So I haven't been here on the forum in quite a while now, but I've got some time to be back now. Well long story short, I just got the date for back surgery. I'm getting 4 vertebrae fused in my lower back. It's going to change the way I do a lot of things. I'm not going to be able to carry on my waist anymore. I know what the options are for the most part, but what I'm looking for is anyone with any experience with non-waist carry? Kind of looking for tips or knowledge or suggestions or anything really. Thanks in advance guys, and it looks like I'll have quite some time to be back around now lol.

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-Dik

I ankle carry only occasionally, and with a pocket pistol. Using a Desantis Apache ankle rig.

For back surgery though, I doubt you'll want to be touching your toes any time soon. So I'd have to recommend you look at a quality shoulder holster OR maybe a belly band.

Some people may laugh and poke fun but Google search for "Smart Carry". I've done it when I had no other options. It beats leaving it at home. Just one of many options. Good luck.

I think I remember Massad Ayoob writing when he had back surgery he resorted to carrying two Commanders in a shoulder rig so it would be balanced. That may be a little much, but you might try some kind of chest rig.

Ya I was thinking of a belly band. Kind of dual purpose. Than again, I have a few back supports that have plenty of velcro and options for a belt in it. I'm thinking I might have to end up with both as I'll have a jacket on all winter and my surgery is in November. Xopher I'll look into it, not ignoring you

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-Dik

Pocket carry with a lightweight handgun in the correct pocket holster is a breeze. Tons of us pocket carry 642s, I understand a Shield can be carried that way as well. Smart Carry and Urban Carry are very similar. There used to an item called "Thunderwear" that accomplished the same purpose. I knew a Texas DPS officer who was also a Navy Intelligence Reserve Chief Petty Officer who carried a J-frame in his Thunderwear when he was in uniform. There's another, similar item like Urban Carry that I have at home; I haven't done it yet but someday I will.

I can no longer waist carry and have pocket carried, in a Galco pocket holster, for years. First my J frame and now the M&P .380 but you have to plan thing out b/c you lose a pocket to the gun. Fall and Winter are easier b/c you have jacket pockets. During warm weather I wear cargo pants and shorts w/button down shirts that have two breast pockets. While a shoulder rig is okay you have to wear a cover garment and wind up not being able to remove it.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

If you wear cargo pants, a pocket holster there should do the trick. When I just can't stand an ankle holster another second, I wear cargo pants with my uniform, and my Model 642-2 goes in the left cargo pocket. It's almost like a concealed leg rig.

Alternatively, depending on how high your back supports go and how much Velcro they have on them, you could use a body armor holster strapped to one under a loose/oversized shirt.

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

I've had both hips replaced and can't carry a revolver in the usual positions because of that. A 642 in a Mika pocket holster has been my constant companion for twelve years.

I think its made by 5.11, but its an undershirt with re-inforced under arm pockets that works well. It's snug and form fitting. In Alaska's winters it would feel pretty good. In summers in Va., no.
It hides a Glock 19 size easily with extra mag in the offside pouch.
You do need access to it so a snap instead of button cover shirt works, or you can just leave it unbuttoned.
They're not cheap @ around $50+, but if you have special needs you do what you need to do.
If you know someone who will let you try theirs, it would be great
With its compression fit, it might even help your back.

Cargo pants i live in them lol . And pocket carry . Best of luck heal soon

Thanks guys. I more wanted firsthand experience, and you guys delivered. The more I think about it, the more I think I'm not going to be able to make a decision til after anyway. I wear cargo shorts anymore, but not pants. I used to not wear denim at all, but after having to lose 60-70 lbs my body shape changed quite a bit lol. Pocket carry is going to be a bit harder, because since I quit smoking a couple years back, now I carry a vape/ecig deal with no nicotine so that generally takes a pocket. That, and I have a 2 year old son that's got quick hands. He knows, and never touches the gun, but if I hide it in a pocket, well he tries to steal my change quite often lol. That or puts things in my pockets lol. I'm kind of guessing, and it's pretty much strictly guessing at this point, but I think one of the under shirts or eventually incorporating a holster into my support/brace. The other thing I got going for me is AK has open carry. I just don't like to do it

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-Dik

@ Dikinalaska,

I hear what you are saying. After my accident and the resulting 24 surgeries, I need to be creative and resourceful. In cruising GunBroker.com, I have seen what looks like an over the shoulder concealed carry tote, that has a number of pockets, yet appears to accommodate an M9 in the holster pouch. It sells for $81 plus tax. It is a Maxpedition gear organizer concealed carry holster.

Hope that this helps. Listen to your surgeon, I wish you the best!

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Judge control not gun control!

I'll have to look into that rifleman. We have an over-the-shoulder holster for the 10mm 1911 that we carry for camping/bear protection, and come to think of it, I don't so much mind it.

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-Dik

Glad that I could be of assistance.

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Judge control not gun control!

OP: First, I want to wish you a successful surgery. I went thru hell with just one level fusion, I couldn't imagine 4.

A little background. Injured in 2013 when I slipped on black ice while working a fire. Unfortunately for me I landed on my air tank causing the damage. Went through a laminectomy / discectomy in June 2013. When that didn't work, anterior fusion in 2014 with 2 rods, 4 screws and the artificial disc cage.

Spent roughly 8 months in a back brace. While uncomfortable, a pocket holster with my J frame shoved between the brace and my body (just under the armpit) worked extremely well during this period.

Since my fusion didn't take and I am currently looking at a revision surgery, I still carry the J frame in the pocket holster in sweatpants.

I have carried IWB with some success when wearing normal (jeans / dockers) since but sweats are definitely more comfortable as they don't put the pressure on the low back.

Again, wishing you the best.

Similar back surgery last May and I still can't wear a belt and holstered handgun. 638 pocket carry has worked well for me. I keep a full size pistol within reach in the house and/or vehicle. My doc says it'll take a year to heal completely.

Once again I recommend kangaroocarry.com as it has worked every day for me coming near 2 years. Does not seem to catch on, but works for me. No affiliation.

Stay safe, John

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Luke 23:34

I've had two back surgeries with the last being fusions. I carried a Beretta Tomcat in a pocket holster afterwards although I like a bigger caliber. I've since retired on disability but can get around pretty good but can't lift anything heavy or stand too long. I now carry a 36 or 37 in a Galco pocket holster fine and may try a pancake holster soon with a K or L frame snub.
Good luck with your surgery and follow their directions to a T afterwards. The physical therapy is a pain but worth it in the end.
Oh I tried a couple different ankle holsters but never worked well for me. I can't bend down as well as I used to and the darn things slid down my skinny legs.

Thru the recovery after my 5 lumbar surgeries, I used a shoulder rig with a light weight single stack 9mm. I wanted to keep the weight down as much as possible. I was able to go back to IWB and OWB about 2-3 months after the surgeries. Good luck!

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Captain

Thanks guys. I've been trying out a few different potions here local. Got an undershirt with the pockets at the armpits that I'm experimenting with, but it's not that practical. It's nice to hold, and conceals nicely, but there's no way to really get to it quickly if I'm wearing a t shirt. I have to pull the shirt way up and than there's still the velcro holding it in. I think I'm going to try to take the velcro off and try. I think at that location a chest holster might work a little better because I can position it a little better. I still need to check out the kangaroo carry tho

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-Dik

With my Kangaroo Carry I always wear a button down shirt. I did not have to change my wardrobe at all. I wear a v-neck t-shirt under a button down winter and summer, long sleeve and short sleeve with temperature variances. It's good to take a worn out button down and practice the superman rip the buttons open for quick access. A t-shirt with pockets will give the same slow draw as with a Kangaroo Carry with a t-shirt worn over it. For me, T-shirt first, Kangaroo Carry, then button down means less laundering of the Kangaroo Carry.

Stay safe, John

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Luke 23:34