Concealed carry - how to tricks/hints?

R

Ragin Cajun

New member
I've read this on holsters, that on "printing", and whatever on where to carry, in what, etc. What I would like to see are "tricks" in not being "made." I carry either in the boot or in an Action Direct bellyband with the pistol under the belt to the right of the belly button. The only part that could ever print would be the top edge of the grip as it extends above the belt. Am I being paranoid since "I" know I'm carrying and can "see something" or what? I keep my shirts slightly fluffed at the belt line. I am about 6"2" and weigh less than 185 lbs so there ain't many other places to hide it. I generally wear western boot type jeans, boots, and don't use a jacket unless it's really cold outside, as I am hot (flame) blooded – so says my wife. I have asked my wife if and where I'm carrying and she must pat me down to tell me. I carry a Kel-Tec P-11 in the bellyband and/or a P-32 or Tomcat in the boot using an ankle holster by Action Direct. I know the ankle rig doesn’t show, it's just is not as fast as other methods, but good for back-up or really deep cover. When at a buffet type restaurant, I walk around with my plate in my right hand held at waist level, etc. Is this advertising or doing things right? I find myself wanting to adjust the shirt, check, or look to see if all is ok, etc. Is this normal or does it just take time to be more “natural?” I have considered using the belt clip with the P-32 and placing my StarTAC cell phone over it for insurance when conditions warrant no chance of printing. By the way, I am right handed.

Comments, etc? What do you experienced pros do? The last thing I want to have happen is some liberal shopper or clerk go “ballistic.”
 
You're talking deep concealment- you should be able to tell in a mirror if there is any tell tale bulge or angle.

As to how you carry yourself- I believe most people who carry pistols give themselves away through their body language; by not looking "natural." It takes time to become comfortable carrying a pistol. Until you reach this comfort level you will draw attention to yourself. Well, most people won't notice you, but those who know what to look for will see you coming.

Good luck,
Erik
 
I carry a full-size 1911, and I am 5'7" and 180 lbs. I carry IWB, with a very light, nylon lined vest and a short sleeve shirt (tucked-in). I'm very hot-blooded too, and I've found that with a vest that has a nylon lining, I stay cool, sometimes cooler than without? At least it seems that way. The vest I have is a cheap copy of the Old Navy style vests. I honestly don't think that I've been "made" since I've been carrying this way (I had been with the fanny pack, but with no surprise). Honestly, if you can find a cool enough vest, and a good IWB holster/belt (M/D Enterprises) then you can carry huge guns with no problems...the fact that your vest ends at the belt line and there's no holster showing below helps a lot! Also, the vest doesn't ride up when you reach up, so your gun is still covered.
 
HIGHLY recommend boot carry as second-gun spot ONLY; definitely NOT a good spot for your primary.

Try a gun/pocket holster combination, and/or adjust your wardrobe to accommodate your chosen piece.

------------------
"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
Firstly, you have to get comfortable with your chosen gun and method of concealment. Many people who are new to CCW often wear around the house, picking at their clothing, looking in the mirror, and asking their significant other "Can you tell?" a lot. Just like in a poker game, as a newbie, your tells will give you away every time to someone who knows what to look for. To every one else, you're just acting wierd!
As to who knows what to look for? Well, my department dosen't teach it as part of a regular training schedule, but we do have a few training videos on what to look for on the deep dust shelf. Some departments, ones that often work undercover or as plain clothes security, teach it as part of the regular recruit lessons. Few, if any, civilians, have any clue that anyone is carrying. Out of sight, out of mind.
I'm 6 foot, and a scrawney 135 pounds. My regular carry gun is a S&W Sigma (used to carrry a Glock 17) which I carry IWB or in a belt holster, with a mag carrier on the weak side. I change carry and location based on seasonal clothing preference and appropriateness of the situation. In 10 years, never been "made" out in public, although my closest friends often "suspected". Store and mall security here is all about spotting the "bad" element, as gangs run here a lot, and I've never had any problems.
Spend some time around punks and you learn what I mean about "tells"!! People new or carrying illegally often show it in their behavior. It just takes getting used to, like wearing a watch or changing which pocket you carry your wallet in.
If your wife can't tell, and has to pat you down, then stop playing with your shirt! It's called "Concealed" for a reason, and it seems like you're doing it right! Good job.

Tom


------------------
A "Miss" is the ultimate overpenetration!
 
I carry a Glock 19 and two spare mags 90% of the time without a jacket. It goes in a Galco Jackass shoulder rig, underneath a buttoned-up shirt. The draw is not lightnig fast, maybe two seconds, but the gun and the spares ride comfortably all day. Unless I have someone pat me down or hug me, there is *zero* chance of being made. The gun virtually disappears under the shirt. This is a great arrangement that let me do away with my Guardian as "always gun" in favor of a full-size gun.

I'm 6'1" and 200, so your mileage may vary, but this is the best concealment method for me...works in every climate and situation except on the beach. A shirt is never out of place.
 
I carry a Glock 19 and two spare mags 90% of the time without a jacket. It goes in a Galco Jackass shoulder rig, underneath a buttoned-up shirt. The draw is not lightnig fast, maybe two seconds, but the gun and the spares ride comfortably all day. Unless I have someone pat me down or hug me, there is *zero* chance of being made. The gun virtually disappears under the shirt. This is a great arrangement that let me do away with my Guardian as "always gun" in favor of a full-size gun.

I'm 6'1" and 200, so your mileage may vary, but this is the best concealment method for me...works in every climate and situation except on the beach. A shirt is never out of place.
 
When my house got delayed by nearly half a year, I was forced to move in with my two sister-in-laws. We frequently went on family outings at least a couple of times a week. While I was very conscious of the gun (I too carry it in an action direct belly band but I carry it on my left side because it seems to hide better that way with the barrel of the gun going down the side of the leg and the butt of the gun going across the waist -- I tried carrying in on my strong side but felt that it was more noticeable) because I felt that it was "printing", neither one of my sister-in-laws ever noticed that I was armed.

------------------
Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD.
 
Sounds like you're doing O.K. Will take some time to get used to having it on you and not worrying about it and giving yourself away by figiting. In 1 1/2 years of carrying I've gone through 4 weapons and about a dozen holsters. I've finally settled on a Glock 26 in one of MarksTHG's BS2 holsters for maximum comfort under any covering garment other than a t-shirt or a j-frame airweight in a cheap IWB with t-shirt untucked or j-frame in slacks pocket with tucked in shirt. BTW, Sweater shells and vest are a great way to carry a full size weapon in warm temps. JLee in S.C.
 
I've been carrying a Bersa .380 in an Uncle Mikes IWB holster. It carries the gun and an extra mag. I carry in my left front waist band and cover with a sweater or sweatshirt since it is still a little cold here. I have no problem with this printing or leaving any other tell tale signs. I usually carry a Beretta Cougar the same way but around the side at my kidney. This one is a little harder but so far no problem.
Now that the weather is starting to get warmer and going into summer I'm going to have to explore some new ways myself. I can just go back to carrying my Colt Pocket .25 in my pants pocket.

Hope this helps

Happy Shooting :)

------------------
Help Stamp Out Gun Ignorance.



[This message has been edited by loknload (edited February 24, 2000).]
 
I've carried a Taurus TI UL in my pocket and never been "made". I have a leather jacket for cold weather that has multiple pockets and is a very good concealment coat. I also have a "smart-carry" wasteband that is good for pistols and revolvers when engaged in jogging or athletic activities. I don't like carrying a lot of weight, so I stick with the newer, lighter pistols and revolvers.
 
The trick is realizing that people are not terribly observant. Your chances of anyone ever noticing that you are carrying a gun is minimal. Most people are in their own world and not paying any attention to you or the fact that you are carrying. The only people that notice are folks like you and I that make a game out of spotting concealed weapons. There is no real need to feel self conscious.

If you are comfortable with what you have, stick with it. If what you have is uncomfortable, find a rig and method that is comfortable. Quit worrying.
 
Okay, as far as the ankle/boot holster goes, you might experiment with having your wife open up the bottom six inches of your inseam and replacing it with high-quality Velcro.

If right handed, carry the weapon on the inside of your left leg.

To draw, kneel on your right knee, grab the outside hem of your left trouser leg with your left hand, pull out. This should separate the Velcro, and allow you to draw the weapon with your right hand. Tends to be somewhat faster than trying to lift the trouser leg, then draw. IMHO.

In the summer, I wear a short, Western denim vest over my button-up shirt. It doesn't seem to make me any hotter, blends in well with my boots and Stetson, and conceals anything short of a cereal box.

My brother wears lightweight casual suits, with a summerweight jacket over a short-sleeved shirt. Looks very classy and the jacket hides anything short of a howitzer.

LawDog
 
With the spring-like temperatures we've been having here the last few days, it's been easy to conceal my G-17 in a Glock scabbard holster under a flannel shirt worn un-tucked and unbuttoned over a tee shirt. Very casual... even a bit scroungy... but it conceals a full-size auto very well.

With my IWB SOB holster, my SIG P-230 is easily hidden by a regular shirt or sweater worn untucked. If you are careful about your shirt pulling up while bending over, it just looks like you're trying to avoid showing your plumber's butt...

I did notice that while carrying the Glock, since this is a new carry method for me, I was failing to swing my right arm in a natural way. I was also a bit too concerned with keeping my shirt from slipping back. It really needs to slip a long way back to expose the gun. And since most people have no idea what to look for...

A couple more times and I'll be ok with this carry method.

--Rich

------------------
Nothing threatens freedom so much as self rightous ignorance.
 
With the spring-like temperatures we've been having here the last few days, it's been easy to conceal my G-17 in a Glock scabbard holster under a flannel shirt worn un-tucked and unbuttoned over a tee shirt. Very casual... even a bit scroungy... but it conceals a full-size auto very well.

With my IWB SOB holster, my SIG P-230 is easily hidden by a regular shirt or sweater worn untucked. If you are careful about your shirt pulling up while bending over, it just looks like you're trying to avoid showing your plumber's butt...

I did notice that while carrying the Glock, since this is a new carry method for me, I was failing to swing my right arm in a natural way. I was also a bit too concerned with keeping my shirt from slipping back. It really needs to slip a long way back to expose the gun. And since most people have no idea what to look for...

A couple more times and I'll be ok with this carry method.

--Rich

------------------
Nothing threatens freedom so much as self rightous ignorance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top