Beretta 92 concealment

P

Popsicle

New member
I know, the Beretta 92 is a big gun, but I'm a big guy ( 6'2", 260 lbs.). I am taking a concealed carry permit class in two weeks, and would like some suggestions on concealing this pistol. Next spring, I am gonna get something smaller, but for the winter, I feel I could adequately hide my 92. Any suggestions on how to carry, and also rig suggestions. I'm open to shoulder rigs also, if practical. Thanks for any help!

Pat Brophy
 
A Beretta 92FS was my primary toting gun for three years, back when I was limited to two handguns (in a more restrictive jurisdiction.) I am 6'1" and 200, and I never had an issue with concealment. A good IWB holster, like the Bianchi #3S Pistol Pocket, is a necessity. I also toted the 92FS in a Galco Miami Classic shoulder rig, with two loaded mags on the offside to balance the weight of the Beretta.

The 92FS is considered a big bistol now, but it was the "normal" size just 10 years ago, prior to the flood of compacts and subcompacts hitting the market after 1994. We got spoiled with lightness and chopped size, so now everyone considers the Beretta to be a "boat anchor". It's actually not that much bigger than a Glock 19, although heavier.
 
Best holster I have seen for the Beretta is the ACP made by Lou Alessi.

I believe Lou only sells these through Burns Custom pistols but I'm not sure. I do know Dane Burns had several in stock that were extras from a US Military contract. He had a special pricing deal going on them a few weeks back advertised on the pistolsmith forum. He may have a few left.

Here is the thread
http://www.pistolsmith.com/viewtopic.php?topic=3084&forum=26&10 from Dane's board.
 
I use a BladeTech IWB with FBI cant and thier IDPA OWB with the same cant. Just be sure you use a belt thats made for carrying guns. I have one 1.5" that I had made locally and one 1.25" from Dillion Leather. A proper belt makes a HUGE difference.
Robb
 
How comfortable is a iwb holster? I have only tried one with a glock 21 and it was uncomfortable to say the least. Also ,the butt of the gun printed noticeably. I have never owned a really good holster and am wondering if that is what makes the difference. Also, any opinions on a small of the back holster? Thanks for the help guys!

Pat Brophy
 
Popsicle, there are some compromises to IWB carry.

For one you have to wear your pants a couple of inches larger than normal. Thick blocky pistols like the larger Glocks are always going to cause some lack of comfort.

A quality holster makes a big difference. You will get a better fit which helps with the comfort and concealment.

The gun will generally print less with IWB because it rides closer to your body. You should start at the trouser seam and work your way back to find the spot on your hip that will offer the most comfort and concealment. Everyone is different.

Several have stated, and I agree the SOB holsters are a bad thing. They are virtually impossible to draw from while seated. And if you should be knocked to the ground while standing that heavy steel object will whack you right at the base of your spine. Ouch:eek:
 
The IWB is a little uncomfortable, but to me so is everything else. I wear a 38 in. waistband without IWB and a 40 with it. Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch once said carrying a gun should be comforting not comfortable. I carry a thick ass Beretta 92 Elite IWB with my spare mag on a BladeTech OWB on my left side with a covering garment its easy to conceal, mostly uncomfortable while seated. Walking and standing are really comfortable.
Robb
 
I carry a Glock 26 and a BHP in Galco Royal Guard IWB's and a Makarov in a Don Hume IWB, (depends on the season, apparel or situation). All have a forward FBI cant. The BHP is slimmer than the 92fs but approximately the same length and the Glock is shorter, but about the same width. I carry at the 4:00 position. I'm also a very large human. 6'4" 280lbs. I don't have much problem with any of them, either with concealment or comfort.

You'll have to change your dress habits when in casual mode. Looser is better and you'll have to wear you shirts untucked. There are IWB holsters that allow you to tuck your shirt in, but I have no experience with them. Wearing a jacket allows for a neater appearance, conceals well and allows you to carry a larger pistol. As was stated, a good stout belt designed for CCW's is mandatory. THe more you carry, the more comfortable it becomes. To the point where you feel uncomfortable NOT wearing your pistol.

Hope this helps.
 
concealment

One thing I have learned is a good gun belt is essential. Belts designed for holsters are thicker and keep the gun up against the body far better. I have a Kramer, it fits inside normal pant loops and looks like a regular belt. I am sure other people make similar. I have found that many times "printing" is caused by the gun tipping, or leaning away from the body.
 
i don' think i'd want to carry a gun much thicker than a 1911 in an IWB holster, i have a blade-tech for my sig 226 and it just never felt comfotable and the butt would somtimes print.

i just got one of the alessi acp sets from burns custom for my 96 and could not be happier. it is light and stiff and carries the gun tight to the body while pulling in the butt enough for me to carry under a eddie bauer large/tall golf/t-shirt. it retains the gun when turned upside-down and yet has a smooth release without any break-in period.

i've been wearing it for about a week and ahalf now and it is extremely comfortable...using a 1.25" belt

i think the SOB holster is for a very specific use...standing station, under a tailored suit, it doesn't allow for a lot of bending without "flashing"...other than that i think the disadvantages outweigh the advantages
 
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