Concealed carry in very warm weather

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Oldjarhead

New member
I have two guns for concealed carry. One is a Sig Sauer P229 Gen 2 .40 cal, and the other is Kimber Ultra Covert .45acp. I have two Raven Concealment "Phantom" holsters for each. Great holsters, but in south central Texas, where I live, I don't know how I am going to carry either one of these two, in 100 degree plus weather. I thought of a fanny pack, but I don't know if many people use them. Anybody got any good fannypack carry holster ideas, for either of my two guns? What works for you? Thanks.:confused:
 
Oldjarhead,

From one old jar head to another, you're going to get all sorts of replies, but as I've gotten older I've decided that holsters are over-rated. And everyone knows what are inside fanny packs these days.

There are other options that work better for me, with less discomfort. Primarily they involve garments that are designed to carry pistols in.

Here are some examples:
http://concealmentholsters.com/pgro...+Items/29_Concealment+T-Shirt+-+V-Neck+Style/

The first is from Under Tech, but Kramer and others also offer similar products. While lots of guys just "go Hawaiian", there are shirts that are designed to work well over concealment T's, like the 511 covert shirts:
http://www.911tacticaldirect.com/511-shirt-covert-casual-71170.html

Finally, I have owned three of the Coronado vests for travel, and they work great - and I was in and around Albuquerque, NM - some places are surely hotter, but summers in NM can be reasonably toasty:
http://www.coronadoleather.com/browse.aspx?c=7&n=707982

The common denominator to all these products is that you're limited to guns that are basically pocket-sized, low-profile, thin, and easily concealed. Trying to put a Colt Commander in the pocket of a leather vest looks like you're trying to conceal a large ignuana.

That said, in hot weather I'd rather tuck a pistol in a pocket somewhere, (in a pocket holster,) than use an IWB holster or some other rig. It's just more comfortable...assuming that you don't feel "under-gunned" with a pocket pistol!

Semper Fi,

Doc
 
Don't know if they make them for your particular handgun, but here is the way to go to carry a full size handgun under nothing but a t-shirt.


Clipdraw

glockbelt.jpg
 
You can get a 'clipdraw' (post #3) for the kimber or any 1911 style grip. I like mine on a Jframe.

Check clipdraw.com if I recall correctly
 
My coworker uses a hydration pack all the time, he has a small pocket that he puts his pistol in. It takes some time to get it out but not much more than a fanny pack and of course he doesnt have one in the chamber hes just gotten to the point where he racks his pistol as he pulls it out. It works for him just a suggestion.
 
Doc, Blackhawk has a new version of the Holster Compression shirt now, carries a little further forward and, I think, at a slight cant. I know Blackhawk is expensive, but I think I'm going to try that one out, been looking at it for a while. The 5.11 Covert shirts are great! I have 3 of them now. Super comfortable, the double layer helps prevent printing, and I don't over heat in them.

If I get the compression shirt, I'll wear it a few days and try to remember to post a report for you and Oldjarhead.
 
Thanks, qcpunk! I appreciate that.

Finding ways to carry everyday with relative comfort (while still being able to access the piece) is an evolutionary process!

I'm still working on it...

;)
 
Haha, Indeed Doc. I'm not sure about your location, but just like Oldjarhead, I'm in the soon-to-be-blistering heat of the southwest deserts and Summer CC almost turns into a chore. "Well the forecast is 115*, do I really need to carry today....." Typically the answer is Yes, and I'll deal with being sweaty and stinky all day lol.

Edit: Update on the Compression Holster shirt.... I was incorrect in the maker of the shirt, it is not Blackhawk, but is made by 5.11 Tactical, and is about $20 cheaper than the one listed above. Here is a link http://www.511tactical.com/browse/Home/All-Products/511-Undergear/Concealed-Carry/Holster-Shirt/D/30100/P/1:100:50000:50700:50705/I/40011
 
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i find the 5.11 holster shirt to be among the best. it breathes very well, but the only thing with both of your carry guns is that they are not that light. i carry an LCR in one and it is very comfortable
 
rsxr22 just solidified my future purchase :D

Although weight will be an issue for me as I'm currently CCing my P99, but there are future plans for a Walther PPs so I can justify buying the shirt now.
 
qcpunk

you will not be dissapointed with the 5.11. If you have ever wore Under Armour heat gear, it is very comparable. I think the only downfall is it takes a bit longer to present then coming from a holster, butt hat is expected when deep concealing
 
The smartcarry works well with shorts and a tee-shirt, or just shorts.
I've worn just shorts, smartcarry and my .45 at a few picnics/barbecues with people that would die if they knew I was carrying. Did shorts and a tucked tee at a cookout where they knew I carried (so did they) and was asked "so, you left your gun home?" and I replied "you mean this one?"
 
Rxsr, Yes I am very familiar with UnderArmor products. I wear both Heat gear and Cold gear for outdoor activities. I love that stuff. The compression fit, the wicking action (heatgear) and the incredible warmth of the coldgear for its weight. I'm looking forward to tryin this out, Should pair nicely with my 5.11 covert shirt. Which I also recommend. The top button is a real button, then two snaps, then a button, then two more snaps. It allows you very wick access to a deeply concealed handgun as the the snaps just pop when you reach in. Very cool.

Brucey, I dont have any experience with the leather shoulder holsters yet. Unfortunately my dress style does not exactly fit with a leather shoulder rig in public. However, I do plan to get one eventually for camping and outdoors activities. I think it'll be much easier to just lift the rig off your body to add or remove layers of clothing as weather conditions change. Much easier than having to remove and restring a holster back on your belt.
 
In summer months wearing light clothing I generally carry my P3AT in a standard padded ankle holster, instead of/along with a Keltec P11( in a Kholster, or a ConcealT (bought from a local dealer, however)) or a XD45 in a Kholster or ROG Holster. The ROG holster is MUCH easier to take on and off if you need to disarm for a courthouse, etc quite frequently in the day, while the Kholster is more comfortable for all-day wear. Both are pretty inexpensive options. The ConcealT works GREAT for the P11/P3AT but not so much the XD45 4" service. I'm not that big of a guy, however, and definitely not barrell chested. A bigger dude might be able to pull it off without a Hawaiian "shoot me now" shirt :cool:.
 
Summer carry options

A few other options for summer carry:

safepacker -- worn on the belt in plain sight, looks like a tool pouch. Easy to use and draw from, space for a spare mag

camelbak goblin -- a fanny pack from camelbak that has a small hydration bladder, so it blends in perfectly, does not look like a gun bag at all. Has space for a pistol and mag as well. Can be difficult to locate since it is out of production.
 
It looks like the clip draw is used without covering the trigger? :eek:
That doesn't seem safe at all...or am I missing something.
 
Doc Intrepid said:
Finally, I have owned three of the Coronado vests for travel, and they work great - and I was in and around Albuquerque, NM - some places are surely hotter, but summers in NM can be reasonably toasty:
http://www.coronadoleather.com/browse.aspx?c=7&n=707982
Click to expand...

Doc, can you give any more on your experience with these vests? I really like the looks of them, and am strongly considering ordering one. Do they hold up well, provide plenty of pocket-space and what not? What, in your opinion, is the largest sized gun they can reasonably hold? How about the Glock sub-compacts?

Any more info would be appreciated.

Thanks!
 
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