i am here to learn: what was your process for concealed carry gun/holster selection?

Everyone mentions a good leather gun belt but I have went the other route. I now prefer a good nylon belt. The Wilderness Tactical gets worn more than any other. I pull out the leather when I dress a little nicer. But the belts like the the Wilderness Tactical are more comfortable and adjustable for me. You don't have to hit that perfect hole in the belt. Just pull until comfy.

I carry a few different guns and this adjustablility really makes it more comfortable.

Beentown
 
I have many guns, so it was easy to try different ones to carry. The problem was the holster. Like others, I have a shelf full that didn't work too well. I don't like IWB carry. Revolvers are too thick. I ended up with a PM9 @ 4:00 OWB in a Galco holster. It doesn't print as much as my cell phone.
 
Dashunde said:
CDW4ME, sorry to be persnikity about it, but I figured someone new to carrying might also take that literally, and I felt compelled to point out the large leap from a LCP to a G26.

Yea, back to that appendix carry... not only is having it pointed at my crotch unsettling, its also pointed at a great big artery and several other important bits.
Too risky as far as I'm concerned.

I disagree with those who say that finding the right gun/holster combo is trial and error
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I agree with your view on appendix carry. That's how I carried when I first started out, after taking a class I learned about more comfortable and effective ways to carry. I have to say, your one of the lucky ones when it comes to holsters. Most of us have a pile of them that we never use. I ended up with alot because they either came with a used gun or I bought a cheapie to hold me over while I had one on order.

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Those are just a few of the many.
 
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Its not really luck, or difficult at all, its determination, effort and thought.
A guy has to put the time into fooling around with it in order to find the right spot, then order a custom holster that will put the gun in that exact spot.

Worst case you can just neatly wrap your desired pistol in a old washcloth to approximate the thickness of leather, then tape it up so it all holds together, then use duct tape or whatever for a makeshift belt loop that allows cant angle and depth changes, wear it around the house for an evening and adjust from there.

Better yet, use a cheap pocket holster for the same as above.

Most importantly - order your custom holster from someone who gives a sh.. and actually pays attention to what you say.
Pictures, drawings, dimensions and angles are very helpful.
 
Well, since you asked...

I generally don't offer up how I arrived my CCW system because what works for me may not work for you simply because you are not me. However, since you asked...

My first handgun was my ParaOrd 14.45 LDA which I got back when they first came out. I was determined to have that be my CCW gun so I did my share of research on holsters, read countless reviews, etc. I thought shoulder carry would be the best way for me until the temperature got too warm to wear a cover garment. Imagine how odd you look wearing even a light jacket when it's over 90 degrees out. Also, if you open it and a breeze catches it just right to expose... well, you get the idea.

I tend to be stubborn and I was determined to find a viable carry option for that big gun. I used the SmartCarry quite a bit during the warm months with great success. It works especially well with BDU pants, or cargo pants as civilians call them. You can even carry a big ol' 45 wearing just shorts using the SmartCarry. My last selection was an ITWB holster. I mention "last" because the biggest drawback to those holsters is most folks usually need to purchase pants one or two sizes larger in the waste-band in order to accommodate that type of holster. Well, I'm on the slender side and wear form-fitting jeans. The only way I can accommodate an ITWB holster is when I wear my BDUs.

So, my CCW system varies depending on the situation which works for my, your millage may vary.
 
Unfortunately, the process of choosing the right holster is mostly trial and error. I may offer a suggestion from my experiences, but it may not come close to "fitting" you. I have three primary "carry" weapons and I have at least a half dozen holsters for each. You will find that certain holsters are better suited for different situations and very rarely will 1 holster suit every occasion. Good luck in your search. Try the gun shows but make sure and have the weapon with you to make sure you're choosing a holster that truly fits your gun. A lot of times, a holster made for one gun will be a perfect fit for another. Sometimes, the hunt can be half the fun!
 
Starting to see the benefits and drawbacks of pocket carry, IWB and OWB.

Also...can see myself upgrading to a larger/higher caliber gun once I figure out the best style of carry for me.
 
The most important factor for me has been light weight. I found that anything bigger/heavier than a polymer single-stack 9mm is not something I can justify for regular EDC. The 18-oz. Kahr 9mm CW9 hits the not-too-big and not-too-small sweet spot for me. I usually carry IWB appendix and occasionally verticle shoulder. I find that light fabric holsters work best for me most of the time... I like the softness/comfort. The CW9 fits my hand perfectly and its lightweight reliability and accuracy rocks.
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