How do you carry?

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FFES

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I see people on videos carrying in all different positions. I was wanting to know where you all carry, like appendix, 4:00, 3:00 or cross draw? If you could also give the reason you prefer that position? Another thing would be do you prefer leather, kydex, or half and half?

Thanks
FES
 
FFES said:
I see people on videos carrying in all different positions. I was wanting to know where you all carry, like appendix, 4:00, 3:00 or cross draw? If you could also give the reason you prefer that position? Another thing would be do you prefer leather, kydex, or half and half?

Thanks
FES
Click to expand...

Leather (Milt Sparks Versa Max II), at 4:00. Conceals best there, and feels comfortable, while still being very accessible.
 
I carry a Shield in an OWB leather holster by Wright Leather Works. I carry at about 3:30 - 4:00 because that seems to be the sweet spot for this holster and it conceals well even with an open shirt or vest worn outside the pants. I prefer leather over kydex because of looks and I think it is easier on the gun's finish. Wearing this way, I can even drive comfortably. I can cover the gun with a tee shirt or open shirt so I just do not see the need of IWB for me. :cool:

11877162006_429859108b.jpg
 
Pocket carry a 442, leftie, in a Galco pocket holster.
 
I'd say I wear leather about 90 per cent of the time. I carry a vertical leather Galco shoulder holster for my 1911, or a Diamond D Leather shoulder holster for my snubbie 66 when hiking, but use strong side 3:00 position OWB for most of the rest. I'd have to say the leather composite Galco paddle holster that fits my 66 is my most versatile holster, since I can wear it in across draw position for easy access while driving or sitting. It also works well for a strong side 3:30 position. I prefer a strong side high rise leather pancake holster for every day concealment of my 642, but a DeSantis Nemesis synthetic pocket holster works great when wearing a winter coat.
 
Back when I lived in a sensible area with CCW, I carried a Glock in a Bianchi Model 3S ISW like this (not mine, but a handy photo) over/behind my right hip.

images
 
Most often its a hybrid holster at 3:30-4:00. It feels very comfortable to me now and allows me to easily carry a compact double stack sized piece.

On other occasions when the situation deems it necessary or I just feel like a change, then it might be a kydex iwb, leather iwb or owb at the same position. When the situation calls for extra discretion then I go with a smartcarry or a belly band. I have not warmed up to the appendix or ankle styles of carry as of yet.

When a heavier winter coat is used, I sometimes grab the j-frame and a pocket holster and drop it in the coat's pocket. Figure it will be easier to pull that quickly (or shoot through the pocket) rather than having to go fishing through the coat and shirt in order to grab the piece on my hip.
 
I'm usually at 4:00 with it but am trying appendix carry now and find that a 642 in a Remora holster simply disappears worn like that, even under a t-shirt. I'm working out how to do it comfortably while sitting. I think it's going to work fine and I love the accessibility with either hand.
The Remora is perfect for that position due to its padding and being able to make small adjustments for comfort. I find it stays wherever I end up putting it. Great holsters.
 
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OWB is a HK P30 V3 in a High Noon Slide Guard buffalo hide at the 3:30 position .

AIWB is a HK P2000 V3 in a High Noon Public Secret horse hide at the 1:00 position. Bill
 
left handed galco paddle holster at about 7:00 a 44 special and front pocket carry in pocket holster for my 38 special.
 
A-IWB with a 2" j-frame or Sig 938 at about 1 oclock, in a soft Ace Case holster. Conceals great while being reasonably comfortable. Probably wouldn't work very well with a bigger (longer) gun. I tried OWB at 4 o'clock & it didn't conceal well for me, plus was hard to draw in any position other than standing.
 
IWB, right side, just behind hip btw close to 4 o'clock, 100% Kydex holster, nylon webbing belt.
 
OWB 4 o'clock, leather or Kydex.

Tried multiple IWB holsters, but each felt like it was made by a sadist.
 
Just got my CHL last week so I'm not locked into anything yet.
My CCW is a J framed S&W M37 snub. I carried at 6:00 OWB all day at a car show with a long tailed shirt untucked. Very comfortable and concealed well but it's a real pain when you sit down in a chair or to drive and is not very accessible while driving.

I think I'm going to like carrying cross draw at 9:00 position. Very comfortable in all situations and easily accessible while driving.

Deeper cover: front right pocket with a pocket holster works great when I don't want to wear a jacket or untucked shirt.
 
OWB, 3:30 strong side, M&P 9C in a leather Desantis MiniSlide with an Amish 1.5" belt. Rides high and tight with very little printing. Any cover garment works; sweater, untucked polo, light jacket, etc.

My other carry gun is a Kahr CW380 which I also wear OWB, 3:30 in a little leather Mitch Rosen belt slide holster. This gun is so small and compact I forget I'm wearing it sometimes.

I've tried IWB but it just doesn't work for me. I don't like pocket carry either. Even though the Kahr is small enough for that, it just doesn't feel right. For me, OWB is much more comfortable, albeit a little more difficult to conceal. I live in Michigan, where open carry is legal, so if the gun prints a little, it's no big deal .
 
Leather Galco paddle at 3:00 position. However, I have been experimenting with crossdraw and I like it. I think I need to design my own holster to have it fit comfortably however.
 
Leather, OWB, 10 O'Clock, RH cross draw. In a wheelchair, and that's what works for me.
 
i switch between owb at 3:30-4:00(old faithful owb kydex and leather) and right front pocket carry with an uncle mikes pocket holster which is due for a replacement soon.

i have been considering trying an iwb holster, but the pocket carry is becoming the norm for me...
 
How do I carry? Consistently, comfortably, concealed, and daily.

Same sidearm in the same holster at the same position on my belt. Same motions of the hand and arm to grip and draw the handgun every time.

In the event of a violent confrontation the last thing I want is to have to stop and think. What am I carrying? Where is it? What holster? Retention strap? Thumb-break? Round chambered? Cocked and locked?

When the adrenaline kicks in and your knees turn to jelly while your field of vision tunnels down, and the "fight or flight" thing is tying your brain into a knot, that is when training and experience have to take over. The fewer variables there are the less possibilities exist for mistakes.

It has been said that we tend to fight the way we train so we need to train the way we will fight. Being a man of a certain age (somewhat advanced) with a number of physical limitations (knee surgeries, hernia, hearing loss, and now cataracts of all things!) I have to rely on the good sense to avoid troubles whenever possible, situational awareness, and a certain amount of experience and training (about half-a-century now).
 
I agree with LoboGunLeather here.

I only have two CCW pistol models, but they are both double action, without manual safeties, with plain black sights, riding in open topped holsters. They also point identically for me; as in my wrist is the same angle when holding one or the other.

I keep the ergonomics of the interfaces the same (sights/grip/trigger) on my two CCWs exactly for the reasons Lobo outlined. My two choices are an LCR .38+P (1.1lb with one reload) or Glock 23 .40 (2.5lb with one reload).

I cringe when I see, hear, or talk to people that drastically change their CCW from 1911 style pistols to revolvers, etc. I've seen an example of the results in a simple timed competition, like IDPA. A guy would draw his 1911 and raise it and pull at the trigger and pull at it again and then finally released the safety and fired a shot, wasting a lot of time.
 
FFES said:
I see people on videos carrying in all different positions. I was wanting to know where you all carry, like appendix, 4:00, 3:00 or cross draw? If you could also give the reason you prefer that position? Another thing would be do you prefer leather, kydex, or half and half?

Thanks
FES
Click to expand...

2 Guns, 2 ways

1.) Ruger LCR .357
Carried Appendix (1:00 o clock)
Was using a Galco IWB ( this is really a great holster for the LCR, just could not tuck around it good, that is why I bought the De Santis)
Now using a De Santis IWB that is "tuck able"
Meaning, the clip is attached low on the holster and I can tuck my shirt in , then blouse out
Even wearing a tight t shirt, it blends in
I prefer appendix because it it the most natural position for me

2.) M&P full sized .40
Crossbreed IWB
4:30 position
Very comfortable
Usually a cold weather rig but I can also wear a short sleeve button up with no problem

Kydex, leather........as long as it fits and is comfortable is what I look for
 
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