Carrying with a bad back

[Ed Fowler]

Have had back problems for years, a shoulder holster allows me to carry an N frame with no problems. Distributes the weight so it does not bother my back.

 

[686-380]

I agree that downsizing is your best option

For over 10 years I have been carrying daily a1911 or N frame of some sort daily. Now I have a bone spur on a vertebrae and a bulging disc that occasionally make that very uncomfortable. I have a 66 2 1/2" I carry in a shoulder holster, but it isn't as versatile. The main issue is my back side isn't big enough to hold everything up without cinching up tight. Suspenders don't work with an untucked shirt. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks Mark

Consider how many times you've needed to draw your weapon and what your current threat level is.

A bodyguard .380 is miniscule and virtualy unnoticeable.

No, you won't have the firepower you currently enjoy. However, if you need a gun, you will have one.

 

[AZretired]

I think sciatica is the retired cops curse! I too carry in the RF pocket most of the time. I can no longer carry at 4 o'clock like I used to and now when I do belt carry it's at 2:30-3 with an EPS Combat Express holster.

 

[Watchdog]

The main issue is my back side isn't big enough to hold everything up without cinching up tight. Suspenders don't work with an untucked shirt. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks Mark

First, let me say I can relate to your back problems. And sympathize.

Second, let me say I am not trying to be funny here, okay?

Regarding suspenders not working with an untucked shirt. Have you considered wearing the suspenders under the untucked shirt, even directly next to the skin?

Seriously. I do it all the time, especially in the summer. I wear Perry suspenders under t-shirts. They support my jeans and my carry pistol. My pistol-carrying belt is 1.75 inches wide...the Perrys work just fine with it. It'll work whether you carry IWB or OWB, and you don't have to cinch up tight.

You might consider giving it a try, especially if you wear loose fitting button-up short sleeve shirts for casual wear.

 

[kthom]

One more comment from me. Many years ago, I discovered Duluth Trading Company branded "Buck Naked" underwear. This stuff is expensive, but it wears like iron. I have changed sizes over the years and gotten new underwear, but I have NEVER worn a pair out! The material is moisture wicking but does not have a compression fit. It is very comfortable and does not generate extra heat in the summer and it's very warm in the winter time. I think it's because it does not collect and hold moisture from sweat (and I sweat! Way beyond perspire!). Comes in colors and in choices of styles for both tee shirts and skivvies. I like the boxer briefs myself with the long legs and the V-neck tee shirts. I wear my Perry susupenders over the top of my tee shirts every day all day, and wear a shirt or shirt and vest or jacket when it's cool enough to do so. Gentlemen, you owe it to yourselves to at least try this stuff. Sign up for their frequent email sales and about three times a year you can buy this underwear on sale if you buy three of any style. Other times, they will offer a 10 or 20/25% discount with free shipping over $50 purchased. I have bought no other brand of underwear since the 80's. I will say that it is likely that you will prefer a size smaller shirts and skivvies compared to the whitey tighty stuff you may be used to. Take a look. Duluth is a good company to do business with. If you don't like 'em, they will take 'em back!

 

[Igiveup]

I, like many others, have had back trouble. As I got older, the back got worse. I wear Wrangler jeans, pocket carry is not comfortable. I have settled on an M60 carried in a Rodek paddle holster for everyday carry. Depending on where I am, I might carry a larger revolver, but still in a Rodek paddle holster. Seem to be my best option, from chasing cows to going to town.

 

[diyj98]

One more comment from me. Many years ago, I discovered Duluth Trading Company branded "Buck Naked" underwear. This stuff is expensive, but it wears like iron.

But how "stain" resistant is it??

 

[kthom]

Same deal as regular skivvies! Just turn 'em wrong side out and wear 'em another day or two! I will say the Buck Naked stuff doesn't seem to hold odor like the cotton or cotton poly stuff does sometimes! I wear black ones so depending on the deposit, it's not as obvious as on white ones! Maybe TMI but you asked!!

 

[TheHobbyist]

I hope my post might help you. I am not recommending this, just giving anecdotal evidence for educational purposes...

An old timer I knew years ago, that worked in a manufacturing plant had back problems. I knew he was into firearms and he had a concealed carry license. I asked him what he did. He told me he took a back brace, the black wrap around style with velcro that you would use in retail for lifting something that required two people, and sewed in a holster compartment. Essentially, he had a back brace with a built in holster. Seemed logical to me.

 

[crazyphil]

I few years ago I was referred to a neurosurgeon because of sciatica
that was very painful and incapacitating. He was a very honest doctor.
He told me I can operate on your back, or you can go home and go to
bed for a week. Either way it will be well within a year.

I chose the week in bed. It was a lot better after the week. In a year
I couldn't even remember it. Still don't.

My carry piece is an Airweight (642-1) in a hi-ride pancake.
About a pound loaded. Doesn't seem to bother me.

Hope you find a solution for your back problem. I've had a lot
of back pain, and know that it's no fun.

 

[chief38]

A small pocket pistol or J Frame in a DeSantis pocket holster is easy, convenient and will give your back a break. Currently my EDC is a Sig P365 (10+1) and Speer GDHP 124 grain short barrel +P is what it is stoked with. Easy on your back, easy to shoot, 100% reliable after 1,700 trouble free rounds and is a pleasure to shoot. Pocket carry or OWB carry is not a "back breaker".

 

[Pig Hunter]

I got a shot in my back, a set of Perry suspenders, and started putting my billfold in a shirt or vest pocket. Short term with the LW Commander it seems to be a good start. Thanks much for all your input.

 

[antilamr]

"I got a shot in my back, a set of Perry suspenders, and started putting my billfold in a shirt or vest pocket. Short term with the LW Commander it seems to be a good start."


Pig Hunter,


I'm glad that you've found some relief. I've been trying to find a different way/holster to carry for other reasons than yours but came across something that might help you. I haven't tried it yet and don't want to promote the product in this forum without having first hand knowledge. I'm sending you a PM with the info. Good luck in your journey.

 

[Pig Hunter]

Thanks, that is an interesting concept.

 

[CelticSire]

Perry Suspenders also makes a shoulder holster harness that functions as suspenders. Attach a Sherpa holster (they have them available on their website) for a 1911.

 

[dirty & hairy]

Because of my bad back, I keep my wallet in one front pocket and keys in the other. This rules out pocket carry, so the guns go either IWB or OWB.

 

[Skoll]

The two lowest discs in my spine are gone and I daily carry a 5906 with two spare mags as a duty gun. Concealed, I go with a AIWB SD9.

The best way I deal with it is a small back brace that goes around my waist/base of my spine to give support. Other than that, it's going to be an issue I deal with for the rest of my life because I don't want to risk surgery that could potentially make it worse.

 

[PUPP86]

I broke my back in two places in 2013. Two failed surgeries including titanium rods / screws and artificial discs has severely limited my carry as I'm still in constant pain.

I've found that a Ruger (sorry SW) LCR in a sticky holster IWB appendix to be the most comfortable to me. In the winter months I throw it in a jacket pocket.