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02-14-2017, 09:47 PM
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Concealed carry
Guys, can somebody tell me the best way to conceal carry
A m&p 9mm. Not the shield, the fuller size one.
I don't want to go out and buy all new pants that are bigger so I can wear a iwb holster. I really want to use this weapon for concealed carry, but just don't know how without printing badly. Please help. Thanks
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02-14-2017, 09:50 PM
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If your serious about conceal carry then you need to dress around the gun with proper clothes. Or buy a smaller gun.
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02-14-2017, 09:51 PM
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If you're 5'9" and 145 lbs. like me, forget it.
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02-14-2017, 10:26 PM
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I'm 6' 210 and I carry my m2.0 daily. All I had to do was go up 1 shirt size to completely conceal and did that over time. I'm a lefty and wear mine with a iwb holster at about 9 o'clock with a forward cant. I can only tell bc I know I am wearing it.
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02-14-2017, 10:29 PM
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One size doesn't fit all, what works for others might won't work for you.I can't even conceal a 9c can't imagine a full size.
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M&P 9, Shield9.
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02-14-2017, 11:06 PM
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You can carry OWB...you just need a long, loose-fitting shirt that you can wear untucked. I'll typically wear a t-shirt tucked in and then over that I'll wear something loose and kinda long untucked.
Just look around...nobody tucks their shirt in anymore.
Also, I've gotten to where I don't worry too much about printing because most people aren't going to notice.
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02-14-2017, 11:42 PM
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"Also, I've gotten to where I don't worry too much about printing because most people aren't going to notice."
I couldn't agree more i1afli.
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02-14-2017, 11:54 PM
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Get a good belt, a good holster, put them both on and put the M&P in the holster. Wear a shirt untucked. Absolutely nobody except you will ever know or even care if you're carrying. I've wore mine for years and have had no problems whatsoever.
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02-14-2017, 11:57 PM
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Appendix IWB, about 1 o'clock. Spare mag about 1130, or fixed blade at 1130 and mag @ 1100 Try Vedder and Dale Fricke, although there are quite a few good holster companies. You'll probably end up with a box of holsters before you're done.
Yes, nobody notices anymore, except the really bad guys.
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02-14-2017, 11:58 PM
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I carry concealed IWB a full size 1911, a Springfield XD and a M&P 9C, not all at once of course and have never had to go out and buy bigger pants. I have had to change my belt size but never my pants. Have you tried to carry IWB with you current pants? Perhaps if you don't have a current holster, either ask your local gun shop if you could try out a holster or perhaps look at one of the models that can be worn both IWB and OWB. But what ever you do, buy a good gun belt.
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02-15-2017, 12:04 AM
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Buy new clothes or buy a new gun
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02-15-2017, 12:21 AM
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IMO if you want to carry but without discomfort then buy a smaller gun or at least under a 3" barrel. I carry only two ways, inside front jeans pocket or OWB belt holster. I most always am carrying an LCR 357 in my front jeans pocket. I barely know it's there.
I will not carry IWB with a shirt tucked in to hide it. IMO draw time for me anyway takes to long to yank a tucked shirt out and hope I don't get caught up in clothing. But that is just my two cents.
Even a 3" carrying owb the barrel requires a long shirt tail to cover the barrel unless the holster rides quite high. I think a big baggy shirt is a give away that a person could be carrying. But for the most part only people that have guns would even be looking at that.
I did have a doctor ask why I was wearing a Hawaiian shirt. There again that's almost a total give away.
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02-15-2017, 12:35 AM
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I have tried IWB and have never liked it. Everyone's circumstances are different but my CCW rotates between a Shield 9, a Smith Model 36 J frame snub and my Smith Combat Masterpiece (4" K frame). I prefer to use a OWB Fobus Paddle holster at about 3:30 or so. I just wear a untucked shirt or a jacket depending on weather on weather and none of them print. For the revolvers, I use drop pouch for reloads and for the
Shield, I have a single mag pouch at about 7:00 - again, neither of those print. I'm getting ready to move up to 45 ACP for a variety reasons and it will probably be a Glock 30. I'll use a Fobus paddle and have no concerns about it printing either. I will mention that I am retired and usually in jeans and a relaxed look. Do what you are comfortable with. I am in AZ and MI - licensed for both states and both states have open carry but I just prefer not to advertise that I'm carrying. YMMV
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02-15-2017, 03:01 AM
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As stated, a good belt, an OWB holster, and an untucked shirt or jacket, and you are good to go. I prefer a spare mag as well.
I carry a 1911 or a M&P 9C in one of this guy's OWB holsters: Jason Winnie Leathergoods
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02-15-2017, 04:14 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bedbugbilly
I prefer to use a OWB Fobus Paddle holster at about 3:30 or so.
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A junk holster. One day you are going to try to draw your gun and the holster will come with it, or the holster is going to break off from the paddle. (Even if you disagree with me on those points, they are just lousy for concealment).
My first carry gun was a full size M&P. I recommend getting a quality IWB holster from a reputable manufacturer (not Fobus and not a paddle holster).
I would pick something on this list
Guide to Concealed Carry Holsters and Accessories | Active Response Training
I also found it easier to go one size up in pants and get a thicker belt designed for concealed carry.
Last edited by silversnake; 02-15-2017 at 04:20 AM.
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02-15-2017, 04:15 AM
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Concealed carry is not about finding a pistol, or holster, that fits your style of dress... It's about SLIGHTLY modifying your style of dress to conceal your pistol and it doesn't mean one needs to wear fatigues or camo to carry concealed. My Concealed Carry Instructor was able to conceal at LEAST 5 different pistols (at the same time) within his 'Business Casual' attire.
There are multiple articles on the web dealing with dressing to conceal.
Here are a few Bullet Points:
* If you end up carrying IWB, as much as you don't want to, you will probably need to increase your pants by one waist size (Form Fit pants are out).
** If it's a "Tuckable" IWB holster, you need to learn to 'blouse' your shirt a bit. *If it's not a Tuckable, you may need to start wearing untucked Polos/T-shirts made of thicker/heavier (non form fitting/tailored/clingy) material.
* Heavier material doesn't print like light/clingy/form fit shirt material
* Dark Color shirts hide printing better than light colors.
** Prints hide better than solids (like camouflage distorts hard lines).
** Untucked shirt tails need to be long enough to still cover when you reach for something up on the top shelf, or bend over to grab something from the bottom shelf. (of course... Reaching with your 'off' arm and stooping, rather than bending helps )
Wherever on your body you decide to carry, you need to NOT be self-conscious about it.
* People acting self-conscious gets them 'Made' more than printing.
* People don't actually LOOK for printing, but they DO notice people who act self-conscious.
Take a oncealed carry course and maybe your instructor will give you some good tips as well.
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02-15-2017, 04:27 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill1115
I don't want to go out and buy all new pants....
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My husband and I didn't want to go out and buy new "carry" clothes either, but that's what was needed by us, to CC full time. We just got it over with, and now the forced wardrobe shopping is a distant memory.
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02-15-2017, 08:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill1115
Guys, can somebody tell me the best way to conceal carry
A m&p 9mm. Not the shield, the fuller size one.
I don't want to go out and buy all new pants that are bigger so I can wear a iwb holster. I really want to use this weapon for concealed carry, but just don't know how without printing badly. Please help. Thanks
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I've never bought bigger to carry IWB but look at squared away customs holsters
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02-15-2017, 08:27 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Com 45acp
If your serious about conceal carry then you need to dress around the gun with proper clothes. Or buy a smaller gun.
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Or you can have various guns for different clothing options. It's a personal choice. 1911 just seems right with jeans boots and western shirt , 380 in the pocket fits going to the lake in light shorts and t shirt, hi cap 9 for trips to the city, revolver gets me by here in rural ohio where the last murder was 3 Yeats ago etc.
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02-15-2017, 08:31 AM
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When I started CC everyone told me to invest in a good gun belt so I did. After using it I find Myself using my regular leather belt. Because it is used and more flexible I can cinch it down tighter and is more comfortable.
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02-15-2017, 10:43 AM
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If you could provide some info, on what you wear and how you spend your time, you would get ideas that would be more useful to you.
A good gun belt is one of the most important components.
Concealed carry is a commitment to changing the way you go about your life. The commitment to the wardrobe is the least impactful.
There is a cliche that I kept finding myself reminded of, when I was struggling for the best solution to this very issue. "Concealed carry is supposed to be comforting, not comfortable".
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Something really smart
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02-15-2017, 09:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill1115
Guys, can somebody tell me the best way to conceal carry
A m&p 9mm. Not the shield, the fuller size one.
I don't want to go out and buy all new pants that are bigger so I can wear a iwb holster. I really want to use this weapon for concealed carry, but just don't know how without printing badly. Please help. Thanks
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Concealed carry a MP FS is doable but it is very uncomfortable especially in the appendix position. In the sitting position, the slide/barrel digs into my groin. I tried everything to make it semi-comfortable, even tried without a holster...no go. I wear fitted clothing (not tight e.g. women's clothing) and with my refusal to revamp my wardrobe, I had to move down to a MP9C which is the perfect concealed carry pistol for me. Shorter slide and grip with a 12+1 capacity...shoots like my full size.
If you are like me and want a pistol to fit you and your lifestyle instead of changing your lifestyle to fit your pistol, you'll need to size down your carry piece. My MP FS is reserved for home defense while my MP9C is my daily carry. The MP Shield is collecting dust as I do not enjoy shooting it, carrying it is fairly easy.
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02-15-2017, 11:35 PM
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Concealed means "obscured from view". It doesn't mean it's impossible to see or completely hidden. You didn't bother to fill out the location when you signed up, so I can't guess where you are and what the law requires where you are. Where I live, i can carry totally concealed, sorta concealed, noticeable-if-someone-really-looks but obscured from view, or even openly. Your state may be the same.
Don't get too wrapped around the axle about it- nobody is looking.
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02-15-2017, 11:40 PM
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Similar experience here. I started with a FS M&P .40 in a N82 pro holster.
Levi 541's are cut great for IWB carrying, they are looser around the waist while still "fitting" on the thighs, also Wrangler Comfort jeans have a stretch waist, perfect for IWB. Now having said that, I sold the .40 and went to smaller guns (I'm 6 foot , 210lbs 34" waist) now I rotate 3, a shield 9, a 9C and an XDM 3.8C .45. I have 2 holsters for each gun, all Stealthgear, a "Flex" OWB for each and a "mini" IWB for each.
In the winter I primarily use the Flex for all 3, it rides nice and high and tight against your side a loose sweat shirt completely conceals it.
In warmer weather I go IWB, the only one that's somewhat "tough " to carry IWb is the XDM .45 because it's heavier and I can feel it a lot more
but it still conceals OK. I know a couple of guys that carry the FS 9 and they really have to dress around it.
In Mass, the Libtards tend to freak out if they see a gun on you , so I try to be as "concealed" as Possible at all times.
with a FS piece it is a bit more difficult.
Last edited by kmanick; 02-15-2017 at 11:42 PM.
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02-16-2017, 12:08 AM
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I couldnt get comfortable with IWB carry, so I got a stealthgear OWB, and carry a 9C, and have no problems concealing it, just longer shirts, and nobody notices, they are too busy sticking their noses in their phones. One bit of advice that other people have mentioned, get a good gun belt, like a bigfoot, if not, you will never feel comfortable....
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02-16-2017, 12:16 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mainsail
Concealed means "obscured from view". It doesn't mean it's impossible to see or completely hidden. You didn't bother to fill out the location when you signed up, so I can't guess where you are and what the law requires where you are. Where I live, i can carry totally concealed, sorta concealed, noticeable-if-someone-really-looks but obscured from view, or even openly. Your state may be the same.
Don't get too wrapped around the axle about it- nobody is looking.
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This is a personal decision, for me if I am going to bother with concealment I expect it to be totally concealed, even though open carry is not uncommon in my area. This is the reason I haven't tried to CC my FS M&P for some time, I have plenty of other options that are easier and allow more flexibility with my wardrobe.
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02-16-2017, 01:38 AM
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Gun Belt & Holster That Hugs
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill1115
Guys, can somebody tell me the best way to conceal carry
A m&p 9mm. Not the shield, the fuller size one.
I don't want to go out and buy all new pants that are bigger so I can wear a iwb holster. I really want to use this weapon for concealed carry, but just don't know how without printing badly. Please help. Thanks
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Concealed indicates not showing. That being the case as others have suggested dress around your full size pistol. For a very close hugging holster (Now watch the talk about barrel not covered and such) I used a Yaqui in a suit carrying a (One of the originals) Smith & Wesson Model 39. If going out on the range to qualify I'd carry a National Match 45 in the same holster.
A proper Yaqui will be no wider than your belt or close.
There's other options that's why guys have "holster boxes".
Comp-Tac offers a gun belt that's tapered in front looking like a dress belt. ($$ though) There's a lot of gun belts offered out there.
The belt will be as important as the holster, if not more so.
Carrying a full size pistol under a T-shirt may or may not work
depending on how loose it is.
You can carry a full size concealed but not as easily or as comfortable as smaller pistol designed with that in mind.
Good luck.
Poli Viejo
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02-16-2017, 11:12 PM
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Carry OWB
For $15 a Glock Sport Combat works pretty well.
Fits a number of different pistols very well.
Cheap experiment.
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02-17-2017, 12:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by forme95
I'm 6' 210 and I carry my m2.0 daily. All I had to do was go up 1 shirt size to completely conceal and did that over time. I'm a lefty and wear mine with a iwb holster at about 9 o'clock with a forward cant. I can only tell bc I know I am wearing it.
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Any issues with the new rough texture grip catching your over shirt? I'm seeing some posts on here about people not like the rough texture.
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02-17-2017, 07:21 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zork52
Any issues with the new rough texture grip catching your over shirt? I'm seeing some posts on here about people not like the rough texture.
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I haven't had any issues so for from my undershirts or over shirts. I mostly wear cool wick (like Nike, under armor, starter) type shirts and polos. My grip hasn't affected me, nor does it even bother me or my clothes. I think most ppl are going overboard about the texture. It really isn't abrasive as ppl state. Well not in my hands anyways. Hope that helps.
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02-17-2017, 09:54 AM
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I just went to the Stealhgear website and I can't find ANY OWB holsters. The make you select from two types and then select your gun. For a 9c there was only one of each type and they were both IWB.
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02-17-2017, 02:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill1115
Guys, can somebody tell me the best way to conceal carry
A m&p 9mm. Not the shield, the fuller size one.
I don't want to go out and buy all new pants that are bigger so I can wear a iwb holster. I really want to use this weapon for concealed carry, but just don't know how without printing badly. Please help. Thanks
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Look into a Sneaky Pete holster. I carry a Ruger lc9, but they make them in various sizes. Most people assume that it is a belt pack rather than a gun holster.
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02-17-2017, 02:58 PM
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I use a Mitch Rosen Upper Limit Express holster (OWB leather). It rides very high (and close to your body) so you don't have to wear a shirt that's down to your knees.
Last edited by Mildew; 02-17-2017 at 04:13 PM.
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02-17-2017, 04:07 PM
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I suspect that you'll soon tire of carrying a gun that rightfully belongs in a duty holster. I own an M&P and in my opinion, the gun is bit large for CC although many people do indeed carry large guns like a 5" Model 1911 or a SIG 226.
The length isn't critical. It's the width and height that really affects concealment.
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02-18-2017, 02:41 AM
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Articles about the advantages of AIWB carry for larger guns are available with some searching.
It does not work for everyone, but I can comfortably and completely conceal my FS M&P with a good Kydex holster and nylon tactical belt. I'm average size. The gun is not too big and I have a 5" barrel. It is not too thick, and the grip is not too long (standard mag) when carried AIWB. It will not print with a proper covering garment.
I have carried like this for over two years, 14-16 hours per day. It is doable. Because I carry other gear IWB at the same time, my pants are about an inch larger than my waist. The covering garments are the major component of well concealed carry, but I can wear loose darker t-shirts and polos in the summer just fine.
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02-18-2017, 08:18 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Com 45acp
If your serious about conceal carry then you need to dress around the gun with proper clothes. Or buy a smaller gun.
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Very true! Its very tough not to print with a larger CCW. Especially in warm weather when you're wearing less clothing.
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