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I have a 5.11 vest, designed with carry in mind. Has a cloth holster mountable in large internal pocket, either left or right side, by way of a large double-sided velcro patch. Numerous other pockets inside and out. Received the vest from my son, who received it from someone else.

I don't use it. Very heavy. Even heavier when firearm is mounted. Weight is on the shoulders, assymetric. Weight is not close to body; swings around too much. Might use the vest for light items if I got back into freelance photography.

I do carry (usually a Glock 26, sometimes a full size 1911, sometimes something else) in sidearmor IWB holster. Good strong belt designed for carry. Weight is close to body, does not fling around when I walk.

Preferred cover is untucked shirt, if I have one that meets the fashion dress code for the event. Secondary (or preferred in winter) is ordinary vest, long enough to cover firearm. Tertiary cover (primary when I was a copier repair guy; dress slacks and tucked in business shirt) is just to blouse the shirt around the firearm (which is mounted at 3:30, between front and rear tails of the shirt). Yes, it looks a bit scruffy along the belt-line - not the Steve McQueen or Paul Newman look, and maybe the belt loops of the holster show, but I can live with that.

Vest is great idea for covering a belt mounted firearm. Not satisfactory for carrying the firearm in.

JMO - shu