With mouse guns and thin framed subcompacts being all the rage these days, most have abandoned carrying anything in a full framed gun.

Share your tricks and tips, if you got 'em.

While I prefer a 5" 1911 IWB, I'll sometimes carry a 4" N frame. While the 1911 is fine under a tee, for the big N I prefer to carry OWB which requires a button up shirt to avoid printing.

The shirt should not be snug fitting, and should not be of a thin or flimsy material. It is preferable that it extends a couple inches past the holster, for obvious reasons.

Why carry a large gun? It's easy to conceal with some small concessions made to dress and movement. The weight is not obtrusive with a proper belt supporting it. Mainly, they are the easiest to shoot well, and while I am capable of shooting most any gun well I like to carry what I shoot best. It also allows the use of more serious calibers in barrel lengths that make better use of it.

In my case the only downside in this method of carry is some noise created between belt and holster when walking or moving about. Sitting on a bench style seat is a little problematic as the gun/holster will essentially be resting on it.

The other thing is that anyone moving in for a big hug is likely to get a bit of a shock.


20131111_020945_LLS by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

20131111_021647_LLS by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

Apologies for the dirty mirror. Darn kids...

Attached Images

20140724_082433.jpg (22.8 KB, 17249 views)

I carry my Springfield XD 4" exclusively when carrying OWB or IWB. I purchased button down shirts for concealment at the NRA store, on line, and they have more features for that type of wear. Go on line and take a look at their stock. They are a long and plenty of room to carry both ways and they are not printable. They are expensive but no more than the Galls or other well made shirts for descret carry. Right now, they have three of them in different colors during a special with on line prices. You can save at least $10.00 on each shirt.

Nick

__________________
NRA Instructor\GCA Gunsmith

While not a full size I CCed a G19 IWB everyday for three years. (Do sometimes now, but mostly carry a Shorty 45 MK2, which is about the same size, but much nicer!)

Just used pants with about 2" bigger waist and looser fitting T-shirts or button downs.

I live and work in the hot, humid salt sea air environment of Florida's Gulf Coast.

Not being a slave to fashion, and one who favors comfort over all else, I prefer light weight loose fitting (read baggy) clothes.

With such dress concealment is a breeze...pun intended.

__________________
NULLI SECUNDUS

You can carry a gun to fit your dress or dress around the gun. My routine urban carry is a 5" 1911 @ 3:00 and a spare magazine @ 9:00 on my belt with an un-tucked shirt over it. I switch to a Glock G20 SF or an FNH FNX-45 Tactical with two spare magazines for remote rural concealed carry. I switch to a 4" S&W 29-2 and two speed loaders for woods concealed carry.

Before I retired, a law enforcement friend bet me over beers that I couldn't conceal carry my new Desert Eagle 50 AE. I carried it all day @ 3:00 with two spare magazines @ 9:00 around senior law enforcement and no one noticed. They were surprised when I showed them before I left work.

I was in a LGS when a young guy came in. He was about 5' 6" and 125 pounds wearing jeans and a zip up hoodie sweatshirt. He told the owner that he had an S&W 500 that he wanted to sell. The owner told him to bring it in so he could look at it. He unzipped his hoodie and pulled out an 8 3/8" X-frame from a vertical shoulder holster. The gun went from his armpit to past his waist. The LGS owner and I were both shocked.

__________________
U.S. Navy - U.S. Army, ret

I have several carry options. I carry a Kahr P9 but the largest gun I generally carry is a G19 which is not difficult to conceal yet effective enough for police officers to use as their duty gun.

My Browning HP is easy to conceal in an IWB because of the relative slimness of the slide, provided the right holster is selected. While I enjoy shooting my two .45s, both S&Ws, I use them for HD guns as they're a bit too heavy and thick to carry, regardless of clothing.

Glock 19 every day iwb for years. I buy pants an inch or two wider and a slightly looser shirt

With clothing baggy enough, or when I made house calls and had my medical bag, this was and still is my ccw gun at times:

I have to say though, that the M&P Shield is a very handy little packsge and I have carried it 90% of the time, with the little 340pd getting use whenever I'm in shorts.

Carried a Sig 220 for many years, both on and off duty in a Kramer IWB holster and never found it obtrusive. It was very comforting when it was used in an unfortunate off duty incident and I was glad I had it. Many of my coworkers derided me mildly for carrying a " duty weapon " off duty. They carried a variety of 2" snubbies or .380's. That's ok but I prefer something a little more substantial. As previously stated, dress around the weapon and carry as large as you are comfortable with.

It's not that difficult to 'Dress to Conceal' if you remember a few basic aspects. I started out (many decades ago) carrying a S&W 19-3, until '89, when I picked up G19.
My Concealed Carry Instructor was able to conceal at LEAST 5 different pistols within his 'Business Casual' attire.
There are multiple articles on the web dealing with dressing to conceal.
Here are a few Bullet Points... Some already mentioned earlier:

* If you end up carrying IWB, you'll 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. Stick to darker colors.
** Prints (stripes/checks/patterns) 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, learning to reach and stoop properly 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.

This has been my daily carry rig for the past several years, all year round. Full size Kimber Custom CDP .45 with extra magazine. Loose fitting shirts worn untucked keep it out of sight nicely.

About the only times that I feel the need to carry anything else is when I am testing a new holster design or when I go hunting, for which I usually carry a revolver.

Attached Images

5-22 belt 009.jpg (65.7 KB, 321 views)

At work I regularly conceal a 4.25" 4566. I've also done the same with a 5" 4506-1. Its not difficult. They both weigh about the same as the vaunted 1911.

A good gun belt and holster. Thats the key. Sure, my 4516 and 4513TSW are easier to carry and conceal. But I lift weights and still eat wheaties so no problem carrying full sized pistols.

And when females give me a hug and then appear surprised, I simply say; "Oh, thats my .45 but I am glad to see you!" Regards 18DAI

__________________
7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

I get a kick out of the Younguns that complain their plastic gun is too big and heavy to carry.

Concealment is an art that can be learned. The MASTER was John Bianchi. I want to thank the good folks at Guns and Ammo for an article they ran on concealment just over two decades ago. Here are images from that article

While Mr Bianchi is holding a firearm in his hand, what is concealed under his jacket is far more impressive.



There are 33 firearms hidden from view in the above photograph.



Obviously it is not comfortable to walk around with that much hardware on you. Just imagine what the ammunition for 33 firearms weighs.

On the good side, he does not have to worry about carrying a reload







Proper holster and carefully chosen clothing and there is quite a bit that can be carried concealed with ease.

I love the 5.11 Covert Khakis. The older version had the front pocket sewn in the shape of a holster. The newer ones are sewn square. However, I have little problem pocket carrying a 327 Night Guard in those well designed pants.

I personally do not care about "PRINTING"

If there is a bulge in my pocket so what. Generally people do not look at bulges in pockets or on ankles. 95% of us never paid attention until we got into firearms and thought about concealed carry.

I started out carrying 2 nickle plated 1911's. Got older , fatter and started carrying 1. Now I'm much older , fatter , bad back and have reverted to a J-frame Airweight, much easier to carry.
My experience shows that when young, strong and slim full size is no problem. As you age physical conditions limit and/or dictate what you can do, so you adjust to those factors.
Gary

With all due respect, it looks to me as if it's easy to say "the weight is not obtrusive" if you don't have degenerative disk disease and spinal arthritis. At 76 those conditions make it a painful problem for me. So does the inability to afford all new pants in a larger size.

A pound and a half of steel J-frame holstered in a pocket is about the most I can handle.

__________________
Oh well, what the hell.

Full size carry is easy with the proper clothing and outdoor temperature. When it get nigh on a hundred degrees and shorts and polo shirts are decor of the day...I make different choices.

Inside the waist band holsters have come a long way and made it easier to conceal full size duty weapons. Of course most of the public is paying attention to their cell phone and you could be carrying a bazooka without notice.

__________________
The American dream is alive

With one exception, all of us, myself included, in describing what we can comfortably conceal, did not mention our size and weight. I'm of average size but a bit overweight so the G19 is virtually ideal for me. The larger you are, the larger the gun you may comfortably conceal.

Don't you just love those holster ads where they put a 5" M1911 on a slinky 105 lb. female? The forward holster loop is near her fly and the rear loop pretty much covers the leather label on the rear of her jeans.

That's understandable. My next acquisition is likely a six shot snubbie for a more discreet carry piece, but I'm in no hurry.

As a LEO I normally CCW off duty my service weapon plus B/U. These was what I qualify with and was comfortable with them. Now on disability retirement I normally CCW a S&W "J Frame around home but going out I add a Glock Model 17 with an extra magazine to my person. Wife Penny CCW a S&W "J" Frame with an extra speed loader practically 24/7.

When I was young and thin, I routinely carried a Government Model 1911 in a Bianchi Askins Avenger holster. This was the first "expensive" holster I ever purchased, and it taught me the value of a good holster. Next, I learned the value of marrying the holster up with a good, stiff, well fitting belt. I also learned about cover garments as well. A baggy shirt is good, but better is a baggy shirt that has a pattern or plaids, or stripes, or something other than a solid colored shirt to help hide the outline of your holstered handgun. It's hot here in Texas, so if I have to use a cover garment, I'll wear a Under Armour type of T-shirt, and top that with an unbuttoned Aloha shirt, or a Cuban-type shirt. It works well, and though warmer than a regular T-shirt, you shouldn't melt. I know some guys that prefer some type of a vest (fisherman, photographer, etc.), but I think they draw unwanted attention to you (aka the "shoot me first" vest).

Regards,

Dave

I carried a CZ-83 IWB for about a year. Although not full size, it was still an all steel gun with hi-cap mag and some weight to it, and it never gave me any issues at all. It was comfortable even while seated.

Other then for age or medically related reasons, I just don't understand those who feel they cannot ever carry anything bigger then a J-Frame (and sometimes not even that), and I'm no big tough guy.

The pics above are all fine and dandy for those of you who wear a tuxedo day in and day out. I don't.

Here, it was 102 degrees with 43% humidity today. The humidity was actually low. Normal dress for me is a t-shirt and shorts. It isn't can't as much as just don't want to. Much more convenient for me to grab my Sig P290rs, or my Kel Tec PF9 and throw it in my pocket. Much more comfortable too... no need for the thick, stiff belt, or an additional layer of clothing.

I carry a Colt Commander in a Del Fatti iwb holster most of the time for CC.

When it's too hot, or my dress has to be much less helpful, I carry a M38, 40, 42 or. 49 in a pocket ( no holster).

When I'm in the country, I carry a Colt Government model in a custom Milt Sparks holster.

The leather (holster and belt) makes all the difference. You need top quality leather to comfortably carry a 1911.

Most of the inexpensive holster systems won't work for real handguns.

Plan on spending $300+ on good leather: it ain't cheap, but it lasts for many, many years and never needs to be replaced if you have top quality to begin with.

And, of course, if you aren't a member of the 'flavor of the week' CC practitioner.

Pick your handgun and stick with it.

We all want lots of handguns.

Hard to get good with more than a couple.

Pick one or two handguns, learn to handle them well.

Get superior leather.

Carry the one or two.

Buy as many as you want: carry one or two only.

Just my opinion, of course.

My J frame is a backup most of the time in a pocket or on the ankle. I'm out in the heat every day. Adding a tank top under a tee won't kill me.

It's not the heat that stops me from carrying the full size guns, it's the activity. If I know I'm performing physical tasks in public view the big guns stay home. If I'm going to the beach a stainless folder is the only thing accompanying me. On the motorcycle the only carry piece is a Benchmade folder. I had fallen in a low speed accident onto a thin plastic earplug case. Months later I still have the bruise.

A 1911 tucks in quite nicely in the rear waistband of a pair of jeans....so too does a Glock G19 or G17 or even G29.

The right approach is to try what YOU OWN and see how it carries...period.

With todays Buffalo Bore & Speer Gold Dot 38 Special +P defense ammo I see no real reason to carry an N frame or a 1911 or even a Glock type pistol AS A CIVILIAN. Yes, if you are a LEO facing multiple threats or are an Armored Car Guard, then I fully agree that a 15 - 17 shot capacity gun is what you want, but to lug around an N frame with a 4" - 6" barrel when there is little advantage is just not for me.

YES, I know it can be done, but see no reason to do so when there are better choices in most situations. When I go out I can wear ANYTHING I want and don't have to "dress around the gun" as some suggest. I slip my 2" Model 60-7 into my pocket inside a DeSantis Nemesis and feel that I am well armed. It is rapidly deployed, has serious firepower with BB 158 grain HEAVY +P LSWCHP-GC bullets, comfortable (all day long) enough to always carry, and is 100% CONCEALED without having to worry about not taking off my jacket, bending over, shirt riding up, going to the mens room, etc.

Most guys I know (again, NON LEO's) who are new into this and started off with a full size 1911, Glock, HK, M586 etc. soon wind up with either a Smith J frame, Colt Dick Special or small frame .380 Auto.

When I go out I never worry about being "spotted" unless Superman with X-ray vision sees me. I still feel that I can do what I need to if the need ever arises.

I realize my opinion is not necessarily the same as others, but it is what I have settled on after 36 years of CCW.

I'm skinny and live in a hot city. Concealment without printing is an issue especially as we want to wear light coloured clothing as much as possible.

I have the same issues at 51. had the cadaver bone/steel plates done to my neck about 3 years ago.

some days a 642 feels like a full size.

I live where it's hot and humid in the summer (like dripping in sweat humid) and still manage to conceal full size handguns (4" K frame, Glock 17) with ease. I wear a tucked in t shirt and over that a loose fitting button shirt. IWB or OWB, makes no difference. And I always have at least one extra magazine or speedloader pouch on the belt as well. No one can tell I am armed unless I want them to know.

In addition dressing around the guns, I only buy holsters that work for my body type and top shelf gun belts.

I admire anyone that can carry full size, but it's just not for me. I have enough trouble getting myself and my stuff around as it is.

Even if i could carry full size without undue trouble, I wouldn't because there are more suitable and concealable guns. There isn't any special confidence that I would get from a big gun that I can't get with something smaller. I don't consider carrying a gun for defense around town to be an enjoyable thing at all. If I were tromping in the woods I may want a big gun.

__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I am no longer a slim young man with a small waist. I have tried a variety of IWB and OWB holsters with guns in the 30 to 40 ounce range. Its OK for awhile, until my pants start to fall down. I have determined that waist carry is not for me and have sold off most of my holsters. I have a chest holster for 5" N frames, and a Bianchi fanny pack to carry a Commander sized pistol. My pants stay up, and I still have a real gun with me.
On a recent trip to Washington DC, I was talking to a security guard at the Smithsonian. He was wearing a thick utility belt with a 4" N frame, some speed loaders, mace, etc. He hiked his belt up several times during our conversation. This is OK for overt carry, but is a deal breaker for concealment. That why its a fanny pack for me.

Weighing guns out of curiosity, while a bit bulkier, the N frame is a full 1/2 lb lighter than the 1911. It sure doesn't feel it on the waist.

Just a few years ago my clothes started growing. My chin was no longer one piece. My belts that once accommodated a large gun with room to spare barely fit myself and my britches. I sweat like a pig in the heat. Running a couple blocks wore me out worse than a few miles used to. The balls and heels of my feet swoll if afoot all day. I thought hard about the fittest I had ever been. It wasn't being muscle bound...it was fresh out of high school as a wiry teen. The only thing stopping me from that physique was will power. In a few months I was that guy again and have stayed that way for the past couple of years. I hope to never be there again. I've found that a lack of excuses for poor choices and behaviors keeps me honest.

That's just me. While I'd sure love to eat like a glutton and blame it on my age I'd rather be the best I can be for myself and my kid. It'll be a long time before he gives his old man a whoopin.'

Sorry for the off topic rant.

I was never comfortable carrying until I started to think about the "system" I was going to work with instead of just the handgun I wanted to carry. There's a combination of convenience, accessibility, magazine size, power factor, shoot-ability and concealment that I had to work out, and it took me several years to figure out that it wasn't all about balancing a cool gun with heavy caliber and magazine capacity. All that thought and expense was a waste when I left it all at home because it was a PIA.

I carry a combo today that I never thought I would ever use. I don't carry my favorite expensive custom shop 1911 in my favorite Del Fatti holster. I don't carry a super-capacity 9mm and I don't carry in my front pocket like I did for a while. I still don't carry every day, because some days I just don't want to fool with it, but I carry more than I did before I figured out what elements of the "system" were most important to me. Notice I listed "convenience" first (those attributes are pretty much in order of what I consider important). In MY world, if it ain't convenient, it ain't going along. When I thought it through, I figured out that there isn't much personal protection provided by a handgun left at home in the sock drawer. (Inside the house protection is provided by an extended mag 12ga loaded with Fed Flite Control buckshot.)

__________________
Cy

Suspenders will help out with the extra weight of any gun, large or small, if you have a bad back (like many of us) or other pain. They go a long way to relieving the pressure that you eventually get when the belt is the only thing supporting the weight.

Since you are going to be wearing some sort of garment that conceals your gun, the suspenders are hidden as well. So it's not a big fashion mistake because anyone that sees you have suspenders on, will see the gun as well.

It also helps out with the weight on the belt pulling your pants down.

Lastly, it makes taking a piss at a urinal easy.

My usual carry gun is a Colt Commander. Sometimes I go with my 3" Model 13 and I have been know to carry a N-frame when the mood strikes me.
I'm an average sized guy. 5'10", 180lbs. And yes, around here summers do get very hot and humid. But I have learned to dress quite comfortably around my gun.
For me it isn't so much a question of size or weight. Its about accuracy. I never have been able to shoot a small gun well. Now that I'm getting older and have a touch of arthritis in my hands, that makes it even worse.
Mind you that at average self defense distances, I can make proper use of a J-frame snubby if need be. I do own some and actually do carry one from time to time. Its just that I don't shoot them as well as I can a larger gun.
Should the worst ever happen, the hands start shaking, the heart starts pounding and the adrenaline pumping, I want every possible advantage I can get to make sure that bullet goes where it needs to.

I'd call most any K frame (especially a magnum) plenty of gun.

Havent read all of what has been posted but I see the published example pictures are of skinny guys, Not us normal 280 to 320 pounders. I already am so wide that if I try concealing one of my bigger guns it looks like I am trying to steal a stovepipe. As OC is legal here and I have a cc permit anyway I dont stress the few times I attempt to pack one of my bigger guns, and when I do its usually on the trail anyway and if we come out near a village resturant I either wear my shirt on the outside or put on a jacket. A couple years and pounds apart.

How many (if any) reloads do you carry and it what form -- for example speed strips or speed loaders?

None. My reload is a J frame back up in 38 spl.

There's an old trick for that. If someone tries to hug you, move first and hug them around the waist. Then they have no choice but to hug you around the arms and chest. Nobody's the wiser.

That looks like southern Utah near Kanab.. am I close?

__________________
John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

I wear 511 tactical casual shirts. Plaid and prints. They look and feel good. And have great conceal capability for small and large guns alike.

__________________
John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

I carry a full size M&P IWB in a galco v-hawk. It's comfortable all day. When I need to down size for deeper conceal meant or I'm more worried about "showing", I carry a shield in a stow-and-go or shoulder holster. And then I decide what shirt I want to wear, depending on the mood.

__________________
Safety not Included!!

I used to carry an N-Frame but now I carry an M&P 9mm FS. I have big hands and the little guns never feel right.

Top picture is between brian head and cedar breaks national park. About 8 miles from where we live as the crow flys at cedar city. Bottom picture about 40 years ago in the high sierras near gold lake california. Thats south of portola. Used to have some land there.
Kanab is about 70 miles SE of us. We get there regularly too.
We are close to cedar breaks, zion and bryce canyon national parks. Our thing is riding all the trails around us. This is the country to own ATV`s.
This country changes a lot in a few miles. This is sand hollow area about 55 miles south of us near st. george.

That's not my MO. I like to keep my hands at my sides and grimace a little...avoids future awkwardness.

As others have said as I got older the J frame got carried more and more. Physical problems limit me to a small .38 even though I'm still relatively slim (6' 2" 190) age does have its limitations. Practice is the key to carrying a small gun.

__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I find that to be true as well. At work, dressed in a company polo shirt and slacks, a Colt Commander carries just fine in an old Bianchi Shadow. A couple spare mags ride on the opposite hip and no one notices.

My EDC is a Colt DS, carried in a Galco Combat Master at 4 o'clock. No problems keeping it covered with a loose fitting T or Hawaiian style shirt. My "goin' to the city" carry is a Model 39, also in a Galco CM, and it conceals just as nicely as the DS. My "working out in the woods" gun (which I do on a regular basis) is a Ruger Super Redhawk .44 mag with a custom shortened 2.75" barrel, carried in a Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake. I always have a shirt over it, but I'm also wearing Carhart bibs, so it stays hidden pretty well.

I have some younger friends who think a person's crazy for not carrying the smallest, lightest pistol available. Of course, they're also all into Glocks and AR rifles, and it's near impossible to have a conversation about classic firearms with any of them.

I'm 76, 5'11", 145 lbs., retired, living in the woods far from bad guys. I carry a CZ Rami on the trails; when I go to more dangerous locations (the big city), I'll sometimes carry a full size CZ 75 with a an 18 round magazine. Holsters vary from chest band (deepest concealment) to Kydex IWB (for quick urban access). I've found IWB, even with the large CZ 75, to be more comfortable than other forms of carry.