How you carry.

[gman51]

I think in many situations how an average citizen carries their concealed gun is more important than how many rounds it has in it or even what caliber it is.
I see people that have an inside belt holster with a tucked in shirt over their gun and holster. I wonder just how quickly can they get their gun in hand? A tightly tucked in shirt can be a problem just getting a good hold of the shirt to yank it away to get at their gun.
Also just how tightly is their belt holding the gun in the holster? I just wonder how often do those that carry this way actually practice to see how much time it takes for them to get their gun in hand and pointed at the threat?
I usually carry a five shot Bull Dog 44spl outside waste band with a shirt, jacket, or coat just loosely covering the gun and holster or in my front pocket. I do believe I can retrieve my gun a lot quicker carrying this way than carrying under a tightly tucked in shirt. I don't want to be trying to get a good enough hold on a shirt to get at my gun when seconds might count for saving my life.
I understand to each their own and what works for them. I am not knocking how anyone carries but rather discussing what works for you retrieving your gun quickly yet concealed. Do you actually practice drawing from your usual carry position to see how much time elapses to do so?
For me I believe time I might lose trying to yank a tightly tucked in shirt out of the way could get me killed. Caliber or number of rounds held in gun could be a moot consideration when time to retrieve gun could matter most.
No flaming just wondering what works or doesn't work for you.

 

[SAFireman]

Front pocket, IWB or OWB with untucked shirt or light jacket. I have never really liked the tucked over style of holsters. I have IWB's that are plenty secure without having to cinch down the belt, yet hold a Colt Commander or CCO very securely for my activity level.

 

[Goldstar225]

My normal mode of carry is OWB under an untucked shirt or jacket. I have carried IWB with a tuckable holster (Crossbreed Supertuck). It is admittedly slower but sometimes an untucked shirt is not appropriate for the setting. In that case I was able to carry a mid to full size handgun totally concealed with a tucked in shirt. The draw is still a lot faster than ankle carry or running back to the car and allows something more capable than a pocket pistol. AIWB would allow a faster, more certain draw stroke IMO, I just haven't convinced myself to allow a gun muzzle to point in that direction on my body.

Everything choice we make from weapons to carry mode is a compromise. Each of us have to decide what works for them under their circumstances.

 

[MetalMan]

This works for me....Milt Sparks VMII.

I also have one that I use for my 2” and 3” J-frames.

 

[lawandorder]

Most of the time pocket carry a J frame.

Hands in pockets a lot, one on the stocks of said J, other hand on a speed loader. Works pretty fast.

 

[CA Escapee]

Over the years I've carried IWB or OWB at 4 o'clock depending on the season and how much clothing I'm wearing. In the winter with a heavy coat on I'll go with an OWB zero cant holster at 3 o'clock. The way I see it this way with the heavier clothing on there's less digging through the clothing to get to the gun.

I've shot in IDPA matches for years, and despite life getting busy, I still try to get out to matches whenever I can. I always wear street clothes and a cover garment on all the stages even when it's not required. I try to practice for the most cumbersome, worst case when drawing the pistol. I use my holsters/mag holders that I carry every day, not some skeltonized race gun holster. I also shoot matches with left handed holsters and left eyed. I guess that makes me "Ambi." (Is there a box on the 4473 for that?) I am certainly not a speed demon, but my shots tend to go where I aim. I'll even dress up with a holster/mag holders/magazines/snap-caps/pistol and dry fire at home. Over the years I've found holsters that just don't work for me. (wrong cant, my arm's too long, pistol drags too much when clearing leather, etc.)

One theory I've developed over the years is the closer the gun is to you, e. g. IWB, the better it conceals, but its slower on the draw. And, the farther away from you the gun is, e. g. OWB, the faster/easier it is to get a grip on and draw, but less concealable.

Bill

 

[Struckat]

Some situations call for a tucked shirt. Sure the draw is slower, but it’s still better than being unarmed. Not my normal method of carry, but it has its place.

 

[The Big D]

Never a need for quick draw..

...in my forty-four (44) years of toting a gun whilst in mufti.

And I have used a gun on more occasions than I can recall...but never had to shoot anybody. My experience includes 30.5 years of crime fighting in DC, Boston, and NYC. Plus on the job in forty-six (46) states and personal travel in all 50...with a concealed handgun. (Now retired for fourteen (14) years.)

Typically carry IWB strong side with a tucked shirt unless in business attire or wearing a cover garment...then carry OWB.

Again, never a need for quick draw but many times I deployed rapidly. I HAVE NEVER THOUGHT ‘NOW I SHOULD DRAW MY GUN’...it simply happened. In case anyone is wondering, each and every ‘use’ was documented and subsequently found justified.

I firmly believe too many practice quick draw and punching holes in paper instead of learning ‘when‘ to use a gun...and ‘when’ to shoot.

No flaming from me, either.

Be safe.

PS: At this very moment in a hotel just outside DC getting ready for a late lunch and a few beers. Wearing a blazer; Glock 43 in a DeSantis OWB holster.

I think in many situations how an average citizen carries their concealed gun is more important than how many rounds it has in it or even what caliber it is.
I see people that have an inside belt holster with a tucked in shirt over their gun and holster. I wonder just how quickly can they get their gun in hand? A tightly tucked in shirt can be a problem just getting a good hold of the shirt to yank it away to get at their gun.
Also just how tightly is their belt holding the gun in the holster? I just wonder how often do those that carry this way actually practice to see how much time it takes for them to get their gun in hand and pointed at the threat?
I usually carry a five shot Bull Dog 44spl outside waste band with a shirt, jacket, or coat just loosely covering the gun and holster or in my front pocket. I do believe I can retrieve my gun a lot quicker carrying this way than carrying under a tightly tucked in shirt. I don't want to be trying to get a good enough hold on a shirt to get at my gun when seconds might count for saving my life.
I understand to each their own and what works for them. I am not knocking how anyone carries but rather discussing what works for you retrieving your gun quickly yet concealed. Do you actually practice drawing from your usual carry position to see how much time elapses to do so?
For me I believe time I might lose trying to yank a tightly tucked in shirt out of the way could get me killed. Caliber or number of rounds held in gun could be a moot consideration when time to retrieve gun could matter most.
No flaming just wondering what works or doesn't work for you.

 

[andy52]

For at least the last 15 years I've carried IWB at 3:00 with a shirt untucked, my life style doesn't require a tucked shirt. I even do this in the summer with cargo shorts and a T-shirt.
Not once has anyone notice I'm carrying. I have found for me trying to carry OWB requires to much clothing to make it less noticeable.
Is carrying IWB slower?, probably just a bit but I don't see myself getting into a scenario were the little difference in time will matter.
There is one advantage to getting older I probably look less dangerous until I am..

 

[Justin T]

I usually carry OWB a service sized auto under an untucked shirt or jacket. Lately, however, I have been adapting to a P365 IWB under same.

I have also boot carried a J-frame in low risk/discrete situations.

 

[fredj338]

I think in many situations how an average citizen carries their concealed gun is more important than how many rounds it has in it or even what caliber it is.
I see people that have an inside belt holster with a tucked in shirt over their gun and holster. I wonder just how quickly can they get their gun in hand? A tightly tucked in shirt can be a problem just getting a good hold of the shirt to yank it away to get at their gun.
Also just how tightly is their belt holding the gun in the holster? I just wonder how often do those that carry this way actually practice to see how much time it takes for them to get their gun in hand and pointed at the threat?
I usually carry a five shot Bull Dog 44spl outside waste band with a shirt, jacket, or coat just loosely covering the gun and holster or in my front pocket. I do believe I can retrieve my gun a lot quicker carrying this way than carrying under a tightly tucked in shirt. I don't want to be trying to get a good enough hold on a shirt to get at my gun when seconds might count for saving my life.
I understand to each their own and what works for them. I am not knocking how anyone carries but rather discussing what works for you retrieving your gun quickly yet concealed. Do you actually practice drawing from your usual carry position to see how much time elapses to do so?
For me I believe time I might lose trying to yank a tightly tucked in shirt out of the way could get me killed. Caliber or number of rounds held in gun could be a moot consideration when time to retrieve gun could matter most.
No flaming just wondering what works or doesn't work for you.

Serious CCW practice with their gear. It is maybe 0.5sec slower going with an tucked/untucked shirt. IWB vs open carry under a coat. It isn't that slow if you practice. Pocket carry is slow, unless your hand is on the gun. My time at contact with an untucked shirt is the same as tucked, same draw stroke. At contact distance, that is about 1.3sec from beep with my hands up at shoulder level. OWB with a cover garment isn't much faster. I don't think many fights are won with a sub 1sec draw time, something most can not do unless their hand is on their gun. That is true of OWB, IWB or pocket.
I wont carry a 5 shot anything as a primary, I know how fast 5 shots can go & the attacker can still be in the fight. I have never heard anyone involved in a fight for their lives think they had enough ammo, 5rds or 55rds.

 

[delcrossv]

70% Front pants pocket
20% Coat pocket
10% OWB or shoulder

 

[Rustyt1953]

Pretty much how I roll:

 

[Ziggy2525]

Pretty much how I roll:
...

Is this your ECQB tool?

 

[Gamer]

IWB 3-4 for me. Tried pocket carry just couldn’t get use to something occupying my pocket all the time but I do believe it’s fast and effective if needed. If I could I’d AIWB but an overhang limits me . As others have said I do practice some and hopefully if the need ever arises I respond as needed.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

My preferred method of carry is OWB but it just becomes very impractical for me in my normal clothes. IWB is my next preference but that depends on the gun I choose and looseness of the pants I elect to wear. So, presently, I carry a J-frame .38 in my front pocket (Model 649 to be precise) or a small 9mm (Walther CCP - even if it is polymer) but I only carry the 9mm in looser fitting slacks and cargo pants. I am extremely aware of the fact that in jeans getting the gun out of my front pocket can be a slow process so I just try to stay alert when I am out and about and I do sometimes keep my hand in my front jeans pocket to make it faster. A very 1960s look in my opinion but I'm old so I can carry it off with aplomb!

 

[fmflorida]

One thing to note about IWB carry is the draw may be slower.....but you have to consider "what situations am I going to face"

If you spend your time in malls, shopping centers and things like that the chances of needing a split second draw are slim.....Most trouble you will see coming...and hopefully be able to avoid....or be able to find cover and draw....

All depends on your motivation for carry as well. If you carry "just in case I get mugged"....having something quick at hand is best for your scenario.

 

[snubbyfan]

Works for me.

 

[Biggfoot44]

What is " Open Carry under a Jacket ? Does not compute , the two are mutually exclusive .

*****************

OWB under untucked shirt . ( Unless I am wearing additional garments for their own reasons .

 

[sigp220.45]

In 33 years of pretty active LE I had to make exactly 2 quick draws - both were on dogs that magically appeared without warning. In those cases my gun was just in my hand without thinking about it. Every other time I would just pull my stuff first.

I carry in my right front waistband, jeans, no belt, tucked tee shirt, unbuttoned shirt to conceal, no reload. If my paranoia kicks I in can hook my thumb in my waistband and be directly over the gun under my shirt.