Question from newbie (Large handgun)

[Coffeyc]

I am still waiting on my plastic (took class in Jan). The question I have; is there any secret for large handguns, I love my beretta 96, but it is hard to conceal. I am 5' 8" and weigh 162 pounds. I shot my brother-in-laws Taurus millenium .40 cal, but I still like my 96. Is there a trick or trade secret to concealing large pistols. Thanks in advance for any help in this matter.

-Chris

[longtooth]

The 96 is a little larger than a full size 1911 but there are many of us that carry one. There are also those that carry a pretty large revolver. I often carry a Ruger GP100. Others carry the same size.
You do not have to be a big man to conceal a big gun. You do need real quality gear. A GOOD gunbelt & good quality holster are imperrative to concealing a large frame hand gun.
Check out the holster resourse under the Day To Day forum here.
Ask others that may carry that gun what they think about a holster you choose. You may need to change the way you dress some too. Remember this. You must dress around your gun. You cannot gun around your dress.

http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... 13&t=24130" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[The Annoyed Man]

The MTAC holster by Comp-Tac. I know at least one board member here who caries a 96 in one and really likes it. I carry three different pistols in mine, including a full sized 1911.

[Crossfire]

I carry three different pistols in mine, including a full sized 1911.

WOW! That is one big holster!

[boomerang]

I carry three different pistols in mine, including a full sized 1911.

WOW! That is one big holster!

He's a triple threat.

[boomerang]

I am still waiting on my plastic (took class in Jan). The question I have; is there any secret for large handguns, I love my beretta 96, but it is hard to conceal. I am 5' 8" and weigh 162 pounds. I shot my brother-in-laws Taurus millenium .40 cal, but I still like my 96. Is there a trick or trade secret to concealing large pistols. Thanks in advance for any help in this matter.

-Chris

Like people said, a good holster and gunbelt help a lot. Another important factor is dressing around the gun. Concealing a big gun usually requires more compromises in clothing than dropping a smaller gun in your pocket. I can pocket carry my S&W 642 year round but my Glock 19 needs a cover garment. Sometimes I'm willing to wear one and other times I get lazy and only carry the revolver. The choice is up to you.

[bryang]

The 96 is a little larger than a full size 1911 but there are many of us that carry one. There are also those that carry a pretty large revolver. I often carry a Ruger GP100. Others carry the same size.
You do not have to be a big man to conceal a big gun. You do need real quality gear. A GOOD gunbelt & good quality holster are imperrative to concealing a large frame hand gun.Check out the holster resourse under the Day To Day forum here.
Ask others that may carry that gun what they think about a holster you choose. You may need to change the way you dress some too. Remember this. You must dress around your gun. You cannot gun around your dress.

http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... 13&t=24130" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I am 5'8" 140 and carry a Colt 1911 every day, all day. Your answer to conceal carry is highlighted in red above...buy the best you can afford, it can not be emphasize enough, a quality belt and a quality holster is imperative!

-geo

EDIT: Welcome to the forum, Chris, we are glad to have you on board with us.

[Coffeyc]

Thanks for all the help. After my next gig I will be ordering the MTAC holster by Comp-Tac. Does anybody have any reccomendations on a belt, or do I need to just get a real thick nice belt.

Thanks again for the help and the warm welcomes.

Chris

[Piney]

I've been pleased with my Wilderness Instructor belt. I got the model with the extra stiffening material. Its not pretty, like a nice leather belt, but it works well.

Be sure to read the company's tips on measuring to order the correct size.

http://store.thewilderness.com/index.php?cPath=43" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[The Annoyed Man]

I carry three different pistols in mine, including a full sized 1911.

WOW! That is one big holster!

I guess I could have been a little more clear, n'est pas?

Let me restate that. . . . . I can carry any one of three different sizes of pistols in mine, depending on which holster body I'm using, including a full sized 1911.

Naaaaaahhhh. That's twice as many words. I like it the other way. It keep's 'em guessing.

[bryang]

Thanks for all the help. After my next gig I will be ordering the MTAC holster by Comp-Tac. Does anybody have any reccomendations on a belt, or do I need to just get a real thick nice belt.

Thanks again for the help and the warm welcomes.

Chris

Hey, Chris, you might take a look at The Beltman. I have used one for quite awhile and it has been the best belt I have ever had. You will be surprised at the difference a good gun belt will make in comfort and concealing.

Good Luck!
-geo

[The Annoyed Man]

on a good gun belt. Makes all the difference in the world. Mine is from D.M. Bullard Gun Leather.

[longtooth]

w/ bryang.
the Belt man is probably the best $$$ value out there & a pretty short lead time. I really think Belts is all he does.

[Liberty]

The 96 is a big gun, and I believe it is conciderably more difficult to hide than a full size 1911. The 1911 {slab side) is pretty thin around the handle the grip of a Beretta 96 is full sized and thick it is a 15 round double stack after all. I have managed to find a way of carrying concealed. I will carry it in the small of the back. Keep in mind that this is a controversial method of carry, The Draw is slow, and requires lots of practice, to ensure that you don't cover yourself, but it works, although it is a terrible way to carry if your driving very far.

Good belt, good holster goes a long way in any case. Hope you find something that works. I carry my 92fs inside the small of the back and I can draw it pretty quickly.