Best Alternative to belt holsters

[aqualungs]

I know they're not the best, but due to disability it will be a while before I will belt holster or wear a belt (lower back). I wear tshirts normally, and light jackets if needed. This will be for CCW. I may have to go a few routes depending on my dress.

With a heavy and light jacket I am considering the Guides Choice Chest Holster. Expensive, but it like it, and I would have great use for it being in the woods carrying a shotgun.

Guides Choice Chest Holster, Original Alaskan Holster

I am usually limited to gym pants or gym shorts for now. Spring and summer wearing tshirts and shorts I am at a loss on what to get. Any input would be great!

I am hoping to make my S&W E-Series 1911 Commander Bobtail my CCW, depending on the break in period and reliability. I have a few months before I take it down range, so looking for some ideas. I also have a M&P 40c, 100% reliable.



40c. Of course I will conceal with a flush mag.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Sorry to hear that you have problems that bring up this situation. You didn't say what the exact limitations are, so If any suggestions aren't feasible, sorry. It is always best to have your weapon closest to you natural at rest, hand position. That way the hand travels the least distance. So we know you have a shoulder holster as a viable option. The first alternative that comes to mind is one of the belly band designs. They can be worn anywhere from as low as the hips to as high as the armpits. They can be strong side or cross draw and by flipping them inside out they reverse to a off hand holster. There is a style of pants (on the dressy side) that don't use a belt, but still have a supportive waste band. One brand is called "Sansabelt", a quick Google will fill you in on that. If they are an option, a pancake holster works with them (My brother can't wear belted pants, but can and sometimes dose carry a full size steel frame 1911 this way). The is a day planner that is designed to to carry full sized autos, but I would put it down as a last option. There are tee shirts that have built in pockets for ccw, but I don't know if the are comfortable with pistols as large as yours, For cooler weather there are vests and jackets that have pistol pockets also. I think you should plan on 2 or 3 ways to carry, so you can adjust to conditions that are different that you everyday life (can't go to weddings in tee shirts and sweat pants) and the last minute is the wrong time to try to come up with alternatives. Most people who carry, have a small revolver or small auto for a back-up gun (called a BUG), these too require holsters, but include pocket and ankle carry as options. I hope this helps give you some ideas. Ivan

 

[aqualungs]

Sorry to hear that you have problems that bring up this situation. You didn't say what the exact limitations are, so If any suggestions aren't feasible, sorry. It is always best to have your weapon closest to you natural at rest, hand position. That way the hand travels the least distance. So we know you have a shoulder holster as a viable option. The first alternative that comes to mind is one of the belly band designs. They can be worn anywhere from as low as the hips to as high as the armpits. They can be strong side or cross draw and by flipping them inside out they reverse to a off hand holster. There is a style of pants (on the dressy side) that don't use a belt, but still have a supportive waste band. One brand is called "Sansabelt", a quick Google will fill you in on that. If they are an option, a pancake holster works with them (My brother can't wear belted pants, but can and sometimes dose carry a full size steel frame 1911 this way). The is a day planner that is designed to to carry full sized autos, but I would put it down as a last option. There are tee shirts that have built in pockets for ccw, but I don't know if the are comfortable with pistols as large as yours, For cooler weather there are vests and jackets that have pistol pockets also. I think you should plan on 2 or 3 ways to carry, so you can adjust to conditions that are different that you everyday life (can't go to weddings in tee shirts and sweat pants) and the last minute is the wrong time to try to come up with alternatives. Most people who carry, have a small revolver or small auto for a back-up gun (called a BUG), these too require holsters, but include pocket and ankle carry as options. I hope this helps give you some ideas. Ivan

Awesome response! Thanks, I was thinking I would need a few carry options, and not limited to one. That 40c is a subcompact, but its still bulky, I have an IWB holster for it. I may get a Shield or a most likely a small j frame like you said. The chest holster I will probably get for my 1911 for under jackets.. The pancake holster I was thinking about too. My buddy used one and swallowed a full size 1911 somewhere.

I'm very slim. 5' 10" 155 lbs.. So it's like an orange on a toothpick lol. I had a lower lumbar fusion so belts or any kind of pressure in that area is not an option now. I haven't worn belts or jeans in almost 2 years lol. Hopefully soon! So that is my profile and situation.

Thanks I will,google those options.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Good luck and get fixed up soon Ivan

 

[Hill_Country]

Ivan pretty well covered most of the alternatives I can think of except for the smartcarry - which does have a belt of sorts - and the kangaroocarry (I think that's what its called) that rides a little higher. Both work well with athletic wear.

 

[aqualungs]

Imam looking at these for button ups in warmer weather

UnderTech Undercover Men's Concealment Tank Top SET

For woods, under my jacket, and light jackets I'm thinking of grabbing this instead of paying out the wazoo for the guides.

USMC Army Surplus Pilot Tankers Adirondack M9 M7 Leather Shoulder Pistol Holster | eBay

.511 and Kramers are alternatives also

 

[max]

Get an inexpensive nylon shoulder holster and give it a try.

 

[aqualungs]

Get an inexpensive nylon shoulder holster and give it a try.

I'm going to wait for this to come back in stock. $25 shipped. I like leather and the vintage look. Perfect for the woods. I would like brown maybe..

http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com/Shoulder-Holster-Adirondack-Leather-1095009-p/279.htm

 

[Capt.Jim]

Did you try:

Kangaroo Carry

 

[tinman931]

Have you thought about this?

Thunderwear: Holsters Gun Holsters

As long as you don't get freaked out about where it rides it is a great option. Especially for gym shorts and tee shirts. Should hold your compact with no problems.

 

[aqualungs]

I ordered an adirondack USA made M7 /M9 shoulder strap for,$30 for under my light zip ups. Also note I don't chamber rounds, so I'm not worried about accidental discharge. Gonna try this out and see how I like it.

For summer I was landing on getting a Jframe or Shield. Since I
already wear Underarmour I'm considering the Kangaroo Carry and the Deepconceal. They look interesting and comfy... I have some research to do!

 

[shouldazagged]

As long as you don't get freaked out about where it rides it is a great option.

That lets me out.