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  #1  
Old 07-12-2018, 09:25 PM
KFrame38 KFrame38 is offline
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I'm going for my CA CCW and I've tried various CCW holsters; under the arm, outside the pants, inside waist band. The only one I haven't tried yet is a pancake holster. I've tried with with .22 semi, .38 revolver and 9mm simi. Everything still stands out like a soar thumb, you can tell I'm carrying. The only thing that seems to work is a 22 in my pocket. I'm not too happy with using a 22 for concealed carry for its lack of stopping power, and trying to pull from my pocket in an emergency can be a bit problematic. I would like some suggestions on this. Is there something I haven't tried? Thanks for the input.
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Old 07-12-2018, 09:31 PM
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They make undershirts with holsters sewn in. They also make fanny pack holsters. Perhaps an ankle holster.

Maybe buy a lightweight vest and wear it for concealment.

What kind of body type do you have and what kind of clothes do you typically wear?
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Old 07-12-2018, 09:35 PM
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What gun are you carrying? A subcompact like thenShield is easy to conceal, a FS not so much for most folks.
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Old 07-12-2018, 09:35 PM
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My husband and I both needed to adjust our wardrobes when we started to carry. Larger waist size with a higher ride, along with looser tops worn untucked.

We EDC carry IWB at 4 o'clock.

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Old 07-12-2018, 09:35 PM
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Personally, I am hooked on shoulder holsters and have been for the past 40 years. Occasionally when it's to warm for a jacket or big shirt, I will carry a slim single stack in a IWB at 4 o'clock. I tried pancake and other belt style holsters, but you have to pull the belt so tight to keep the holster in place that it is uncomfortable. Decades ago, I did carry a J frame in an ankle holster with ok success, but lost interest in that......
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Old 07-12-2018, 09:37 PM
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The first week you carry you will feel like you have a tumor at your waist, but the sheeple don't notice it.
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Old 07-12-2018, 09:37 PM
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Ruger .380 LCP.
Buy a extra mag and a Clip Draw for pocket carry.
They are made for right handed and southpaws.
I carry my two LCP's in hot weather.
One in each front pocket.
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Old 07-12-2018, 09:43 PM
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"The only one I haven't tried yet is a pancake holster."

Here endeth the lesson! Get a good pancake holster before you torture your brain any further.

Beyond that, just think about loose-fitting cover garments, not closely tailored clothing, and materials with some substance (canvas, broadcloth, etc) rather than soft knitted clothing that clings.

And just like Iggy said above, most people pay very little attention to anything around them, just as long as you don't shove it into their faces.
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Old 07-12-2018, 09:44 PM
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You're either incredibly self conscious about carrying a pistol, or you have a body style unlike any ever seen on the planet.

Keep Calm, and Carry On . . .
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Old 07-12-2018, 09:45 PM
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I wouldn’t want to have to draw from a shoulder holster in a rapidly unfolding close contact situation while fending off an attack with your weak hand. Cops carry strong side for a reason.
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Old 07-12-2018, 09:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muss Muggins View Post
You're either incredibly self conscious about carrying a pistol, or you have a body style unlike any ever seen on the planet.

Keep Calm, and Carry On . . .
Or wears a skinny shirt to show off his abs.
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Old 07-12-2018, 10:03 PM
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I also went up 2 sizes in my jeans, and wear loose untucked shirts. I'm not out to make a fashion statement, and to be honest, I had to get used to the "new look". 90% of the time I carry IWB, and I found that my body shape conceals better at 3:00. During sweatshirt weather I can carry a larger gun, but a Shield or revolver w/2" barrel works best for me.

Make sure you aren't "frisking yourself" during the day. You'll want to for a while, but I sometimes have to check to be certain I remembered to put it on nowdays. You get used to it quickly. 25+ years later, I still favor a small revolver. Two speed strips in my jeans watch pocket.
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Old 07-12-2018, 11:49 PM
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Thanks for the info. I'm 5'9 about 200. I usually wear a suite for work. When off of work I typically wear jeans and t-shirt or a loose jacket when cold. The 9 was too heavy, so no point in going with that. I have a .38 J frame that's fairly heavy and fat. I was thinking of using my .308 Bersa. It's light and slim, but the handle still pokes out.
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Old 07-13-2018, 12:37 AM
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Holsters are very personal things. Every person has a diff body shape & what works for me may not for you. I am 5-10/190, size 42 reg jacket. My edc is a g26 iwb, untucked polo or button down shirt. I have no issues concealing a 1911 or xd45c or g19/32 either. A g26 I can hide under an untucked T.
I like shoulder rigs. But they are hot in summer & unless vert, you are limited to shorter bbl guns. You will likely need to do what most of us have done, buy several diff holsters & try them. Either iwb, owb, you want a sturdy 1.5" belt.
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Old 07-13-2018, 12:40 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather View Post
"The only one I haven't tried yet is a pancake holster."

Here endeth the lesson! Get a good pancake holster before you torture your brain any further.

Beyond that, just think about loose-fitting cover garments, not closely tailored clothing, and materials with some substance (canvas, broadcloth, etc) rather than soft knitted clothing that clings.

And just like Iggy said above, most people pay very little attention to anything around them, just as long as you don't shove it into their faces.
Also dark colors conceal better than light colors.
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Old 07-13-2018, 12:50 AM
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It was in the mid-90's here today, and I carried my 4 inch S&W Model 65-1 square-butt revolver in an OWB Bianchi Model 7 holster at 3 o'clock under a loose, untucked shirt. No one noticed at the hospital, at the store, at the restaurant, or at the hotel.

I'm 5'8" tall and 185 lbs. NO ONE NOTICED. You can carry concealed.

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Old 07-13-2018, 07:10 AM
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I'm 5'10" and 195 lbs. I have carried a variety of handguns in a variety of holsters.

Shoulder holsters: For concealment, you must wear a loose fitting coat or jacket. If the jacket or coat is not loose, the holster may create a bulge in the jacket that is noticeable. I speak of this from experience.

Horizontal holsters really need a short barreled weapon unless the holster keeps the weapon at a sharp angle like the Galco Jackass.

Vertical holsters work well for weapons with longer barrel lengths.

Drawing from a should holster can be a bit tricky and to do it quickly and to not sweep yourself with the muzzle of the firearm requires practice. Also, shoulder holsters are not always the most comfortable mode of carry, especially if the firearm is heavy, but they do work well if you spend most of your day in a seated position.



Carrying on the waist: This is my preferred method as it does not always require a jacket or coat.

Inside the waistband is the most concealable method, especially with a holster that allows you to tuck your shirt between the holster and your pants. A loose fitting shirt, preferably a darker color and with patterns such as plaid or paisley, make concealment quite effective.

For carrying outside of the waistband, the pancake holster works incredibly well. It will hold the firearm closer to your body than any other type of OWB holster. Next up would be the myriad of belt holsters. Paddle holsters, designed to be put on and removed without having to remove your belt, are among the worst for concealment. They tend to stick the firearm out and away from you body, so a loose fitting jacket or coat is pretty much a requirement for concealing.

This is just my experience and my two cents.
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Old 07-13-2018, 08:21 AM
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A 442 in my pocket and another J-Frame in my waist works for me. I spend 3 months a year in Florida and the rest in Ohio and weather/ Temperature dose not matter. If you try in the waist you have to move it around until you find the “sweet spot” that’s comfortable. Mine is in the appendix area.
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Old 07-13-2018, 08:46 AM
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You feel like everyone knows you are carrying, in reality no one really notices. In time you will feel strange without your carry, assuming you're not carrying a full size Magnum Research. 4 or 5 o'clock carry works for me with loose fitting dark clothing.
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Old 07-13-2018, 08:51 AM
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I was visiting my Mom at my sisters a few days ago. I was wearing shorts and a tee shirt. When I went to leave my sister gave me a hug. My 642 was in a galco holster owb at 4 o'clock. Of course she discovered it. Her comment was Oh I forgot you were carrying.

She hadn't noticed it in the several days I was around. Just shows you, even those that know you carry will not notice it if you keep your hands off of it.

Carry more, worry less.
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Old 07-13-2018, 09:09 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather View Post
"The only one I haven't tried yet is a pancake holster."

Here endeth the lesson! Get a good pancake holster before you torture your brain any further.

Beyond that, just think about loose-fitting cover garments, not closely tailored clothing, and materials with some substance (canvas, broadcloth, etc) rather than soft knitted clothing that clings.

And just like Iggy said above, most people pay very little attention to anything around them, just as long as you don't shove it into their faces.
This is from the guy who made a concealable pancake holster for my 5.5" 1917 reproduction, not a small revolver. I think he knows what he's writing about.

If you wear suits, you might consider including your tailor in your planning, although I seem to do well enough with off-the-rack jackets.

BTW, "pancake" was the first thing that popped into my mind when I read your post, and the last that would occur to me as the one not to try.
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Old 07-13-2018, 09:12 AM
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I had my CCW (LTC in my state) a little while before campus carry became legal, but I didnt carry all that often because I was on the university campus all the time. When campus carry went into effect, even though I knew it was concealed, I walked around with a feeling of impending doom for the first week or so. I'd look behind me all the time to see if anyone was staring at me. When I started appendix carrying, I'd quickly turn around after passing people in the hallway to see if they had noticed anything, nada. Fact is, as much as you think it's really obvious you are carrying, it's really not. People just plain dont pay attention. I realized I could get away with carrying a huge gun, no problems.

The only issue I had is that my backpack would ride uncomfortably on the grip of my pistol in the 4-o'clock while wearing the IWB Galco Kingtuk. And when I sat down in hard plastic chairs, it would make a ridiculously loud :thump!: that struck me as suspicious.

So for awhile, I decided to try appendix carry at the 1-o'clock position. Most of the holsters I found were downright painful to sit down with. I almost gave up on it, when I on a whim I decided to try out the Crossbreed AIWB holster. To my astonishment, it was perfect!. Its got one clip for your belt and it will pivot, so when you sit down and your leg comes up it will pivot clockwise up out of the way so your leg doesn't get pinched. You just have to get in the habit of, when you stand up "readjust your shirt" simultaneously push the holster back down. Do it a couple times and it will become seamless. The Crossbreed AIWB is my favorite holster hands down and I use it with my 9mm Shield. I'd recommend giving it a try.

I thought I'd add, it also possible to tuck your shirt in with the Crossbreed holster. Your shirt will be in front of the gun, kydex and leather, but behind the crossbreed clip. I thought people would take notice of the clip, but they dont. If you are wearing a full suit for work, I'm sure the jacket would distract from the clip anyhow.
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Old 07-13-2018, 09:14 AM
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While the suggestions about holsters are good, I see no mention of the other part of the system: THE BELT. You aren't going to carry much of anything on the belts usually available in most stores. You need a good sturdy belt of the same width as the belt slots in your holster(s). Be prepared to spend some fairly serious money (no $7 wallyworld specials), but if you take care of it, it should last for decades.

Your local gun shop or maybe police supply may have a box of used leather products they've accumulated. You might be able to experiment on holster choice for very reasonable prices. Most of us end up with a box of holsters that weren't quite right for us.

It would not hurt to get your tailor involved in making sure the suits drape correctly. I think if you look around, you'll find folks who not only do this work, but some specialize in it.

Last edited by WR Moore; 07-13-2018 at 09:16 AM.
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Old 07-13-2018, 09:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fredj338 View Post
Holsters are very personal things. Every person has a diff body shape & what works for me may not for you...[snip]...
I like shoulder rigs. But they are hot in summer & unless vert, you are limited to shorter bbl guns. You will likely need to do what most of us have done, buy several diff holsters & try them. Either iwb, owb, you want a sturdy 1.5" belt.
Bingo! Buy them ALL!... That ends up being the answer.

I have two shoulder rigs... an Uncle Mike's and a X15 Bianchi. They both work, but here in South Texas it never seems cool enough to wear either.

I have two paddle holsters that I wear all of the time. Just have to remember to un-tuck my T-shirt or wear one of my leather riding vests.

I have an IWB that I don't/won't use. Just don't like the fit...

I have an old Safariland #530 Klipsinger, that fits like a newer paddle holster. Bought it back in 1986, and I really like this one.

And lastly I have a BLW 624LH Lew Horton pancake that fits my 627PC. I have worn this, but don't like having to un-belt and re-belt all the time.

As far as BELTs, I always just wear web belts. They breath where as thick leather belts just get soaked with sweat in these hot Summers in the South.

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Old 07-13-2018, 09:37 AM
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My LCP II with the extended mag disappears in a Mitch Rosen Express belt holster on a GOOD gun belt. I use a Bull Hide or 30 Dollar Gun Belt and an untucked polo as a cover.
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Old 07-13-2018, 11:21 AM
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All these suggestions are great. Thank you. My job requires a lot of siting; I write reports for hours, then hop in the truck and drive for hours, then sit in a meeting for hours, then start over. I have found that sitting, especially driving with a waist holster is very uncomfortable. I should probably stick with a shoulder while working, seeing as I have to wear a jacket no matter the weather, and find a waist holster that works for me for when I'm off work. I've tried a lot of uncle mikes and really don't like them too much. Even tried making my own, that did not work out. I'll keep searching and hope for that magic combination.
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Old 07-13-2018, 01:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muss Muggins View Post
You're either incredibly self conscious about carrying a pistol, or you have a body style unlike any ever seen on the planet.

Keep Calm, and Carry On . . .
I've always said, if you can see my carry gun you're looking me over more than I want you to.
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Old 07-13-2018, 01:39 PM
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A j-frame can be hidden anywhere, with summer clothing. Try a pocket holster, and IWB holster. A polo shirt untucked will hide any reasonable pistol with the right holster. Get a sturdy gun belt too.
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Old 07-13-2018, 01:47 PM
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Check out the Sneaky Pete Line of cell phone carrier holsters.
Sneaky Pete is Neat, Discrete and Allrete !
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Old 07-13-2018, 02:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Agent Clown View Post
All these suggestions are great. Thank you. My job requires a lot of siting; I write reports for hours, then hop in the truck and drive for hours, then sit in a meeting for hours, then start over. I have found that sitting, especially driving with a waist holster is very uncomfortable. I should probably stick with a shoulder while working, seeing as I have to wear a jacket no matter the weather, and find a waist holster that works for me for when I'm off work. I've tried a lot of uncle mikes and really don't like them too much. Even tried making my own, that did not work out. I'll keep searching and hope for that magic combination.
Not the best for concealment but a cross draw is hard to beat sitting all day.
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Old 07-13-2018, 02:29 PM
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Most here have spent much time and money experimenting with different holsters for different carry guns in order to find comfortable, secure fits. We have the drawer full of runners_up to prove it.

Five years ago, my search ended when I paired a DeSantis SuperFly pocket holster with an LCP. They work very well with J-frames, too.



Be patient, it will come. Good luck.
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Old 07-13-2018, 02:55 PM
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Sitting in the shade at Sandusky Bay. Carrying the 36 AIWB & 442 in my pocket no problems.
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Old 07-13-2018, 03:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rustyt1953 View Post
Most here have spent much time and money experimenting with different holsters for different carry guns in order to find comfortable, secure fits. We have the drawer full of runners_up to prove it.
After years of buying used guns, I have a good sized box of "FREE" holsters that came with the guns.

I have a few that work just right. Did I mention, free..
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Old 07-13-2018, 03:13 PM
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FWIW, I mostly carry via fanny pack or in a pancake at the 4 o’clock position when carrying OWB - never carry IWB. However, when carrying a large revolver/auto, or if I am going to be sitting, i.e., driving, I use a shoulder rig.
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Old 07-13-2018, 03:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Agent Clown View Post
Thanks for the info. I'm 5'9 about 200. I usually wear a suite for work. When off of work I typically wear jeans and t-shirt or a loose jacket when cold. The 9 was too heavy, so no point in going with that. I have a .38 J frame that's fairly heavy and fat. I was thinking of using my .308 Bersa. It's light and slim, but the handle still pokes out.

No bragging here just facts...I am 5'11 191 lbs not slinder by the definition (72 years old with a small puggy belly...carry a Shield 9 or 45 or a glock 19 at 1:00 oclock appendix and you could never notice even knowing that...those that don't know don't pay attention anyway......


It all depends on having the correct holster for the weapon and the ride height.....It is done all day long by thousands of people......You also can do it...but it takes a bit of knowledge and trial and error to determine the best fit for the weapon.....
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Old 07-13-2018, 04:04 PM
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I agree with WR Moore, a thick sturdy belt is the foundation for waist carry (concealed or open). You want your holster and pistol grips to be exactly where you expect them to be. With Texas adopting open carry, I no longer worry about exposing my firearm.

Also, at 6' 5" and 225 lbs, most people aren't checking to see if I'm carrying. And if they do check, they'll just see my S&W Model 15 Combat Masterpiece, assume I'm a cop and walk away.

Last edited by rafbentwaters; 07-13-2018 at 04:12 PM. Reason: Additional comment
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Old 07-13-2018, 04:50 PM
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I think it was Clint Smith who said carrying a gun is comforting, not comfortable. However carrying a quality holster with a, very important, QUALITY GUN BELT, can be comfortable. That could be what you are missing. Typical dress belts will not support a gun properly. If you want to carry in your pocket, try Blackhawk's little brown holster that only costs about $15. You almost can't make it come out with the gun.
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Old 07-13-2018, 05:48 PM
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Pancake holster works for me.
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Old 07-13-2018, 06:10 PM
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Quality belt. Try On Your Six Pyrex IWB holster for the Berea. Buy your pants bigger. I went up. 2 inches in jeans for IWB carry. Wear a covering garment or big shirt. Dark polos work well. Also Haiwian shirts work well.
Frankly not a whole lot of people look at us guys beltline.
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Old 07-13-2018, 06:13 PM
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I’ve been pocket carrying in warm weather for decades, and OWB in winter with a sweatshirt or light jacket. Works for me. ymmv and should.
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Old 07-13-2018, 06:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SATX View Post
I wouldn’t want to have to draw from a shoulder holster in a rapidly unfolding close contact situation while fending off an attack with your weak hand. Cops carry strong side for a reason.
Plenty of off-duty cops carry in a shoulder holster for a reason too.
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Old 07-13-2018, 06:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Agent Clown View Post
I should probably stick with a shoulder while working, ...... and find a waist holster that works for me for when I'm off work. I've tried a lot of uncle mikes and really don't like them too much. .
You don't want to be changing where you carry. Your reach for your firearm should be a reflex, not an occasion to wonder where it is first. BTW, shoulder holsters are frequently referred to as "bras". You'll understand why many women hate their undergarments quickly.

Secondly, the nylon gun bags labeled as holsters by many makers aren't worth the money.

Last edited by WR Moore; 07-13-2018 at 06:34 PM.
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Old 07-13-2018, 07:19 PM
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Comfort is absolutely a secondary concern. Important, but not primary. Fast access to the securely holstered concealed hand gun is primary. All carry of a gun is going to involve some degree of discomfort.

If you don’t have a good belt and holster, you’re wasting your time trying to discover what will work for you.

Cheap/incorrect equipment = undesirable results.

Try AIWB. Plenty of info online.

Last edited by CB3; 07-20-2018 at 11:05 AM.
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Old 07-13-2018, 11:15 PM
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You'll end up with a box full of holsters that you've bought because there the next best thing ..

I wear IWB at about 4 and use a Garett Industries Single clip holster which I carry a Beretta PX-4 Sub Compact 13+1 ..

Pretty easy to carry with a t-shirt or light jacket covering below the waist line .. I'm retired so no dressing up any more .. A non gun logo t-shirt I find works very well because everyone is trying to read the logo across top of the shirt across one chest ..

Even in shorts as long as a sturdy belt is used my carry is invisible to all but the most observant .. During a class I took where 2 police officers were there neither realized I was carrying till told .. one asked what I was carrying and then to see how I was carrying when told I was carrying a Sig P229 Legion that day .. not a compact ..
So it can be done very easily .. If new to CC most are very sub conscious of the fact they have a gun on the waist .. while most people are too wrapped up with what hey are doing to even notice even if printing accidently ..

In Illinois our law states concealed or partially concealed but NO open carry .. so if you accidently show your weapon for any reason for a few seconds your not in violation of printing .. ..
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Old 07-14-2018, 09:14 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fredj338 View Post
Also dark colors conceal better than light colors.
...and clothing with a print or pattern, rather than just a solid color.


I have adequately concealed everything from a S&W Bodyguard to a Browning Hi Power under a loose fitting shirt, OWB.

If you are new to CCW it's most likely more YOUR self-consciousness than anything else.
Carry on. You'll be fine.
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Old 07-15-2018, 01:46 PM
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Since you said you like the size/weight of your J-frame, and you sit a lot, an ankle holster will work well. Slow draw if you're not seated, but comfortable and accessible (unless you're not very ambulatory). You could put another one in a pocket holster in your suit pocket as well. Personally, though, I'd get used to IWB and find the right place for you. The Crossbreed Bellyband is very comfortable, adjustable, quicker than expected, and concealable. I wear it frequently, especially under dress clothes.
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Old 07-18-2018, 05:46 PM
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S@W 640 in a pocket holster. Even with tighter pants it has a little bulge but does not print. Good to go.
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Old 07-20-2018, 02:52 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Agent Clown View Post
Thanks for the info. I'm 5'9 about 200. I usually wear a suite for work. When off of work I typically wear jeans and t-shirt or a loose jacket when cold. The 9 was too heavy, so no point in going with that. I have a .38 J frame that's fairly heavy and fat. I was thinking of using my .308 Bersa. It's light and slim, but the handle still pokes out.
You don't say the 9 you have but if its too heavy you either have a bad holster and are not carrying it properly or the worst belt you can buy !! or both and some other reasons ..

I carry a Beretta PX-4 Sub Compact in 9mm 13+1 with spare mag off side .. I believe the pistol loaded with 14 rounds is 34 ounces .. worn at 4:30 on a 1 3/4 inch gun belt in a Beretta Summer Comfort Leather holster with adjustable cant ... No sag .. carried 24/7/367 .. if my feet are on the ground there is a pistol on my person ..
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Old 07-20-2018, 04:58 AM
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Default LOTS OF TRIAL & ERROR.

It's been my exp that "most" people don't notice squat. What with the phones & all the other claptrap people carry around today, a bulge could be from many things. Also IMO those that can & do "know" are other gun people. Here in the Gunshine state it's more a matter of, "oh it's probly just a gun". You may just be a bit overly self conscious about it. Don't keep patting yourself down, that is a big giveaway. You will very likely have to kick it up a notch (or several) from uncle Mikes for both belts/holsters, & end up with the BOX-O- HOLSTERS like most of us. Good luck.
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Old 07-20-2018, 07:57 AM
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Loose fit jeans and a J Frame in front pocket with a pocket holster is my preferred EDC.
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