Concealed carry dilemma

D

Dr. Steven Brule

Inactive
In short, work prohibits me from carrying. I like to carry a service sized handgun, like a Glock 19, but I can't be caught printing at work. I had a Glock 43, and hated it; My hands are too large to get a decent trigger press without contacting my support hand in the process.

I've recently entertained the idea of a Shield, as it seems to fit my large hands better, but it would still be a waistband gun. I have to keep my shirt tucked in at work and would prefer not to carry IWB. If I could find a good AIWB holster that allowed for a tucked shirt without worrying if I extend my arms or reach for something it will print I would not be opposed to the shield.

I've also been thinking about a pocket gun, the original double action LCP seems to be a solid choice. However, it's not exactly a fighting handgun like the Shield. I'm a pretty big guy, 6'1 200 pounds. The reason I like to carry a fighting handgun is because I have a dangerous line of work. Chances are, I will have to reach out to 7 yards or farther in a gunfight.

Are there any options out there that I've not yet considered, or should I just throw a single stack .380 in my pocket and at least be armed rather than not? I could get a nice cargo pocket holster and carry a larger pistol like the shield, but that would require that I wear cargo shorts or pants every day. As well, I'm not entirely confident that I could effectively draw from a velcro sealed cargo pocket in a life or death situation.
 
I pocket carry in Phoenix, usually with cargo shorts but sometimes in dress pants after work.

You are right about the LCP; I have a Custom but the new "standard" LCP sounds very good, with an improved trigger and sights over the original version. I find the Custom very easy to shoot accurately out to 15 yards, far more capable than the original that way. The new standard should be good also. Haven't tried the LCP II.

Sorry you don't like the Glock 43; that's my current first option.

I have found the Ruger LCR in .357 magnum to be pocketable and shootable, much more so than the light .38 version. The .357 weighs 17 ounces empty, about the upper limit for pocket carry in my experience. Shoot .38s all day out of it. I only took a couple of shots with .357s just to see what it felt like, but the LCR will shoot all .38 defense loads I have found, with excellent comfort and accuracy beyond 7 yards pretty easily.

A Smith Airweight like the 638 Bodyguard or Centennial is a classic pocket gun, smaller and lighter than the LCR.357 also. Painful to practice with though.

My Ruger LC9s had a remarkable trigger and outstanding accuracy; mine wouldn't feed hollowpoints reliably however. The Kahrs (P380 and PM/CM9) and SIG P238s are also pocketable and very accurate; I found them finicky about what they would feed though.

If you could use a bellyband-type holster that would open up your options a bit; the Shield would work fine there, for one, as would a number of other single-stack subcompacts.
 
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Try the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck. Amazing IWB holsters and fairly reasonably priced at around $45 depending on which one you get. They also offer 30 day trial periods and if you don't like it they will refund you. These holsters allow you to tuck your shirt in and blouced (pulled out a bit) to help with imprinting and the only visible parts are the clips. You can also get different styles of clips. They make a low profile style that goes behind your belt and comes up at the bottom. I own 3 of them. They offer free shell trades so if you want to carry a different pistol you can swap shells for free or just buy the shell for something like $12.

I have carried with my shirt tucked in a 1911 commander and a HK USP fullsized without people at work ever knowing I'm carrying fairly large pistols. I also carry my HK p30sk everyday and its about the same size as a Glock 26/27 or M&P 9c or 40c and you cant tell it's there. Check em' out and best of luck.
 
I had a Glock 43, and hated it; My hands are too large to get a decent trigger press without contacting my support hand in the process.
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Compact/subcompact guns are a compromise. That's just the way it is. A gun that prioritizes ergonomics is going to be way more fun to shoot than one that prioritizes minimum size and weight.

I don't think you have to keep a compact/subcompact gun that you actually hate--there are a ton of guns on the market these days--but on the other hand it's not reasonable to expect that a compact/subcompact gun is going to be as comfortable to shoot as one that's designed more for shooting than for concealment.
 
Dr. Steven Brule said:
In short, work prohibits me from carrying. I like to carry a service sized handgun, like a Glock 19, but I can't be caught printing at work.
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You wrote that you can't be caught printing at work, but what you should have written is that you can't be caught carrying at work. What's the penalty if you are caught? Do you get a slap on the wrist, a few days off, or do you get fired?

If your work prohibits carry, where do you work that's so dangerous you're willing to ignore your employer's policy and carry anyway? Is it an option to leave your gun in your vehicle while working? Or in a locker during your work shift? Do you really need it on your person during your work shift?
 
First of all, Dr. Steven Brule, welcome to TFL!
Dr. Steven Brule said:
. . . . I had a Glock 43, and hated it; . . . .I've recently entertained the idea of a Shield, as it seems to fit my large hands better, but it would still be a waistband gun. I have to keep my shirt tucked in at work and would prefer not to carry IWB. If I could find a good AIWB holster that allowed for a tucked shirt without worrying if I extend my arms or reach for something it will print I would not be opposed to the shield.
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I don't carry AIWB, so I'm a little hesitant to recommend an AIWB holster. However, I do carry IWB. As someone noted, the kydex hybrid holsters allow you to tuck your shirt in over your pistol. Blousing your shirt a little helps with printing. I carry a G19 under a dress or polo shirt without any problem. There are many different companies that make these. I have a Theis and a Crossbreed Supertuck, both of which I'd heartily recommend.

Dr. Steven Brule said:
. . . .I've also been thinking about a pocket gun, the original double action LCP seems to be a solid choice. However, it's not exactly a fighting handgun like the Shield. I'm a pretty big guy, 6'1 200 pounds. The reason I like to carry a fighting handgun is because I have a dangerous line of work. Chances are, I will have to reach out to 7 yards or farther in a gunfight.
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When I think of a "fighting handgun," I think of something larger than either the Shield or the LCP. That said, I guess any handgun that you'd carry for SD is a "fighting handgun" to some degree.

I'm curious as to what line of work you're in that: (a) requires you to tuck your shirt in; but (b) leads you to believe that you could be in a SD shooting beyond 7 yards. Those two don't exactly go hand-in-hand. Most of the folks that I know in dangerous professions where 7+ yard gunfights are likely carry rifles rather than pocket guns.

Dr. Steven Brule said:
Are there any options out there that I've not yet considered, or should I just throw a single stack .380 in my pocket and at least be armed rather than not? I could get a nice cargo pocket holster and carry a larger pistol like the shield, but that would require that I wear cargo shorts or pants every day. As well, I'm not entirely confident that I could effectively draw from a velcro sealed cargo pocket in a life or death situation.
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I'll second the suggestion for an LCR. I also have the LCR in .357 Magnum, and I keep mine loaded with .38 Spl. I didn't like practicing with .357s, and wasn't satisfied with my groups. Switching to .38s made a big difference. It's easy to carry and easy to shoot. I pocket carry mine (even in a suit or khakis), but I've been thinking about getting a belt holster, just so that I've got some extra options.
 
If your work prohibits carry, where do you work that's so dangerous you're willing to ignore your employer's policy and carry anyway?
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Sounds more like an employment problem than a firearm problem.:eek:
But, Kahr CM(or PM)9.
Slightly bigger than the LCP. light weight, thin profile, easy to conceal, pocketable in many cases, and chambered for 9MM.
 
The size of the handgun is less important than how quick and accurate you can actually shoot it.
In the real world, we are responsible for each and every bullet that leaves our barrel.
There's no room for error.
It would be safer to judge your choice of gun by that criteria alone.
Trying to depend on other folks recommendations usually results in answers that fit their needs, not yours.

How about finding a gun range with rentals to find out what actually works for you, instead.
Just a thought.
 
g.willikers: said:
The size of the handgun is less important than how quick and accurate you can actually shoot it.
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What he says goes 2X for me. My Walther PPS-M2 is the smallest pistol I've come across that I can shoot well and it carries nicely in every holster I've tried it with. But it's no pocket pistol. Any recommendation I could make for a true pocket gun starts off with this little bit of advice; "shoot about 100 rounds through one just like it before you buy it". IMHO, when I need to stick my shooting hand in an ice bag after I'm done shooting, I'm not going to be shooting that gun very often. And I'm not comfortable carrying something I don't practice with on a regular basis.
 
"...work prohibits me from carrying..." That should end the discussion. Is having a firearm on your person while working worth losing the job?
If the job is so dangerous why have you and your colleagues not complained to management? Does the Dr. mean MD?
Look into a PPK anyway.
 
"...cant carry at work"
"...cant shoot a small gun"
"...cant go without a gun"

Brother you gotta give something up to gain what you want. Im 6'2.5" my buddy is 6'3.5" he has an LCP that we can both shoot just dandy. Is it ideal? Heck no. But our big mitts can make the thing run. Maybe you are concentrating to much on grip, try running one at an IDPA match or something and see if you shoot it worth a dern. Standing on a range line tells you very little about what might happen in a defensive situation. I dont WANT to ride a kids bicycle, my knees will hit the bars, but if it expedites my removal from danger guess whos lanky ass is gonna be sporting pink tassles on his handle bars as he vacates the area.
 
If there is a policy in place that plainly states that you can't carry a gun while at work then the best you can do is to leave your gun locked in your car.
You do have other options; find out if there are exceptions to the rule and see if you qualify. Find employment where you can carry. Have a chat with your supervisor/boss to see if the company will accept written copy that they are responsible legally and financially for your protection against violence. You might also check to see how they would feel about a law suit from the families of employees injured by violence. The last two choices may cost you your job so try to do so as you give notice of your new career move.
If you continue to carry against stated policy you can lose your job and be escorted from the building by the local law enforcement folks. (or worse)
What you do is your choice so I will assume that you are willing to pay the consequences.
 
CCW

Look at Alien holsters which allows you to IWB with a tucked in shirt.

For what it's worth, I've been carrying an AMT Backup in a Desantis pocket holster without any printing.
 
Id suggest looking at the Smart Carry holsters.

I work and carry in a NPE and use the Smart Carry with a Glock 26 with a 17 reload. Been doing it for years now and never had an issue.
 
I work in repossessions, and my company policy is for us to wear polo shirts tucked. The no weapon policy is contract mandated by big banks. If a customer or employee catches me, not only am I terminated, but we will lose a hundred thousand dollar a year contract as well. You bet a customer will call his bank and let them know the repossession agent had a gun on him.

The reason I say 7 yards or more is because it's a good distance from someones vehicle in the driveway to their front door, and chances are if they come out shooting they are going to come out of the front door shooting. The last time I was shot at, I already had the vehicle hooked to mine and i was 50 yards away, luckily a security guard at a bar tackled him before he could close the distance. I was not carrying that day.
 
I can shoot a small gun by the way. I just don't feel confident in my ability to return accurate fire, possibly in the dark with that small gun. Any shootout I get into on the job is going to be much like an officer involved shooting where a suspect is determined to end my life, not just a simple smash and grab or armed robbery. There are other small guns that fit my hands better than the 43. The LCP doesn't feel bad to me at all.
 
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