Fanny pack

[gman51]

I carry LCR in front pocket holster. Otherwise I carry owb but with just a t-shirt I seriously doubt it will cover the gun unless your holster rides real high and your gun has a short barrel.

[pharmer]

T shirt is to form fitting, Hawaiian shirt a size too big, untucked works like a charm. IWB works for me although at 192# (12 too much!) I know it's there. Joe

[cgt4570]

If I have to tuck in my shirt and carry 'minimalist', then it's a Doubletap .45 in my pants pocket. Otherwise, it's whatever I'm in the mood for inside my wasteband.

[Mark40]

With a proper gun belt and a good holster, OWB can work with a loose fitting polo or t-shirt. I often carry my 40c in a Black Dog Concealment kydex holster on an Uncle Mikes instructors belt. The right belt worn nice and snug, keeps your gun tight against your side.

[CB3]

Your body shape is the key to determining the best way to carry.

IWB always provides more concealment than OWB.

IF your gut is as big as your chest/shoulders, you will have trouble concealing in the front, even IWB. Might work in back.

If your shoulders/chest allow an untucked shirt to hang and cover, meaning you are fit and have a smaller waist, front AIWB is best IMO.

A good thick supportive belt is required for any gun bigger than a subcompact, inside or outside. A dedicated holster attached with a J hook from behind the belt, or snap loops are most secure. Soft, cheap nylon holsters with a steel spring outside the belt hooks are generally considered substandard. Two attachment points are generally better than one.

[MSUDawgs]

i always carry iwb.
usually untucked shirt but if i have to tuck it in then i can, i got the minituck crossbreed that works well for either.

you have to practice a few times to get the tuck just right with the holster, but once it's right it's perfect. all they can see are the clips and they are the same color as my belt so it doesnt stand out.

i wouldnt OWB carry in concealed situations mainly due to my body shape will not allow that, it'll look like i have something on my hip under my shirt on that side if i did try it.

[Old cop]

I'm a tall skinny senior citizen and most of my clothes come from Walmart since retirement. For years I carried a J frame IWB/appendix but as I got older (70 later this year) that became too uncomfortable. I recently switched to a S&W (no laser) .380 and pocket carry in a Galco pocket holster, L/F pocket (I'm a leftie).

[Magload]

My normal dress has been cargo shorts ns a untucked tshirt. I had to change to carry as i can't keep my shorts up with a cell phone and keys and knife plus a gun on even a good gun belt. There fore i tuck the t shirt and wear suspenders (aways camo ones) then wear a large loose fitting unbuttoned shirt over top. Short sleeve most of the year but long sleeve when it gets cold here in Florida in the winter. I carry a Shield or a 1911 IWB at 4:30. Don

[MyDads38]

I've never been comfortable carrying IWB, so I always carry OWB. Good quality, thick leather belt and a DeSantis Speed Scabbard for my FS guns and a Mini Scabbard for my Shields. Usually 3:00-3:30 position with an extra mag on support side. Jeans/t shirt in summer works for me. Black/Navy Blue/dark colored t shirts work best, IMO.

[flyerdoc]

I recently decided to carry 24/7 and the most comfortable for me is:
1: with jeans, Read Carry ankle holster/442 S&W
2: with cargo shorts, right front cargo pocket holster/Ruger LCP

[loknload]

All depends on the time of year and style of dress. Right now just in a pocket holster in my pocket. Sometimes it is OWB.

[hangnoose]

I've got a DIY that is great for warm weather and round body types (down 50+, but with the game today ???). Take a thunderwear rig, sew on six buttons and use a pair of button type suspenders (not the clips that can let go at a bad time). It's a hybrid of a shoulder/belly band that rides above the love handles & under the moobs, well hidden in the weak side arm pit area. It's easy to get at from any position and holds flat against the body. That and/or pocket carry. OWB if weather/clothes permit.

[357magWheelGunner]

My method of carry depends on various factors...what firearm I am carrying that day, what my attire is. In a t shirt and shorts, I could be IWB my model 60 j frame or my 686 2.5...if I have a cover garment in the fall, spring or winter it's usually OWB or a shoulder holster for either my 686, 629 or 329. The keys to comfortable and effective concealed carry in my opinion is a sturdy belt, quality leather and common sense. If it is a hot summer day and I want to carry my 4 inch 629...it can be done effectively...but I'm not going to be wearing shorts and a t shirt. Like many of us...you will most likely have a box full of various holsters that you have tried and don't like, and another box of several holsters for the same firearm that you rotate based on how you choose to carry that day.

[paragain]

I carry IWB just in front of my right hip.

[KSDeputy]

I carry in a Bianchi fanny pack with secret holster. I carry extra magazines, cuffs, badge, flashlight, a pen, and a few other things. I take very good care of it as Bianchi no longer makes it, which is a shame.

[Rastoff]

Just a note:
We do have a Concealed Carry and Self-Defense forum. Might get more info there than here.

[rock_castle]

Glock 19 or Shield IWB at about 2:30-3:00 under either an untucked shirt or fleece/sweatshirt works best for me. I'm 6' and 230lbs.

[Smoke]

I live in Colorado so I can always wear an untucked over shirt without looking over dressed for the weather.

I carry either an M&P9 or 9C in a Galco concealable pancake holster and 2 reloads with a Wilderness Tactical instructor belt with no problems

[robertrwalsh]

Strong-side OWB slightly behind the hip. I typically wear a graphic T-shirt with a loose cover-up shirt over it, unbuttoned. It looks perfectly normal (here) displays whatever image I have on the t-shirt (non gun related unless I am going to the range), covers up the weapon very well and gives very fast access.

[PAFMAN3]

I choose IWB for most situations with untucked polo and t-shirt.
9mm Shield, 5.11 Assaluters belt BladeTech IWB

Originally Posted by Rastoff

Just a note:
We do have a Concealed Carry and Self-Defense forum. Might get more info there than here.

I did not know that thanks Rastoff

[HOUSTON RICK]

Small covered holster hangs on my belt. Could be a camera holster or phone holster.

[DD357]

IWB strong side for me.

[Bob R]

What is this concealed you ask about????











Sorry, I just had to do it.


bob

[J Danley]

I carry a Glock 27 in a Galco Triton IWB holster. I'm left handed and I carry it at about the 8 O'clock position. In the hotter months I wear a t-shirt or light shirt over the gun. In the colder months I wear a sports coat or jacket over the gun. I'm 6-3 and about 205.

[wingriderz]

Alot of pocket carry here in sunshine state .Cargo pants most of time or jeans. Pocket in black hawk, .32, .380,.38, 9mm. In I W B its an 45 acp or 40 C.

[MSG Glenn]

I carry an M&P40C & once in a while a full size M&P40 usually IWB in summer w/ loose untucked T shirt, OWB in winter in a paddle holster & sweat shirts.

[Leonard]

Warm weather waste band or pocket J frame. Cold weather CCW vest 45 auto. The vest is fantastic like a shoulder rig but invisible.

[Rustyt1953]

I pocket carry an LCP. It's comfy and doesn't print.

[Whitwabit]

I carry either a S&W 40c or a Beretta PX-4 Sub-Compact 9mm

... I put it on when I dress in the morning and remove the holster with pistol in side of it and lay it on the bedside table when I take my pants off at night ..

During the summer IWB either at 1 or 5 with a good leather holster by Garrett Industries (the leather lined GX model).. wearing a t-shirt or a shirt worn out side of pants ..

during the winter the same or if it its very cold and a heavy coat is the garment of choice when going outside its at 3 with a Wright Leather Works Cobra holster worn at 3 either IWB or OWB as its dual carry .. with a shirt worn tucked into pants or left outside of pants ..

Our CCL law in Illinois say " concealed or mostly concealed " but not open carried .. so if we print we are not subjected to an arrest for anyone seeing it ..

I have never been approached by any one asking if I was carrying .. But my 12 year old Granddaughter has told me several times (4) when we have been shopping that that man has a gun PaPa .. 2 of those times they were wearing a Sneaky Pete .. she had seen the adverts in one of my gun magazines .. the other two times the gun had been flashed because of clothing the person was wearing .. She is very observant ..

But to me I always make sure I am not printing and my wife will tell me not to wear that shirt because your printing .. so she is a big help in that regard .. She told me the other night when we were out that she is finally good with me carrying .. not sure what made her change her mind !!

[McE]

I carry IWB 4:37am CST

[sooper44]

Originally Posted by Old cop

I'm a tall skinny senior citizen and most of my clothes come from Walmart since retirement. For years I carried a J frame IWB/appendix but as I got older (70 later this year) that became too uncomfortable. I recently switched to a S&W (no laser) .380 and pocket carry in a Galco pocket holster, L/F pocket (I'm a leftie).

I too am a tall skinny senior (71) I second the Galco Pocket Holster. Works great with my .38 S&W 442 Pro. I do carry other ways depending on my attire, but the Galco works well for me.

[oldfart64]

Originally Posted by awtavani

Just wondering how different people ccw. I typically wear jeans and Polo Shirts or T-shirts untucked, will OWB work ok for me?
I'm new to conceled carrying.

Usually in a DeSantis Nemesis either in pants pocket or inside Jacket pocket.

[Ogandydancer]

72, 220, 5'9" carry OWB untucked shirt or sweater vest or jacket as weather requires. Use same holster for three of carry rotation and custom made belt holster for the P6.

[Alanroseman]

New Barsony Burgundy Leather Shoulder Holster for Mini-Pocket 22 25 .380 Pistols (Misc.)

Oddly enough, shoulder holsters for the popular S&W Bodyguard 380 are few and far between. The Bodyguard fits perfectly in this holster, and the holster fits nicely after a few adjustments...

I have used shoulder holster rigs since the late 1980's and always found them to be the single best concealment system when wearing a sport jacket, suit or cardigan sweater. Nothing tugging at your slacks, no considerations when buying new slacks, IWB allowance etc. A shoulder rig supports your weapon from the strongest part of you body, and is exceptionally easy to reach and draw from.

It seems sub compact frames have been overlooked by the big makers where shoulder holsters are concerned, at least in the case of the Bodyguard. I'm told they feel it is easily pocketable, and it is, which is a fine method of concealment, but not as comfortable or as quick as a shoulder rig.

If you're new to concealment, or just never tried a shoulder rig, this is a pretty nice product for a very nice price. i'd say give Barsony a try.

As for barsony, c'mon guys, youtube is very easy to use and your shoulder holsters would be greatly helped by a few simple videos on proper adjustment!

This holster exceeded my expectations for quality.

Alan


Barsony From Side.jpg

[Mainsail]

Where you live can make a difference in the advice people can give you.

[Alanroseman]

Originally Posted by Mainsail

Where you live can make a difference in the advice people can give you.

I'm not sure I understand how this relates to my recent post, sorry.

Alan

[Mainsail]

Originally Posted by Alanroseman

I'm not sure I understand how this relates to my recent post, sorry.

Alan

It relates to the OP's post. He never filled out the part where you enter the state in which you live, and since there are 50 different states with at least 40 different laws, how deeply he needs to conceal, if at all, is important.

[Alanroseman]

Originally Posted by Mainsail

It relates to the OP's post. He never filled out the part where you enter the state in which you live, and since there are 50 different states with at least 40 different laws, how deeply he needs to conceal, if at all, is important.

Thanks for clearing that up... thought you replied to my post. Sorry.

Alan

[haywood]

I live in Ohio and try to spend Three Months of Winter in Florida. No matter what Clothing the Weather calls for I carry a 442 in my Left Front Pocket and a second 442 or Model 37 Smith AIWB. Two Speed Loaders are in my Right Front Pocket. This is my normal mode of carry it is rarely altered.

[LimaCharlie]

It depends on your body shape. I am 6' tall, wear a 46" jacket, and 34" jeans. I carry the gun on my belt at 3:00 with reloads at 9:00 covered by an un-tucked shirt. My usual carry is a 5" government model 1911.

[gwpercle]

S&W J-frame Airweight.
Summer, front pocket, rear pocket when convenient.
Winter, coat pocket.
I'm over 60 , over 6 foot tall , and overweight.
IWB just didn't work for me.

It's going to be a trial and error process, what works for one not necessarily best for another.
No right or wrong way....just find something that works for you.
I tried 3 or 4 different modes before finding what worked for me.
Gary

[cmort666]

Since I hate untucked shirts that were meant to be tucked, I make my own tuckable IWBs.

[Kid44]

Since where I live allows both concealed, and open carry without a permit I just carry my gun in my hand, I save a lot of money by not having to have a holster. But when I go out wearing clothes I use an OWB from Bianchi for a snub Model 19 under a loose fitting shirt or jacket.

[arjay]

Government-Mexican carry or a mod.60 in my jacket pocket

[leturner2]

You should try appendix carry at the 12:00 position. The 12:00 o'clock position allows you to bend, sit, squat, etc. without any discomfort. This is my preferred method of carry because in my opinion, the draw stroke is quicker than reaching around to the 4:00-4:30 or even 3:00 position. When your driving, its easier to get to because its right there in front of you. I carry a subcompact (Taurus PT 111g2) with a Clinger Atom holster and the pistol disappears. An advantage that appendix has over the other locations is that most humans generally don't stare at other human's crotchal region. Give it a try, once you get over the whole "pointing a gun at your custard launcher" complex you'll be fine. I carry at 3:00 when I wear a suit though.

[SilentKnight]

I carry a full size 1911 in a very comfortable IWB Brigade Leather holster at 4 o'clock. I always wear a t-shirt between my firearm and my body as activity can cause chafe and it helps protect the leather and weapon from sweat. I wear a loose fitting shirt in the Summer and a vest, jacket, sweater or sport coat in the winter for concealment. If you make it a habit, choose a comfortable holster, concealed carry will become a natural part of your routine. Just gotta find the firearm, holster, and belt combination that works for you. Don't forget the reload. Good luck.