Smart Carry Smart?

N

New2GA

New member
Sorry for the pun, it was cheap, on the floor next to the two-fer bin in fact.

Does anyone have one of these? I've got to say it seems reasonable especially when it's hot and everyone is in shorts and a Tee. Given the 60 day money back policy it seems hard to not try one so it's in the mail. That aside and in all seriousness has anyone used one of these before? I've seen several vids and it really does seem like the gun comes from nowhere. I was just thinking that if it would give me yet another way to carry the j-frame that it would be worth it.

I'll provide an update when I have some feedback for those interested.
 
Used mine for the first time in a while today - used to use it quite a lot. I'd say that the length of the gun's butt is the major limiting factor (with all but the shortest butts, you'll get an odd-looking protrusion unless you wear very baggy or pleated pants).
 
I try to keep the buisness end of any firearm away from my manhood. I have no desire to injure myself in such a manner, or to have to explain to an investigator or ER doc why I shot my johnson off. So to speak.
 
Yes, I have two in different sizes. I don't use it all the time, but in the summertime, with light shorts and t-shirt, it works very well for me.

Obviously, the smaller the gun, the easier it is to conceal, but it also works with a mid-size, within reason.

Unlike pocket carry, the weight of the gun isn't trying to pull your britches down.

To poster #4, keep your finger off the trigger and you won't have a problem. Of course, that applies regardless of what type of holster you use... :rolleyes:
 
I find that my j-frames tend to hang up on the edge of the holster. The back of the cylinder hangs up in it. I didn't notice it when it was new. Maybe I just need a new one.

And it is possible to use this holster without pointing the gun at yourself.

Whatever you do, buy Smartcarry, and not Thunderwear. Smartcarry is made by Floridians, and not those communist bastards in New York, and we need all the money we can get. :D
 
Ok so it came in. It's odd getting used to and I have to admit that the grip from my j frame leaves an odd bulge. That being said the MK40, P3at and other small autos simply disappear. I am guessing that with larger pants the j frame might become invisible also.

I was wondering if others experienced an odd bunching or crowding when squatting down, it was as if the rig was being forced upwards from it bottoming out against the crotch seem of my slacks.
 
I wear mine slightly off to the left side, and it doesnt hit the crotch seam when you bend or squat, but sides slightly down my leg. It also gives the butt of the gun more room to the right with less bulge.

I would suggest you get some iron on patches and at the first sign of wear, you'll know where to put a small piece on each of your pants. I mostly wear mine with Carhartt type work jeans, which are more fitted across the front and not really "baggie". I get a wear point on most of my pants where the gun contacts my pants. The patch stops the wear through nicely.
 
Thanks, I would not have thought about iron-ons as a preventative measure. I've cropped, sewn, re sewn and reinforced the bottoms of pockets for pocket carry but would most likely not noticed that kind of wear early enough.
 
I've got a Smartcarry.

If wearing pants with a belt and a tucked in shirt access would be slow (for me) and I can't eliminate the buldge from the grip, unless I use something so small (Kahr PM9) it will only make it more difficult to draw.

If my shirt is untucked (when wearing regular pants or jeans) I won't need the Smartcarry. ;)

For me, this holster is at it's best if I'm wearing something like gym shorts (no belt). Access is fairly quick. I can wear my shirt untucked to hide the slight buldge.
Also, the Kahr PM45 and Taurus 709 Slim draw easier from the holster than a XDsc or Glock. The Glock and XDsc seem to snag somehow while the Kahr and 709 pull smoothly.

If you wear sweat shorts, the Smartcarry is quite uesful.
 
It might conceal ok if using the right pants but I don't think its in a "smart" location for drawing if you had to. Shoving your hand down the front of your pants is going to be slower than just lifting up the side of your shirt with one hand while the other grabs the gun out of the holster.

Think about it this way also. Everytime you sit down your gun is pointed at whoever is sitting across from you. With a standard holster its usually pointed in a downward direction.

If you did have an AD while drawing (hopfully not) its pointed downward. With the "smart" carry its pointed at your future children.
 
If you wear the holster and your pants correctly, the draw is actually very easy, and you really only need one hand to do it, but two can be easier.

Most horizontal shoulder holsters point at anyone behind you, so its the same difference. Either way, the gun is in a holster and isnt going off by itself, unless your doing something silly.

The AD is always a possibility, with any holster. As with any of them, if you practice, its probably not going to be an issue.

There was a report on one of the boards by someone who bought a cheap copy of the Thunderwear/Smart Carry type holster and then proceeded to carry a pistol loaded and in either a C&L state, or just cocked, I cant remember, but he had the exact AD your referring to. If I can find it, I'll post the link. Just keep in mind, it wasnt either a Smart Carry or Thunderwear holster, and the results were due to a series of bad choices on his part.

I've carried my Seecamp, a P230, or a P239, but mostly the Seecamp, in a Smart Carry, daily, for about four years now. I'm on my third holster now, and have never had one issue with any of them. I lead a very "active" lifestyle, both at work and at home, and I'm not just sitting or standing still all day, but jump in and out of equipment, ditches, climb all over all sorts of things, as well as ride bicycles, etc. If something was going to happen, it would have by now.

I know this type holster makes a lot of people uncomfortable, thought wise. If your one of them, then maybe you should look elsewhere. Personally, I think youre missing out, but hey, we all have to do what we feel is best. Two things I've noticed since using mine are, its one of the most comfortable and versatile holsters I've ever used, and the guns I've carried in them, have been the cleanest, especially over time. Not so much as a speck of dust or dirt, or even a dust bunny, on the gun, and I live in a dust/dirt filled environment 12-14 hours a day. The gun in my IWB has to be constantly wiped down for all of the above.
 
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