My "First Time"

[Steely Dan]

Only problem I having now is that my old belt seems to have shrunk, so should I make one out of heavy strap leather or just buy one. I do intend to have just the one belt for a while.

Shrinking belts and belly button lint, some of life's great mysteries!

I believe a good pocket holster in some cargo shorts will be a very comfortable way to carry (as you stated in your post).

I also like the 1:00 o'clock appendix carry suggestion.

I would assume that is with an untucked shirt. I like it because you can "see" if the gun is exposed. No fear of exposure if bent over picking something up.

I noticed that the rubber Hogue grip catches fabric when you bend over to pick something up (another good reason to bend the knees and not the back).

 

[MichiganScott]

If you carry with the shirt tucked in around the holster you need to practice drawing and firing the pistol. I've found that with my build, arthritis, and normal way of dress that there is no way that I can draw quickly from a tucked holster. I've resorted to carrying untucked with a cover garment. I find Crossbreed type holsters are extremely comfortable carried that way.

 

[Roan Ranger]

Newbie to CC also. Getting more comfortable with it. I OWB carry a .38 S&W Chief's Special in a Bianchi pancake w/thumb break. I found that wearing it around the farm doing farm work has helped me become more comfortable with it. I carry it at 4 o'clock and I am able to throw hay, and do just about anything. I wear it to the grocery store, hardware store, etc. and finally am at the point that I almost forget it is there. For me, wearing it in a comfortable spot was the ticket.

 

[Mickey D]

I prefer untucked button-up shirts, OWB holster at 2:00.


FYI - Wife beaters come in the black variety also.




Really, and gray too. I prefer these over white.
FYI, BVD brand have smaller arm holes which is good.

 

[strbrinky]

I have to agree, carrying is something you have to get used to...
Before I received my permit, I purchased the fannypack holster and wore it around everywhere, which was a learning experience for me anyway to keep tabs on a purse, since I have historically abhorred carrying a purse. Why do it, the BDU's always had enough pockets for stuff, and so do jeans!
Anyway, after attaching that thing to myself, I got used to carrying it before I could carry, and now that I've got my permit, the only difference I notice is that it's heavier (full-size semi).
I know I will eventually move to carrying in a regular holster at some point, but I don't have a small enough gun for that right now, and something, somehow is better than nothing.
I also plan to purchase a more stylish concealment purse but that'll have to wait on funds.
I recommend for those who don't yet (but will) have a permit, wear the holster as you would if you had a gun in it, to get used to that, then you'll be that much more comfortable after you're legal to carry. Can't see any reason why you can't wear an empty holster, otherwise. Anyone know of a problem with that?

 

[SoonerBorn]

Steely Dan, I appreciate you posting your question. I had a similar first-time experience this evening carrying my M&P40 FS in a Lobo IWB holster. I went to the local big box home improvement store and kept wanting to check that my pullover fleece jacket was concealing properly with the holster at about 5. The worst part was needing to get low to pick out some washers that were in the bottom bin. I'm thinking I need a longer jacket or shirt when carrying or try appendix carry.

Thanks to everyone who has replied to the original post - I'm picking up some great tips.

 

[Poodle Soup]

Steely Dan, I appreciate you posting your question. I had a similar first-time experience this evening carrying my M&P40 FS in a Lobo IWB holster. I went to the local big box home improvement store and kept wanting to check that my pullover fleece jacket was concealing properly with the holster at about 5. The worst part was needing to get low to pick out some washers that were in the bottom bin. I'm thinking I need a longer jacket or shirt when carrying or try appendix carry.

Thanks to everyone who has replied to the original post - I'm picking up some great tips.

Keep proper posture (your back straight... you know like your mom always told you growing up) and you wont risk your shirt riding up as much. Carrying at the dog park I always get to pick up my dogs... gifts... learned that one quick.

 

[Clovishound]

Another thing to consider with carry beyond 3:00. If someone spots that you are carrying, they may decide to snatch your weapon. You will likely never realize what they are up to until they have their hand on your weapon. If you carry 1:00 or 2:00, you will be more likely to see them coming up on you, and be in a much better position to guard your weapon.

Not sure how likely the scenario is, but it makes me feel better carrying in front. Draw is quicker and easier IMO. Many training facilities will not allow you to use any carry behind 3:00 during their training sessions. They usually cite sweeping problems for the ban.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

When carrying in the 6 o'clock possition, I use a Galco "Small of the Back"(***), which is muzzel angled down towards your butt, and butt up. There is a similar holster called "Middle of the Back"(MoB), with the gunbutt down. I prefer the butt up style because when drawing, I don't sweep myself. This style isn't real fun if you are in a chair alot, but if you're mostly walking, standing, or sitting on a type of stool it works great, draws quick and conceals easily. I carry full size 1911's and full size Sig,s with these. In my state you can carry concealed inside your house without a permit, this lets you get used to it. Most people who carry have a few holsters they aren't using at the moment, ask if you can borrow one or two to try out. When expermenting with holsters try different positions in 3/4" adjustments, it can make a huge differance, and the belt loops on identical pairs of pants can be in different locations (you may need to move or remove one) I own different holsters for different outfits (mostly seasonal), but try to carry in the same position every time. When you get a second carry gun, find a second carry position so you can carry both (ala BUG), then when clothing dictates only one gun, you have 2 options that you have trained yourself to use. I have 4 different carry positions and specific types of guns for each position. For example, I 99% of the time have a J-frame in my RF pocket, I may carry a different revolver in that pocket or no revolver in that pocket, but never an auto. The left ankel aways gets a Tomcat (that holster is gun dedicated anyway). When I grab one of my guns my muscle memory knows what to do. If you carry reloads, practice reloading with snap-caps at home and live ammo at a range that allows it and follow through with fireing. Ivan

 

[Steely Dan]

Its been on order for 5+ weeks but soon, I can try out a full sized MP 40 in a Crossbreed SuperTuck.

Does anyone carry those in a 4:00-5:00 position?

Should be a major difference, (I assume).

SD

 

[Lost Lake]

I make my own holsters based on the Supertuck style.

I found my 9c extremely comfortable to carry at 3:30 / 4:00 (my waist isn't indexed so I'm guessing a bit).

My build? I am 180lbs of rippling muscle in a 230lb body.

When I got my 3913 it was uncomfortable in the same style holster. So I moved it a touch lower and then forward just about 15 minutes and BAM! unbelievably comfortable.

Same with the Shield. Little tweaks here and there and then it's perfect. I don't know if it's the gun falling in a skin crease or the belt crossing the gun at a specific point, but small tweaks can make a big difference.

And your belt.... With a cheap belt none of my holsters carry as nice as with my Beltman belt. You have to have a good belt for ultimate comfort.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

Its been on order for 5+ weeks but soon, I can try out a full sized MP 40 in a Crossbreed SuperTuck.

Does anyone carry those in a 4:00-5:00 position?

I carry my M&P 9c in a Crossbreed ST in the 4 o'clock, same with my S&W 642 when I am not carrying it in my pocket. I keep my different holsters in the same position...that way I don't have to remember which gun/holster I have on in any given day. For my 642 I carry my reloads in a Quick Strip, which are in a Quick Strip pouch. When I carry my 9c I carry a spare magazine in a magazine pouch that mounts in a horizontal position on my belt...makes it a lot more comfortable.

One thing not discussed is using a public restroom. I usually try to avoid that experience, but if the need does present itself consider using the Handicap Stall. They are wide enough to prevent an adjacent person from seeing or trying to grab your gun while you are "Busy". I never remove my gun from its holster during the visit...don't want to take a chance of dropping it or worse yet forgetting it altogether.

http://www.tuffproducts.com/home.php?cat=271

 

[snubbyfan]

I carry my M&P 9c in a Crossbreed ST in the 4 o'clock, same with my S&W 642 when I am not carrying it in my pocket. I keep my different holsters in the same position...that way I don't have to remember which gun/holster I have on in any given day. For my 642 I carry my reloads in a Quick Strip, which are in a Quick Strip pouch. When I carry my 9c I carry a spare magazine in a magazine pouch that mounts in a horizontal position on my belt...makes it a lot more comfortable.

One thing not discussed is using a public restroom. I usually try to avoid that experience, but if the need does present itself consider using the Handicap Stall. They are wide enough to prevent an adjacent person from seeing or trying to grab your gun while you are "Busy". I never remove my gun from its holster during the visit...don't want to take a chance of dropping it or worse yet forgetting it altogether.

Tuff Products :: QuickStrip™ Pouches

Here's a link for ya.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/concealed-carry-self-defense/293899-secrets-bathroom-stall.html

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

Actually the over-sized stalls, of which there are 2, in my local Walmart do not say for Handicapped only, nor are there any picture symbols to designate them for such people. They are merely over-sized and as such much safer for those who happen to be carrying a weapon. Given that my time there is usually less than 5 minutes and it happens to be much more convenient while carrying I will continue to use them. If you can't wait a mere couple of minutes, perhaps you should find another place to have lunch.

 

[Steely Dan]

I carry my M&P 9c in a Crossbreed ST in the 4 o'clock, same with my S&W 642 when I am not carrying it in my pocket. I keep my different holsters in the same position...that way I don't have to remember which gun/holster I have on in any given day. For my 642 I carry my reloads in a Quick Strip, which are in a Quick Strip pouch. When I carry my 9c I carry a spare magazine in a magazine pouch that mounts in a horizontal position on my belt...makes it a lot more comfortable.

One thing not discussed is using a public restroom. I usually try to avoid that experience, but if the need does present itself consider using the Handicap Stall. They are wide enough to prevent an adjacent person from seeing or trying to grab your gun while you are "Busy". I never remove my gun from its holster during the visit...don't want to take a chance of dropping it or worse yet forgetting it altogether.

Tuff Products :: QuickStrip™ Pouches

Yes, I would say the urinal (though convenient) puts you in the most vulnerable position.

 

[Houdini1953]

Its been on order for 5+ weeks but soon, I can try out a full sized MP 40 in a Crossbreed SuperTuck.

Does anyone carry those in a 4:00-5:00 position?

Should be a major difference, (I assume).

SD

I have both the Crossbreed as well as the MTAC Minotaur and prefer the MTAC hands down as to quality fit comfort and leather finished both inside and out over the kevlar. They both are about the same price but in my opinion the MTAC is superior YMMV but you can try one out for yourself, my Crossbreed merely holds weapons that I do not carry to protect them!

 

[Steely Dan]

I have both the Crossbreed as well as the MTAC Minotaur and prefer the MTAC hands down as to quality fit comfort and leather finished both inside and out over the kevlar. They both are about the same price but in my opinion the MTAC is superior YMMV but you can try one out for yourself, my Crossbreed merely holds weapons that I do not carry to protect them!

How long from the time you ordered your Crossbreed until it arrived in the mail?

I ordered mine on Jan 13th.

Nothing yet...........

 

[Rmag]

I carry a 9mm shield in a PJ Holster custom tuckable kydex holster. It is very minimalistic but very concealable. I got the regular belt clip so my belt carries the weight of the gun. This part is visible, but I don't think it is conspicuous enough to draw attention. In the 4 o'clock position it is tucked up next to my iPhone holster which shades the clip a bit.

The other nice thing is that it works as a regular IWB with normal cover (I don't need to tuck it when I am dressed more casual).

Here is a few pictures:

Normal:

Shirt pulled taught:

Exposed:

I got the deep concealed 30° cant.

There is also a very good video on YouTube at PJ Holster - Custom Kydex Holsters - YouTube

 

[kaaskop49]

Wherever on your person you decide to carry concealed, for heaven's sake, don't disclose it or show off your holstered firearm. Out here, in the west, I see folks doing this all the time in gunshops and amongst friendlies. Why? Back in NYC, we would NEVER do this, NYPD would frown upon it. The last thing you need is someone discussing your concealed carry method when you're not present. And they will. Ton of prevention, people.

 

[Steely Dan]

I tried the 1 o'clock method today and I really like it.

Seems much easier, less noticeable and I know if its covered.

I just bloused out my golf shirt.

Sitting the truck? Different story. Dug into me.

I can't angle my holster.

May have to experiment more but for walking around, I really like the 1 o'clock position.