I recently bought a SmartCarry holster. The bad news is that it is ugly and decidedly uncool. The good news is that it is very comfortable, supports your handgun well, and will never be seen by anyone other than your spouse.

We've had a few threads on these over the years. A common concern is that since the holster is worn essentially as/where one would wear a jockstrap, an ND could take out the future family. What I notice, the way I like to wear the holster, down low, with my 640-1 or Colt DS snubs, is that the handgun is too low for an ND to have that effect. I suppose if one pulled the trigger while drawing upwards... (Best advice is "keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on your target." Or at least until your weapon clears your trousers...)

You wear the holster outside the outermost garment inside your pants, typically over your shirt.

Some users in the past have noted difficulty with their cylinders snagging on the mouth of the holster as they draw. Some of these used plastic inserts to prevent this. I have not noticed this at all. Perhaps SmartCarry has tweaked the design to prevent this. (The product has been around since the early 2000s and the company has continued to improve the design. E.g., the velcro belt design was upgraded to use a buckle in 2019 for greater comfort and stability.)

Another common concern is what to do when nature calls. As SmartCarry explains in its literature, when standing, use your fingers to move and hold the gun out of the way. When sitting, pull the entire rig up around your torso as high as needed, and then return it to its carrying position when done.

Some users have commented that they believe too much of a bulge is visible. My guess is that these users are thin/trim guys with tighter pants than I wear. I'm a bit overweight, 6'2" and 225, with the overweight part exclusively in my belly. So my gut is out in front of what's below, which thus provides a ready place of concealment for the gun carried down low.

Smartcarry says there is no one correct way to wear the holster. Experiment and find what works for you. (Some even use it, improbably, as a shoulder holster.)

Finally, there is the observation that the SmartCarry does not provide for a fast draw. I think this is undeniable, especially for those of us who work on the speed of their draw. You are not gonna be Raylon Givens with this holster. I think with practice one would get faster, but, frankly, the speed of the draw is not something I work on with any of my holsters. (Personally, if I see danger coming, I hope to have my gun in hand. If I have a gun in my face, I will bide my time.)

On the other hand, I don't think it is a difficult or even an especially slow draw either. With the SmartCarry holster supporting itself, you don't need to tighten your pants belt much so access is not difficult. You don't need a heavy belt either. You can use your off hand thumb to pull your belt outwards as you slide your strong hand in and grasp your weapon. Or, just suck in your gut and retrieve with your strong hand. Sitting, as in a restaurant or car, lean back and retrieve.

It is also a good choice for when your pants won't support the weight of a gun. That was my initial motivation to purchase. I walk for exercise and purchased some elastic waist rain paints for walking in the rain. The SmartCarry works great for this application. Would be good for sweatpants or gym shorts, too.

One guy noted that, as it would not be noticed, he liked it for gatherings where there was a lot of hugging going on.

I came across one fellow who found that his gun barrel clanked on his chair when he sat down. I'm thinking he was likely carrying a larger, longer barreled gun. While some folks use it to carry full size 1911s or large revolvers, I think smaller guns likely work better for most of us.

Smartcarry makes several models and all should be sized to your handgun. I chose a single gun model, sized to my Colt DS, with an additional pocket behind the gun pocket in case I want to carry something more. (E.g., if not carrying a wallet, DL, CHL, CC, cash.)

For me, the advantage over IWB is comfort, over OWB is concealability, and over pocket is you don't feel lopsided and your pocket is useful again.

I've worn the SmartCarry on long walks, in restaurants, and driving. I find it comfortable and effective, a useful addition to the holster drawer.

Another SmartCarry believer here. Several years ago, when I was a high school teacher, my district was considering the possibility of arming staff members, and I was one of the candidates selected. This sent me scrambling to find a way to carry *very* discretely. Queries to folks knowledgeable on such matters led me to the SmartCarry “holster.” I was skeptical, but I was very pleased to discover that it does its job very well indeed. When all was said and done my school district went another route, but I had another tool in my concealed carry tool kit. For me this holster works very well for a J-frame or a micro 9, and it will even accommodate a Glock 26 with the appropriate trousers.

I will add that I found a solution that addresses the potential ND risk: I added a Kydex trigger guard “holster.” Affixed to the waistband by a cord of appropriate length, it snaps free easily when the gun is clear of the belt line.

I don’t use it often, but when conditions prevent other carry options I’m very glad I have it.

Most people here shouldn’t worry about future family production

As far as a bulge being visible, that might help the younger members.

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Sure you did

I used them for years, particularly for a backup when working. Always liked them.

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Bill

Frailer, I like that trigger guard. I am not a semi-auto guy, but, if I were — been thinkin' about the Sig P365 — I'd use that Kydex trigger guard for sure.

While they are certainly a good idea for autos—and I have a few for Glocks—they are also handy for revolvers in some circumstances. In fact, the one pictured is for a Ruger LCR.

I find them useful for situations where the revolver might not reliably stay properly seated in a pocket holster, such as large coat pockets or if the gun needs to be stowed temporarily in a bag, glove compartment, etc.

I’ve used the original Thunderwear (Smartcarry is a Johnny come lately version) since 1995 when I wore suits for work and church. I still use one (probably my 6th by now) occasionally.

I find it comfortable, secure, and sufficiently easy to draw, with (unloaded) practice. I put in a thin, curved piece of plastic to keep the mouth of the holster open and add more ridgidity to covering the trigger. I prefer my DAO Kahr P9 in it, but I have carried similar compact semi-autos along with a spare mag, small flashlight, folding knife and hidden spare cash with the extra pocket in back.

Because of my experience and comfort level with T’wear, when I retired I changed to full size guns carried AIWB. T’wear is basically a deep AIWB.

Because of using a DAO gun in T’wear and knowing where it’s actually pointing, and how secure the trigger is, I’m not overly concerned with shooting myself, at least not any more than with any other method of carry, done right.

As mentioned, bathroom duties are easy. Sitting for long periods of time (driving) is not a problem. I may have to wait for my turn to draw, but the draw can be fast enough and obscured enough to work well. It is well concealed, and almost impossible to lose to another’s grab. It is possible to retrieve it with just one hand, even the off hand.

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Good write up Onomea, I've never seen one of these. Looks to be quite versatile.


Hmm, shouldn't be a problem these days, isn't gatherings with a lot of hugging illegal is most states now?

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Live long and prosper

In my two run-ins with bad guys I've learned it is imperative to have instant access to your gun. That's why I like pocket carry. It looks weird to walk around with your hand in the front of your pants. Makes it hard to make friends or share food.

Thanks for writing up your experience, CB3, and for the photos. I came across Thunderwear in my reading, but did not spend any time comparing the two makers' products.

I think your photos show the versatility of the concept, and how different people with different body types and perspectives, find the rig comfortable/appropriate in different positions.

You wear yours much higher than I wear mine, probably, at least in part, because you are a lot trimmer than I am.

In the winter, if I wear a cover garment like a sweater, heavy flannel shirt or jacket, I like to carry a 3913 in a DeSantis slide. During the summer I usually carry a Seecamp in a wallet holster or pocket, or AIWB in a Remora. I no longer wear suits, but usually wear Dockers, shorts, or 501 button Levis.
At 5'10", 160#, I would say I am "medium" size. If I have to attend a function around many strangers (fairs, concerts, Atlanta (!?)), I will wear my Smart Carry with the 3913 and an extra mag. I have heard all the comments about "twigs and berries", etc., but my Smart Carry has been very comfortable for the last 12 or so years. I always try to keep an "open mind", I'm glad I did.

Yep, options are good. No sense looking for that ‘one’ method, depends on the requirements. I like smart carry when deeper concealment is desired.

I carried my J Frame off duty IWB/appendix for years but would NEVER do that w/a modern striker fired gun. Much too dangerous IMHO.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Not sure when other similar products came out, but the SmartCarry was invented in 1994.


I have had one for years, but only use it when I am in gym clothes walking in the neighborhood with my wife.

It does make a bump in the night rig if needed.

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Glenn
FAS1 SAFE

You ought to look at the Sig P365, P365X and P365XL versions with a 1911 ish frame mounted safety. Best of both worlds.

FWIW, I have the P365 and P365X versions with the frame mounted safety.

While my EDC over the last 3 years has been a Sig P365 in either a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster or a Kramer OWB Belt Scabbard, Mag Pouch and Belt in Horsehide Leather, I used to carry a M60-7 in the same type holsters with total security, great concealment, all day comfort. I'd suggest to anyone to try out pocket carry with a J frame or P365 sized HG.

Personally I'd never use any under the pants or appendix style holster or carry system - but that's just me. Certainly not good for Date night! LOL!