Best Way to CCW...

O

oneloudvous

New member
Whats the best way to CC if you arent exactly a big guy and living in Florida (lots of Heat and Humidity)?
Im 5' 8" about 140...Carry gun will probably be a P2000sk/G26/PPS and/or pocket gun (9mm but dont know which model yet).
 
Belt holster with GOOD belt. Use a Hawaiian shirt as covering garment - either unbuttoned over a colored Tshirt or buttoned (shirt is 1 size larger than normal).
 
For years I carried a G19 in a Milt Sparks Executive's Companion IWB behind my strong side hip. I lived in the Pacific Northwest, near Seattle, and it was a great method of carry with a light jacket most of the year.

Two years ago I moved to central Florida and I found the G19 to be too heavy and too bulky for hot/warm weather clothing. After some research I replaced my G19 with a Kahr PM9.

Based on my early experiences in Florida I was concerned that lightweight shirts wouldn't drape reliably over the PM9 keeping it concealed, especially in breezy conditions. That's when I started to consider appendix carry. I experimented with 2-3 holsters before I decided that appendix carry would work for me. I ended up purchasing a Milt Sparks Summer Special II IWB, trimmed off excess leather under the trigger guard area and cut off one belt loop. (I prefer belt loops to belt clips as I've always had trouble with clips working loose from the belt.)

The single belt loop allows me to discreetly adjust the holster for comfort so the pistol doesn't poke into me when I'm sitting, kneeling, etc.

This setup has worked very well for me so far.

Good luck.
 
So far pocket carry, apendix IWB carry, sound like the best options. Smart carry would work but Im sure if I would be comfortable with it.
 
I live in south Florida, and I carry a G26 daily, strong side IWB. Loose shirts, including not just Hawaiian prints but others designed to be worn with the tail out, cover well and are well accepted here. For nicer occasions, keep your eyes peeled for lightweight summer sport coats with a comfortable fabric and no lining. One in beige and one in blue or gray will allow you to match nearly anything else in your wardrobe and go to nice restaurants, business meetings, etc.

I also have a fanny pack that I use occasionally (they are common and accepted wear down here - tourists have their cameras in them) and a pocket holster for short-term use around the house. I wouldn't use a pocket holster on a G26 away from the house, though, or for any period of time.

It isn't as bad as people make it out to be - I've been carrying for a long time and with some thought you can make it work.
 
I like Galco's SOB and Royal Guard holsters, with these 2 holsters I can carry a full size pistol under a t shirt in the gulf coast summers
 
I think MOB/SOB looks like it would work the best. Appendix carry, around the 1 o'clock position also might work. All of these make the G26 seem pretty easy to conceal. If anyone has picture of these holsters with a t shirt or polo covering them it would be awesome!
 
Baggy hawaiian shirt over a good belt like was said.

A bellyband slung low into the shorts with a snub is what I used when I wanted to go shirtless with shorts and get some sun...
 
There are definite disadvantages to SOB carry. It is uncomfortable and difficult to access when sitting. Shirt tails and coat tails can ride up and you can be open carrying without knowing it. Someone behind you can, if aware that you are carrying, disarm you before you even know they are moving towards you. And, perhaps most important, it is very difficult to draw without muzzle sweeping your own lower abdomen and pelvis and/or folks behind you and on your weak side. Takes a lot of practice to avoid such sweeps. I carried SOB for quite a while and soured on it for all of the above reasons.

You think everyone is staring at your waist when you start carrying, but I will join many others on TFL in testifying that the masses are almost universally oblivious - concealment is way easier than you think.

Forgot to add in discussing concealment attire that, if you or a significant other has any sewing skills at all, you can convert any shirt you like into a tail-out shirt just by squaring off the bottom.

Important PS: In Gainesville, go to Leonardo's for pizza. Oh, my!
 
Appendix carry would probably be the best since im pretty thin. I mianly wear t shirts and polo shirts untucked so nothing should be an issue, I just have to make sure the grip of the gun stays agsaint my body.

P.S. Leonardos and Satchels are VERY good. Go Gators!
 
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