Concealed Carry technique

viciouskitty

New member
Hey guys i was just looking for some input on your own personal carry techniques, i am soon to turn 21 in march and for my birthday im gonna take the concealed carry class. I am well schooled in the proper and safe use of a pistol, shooting competitions for years. I really cant afford the carry gun i want as of yet but i already have a Taurus 24/7 4 inch semi auto in 40 S&W(I know its a Taurus Gasp!!! :eek: But it has actually been a very good and reliable gun with over a 1000 rounds thru it) its a little to big for my taste but it will have to do for now. I'm just wondering how i should carry it? and how other people that carry guns of similar size accomplish it? i have a leather holster that hold the gun high and tight and its ok but im wondering what other opinions you guys would have.
 
Put on your seatbelt. This is going to be a long curvy ride. If you are like the rest of us, you will probably try several different holsters before you land on just the right one. I personally like OWB leather belt holsters with a cant or a shoulder holster. I also like my Blackhawk Serpa retention paddle holster also.
 
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I carry a fullsize all-steel CZ75 BD in one of these, a Garrett Silent Thunder OWB:

http://www.gimagclip.com/st owb side.jpg

With a good belt, even a fullsize steel 1911 is no problem. With the right belt and right holster, you can comfortably carry just about any compact or standard size handgun, even a Ruger GP100 or S&W 686.

That said, there are times when I have to pocket carry due to clothing, and for those occasions I have an NAA Guardian 380, or more often, an S&W 642 38 Special Airweight.
 
I have a Stoeger Cougar 40 that's probably close to the size of your Taurus 24/7, I occassionally carry it in a Bianchi Ranger Viper shoulder holster. I'm 5' 11" and rather skinny but even a light jacket hides it very well. I have an older Uncle Mike's OWB that has the nylon belt strap on back instead of new molded plastic belt loop, which I sewed an angle in to make it have a forward cant, it hides well under a long tailed outside shirt. Hot weather I use a waist pack, hey, I'm an old gray haired guy so it doesn't look too odd. I know it doesn't look all that cool but it works for me.
 
I just got a Crossbreed Supertuck. I'm amazed at how easy it is to conceal a commander sized 1911. With a T-shirt, I could conceal from most people (and I am very thin). Throw on a loose button-down shirt, and it becomes just about invisible.
 
I generally carry an HK USP Compact in 357 Sig and use a Blackhawk paddle holster. I agree you will buy several holsters before you find the one you like. For more concealment I also use an inside the belt holster with a Ruger SP101 on occasion.
 
either the crossbreed or raven concealment holsters. they can be custom made for your gun make and model with extended barrel, light, angle you want to carry etc. as far as position of the holster, a good rule of thumb is wherever you have it, if you can present it and fire in 2 seconds or less is good. keep in mind if you have to draw from from your back, on your stomach etc, can you do so. with a crossbreed on your side, even wearing a slim t shirt it's still concealable.
 
You've really got two options, OWB or IWB. Personally, I carry a couple of full sized guns as well and prefer OWB carry using a Galco Fletch holster. The set up works well for me but I do have to dress around the gun. Keep that in mind, carrying a full sized gun virtually requires you to dress around it in some way, shape or form. Don't expect the gun to just disappear on it's own.

As far as carry method, it's really a trail by fire method. What works for you may not work for me and vice versa. Expect to buy, and discard, a few holsters until you find a holster and method that works for you.

The biggest piece of advice I can give you is actually about your belt. The key to carrying is a good leather gun belt. Regardless of what holster you use, the belt supports the both the holster and the gun. When carrying a heavy gun, the belt is even more important. Trust me, a sagging gun becomes a major PITA.

If you don't have a good leather belt, lots of companies make them, but the best I've found is www.thebeltman.net They aren't cheap, but they last. You can spend $50 on a belt that will last a year or two or you can spend $100 on a belt that will last for several years. My beltman is 4 years old and is as still as the day I got it.
 
I carry a 4506 on left belt...and 4006 on right belt...both open top leather holsters... both full sized steel...

... ya get used to it after awhile.
 
I agree with t45, my experience has been be prepared to buy several somewhat expensive holsters before you find a keeper that you really like. In my experience I found I simply cannot carry a plastic holster of any kind comfortably, I know some people love them, not me.

I have carried in a hip bag, IWB, OWB and shoulder holster and vest. To me the hip bag was the slowest draw and semi obvious to those schooled in CCW as to what I was doing. The IWB I could never find anything comfortable to wear seated, others seem to have no problem.

In winter, spring or fall I like the shoulder holster by far as the easiest way to carry but in the summer wearing a second shirt can simply be too hot so then my owb or vest come into play and both work well.

Your mileage will certainly vary but unless your very lucky or have a very high pain tolerance you will try several holsters at $50 - 125 before you find a winner. Oh yea last thing if you need a gun belt go to the beltman at http://www.thebeltman.net/

You wont regret it just be sure to get your measurement done by the beltmans directions.
 
As far as carry method, it's really a trail by fire method. What works for you may not work for me and vice versa. Expect to buy, and discard, a few holsters until you find a holster and method that works for you.

Concur. I have CC for a decade and a half. I dont agree with the "Concealed carry is supposed to be comforting, not comfortable". Concealed carry can be comfortable.

Find a reliable and easily carried gun.

I have been carrying for almost two decades. Long ago I gave up on carrying a full-sized guns. I live below the Mason Dixon Line and I often wear athletic shorts during the summer. A full-sized gun was just to cumbersome and heavy to carry properly.

On the other end of the spectrum, I will not carry a pocket/mouse gun. In my opinion, they are just not reliable enough. Even the new modern pocket wonders. I have never seen a "best of the breed" pocket gun that was reliable enough to make it through a single range session without some kind of issue that could put me in a real predicament in a SD confrontation. I have also seen enough that I no longer subscribe to the "Only carry a caliber with a 4 in it..."-mentality.

Once you find your CCW, then find a good holster for it. Once you have the hardware, work on the mental tools needed to CC responsibly.
 
Be sure you have a good belt. I use Galco doubled stitched duty belts as they tighten well and are very stiff.

Don't be drawn into overpriced shirts from 5.11, Underarmour, etc which are very obvious. Instead find a nice loose fitting shirt that covers the firearm well.

IWB is the way to go IMO, especially if the gun is bulky. I carry a Glock 30SF (double stack 45) in a Comptac Infidel holster ( http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=68 ). Kyder holsters are thinner, don't irritate the skin as much and retain the gun with tension on the trigger guard instead of just the friction of leather. It's also an easier smoother draw and reholster.
 
Can you clarify what exactly is your definition of a pocket/mouse gun?

I carry a S&W 642 revolver in my pocket, and if there are any reliability issues with that, please let me know what they are! I'm not aware of any. Not that any firearm is perfect or 100% under all circumstances, but I believe the S&W J-frames are very reliable in terms of carry handguns.

On the other end of the spectrum, I will not carry a pocket/mouse gun. In my opinion, they are just not reliable enough. Even the new modern pocket wonders. I have never seen a "best of the breed" pocket gun that was reliable enough to make it through a single range session without some kind of issue that could put me in a real predicament in a SD confrontation.
 
I carry a full sized Taurus (no gasps here, a damn fine gun) PT1911 in a Blackhawk Serpa at about 2:30 - 3:00.

There are so many variables involved. Depends on your size, weight, build and probably age.

I'm 71, 6'1" and 210 lbs. A lot of that has gravitated towards the middle. The Blackhawk Serpa serves me well.

And as others have mentioned, one of the most important aspects of concealment it to dress around the gun/holster combination that works best for you.
 
Can you clarify what exactly is your definition of a pocket/mouse gun?

What I meant were pistols along the lines of a Ruger LCP, a NAA Guardian or a KelTec P3AT. They are just not functionally reliable enough for my comfort.

I do not consider snubbies to be mouse guns. In fact, I almost exclusively carry an all steel S&W Chief's Special or a Colt Detective stoked with +P ammo as my CCW. I dont really consider a snubby suitable for pocket carry, especially when there is an exposed hammer. I will only carry them IWB in a holster.
 
Skadoosh said:
I dont really consider a snubby suitable for pocket carry, especially when there is an exposed hammer.

On the other hand, I've been carrying an old-school Model 60 in my pocket for several decades. No issues except the pocket lint and that's easily controlled.
 
Carry IWB and dress appropriatly. Meaning the right size pants, shirts, etc, to properly conceal. I have a Crossbreed Supertuck for my Kimber Tactical Ultra, and it carries extremely well.

I really dont care too much for OWB holsters for a few reasons. They make it harder to conceal as the bottom of the holster could become visible when reaching for something, bending over, etc. Also, even with a good belt, they dont ride high and close enough for me, and I've tried many different brands. The one OWB that I do use occasionaly is a Galco Fletch. This has a retention strap and a cant that seems to carry my Kimber better than the others. If you do get an OWB, I highly recommend a retention strap.
 
As others have pretty much summed up, what works for you may not work for the next person much of it is figuring out what is comfortable. There are some forums that revolve around conceal carry and lots of discussion on holsters, clothing, etc. The very best advice I can give is to find someone that has a similar body type as yours, and find out what they use. Learn from their mistakes and successes, it will save you money. Off the top of my head, generally skinnier/small framed people find IWB carry in the 4-5 o'clock position (if right handed, or 7-8 o'clock if left handed) with some cant works great, I fall into the category so thats actual first hand experience. Having an OWB is too obvious with how my clothing falls on me during warmer months, I would have no trouble during the winter though with an OWB holster, but I try to be consistent with my carry methods and not mix it up too much. If you are a little bit bigger build, iwb may still work but move it around close to being on the hip vs towards the back. A little bit bigger set than that, OWB on the hip or slightly behind works well. Depending on how you dress, a shoulder harness may be a good idea. Some people like appendix carry as well, but I have never tried it and would think if your gun is too big it could be very uncomfortable when sitting.

Some general advice that will help you save time and money though, buy a good gun belt - especially if carrying OWB. IWB you can get away with a thick/stiff generic belt but OWB a good gunbelt is a must. Holster type will take a bit to figure out what you like, but be sure you buy something quality. Keep in mind if it is leather, as it breaks in it will get more comfortable with time kydex you are stuck with what you get.

Advantages of kydex holsters are they will probably last a lifetime, you get smooth quick draws from them, they generally don't cost an arm and a leg. Kydex is also impervious to sweat, so it can really help protect the finish of your carry piece. Downfalls is they cause hotspots as far as the wear on the gun, and obviously it won't conform to your body and potentially be as comfortable as leather. I say potentially because you may find the right kydex holster which is perfectly comfy.

Leather is generally going to be more expensive, depending on your preference you may like how it looks better. You get a more even wear on it vs the "hot spots" kydex can cause. You have options generally of horsehide vs cowhide, horsehide is more expensive but resist sweat better. Downfall of leather is break in time, and that it it will take wear and tear. A good quality leather holster will last plenty of years, but it is an organic material and not indestructible.

Forgive me if I am wrong, but judging by your name on here that you may be female. If so corneredcat.com is a great resource for female carriers, and not just picking out a holster.
 
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