Thoughts on Carrying Large Semi-Autos

[IslayMalt]

I carry my full-size Kimber everywhere I go; either IWB or belt. The 442 I bought for when I didn't want something so big. When I finally get some decent holsters then I'll see if I carry it more often. I may very well, as long as I can find a decent IWB rig for it. From what I've found so far a Rosen ARG seems to be the best choice, even though I can't tuck it in. Which isn't necessarly a big deal. A sportcoat or jacket would cover it, like it does the 1911. But I've never tried the 1911 with dress pants which seems like the place where a j-frame would come in handy.

Well I finally received a DeSantis Speed Scabbard. Fits great. Next thing is a IWB, which will probably be a ARG, unless I find something that is realistically tuckable (not photoshopped). Of course with dress pants a pocket carry should work just fine.

 

[Springfeildkid585]

“Silversmok3”:

You are certainly not an anomaly. The 4506 like the 1911 is a relatively flat gun that can be easily tucked down into the waistband without a great deal of discomfort to the wearer or distortion of the body’s natural sight lines, which, if disturbed, might serve to give things away to even a casual observer.

Fact is, if you are male and wearing the gun in a typical behind-the-strong-side-hip position, it is quite often the bulk of a reholsterable IWB model and not the gun itself that can cause a problem of waistline bulging and pant surfaces distorting enough to become a “tell” for others to pick up on. Note that the more common collapsible, soft-bodied designs are not as prone to creating this effect but they can have problems of their own.

I have to agree, I carry my 1911 in a tuckible occasionaly and always have to wear a loose shirt or jacket to cover the bulge, and i expiriance discomfort when sitting. However; about a week ago my brother came home earlier than expected. As is the standard method, I grabed my pistol and made a positive i.d. from upstairs before he climbed them(not puting him in my line of fire only moving towards the stairs while calling down) he told me he had brought a party to the back yard. I knew most the people, so i just tucked it without a holster in my waistband at a 6 o'clock position(same as w/ the tuck. It was comfortible and not a single person made me. I wouldn't recomend it for daily carry, but clearly it's the holster more than the gun. I'm definatly planing on getting something more compact when my bank account allows it.

 

[6thtexas]

I've been toting my Sig 220 in a Remora holster and I am amazed how well it conceals

 

[ralph7]

my most carried gun is a seecamp .32 in a pocket holster in my back pocket.
i have a safe full of guns and have carried everything imaginable, but the seecamp is comfortable to the point of forgetting about it and i can wear any type of clothing.

 

[Scrat]

i usually carry my .40 sigma or my sd9 both full size... course im not exactly on target for weight either lol

 

[cavnamvet]

Close to home I usually carry a Kahr P9 or Springfield Armory
9mm EMP.

When I go into Miami I carry a Glock 19, with my Colt 6920
in the vehicle.

 

[ArmedBadger]

We just past concealed carry here in Wisconsin. I was planing on carrying my Kel-Tec P3AT or my S&W Sigma 9, but now I'm having second thoughts. That's why I'm here.

 

[Knightrider03m]

I normally carry my Sigma. I like full size guns due to the fact that I can shoot them better, I have a better grip on it, and I have more rounds to work with before I have to reload.

 

[Vartarg]

Mixed

I've been carrying for 16 years, and have carried lots of different guns over that time.

I'm currently retired, and most often carry my Kimber SS Compact .45ACP (Milt Rosen IWB) or J frame S&W Airweight (Uncle Mike's pocket holster in the right front pocket).

 

[Etemmu]

I have carried a fs USP40, but only in the fall/winter. If I had a 45 I could probably pull that off during the summer. I should really get a 45...

 

[SMITHTEX45ACP]

I have been carrying concealed since the Texas Concealed Handgun License came out. I have tried all kinds and sizes of weapons and realized that the weapon is only a small part of the equation. There are so many variables that make concealed carry comfortable, accessable and especially concealable. I have read intently, over the years, any information, opinion and actual facts, taking in the person, their mode of dress, places they carry and what is carried in those particular places. I have purchased and tried most kinds of holsters and carried each of my handguns in many of them....not just one. Saying this has been an expensive and tedious process is an understatement.....but one that has given me insight to what works and what doesnt....at least for me. I have freely given my experience to those who have asked but never forced anything upon anyone. If something works for me but not for another...or vice-versa, I will not, in any way, show disrespect for what they do or do not. What works for one might be completely wrong for another. I know a guy that carries a Hi-Point .380 in an Uncle Mikes OWB holster. He can draw it in a heartbeat and put 5 rounds in a silver dollar sized target at 15' repeatably!!!

Lets start with the support system.....the belt!!! I dont care how comfortable you think your rig is.....try it with a proper "gun belt" and you will know support and comfort. Proper belt support will allow guns of much larger caliber, weight and round capacity to be carried comfortably. I have even seen folks use suspenders to help spread that load evenly across their shoulders as well. Suspenders will disappear under a shirt.

The holster......well here is where most folks scrimp and never get a real feel for just how secure the gun can be carried. My personal preference, for my size 6'-6" and 42 waist, is inside the waistband (IWB). It suits 99.9% of my mode of dress when I conceal. I have tried many styles of IWB holsters by many different manufacturers, custom and off the rack. My favorite is the custom with either straps or kydex clips positioned fore and aft the gun. This type of design spreads the support around my waist instead of concentrating it in one spot, like the single strap/clip, in the middle does. The spread design also prevents the holster from rocking back and forth. My favorite holsters are made either of leather or horsehide, because of their ability to hold securely but give when needed. I have tried hybrid (leather/kydex) holster and they are my second choice. Pure kydex does not work for me.

The gun....my personal favorite is my Wilson Combat Professional. A stainless 4" 1911. I also carry a KelTec PF9 as a BUG in a leather pocket holster and even as main carry from time to time with a leather IWB as well. I recently found a gun I have been looking for many years, a S&W 1066 and have found an IWB holster I can use for it. It will be carried as much as my Wilson. I also carry my full sized (5") 1911's, in a high end leather IWB holster, using a true leather gun belt and have done so comfortably for years.

Lastly practice the draw, using snap caps of course, in the clothing you wear when you carry, wearing whatever you carry. You might have the best gun, holster, gun belt and ammo available.....but if you can't get the gun out and on target quickly and efficiently....it's all for naught. Practice, practice practice!!!

Good luck with your choice!!

SMITHTEX

 

[Helderberg]

I work at a job where I am standing, kneeling, and lying down at some point everyday. For that reason I use a S&W 380 Bodyguard in a Galco pocket holster. I am currently working on a LC9 IWB but have yet to find the right holster.
Be safe, Frank.