Do you dress around the gun?

[JLaw]

(Hopefully this fits okay here...)

I'm curious, how many of you out there dress around the gun. Even when then mercury starts rising? And how many choose to carry a smaller firearm?

I'm just curious to know what's going on overall, as I find myself dressing around the gun more often, regardless of the temperature. After switching from a Smith 908 to a 2 1/2" K frame, I began trying out more polo-style shirts, un-tucked t-shirts, and even the tell-all Hawaian (sp?) shirts. Why? I shoot a K frame better than the 908 or a J frame, even though it takes a little more effort to conceal. I think when I decide on a IWB for the K frame it will be easier to "dress down" a little, but with a good OWB holster I've been very surprised how easily concealable a K frame and two speedloaders can be. I know a smaller firearms is easier to conceal, but I've built up a great deal of confidence in a larger firearm, and I feel better prepared. I just don't have the skill neccessary to fire a smaller gun as well as most of you.

Anybody have any thoughts/input?

JLaw

[MoJo]

I Dress around the gun.

[flintknapper]

In the summer months there is no question that I am dressing around the gun.

[age_ranger]

I made adjustments in both areas. I didn't want to sacrifice caliber (9mm) and went from a full size Beretta PX4 to a Kahr CW9. I also changed the way I dressed from t-shirts that just fit right to wearing larger/loose fitting short sleeve button downs (darker colors or hawaiian) or larger t-shirts. During the winter I have light.med and heavy weight jackets that will cover just about anything, so the full size will be back in the carry rotation more. Still, I guess that's dressing around the weapon.......

Summer is IWB and light clothing. Winter is the easier time to carry OWB for me but with the right setup, both are comfortable.

[propellerhead]

I only started carrying this month. I've been using a thin Uncle Mike's IWB so it doesn't add a lot of bulk to the gun. Most of my shorts have a little room so I haven't had to change a whole lot. I favor my looser t-shirts though.

In the winter time, I usually get by with a light spring jacket and I often take it off once I'm indoors. I suppose my manner of dressing won't change.

[longtooth]

Dress around the gun. Summer carry is the same as winter, Kimber Pro ll. The rig is all that changes. Winter I OWB a lot w/ vest. Summer a polo shirt or the Hawaiian ones IWB. Only time I gun around dress is Sunday. I have wore the Kimber Pro (Commander size) but that is a chore to keep the little hands off the preacher.
Sunday usual carry is Kel-Tec P3AT in my back pocket w/ extra mag in front. There has never yet been a return fire resolution to a Church shooting yet. I carry it but my Kershaw is my 1st reach at the Church.
Our church has a formal threat response plan for anything from disturbance to shooting. If there is a shooting everyone has been told to get on the floor & do not run. That will leave anyone who is able & willing to help in take down. Small church & I don't see the possibility of return fire from any distance.
Weddings, funerals & formal events where the coat stays on so does the K. 3AT is always in back pocket so if I go to a house or reception where I will NEED to take it off then I still have tiny in back pocket.

[carlson1]

I do not give up much power. I carry 1911 9mm or .45 and always my Smith and Wesson 340PD loaded with .357. On the days that I am in a suit and plan on taking my jacket off the S&W becomes the main gun with a speed loader. I think almost everyone will dress for carry in TEXAS.

[jimlongley]

I not only dress around my gun but the last suit I bought was tried on with the gun and the alterations included leaving a little extra room for IWB as well as a generous fit in the jacket. It was kind of interesting talking to the sales guy, I was not the first person he had sold a suit to with that request, and I will b going back - he even encouraged me to carry openly during the fitting, which I did NOT do. Men's Wearhouse Polo Crossing, Plano, TX.

[Diode]

In my short CHL life I went from Jeans and Golf shirts to loose fitting square cut untucked shirts. On the weekends I pocket carry my Kel-Tec 9mm in some loosed fitting Big Dog shorts i found in Galveston. SO I did change alot!

[txinvestigator]

Dress around the handgun

[Skipper5]

Dress around the handgun

+++1 same

[Cosmo 9]

I tried to change the way I dressed but ended up changing the gun instead. I tried carrying the XD9 several ways then changed to the Kahr PM9. T-shirt, shorts and fat roll = totally concealed

[cyphur]

I'm trying to lose my "love handles" as my wife puts it, and am tetering on the dunlop disease when I sit down. I'm slowly working it off, gained it all from medicines I was on in the military.


Needless to say I have to dress around the gun right now. But with a 3" 1911 and an IWB holster, that doesn't take much I imagine. I'll know in a week or so.

[longtooth]

You will really like the results when you loose the wt.

[kw5kw]

Like the rest of you...

I dress around the gun.

I have both a 9mm and the .45 XD's, both the 4" service and luckily both use the exact same holsters. Different magazine holder's tho. One holster--two guns, not one gun two holsters.. LOL!!

Summer:
OWB holster and a black under t-shirt with a cover type hawaiian shirt. I find that the black undershirt helps with accidental flashes against a black holster and a black gun.

Winter:
Just a jacket that's light enough that I won't want to take it off while inside somewhere, or a vest with a heavier coat on those really cold North Texas winter days.

Russ