Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 29

Thread: Concealed Carry

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Posts
    64
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    Concealed Carry

    Hi, new to the forum and wanted to pick people's brains. I didn't see this covered in any threads (used the search) also not positive this is the best part of the forum for this so please forgive my ignorance.

    I want to start carrying concealed, don't carry now. I wanted to know what set ups (I.e. Locations of carry and type of carry works for some of you). I am what I would say a medium build, 5'11" at 180 lbs. I am not thin but not over weight but I do have what I consider a small gut I am working to get ride off. I generally wear pants and a t-shirt. Fall and spring a light coat and winter a heavy coat as it gets cold here in Vermont. I want to come up with a decent way to carry so I can train in that set up before actually carrying. Where I work we can't carry now but I would talk to the boss to see if that can change (big active shooter push going on). I sit for a few hours at a time at work or driving. I also stand and walk around a lot. Off of work I work on fixing up my house and my parents house. I also work on cars, to give an idea of movements I make and positions I am in. Thank you for any advice. It is highly appreciated.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Twin Cities
    Posts
    1,251
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0
    Do you have a specific gun for carry? What are your state laws concerning brandishing? Here in MN permit is for carry, not necessarily concealed, so accidental exposure of gun not a problem. My J-frame snubby hides decently OWB on belt at 3-4 o'clock or in pocket with a tee shirt or better with untucked polo. Winter is a CZ compact in AIWB or OWB paddle that requires more layers to conceal. A holster that clips on is easier to shift position a bit when sitting, but need to verify often that it has not worked loose. Small of the back does not work for me with my bad shoulder joints.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Posts
    64
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    I am currently thinking of picking up an hk45 compact or a p30 for carry. I currently only own full size and I don't think my body structure will let me conceal that easily or comfortably. I live in vermont there are no laws against carrying concealed or open. I just would like to carry concealed. In open carry I feel you have someone to choices leave you alone or shoot you. Concealed you have more options and benefit of surprise. Thank you.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Posts
    2,101
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    I've always carried strong side iwb, rolled just slightly behind the hip. I'm fairly lean so rolling it back aids in concealment. I've always used Crossbreed or Comptac Ctac holster. The Crossbreed has concealed my full sized M&P for years, and for the while I carried a CZ SP-01 Shadow the Comptac did good concealing it as well. I'm also fairly active and don't like wearing much more than a T-Shirt. The guns you're talking about are a little bigger though.
    -One Nation, Under God

    -"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." ~ Michael Althsuler

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Posts
    64
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    Aragorn is that a comfortable position to carry for a full range of activity and sitting? Thank you for the input.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    1,104
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    I've tried a lot of options and found that a single-stack 9mm on the hip in a thin kydex holster works best for me. I keep a spare mag in my pocket. Anything more than that and I start to feel weighed down.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Northern VA
    Posts
    171
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    It's a body type thing. What works for him may not work for you but, in general yes, it can be perfectly comfortable for a full range of activities and sitting.

    Just make sure you get a proper belt.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Kentucky
    Posts
    2,277
    Downloads
    11
    Uploads
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by MoxyDave View Post
    I've tried a lot of options and found that a single-stack 9mm on the hip in a thin kydex holster works best for me. I keep a spare mag in my pocket. Anything more than that and I start to feel weighed down.
    This. Single stack 9 in kydex on hip, great luck with the walther pps and shield. I can usually get away with just a tshirt wearing a g26 aswell. Lately for quick trips I just throw the g42 in a pocket for connivence.

    Everyone is different but the p30 you mentioned is starting to get out of the realm of easily concealed for me personally.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Posts
    198
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    Im a big glock fan, usually carry my g17 OTW open carry in a comptac straight drop or if i need to conceal for crowds/fine dining i wear my crossbreed IWB which makes a full size pistol completely disappear and makes me forget im wearing it. G19 for deep cover.

    All that being said, ive been shooting a few friends M&P Shield 9mm and i love them! Extremely ergonomic, thin and amazingly accurate. The only drawback is living in memphis where i feel like i need more capacity although im sure most groups of thugs would scatter at the first shot. Just hope im never in that situation.


    If you're new to carrying, i would recommend going to a local range. They often have specials certain nights of the week and you can usually rent a gun to try out. Try a few and see what feels comfy then rent it. Some ranges will let you swap out as many pistols as you want for a single rental price. Im also a big 9mm fan as it is the cheapest ammo. You can get some great 147grain self defense rounds for them now.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    SE MI
    Posts
    4,571
    Downloads
    2
    Uploads
    0
    I too work in an office setting and do a lot of sitting at work. I carry an M&P 9c appendix while at work (tucked, slacks & button up shirt). It works well for me.
    I am about the same build as you. 6' 180lbs, pretty fit.
    Outside of work it's a fullsize M&P9 OWB unless I am somewhere NEED to really conceal then I go back to the 9c.
    Ground Defense 1, Blade Defense 1, Defensive Pistol 1 & 2, Aliance Shoot House, When Things Go Bad, YSINTG, Carbine 1, DART Medical, NRA Range Safety Officer
    david@damagephotos.com
    Damage Photos on Facebook
    @damage_photos on Instagram
    Use DAMAGE15 to save 15% at Third Pin Threads
    Save 10% "JOINORDIE" http://cmttac.com/

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    65
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0

    My EDC setup.

    G19 with an AIWB kydex holster. I like the clip vs loops because I can easily remove if needed, and never have to reholster right at my crotch...

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    MS
    Posts
    28
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    G19 IWB Kydex Holster I made for myself.
    Right around 3 to 3:30.

    Maybe it is because I am short, but I have never seen how anyone can carry appendix and be in anything but misery the entire time.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Posts
    64
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    How is appendix carry for sitting? I feel sitting is my biggest worry. I would think appendix carry would dig in. I feel anything around 3:30 or more would stick back when seated for others to see. Like I said I'm new so if I am wrong please let me know. As of now leaning towards trying the hk45c (if it feels right in my hands). If that doesn't work well for me to conceal I can look for a different gun later. Wife and I decide to wait until after Christmas so hopefully I can narrow down where I want to try and carry so I can get a good holster for my intended purpose. Leaning towards appendix and 3:30 seems to be the most recommended and what I think would hide well on my body type. Any preferred brands/types, I saw trex-arms and was thinking of trying them out. Thanks for all the help and input. I hope one day I can pay the advice and help forward.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    65
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    I (unfortunately) sit 9 of 10 hours during my work days, and appendix carry doesn't really bother me. The cut of the holster plays a big deal in comfort. Mine is tapered pretty well so it rests on my leg more than it digs in. First few days were annoying but now I barely notice. Helps that I've lost a couple inches in the waist since I started carrying too.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Posts
    845
    Downloads
    0
    Uploads
    0
    Appendix is fine seated. Like others have stated the cut of the holster is important and a person's build as well.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •