On the Waist or Under the Arm

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

"The only one I haven't tried yet is a pancake holster."

Here endeth the lesson! Get a good pancake holster before you torture your brain any further.

Beyond that, just think about loose-fitting cover garments, not closely tailored clothing, and materials with some substance (canvas, broadcloth, etc) rather than soft knitted clothing that clings.

And just like Iggy said above, most people pay very little attention to anything around them, just as long as you don't shove it into their faces.

This is from the guy who made a concealable pancake holster for my 5.5" 1917 reproduction, not a small revolver. I think he knows what he's writing about.

If you wear suits, you might consider including your tailor in your planning, although I seem to do well enough with off-the-rack jackets.

BTW, "pancake" was the first thing that popped into my mind when I read your post, and the last that would occur to me as the one not to try.

 

[Sittinduck21]

I had my CCW (LTC in my state) a little while before campus carry became legal, but I didnt carry all that often because I was on the university campus all the time. When campus carry went into effect, even though I knew it was concealed, I walked around with a feeling of impending doom for the first week or so. I'd look behind me all the time to see if anyone was staring at me. When I started appendix carrying, I'd quickly turn around after passing people in the hallway to see if they had noticed anything, nada. Fact is, as much as you think it's really obvious you are carrying, it's really not. People just plain dont pay attention. I realized I could get away with carrying a huge gun, no problems.

The only issue I had is that my backpack would ride uncomfortably on the grip of my pistol in the 4-o'clock while wearing the IWB Galco Kingtuk. And when I sat down in hard plastic chairs, it would make a ridiculously loud :thump!: that struck me as suspicious.

So for awhile, I decided to try appendix carry at the 1-o'clock position. Most of the holsters I found were downright painful to sit down with. I almost gave up on it, when I on a whim I decided to try out the Crossbreed AIWB holster. To my astonishment, it was perfect!. Its got one clip for your belt and it will pivot, so when you sit down and your leg comes up it will pivot clockwise up out of the way so your leg doesn't get pinched. You just have to get in the habit of, when you stand up "readjust your shirt" simultaneously push the holster back down. Do it a couple times and it will become seamless. The Crossbreed AIWB is my favorite holster hands down and I use it with my 9mm Shield. I'd recommend giving it a try.

I thought I'd add, it also possible to tuck your shirt in with the Crossbreed holster. Your shirt will be in front of the gun, kydex and leather, but behind the crossbreed clip. I thought people would take notice of the clip, but they dont. If you are wearing a full suit for work, I'm sure the jacket would distract from the clip anyhow.

 

[WR Moore]

While the suggestions about holsters are good, I see no mention of the other part of the system: THE BELT. You aren't going to carry much of anything on the belts usually available in most stores. You need a good sturdy belt of the same width as the belt slots in your holster(s). Be prepared to spend some fairly serious money (no $7 wallyworld specials), but if you take care of it, it should last for decades.

Your local gun shop or maybe police supply may have a box of used leather products they've accumulated. You might be able to experiment on holster choice for very reasonable prices. Most of us end up with a box of holsters that weren't quite right for us.

It would not hurt to get your tailor involved in making sure the suits drape correctly. I think if you look around, you'll find folks who not only do this work, but some specialize in it.

 

[HorizontalMike]

Holsters are very personal things. Every person has a diff body shape & what works for me may not for you...[snip]...
I like shoulder rigs. But they are hot in summer & unless vert, you are limited to shorter bbl guns. You will likely need to do what most of us have done, buy several diff holsters & try them. Either iwb, owb, you want a sturdy 1.5" belt.

Bingo! Buy them ALL!... That ends up being the answer.

I have two shoulder rigs... an Uncle Mike's and a X15 Bianchi. They both work, but here in South Texas it never seems cool enough to wear either.

I have two paddle holsters that I wear all of the time. Just have to remember to un-tuck my T-shirt or wear one of my leather riding vests.

I have an IWB that I don't/won't use. Just don't like the fit...

I have an old Safariland #530 Klipsinger, that fits like a newer paddle holster. Bought it back in 1986, and I really like this one.

And lastly I have a BLW 624LH Lew Horton pancake that fits my 627PC. I have worn this, but don't like having to un-belt and re-belt all the time.

As far as BELTs, I always just wear web belts. They breath where as thick leather belts just get soaked with sweat in these hot Summers in the South.

 

[Florida J Frame]

My LCP II with the extended mag disappears in a Mitch Rosen Express belt holster on a GOOD gun belt. I use a Bull Hide or 30 Dollar Gun Belt and an untucked polo as a cover.

 

[KFrame38]

All these suggestions are great. Thank you. My job requires a lot of siting; I write reports for hours, then hop in the truck and drive for hours, then sit in a meeting for hours, then start over. I have found that sitting, especially driving with a waist holster is very uncomfortable. I should probably stick with a shoulder while working, seeing as I have to wear a jacket no matter the weather, and find a waist holster that works for me for when I'm off work. I've tried a lot of uncle mikes and really don't like them too much. Even tried making my own, that did not work out. I'll keep searching and hope for that magic combination.

 

[bigggbbruce]

You're either incredibly self conscious about carrying a pistol, or you have a body style unlike any ever seen on the planet.

Keep Calm, and Carry On . . .

I've always said, if you can see my carry gun you're looking me over more than I want you to.

 

[American1776]

A j-frame can be hidden anywhere, with summer clothing. Try a pocket holster, and IWB holster. A polo shirt untucked will hide any reasonable pistol with the right holster. Get a sturdy gun belt too.

 

[gwpercle]

Check out the Sneaky Pete Line of cell phone carrier holsters.
Sneaky Pete is Neat, Discrete and Allrete !

 

[fredj338]

All these suggestions are great. Thank you. My job requires a lot of siting; I write reports for hours, then hop in the truck and drive for hours, then sit in a meeting for hours, then start over. I have found that sitting, especially driving with a waist holster is very uncomfortable. I should probably stick with a shoulder while working, seeing as I have to wear a jacket no matter the weather, and find a waist holster that works for me for when I'm off work. I've tried a lot of uncle mikes and really don't like them too much. Even tried making my own, that did not work out. I'll keep searching and hope for that magic combination.

Not the best for concealment but a cross draw is hard to beat sitting all day.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Most here have spent much time and money experimenting with different holsters for different carry guns in order to find comfortable, secure fits. We have the drawer full of runners_up to prove it.

Five years ago, my search ended when I paired a DeSantis SuperFly pocket holster with an LCP. They work very well with J-frames, too.



Be patient, it will come. Good luck.

 

[haywood]

Sitting in the shade at Sandusky Bay. Carrying the 36 AIWB & 442 in my pocket no problems.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Most here have spent much time and money experimenting with different holsters for different carry guns in order to find comfortable, secure fits. We have the drawer full of runners_up to prove it.

After years of buying used guns, I have a good sized box of "FREE" holsters that came with the guns.

I have a few that work just right. Did I mention, free..

 

[CH4]

FWIW, I mostly carry via fanny pack or in a pancake at the 4 o’clock position when carrying OWB - never carry IWB. However, when carrying a large revolver/auto, or if I am going to be sitting, i.e., driving, I use a shoulder rig.

 

[dben002]

Thanks for the info. I'm 5'9 about 200. I usually wear a suite for work. When off of work I typically wear jeans and t-shirt or a loose jacket when cold. The 9 was too heavy, so no point in going with that. I have a .38 J frame that's fairly heavy and fat. I was thinking of using my .308 Bersa. It's light and slim, but the handle still pokes out.

No bragging here just facts...I am 5'11 191 lbs not slinder by the definition (72 years old with a small puggy belly...carry a Shield 9 or 45 or a glock 19 at 1:00 oclock appendix and you could never notice even knowing that...those that don't know don't pay attention anyway......


It all depends on having the correct holster for the weapon and the ride height.....It is done all day long by thousands of people......You also can do it...but it takes a bit of knowledge and trial and error to determine the best fit for the weapon.....

 

[rafbentwaters]

I agree with WR Moore, a thick sturdy belt is the foundation for waist carry (concealed or open). You want your holster and pistol grips to be exactly where you expect them to be. With Texas adopting open carry, I no longer worry about exposing my firearm.

Also, at 6' 5" and 225 lbs, most people aren't checking to see if I'm carrying. And if they do check, they'll just see my S&W Model 15 Combat Masterpiece, assume I'm a cop and walk away.

 

[DepOne]

I think it was Clint Smith who said carrying a gun is comforting, not comfortable. However carrying a quality holster with a, very important, QUALITY GUN BELT, can be comfortable. That could be what you are missing. Typical dress belts will not support a gun properly. If you want to carry in your pocket, try Blackhawk's little brown holster that only costs about $15. You almost can't make it come out with the gun.

 

[snubbyfan]

Pancake holster works for me.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUoTu0B18hU[/ame]

 

[jwk]

Quality belt. Try On Your Six Pyrex IWB holster for the Berea. Buy your pants bigger. I went up. 2 inches in jeans for IWB carry. Wear a covering garment or big shirt. Dark polos work well. Also Haiwian shirts work well.
Frankly not a whole lot of people look at us guys beltline.

 

[ladder13]

I’ve been pocket carrying in warm weather for decades, and OWB in winter with a sweatshirt or light jacket. Works for me. ymmv and should.