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  #1  
Old 06-28-2020, 02:03 PM
xfarfuldog xfarfuldog is offline
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I generally carry a shield or G19 when I am out and about. I constantly have a problem with either gun pulling my pants down. I've additionally have a problem with a wallet and badge. Few years ago I had a problem with sciatica. At my job the uniform was for BDU type trousers. I carried my badge and wallet in the large sided pockets. Problem solved.

I was laid off in April and decided to retire. I no longer wear BDU's. My badge goes in my right rear pocket and wallet in left rear. I strained a muscle in my right buttock. The pain is persisting and I am afraid it might be sciatica again.I now live in an apartment and get my car from a detached garage. I carry my gun in a small vinyl bag which looks like a small purse.

I am looking for suggestions for carry off body that doesn't look like a purse. I of course have gun rugs but don't want to advertise gun. I should carry 24/7 but find it uncomfortable and maybe even damaging. Any ideas?
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Old 06-28-2020, 02:14 PM
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I was responsible for firearms training for my agency, As we lost several guns over the years when female agents got separated from their handbags/purses for various reasons, I generally discouraged carrying a gun that wasn't physically attached to the body in some way.

I feel that with the right holster/belt combination, you should be able to carry in relative comfort provided you don't carry a 40 ounce gun. The Glock 19, of which I own one, is an easy gun to carry yet doesn't handicap you with inaccurate sights or abbreviated capacity.

It took me a while but I had to learn to go unarmed without fear of being attacked at every shadow. I've visited more than my share of doctors in recent years and they discourage firearms in their buildings. I really had little choice.

I've used a fanny pack or gunny sack for a time but I never felt comfortable with it. The presentation was slow and it was too easy to become separated from your gun. We had an agent throw one on top of his car while he fetched his cars keys, then forgot it up there and drove off. Scratch yet another gun.
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Old 06-28-2020, 02:53 PM
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I use a day planner I modified by attaching a holster inside it .
Looks like an old school leather day planner with a zipper .
I had my Air-Lite S&W revolver in it and was visiting a friend , he's retired LEO , he picked it up , moved it to show me something and when I showed him it was my "holster" he said the Air-Lite made it feel like nothing but a day planner .
A company called Sneaky Pete sells them and I think Dillion carries one in their catalog .
The "Day Planner " mode of carry has worked for me for years now .
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Old 06-28-2020, 03:07 PM
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When my back is out.I use a shoulder holster.As far as pants being pulled down from weight of holster and wallet. Use a good thick gun belt and suspenders.You can ware a unbuttoned casual shirt over like nylon fishing shirt or Hawaiian shirt.
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Old 06-28-2020, 03:20 PM
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Find a 337PD.....Airlite PD..... about 10- 11 oz IIRC.

Add a speed strip .................................

my combo if I can't carry anything else
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Old 06-28-2020, 03:34 PM
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Something smaller in an ankle holster? I don’t like them much but at least it will be attached to you.
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Old 06-28-2020, 03:46 PM
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My opinion, FWIW, is that off-body carry should be a last resort, but I also know everybody's situation is different and we gotta do what we gotta do.

I would second the suggestion for a good belt and suspenders. I have a set of Perry Suspenders and they work quite well at redistributing the weight off the waist/hips because they attach directly to the belt. While I don't use it that much, when I did I wore it over my undershirt and under my over shirt.

A shoulder holster may be a viable option. Your clothing may affect how useful that might be.

If you do need to do off-body carry, you have to watch it like a hawk. Laying it down somewhere and forgetting it can be real bad. Not to mention the possibiilty of theft.

The closest thing to off-body carry I've done is in a fanny pack, and that's only when I went jogging. The one I have is small and doesn't scream "GUN!" It holds my 642. Anything bigger might be more of a tell. I once saw a protection detail where all the team members had fanny packs. They made it pretty obvious.

I like the day planner option. I know there are companies that make purpose-built day planners designed to conceal a gun.

A backpack might be an option. I may be wrong, but I recall seeing a concealed carry backpack that had a quick-access hidden compartment for your gun so you could get to it without having to remove the backpack first. Another benefit is that you could probably stick a panel of soft body armor in the bag for some extra protection.

There are also messenger bags, basically a briefcase with a shoulder strap. Some are more formal than others. I'm sure there are models designed for concealed carry of a firearm.

Hope that helps.
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Old 06-28-2020, 03:47 PM
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Something smaller in an ankle holster? I don’t like them much but at least it will be attached to you.
Normally, I would agree that this might be an option, but the OP mentioned sciatica being a problem (or potential problem) and I'm not sure ankle carry would work in this situation.
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Old 06-28-2020, 03:54 PM
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Most the time a gun is on me but sometimes I stick one in the owner's manual zip up cover that came with my truck. This one is small enough to stick in my pocket when I get where I'm going if need be.



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Old 06-28-2020, 04:14 PM
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Maxpedition Hard Use Gear.
Bags | Maxpedition – MAXPEDITION

Look at the cross body bags, or the VersiPaks.
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Old 06-28-2020, 04:16 PM
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I have hip & back problems that leave me the option of a very light gun that’s pocket carried. I’ve settled on a 340PD or Ruger LCP w/a pocket holster, and while not ideal it’s better than nothing. These are experts weapons so I make sure to get regular range time in.
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Old 06-28-2020, 04:38 PM
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The problems presented by carrying a wallet in a hip pocket are well documented, and your descriptions sounds consistent. I have not for years. I suspect that you need to change that paradigm quickly. A good chiropractor can likely help with that.

Most of the time I wear cargo pants, and the wallet (ID case, more like it) is in a side pocket. My flashlight is in another. I also pocket carry my G33 in a Kramer Leather pocket holster most of the time. Had that for most of 20 years and it works well except for drawing when sitting. In the car the answer is that no one I don't know approaches me; I either get out or drive off unless it is a uniformed cop. It was a fail for the day in FTO to let someone approach you without getting out, and that's ingrained in me.

In dress clothes, the pocket holster is still generally the choice, and my ID case rides in my suit coat inside pocket. My outside right (I'm LH) pockets are reinforced to support the flashlight and spare magazine without undue wear. I'll admit - most of my clothing (and life) choices are based around not being unarmed except under the most odd circumstances. I'm never going to be on the cover of GQ, and would not be if I could as it breaches personal security to be publicly identified anyway.

Walking the dogs or in PT gear outside the house, I use a fanny pack most. It's a specialized/limited purpose response to a specific problem.
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Old 06-28-2020, 04:42 PM
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I carry mine in a laptop computer bag with a shoulder strap and a compartment covered by a flap. I leave the flap undone and since my USP45 has a can hanging on the end, the grip is right under the flap, you can have my hand around it while taking to a sketchy trespasser and they wouldn't even know.
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Old 06-28-2020, 04:46 PM
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A couple of suggestions, go to a pain specialist or neuro surgeon and discuss nerve ablations. I have arthritis in my back and a number of trouble spots in my back including the sciatic nerves. The pain has been so severe I couldn’t walk. It was totally disabling. In my work I worked with a lot of physicians and met a pain specialist and mentioned I needed to visit him. The short story, I described my problem and a couple of days later I was in his office getting examined. I had an MRI and xrays and wound up getting a series of nerve ablations.

Nerve ablations are outpatient with no cutting. You’re under a little anesthesia and the Dr locates the nerve or nerves that are a problem and kills them with radio frequency through needles inserted in the spine. You feel nothing and remember nothing. It takes about 30-60 minutes and when you come out from under the anesthesia you’re pain free. The ablation lasts me about a year and a half to two years and the nerves grow back. I’ve had five now and can have as many as needed. They don’t work for everyone but most get a good amount of relief. I have a fantastic Dr as nd I get 100% relief.

Now for carry, I use a small tactical pouch on the belt and sometimes use suspenders. Depending on what I carry sometimes I carry a small tactical bag over the shoulders. A small camera bag look fine and is functional too. Nothing wrong with looking like a tourist. I’m over 70 and white beard and ponytail and sometimes carry an old ragged gas mask bag with a piece symbol patch on it just like when I was in college in the 60’s.

Depending on the mood I’ll use a fanny pack too. I have a really nice leather one I can carry a 640 (38) ot a Beretta 84. I also have a nice nylon one and can carry a Kimber Ultra.

If I want to go larger I have a small daypack that goes around the waist and has a water bottle holder and will accommodate a 5” 1911 or 4” N frame like my 625 Smith.

Hope you get your back straightened out. Pain is bad.

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Old 06-28-2020, 04:59 PM
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I like a couple of the ideas so far. In small revolvers I have a DS and a SFVI. My smallest Smith is a model 64 2inch. None of these are very light. In my early days on the force, I carried a 4" Python on my hip and a DS on my ankle. The standard ankle holster would come loose a lot.I had a Safariland sock like holster that covered my calf from knee to ankle. It was great but was hot and caused a rash.

I remember once a couple of our detectives were recovering a stolen vehicle. One of them carried a 6" Python in a shoulder holster and a non sanctioned 1911 on his hip. The other only a J frame in a ankle holster. The thief reached under the front seat for a gun. He looked to see one detective jumping up and down trying to get his ankle gun. He looked at the other detective and saw the 45 pointing at him. He decided to give up.

I may try the day planner idea. As I said I am having problems carrying my badge and wallet. I do really not like carrying the gun on my person. In our basic police academy I always stressed to females and detectives to always have a gun on your person. I am in need of a new belt anyway. I will try that and some of the suggestions from other threads.

I have used a shoulder holster in the past. Unfortunately I rarely wear an outer garment except in winter. Even then your gun is exposed after you remove the coat.

I have never worn suspenders and I cannot see myself doing it now.

Thanks for all the suggestions. What concealment holsters? I usually carry at kidney or 4 o'clock. I have about thirty holsters for various guns in a box.

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Old 06-28-2020, 05:14 PM
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I have never worn suspenders and I cannot see myself doing it now.
FWIW, I never wore suspenders until a couple of years ago. I don't really need to wear them now, but I am glad I have them in case I do. They really do make a difference in carrying a load. I would encourage you to at least consider it and maybe give it a try. Perry Suspenders has a 30-day money back guarantee, so if you try them for a couple of weeks (it does take a bit to get used to them) and don't like them, you can always return them.

Just my opinion.

Best of luck to you.
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Old 06-28-2020, 05:46 PM
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Nuts .... I thought this post was going to deal with getting rid of the evidence, an ex-wife, a crummy neighbor or???

I'm disappointed.

Doug
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Old 06-28-2020, 06:08 PM
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The suspenders talk has triggered some brain cells.

I don’t recall anyone ever discussing overalls carry, except one guy who had a NAA mini in the bib pocket. But I can imagine some kind of sewn-in AIWB holster being handy, accessible, and really well weight-distributed.

Not that you want to wear overalls. But it’s an interesting concept.
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Old 06-28-2020, 06:10 PM
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I constantly have a problem with either gun pulling my pants down.
I had the same problem with an old girlfriend.
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Old 06-28-2020, 06:33 PM
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Kel-Tec p32 is 6.6 oz.
They have a waistband clip for IWB or a pocket holster.

I know all about caliber wars but listen, our role in life changes. CCW as a civilian is a whole different kettle of fish from being sworn to protect.

I still carry "real guns" when I get dressed up to go to town. When lounging around the pad I just drop my P32 into my robe pocket, no bulge, no sag, no worries.

I concur with advice against off body carry. As we get older our profile changes from Bull Of The Woods to an old gray cat hugging the wall. Any type of bag is just an invitation for a snatch and dash and I ain't up to a foot race anymore. Our profile in the eyes of a predator shifts from someone to avoid to an easy target.

BTW, my P32 has been flawless and yeah, I do believe that a .32acp is a real defensive round with a long history of effectiveness. Not necessarily the "first choice" but all things considered, it may very well be the best choice.
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Old 06-28-2020, 06:35 PM
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I have similar problems, the best answer I've found is a shoulder holster. A vest covers it nicely except for about 3 months in summer.
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Old 06-29-2020, 11:12 AM
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Default Carrying "off body" is never a good idea.

At some point you will lay down whatever the gun is in to look at something, pay for something, etc and you will walk off without the gun, it has happened. Keep the gun on your body or in something attached to your body, like a fanny pack, not something you may have to lay down for whatever reason. I have found that an inverted shoulder holster under a jacket or hooded sweatshirt work perfect.
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Old 06-29-2020, 11:55 AM
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If this is a repeat of someone's idea, I apologize in advance. I bought this Colt M1903 Hammer several years ago. I have carried it in this format and folks do not really give it a second look. Everyone seems to think it is a bible. Could change out the gun for something of the same size, but have not. I load my own .38 Colt ACP and it is as good as hot .380 or a medium .38 Super. Would not feel unarmed with this piece.

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Old 06-29-2020, 12:29 PM
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Take it back to the 80's get ya a fanny pack.
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Old 06-29-2020, 01:11 PM
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Is a belly band an option?
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Old 06-29-2020, 03:51 PM
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A snubby rides perfectly in the bib pocket of overalls. Smear a few coffee grounds like tobacco drooling from your lower lip and they’ll think you’re from the backwoods of Alabama......Ain’t nobody gonna mess with ya
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Old 06-29-2020, 03:55 PM
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A snubby rides perfectly in the bib pocket of overalls. Smear a few coffee grounds like tobacco drooling from your lower lip and they’ll think you’re from the backwoods of Alabama......Ain’t nobody gonna mess with ya
Bib overall's may not fit in all over the country.
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Old 06-29-2020, 04:56 PM
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In the early seventies, I carried a Model 40 in the defogger pocket of an Army gas mask bag. I used the bag itself as sort of a purse, and wore the strap diagonally across my body, so that I never had to put the bag down. It also had a waist strap that could be used without changing the carry position of the bag, to provide increased security, mainly if climbing around in the woods. Access was fairly fast.

Ordinarily, such a bag might draw attention to itself, but I dressed slightly freaky, with one or two other elements that were MORE attention-getting and more innocent, and made the bag pretty much a non-noteworthy element of the whole package. It served me well in a fairly bad environment for three or four years.
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Old 06-29-2020, 06:20 PM
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Old 06-29-2020, 07:03 PM
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Fanny Pac. Been using one for years. Similar to the one Snubby showed except all black. I cut the cheap nylon buckle and straps off leaving 5"stubs and had my leather smith guy sew and glue a heavy leather belt onto the bag with the buckle up front next to the bag. No way anyone is going to rip it off of me. Velcro main compartment with a velcro attached holster on the inside. Rip cord to tear the velcro compartment open....as fast as a belt holster.

Who cares if I look like a yuppy. Easy carry.

For a little more discreet carry I just picked up a Sneeky Pete belt rig. Looks like a cell phone holster only a hair bigger for my Sig 938. Looks very promising and short money.

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Old 06-29-2020, 07:41 PM
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Another vote for Maxpedition shoulder/cross body bags.
Carry J frame or frames but there were times on out of state travel to certain urban cess pools when I felt that my Hi Power would miss me so took it along in my Max. Worked great!
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Old 06-29-2020, 10:34 PM
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I have never worn suspenders and I cannot see myself doing it now.

.
I never wore them until the last few years and now it seems the only way too keep my pants up. I have hearing aids, false teeth and glasses and I don't like either of them but if I want too see, hear and eat I need them. I have found if I want too keep my pants from falling down I need suspenders. It's just part of adapting too lifes little problems. Larry
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Old 06-30-2020, 07:20 AM
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Not yet mentioned....

Best Belly Band Holsters - 10 Most Comfortable [Updated 2020 ]
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Old 06-30-2020, 07:31 AM
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In the warm months I carry my 469 in an Elite Survival fanny pack. I bought a blue one, so no one is going to think gun. It has a secondary section for my OC spray and an elastic loop I use for my EDC Olight flashlight. Works great.
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Old 06-30-2020, 07:33 AM
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Another vote for-------------------

Maxpedition – MAXPEDITION
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Old 06-30-2020, 08:46 AM
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As others have suggested Perry Suspenders are Great. At range, only place I open carry, I just place them over my outer garment, for C/C I hide them under my outer shirt. Either way works very well.

Best of Luck, and get feeling better.
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Old 06-30-2020, 09:05 AM
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Originally Posted by xfarfuldog View Post
I generally carry a shield or G19 when I am out and about. I constantly have a problem with either gun pulling my pants down. I've additionally have a problem with a wallet and badge. Few years ago I had a problem with sciatica. At my job the uniform was for BDU type trousers. I carried my badge and wallet in the large sided pockets. Problem solved.

I was laid off in April and decided to retire. I no longer wear BDU's. My badge goes in my right rear pocket and wallet in left rear. I strained a muscle in my right buttock. The pain is persisting and I am afraid it might be sciatica again.I now live in an apartment and get my car from a detached garage. I carry my gun in a small vinyl bag which looks like a small purse.

I am looking for suggestions for carry off body that doesn't look like a purse. I of course have gun rugs but don't want to advertise gun. I should carry 24/7 but find it uncomfortable and maybe even damaging. Any ideas?
I only carry off body when driving short distance to a place where I can't take a firearm. But sciatica and other pains of aging caused me to adopt appendix carry inside the waist band. No, it's not for everyone so we don't need to rehash the pros and cons of it here. For me... it reduces the perception of weight and removes pressure on the lower back. I'm not a fan of plastic guns and I can easily carry my 1911's and K frames without discomfort. It's also fast! Good holsters and belts are necessary.
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Old 06-30-2020, 09:21 AM
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If you want to carry large frame revolvers and autos, you need to live somewhere where more bulky clothing is a norm. Here in the south where tee shirts and shorts are the norm, then something smaller for a weapon is the normal choice. When I carry "on the body", I carry a 342 or a 351C in my shorts front pocket. When I decide to carry something heavier then I would use "the bible" carry http://smith-wessonforum.com/140819759-post23.html . During the colder months here or when I am up north visiting friends, I can and do carry larger framed handguns as I have more places to hide one. Not everyone in Florida dresses as a "Sonny Crockett" and can hide a Bren 10 on themselves.............
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Old 06-30-2020, 10:04 AM
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It's not 'off body', but you might try an Airweight carried in Thunderwear:
HOME | mysite
My advice is somewhat theoretical... I never carry.
J.
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Old 06-30-2020, 10:35 AM
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My suggestion is to get something to replace that big wallet. You really only need to carry your DL and a credit card or two. If you are trying to carry a large handgun, you need to go smaller and lighter there, as well. Start wearing cargo pants/ shorts and pay up. Now you have more room and less weight to carry around. Put your handgun in a pocket holster in your strong side pocket and your badge and wallet in the other. I like kydex pocket holsters like Vedder or Alabama, but if you must have cloth, Blackhawk makes a very good one, called the TechGrip. Lastly, you really need to talk to your doctor to find out what condition you have and follow his/ her recommendations for relief.
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Old 07-14-2020, 10:55 AM
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I carry off body all the time. I found a fit young guy who carries a 6” 44 magnum. I don’t go anywhere without him. ��
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Old 07-14-2020, 11:16 AM
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I carry off body all the time. I found a fit young guy who carries a 6” 44 magnum. I don’t go anywhere without him. ��
I do the same. I have a Son-In-Law who is a Deputy Sheriff locally. He takes a lot of worries out of things.
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Old 07-14-2020, 01:34 PM
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I had the same problem with an old girlfriend.
You considered that a problem?
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Old 07-14-2020, 05:22 PM
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I would say something about that but can't afford the points.
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Old 07-14-2020, 05:39 PM
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I have a problem with off body carry and here's something to consider;

- Go back to wearing BDU style pants and/or -shorts.
- Ankle/Boot holster.
- Fanny pack.
- OWB holster or an inconspicuous holster like the NRA Sly Sleeve Holster.
- Conceal carry undershirt/shirt/jacket.
- Belly band.
- Front pocket carry.

If you go smaller on the gun to make it more comfortable that's fine, but don't go too small. If you ever need it you still want to be accurate.

I'd stay away from man bags, cross carry sling type packs, etc.

Whatever you choose, don't forget to practice. Every time I wear an ankle holster I have to remind myself that I'll need more time and movement in order for me to get to it.

The NRA store has some nice items (probably made in China) but it will give you an good idea.

NRA Store | Official Store of the National Rifle Association Official Store of the National Rifle Association

I stopped putting my wallet into my butt pocket a long time ago... it's not worth it. Plus I don't want my money to have a funky smell
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Old 07-14-2020, 05:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JJEH View Post
I have a problem with off body carry and here's something to consider;

- Go back to wearing BDU style pants ans/or -shorts.
- Ankle/Boot holster.
- Fanny pack.
- OWB holster or an inconspicuous holster like the NRA Sly Sleeve Holster.
- Conceal carry undershirt/shirt/jacket.
- Belly band.
- Front pocket carry.

If you go smaller on the gun to make it more comfortable that's fine, but don't go too small. If you ever need it you still want to be accurate.

I'd stay away from man bags, cross carry sling type packs, etc.

Whatever you choose, don't forget to practice. Every time I wear an ankle holster I have to remind myself that I'll need more time and movement in order for me to get to it.
I was the range officer for Naval Station Long Beach, many years ago. We had several courses of fire where the weapon had to be drawn from the holster. The Detectives that wore ankle holsters were upset when I told them that they had to draw from their holsters. They were use to having their guns in their hands when the command "Fire" was given. Had some that were hopping around on one foot trying to draw and some that were smart and knelt down, drew and then returned to a standing position to fire the course. Had to tell the guys that were hopping on one foot that they were not allowed to do that again as it was unsafe.

The Chief of Police at NS LB was really pissed at me when I told him he could not carry his Model 36 anymore as he could not qualify with it. He could shoot well enough with a 4 inch Model 10 to qual and that I let him carry. He must have practiced for a month to regain the right to carry the Model 36 (a status symbol).
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Old 07-14-2020, 05:54 PM
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I have similar problems and carry a small .380 or a light weight J frame revolver in a pocket holster. Fanny packs are a give away and off body carry makes me nervous. While I’d prefer a 12 - 15 shot compact 9 MM the weight is just too much.
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Old 07-14-2020, 06:02 PM
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Fanny packs are a give away...
Not if you wear a matching outfit and hair

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