Tips for Someone Just Starting to CC?

[SuperGoat]

I am use to shooting guns of most calibers and I own several, however I have been wanting a carry gun for a while now. After doing some reading and shopping around I got a 442-2 about a month ago (I have always been more comfortable with revolvers and they make up almost all of the guns I own). It came with a Kydex holster like the one in this picture (not my photo).
I have been hearing different opinions and advice on how I should wear it and if I should get a different holster. I would like to get some advice from all of you on best ways to carry and holster choices. Also I keep reading that a good amount of people have more than one CCW which they rotate out with one another, why is that? Should I get another gun for carrying?
One other problem I am running into is most of the advice I am getting are from male carriers. Does the way I carry my gun differ because I am a woman? I have been finding it a challenge trying to figure out where I can conceal a gun with the much more form fitting female clothing (I do not carry a purse).

 

[Wise_A]

On Different Holsters

You're likely going to need to try a few. Most people have a Box o' Holsters sitting unused in their basement. Instead of buying one or two really nice holsters at $75-$100 each, consider looking for a variety at the $40 price point, for instance.

How you carry is going to be dependent on personal preference, the gun you're using, what you normally wear, how often (and how long) you carry, what environments you're carrying in, what you're doing, how critical it is to maintain "perfect" concealment, what your body type is like...

In short, nobody can really tell you but you, and you're going to have to find out for yourself.

On Rotating Guns

There are really two groups of people that do this.

One group changes up their carry gun based on the needs of the day. Maybe in the summer, they carry something a bit smaller because they can't conceal their full-size pistol with a t-shirt and jeans. Maybe they carry a 5-shot .38 Spl J-frame around town, but if they're headed to a big-city mall, they switch over to a compact 10-shot 9mm.

The other group swaps stuff around because they get bored. It's fine--it's their choice, after all--but only if they maintain competency with every gun they carry. I've seen enough people struggle to remember to chamber a round with a pistol (yes, really), or forget how to work the decocker on a DA/SA they own but never shoot.

Do you need more than one gun? No, so long as the one you pick does everything you need it to do. It might take a little more effort if that one gun is something more "CCW midsize" than if you had a .380 mouse gun to fall back on, but it's not like CCW isn't something that should be approached with zero effort.

Now, the flip side is that you may not actually carry every day (sacrilege, I know, but also reality). In my case, it's just not legal for me to do so. That's fine. Yes, it's true that if you ever need to use your gun, you're not going to see the need in advance. If you could, being a normal, reasonable human being, you'd have avoided the threat. But it's equally true that you're more likely to never need it at all.

Everything about CCW is a compromise--not just the guns.

Male vs Female Bodies

There is absolutely a difference between men and women. Our bodies are shaped differently. You should absolutely seek advice from female carriers. I think that Tom Givens' wife contributes a little in his books, but it might be John Farnham or somebody else.

As for clothes, you might have to make some style sacrifices. Tight tanks and hiphugger jeans just don't lend themselves to concealing a handgun via traditional means. But--women also get to accessorize in ways that men can't get away with (and not just purses!). Maybe you add a light jacket or a blazer, or tie a sweater around your waist. You can wear a billowy shirt in the summer--literally, IWB E-Z mode--and a vest that would scream "concealed weapon" on a guy doesn't raise a bit of suspicion on a lady.

Sexism can work for you, too. People don't expect women to be carrying a gun. Criminals are no more enlightened. No purse--hey, great, no bag of nasty items (pepper spray and cell phone) to worry about.

And there are way more female-specific carry options than you might think! There are "belly-bands" that go under a shirt, letting you carry either in front, or in some cases, at 3 o'clock. There are other bands for carry on the thigh or calf. There are athletic-type tanks that can be worn under another shirt and have pockets for a carry position similar to a shoulder holster. Everything you can imagine, from presentable Ts that can be worn under a button-down shirt, to...(ahem) underthings.

Spend some time with Google, you'll see what I mean. Point is, there are more companies with quality products for alternative carry (read: some kind of waistline holster) for women than there are for men. And given that women are the fastest-growing segment of gun owners in the country, there are more quality options out there than ever before.

 

[bigwheelzip]

I have been finding it a challenge trying to figure out where I can conceal a gun with the much more form fitting female clothing (I do not carry a purse).

Does the way I carry my gun differ because I am a woman?

If your unwilling to modify your form fitting wardrobe, you limit your options. When my husband and I decided to carry, it required wardrobe modification to carry in the manor we felt comfortable (IWB 4:00). It took trial and error, and a box full of holsters, before we figured out what worked best for us.

There are so many factors that go into making the carry decision, it's probably best to just start carrying. Any problems will make themselves know quickly. A purpose-built holster belt is a good thing to start with.

I'd imagine that since you live in an open-carry state, that printing is not punishable, but it's good to be able to conceal anyway.

The difference in carry that women may experience is that your shape may cant the grips toward your ribs.

One benefit to your living up north is that for a major portion of the year, you can wear a cover garment like a vest which expands your options.

 

[Ziggy2525]

In terms of number of pistols, I have two of my carry pistols. Two 642's for me. I alternate which one I carry monthly. The one one that's not being carried is what I use for dry fire (most days) and shooting at the range (weekly).

It does two things for me. I'm not loading and unloading my carry pistol daily for dry fire practice. I figure the less I'm transitioning from loaded to dry fire and back, the less chance for a negligent discharge. It also gives me a spare if one has to be repaired. One of my 642's locked up and needed to go back to S&W (revolvers do break).

In terms of holsters, lots of people like kydex. I think kydex in uncomfortable for IWB. I prefer leather. I've shot rifles and shotguns most of my life. When I started shooting pistols a few years ago, I thought it was the pistols that would be expensive. It's the holsters. Sort of like razor blades, but you put them in a box instead of throwing them away.

 

[Old cop]

I see posts from people who rotate carry guns and that's something I don't understand. If you're involved in a self defense shooting (I've been there as a cop) things will go down so fast you will not have time to think. If you decide to rotate it would be wiser (IMHO) to keep the operating platform the same. That means always carry a revolver or always carry a semi auto.

 

[Arik]

Clothing definitely makes a big difference. It's probably harder for women then men. Women's clothing is typically more form fitting. You will definitely have to modify something. Start with a good belt. Specifically one made for carrying a gun. That will make all the difference. When buying jeans I have my holster with me and start with 2 sizes bigger, to accommodate the holster. If my waist is 34 I start with 36 and then go to relaxed or loose fit depending on the actual company. Some jeans are fine in normal fit while others are still tight in loose fit. Some jeans are still too big in size 36 and some will be too small across their whole line. So be prepared to try a bunch. After a while you'll figure out which company works for you. For instance I know that Levi's typically are cut smaller than Wrangler.

Holsters are something that everyone has a box of. Keep trying different ones to see what works.....IF your current one doesn't. I find that I don't like outside the waist holsters or inside the waist with only one clip (which is what you have in the picture). I prefer one wider with 2 clips spread apart. I feel it distributes the weight better and pulls in tighter to my body.

Generic photo

This MY comfort level. Yours may be totally different.

You'll also have to find a spot on your body where it's most comfortable. Each spot will be a trade off between comfort/concealability and ease of access. The easiest place to draw from is by your stomach area. That's called the "appendix" carry, however it's usually the least comfortable..... depending on your build.

Look for a holster that you can adjust the cant. That's where you can move the clips up/down to angle the gun and hide the grip better. If you are carrying on your hip and the gun is straight up and down the grip may poke out from the back. This will depend on your shape and type of gun. If you were to lift up the front facing clip and lower the back one the gun will tilt forward and the grip will now be on an angle thus concealing better.

Again...it's will all be what fits you. No two people are the same.

Darker shirts conceal better. And, like jeans, you'll have to try a bunch to see which fit better.

If you carry inside the waist the holder is up against your skin. That may start to get irritating. I wear an undershirt (tank top) all year round. I don't know how summers in Id are like but here in Pa winters are cold and snowy and summers are hot and brutally humid.i still wear an undershirt. I find it also helps if I sweat....I don't sweat through my shirt. Also, most of us go from house to car to store, which are all air conditioned. The min or two we spend outside in between those places is not a big deal.

----------------------------

As to carrying different guns.... like Old cop said....it's something I don't understand. There are times you may need a smaller gun due to clothing restrictions. Usually formal attire. But otherwise one gun should be enough. Know where you live, realize there is no perfect gun or caliber and carry a good quality gun. If you're in or around a big city a different gun with more ammo may make more sense. If you have a small town where everyone knows your name .... a small revolver may be all you need.

I carry a Glock 19 all day and all year with the exception of having to wear formal attire or walking my dog. Those times I have 2 other guns that fit that need. My work clothes are t-shirts and jeans and I can conceal a Glock easily. I can also shoot it better than a revolver. I don't understand why people switch up just because but that's their problem.



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[oneounceload]

As a female, you will want to read Kathy Jackson's site - CorneredCat;:
Cornered Cat | If you have to fight, fight like a cornered cat.

Her book is $20, her site has all kinds of info - written by a female instructor for women (and especially their know-it-all husbands!) on carrying, guns and different types, etc. IIRC, she is still a Mod on The Firing Line under the name of PAX.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I see posts from people who rotate carry guns and that's something I don't understand. If you're involved in a self defense shooting (I've been there as a cop) things will go down so fast you will not have time to think. If you decide to rotate it would be wiser (IMHO) to keep the operating platform the same. That means always carry a revolver or always carry a semi auto.

I agree completely. Same handgun, same holster, same carry position every day, and that includes range training and practice. The time when you are confronted by a threat requiring armed defense is not the time to find yourself wondering what you are carrying, where you are carrying it, whether or not there are mechanical safety devices to deal with, etc.

Everything in holster design involves compromises among the 4 basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealment. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises in the other factors. Only you can decide which factor(s) are most important for your needs; there is no "perfect holster" for every user or situation.

The female form is generally different from males. Most women benefit from a somewhat lower riding holster than a man might use, and a neutral cant (carry angle) can be of benefit. Carry at the 3:00 position (directly over the point of the hip), or slightly forward of that position, frequently provides good comfort with good accessibility.

Cover garments (blouse, sweater, vest, jacket, etc) should be of a full-cut design rather than closely form-fitting. Materials with some body (canvas, poplin, broadcloth, etc) are generally better than soft woven garments that tend to cling.

Don't be surprised is you have to try two or three different holster designs before finding what works best for you. Most of us have had to do that, sometimes again and again.

Best regards from an old retired cop and holster maker.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Hi SuperGoat:

Lots of good advice so far. I'm not a fan of off-body carry, and I've been having discussions with my daughter about concealed carry - so I'm learning lots about the challenges that ladies have carrying concealed handguns. The Model 442 and stainless steel equivalent Model 642 are excellent concealed carry handguns. If you wear pants with baggy front pockets, you might want to consider pocket carry. If you pocket carry, you should always use a holster to help break-up the outline of the piece, and for safety's sake. Also, don't carry anything else in the pocket with the handgun. For pocket holsters, I'm partial to the DeSantis Nemesis holster. Some people don't like them, but a good, lightweight shoulder holster can also be an option with a good cover garment. I like the Ken Null shoulder holsters: K.L. Null Holsters Home Page

As far as a cover garment goes, it gets really hot here in Texas. I'll wear an Under Armor type T-shirt, and a loosely fitting Aloha-type shirt as a cover garment. If your cover garment has a lot of patterns in it, it will help disguise the holster and handgun, and you can button a few of the buttons to keep it from flapping open and exposing your handgun. Bianchi used to make an excellent shoulder holster - the 9R, that is still available on the used market. This is a very good holster that can also be used on the belt if the shoulder harness is removed. You might also want to look at the Remora holster: Home | Remora Concealment Holsters

The Remora is used for IWB (In the Waist Band carry), but can also be used as a pocket carry holster if your pockets are big enough (I often use mine for a jacket pocket holster).

One final thing to consider - every gun store I've ever been to has a "box of used holsters" somewhere in the store (usually in the back, or under a counter). Ask to see it, and you might find some good holsters at decent prices. Generally, the gun store owner didn't pay a nickel for the holsters - they are usually thrown in by the previous owner of a handgun that was bought by the gun store - so negotiate the prices accordingly.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[wingriderz]

Congrats on the 442. Mine is around. 6 + years old. I pocket carry ot on a blackhaw pocket holster. Depends on your clothing. As far as a rotation on carry I do many .32, .380, .38 (442) , 9mm , 40, & 45 Acp. To answer your question my carry gun varies on where I am at and going. All are pocket except the 40, & 45.

 

[jmace57]

I can't contribute much, other than to say you might see if there is are women's carry forums..or perhaps women's law enforcement forums (fora?) where you could ask some questions.

 

[ContinentalOp]

In general, I would advise you to view your gun as one tool in a tool box. Ideally, in addition to skill-at-arms you should work on developing observation/situational awareness/avoidance skills, unarmed self defense, and first aid/trauma care. People have different time and/or financial constraints so do the best you can with the resources you have to learn these skills.

I would try to avoid off-body carry, i.e. purses/bags/etc. You said you don't carry purses so that shouldn't be a problem, but do keep it in mind. It's much easier to secure your gun when you carry it on your person.

As for female-specific advice, well, I can't help you there. Instead, I'll share some videos...

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogGBPVk5GQk[/ame]

She has other videos on her channel that might be worth viewing.

Melody Lauer
- YouTube

This is Melody Lauer's channel. She's a female firearms instructor and has lots of videos that are female-oriented.

ETA: I'll also recommend a few books that, while not female-focused, may be of general help. The Snubby Revolver, by Ed Lovette; Defensive Living, by Ed Lovette and Dave Spaulding; Gun Digest Book of the Revolver, by Grant Cunningham; and Protect Yourself With Your Snubnose Revolver, by Grant Cunningham.

I hope that helps.

 

[AZretired]

Okay, I rotate between to J Frames, a 642 and a 638. Both have Altamont boot grips so I carry whatever I feel like on a given day. I pocket carry during the summer and belt carry during cooler weather. Too many years of Sam Browne belts and sitting on my wallet have made IWB a non option for me.

 

[uncleted327]

I change my carry gun throughout the year for the same reason I have different kinds of shoes and clothes. The time of year and my activity dictates what I carry. My cool weather gun is a 586 L-Comp, when the hot, humid days of summer role around I want something other than a 36oz+ gun on my hip.

 

[crazyphil]

I have had a few thousand Concealed Weapons License students over
the past 17 years, and a high percentage of them have been female.
What I mean is I have been aware of your particular needs for a while.

Some of the things I have to say may or may not apply to you. Take
them for what they are worth.

First, when you need your gun for personal protection, you will probably
need it quick. Many places people carry are not quick. Like purses for
example.

I have also found that many women, and some men, don't wear belts,
at least all of the time.

Most women tell me the appendix location is most comfortable for them
and coincidentally it is also probably the quickest access.

I think you have the best choice for a gun. When asked, I recommend
S&W 642/442 and or Ruger LCR. If buying new, some prefer the LCR
because of the trigger.

Years ago there was Bianchi's Law. I don't remember the specifics,
but generally, it meant always carry the same gun, in the same holster,
in the same location. So when you need your gun you don't have to
first remember where it is today.

If you don't always wear a belt, get a good clip-on OWB or IWB.
The clip must be strong enough to cling to just the waistband fabric
so when drawn the gun doesn't come out with the holster wrapped
around it. All of the clip-ons will not cling well enough. Nor do the
makers claim that they will. But some will. IWB holsters by FIST,
Bell-Charter-Oak, Wild Bill, and Garrity Gunleather have all passed
the test.

Gun and holster must also be light enough that they do not sag with
your waistband.

Here are a few to consider Left to Right:
FIST #1K with Ruger LCR (The knife is a Piranha)
Bell-Charter-Oak Chicago Rocker holster
Garrity "Inconspicuous"
Wild Bill's Covert Tuckable
The above 4 are all IWBs. If you wear in appendix position
you would want a neutral cant 0 degrees.
MagJic (2 strong magnets instead of a clip) good for crossdraw
or attached to chest belt when driving.

 

[SuperGoat]

Thank you for all the advice everyone. Because I only had the holster it came with I have tried on the hip and appendix carry. For comfort, I like the hip carry better but the gun tends to show itself when I bend over, plus I have to watch out more in that position when around my kids, I have a 3 year old and a 15 month old. I almost always am wearing jeans that are tight but get looser as they go down to the legs and a plain women's t-shirt.
Another problem for me is ankle holsters, I haven't even tried it because I have psoriasis and it has been really going after my lower legs for the past year (too painful to wear something up against the skin).

 

[Smoke]

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C5Doudy4WZY[/ame]

 

[phonejack]

Whatever you get, I suggest you carry it unloaded around the house until you get used to it.

 

[Sebring Pop]

Wow Wow Wow what great information !!!!
My carry is quite simple pocket carry in the summer and ankle carry in the winter, same gun always.
Now over the years the carry method has not changed but the gun has. Started with a 36 to a 60 to
a 37 to a Mustang to a Pony to a LCP and now thinking about a LC9.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Arik]

Thank you for all the advice everyone. Because I only had the holster it came with I have tried on the hip and appendix carry. For comfort, I like the hip carry better but the gun tends to show itself when I bend over, plus I have to watch out more in that position when around my kids, I have a 3 year old and a 15 month old. I almost always am wearing jeans that are tight but get looser as they go down to the legs and a plain women's t-shirt.
Another problem for me is ankle holsters, I haven't even tried it because I have psoriasis and it has been really going after my lower legs for the past year (too painful to wear something up against the skin).

Ankle holsters are good for back up guns or when you really really have no other choice. They are too slow and leave you exposed for too long a time. You would have to see the treat from far away. Imagine the time to takes to bend over/get on one knee, pull up your pant leg, pull gun put and stand up/get out of the way. And all when you need it right now!

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