You call that "concealed"?

D

dave_in_delaware

New member
Hello everyone. I apologize if this is a repeat post. I am new to handguns and to the whole concept of CCW. I own a Springfield Armory XD-9 sub-compact. I also bought a Mil-Tech holster that can double as OWB or IWB. I put my holster IWB and put my gun into that. Now, maybe I am totally clueless to the actual meaning of CCW, but even my little XD subbie seems to make my waistband bulge out and say "hey, look: he's carrying a gun!" I tried to put it in the back, and in front (but off to the side a little), and on my hip, everywhere. And the thing is just so obvious. How can I be CCW with a freakin' giant bulging waistline? Plus, I always tuck my shirts in for work, and never wear a sportscoat or anything. Must the gun be TOTALLY hidden from view? If yes, it would have to be down so far that it would make taking the gun out in a hurry impossible (then what's the point in having it?)... Is the only way to be concealed to keep your shirt untucked and always over your pants? I'm just at a loss as to how a bulging waistline that screams "packing" can be truly concealed carry. Any help/suggestions/tips will be appreciated. Thank you.
 
Dave-
Wearing a full sized gun that you can access this millenium requires your willingness to dress for it.

Value of the trade off is up to you. There are no shortcuts here.
Rich
 
Maybe you just need a different holster?

If you're new to ccw, it might not be as bad as you think. The new carrier, everyone can see it syndrome? If so, that passes as you get used to it and realize that most people are clueless even if they see the bulge. (It's my colostomy bag, man!)

You will have to dress around the weapon. Thats a given and the price you pay for being able to go armed. Stick with it, you'll figure it out, and possibly have a couple extra holsters too! (ask me how many extra holters I have!)

Next, you'll have to learn the 'girlie squat' instead of bending over so your shirt dont ride up and expose it. :eek: Welcome to ccw. :D
 
Yes, your attire will have to be modified but it's not as bad as it seems.

And as stated above, you have "everyone can see it" syndrome. Don't sweat it, they don't. Not unless it's another CCW'er :D.

You will have to learn to work around the gun. CCW is actually a pain in the butt and to take the time to change your ways (attire, bending at the knees, don't raise your hand) is paramount.

And the anti's say that we do this to be macho and such, that it's an easy thing to do day in and day out, they are full of poop! It's more of a hassle then anything else but you get used to it.

Wayne
 
I had to change the clothing and how I wear it..... I started my concealed carry with an XD40 - 4". I found that the in the pant waist line holster or free willie (no holster) worked well. Since the XD I have tried 2 revolvers and 2 other pistols. The best little hide I have found is the Kel-Tec P11. It isn't a prom date but I take her to the dance anyhow...... Small, well built for the little coin you part with, works all the time and is great at concealing.....

It might require some different styles of both clothing and holsters until you get your best set up...... You might even look into some other firearms that offer you a little better hide? Good luck......... The XD line is a dandy one.... ;)

One other thing I thought of was that I like clothes that have no one solid color (shirts) I think a form of the hide is to have shapes, different colors, designs printed on my shirt. It makes it harder for other eyes to see a distinctive shape of a firearm. Take a look at what I am saying......Sounds a little odd.......but check it out in front of a mirror or have a friend judge you. It is a lot of work to conceal with the ability to still have ability to employ the firearm very fast......... I like to practice with all types of garments and all kinds of weather and conditions. Again........ best of luck and be safe....Rojoe
 
I carry my G19 strapped to the right side of my right calve just above my shoes. It works amazingly well as I wear baggy jeans, I could never pull off something on my waist, as I am a very sweaty guy and could never dress the gun, it would be way too visible. I dont mind it tho, because it is not in the way at all and I dont have to worry about all the things the above people have mentioned. I made my own strap out of velcro and another waist holster which I took apart, I pretty much forget it is even there. Although it never leaves the back of my mind ;) just dont do jumping jacks or something and I dont think anyone could ever know unless you tell them.
 
Rich, he's talking about the XD-9 Sub Compact -- not a full-size gun, but more like a Glock 27.

(I didn't know they had a subbie out, and now I want it!) :(

Dave, I think it's true that if you want to carry, you will have to modify your mode of dress to accommodate your gun. That's why I buy my t-shirts in x-large, even though I could wear a large or sometimes even a medium. Also, look into fanny-pack carry, or a shoulder satchel of some kind (which I favor). To YOU these may scream "gun," but I don't think that the general populace thinks of guns when they see them.

-blackmind
 
True. I DEFINITELY dont think gun when I see a faggy pack. I think more on the lines of, gay guy, stressed out soccer dad, tourist, or gay guy.
 
LOL!!

Well, if people want to erroneously think I'm gay just because it's easier for me to carry in a shoulder satchel than IWB, so be it. At least I'll have what I need if I should end up needing it, right? :p

-blackmind
 
I think it is an advantage for people to think you are gay. I think a criminal is going to worry least about a guy who they presume is gay, only to be blown away both mentally and physically as the gay guy whips his lady derringer from his faggy pack.

Unless of course its a smart criminal :eek: and they presume fanny pack = gun as many here do. That would not be good.
 
Smartcarry, my man.

Sounds like you need a SmartCarry, chief.
Simple prospect:
second "underwear" with front pouch.
tuck shirt tail, strap on, pull up pants.
Gun is at 12 o' clock, just below waistline.
Pull belt buckle or waistband outward with offhand and grab gun.
No more challenging than lifting a shirt or pulling back a jacket, and it puts the "bulge" in the right place ;) (if the bulge is in the front, you won't be near as self concious about your derringer :D )
 
Heh, you must mean "ThunderWear"... :rolleyes:


Or at least, that's what we called that kind of thing "back in the day." ;)

-blackmind
 
There are many criminals here??
Click to expand...

Might be lurkers here but what I think he meant is that criminals are mindful of guns and people who have them so may continue on their way if they see a fanny pack, (or open fire sooner!). People who carry are naturally mindful of guns (cops-lawful citizens-criminals). 'as many here do'

I saw one yesterday. Young black guy gangbanger type crossing at the light in front of me. 100+ degrees and he's wearing a black windbreaker, DUH. As he's walking across the street he reaches back and gives it that pull the butt back up into place movement. A total retard and seriously telegraphing, yet his action was seemingly totally lost on those around him also crossing the street. Non gunnies.
 
You'll get the hang of it soon enough. I wear a shoulder rig alot in the winter, because you can keep a jacket on, even inside in most cases and not look out of place. But in summer, I use IWB almost exclusively. Just learn to wear 'broken up' shirts, not single color, it helps hide the outline. Or just get used to leaving those t-shirts untucked. I wear muscle or t-shirts, and shorts almost all summer, and have yet to be 'made'. (knock on wood)

Over time you will realize alot of preperation goes into 'concealed' carry, but thats the price we pay for the......"privledge"......of being able to carry. :barf:
 
I took my training and tests for my concealed carry license a few weeks ago, and I'm still waiting for my card to arrive at the Sheriff's office. (60 to 90 days ! ARGH ! :mad: ) In the meantime, I've carried open on occasion (legal in Kentucky). It just amazes me how many people simply don't even notice it and it's in plain view out in the open. I realize that some do, and just don't acknowledge it, but many don't.
 
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