Carry without Holster

Liberty · Post by **Liberty** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 12:54 pm

Well I got the plastic yesterday, and I'm ready to go off Packing.
Only proiblem is I don't have a holster yet. A holster is a difficult thing for me to buy, because its difficult to check them out properly first. At any rate I purchased one today over the net. I should have it in a few days.

I have one more obstacle to get over. Although I've been around guns all my life, I've never had them cocked and loaded until actually ready to fire. I've got to get over that. And learn that I can trust the safety + double action of my handgun.

I am a little reluctant to go do my Wally walk without a proper holster. I've walked around the house here with my gun positioned in the small of my back tucked into my belt/waistband. Its not all that uncomfortable and seems pretty secure.

I am wondering how the folks feel here about packing without a holster. How safe/unsafe is it? am I being foolhardy stuffing into a pocket or waist band? I don't think carry on a regular basis without a proper rig, but how do you feel about the occasional non holstered carry? Is this just an accident waiting to happen?

txinvestigator · Post by **txinvestigator** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:01 pm

Carry without a holster, sometimes called Mexican carry, is not advised.

Roger Howard · Post by **Roger Howard** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:38 pm

I wouldn't carry without one. Jusy too unsecure for everyday life

Syntax360 · Post by **Syntax360** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:50 pm

When I FIRST started carrying I didn't have a holster for any of my guns. My friend who brought me into the whole CHL/gun thing hadn't ever used one, so I figured I'd be fine as well. I gave that up in about a week.

I don't see anything too wrong about mexican carrying, especially if the pistol is SA/DA and has a manual safety. However, I would settle for one or the other. You definitely open yourself up to a AD/ND more than you would with a holster, so you definitely need to be careful.

The number 1 problem with mexican carrying is that the pistol has a tendency to not stay put at exactly the worst times. I recall a time or two when the thing would start to slide down my pants and I would constantly have to make minor adjustments here and there to keep a handgun from falling out of my pant leg.

A holster is DEFINITELY advised. With a good holster, you will pretty much forget the pistol is there and won't have to worry about it moving around.

If I didn't have a holster, I would mexican carry. I would rather be armed than not.

jbirds1210 · Post by **jbirds1210** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:08 pm

I would rather carry my handgun in a fanny pack than doing without a holster...In my opinion, if the trigger is not covered and the weapon can't be retained.....it is dangerous!
Jason

longtooth · Post by **longtooth** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:33 pm

Just got my American Handgunner in the mail today. There is a short article in it about Mexican carry. The instructor was teaching LE in middle Mexico. Most ot the shooters on the line had no holster. He asked one officer for his weapon, a Browning High Power. The officer drew it & handed the instructor his weapon. Instructor engaged the safety & handed it back asking that he PLEASE be sure the safety was engaged. He gave seveal examples of ND's that were self shoots. November/December issue, P22. Article conclusion was No Holster. No Carry. Too dangerous. I agree.

nuparadigm · Post by **nuparadigm** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:54 pm

Carrying concealed without a holster is something that should be avoided if at all possible.

Having said that, I have to admit that there were several times (before I retired) that the nature of what I was assigned to do necessitated carrying concealed without a holster. Besides the perspiration factor (it was in Southwestern Arizona in July) - which did not do any favors for my weapon - the Mexican Carry would have had to be a step-into-high-tech from what I had to do in order to conceal my weapon.

If nothing else, run out and buy an el cheapo Uncle Mike's IWB and use that until you can decide upon a quality holster that suits your tastes your bankroll and your carrying needs.

Liberty · Post by **Liberty** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 4:15 pm

I did order a simple but what I hope to be a workable holster on the net. It was inexpencive and even if I don't like it It will help me decide what I really want.

I did do the Mexican carry today, I felt for just the hour I was going to be out , and the fact that there is a safety. It was a reasonable thing to. I carried it right on my tailbone.

Will I do it again? I don't think so. I will wait untill my holster comes in before I carry again. Carrying with holster is the only way.

I did get to assess carrying it from behind, and I did get an idea of just how much a good Hawiian shirt can cover.

Venus Pax · Post by **Venus Pax** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 4:20 pm

You essentially need the trigger covered. All it would take would be a few renegade stitches in your garments to pull the thing. Unlikely, but possible.
I'm with the others: go to a local gun store & get a cheapie from the used bin or something to hold you over until your new one arrives. You will end up with more holsters in the coming months than you will know what to do with.

Glockamolie · Post by **Glockamolie** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 4:49 pm

Depends on the gun. Glock? No way. A cocked-and-locked 1911? Maybe, but I'd rather not. I have a S&W 4506 that I'd carry on safe that way without worrying about the safety factor. It wouldn't be comfortable, but it would be safe.

But, it would be advised to get a quality holster. You know why the good ones are expensive? They're worth every penny. I used to shortcut on holsters. Never again.

RPBrown · Post by **RPBrown** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 5:03 pm

As stated by many above, it's not a choice I would make. When I first got mine I went the inexpensive way with an Uncle Mikes (still have it too) and wore it in the waistband.

One thing though, Find yourself a good holster you feel comfortable with for a permanent carry. You may go through a few different styles and models (thats what they make dead holster drawers for). A good belt is also a must.

seamusTX · Post by **seamusTX** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 5:15 pm

Another Bad Thing that can happen carrying without a holster is accidentally releasing the magazine. I just did it to be sure it was possible. At best you might have a magazine fall out in an embarrassing place. At worst your pistol would be useless when you need it.

- Jim

Post by **Charles L. Cotton** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 5:19 pm

Liberty:
What pistol are you carrying? I have a lot of different holsters and I'd be happy to let you try some, if I have one for your gun. If it's a 1911, then I'm sure I do!

Are you coming to the TexasCHLforum Day at PSC on Sept. 30th? If so, I can bring some holsters.

Chas.

Liberty · Post by **Liberty** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:54 pm

Charles L. Cotton wrote:Liberty:
What pistol are you carrying? I have a lot of different holsters and I'd be happy to let you try some, if I have one for your gun. If it's a 1911, then I'm sure I do!

Are you coming to the TexasCHLforum Day at PSC on Sept. 30th? If so, I can bring some holsters.

Chas.

So generous. I really apreciate the offer, It looks like I'm going to make it to the big event. My gun is a Ruger P95, not one that I've seen discussed around here vwery much.

My slowness in buying a holster is that that it is hard to invest in one without actually seeing it how it fits me, and my P95. I don't mind spending what it takes to get the right holster. but at this time I really don't know what the right holster is. This is the one I bought today.

I will have the holster this week. I look forward to TexasCHLForumDay where I will be able to see what folks are using and maybe get some practicle advice. What works and what doesn't.

Jim, I think your caution on a Mexican carry is a very real one. A normal walk carrying my particular gun is very unlikely to cause a ND. The safety would need to get enganged and trigger would have to be pulled overcomming the stiff and long double action pull. A bump releasing the Mag is a real threat. It is also something I need to concider when purchasing my next holster.

Everyone, Thanks Youv'e given me a lot to think about.

JLaw · Post by **JLaw** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 10:08 pm

nuparadigm wrote: If nothing else, run out and buy an el cheapo Uncle Mike's IWB and use that until you can decide upon a quality holster that suits your tastes your bankroll and your carrying needs.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Hey Liberty, I'd like to meet up with you at the CHLDay. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to take a closer look at your P95. They have intrigued me for quite some time, but I always talk myself out of them.

JLaw