Belly band holsters?

[sgc]

Anyone with experience on Belly Band holsters for an older model J frame model 60 38 special? I was looking at a Comfort tec I believe it was called. Would this 60-7 be too heavy or bulky for one of these?

 

[dmthomp32]

Some folks swear by them. I can see the draw to them. I just can't imagine they would hold up to a full steel gun. Polymer or Aluminum (insert other lightweight smith material here) would likely be fine. I just can't imagine a belly band is a long term product. I feel like it would stretch out or lose its snugness after a while. Keep in mind I have zero experience with them and would love to hear from others who have tried them. These have just been my thoughts about them thus far. For me I carry an DW ECO or a S&W 649. I don't see either of those doing well in a belly band but maybe I'm wrong!

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[Grayfox]

Personally, I've never really cared for them. However, a good friend of mine absolutely swore by them. He'd wear his up around his chest with the gun positioned under his left arm in a shoulder holster type position. Cover that with a shirt for a Superman carry.
He was a big barrel chested guy and you'd never know he was carrying unless he told you.
BTW: his EDC was a 6" Model 29.

 

[H Richard]

I had minor experience with one, (no brand name on it), and it held up well. for awhile I carried a J Frame Mod 640 under my left arm pit and it was comfortable for quite a few hours. In summer heat I would imagine it would be a little uncomfortable.

 

[Borderboss]

I've tried them and never felt comfortable with them. It's really dependent on your body shape. I'm not a "hard body", so it felt most comfortable to wear it at about sternum level with the gun somewhat under my arm, sort of in shoulder holster position.

The issue then is what do you wear over it to conceal it but still afford yourself a reasonably quick draw. I've always thought the best would be wearing the BB over a tee shirt and under a button up shirt so you could reach through an opening in the shirt to get to the gun.

I wore mine with a Kahr PM9 subcompact. In the end, I found it better to just wear the PM9 in my front right pants pocket and bagged the BB for good.

 

[haywood]

I’ve used them on occasion for short term carry. I found them very warm in warmer weather. I’ve used them under a Suit but Placed them very low at belt line and lower. I much prefer pocket carry. I use them after a shower when wearing PJ’s mostly. Mine is thin and not real strong. It holds a J-Frame ok.

 

[Fishinfool]

I owned one for a while, but didn't really care for it. Used it with a Glock 26. Gave it to a buddy with a big gut. He carried a PPKs in it, with it wrapped up high on his chest, in the hollow above his gut. With a T shirt over it, you wouldn't know he was carrying, and he likes it. More than anything, I guess I just didn't like the constricting, girdle feeling it gave me above my waistband. They can conceal well though.

Larry

 

[Marshal Tom]

As an alternative, look at one of the under garment shirts that are out there that have built in under arm holsters that you would wear like a t-shirt. Also look at the new product from PHLster called the Enigma. Very interesting modular system that you attach a variety of holsters to and wear under any clothing. Can be worn without a belt, with sweats etc.

 

[K Frame Keith]

I've used one casually on occasion for J frames with no problem.
Perfect for some situations. I wore one after spine surgery when I couldn't tolerate a leather belt. It was relatively comfortable considering the circumstances. However, I never really trust anything held together by velcro for heavy duty use.

 

[Old cop]

I tried several models for my steel & lightweight Js over the years and never really liked them. They do tend to wear (stretch out) quickly if used daily. I’m now in my mid 70s, a bit lumpier than I used to be, & the belly band is too uncomfortable.

 

[RCL-09]

I used to carry with a belly band for many years. I placed it at waist/belt level and used it as an IWB with the belt cinching the gun. Never had any issue with it.

My only concern, and why I switched, is that if you have to "re-holster" it was very difficult to near impossible to do so.

 

[Borderboss]

As an alternative, look at one of the under garment shirts that are out there that have built in under arm holsters that you would wear like a t-shirt.

I tried one of those too. It felt pretty weird, a lot like the belly band.

 

[opr1945]

I carried a model 36 in one. Over a tee shirt, a under a button up shirt with one button undone. carried it low right above my belt. never had any problems felt comfortable.

 

[GerSan69]

I have a couple and have used them a few times. Two problems: it is essentially a tight rubber band around your waist or belly, so it isn't really comfortable - it's squeezing you. You can't loosen it too much or it will slide down. Second problem is that if it's low enough around your waist, it will roll up on itself from the bottom as soon as you sit. It may also roll down from the top if you're overweight as I am and you place it low on your belly.
As for a steel-frame gun, that's not an issue, especially with a J-frame, which is what I used with mine. No shifting or other issues related to the gun itself. It stayed where I put it, at least until the bottom started rolling up as described before. I am a few pounds overweight, so I'd say if you have any sort of "hangover" (over your belt) you won't like a belly band.

 

[LCC]

Have used one for years carrying a 36, and then a 642.
Now days it carries an LCP when out for my daily bike ride, and occasionally my 365 when I'm driving into the city and want quick access without the handgun laying on the console.

 

[diyj98]

I've used them and find the o.k., but a friend of mine carried a 640 for years in a bellyband. He carried the 640 crossdraw with the gun not under his arm with the barrel about level with his belly button. I haven't seen him in years, but I wouldn't be surprised if he still doesn't carry that way.

 

[H Richard]

One thing to be cautious of, is rusting. The band will absorb sweat, and that will get on the gun. Be sure to check the gun nightly and keep a wax or moisture barrier finish on it.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Personally, I've never really cared for them. However, a good friend of mine absolutely swore by them. He'd wear his up around his chest with the gun positioned under his left arm in a shoulder holster type position. Cover that with a shirt for a Superman carry.
He was a big barrel chested guy and you'd never know he was carrying unless he told you.
BTW: his EDC was a 6" Model 29.

Honestly without actually seeing this , this sounds ridiculous in theory.
If pointed down, did he rip his shirt off the get the piece?
If pointing up, was it aimed at his chin. Sounds odd.

 

[majick47]

Bianchi made a belly band holster, have one in my holster collection, never wore it, might try it out just to see how practical it is.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I had one that I think I wore twice. For sure once. Quite a while back. Besides not being comfortable I was never really sure how I was going to reach my gun in a timely fashion.