Is there a best way to carry concealed?

I

indyspc

Retired Screen Name
I have carried a S&W 642 .357 for a few years in a Galco WB122(?) IWB and it is perfect for any condition here in sunny FLA. And on the 2 or 3 days in the winter (yeah right) I do wear a jacket I want to carry one of my USP's (9c or .45f). So I am looking at the ARG or the USD(holds weapon lower on the hip) by Mitch Rosen. I did use the search feature here and see that most want to sell theirs. I have emailed many of those who want to sell with few responses but what do the rest of you have to say? Any experiences with the MR products, service,?

And in carrying an auto in the USP size do I carry high, low, or what? I think I would like a forward cant but is that realistic? I do not carry at work but may begin with a small .32 or .380 in a pocket holster. When I do carry it is usually with khaki shorts or jeans and a light shirt.

I did speak to Mitch Rosen this afternoon and he assured me that my USP's will ride just fine and that he too has carried them in these rigs. I really have heard nothing bad but what are your honest opinions?
 
There is obviously not a single "best" way to carry concealed, it's really going to depend on your environment, climate, not to mention your mode of dress. I'd suspect that this is one of the more personal decisions you'll make, and it's unlikely that what works great for one person will work as well for another. I'm a fan of either a good strong side IWB holster, a pocket holster for smaller guns, and a Thunderbelt for deep concealment.
 
indyspc--Sounds to me like you have found the best way...I think most long time users consider IWB the best carry for medium to large handguns...Mitch Rosen quality and design is without question top shelf gear.Regards
 
The ARG and others mentioned are awfully pricey holsters for 2-3 days/year. Get a blade-tech paddle, or at least some kind of paddle, when concealing with an overgarment. It's much more comfortable than an IWB.
 
I use a galco "slide" for a full sized 1911.. you should be able to get a similar holster for the usp, and for only 2-3 days a year it won't set you back an arm AND a leg.

Dr.Rob
 
indyspc: I have carried using an IWB style holster for the last 10 years. I haven't tried them all, but pretty close. The IWB rig from Rosen was the most expensive and is one of my least favorites. The holster is incredibly sensitive to the angle of draw. Yes, it holds the weapon nice and tight, in fact so tight that I had to use lots of the "Leather Lightening" that Mitch also provides. After a couple of months of working with this holster I gave up. I feel that the tendency to hang up if the draw angle isn't quite right is too much of a liability in a "social situation" . Therefore...For Sale: Rosen IWB for Kahr 40, right hand, cheap... stay safe.
 
I've been carrying a 4" 1911 in a Rosen ARG for about six months now, on an almost daily basis. At first, it did take frequent applications of Leather Lightning to get a smooth draw. Now that it's broken in, the draw is smooth and it's comfortable enough that at times I forget I'm wearing it. The model I got was the ARG Express, which ran about $85. My only other experience with holsters is with an Uncle Mikes for open carry, and a Safariland shoulder rig that I wouldn't recommend to anyone except a "gangsta."
wink.gif
Just my opinion.

Dick
 
Thanks to all.

I will definately look at the ARG, Alessi Hideout, and some of the other top quality manufacturers for an IWB for my USP 9c. I will be looking for a strong side (RH) paddle or belt mount type from same group of manufacturers for my USP .45f.

Futo Inu and Dr. Rob, good point. I will only be using this rig for the .45 a few days a year and the one for the 9c maybe a few more, so I will keep that in mind when shopping. And since it is in the 80's and muggy once again I will take my time and shop the shops and shows looking for what feels right without spending a fortune.
 
indyspc:

I am new to CC and got my first IWB from Horseshoe Leather (series 62) - It is ok I've been carring daily for the last two weeks. Much better than the codura mess I had hile waiting. But, the snap loop is on the frame and makes the overall profile a bit thicker than it need be. Also, with one snap the best place on my waist seems to be right under a belt loop - so it either goes a little forward or a little behind. Anyway, it has given me something to experiment with and as a result I currently have two more on order. One from Fist a IWB/OWB convertible (Number 11 Combo w/ a fairly radical forward cant) and an ARG-Slim from Rosen. Some may think it's a bit much, but I hate the waiting so maybe one will be the right one. However, just about every holster maker I ahve talked to has been helpful and willing to make variations on their "standard" design. So I would suggest trying different carry positions and then try to describe the best postition for you to whom ever you choose. Oh BTW, after my order to Rosen I heard about "Wild Bill's" who it is claimed will make a Rosen clone at 60% the cost of the Rosen www.wildbillsconcealment.com
 
Does it matter if the firearm rides high or low on the waist/hip as far as concealment goes? Personal preference here? Heck I guess you just have to dress accordingly.
I am 6 ft 220 lbs and have a bit of a Michelin going. So I guess the try one and see method is still the best advice on holsters huh? Yeah yeah, and lose some weight or reposition it.

Thanks again.
 
I am medium framed, 5'9" 150lbs and hide my Beretta Mini Cougar 8040 slighlty behind my centerline. Good guideline is the side seam of the pants - keep it behind it to minimize the side bulge. For me, it feels better if it rides higher on the hip, with the butt above my kidney(?), but as the day goes on it slips down. The tighter the belt the longer it stays. And I keep a fairly radical forward cant to keep the barrel from sticking in my side cheek so much
smile.gif
. It seems that each pair of pants have a slightly different "perfect Position".
 
Is there a best way to carry concealed? Well yes, so no one sees your pistol untill you need it.

Other than that you need to find what works best for you. I have a few different holsters that I use for my pistol, it depends on what I am wearing as to what I use.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top