Flatland2D wrote:
4) I am 5'8" and around 140lbs, so I've got a pretty small frame to work with as far as concealment goes. My carry gun (and only handgun as of now) will be a Steyr M9. It's about the size of a Glock 19 and even looks a little like one too (was designed by a former engineer for Glock that was hired by Steyr). Any suggestions for holsters? I normally wear t-shirts and shorts since the weather is nice most of the year. I've been reading up on the Smart Carry holsters and they look very promising. Anyone with personal experience? I've also been stocking my gun in my waistband behind my back which I find pretty comfortable and very concealed, but sitting down is a little less comfortable and it's more likely to stick out. My only reservation to the Smart Carry is that it seems a little awkward being that the gun rests right on top of your uh... privates. I'm sure that I'd get over it pretty fast though.
Welcome! Iam a frequent lurker, seldom poster. I wanted to give my $.02 on holsters/guns/clothing.
I've been "packing" for 6 years now. Since the first, I have made it a point to carry everyday, everywhere legal. Unless I am on-duty at the Fire Station, or at a family members home for an extended time, you can bet i am wearing a weapon. Having said that, a few things I've found;
Your first gun, won't be your last gun. You will find that small guns hide easier than big guns. It's easier to conceal a Glock 19 than a 17, and easier still a Glock 26. All are the same caliber (9mm), but you can 'get away with more' with a 26. I've gone through 3 different pistols so far, now haveing a Glock 26 and very happy. Started with a full-sized S&W auto.
Your first holster (per gun) won't be your last holster. I've never tried the Smart Carry, so I can't comment on it. I have done belt-slides, Outside the waistband adjustables, and Inside wasistbands. The IWB are the easiest to conceal that I have tried, 'cause half or more of the gun is already in your pants. You will find when useing an IWB, the length of the grip makes much more difference on concealablity than barrel length. On the OWB holsters, both barrel length and grip length have to be taken into consideration.
Your clothing styles will change a bit if you decide to carry at all times.
Shorts and t-shirts are fine, but if carrying a pistol, shorts, t-shirt tucked in, and a haiwian shirt over it is better. T-shirts tucked in and untucked 'button down' shirts are your friend. Square tails on your shirts left untucked don't draw as much attention to your attire as a round bottom shirt that is made to be tucked in when left out. Dark colors conceal better than light colors. Patterns on shirts help hide the "print" of the butt of your gun showing through. Photographer vests, "tactical vests", any kind of vests screams "I have a gun!" Handle with care.
You will find that when you first begin to carry, you worry about every move. That's good, you need to realize that Susie Schoolteacher doesn't need to see your weapon when you raise your arms to reach something on the top self. Likewise, I bend over a lot less now, and instead squat down to pick stuff up. Bending over will push the butt of your gun out the back your shirt, sticking out like a beacon.
When carrying, you'll learn to hug...Some of you guys are smiling 'cause you know what I mean. You'll learn to intercept those arms comming at ya. Hint, go low, make the other raise their arms to your shoulder level, that way she/he won't squeeze and pat Roscoe on your belt.
You'll generally sit in a booth at a resteraunt, with your gun side to the wall.
You'll look all around every entrance you walk up to, just to see if that pesky sign is there.
After a while, you will actually wear your weapon, and forget you have it on. It just becomes part of you. OF course that took me 5 years.
There's a lot of stuff to learn, to remember, to worry about. But its nothing compared to knowing you have done all you could to be ready to protect yourself, and those you love. I sincerly hope, you never have to.
Again welcome.
No offense intended, I hope no one thinks I have a bad/different impression of teachers; My wife is a school nurse, my father retired from the school system haveing been a coach/principal/transportation director, I am a substitute teacher, a friend I am on the deer lease with is/was a teacher.... 