New to CCW. Looking for Rig.

B

BravoGorilla

Inactive
Hey, guys. I'm new to the forums. I had a question I figured some of you guys might could give my some input on. Currently, I'm 20 years old, but my birthday is in November. At that time, I'd like to get my CCW. I've been shooting since I was a kid and have plenty of firearms knowledge and a good bit of experience, mostly with military surplus weapons, though (M1 Garand, 1911, Makarov, Nagant, etc.). As such, when I was about 13, My dad got me a Bulgarian Makarov. I've loved the thing. Shoots great and I've never had a jam out of it. Anyway, since I'm gonna be reaching that magical age of concealed carry soon, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a rig as the military flap holster seems a bit... unsuitable. Just a little information that might help, I'm about 6' tall and heavy set so IWBs tend to be a little uncomfortable, though I'm not opposed to the idea. My usual attire is a t-shirt with either a light jacket or dress shirt thrown over it. The Makarov is a very popular carry gun around where I live so I know it can be carried relatively easily, I just haven't found anything that quite suits me. It's a great little handgun, though and I highly recommend it. It's done great on the range and even the one time I had to grab it during a perceived self-defense scenario (long story), everything has functioned as it should and I've always felt comfortable knowing I have it in case something happens. Anyway, any input on the matter would be great. Also, I'm a bit on the broke side these days, so something that won't break the bank or cost more than the handgun itself would be preferable. Thanks
 
Well, it will all be opinions, but I hope that ...

... folks noticed your comment:
Quote I'm about 6' tall and heavy set so Unquote
because that means you have a lot of options that a 5foot zeroinch / 90lb female would not.


My comment is that the only rig I like for CCW for small weapons is the pocket holster.
  • It is total CCW (allowing a weapon to be seen when shirt/jacket 'rides-up' is a No-N0 in many CCW states.)
  • It does not 'print'
  • It moves easily from "work clothes" to:
a - working in the garage clothes
b - working in the yard clothes
c -going for a walk clothes​
  • Cheap enough so you can buy two holsters, rinse one in the sink and swap to the second while changing pants, if you've been wearing work clothes in 90 degree heat/humidity.
 
First off: nothing wrong with a Mak! One of the few small inexpensive autos that's worth owning. I hope yours is in 9x18 instead of .380 but even in .380 they're not bad.

I *suspect* it's going to be too big for pocket carry. I may be wrong. Test it out, and if it works for you you'll need both a pocket holster and a STRICT "nothing else allowed in there" policy - no coins, keys, gum, whatever.

If you don't do the pocket thing, consider an IWB rig like the Crossbreed Supertuck or something like it.

You can also do an elasic "belly band", or a small fanny pack. I would avoid both ankle carry and the infamous "smartcarry" underpants holster :(.

One more thing to try - with the gun UNLOADED, see if "Mexican carry" feels OK with that gun. If it does, consider getting a little bit of kydex and make one of these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYC_Un8pPnA
 
I've tried pocket carry. My pockets are big enough but the Mak's heavy slide prints a bit more than I'd like. As for the Crossbreeds, I've only found them in PPK and the FEG63 which they specified was NOT A MAKAROV, indicating either that they're intent on educating others about former Soviet sidearms or that it's incompatible with the Mak. I love my Makarov and a new handgun in addition to the CCW licensing stuff and rig is just out of my price range. Mexican carry does work for it so I may be able to find something like the MIC holster or rig something up.

Oh, and yes it is 9x18mm.
 
There are generic holsters that might fit that gun. They likely won't fit great but close enough. Anyway, take a look at Uncle Mike and their offerings. They are cheap enough and come in sizes so I'm sure you can find one that fits your gun. I know they make pocket hoslters, OWB holsters and I believe they offer IWB as well.
 
I think what you will come to find is that there are as many opinions as shooters about what type of gun to conceal carry and an equal amount of opinions on how to carry it. Your first decision is what gun you are going to carry. Once you have it, then you have to narrow down your options which will include, belt holster (for the sake of this discussion, it is assumed we are talking OWB because you effectively eliminate IWB in your comments) shoulder holsters, ankle holsters, strong side carry, cross draw, etc.

Every one of us that has been carrying for more than just a short while will testify to the collection of holsters they have accumulated that have been used once or twice and then tossed in the never to be worn again holster box. It's all part of the trial and error adjustment period we all go through getting comfortable.

I will say that without fail, every training scenario I have attended, insists on strong side, OWB carry. I have come to make this my primary method of carry and I vary from it only on those occasions when a shoulder holster would be more appropriate for the way I am dressed. And more from a practical standpoint, you want to be able to respond to a need for your weapon in a fashion for which you have trained yourself so when the brain goes into tunnel vision, your muscle memory will be able to instinctively go for the gun. Regardless of what gun and method of carry you opt for, remember to train yourself as often and as frequently as time permits. You hope you never have to use your acquired skills but have confidence to know you know what you are doing. And....finally, don't be shy or cheap about engaging the services of an instructor for an hour or two every now and then to help you gain/sharpen your skills.

Good Luck and Be Safe.
 
The above posts are all filled with great advice. I would only add that you should consider trying cheap holsters to see witch option fits best (owb, iwb) and so on. Find what fits best and only then buy a quality holster.
 
Here's two sources of "crossbreed clones":

http://www.kholster.com

http://www.comp-tac.com/catalog.php - note the "Minotaur"...

I would try calling each, see if they support the Mak. If not, I would seriously consider seeing if they'll sell you the leather back-plate, belt clips and a sheet of kydex to mold your own "core" for your gun. Crossbreed might do it too.

This general class of leather/kydex mix is the best IWB rig you'll ever own.
 
Thanks, guys. I'm liking the options here. OWB might require some adjustment but it looks like the best option for me since IWB Mak holsters are few and far between. As for the handgun, I'm pretty much committed to the Mak. I know I'm not going to be able to save up enough to buy anything substantially better by the time it comes time to get my CCW and, besides, I love the gun and it's definitely what I've trained with the most and am most comfortable shooting, reloading, and handling quickly. I'm liking the Kydex as leather, while looking nicer, tends to rub me wrong. I'm also looking for belts, as those can be as important as the holster. I've found plenty of mil-surp web belts which should be more than adequate and perhaps make it easier to mount accessories and they'll work for what I normally wear, though I'm having a harder time with dress belts. Recommendations? I realize I don't have to make these decisions for several months, but I figure the earlier I start thinking about these things, the more prepared I'll be when I finally start carrying.
 
Good choice on the Mak.

One thing I will suggest regarding carrying comfortably is to invest first in a quality GUN BELT, emphasis intentional. I'm talking about a stiff as hell, wide as your belt loops can handle, made for carry belt. My personal favorite is the double layer horsehide ones from Jim The Beltman in NC.

Yep, I too had difficulty spending that kind of cash, but until you do, you will buy holsters constantly, and be unhappy with every one, either they feel bad or print.

Once I had the belt covered, I magically quit buying holsters and use only Crossbreed and Comp-Tac models, carrying guns far heavier than a Mak, although one of those was hanging on my belt today !
 
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