Help a skinny guy out

I think most of us when first beginning carrying thought that everybody could tell exactly what was on the belt due to the different feel of even a smaller hunk of metal, let alone a full size 1911 or what have you.

I think you are more likely to be caught carrying in situations where friends have a habit of more "intimate" contact, of hugging or arms around shoulders and waist, you know what I mean...........I hope.

Anyway.......one of the things I do is ask my wife or sons if based on what I am carrying (and most typical in cold months it is a CZ 75) and the attire I have chosen am I printing. Almost always they are pretty suprised to discover what I am able to conceal. Here in Ohio we are still prohibited from carrying into restaurants that serve alcohol period, so that means often when going out to dinner even to the casual Mex or Chinese joint carry is not possible, so often I am not armed, unfortunately.

But.....I am not so lucky as you and have plenty of belt hangover that makes it hard to carry anywhere less than 3:00-4:00, and driving is always a challenge to find a comfortable spot. Clothing for you is tough unless you decide to convert to a more carry friendly style, and it really doesn't require a drastic change to wearing MuMuu's or whatever they are called;), just a little looser outer shirt untucked.......and I for sure agree that a quality (stiff and wide) belt is a must, as it will make even a poor holster choice (and the crossbreed super is a good choice) feel a whole lot better, And as just mentioned, adjusting the cant and height can make a huge difference.

In a nutshell, in time you will feel less self conscious as the feel of a gun becomes a normal part of everyday life, and for some confidence building, ask a friend if they can actually see what you are wearing on your belt. Usually they are not checking you out as close as you think they are I bet. And keep the .40, that's a good choice of weapon.
 
I do have a nice, think 1.25 inch belt. I got it at the gap when I was in high school (almost 10 years ago, wow). I may mess around with the crossbreed. Its not so much printing I'm worried about, its my shirt getting caught on the grip, therefore completely exposing the gun. This happens every time I've been sitting down and I stand up, if I lean over, even slightly, or if I have to reach up to grab something off a top shelf. If I have a coat on its not much of a problem, but during the summer that won't be the issue.

Again, I love shooting the gun, and I love having the .40; I would only feel outgunned by someone with a rifle/shotgun. I may keep it and just stick it in a shoulder harness. I may buy a snubby with some Christmas money for summer, because there's no way this thing would work during the summer, at least around here. We may be moving in a couple of months, and if we end up somewhere colder this may not be such an issue.
 
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Sounds like a good plan.

I think a lot of us change to smaller hardware in summer months.

Carrying in a work environment can be difficult though, so keep trying and it will all come together in time.

And regarding the belt, width and stiffness work together. Most belts sold by clothing stores are much more pliable than those intended to be gun belts. A year after investing in a two layered horsehide/cowhide 1.5" model from The Beltman and wearing it daily, it is still stiff enough to just about stand up by itself. Expect to spend some serious money here, as it is what makes everything else work better. I cannot emphasize this enough.
 
I often carry an XD9SC, usaully in a relatively inexpensive Don Hume iwb. However, my wife got a Cross Breed ST as a Christmas gift for me. Out of the goodness of her heart, I have been allowed to "try it out"/ break it a little early:D I really like it. Before you give up on on this combo,try experimenting with ride height/cant. For some reason, the CB seems to work well for me at least, around 3 o'clock. As mentioned by others, a T shirt along with a loose fitting shirt made of thick non- clingy fabric should help. I wish you well.
 
i suggest a simply rugged Cuda model holster. I carry my P345 at 4 oclock. im 5'10 and 150 on a heavy day. I carry it just fine. Find you a gun with a slim profile. To me it really don't matter how small a gun is if its too thick you can't be comfortable. Usually under 1.5 inches is good for me.
 
Kyo:

Yeah, thats what I'm needing; something very, very slim. The weight isn't bothering me all that much. The XD, while somewhat short for a large caliber, is very wide. I guess that should be my question; what is the slimmest full sized caliber piece out there. I've seen the keltec PF9, that would be an option. I've heard mixed reviews on the Kahr 40, and I know I would like a PPS, but those and the Kahrs are a bit pricey. Meh, we'll see. Thanks for all the advice everybody! I truly appreciate it!
 
what is the slimmest full sized caliber piece out there.
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EDITED TO ADD: I misread your question, I thought you were asking about the slimmest full sized handgun around, not just medium to large caliber. The Kel-Tec PF9 is probably the slimmest handgun around, chambered in 9mm. It is less than 1" thick. The Kahrs are a little thicker (just over 1"), and are more expensive. I prefer the Kahrs of the two myself, what with their wonderfully smooth DA triggers.

The most obvious one I can think of is the one I posted about early, the single stack versions of the M1911 / M1911A1 platform.

Depending on the thickness of the grip panels, they are approximatly 1.1" wide, again give or take an inch depending on the grips.

I am carrying the below picture gun as I type this, a 5" (Government Model) all steel Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec 45 ACP in a Gary Brommeland Max Con V IWB holster (paid around $110 for it) on my Beltman 1.5" bullhide belt. It is the most comfortable gun to carry that I own (next to my pocket-carried 642), however I do carry my S&W K Frame revolvers more simply because I shoot them better; they are nearly as comfortable to carry IMO.


IMG_5503.jpg



IMG_5541.jpg



The below image is NOT mine.

This is a width comparison of a Glock and a 1911:


1911vsGlock005.jpg
 
Jad:

Thanks for the info; I was asking about full size calibers (9mm and greater in my book), not necessarily a full sized weapon. I'm surprised to see the 1911 is so thin! Is it thinner than a PPS? If so we may have a deal, although they are quite heavy and long... we'll see.
 
Wroth, . . . you probably are a bit more skinny than I, . . . but I've got to tell you that you may be missing something.

First, . . . you need a really good LEATHER GUN BELT, . . . and a really good LEATHER IWB HOLSTER, . . . something like a VM2, . . . and you need to roll it around to about 4:00 (8:00 if you are a south paw).

You'll know it is right when you stand square in front of a mirror without a shirt on, . . . and you cannot see any of the weapon at all without turning slightly toward your off side.

A good IWB will hug the grip into your back, . . . you need a good 20 degree or so cant forward, . . . and the cost will be no more than you would have lost if you sell your XD for 250.

The other thing to look at is the grips. A lot of guys complain about their shirts hanging up on the grips, . . . and they have those super clingy rubber grips. I have slick wood grips on my 1911, . . . shirt slides on it like butter on a hot knife.

Your XD is a fine weapon, . . . don't compromise your firepower when you can just dress around it.

May God bless,
Dwight
 
My grips aren't sticky rubber; they're the stock ones. They're chiseled, yes, but not sticky.

I dunno, we'll see. I know my XD WILL NOT WORK in the summer.
 
I'd give the 1-2:00 position (Appendix) a shot. Coupled with an oversize pull-over shirt, it is comfortable, concealable and very quick to draw from.
 
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I tried the 1-2 position today; did not work. Felt horrible, especially sitting down; the 4-5 was comfortable today. Now, to just keep it from catching on my shirt.

I'm not going to wear any over sized anythings.
 
I'm surprised to see the 1911 is so thin! Is it thinner than a PPS? If so we may have a deal, although they are quite heavy and long... we'll see.
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I think the PPS is hair narrower, something like 1 to 1.05".

The 5" Government Model 1911s are long, but that has never been an issue for me. Loaded, it probably weighs about 3 lbs. But with a very nice leather holster and belt, this also doesn't bother me. The 4.25" Commander model may be an option as well. There are even shorter versions, such as the 3.5" Officers Model, which has a shortened grip frame much like the XD compacts, though reliability often begins to suffer once the barrel length drops below 4". I have heard lots of positive comments about the Springfield EMP 1911 chambered in 9mm (3.5" barrel, IIRC), that is once the initial teething problems were resolved.

1911s are my favorite semi autos, as I shoot them better than any other auto. But I will warn you that with so many manufacturers churning out 1911s and 1911 components (well, some of the are flat "turded" out), I'd recommend developing a good, solid understanding of the guns and how they work before buying one. Plus, there are tons of people tinkering with them in not so sound ways, so though I'm a fan of buying used guns, I bought my 1911 NIB for this reason. Take your time, do your research, and learn all you can before buying. 1911s are very rewarding guns to own and shoot, and can be as reliable as any other quality gun, but they can also drive you nuts if you don't know what you are getting into. So they aren't for those who don't want to dedicate themselves to studying them in detail.

In the end, I went with a Springfield based partly on their fantastic customer service reputation.

Here's a few websites, FYI. Searching TFL or THR for posts by 1911Tuner is also an excellent way to learn more about them.

http://www.m1911.org/

http://www.sightm1911.com/1911_main.htm
 
Wrothgar, if the problem is mainly the gun catching on your shirt when you get up, and you aren't wild about changing the fit of your shirt, then either that gun or that carry position is not for you. Maybe both. But I think you should concentrate on the position and maybe the carry equipment and give it some more time.

The only thing that will make that position better besides a longer shirt is a steeper cant to the gun or a gun with a shorter grip. The Crossbreed has adjustable cant (I believe)...have you canted the gun nearly butt-up and tried it? A couple folks have asked about the cant and I don't think you have addressed it.

If canting the gun more doesn't work...well, you already know that's the only position that works for you with this weapon comfort-wise. But it doesn't work concealment-wise. So you need to change where you carry the gun. But there isn't much else you can do with that gun, sounds like. Appendix carry doesn't work for you and you can't put it in your pocket (unless you wear cargo pants). I think you should try the gunshirt, or a holster specifically made for small-of-back carry. The gunshirt should work for you during the winter at least. The SOB holster might work all year round if it doesn't cause the gun to catch your shirt. It shouldn't - all the SOB holsters I've seen have a pretty extreme cant to them - like this.

But then SOB has its own problems - if you fall or are struck from behind (as in a car wreck) you can be injured as the weapon is driven into your spine :eek: but then again some folks think this is an overblown concern (I'm one of them).

Related to the SOB holster is a left-handed holster worn SOB. Like this. It has the same spine-related problems and also makes it likely that you will point the gun at your right thigh as you bring it around your body on the draw. But at least the grip won't catch on your shirt.

Also check out a better belt. Your nice belt from the Gap is simply not a pistol belt. If you get a real, stiff pistol belt like this it will make a world of difference in how the gun feels when you are carrying it.

Anyway, I urge you to continue to try to make the XD work. You just need to find a carry system you can live with and then get some carrying time under your belt. Once summer rolls around then you can determine if your winter carry system will work or if it needs to be altered. And your perspective on various aspects of carrying may have changed altogether by then. You have to focus on the fact that you are still new at this and that time spent carrying is valuable. Don't be too quick to dismiss that gun as your carry piece or even as your summer carry piece. It is unfortunate that the high-quality holster you have is not working for you. But it is not the be-all end-all of holsters, and I think you can find something that will work.

-cls
 
dude im getting an SR9 in about a month. its the same profile as my P345. Same slimness as well. go compare them on ruger.com
only difference is the 45 is 8+1 and the 9mm is 17+1. I figure if I really want I can conceal both at the same time. but, I don't cause that just makes no sense.
It will be my alternative when I get it in case I don't feel like a 45, but I doubt it cause I love my 45
 
I think it can be recanted, but I think I would have to send it in to Crossbreed to have them adjust it. I could adjust the ride height, but i'm okay with the height. The cant may actually help it... make it ride lower. That's an idea.

I may get a P238 just cause I like them :-).

What about a PK380? They're cheaper, but they also seem quite a bit bigger than an LCP/238.

Edit: NM, I can adjust the cant on the Supertuck. In just trying it out now it has made a HUGE difference by. The ST is adjusted by either raising or lowering the two clips (I thought the plastic piece that held the gun was adjusted). I dropped the front clip (it would be the right one if it were just sitting on the table) by placing it in the top hole punch, thereby dropping the front all the way down. It may be slightly more difficult to draw, but I'll spend some time practicing with it.

I'll wear it tomorrow and see how it goes; you guys may have saved me some money so I can buy a K31 instead of another pistol!
 
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Skinny guy in uniform

I definitely feel your pain. I am a skinny guy that has to wear basically a tailored uniform all the time. Printing was quite obvious when caring my full size handgun. This really made concealed carrying an uncomfortable experience. Eventually, I picked up a .38 with a 4" barrel. This definitely improved the experience. But still there were many times where I passed on carrying because it still too obvious to certain situations.

Truthfully, I couple of months ago I picked up a .25 auto for $75 that was tiny. Originally I got it as a gag to annoy a friend to hates the cal., but immediately I noticed how easy it was to conceal carry (and it is a beautiful gun). I could just slip it in a jacket pocket or in the front of my pants in a inner waistband holster and no one (not even my close friends who carry) could ever tell if I had it or not. And hey... it 8+1. ready to go and comfortable driving, running, or crawling around under a truck. All of which had been problems with the previous guns.

After a few experiences at the range the gun proved it reliability and capability to me and it has been my daily driver ever since. It won't put down a bear, but it is much better to have than be without. (If it bothers you that much look to a small .380)

I find it really is great because there are many times in which I am going in and out of government buildings and slipping it in the glovebox is as nonchalant as if I was just getting paperwork.

There are definitely some cheap options out there for the skinny guy, it just really takes some looking. Best of luck.
 
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Wrothgar,

I'm going to come at this is a slightly different aspect. Let us consider the physical aspects of what you are carrying and what you may choose to carry as far as holsters and belts go.

I am not familiar with the Crossbreed SuperTuck. I look it up on their web site and found this picture. It looks like a large wide piece of leather is right next to your body. Leather does not allow air circulation and hold heat and moisture next to your skin. It seems like it would be difficult to fit at the 3:00 o'clock position on a slim built person.
crossbreed2.jpg


Milt Sparks' Summer Special 2 pictured below is an IWB design with less material in contact with your body. This might give you more options about where you can wear it comfortably. It does lack the tuckable design of the Crossbreed you currently have.
cbob10mm7c.jpg



cbob10mm4c.jpg


I have found that a quality double thickness 1.5" gun belt not only helps stabilize the holster and spread the load; but is more comfortable than a light belt. You should add an inch or two the the length of a gun belt compared to a thin dress belt.

Nobody has called me skinny in the last 40 years, so what works for me may not work for you. I also conceal my handgun under an untucked shirt about 90% of the time. That may not be an option at your place of work.
 
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