CCW Dilemma

M

Murdoch

New member
OK, here's my dilemma:

I need a CCW option for social settings - that is fairly accessible, but deep cover - I don't want it printing, and it also can't be felt when someone hugs me or pats me on the back. The biggest problem is the "side hug:" the hand goes right to your hip. In other words, something for when I know I'll be seeing a lot of friends/family and don't want to make anyone nervous or have to explain to everyone what I have on.

What I've thought of so far:

Obviously, the ankle holster takes care of much of the problem, but it limits the size you can carry. Same with IPHs, though I often use one. I've looked at the Galco USA and UDC, since they place everything at or below the belt line, and there is less chance of a "social" hug or pat going that low (I'm married, so social is all I'm concerned about!).

I have seen several of you recommend the Smart carry, but can't quite bring myself to carry there...for obvious reasons, especially since most compact carry guns are sans-safety nowadays.

I have, however, seen an interesting holster that may help solve my problem, but I haven't seen/heard too much about it - the pagerpal/cellpal holster. It appears to place everything below the belt line, and it quickly accessible, at least from the video.it also gives you an excuse should anyone bump you..."That's my cell phone".

Anyone have experience with this holster, or have other ideas? I can always carry tiny (BUG or J-Frame) in an IPH, but would like the option of a compact larger caliber auto when I want it.

Thanks.
 
Hmm, just found a thread about these on THR...not good reviews. Anyone with GOOD experience with one of these?

Other suggestions?
 
First... I mean ABSOLUTELY no disrespect.

Second... your problem is a unique one, as the one group of poeple I could care less about knowing that I carry or offending w/ my beliefs is my family/wifes' family and friends.

I've told my wife's family that they were obviously "new" to living in today's society or they'd be packing too.

Really IMHO they should have to explain to you why they're so uptight that carrying your gun around them makes you nervous. But seriously now:

The one and only option that I see is a mouse gun in the pocket. IWB/OWB/ and belly band all allow the gun to be 'felt' if you get hugged. No one's gut/side is as firm as steel. The ankle holster can be easily seen if the wrong pants are worn, plus you'll most likely walk funny for at least a couple days getting used to it.

You may be able to get away with a horizontal shoulder rig, but you'll need your dinner jacket on all the time and that looks weird. the "day planner" carry is option, but then you've got to basically keep it on your lap / in your hand... that looks weird too.

Let us know how this turns out.
 
Pants

I have a pair of Khaki Columbia River chino pants that I wear. It has a side zip pocket, located on the seam, just below the opening of the front pocket. It fits my Sig 2340 and it does not print at all. The gun stays just below my waist in the upper mid thight area. I bought the pants at Dick's Sporting Goods.
 
Smartcarry. It works. If you are that worried about carrying something like a Glock get the SafeTClip that blocks the trigger but is pushed out when you insert your finger forcefully. Otherwise do what I do, carry a S&W J frame there with 2 Bianchi speed strips on the other side.
 
Smartcarry or IPH seems to be the way to go. I'll have to decide if I could get used to the idea of the smartcarry....


And to clarify, dwatts47, It's not so much that I am afraid of "offending" someone...most of my good friends either are shooters themselves, or wouldn't think anything of it. Some people are just not comfortable with guns, and that's fine with me, as long as they respect my right to have and bear them. My father in law, for instance, is a bird hunter and enjoys sport shooting with shotguns, but is uncomfortable with handguns. He has the right to that opinion, just as I have the right to mine. He's a cool guy, and a great father in law, and actually taught be how to shoot clays.

I'm thinking J-frame or mouse in pocket is my best option. No one but my wife should be reaching that low ;)
 
Carry your gun IWB on your "strong side" hip and learn how to hug when carrying a gun.

What I mean is, make your "strong side" arm go lower than the hugger's arm. This forces them to put their arm up on your shoulder. As for "sideways" hugs, more situational awareness is what's called for. Another option is "Appendix Carry". It is very concealable, especially with a Kahr PM9 or a J-Frame sized gun. If it's family they most likely won't be playing around with you in that area. Just keep your hips back a little bit and they will never feel the gun.

I'm not a fan of Smart Carry or Pager Pal Holsters. I hope this helps.
 
I've been playing with appendix carry for that very reason. Same as pocket...not too many people are going to be trying to put their hands there.

Since I posted the original topic, I've seen all kinds of terrible stuff abour the Pager pal, so I'll be sticking to the "brand name" stuff for sure. And I know many of you swear by the smartcarry, but I'm just not sure about that. IPH or appendix it is, I suppose.

Thanks for the advice, everyone.
 
Depending on the pant's I'm wearing, I can carry my P-64 (PPK/S or Sig 230/232 sized) in either a SmartCarry or in A Desantis Nemisis in the front pocket and you'll never know it is there. I don't feel the least bit worried about an accidental discharge even with the safety off because of it's hammer/firing pin configuration. If I did, I would simply flip the safety on.

With either, wearing a somewhat loose fitting pair of pants helps (not a problem for me as I have been told that I'm somewhat butt challenged ;)). Pleats help even more.
 
Carry your gun IWB on your "strong side" hip and learn how to hug when carrying a gun.

What I mean is, make your "strong side" arm go lower than the hugger's arm. This forces them to put their arm up on your shoulder. As for "sideways" hugs, more situational awareness is what's called for. Another option is "Appendix Carry". It is very concealable, especially with a Kahr PM9 or a J-Frame sized gun. If it's family they most likely won't be playing around with you in that area. Just keep your hips back a little bit and they will never feel the gun.

I'm not a fan of Smart Carry or Pager Pal Holsters. I hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I was going to say. You need to learn how to direct peoples hands when in close quarters. I believe pocket carry is probably the most descrete with also being readily available. I usually have a Glock 23 on my hip in a Bianchi CarryLoc holster and one of two NAA Guardians in my front pocket. Works for me
 
IMO the PagerPal is a poor design and not very fast. It is not cut for a solid first grip. In a properly designed holster there should be clearance for the hand to get the proper grip the first time. I once spoke to the owner/designer of the PagerPal at a gun show. He acknowledged the problem and said he was re-designing it to correct that fault. I do not know it there is a new one.
You might want to try a horizonal shoulder holster like the Alessi that has a very fast pull through snap- that type of holster will raise the gun above hug level.
You can also carry a super light weight gun like the SW 340PD hanging from a neck strap with a break away lanyard clip.
Or you can get a pocket holster for a J frame SW. Nothing is faster than shooting through your pocket.
Or you could buy my High Standard 22 mag derringer with wallet holster loaded with thin jacketed jhp varmint loads.
There is also a way to use your elbows and place them over the weapon but it takes practice.
 
Pocket carry and a 9mm Kel-Tec PF-9.

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I bought one of the Pagerpals from watching their slick video. Needless to say I could never draw it that smoothly. I think I gave it to another forum member who found the samethings I did.
 
I have a J frame, that I'm thinking of trying to trade up to an ultralight, and I've been eying the keltecs as well. Both should be easy enough to conceal. When I'm less concerned about being "made," I'm eying the Kahr CW9 and the XD.
 
Carry your gun IWB on your "strong side" hip and learn how to hug when carrying a gun.

What I mean is, make your "strong side" arm go lower than the hugger's arm. This forces them to put their arm up on your shoulder. As for "sideways" hugs, more situational awareness is what's called for.
Click to expand...

Can I make that 3-0 without sounding insulting? Learn to carry IWB. It takes some practice. There are several things one must practice before they become habit:

1) Never reach for upper shelves (i. e., at the supermarket, Lowe's, etc.) with your strong hand--your shirt may lift high enough to expose your CCW
2) Learn to stand in place with your strong-side elbow 'pinned' to your weapon's grip if you're not gonna keep an eye on the crowd
3) when encountering your aunt, refer to 2). She'll reach around your strong-side arm if she insists on hugging low.
4) don't carry stuff by tucking it under your strong-side armpit; you're sure to print
 
Sorry to resurrect my own old thread, but I've been eying the Galco UDC/USA IWB holsters - Something I can wear with a tucked in shirt to avoid flashing with a suit coat and to allow me to take the coat off. Anyone have experience with these?
 
Some good advice for the most part, so far.

Obviously, deep concealment methods should work unless you;re tryingto hide your pistol from someone you're on intimate terms with. Ankle carry takes being discovered via a hug out of play. Pocket carry too for most hugs. Appendix carry carries slightly more hug risk, but not much.
 
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