Comfortable Concealed Carry options?

[koolaid]

I would make two suggestions. One....try different firearms. I find my 1911 cuts into me more than my Glock 27. I have a PM9 that I forget is there at times. Buy a holster such as the supertuck that can be adjusted for ride depth. I find that if I have my holster too high on my side, it cuts into my love handle. Supertuck is adjustable and allows me to have the gun lower on my waist. I can actually have my gun grip just above the belt line. I had an uncle mikes and it worked but it would ride so high it pushed the pistol grip into my side when I sat down. If you get the supertuck....don't get the combat cut.

Wearing an undershirt tucked into your underwear helps too, it just looks kind of weird until you put your shirt on. It keeps your undershirt from bunching up under your holster though.

[buffalo_speedway_tx]

I am in the club too.......55+ and around 220lbs........ I like my smart carry for my Kahr PM9.

[cougartex]

I carry a Beretta Cougar in a Galco Yaqui holster with Galco belt, concealed by an untucked shirt.

[PJK]

I am a new CHL holder as well and carry a Glock 26. I have ordered an MTAC IWB tuckable holster, but it is going to take a few weeks for it to come in. In the interim, I purchased an ACE Tuckable Holster and wear it at 4 o'clock. It conceals very well, and is very comfortable as well. My grip rides just above the belt, and I can tuck my shirt in. I bought it from Cheaper than Dirt for $10 and they shipped it regular Fedex Home Delivery. I received it the next day in Houston. It is a good option as the leather is soft and does not rub me raw anywhere.

[5thGenTexan]

55 yo 5'10" & 230. I very comfrtably carry an SP101 3" in a cheap Uncle Mike at ether 4:30 pr 2:00 crossdraw. Kahr PM9 or CW40 in a relatively inexpensive Galco USA IWB. Either setup the key is a GOOD gunbelt sized correctly, longest I have carried the Ruger is 19 hours in a day.

[Skydivesnake]

Don't expect any IWB or OWB to work until you have a good belt to hang it on (I prefer beltman with the plastic inserts) - you can't tighten up a flimsy belt enough to support and pull in a gun, and still keep blood circulating. If you don't have a proper belt, you are wasting your time playing with holsters.

For an IWB, try moving the holster further towards the back (say, to the 4.30/5 O'Clock position). This conceals better when standing upright, although will be problematic if you are bending over. When you sit, slide the holster around to the 3.30/4 O'Clock posn to make it more 'comfortable'. For an IWB I prefer the shiny side out, and to insert the holster IWB next to my skin, rather then between my shorts and pants. It 'sticks' somewhat (yeah sounds gross) which helps keep it in place with a slightly looser belt.

HTH - and keep experimenting !! You may have to buy/sell a few until you get something that works (ebay) and don't forget that stores have a returns policy that often allow you to play with a holster and then take it back if it doesn't suit. I went through 4 holsters before I found the 'right' one, then three guns using that holster type.

[mikeintexas]

I agree with the good holster and heavy duty belt. I use a Supertuck and Cabela's Double Duty Belt. It makes all the difference in the world in comfort. It is comfortable while standing, walking, driving and whatever else I happen to do.

[A-R]

I'm 6-foot-1 and 275 pounds. IWB has always been uncomfortable for me since I got over about 240 pounds or so. Then I found the two-pronged solution:

1. a sturdy belt .... Beltman works wonderfully. There are others I'm sure. Just ordered a few of the $7.99 clearance 5.11 leather belts from http://www.lapolicegear.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; so we'll see how those work. You need a GUN BELT, not just a stiff leather belt or western wear belt or whatever. As a minimum, double-layer cowhide, bullhide is even better, and two layers of leather with a kydex insert in between is best. Trust us. A subpar belt is 99% of the problem for most newbies.

2. The newer style IWB holsters with twin belt mounts (clips, loops, whatever) one in front and one behind the main body of the holster. I use two Crossbreed SuperTucks myself (one for Glock, one for my lil Walther PPS) and LOVE THEM. Others here will tell you CompTac makes a good one. Tucker Gunleather obviously makes fabulous holsters and has similar models. Kholster is another I've heard good reviews (though usually for smaller, lighter pistols).

For OWB, I like the Bianchi model 82 with a spring-loaded finger activated retention device and high-ride design.

Also, don't neglect pocket carry for your J-frame. I pocket carry a J-frame in a DeSantis Nemisis originally intended for a Kahr PM-series semi-auto. But it works well for my little 5-shot wheel gun. Also heard great things about Mika's pocket holsters and Pocket Concealment System's "No See Um".

[boomstick]

Thanks for all the replys. Keep 'em coming as there seems to be alot of us in the middle-aged spread club.

My excuse to the wife for my body shape is... "It's not my fault, I am only doing what the rest of the universe is doing... slowly expanding outward!"