CC Methods

[LMTC]

All these threads have engendered some interesting and informative discussion. The collective knowledge & experience here far exceeds any one individual's. Well, ok, it far exceeds mine. And it is helpful to read the thoughts and experiences of others.

So share your experiences, knowledge, and general thoughts on CC methods. Some of us have a difficult time hiding anything with squared edges or straight lines because most of our body lines are rounded (as in XX Fat) ...yes, I admit to having FOU syndrome (Fat, Old, Ugly) and with arthritis becoming more of an issue, I cannot adequately reach something at the middle of my back any more. All of which candidly makes me more vulnerable, because I cannot flee nearly as well as I once could. I agree completely with those who advocate avoiding any potential situation one possibly can, but the purpose of carrying to me is for that situation I pray never happens....the one I can't avoid or escape.

How do you carry now? Pros and cons? How have you carried, and what were your experiences with that method?

 

[hudlow]

Chances are if you see me I'm going to be carrying one or both of these guns.

The revolver on top is an older model S&W .38. It's all steel and a little too heavy, in my opinion, to carry in my pocket. So I carry it in an inside the waistband holster with a speed strip of reloads in my pocket. I'll either have on a tee shirt with the tail out or an overshirt over a tee shirt to cover this rig.

Unless my wife tells me to put something else on.


The P32 in the lower part of the photo is in a pocket holster made for back pocket carry. I carry it in my right rear pocket and I may even stick a bandanna down in front of it to break it up even more.

These two guns seem to fit the bill for me for most of my carrying concealed. I am, however, considering carrying my Sig P245 more and it will be in a holster similar to the revolver in the photo.

Let me note that any holster that needs a belt to support it is only as good as the belt. A custom fitted hundred dollar holster ain't worth a poot if it's hung on a skinny (but fashionably good lookin') $9.98 belt from Old Navy. I strongly suggest that anyone research and buy a belt that is made for supporting holsters if they intend to carry this way. Without a well made substantial belt your gun may not be where you think it should be when you need it. The biggest, thickest, baddest belt Wally World sells is nothing compared to a well made gun belt.

Like you I'll make every attempt to avoid and even run from a confrontation. My runnin' days are about over, my knees are shot and I'll shuffle away as fast as I can. But if it comes down to protecting my wife and the folks I love, I'm not shufflin' too much.

hud

 

[Soundguy]

There are ankle and boot holsters.. as well as shoulder holsters.. and even abdomen 'belt' holsters that are under your clothes. Also.. clothing holsters.. like purses with CCW pouches.. and fanny packs. "wallet' holsters for the really subcompact guns.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[RedRocker]

I think wallet holsters are illegal now. I have one for my 5 shot 22 mag NA Arms revolver, tried to buy one for a friend and discovered they had become illegal. No one can explain how a holster that conceals a weapon should be illegal for concealed carry though.

 

[GaryM]

I think wallet holsters are illegal now. I have one for my 5 shot 22 mag NA Arms revolver, tried to buy one for a friend and discovered they had become illegal. No one can explain how a holster that conceals a weapon should be illegal for concealed carry though.

I can explain it! At least I can explain why the BATF says it's illegal.

A holster is illegal if it conceals the fact that it's a firearm and the gun can be fired without being withdrawn from the holster. So the holsters that have a cutout for your finger to reach the trigger is not allowed, while the same holster design with a solid panel is OK.

Personally I'd never use a holster that didn't cover and protect the trigger. I pocket carry most of the time with a DeSantis Nemesis The Nemesis and it works well. I also have a Fist pocket holster made of Kydex Untitled Document

When buying pants I always stick my hand in the pocket to check the depth. Don't want the pocket too shallow so the grip shows.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm 5-9", 180 lbs and a medium build.
I've been carrying since the mid-80's.

I've tried several different methods of carry but have settled on two:

1) Pocket Carry: this is the easiest method. It's just a matter of putting the gun/holster in your pocket. I use my left front pocket. You are limited to a smaller handgun (mine is a .38 Spl) and you want a good holster to retain the gun. The holster should cover the trigger and not come out of the pocket as you draw. Then you need to decide if you want a hammer spur (normal hammer you can cock) or a bobbed hammer (hammer spur cut down so you can't manually cock it (this would leave you to double-action only). Taurus makes a nice compromise, the Model 851 which will probably be my next handgun.

2) Outside the waistband: I carry on my left hip (9 O'Clock).
You can carry any size gun using this method. There's two I carry: Glock 19 or Kahr MK9. The Glock 19 requires some kind of covering garment (I've taken to wearing sports jackets for this); the MK9 is easily covered by a loose tee shirt or other shirt wore outside the trousers.

Personally, I've never been comfortable with inside the waistband carry. I've plenty of holsters I've tried but if you've any "love handles", it's just not comfortable.
Small of the back is also out (for me). It's very uncomfortable to do if seated and a real pain to re-holster the gun.

There ya go...

 

[Soundguy]

My wallet holster has no finger hole. it is simply a sewn fit 'square-ish' holster for that gun that slips into your back pocket like a wallet.. you must withdraw the gun from the holster to fire it.. the holster does conceal the grips.. so no accidental 'peep shows' if your pocket is not deep enough. This is not a ho-made holster.. it was comercially produced. AFAIK.. it is legal.

Soundguy

I think wallet holsters are illegal now. I have one for my 5 shot 22 mag NA Arms revolver, tried to buy one for a friend and discovered they had become illegal. No one can explain how a holster that conceals a weapon should be illegal for concealed carry though.

 

[GaryM]

My wallet holster has no finger hole. it is simply a sewn fit 'square-ish' holster for that gun that slips into your back pocket like a wallet.. you must withdraw the gun from the holster to fire it.. the holster does conceal the grips.. so no accidental 'peep shows' if your pocket is not deep enough. This is not a ho-made holster.. it was comercially produced. AFAIK.. it is legal.

Soundguy

Right. As far as the BATF is concerned if you can fire without withdrawing the pistol it's a no-no. If you have to withdraw the pistol it's OK.