Some holster musings, questions, and flame bait

[mr.72]

As I unwisely mentioned in the "full size pistol" thread, I am going through the challenges of trying to find a way to carry within the context of my normal clothing and activity restrictions. I have a few months apparently until my CHL arrives so I hope to get this mostly worked out before then.

I have a Sigma 9mm that I would like to carry. Eventually I may end up with a smaller gun.

First I tried a Smartcarry. I have tried it wearing it higher than most recommend and it works ok. Wearing it lower disagrees with the amount of space inside most of my clothes. I am still working out how exactly to carry this, but at present, it seems to be my best option.

Responding to the chorus of IWB advocates, I bought a Desantis Insider http://www.desantisholster.com/031.html which I selected due to the high clip location for "deep cover". The idea here is to use appendix carry which benefits from a higher clip.

Speaking of that clip. Dang this thing is tight. I thought I was not going to be able to get it on to begin with. There is a "lip" on the inside of the clip that seems to intend to hold the clip into the holster that makes it very nearly impossible to get this clipped IWB with a pair of jeans, even for appendix carry. I cannot, repeat, CAN-NOT get it clipped on in the typical 4:00-5:00 IWB position because I just cannot get both hands around to that side of my body and "spread" the clip wide enough to clear both a pair of jeans waist band and the belt. I guess this is normal?

With the Insider appendix carry style, it works ok but the added thickness of the holster and clip in addition to the gun itself causes a rather sizable bulge in the belt line that looks very odd. The gun itself does not print unless you intentionally pull a t-shirt tight over it. But the belt sticks out quite noticeably. I kind of figure this isn't really going to work.

Also, everyone who says you have to have an extra inch or two in the waist band to make IWB work... I think you guys are starting out with rather baggy or loose pants to begin with (relaxed fit jeans maybe?). With my normal jeans (they fit, not tight, but not falling off either), the IWB holster makes for an extreme tight fit, probably too tight to draw effectively considering the way the Insider rides, and my normal belt was not long enough before it ran out of holes.

So I guess I am back to the drawing board. I will try a few more times to get this IWB to work. I might end up affixing this into a pocket in my messenger bag, or maybe use T-nuts to attach a different clip that I can adjust for ride and cant, or use it OWB SOB only in the winter time.

Back to the Smartcarry I for now.

I will probably also try a belly band before all is said and done, but I am not holding out much hope that it will work either.

If I'm going to have to change any clothing to work around carrying, then I'm going with something easy like a paddle holster. Otherwise I may just buy a sub-compact 9mm and carry it in my back pocket.

[LedJedi]

you can also consider a shoulder rig for carry. Only requires a light cover shirt or if you're built like me you can wear under a regular polo shirt.

[Bart]

I used a pager pal during the summer maybe ten years ago but eventually graduated to a good IWB holster.

[Bart]

you can also consider a shoulder rig for carry. Only requires a light cover shirt or if you're built like me you can wear under a regular polo shirt.

He's not.

[jbirds1210]

Depending on your style of dress, you could easily carry OWB with a high riding holster. OWB is about as comfortable as it gets to me....it is not always practical, but works really nice with a button down shirt and pair of cargo shorts.

If you are going to carry a full size weapon, suspenders are a life saver!


Appendix carry seems that it would be uncomfortable unless you are pretty thin (something I have never worried about). The sitting has to be miserable!

Jason

[pedalman]

When I'm commuting (50 miles one way), my Glock 22 rides in a D'santis Viper OWB paddle holster. A button-down shirt covers it nicely, the holster rides high, and the pistol is within easy reach. (God forbid that I need it)

When walking around, I use a CompTac CTAC IWB holster. A button-down shirt also covers it nicely. The G22 rides in it OK, but I will be using my Glock 19 in it, once I settle on a decent SD round for it.

The odds are that you will need different holsters for different circumstances.

[The Annoyed Man]

How about a brown paper bag?

....Just kidding!!!...

...The Annoyed Man ducks and runs for cover....

[pedalman]

How about a brown paper bag?

....Just kidding!!!...

...The Annoyed Man ducks and runs for cover....

His handgun may clink on the bottle of MD 20/20, thus ruining the concealment factor.

[LedJedi]

How about a brown paper bag?

....Just kidding!!!...

...The Annoyed Man ducks and runs for cover....

His handgun may clink on the bottle of MD 20/20, thus ruining the concealment factor.

You could always just use the "it's a medical device" ploy :)

[TDDude]

Speaking of that clip. Dang this thing is tight. I thought I was not going to be able to get it on to begin with. There is a "lip" on the inside of the clip that seems to intend to hold the clip into the holster that makes it very nearly impossible to get this clipped IWB with a pair of jeans, even for appendix carry. I cannot, repeat, CAN-NOT get it clipped on in the typical 4:00-5:00 IWB position because I just cannot get both hands around to that side of my body and "spread" the clip wide enough to clear both a pair of jeans waist band and the belt. I guess this is normal?

With the Insider appendix carry style, it works ok but the added thickness of the holster and clip in addition to the gun itself causes a rather sizable bulge in the belt line that looks very odd. The gun itself does not print unless you intentionally pull a t-shirt tight over it. But the belt sticks out quite noticeably. I kind of figure this isn't really going to work.

Also, everyone who says you have to have an extra inch or two in the waist band to make IWB work... I think you guys are starting out with rather baggy or loose pants to begin with (relaxed fit jeans maybe?). With my normal jeans (they fit, not tight, but not falling off either), the IWB holster makes for an extreme tight fit, probably too tight to draw effectively considering the way the Insider rides, and my normal belt was not long enough before it ran out of holes.

I usually put my IWB on the belt before I button my pants. In a perfect world the easiest way would be to have the belt on the pants, then clip the holster onto the belt BEFORE you put your pants on. It's just a part of my getting dressed routine in the morning.

As far as baggy pants go, I agree. I have overly thick legs & rear but I'm not fat. I'm 6' and 200 lbs with a tiny, tiny, overhang. (Don't we all). But, I have to wear a couple inches large with relaxed fit jeans even without a pistol in there. That's just the way it is.

Don't worry too much about having a bulge when IWB. No one will notice. If you want to balance it out, put a double mag pouch on the opposite side. Now you have balanced "bulges".

Don't get frustrated. I went through several quality holsters before I found what worked for me.

[Tajovo]

Have you considered carrying in a belly band? As shown here: http://magills.com/pgroup_descrip/44_Be ... id%3D44%26

This might be worth looking into since your preferred method of carry is deep concealment. You don't have to wear it the way they show in the picture. Not one person in my CHL class could find where our instructor was carrying his G23; he was about 6 ft w/small-medium frame, in decent shape. He was carrying in a belly band across the bottom of his ribcage, concealing 2 extra mags as well, wearing a regular tucked in polo shirt.

The only sugguestion I would make other than checking out belly bands is to go to a few local gun shops and see if they will let you try out a few different holsters in-store. The Desantis holster you bought is ok, but keep in mind that such as with everything else you get what you pay for...$25 holsters will do the job, but not as comfortably as others might.

My personal preferences are Comp-Tac and Don Hume holsters.

[SOJ]

I tried a belly band, and for me it was just too hot. I ended up with a great IWB tuckable from High Noon called the Hidden Ally, I do have a small Kahr PM9 but this is a great setup, light and very concealable either tucked shirt or not. I highly recommend both the gun and holster.

[thankGod]

Also, everyone who says you have to have an extra inch or two in the waist band to make IWB work...

I'm 6'1" and around 200 lbs and of course the ubiquitous dunlop. I wear a 36" waist which is not tight. When I carry inside the waistband, then these shorts that seem ample become incredibly tight.

I had read the posts of others indicating that a larger waist size in the pant would help, so I bought a pair of Wrangler shorts on sale with a waist size of 38". Man o' man. What a difference. No problem with IWB. Now I will need to gradually replace some of my other pants.

[TDDude]

I had read the posts of others indicating that a larger waist size in the pant would help, so I bought a pair of Wrangler shorts on sale with a waist size of 38". Man o' man. What a difference. No problem with IWB. Now I will need to gradually replace some of my other pants.

That's really the ticket. Since you are actually "wearing" your pistol instead of carrying a pistol, it by definition will require a wardrobe change. Wal-Mart Wranglers will be the least expensive jeans you will find.

[stroo]

I have gone to DonHume JIT holsters and adjusted my clothing particularly my shirts. JIT are OWB which is what I find most comfortable. I wear a XXL shirt overtop and no one notices.

I also pocket carry a bit. You basically need pants/shorts with fairly large pocket openings. I often pocket carry either a KT P 11 or a Hipower Detective.

Essentially, if you are going to be serious about carrying, you are going to have to make some change in your clothing.