Now I'm the ROOKIE!

[jswarren]

Hello, I'm a newbie. This is a great site with lots of information. I just got my plastic last week. I took Tom Estep's cass back in Sept. BTW he is an awesome instructor.

I got my XD 40 (standard version) about 5 yrs ago with home defense in mind. I got my IWB yesterday and took it out for for the inaugural wally walk with the wife and kids. It was very uncomfortable if I had to bend down to pick something up or sit down, which was next to impossible without adjustment of some sort. My pants were somewhat tight and I don't have a good gunbelt, so I hope that will solve my problem. Other than that just walking around no issues. I found myself making eye contact with everybody to see if they noticed. My boys, 9 and 11, had no idea I was carrying.

It felt a bit large for a CC. I am considreing a sub compact 40 or 9mm.

[seamusTX]

Welcome to the forum.

Give it more than one day. You'll get used to the feeling. A proper belt makes a huge difference.

- Jim

[longtooth]

Welcome aboard & you were instructed by one of the best.
w/ above.
Your gun is not too big for carry w/ proper gear & dress.
You can do it.

[cougartex]

Congratulations. Good belt is a must have.

[MojoTexas]

Also, most of us have gone through a couple of different holsters before finding one we REALLY like. I agree, a stout belt will help, as will having pants slightly larger than your actual waist size. Welcome to the forum!

[RPB]

Also, some holsters are like brand new shoes .... not going to be comfortable until you break them in.
Give it a while to break in, and then if still is uncomfortable due to like a sandpaper feeling against the skin like some Nylon or leather/horsehide with the rough side against the skin, ... get one with smooth leather against the skin, you can even fall asleep in them, you forget you are wearing them. Most of us have a drawer or suitcases of holsters we tried before finding that Comfort Carry or Minitaur or whatever. My most concealable one, is my least comfortable one .... ok for a quick convenience store trip though I wear a different one normally..

[jswarren]

Thanks for all of the advise. The holster itself is not uncomfortable. It is formed leather and has a single leather strap that wraps around the belt, it doesn't seem secure. There is a lot of "play" when I draw. I have tried placing it in the 3 oclock, 4 oclock, 9 oclock and small of back. the easiest access for draw was the 9 oclock w/cross draw. My only issue is it's right on my hip and printing more. I'm afraid that someone will see the bulge and yell "he's got a gun, he's got a gun" LOL!! I think if I replace the leather strap with a clip and get a good belt I'll be in business. I'm still considering a subcompact for my summer carry. or maybe I just looking for an excuse to buy another gun.... After all my wife said its okay.

[AustinBoy]

I agree with RPB. When I first got my Crossbreed I thought how can anyone wear this! After about a week it "formed" to my body. I am now one of the few who doesnt have a drawer full of uncomfortable holsters thanks to this forum.

BTW, I carry a Springfield XD40 SC. get one.

Ty

[Bonc_CHL]

I also carry a XD SC .40, I just got a comp-tac minotar a week or so ago and love it.
Can never have to many carry options!

Welcome to the Forum!!!

[5thGenTexan]

Good belt and holster makes all the difference, not saying expensive or pretty. What is good for one person may not work for you. I carry IWB with single stack Kahr, or Ruger SP101 3" and OWB with Taurus Mil Pro PT140 5-6 o'clock between belt and pants holds much tighter than outside the belt.

You definitely do not want slop in the the way it fits.

Good luck on finding the right mix.

[Elza]

I carry a Ruger P90 in a comp-tac minotar. It’s comfortable enough that I forget that it’s there most of the time. More than once I’ve had to return home to disarm before going to work. No gun at the work place. COMMUNISTS!!!