There are times in life, when although it is "legal" for a person to be in possession of a gun, that there may be some situations with serious consequences if a handgun is detected. For example, I work for a large nationally recognized company. My work frequently takes me into some of the worst parts of our city, which is one of the most violent in the U.S.

I am personally aware of at least two incidents, involving friends of mine in this same part of our city. Both were approached by multiple assailants with the declared intention of robbery and/or car jacking. One of the fellows was armed with a Kel-Tec P32 and the other was unarmed, but extremely lucky. The armed fellow had to resort to pulling his handgun and threatening to shoot the suspects in order to escape the area. While the suspects did make snide remarks such as "who are you gonna shoot with that little pea shooter?", none of them was willing to step up to the plate and get shot in the face first, thus giving my friend time to exit the situation. The second guy was fortunate enough that a neighbor saw what was about to happen, came out of his house and invited my buddy in and called the cops. The thugs left the area before the cops arrived, twenty minutes later.

Needless to say, the armed person never mentioned his situation, while the other did file an incident report. The company's response to the report was to make sure everyone was being aware of their surroundings, and not to take any unncessary chances while out working alone in the area. I don't fault the company, they certainly can't condone armed people in the field in our line of work, its just too much of a potential for them from a liability perspective.

However, as I find myself in the very same areas of town every day while working, I realize it may only be a matter of time and opportunity until I may have some sort of chance encounter similar to what these fellows experienced. With this in mind, I have given a great deal of thought about and research into deep concealment of a handgun, but I'm yet to find a "comforting" solution. The question I now pose is, if you choose to go armed in this manner, what do you carry and how? Is a small caliber pocket gun like the Ruger LCP, or the Kel-Tec P3AT, P32 a better option than something larger? What do you carry and how do you carry it? If you carry a large handgun, and you do so without anyone ever knowing it is there, how do you conceal it?

642 in my pants pocket, no one ever knows, no one thinks anything about it when I walk around with my hands in my pocket.

It's fast too, I practice a bit, and using a shot timer it takes me about .5 seconds to draw and fire, hitting the "A" zone at 3 yards.

well .. the deeper you plant your piece .. the longer it'll take you to get it into action and the greater the odds of blowing a new hole in yourself fumbling for it under pressure ....
While I enjoy deep thought on subjects, dont think too deep on this one.

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it just needs more voltage

Captain Stuart has provided you with very sound advice. I follow the same philosophy and procedure, the only difference is; I carry TWO 38's. You can find another job; proctect yourself at all costs.

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David
CW3 USA (Ret) 1968-1990

Badge, I had to switch back to the old format in order to read your reply in blue.

Company rules are company rules,but I'd rather CYA and be fired than bleed on the asphalt.And... the thugs do run in packs these days,at least two or more.
It's a personal decision that everyone has to make.If you do carry,makes sure it's something substantial enough to lay out one or two of them.The rest may get the message and vamanoose.
At least a J frame with a good short barrel load or a small 9mm.

642 in the pocket and a CW9 in an ankle holster is my deep concealment choices. I also utilize a Galco Miami Classic and an M&P .45 in the winter under a sweatshirt etc.

A company will not replace you for your family. I agree with Stu, they can get bent. Those rules are made by some useless twit who never ventures from their office.

Every man is responsible for their own safety, preparation, prayer and awareness are all you've got.

When I was in a similar situation as you, my 442 was always in my pocket. Losing my job would have been better then losing my life.

Glad to see you're a shoulder holster fan. The Galco is excellant.Not many people that I am aware of use them these days,and I am recently rediscovering them,so to speak.
The right one is superb for many situations.They work well for dress occasions also.

If you have either a P32 or a P3AT, with the clip, you can
carry either almost anywhere on your person without it
being detected. As far as company rules, no one's supposed to
know anyway, unless you need it. At that time, company rules
won't save you anyway. You've got the choice of maybe getting
fired, or waiting on your knees to see what it's like to be
a stepped-on worm. You've got the common sense to ask this
life-alterring question; go with your common sense.
JMHO, TACC1.

My best friend is an insurance adjuster and always carries because he is in some very questionable areas on a regular basis. He carries a S&W 469 or a Kel-Tec P11 usually. I work indoors but always have something in the truck usually a semi auto of major caliber but sometimes a P32 with the 10 round magazine. For regular street carry in the unsavory parts of town I like to stick with a revolver in the right front pocket either a 442 or a 340sc (sometimes both). I like the reliabilty of the revolver and the fact it doesn't spit empties on the sidewalk.

I came across one of the best deep concealment holsters I have ever used in almost 27 years of carrying a few years ago. If you read the gun magazines I'm sure you've seen their ad. It's the Kramer Confidant shirt holster. It is a mesh undershirt with a pouch under each arm that will hold a J-Frame or a semi-auto the size of a Glock. I use it a lot in the summer. I can carry my Glock 23 or 27 in it in total comfort, with a spare mag on the other side. If I'm wearing a polo shirt I can leave the buttons open and reach in and draw fairly quickly. If I'm wearing a suit I leave one button about midway down unbuttoned, with my tie hiding it. I just slip my hand in and draw. This is amazingly comfortable and unless the shirt is skin tight, totally undetectable. Cost is about 50 bucks if memory serves. Give it a try, I'll bet you'll like it.
Jim

Good advise here and I'll add my two cents for a J frame .38 in your pocket or IWB. Ankle rigs are iffy and can make the gun very difficult to draw when face to face w/imment danger.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

My choice is a Seecamp 32ACP for everyday carry where something bigger is not appropriate. The little Seecamp simply disappears in your pocket and mine has proven itself to be absolutely reliable and deadly accurate at close range. I know .32ACP is questionable as a defensive round but the current offering of self defense ammo really makes up for it's inherent shortcomings.
I carry my Seecamp everyday regardless of anything else!

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Regards
Paul

Thanks Old cop, and to others who have contributed thus far. I agree the ankle rig is hard to get to without a great deal of fuss outside of a vehicle, but getting to a pistol in the pocket, especially with the seat belt across you is no picnic either while sitting in the car. The anke rig does have some advantage of being able to be accessed while being seated. Just more food for thought.

As previously stated, the deeper it's concealed, the slower it is getting it in action - which is a pretty important concept IMO.

The nice thing about a J Frame or Keltec in a pocket is that it allows the carrier to put his hand on the gun proactively (and thereby eliminating 1/2 of the draw stroke) without raising serious suspension.

The J Frame is heavier and thicker than a Keltec 380 or 32 and slightly more bulky in the pocket. However, I shoot a J Frame much better than my Keltec 380. YMMV, of course.

Yes I like my LCP in 380, but it does have limitations. Then there's my H&K P2000sk in 40 with 12 +1 when it's time to step things up a bit.

Im in a similar situation. In fact as I sit and type this I'm just a fance away from a crack motel! Not picky about looks? Need a hooker and some blow? Walk 15 feet! I carry every day...PERIOD. My boss knows, my co workers know. We are not a corporation, just a small business but I flat out said "if you want me to keep working here and especially making bank drops I'm gonna be packing.

What do you consider "DEEP CARRY"? My is a IWB holster with a Kahr CW9 and a shirt over top. Thats as deep as I get.

I, like several others, usually carry a J frame 38, specifically a M442, or an LCP in my front pocket. Unless your wearing BDU's and have ultra deep pockets, it's not so deep you have to dig a well to get the gun out, but is plenty concealed and comfortable for all day carry, without being paranoid about someone noticing your gun...which is sometimes the case when you first start concealed carrying.

I sometimes carry a BG380 in shorts and it isn't noticeable. I usually carry a M&P9c in a Supertuck or an OWB. I ordered a clip on IWB for those times when I am in the office all day and I can leave my weapon on my desk in front of me and just need to wear it on runs to the shop or to the store.

A small 9 is easy to hide and easy to carry. I don't have a 642 yet, but when I find one of those I'd love to carry that in a Sparks IWB or even pocket carry.

There's a video of a gal that shows how she carries her handguns.... If this gal can hide a gun, anybody can!!!
Concealed Carry Holsters & Outfits for Women - YouTube

I agree w/ankle rigs while driving and sometimes use mine that way. I also have a Ruger LCP for those times when my wardrobe has to go more formal, or social situations dictate very deep concealment.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I'll admit that I didn't read all the responses so I apologize if this has been said.

I would go with a Berreta nano or Glock 26. They are small but hold 10 rounds of 9MM which is a little more substancial then a .380ACP.

As for concealment, when I am wearing tighter shirts or dress clothes I use an ankle holster but those are harder to draw from with out giving the suspect a advance warning and putting yourself in a position of vulnerability.

I would purchase a "Belly Band" Holster. They fit under your regular waist band and will hold all different size weapons from the LCP to revolvers to full size Glocks.

Just a quick thought. I was looking at the NRA store online yesterday. They have several styles of vests that allow conceal carry to varying degrees. I'm seriously considering one, although I need to look closely at my photographer's vest and see if it might meet my needs for carry while out of the office, so to speak.

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Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13

I also favor an ankle and pocket carry. Ankle carry for seated access and pocket carry for standing access.

Try to access you .38 that's in your pocket while you are seated once and you will be convinced that it is only satisfactory for standing access.

Everyone who ankle carries will practice accessing the weapon from a standing position. It is slow and a dead giveaway. Whereas pocket carry allows surreptitious access.

There are a lot of micro-nines on the market, which have twice the energy of a .38 special with less felt recoil, and about half the thickness of a small revolver. These carry nicely in pocket holster, which keeps the weapon upright and conceals the outline. Kahr also makes a .40 SW and .45 ACP in this size, if you want a little more stopping power at the expense of one less round.

You can put your hand on the weapon without attracting undue attention, and it is faster to draw that way than reaching for a belt or shoulder holster. When driving in a jacket or coat, you can transfer it to a vest or shirt pocket.

An ankle holster offers deep concealment (pull your sock over the holster and wear boot-cut pants), but is awkward to draw unless you are sitting. A shoulder holster is hard to conceal and slow on the draw, but may be a good choice when driving.

The bravado of "you gonna' shoot me" is very common. They're just testing you for weakness. The correct response is to tell THEM what to do - stop, show their hands, drop to the ground, or whatever. Never say you're going to call the police - just do it at the first opportunity, even if they run off. BG's frequently report a "man with a gun" when they don't get their way. You want to be the first to call if a weapon is involved.

I totally agree with a couple of things posted- don't over-think thhis- no one should know you're carrying anyway, and should something happen you'll be glad you did- and, small 9mm or pocket 38 would be MY choices. But the final thing I agree on is- you're a smart guy, can tell by the question- do what you think is best. A .32 may not be a 12 guage, but most crimainals and i have something in common- neither of us wants to be shot with one

could try an old sig 245 or a detonics combat master if your worried about stopping power and the intimidation factor as you noted the .32 just barely kept them at bay, not sure how well they'd carrry though but the sig does have an alloy frame so it would be the lighter of the two.

that or a walther PPS/Kel Tech in .40

I have been a Field Representative for a large company for 30 years. Inner City to Trailer Park to Ridge Runner Holler, I've found myself conducting business somewhere within the whole spectrum.
You haven't said what type of clothing you are required to wear. If it's a sports coat, you have a lot of options for OWB. I cannot stand inside the waistband holsters so I carry a snub nosed M64 in a Gould and Goodrich pancake.
If I'm wearing a leather coat or heavier, I go inside coat pocket where I can fit a little more gun.
Summertime or anytime a cover garment is not appropriate, I go with the J Frame in a Galco Ankle Glove. (Spend the extra $20 for the garter belt, it's worth it.)

My boss never asked if I go armed and I never bothered to offer the information. If they knew, the PC crowd in the home office would no doubt create a rule against it.

I have a very close friend who is in a similar situation. If his employer finds out he is carrying, he will lose his job. Still, he believes being able to go home to his wife and son at the end of day is more important than any job.

He carries a Kahr CW9, which is a much better fighting gun than any LCP or P3AT will ever be, in a Pistol Wear PT-2 holster that he fabricated a Kydex insert for so he can keep a round chambered and not have to worry about anything ever pushing through the fabric of the PT-2 and contacting the trigger:

The PT-2:


The Kydex insert he made:


The gun and Kydex insert in the PT-2:


And finally, him wearing the rig with the gun in the 4:30 position:


And lastly, with his shirt tucked in around the gun:

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NRA Pistol,PPITH,PPOTH&TASER

Skillful hiding of a pistol is a good thing to practice so long as its done while preserving the ability to access it fast in an emergency.

In my limited experience, most citizens who are anti gun are far from being experts at detecting firearms. To prove this point Mas Ayoob has open carried in many places and not been made as an armed man by quite a few civilians. I do not know your coworkers or your boss, but odds are you could walk in with an exposed OWB Glock .45 pistol and they wouldn't notice until they took a second look at your waistband.
Most unarmed people simply do not conceive of the idea of an ordinary Joe packing a pistol, such a concept being beyond the mental thought process of the typical American drone. If a co-worker did see a glimpse of your piece he'd probably dismiss it as his or her imagination playing tricks-after all,only cops & robbers carry guns right ?

Those pictures reminded me of a good point. There's more to hiding a gun than hiding a gun. What's the use of going to all the trouble of hiding that gun and then wearing a leather "gun belt" or "instructors" belt. Now I grant you, most everyday drones will not know the difference or notice, but a lot of people do and will and that defeats the purpose of deep concealment.

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Centennial Every Day

I agree. The Most concealable way to carry a handgun, that you can get to the Quickest, and the most Reliable handgun, is a S&W Bodyguard or Centennial, in your front pants pocket.

If you are going to Bad Areas on a regular basis, then carry one in EACH front pocket.

Get a couple of good inside the pocket holsters.

Kinda funny you mention that. I was shopping with my wife last week and she drug me into several clothing stores at a local mall. It seems that most of the "casual" pants they are selling these days come with a matching belt of some sort, ie: color coordinated to go with the pants. I noticed that the vast majority of these belts look just like your typical "instructor belt", albeit they are made with lighter materials, lighter stitching, and cheaper buckles. I saw the same theme in stores ranging from Walmart, Cabela's, JC Penney, and even the Nike outlet store. It seems that "instructor belts", or at least the knock-off's, are the "in" thing right now, so I kind of doubt that simply wearing a nylon belt in this day and age would be much of a giveaway that a person was also concealing a firearm.

But besides that, I'm not really sure what kind of attire, specifically, my friend wears to work. I'm guessing that when he mocked-up the rig for the pictures, he probably wasn't too concerned with what kind of belt he had on at the time. Since he works in a warehouse environment, I would guess blue jeans, work boots, and "sturdy" belts would be the norm for most of the employees.

ETA - I can't imagine how the rig in the pictures, even with the "instructor belt", could ever be more noticeable than wearing a pair of pants with generous enough front pockets to allow for a pocket holster and a small revolver. You're not going to hide a Bodyguard in a pocket holster in the front pocket of a typical pair of Levi's without wearing a size that is abnormally large for your build.

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NRA Pistol,PPITH,PPOTH&TASER

"You can find another job; proctect yourself at all costs"
This is true on many, many levels.

As others have said, the more concealed, the slower the access. For light concealed carry with good access is my 642 in a Mika pocket holster. For more firepower with extremely good concealment, a Crossbreed Supertuck with either a Kahr K40 or a Glock 23.

2, J-frames, one in pocket, the other in an ankle holster.

My deep concealment is a Ruger SR9c in a belly band. Think in advance about how you would draw and come to target safely. One more thing about the belly band. You can either tuck a shirt completely over it with a loose tuck, or use it as an IWB cross draw, string side or even small of back.

+1 to those that said you have one life and many jobs, not the other way around.

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SW40VE Sigma
Ruger SR9c

I am not allowed to carry at work (hospital) and do not do so. It is a relatively safe environment though. I actually have to go through TWO electronic badge locked doors to get to my work area. Man some mornings I feel like James Bond!

However for other occasions I can use a Remora or similar holster with a M&P 9mm at the 11 o'clock position or the appendix carry (except my appendix is in a jar somewhere) without much discomfort.

It is readily accessable standing or sitting and not visible with loose fitting shirt. It will print a little with shirt tucked in but a smaller gun can disappear. There is no clip over the belt and if you are unfamiliar with that type holster please note it is very stable.

When sitting the barrel is pointed at a very bad place however, like the hip, femoral artery, and vein. Be sure to be double extra safe in these circumstances!

The tried and true j frame in the front pocket is however the easiest and most comfortable. If practical, carry a car gun that is reachable and just leave it in the car. Not good if you go into areas where your car is apt to be robbed though.

Sounds like you might want to compliment your wardrobe with a good pair of running shoes too!

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Nearly Normal Mike, NRA Lifer

Again not knowing your attire and line of work a couple of items not covered. Belt holsters that look like a smartphone case. There are some smart carry type brief cases designed for carry.
I go into every major city in the SE and in my line of work I carry a Wenger backpack. Plenty of room and it has a couple of handles like a brief case that allows access that is not available when its on the back.
Fortunately I can dress in sports dress, my favorite carry slacks are Columbia brand that doesn't look tactical but has a nice zippered pocket behind the main pocket. It can be zipped or not. Don't need anything falling out on the floor. Many of the people I call on work outdoors or are utility men so it's common to have a 3.5 clip knife which is always handy.
My favorite "deep cover" Seecamp 380 in a DeSantis Nemesis holster in the pocket.

Kel-Tec PF-9 with the offered grip clip carried appendix.

Very flat, and very lite, inexpensive and 9mm.

Best compromise weapon I have found so far.

If you can shoot them well enough, the plastic .380s disappear
in your pocket holster. Super lite and well placed shots are effective.

I am a revolver fan, 6'1"-215, and my experience is Airweight J frames pocket carried do not conceal to my comfort level.
To much bulge and walking flop. Many others feel good with
that method of carry.

Good luck, and practice a bunch with your choice.

Be aware of unconscious "tells", like touching or adjusting your weapon. It's hard not to.

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I Love This Site

Think about an alloy frame 1911 with a "grip clip" and tucked in the waistband. It lays flat and will receive a better comment than the "peashooter" ine. Also any good leather jacket with deep pockets and zippers for keeping the piece from falling out while at work.

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Term limits!

If you have an excuse to wear a jacket in your line of work, I highly recommend it as it opens up your options greatly. Can I assume you are in white collar work? Blue collar is easier as the dress code is generally more and you can wear looser attire. I know a man who works for a nationwide business and travels. Though many on this forum would advise against it, when he travels to rougher areas he keeps his S&W 915 tucked at his 6 o'clock and doesn't remove his jacket unless he's sitting down, at which point he is very tactful in that nobody sees his back until he is in the chair with jacket draped over the back of the chair.

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Just the opinion of a kid

Kid,

My job is sort of blue collar some days, and white collar on others. Most days I wear khakis and polos and/or long sleeve button up shirts, and other days when I'm required to appear in court, or other court related issues, I'm in coat and tie. Obviously, no way I'm toting walking in to either the courthouse or the police station. It's probably the blue collar days when my exposure to "urban yutes" is the greatest. I'm in and out and around a lot of Section 8 housing during those days, and it never fails to amaze me how many people are out just roaming around in the middle of the day, with no apparent place to be.

Thanks to all who have contributed so far. Some really good ideas on here. Thanks folks!

Tiger