sitting for long periods in public

[Guest]

I went to a movie theater for the first time while carrying and it was quite uncomfortable. I have a C-Tac holster and a good belt on order and maybe that will make a difference but last night I went in with my Taurus 85 in an inexpensive leather holster and an off-the-shelf-belt, and by the time the movie was over the butt of the revolver was up in my ribs. I think it would've been obvious I was carrying had I stood up, but I had a jacket with me and threw it on first. When I stood up, the gun didn't settle back into place and I had to reach into my jacket pocket and hold the gun against my side to keep it concealed. I also had a t-shirt covering over the gun.
I guess what I want to know is, will a good holster and belt help, and if they keep it in place, will it be uncomfortable sitting for 2-3 hours where you can't move around a lot?
Normally, I'll carry a Kimber Pro Carry 2, that's what the rig on order is for.

[O6nop]

The original post was mine, I didn't realize I hadn't logged on first - since when can you post as a guest?
Anyway, looking forward to any suggestions.

[txinvestigator]

A good belt and holster is imperative. I use a Galco belt.

[hi-power]

I'm looking forward to answers also.

That "small of the back" holster I've been using is fine in my office chair and while driving, but we went to the movies Saturday night, (Wild Hogs - pretty funny), and it was very uncomfortable. I tried to adjust it, but could never get it in a position that felt OK. Hopefully "The Answer" from Tucker will be better.

Small of the back is definitely not good for the movies!

[Charles L. Cotton]

A good holster and a true gun belt are key factors in carrying a handgun. Even with good equipment, sitting for an extended period of time can become uncomfortable. The positioning of the pistol has more to do with comfort while sitting than just about any other factor. The further aft of 3:00 o’clock you go, the more uncomfortable it will be. Another factor is how high or low does the holster carry your gun? As a general statement, the lower the gun is, the more likely the muzzle will hit the seat and push the gun up and likely into your ribs. A high-ride holster is less likely to so this. (Obviously, a shorter gun in a low-ride holster won’t do it either.)

When you get your Comp-Tac and gun belt, I think you will find carrying to be much more comfortable and secure. You will still have to try different carry positions for long periods of sitting. When my wife and I go to a movie, I usually carry a Commander rather than a Gov’t Model 1911 to avoid having the muzzle hit the seat. Also, I make sure the gun is at 3:00 o’clock to keep the back of the seat from pressing the grip into my back.

I hope this helps.

Chas.

[Charles L. Cotton]

The original post was mine, I didn't realize I hadn't logged on first - since when can you post as a guest?
Anyway, looking forward to any suggestions.

That's my fault. When I set up "New to CHL?" last night, I forgot to set the "permissions" to limit posting to only registered/logged-on members. It's fixed now.

Chas.

[MrDrummy]

As everyone before has said, a good belt and a good holster are definite must-haves if you're wanting to be comfortable, both mentally and physically, with your gun on your side.

I carried for awhile without a holster, and there were times that I was afraid I was going flash it to everyone, and I just couldn't stop thinking about it. It was hard to pay attention to much of anything else! Many times, it found just the right spot to press against, and I'd be miserable sitting there with this chunk of steel digging into my hip.

Since I've gotten my holster (I carry a Kimber Ultra Carry in a Brommeland Max-Con V) and have gotten used to having it on all the time, I now can't carry without it! I wear it constantly, even around the house, as many of the others do here on the board. It's totally comfortable, and there are times when I'm making 8-12 hour drives in a stiff, bumpy van, that I forget I'm wearing it.

Let us know how you like that holster once you get it in. I've heard they're nice-- I love my leather, though!

[longtooth]

06nop,
Your Taurus 85 should never be uncomfortable w/ a good belt & quality holster.
The 85 is my Sunday carry & since tonight is Mid week worship I already have it on. Galco highride Concealable w/ a Mitch Rosen gun belt.
I sit for long periods of time at hospital & a desk. Even w/ my 5" Springer sitting is not a poking, gouging, bad experience. Many of us have full size guns as our primary carry choice.

txi suggested a good belt. There are others & I did not buy my Rosen new. You can buy a QUALITY belt at affordable price.

Hope the C-Tac works for you. It did not for me but I was wearing a much bigger gun than the T-85. If it does not work, it is not because of poor quality just different body build & prefference.
LT

[Skipper5]

Like TXI.....and LT's comments a good belt really important....
I like the Galco larger belt...and my Galo Fletch (Higher carry) very comfortable OWB.

I feel it's important to spend a little extra money on a quality product that will give me a good service life like Galco!

Good luck in your finding the 'just right one' for you!

//John

[stevie_d_64]

I have been able to discretely adjust the cant whenever I sit down while carrying...That has usually been sufficient for me...YMMV.

[dihappy]

I went to a movie theater for the first time while carrying and it was quite uncomfortable. I have a C-Tac holster and a good belt on order and maybe that will make a difference but last night I went in with my Taurus 85 in an inexpensive leather holster and an off-the-shelf-belt, and by the time the movie was over the butt of the revolver was up in my ribs. I think it would've been obvious I was carrying had I stood up, but I had a jacket with me and threw it on first. When I stood up, the gun didn't settle back into place and I had to reach into my jacket pocket and hold the gun against my side to keep it concealed. I also had a t-shirt covering over the gun.
I guess what I want to know is, will a good holster and belt help, and if they keep it in place, will it be uncomfortable sitting for 2-3 hours where you can't move around a lot?
Normally, I'll carry a Kimber Pro Carry 2, that's what the rig on order is for.

Have you tried carrying a different method. I too do not find it comfortable to carry 3 or 6 oclock. So i carry 6 oclock IWB. I can drive and go to theaters and hardly feel my little .380 in my Bianchi leather holster.

[9mmGuy]

Maybe try carrying a smaller gun when you know you are going to have to sit for a long time.

[O6nop]

Maybe try carrying a smaller gun when you know you are going to have to sit for a long time.

Well I was wearing a Taurus .38spl snubby. That's the smallest I got!!
Hopefully, when I get my belt and holster, I'll even be able to carry my 1911 comfortably. I might just get a pocket holster for my Taurus.

I was carrying it a 3 o'clock which is comfortable while driving, maybe just the way movie seats are made.

[longtooth]

Maybe try carrying a smaller gun when you know you are going to have to sit for a long time.

Well I was wearing a Taurus .38spl snubby. That's the smallest I got!!
Hopefully, when I get my belt and holster, I'll even be able to carry my 1911 comfortably. I might just get a pocket holster for my Taurus.

I was carrying it a 3 o'clock which is comfortable while driving, maybe just the way movie seats are made.

You can carry the 1911 comfortably & cover it easily. The following 2 pics are of my Kimber Pro IWB covered w/ a polo shirt.




These are of a full size SA 1911A1 in a Galco Concealable. I carry this & have no problem sitting at the hospital or desk for 2-3 hrs. There is no reason to be uncomfortable while carying. Cover w/ a loose vest, jacket, or over shirt. My lightest vest is a Heavy cotton camo SHIRT that I took the sleeves out at the shoulder seems. Actually Mom did the work She made the vest in the pic too.

[O6nop]

Thanks for all the advice...
I have no doubts that I CAN carry comfortably, once I get my better belt and holster.