Concealed Carry Vest

[cockerpoodle2]

You'd never know it from the (nasty) weather, but spring is coming. I have no problem carrying my J-frame (432PD) in the side pocket of my cold-weather jacket. When the weather improves, I usually switch to the right/front pocket of my jeans/slacks. I've never felt that drawing a revolver from a pants pocket is a very smooth, fool-proof proposition.
Recently, I have been looking at vests made to conceal a handgun (usually cross-draw, inside pocket). I am wondering if anybody uses one and can comment. What brand? What material? It looks to me that most have the inside pocket roughly where the left breast pocket would be on a shirt. Anybody know of one that keeps the weapon under the weak-side arm, like a shoulder rig?
Thanks for looking. I once used a shoulder holster when wearing a sports jacket but it was a pain in the neck. I also own a couple of IWB's that seem very obvious under light clothing.
Best wishes,
Buzz (cockerpoodle2)

 

[sunday bill]

I was surprised when I finally used a timer to help me determine where I should carry my J-frame. Times from a concealed carry vest, shoulder holster, strong-side hip pocket, IWB, belly band, and coat pocket were all back-in-the-pack when compared to strong-side front pocket carry for one-hand presentation of my 640.....I choose my pants accordingly.

 

[P&R Fan]

I have been using a Kramer Confidant shirt holster for a few years now. It is a fantastic holster. Comes with a pouch under each arm, so the gun sits vertically about where it would in a shoulder holster. It will take a J-Frame or a Glock. I usually carry my Glock 23 or 27 in it, and a spare mag can go on the other side. If I'm wearing a polo shirt, I leave it unbuttoned and just reach in to draw. With a button up shirt I leave the collar button and the next one down open.
If I'm wearing a sweater I leave two buttons open under it, and reach in from under the sweater. It works well if you wear a suit and tie, too. When I am dressed in that manner I leave one button open and my tie hides it.
No, this is not a quick-draw system, but is surprisingly fast with practice. I think it costs about $60, and all the major gun magazines carry their ads. I literally forget I'm carrying when I have this on, it's that comfortable, and has become one of my most used methods in the summer.
Give it a try and I'll bet you'll agree.
Jim

 

[blujax01]

I have a vest from Coronado Leather. It will conceal inside either side.

Pricey (read well-built) but good-looking!

Jackets & Vests

 

[TACC1]

blujax,
+1 on Coronado Leather vests. The ones they're making now
include a Velcro backed holster that'll mount anywhere in the inside pocket that suits the wearer. Really well built, as you stated.
TACC1

 

[Alk8944]

Coronado Leather. I have had 2 for probably 15 years.

 

[martywinston]

You may also want to check out the Concealed Comfort Cell Pal holster. It completely hides the gun under the front of your trousers but uses your cell phone case as a handle. The 3-step draw process is faster than it sounds: use your strong (shooting hand) to push your trouser front (belt buckle) forward, your off hand to grab the cell case and pull it up and your strong hand to cross-draw the now-visible gun from the holster.

 

[rilkil23]

Maybe the folks at Coronado Leather will let you trade in some of your unused holsters? I have a dozen, or so, that I would be happy to give you to help lower the cost of your vest.

 

[WIKD]

Question for those using the concealment vest. How do you get past the front sag? Whenever I place my carry weapon in the pocket it makes the front of the vest ride down, for lack of a better description, from the weight. Are you just using a lightweight pistol?

 

[TACC1]

Because the vest is made out of good leather, sag is
minimal. A full-size 45 will make it sag, without printing.
You will definitely know what you're carrying. I stuffed a
Ruger GP100 in there, and it is not as comfortable, but,
no print. Anything smaller, like a sub-compact 9mm or
just about any 380 are good, as are j frames. TACC1

 

[WIKD]

True I get no print with my .45 or .380 but both bring the front of the vest down from weight. Not a lot but noticeably.