TexasCHLforum.com

Bill:

Speaking of the tuckable holsters with extra long shirt tails...I use a Comp-Tac MTAC with a Commander-sized 1911...and I tend to prefer long shirt tails myself. When I tuck it, I've learned to "roll" the section right over the holster. In short, I fold it over about 3-4 times, so that I'm only tucking a couple of inches right over the holster area. By doing so, the draw from tuck is much better--otherwise you wind up pulling and pulling at the shirttail before you get to a firing grip--not a good situation.

And, of course, this goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway...be SURE to practice the draw from tucked. It's a pain in the neck, but you need to do it so that you (a) how long it takes and (b) exactly what contortions you will have to make.

IME those stretchy polo shirts do well with the conceal part, especially if you blouse them out just a bit, and they don't seem "sloppy" when you do...but when you go to "rip" one from over your gun, it's like yanking a rubber-band! LOL

Like any carry method, it takes some getting used to, but it's well worth it. I tuck mine about 50% of the time, just depending on how I'm dressed, and the MTAC and Crossbreeds are a really nice option because they serve as plain-old good IWB holsters, and are tuckable to boot. It really helps keep with my personal rule of "no more than one layer between me and the gun" as the day moves along. I can start with a sport coat, and just the IWB, and if I decide to remove the coat, I can tuck my shirt around the holster, and go on about my day.

Welcome to the forum!

I second the opinion on a good belt. It makes the difference between the sag of a kel-tec 32 and a solid platform for a full-frame N-Frame revolver. You don't have to spend huge money on your first, but you'll definitely feel the difference once you put one on. I personally use the 5.11 dress-style belts for most everything--even though I keep promising myself a beltman or comp-tac belt. :)

The feeling of dragging a howlitzer from your belt loop really does go away with time. Pretty soon it'll be just like your billfold--a bulge you feel, but feel even stranger without.

As far as IWB vs. OWB, I do a little of both. Most of the time I carry IWB just because all I have to do is cover the grip and belt line...when I go OWB, I have the whole barrel to keep covered. I tend toward larger pistols though, often carrying a 4" 686, an N-frame M58, or a 4.25" 1911...good sized barrels, all. When I carry my J-frame snubbie, even an untucked polo or T-shirt is fine even OWB.

Again, welcome, and best of luck. The plastic is coming faster and faster these days, so hopefully the wait won't be too long!