The Lost Art of the Full Size Carry

[tomrkba]

Thoughts, in no order:

1) Split loop holsters hide a bit better than holsters with the loops on the face. IWB or OWB: Milt Sparks Criterion and any pancake holster are examples.

2) Straight cut shirts where the width at the arm pits is nearly the same as at the waist.

3) A solid gunbelt at least 1.5" wide provides a stable platform. Keep in mind wider belts may not fit in all pant loops.

4) Gun belts degrade over time. Part ways when the weight of the gun starts causing the butt to tilt back.

5) Ammo pouches must also be concealed. IWB holders affect the feel of the IWB holster. They conceal better, but they can change pressure points and add some on the opposite side. The Glock 20/21/29/30 mags have the largest diameter and require a good holder.

6) Consider magazine material when buying your gun. Cost matters, but doesn't matter so much three years down the road. Glock mags are thicker than M&P mags and other steel tube mags. The difference does matter.

7) Speed loaders continue to be a problem. The "Split Six" style belt holder is a decent compromise when the snap works (dumping a loader on the floor of a restaurant is not good). Moon clip holders are still limited in the marketplace. I built an IWB dual eight shot moonclip holder that worked well, but never sold them commercially. Carrying either in a pocket is unacceptable—they print badly and don't maintain orientation to facilitate the draw.

8) The new racheting belts may be a better way since they allow precise tensioning around the waist. Read reviews and make sure there are no stories of the buck suddenly releasing.

9) Forward cant helps hide the gun. 15-30 degrees seems to be available. For example, the Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 has approximately 20 degrees and the Criterion has 25.

10) Use snap or permanent loops, never magnets. Avoid all clips of all sorts on holsters. I have not had trouble with a clip mounted mag holder...yet.

11) Holsters should be reinforced with metal or so other material. I used to use the DeSantis Cozy Partner, but it collapsed during a long day of training.

12) Some leather OWB mag holders won't release the mag properly even with adjusted tension. You will know if you have to pull exactly upward in a particular way without any "slop". I had to cut a small "v" in the corner to allow me to pull it out at a slight angle.

13) Always buy single pouches so you can adjust them to go with the curve of your body. Dual pouches typically do not bend between them and will print. They feel like a big block on the belt too.

14) Always carry at least on reload. You cannot predict your fight. Two detectives died to teach us this lesson.

15) Avoid being conscious of your gun. This produces "tells" that you are carrying. Adopt a certain attitude.

16) Long slides and barrels hidden IWB will poke out through the rear pocket. A thin, empty wallet may help.

17) Tuckable holsters make the wearer look like they have a large tumor.

18) Concealed carry break away pants look goofy and are generally ugly.

19) I have tried all methods of carry. Belt carry is best. Off body carry can work, but is a very distant second.

20) I have tried to like the Askins Avenger style holster and bought two a year ago. They do not hide well as compared to IWB or a pancake holster. The top of the gun sticks out too much. Sometimes, the front belt channel lacks enough space to accommodate the belt while curving around the gun.

 

[Oldsalt66]

Daily carry isn't about carrying the smallest, thinnest, lightest, low capacity pistol you can find; it's about carrying the pistol you want to find in your hand in the unfortunate event things go badly and you need to use it.

 

[zeke]

Carry a 3 in 1911 in summer with one spare mag, and a commander with 5" barrel in the other seasons with 2 spares. Belt/Suspenders and checkered button down light cotton shirts in summer. Heavy flannel shirts in winter. Carrying a iwb hybrid with full size at 3 o'clock and FBI tilt . Helps keep the butt angle more parallel to body requiring slight draw adjustment.

While outside in colder weather add a mid size in outer coat pocket.

 

[RobzGuns]

Daily carry isn't about carrying the smallest, thinnest, lightest, low capacity pistol you can find; it's about carrying the pistol you want to find in your hand in the unfortunate event things go badly and you need to use it.

Exactly... If you scan the forums, one will find hundreds of threads started by people saying they can't carry [Fill in the Brand/Model] because it prints too much in what they wear.

If people follow the simple guideline listed in reply #10, anyone SHOULD be able to conceal any pistol/revolver they wish to carry, without being 'made'.

Does that mean one needs to dress like a Mall Ninja or Weekend Warrior? No, but they may not be able to dress like the fashionista they want to be. A slight compromise may be in order.

(Unless you have a taylor like the one in John Wick Chapter 2)

 

[steelslaver]

Very very few people are going to give you a real thorough look see for a gun. Most people who really are checking are not the ones who are going to be your problem. Use some basic sense, use the advice about clothes and a good holster and belt and quit touching your gun, tugging on your shirt etc. 99% 5of the world is busy enough with their own problems, tasks etc to be worried enough to check you out to see if you have a strange bulge somewhere. Just like deer, if they don't move most people never see them.