Concealment Considerations

[Morton Henderson]

My two easiest firearms to conceal carry are my Seecamp .32 and my recently purchased S&W 351C. I had a S&W 640 that I rarely carried, mainly because of the weight.

Although the Seecamp is considerably smaller than my 351C, the weights of both firearms are nearly identical at around 11 ounces unloaded. I just put a set of Badger wood grips on the 351C and was super-impressed with the smooth snag-free draw and how quickly I can now acquire a natural shooting hold.

So, now that weight is not an issue, what I'm wondering is; what is most important when concealed carrying, small size or the ability to quickly locate and position the firearm in your hand? I can conceal the Seecamp nearly anywhere including the palm of my hand, but the 351C with these new grips falls into position very naturally and with much less fuss. Any thoughts?

 

[Kanewpadle]

You didn’t mention your method of carry. That can make a big difference.

As far as the 351, I’m not in the habit of carrying a rimfire for self defense. However, I would choose a 22 mag over a 32 any day. At least you can pull the trigger again.

S&W rimfire J frames typically have TERRIBLE triggers. That may be a factor too.

Accessing your gun quickly, smoothly, and surely is of utmost importance with whatever method of carry you choose.

 

[jbull380]

My approach.
Choose a firearm you can fight with and will be effective.
Dress around that firearm. It is the determining factor of your wardrobe.
Train with it in the type of clothing you wear out in the world. Not shooting or range clothing.
There are endless choices in holster/firearm combinations.
Find one that works for you.
I’m 5’7” 150 pounds and carry a G43 in a IWB holster year round. If I can conceal that most people can conceal something similar or even larger.
I don’t believe I have to choose between conceal-ability or ease of handling. I want both and get it.

 

[Morton Henderson]

Most often I would be carrying either IWB or pocket.

 

[BKLooney]

To be able to quickly locate and position the firearm in your hand.

 

[Rustyt1953]

To me the most important factor in a CC piece is being able to hit what you aim at. Everything else is secondary.

 

[BSA1]

Well for me the first rule for self-defense is to carry ENOUGH gun. The Seacamp is best for very deep concealment, back up and very close range use. The 32 Auto in that short barrel doesn’t have enough velocity for decisive stopping power.

I am a fan of the 32 Magnum especially in the short barrel J-Frame. In the J-Frame the 32 Magnum outperforms the 38 Special and gives a extra round to boot. There are good commercial ammunition for self-defense.

I have owned a Seacamp for many years and have rarely found a reason to carry it as my primary weapon.

 

[Inusuit]

I won't comment on your choice of firearms.

IMHO, a key factor is getting your gun into the fight quickly. John Correa of Active Self Protection promotes draw to first shot time of two seconds or less. Preferably less. I can't do it with pocket carry. I carry a Glock 19 or Hellcat Pro IWB and can hit 1.5 with some regularity.

I'm 5'7" 150 pounds and can conceal either gun with a light cover garment.

JBull380 gives excellent advice.

 

[10Mad]

My 351C rides nicely in my front pocket. Great summer gun with the shorts I wear. If I need the pocket for other stuff then I’ll use either a belt holster or iwb leather holster for my other j frames. As you said the weight is the great factor and it easily carried with any setup.
I carry a KT P32 front pocket every day for work. This isn’t 1965. Modern ammunition makes either gun a viable option.

 

[Morton Henderson]

My 351C rides nicely in my front pocket. Great summer gun with the shorts I wear. If I need the pocket for other stuff then I’ll use either a belt holster or iwb leather holster for my other j frames. As you said the weight is the great factor and it easily carried with any setup.
I carry a KT P32 front pocket every day for work. This isn’t 1965. Modern ammunition makes either gun a viable option.

My 640 had rubber grips as did this 351C when I purchased it new. Changing to the Badger wood boot grips has removed most any discernible printing as well as snagging during either pocket or IWB carry. The fact that they are well designed and slip naturally into the hand is very confidence inspiring. I think there's a place for both the 351C and the little .32 auto but as it now stands, the 351C has probably moved ahead as my first choice to carry whenever possible. But then, I've always been a revolver guy at heart. Thank you everyone for the great responses.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Being able to hit your target is primary solely when you're in a gunfight. Being able to access your firearm because you need it in order to defend yourself or even prevent a gunfight is somewhat preliminary to the accuracy situation because if you can't get to the gun your skills are very unimportant.

Having a gun is, of course, of paramount importance. So, your choice of gun and caliber is up to you. Having it available, whether in your pocket or on your belt, is usually the way to have it available.

Either way, practicing getting to it is just as critical as practice hitting targets. Just do the former with unloaded guns.

 

[BC38]

You didn’t mention your method of carry. That can make a big difference.

As far as the 351, I’m not in the habit of carrying a rimfire for self defense. However, I would choose a 22 mag over a 32 any day. At least you can pull the trigger again.

S&W rimfire J frames typically have TERRIBLE triggers. That may be a factor too.

Accessing your gun quickly, smoothly, and surely is of utmost importance with whatever method of carry you choose.

Funny, my feeling is just the opposite. I'd choose the centerfire 32 over the rimfire 22mag, just for reliability. I've seen 20, 50, or even 100 times more failure to fires with rimfires than certrfires, and some hammer fired DA/SA 32 caliber guns have second strike capability too. Not sure if the Seacamp does or not.

But, since most little 32 cal guns (like the Seacamp, or my little KelTec) can also be purchased in 380 that would be the minimum I would carry personally.

But any gun is always better than no gun.

 

[chief38]

Carrying a concealed firearm was, is and will always be about compromise. The key word here is concealment! You want the most potent cartridge/gun combo that allows concealability, high round count, ease of shooting, reliability and affordability. You also want something that you can personally shoot well and accurately. A common caliber like 9mm and other popular calibers is also important for accessibility and affordability of the ammunition. After all...... the best gun in the world is useless without ammo!

For many years I carried a 5 shot M60. After trying out a Sig P365 4 years ago (after they resolved all the initial issues) I knew I had found the best CCW for me. Potent 9mm ammunition and readily available at reasonable prices, reliability, 17.8 ounce light weight, small and compact, very concealable in the pocket as well as any other method of carry, great sights, etc.

Others will argue that the 9mm is nothing compared to a 357 magnum or a 45 acp and while I'd tend to agree, the guns that shoot them do not fit the bill for me. They are too heavy, bulky, have a small round count and don't play well in my pocket. I do NOT like to dress around a gun - it must fit into my daily wardrobe of shorts and a tee shirt which is usually my daily attire.

When I go out and wear more formal clothing, OWB is the method I carry with - but I always have options. Remember...... if it's not comfortable to carry all day, you will start leaving it in the house, car or desk drawer which is useless when and if you ever need it! You need to be comfortable and not have to wear excessive clothing which not only makes you uncomfortable it screams "gun underneath! I LMAO when I see a guy wearing a "fishing or photographer's vest" when shopping at a mall in 96º F weather!

So in summation you need to be practical, honest with yourself and get something that actually is able and will be carried as intended and not a boat anchor that will soon be a drawer paperweight.

ADDED:

BTW you don't want to go completely opposite either! A .22 LR or a 25 acp, 32 acp is certainly going to be concealable, comfortable and affordable, however those cartridges are not really great rounds for SD! So while you might always have it on your person, not much confidence would be instilled about actually stopping a threat with one. Once again, "the great compromise"!

 

[OLDSTER]

My EDC for 5 years fits in any pocket, doesn't print and draws naturally. IMO, ease of concealment ( with a decent caliber-I put the .32 stoked with SJHPs in that category ) is paramount.

 

[max503]

Q: what is most important when concealed carrying?
A: the ability to quickly locate and position the firearm in your hand

I found this out from experience. Twice. Never had to draw, (neither time did the aggressor want to find out if that was really a gun I had grabbed) but if you can't get it RIGHT NOW, what good is it?

 

[RobertJ.]

Choose a firearm you can fight with and will be effective.
Dress around that firearm. It is the determining factor of your wardrobe.

I've explained this to my wife, who still tries to buy me clothing that she likes, but won't conceal the way I need it to!

 

[Sgt. Buzzard]

First, a ultra dependable weapon.

Second, a weapon that fits your hand, wrist and arm alignment. Points like your index finger, every time.

Third, practice, practice, practice.

My choice has been J frames .38 spl. YMMV.

 

[Mainsail]

Carrying a concealed firearm was, is and will always be about compromise.

Concealed carry is very much a compromise. You have to rack-&-stack the compromises based on your own priorities. I tend to put concealment at the end of the list, lowest in priority.

Effective gun (one I shoot well and fits my hand)
Effective caliber (45acp, 357 auto or mag, 40S&W)
One-handed draw from concealment (seldom have both hands free)
Comfort (OWB and usually cross-draw)
Capacity (eight rounds typical)
Concealment (seriously, nobody notices and "lumps" aren't reasonable suspicion of anything)

Different people stack those differently based on where they live, fears, threats, and even seasons.

 

[ImDrRich]

Front, right pocket carry is simple when I have my Ruger LCP Max in a Kydex Alabama Holster.

 

[max503]

Dress around that firearm. It is the determining factor of your wardrobe.

First thing I check is front pocket size on all new shorts and pants.