How to Conceal a Beretta 96F?

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ijsbear

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:) I'm in process of apply for a CCW (good luck to me;) ) in California.
I have a Beretta 96F and I was thinking of packing with a SOB holster, I already have a Paddle holster but it still visible.

I'm 5' 9" 175 lbs I dress casual, dokkers, or Timberland pants, t-shirt or botton down shirt loose not tucked in other times I'm dressed formal and it's easier to conceal.

Any help?

Sincerely Andrea
 
may not be what you want to hear....

Andrea, You mentioned that you can still see it in a Paddle....

CCW requires that you change your look (clothes)

I would have to say that many new CCW Carriers try to hard to find the magic holster and dont realize that CCW requires that the user more so change manner in which he/she dresses. A baggy sweatshirt, unbuttoned collared shirt, or photographers vest will do more for concealing you weapon than the "perfect holster" ...the down side of this is of course depending on who you are and where you carry, the "grundge" look will only be acceptable some of the time.

Females have fewer option than males for CCW

Because of the female hip structure, most females will find it next to impossible to find a strong side belt, or in the waist band holster that does not place the gun at an uncomfortable angle.

This leaves you with shoulder holster (boobs can cause a problem here), fanny pack (some people just dont like them), ankle carry (slow and you are not going to get that beretta on you leg), small of the back and in the front waist band (crossdraw or strongsided)

Both Small of the back and Front IWB are good choices....(However small of the back can increase hazard of spinal injury in case of a fall. )

Coranado Leather makes some purse holster, but I am not a fan of having a gun that is not attached to me, especially in a targeted item by theives...purse. (seems like a good way to loose a gun when you may need it most.)

Smaller guns conceal better than bigger guns

In this case it would seem that you have chosen one of the biggest guns made and are now trying to conceal it on a female frame....this is further complicating a situation that did not have a lot of options to begin with....

So...options given the perameters as set right now....

1.) buy flannel shirts, large light windbreakers, or a photographers vest and keep the small of the back holster.

2.) look in to a straight cant in the waist band holster for front IWB carry.....buy flannel shirts, large light windbreakers, or a photographers vest.

3.) consider off the body carry.......fanny pack, daytimer or purse carry....

4.) buy smaller framed gun to increase carry options....


Sorry to be the little dark rain cloud but hopefully you will find something in here that helps you....

SDnR ;)
 
Any time your shirt can be un-tucked, you can conceal with an IWB (inside-the waistband) holster. Instead of "small of back" (center of your back), can you put your holster at "4:00-5:00? To the side of your back?

If fashion dictates you have to have your shirt tucked in, you have a couple of options:

-cool weather: sweater (long/baggy enough to hang well over the beltline)

-warm weather: a blazer or sport coat if you can do that.

Depending on your build, you may have another option. A belly band worn high, above the abdoment but below the bust. With a loose shirt/blouse that might conceal well. If the band doesn't "ride down" over time. If that method works, experts would recommend that you re-sew the button you would draw through onto the front of the blouse/shirt, and replace it with velcro underneath. That'll let you draw faster and minimize the risk that you'll rip your blouse if TSHTF and you have to draw.
 
I carry my 96D in an early model Leather Arsenal IWB. It was one of the first to place the gun a little lower in the holster than the traditional Summer Special, but now a lot of makers have similar models. Because it rides lower in the holster, the belt pulls the butt into the body for decent concealment. I have had no problem using an untucked golf type shirt, although with any large frame firearm you have to be careful bending over to pick things up. I carry a cheap Fobus paddle mag holder on the off side with a reload.

If I have to wear a dress shirt tucked in, I am going to be wearing a suit, and people don't think gun even if it's hot outside. If I wear a golf type shirt tucked in, I can wear an outdoorsy Eddie Bauer type shirt as an overshirt, but the weather here allows me to do that most of the year, at least at night, without anyone thinking anything unusual. I really can't suggest decent alternatives for shirt tucked-in carry in warmer climes. It's a big gun for fanny packs, and things like photographer vests just say gun to me when it's hot.
 
I'll have to agree with those that recommended an IWB holster. I have found that with the right outfit, I can conceal just about anything IWB.
 
I agree with CastleBravo - the Beretta 92/96 is really big. At best, it is borderline for concealment usage, and you're going to need a really big sweatshirt or baggy jacket for that one. Considering that you can get into serious trouble for exhibiting your CCW in public (intentionally or untintentionally), I think that you are taking a big risk by considering the concealment of a Beretta 92/96, which to me would have too high of a chance of being inadvertently exposed. Concealment wasn't even a factor in the design of that pistol.

I'm 5'9" and I owned a Beretta 92FS when I was in the best shape of my life, and I just don't see it happening. That thing was big enough on my hip while I was running around the ranch where concealment is a non-issue.
 
I carried my Beretta 96 IWB at 3 or 4 o'clock. IMO for your size, this gun is a bit large to carry concealed. You might consider going with something somewhat smaller.
 
Not much difference from the Berretta and My Taurus 100 AFS. I wear mine IMB when I carry it. I am leaning towards the PT145 though due to the size difference.
 
Decisions...

I'm a guy, about the same size, and carry a 96 Elite 2 IWB most of the time. BUT, this would probably be more of a challenge for a woman. I carry at 9 o'clock, & use a holser by Bulman gunleather that's canted forward. That does a good deal towards hiding the ... considerable girth... of the 96. I will also use off body carry in situations that ... might cause undue duress if someone noticed. That said, I've been carrying for about 6 months now, IWB, using either polos or heavy tee shirts un tucked w/o incident.
I agree, it may take some working with gun position to make it work. Shoulder would be a better choice I would think. You may want to consider a smaller piece. If you are 'into' Berettas, give the 8040 Cougar a try, it's a little easier to hide.

HTH.
 
gun holster

andrea i have a kramer shirt holster that works pretty good.they have them for women or men.it is a 3/4 lenth shirt with a holster on each side .you can use one side for your magazine .it goes under your shirt andthe gun is carried under your arm.the website is www.kramerleather.com .i think it will carry your gun. swabjocky
 
Beretta 96F

I think i forgot to mention one thing... I'm a male:confused: I'm Italian and I live here in the States. Andrea in italy is a male name.
Sorry for the confusion I created.
 
I've carried my Taurus 92 IWB without any problem.

You just have to find what fits you. When you shop for a new holster, dress like you normally dress and try on different brands with your gun.
 
I personally like the technique described earlier by Dave R. I've carried all different sizes of guns in a simple bellyband worn above the waist just below the pecs. It usually works best for me if I wear it over a T-shirt and under a sweatshirt. Depending upon the size/thickness of the gun, I position the gun under my left arm for a right handed draw or if the gun is small enough, I carry it in a center of chest position (I carried my Colt Pocketlite Pony that way today). I have a Beretta 96FS but I've not carried it for CCW yet. I have successfully carried my large size Glock 20 in the bellyband under my left arm and was pleased. Try it, it may work for you, too. :)
 
Bagmaster

I have a Bagmaster Model IPH 9MM that I conceal my 92FS in. I'm 5'7" @ 190 pounds and I conceal the Beretta 92FS in this holster IWB with no problem. I do have to wear my shirt out though, there's no tucking in with this setup, gun will print. But with a loose fitting shirt and loose fitting trousers to fit the gun inside the pant, this set-up works well for me even in summer carry with light clothing.

Bagmaster IPH Holsters
 
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How about concealed in a drawer or safe? This would leave more room on your person for a carry gun. Take a look at Kahr.
 
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