Improper method of concealed carry?

[beebee]

I can't carry in waistband, appendix etc.. Simply can't do it, have tried, and always fail.. Can't get used to it.
Been pocket carrying exclusively, but even that gets annoying.. Always feels like I am carrying a 20 ounce lead sinker around in my pocket, pulling my pants down..

Finally after years of always being uncomfortable I have found a carry style that works well for me but that most would consider improper.. | I use Kydex IWB holsters , but suspend the gun in my pocket.. I use 2 clips.. the gun in holster is aligned where I want it with the main clip, and I added an Ulticlip for a very secure hold.. The holster cannot move in any direction, and the gun is securely snapped into the kydex holster, and it isn't going anywhere unless I want it to..
The gun in holster is "suspended" into the pocket, and IMO is within easy reach God forbid I ever need it quickly.. On another forum, most people said," well its wrong, but whatever feels best to you i guess".

I dunno I think its a fairly viable carry method, and for me, SO much more comfortable, and secure than a plain old pocket holster. I don't even feel the gun with this method. Any opinions?... bob

 

[Darth]

How does pocket carry pull your pants down, but not that?

 

[togmaster]

You must have to wear a really long shirt to conceal the clip.

 

[beebee]

How does pocket carry pull your pants down, but not that?

Most likely the fact that the weight is further up on the hip, and the weight is not "swinging" when I walk, the way it did when using a pocket holster.. Whatever the case, its much less of a problem with this method by far.. Feels much more balanced.

 

[beebee]

You must have to wear a really long shirt to conceal the clip.

Typically I wear sweatshirts in cool weather , long T's and such in summer, and its been no issue standing up.. At times sitting, depending on the shirt I have seen a small part of the black clip, but its not been anything major.. Simply pull the shirt down a tad, and the clip is totally concealed again.. I am always aware of having adequate shirt length, ever since I started carrying daily several years ago.. its second nature to me like most I suppose, to watch what I wear, and how it will conceal... bob

 

[E the massive]

Have you considered a belly band?

 

[spat]

I have 2 methods that I use.

I carry a G26 IWB at 4:00 in an alien gear.

But if I'm feeling lazy (which is most of the time) I pocket carry an LCP II in the factory pocket holster.

The G26 is undoubtedly a better option. I shoot that gun better, it is a better caliber, and I draw faster from the IWB. But the LCP is just so much easier to grab quick.

Whatever you choose though, practice with it. That will expose any problems.

I practice drawing the LCP from the pocket holster and have discovered that a straight draw doesn't work reliably, I need to draw partway up then shift back slightly to ensure that the holster remains in the pocket.

It's not a big deal, and with practice it doesn't slow the draw at all, but if I didn't practice it so much I might not even have been aware of the problem.

 

[SomeSoldier]

Why not just try an OWB at the 4? It will be easier to conceal and it should be very comfortable. I carry a 4" 1911 like that. So far it's the most comfortable position I have found beside open carry in a duty belt.

 

[beebee]

I have 2 methods that I use.

I carry a G26 IWB at 4:00 in an alien gear.

But if I'm feeling lazy (which is most of the time) I pocket carry an LCP II in the factory pocket holster.

The G26 is undoubtedly a better option. I shoot that gun better, it is a better caliber, and I draw faster from the IWB. But the LCP is just so much easier to grab quick.

Whatever you choose though, practice with it. That will expose any problems.

I practice drawing the LCP from the pocket holster and have discovered that a straight draw doesn't work reliably, I need to draw partway up then shift back slightly to ensure that the holster remains in the pocket.

It's not a big deal, and with practice it doesn't slow the draw at all, but if I didn't practice it so much I might not even have been aware of the problem.

I carried an LCP II as well for a while, and it was just too slow a draw in pocket..
The method I use allows for very fast draw.. I brush the shirt up with the left hand and grab the gun from the holster with the right, and its deployed in about a second,,, that if my watch is right.. lol..
I am 65, slowing down but do often practice fast drawing with this method and it really works out way better for me..

The 4 oclock thing would simply take me too long to draw i think . Incorrect or not the "pocket rocket" suspended in pocket simply works best for me by far.. I know its not for everyone.. On another forum, one of the members said he knew of two other guys that have been carrying in a similar fashion for many years, so I suppose its not unheard of.
Its just what works best in my situation.. I tend to carry small light weapons, biggest of which is the Sig P938 in the pic.. A smaller/lighter gun than many here would carry I imagine . I don't think my carry method would be too good at all with a .45 revolver, or a full size 1911... bob

 

[Exonautic]

Definitely weird, but I'm not gonna argue if it works. Biggest concern for me is that those clips are designed to hook on the bottom of a belt and they don't really have that ledge in a pocket, so while it may have worked so far, if those clips don't grab enough cloth there's a chance you're ending up pulling holster and all along with the gun.

 

[Jmac00]

have you thought about a conceal carry vest. Basically a holster, that looks like a vest.

Hunting & Shooting Gear Guide

Hunting and the United States is intrinsically connected, throughout our country’s founding, our survival, and our conquering of the frontier. These days it

outdoorempire.com

I have two conceal carry vests, one is for work and one for dress. Both are oilskin, extremely comfortable and the best part is, absolutely no one will know your carrying unless someone tried to give you a hug,

Best Concealed Carry Vest

If you regularly carry a pistol, you understand the importance of having a variety of options for concealing your weapon.

outdoorlife.reviews

 

[beebee]

Definitely weird, but I'm not gonna argue if it works. Biggest concern for me is that those clips are designed to hook on the bottom of a belt and they don't really have that ledge in a pocket, so while it may have worked so far, if those clips don't grab enough cloth there's a chance you're ending up pulling holster and all along with the gun.

Yes that was happening until I installed the Ulti clip in my holsters , which is fantastic.. It grabs extremely hard, and you would rip the pocket right open before that clip ever lets go . Its a positive, locking clasp, and along with the wide clip on the holster, is impossible to move without releasing the clasp.. Believe me, the holster is 100% secure with the Ulti clip.. I see a lot of expensive holsters these days coming stock now with Ulti clips installed.. bob

 

[BMF JK]

Hey Bob thumbs up on your diligent effort to find your perfect carry method .

Just my personal opinion on aspects to consider when choosing a carry method in no specific order .

1 ) ease of draw , can you draw in any position without fumbling ( sitting, bending, standing , laying on your back etc) ?

2) can you get a firing grip on the gun before you draw ?

3 ) concealable , does your carry method conceal your gun ?

4) comfort , is your method comfortable enough to carry through your daily routine ?

 

[Robin]

have you thought about a conceal carry vest. Basically a holster, that looks like a vest.

Hunting & Shooting Gear Guide

Hunting and the United States is intrinsically connected, throughout our country’s founding, our survival, and our conquering of the frontier. These days it

outdoorempire.com

I have two conceal carry vests, one is for work and one for dress. Both are oilskin, extremely comfortable and the best part is, absolutely no one will know your carrying unless someone tried to give you a hug,

Best Concealed Carry Vest

If you regularly carry a pistol, you understand the importance of having a variety of options for concealing your weapon.

outdoorlife.reviews

Thanks Jmac00, definitely looking into these!!!
Robin

 

[Toecutter]

Have you tried hybrid holsters ? They tend to spread the weight out a bit more. Nothing ive tried has been more comfortable to me .You may have to up your pants size with a iwb set up.
I always recommend trying perry style suspenders wear them under your shirt you don't have problems keeping your pants up anymore.

If the pocket clip thing works for you rock it , practice , make sure you can draw and the holster doesnt come out when you draw.

 

[SomeSoldier]

Have you tried hybrid holsters ? They tend to spread the weight out a bit more. Nothing ive tried has been more comfortable to me .You may have to up your pants size with a iwb set up.
I always recommend trying perry style suspenders wear them under your shirt you don't have problems keeping your pants up anymore.

If the pocket clip thing works for you rock it , practice , make sure you can draw and the holster doesnt come out when you draw.

I have always had an issue with iwb, either the pants fall down, or its uncomfortable.

 

[beebee]

Hey Bob thumbs up on your diligent effort to find your perfect carry method .

Just my personal opinion on aspects to consider when choosing a carry method in no specific order .

1 ) ease of draw , can you draw in any position without fumbling ( sitting, bending, standing , laying on your back etc) ?

2) can you get a firing grip on the gun before you draw ?

3 ) concealable , does your carry method conceal your gun ?

4) comfort , is your method comfortable enough to carry through your daily routine ?

 

[beebee]

mostly yes, but I can't get a firing grip on the gun before draw . That being said, even if I used the same holsters IWB as they were designed, I could not grab the gun in a firing grip really.. The Kydex covers the trigger guard, and you are pretty much grabbing the handle of the weapon with the index finger maybe an inch in back of the trigger guard while drawing.. However,that was the same case with every holster I have. had . Trigger guard covered, and even when carried "correctly", I could not have a real firing ready grip on anything I own .. Maybe because all my carry guns are sub compacts?- Kel Tec P32- Sig P 938- Beretta 21A Bobcat.. all very small.
I am considering trying an OWB at some point.. The small guns I typically carry would not be intrusive on a belt, and would easily be covered by any shirt I would wear, even in summer without printing.. My setup is fine for the moment, but if OWB suits me better thats certainly an option... bob

 

[BMF JK]

mostly yes, but I can't get a firing grip on the gun before draw . That being said, even if I used the same holsters IWB as they were designed, I could not grab the gun in a firing grip really.. The Kydex covers the trigger guard, and you are pretty much grabbing the handle of the weapon with the index finger maybe an inch in back of the trigger guard while drawing.. However,that was the same case with every holster I have. had . Trigger guard covered, and even when carried "correctly", I could not have a real firing ready grip on anything I own .. Maybe because all my carry guns are sub compacts?- Kel Tec P32- Sig P 938- Beretta 21A Bobcat.. all very small.
I am considering trying an OWB at some point.. The small guns I typically carry would not be intrusive on a belt, and would easily be covered by any shirt I would wear, even in summer without printing.. My setup is fine for the moment, but if OWB suits me better thats certainly an option... bob
[/QUOTE

A holster should cover the entire trigger guard. Here are some pics to avoid confusion. Glock 26 in a AIWB holster.


By firing grip I mean to have a full purchase on the grip of your pistol that requires no adjustment of your grip after the draw . Index finger should not enter the trigger guard til you press out towards your target .

 

[beebee]

duh.. yeah, i see where you are coming from.. I would say yes on my Sig I have a similar grip at to what you show there.. three fingers on the grip and the index finger along the side ,at the ready to go into the trigger guard when drawn.. I would say with the Keltec, its a bit less "fire ready" as the gun is just SO small, that there is a slight period of adjustment while on the draw. Not much, but yes 1/2 second to purchase full grip.
The Beretta is also very small but for its size has a good size handle and grip surface, so its kind of between the other two.. As I wrote earlier, I carry small guns, and one of the drawbacks to mini guns would be the draw.. In my opinion, nothing draws as well as say a 1911, but a lot of folks can't [or won't] carry a gun that size.. Looked at some OWB holsters during this thread and I am pretty interested in them, because at this point of my life, I wear a belt anyway since my butt which helped hold my pants up has gone and moved around to my gut, and is now pushing my pants down. The OWB might be a good option as my weapons are small, and i wear very long shirts tails out most every day, so printing should not be an issue... bob

 

[dsdmmat]

Why you carrying cocked and unlocked (with the safety off)?

 

[GOPerfect]

I am going to say something and I really mean it when I say no disrespect...

One of the reasons you cannot carry in a comfortable way IWB is because of your girth.

When I was selling guns, I used to explain to my larger customers that carrying OWB would be the way to go due to their midsections.

If you are good with your new setup, that should be all that matters. I am an OWB kind of guy. Love it. I really do not care for IWB for many reasons. Reasons I will not get into now.

OWB in and around the four o'clock area seems like it may work for you.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Jeans that have a bit of stretch in them and a strong solid belt really make a difference for IWB.

Owb sounds like a solid choice for your scenario and preference

 

[Bananabandit]

I am going to say something and I really mean it when I say no disrespect...

One of the reasons you cannot carry in a comfortable way IWB is because of your girth.

When I was selling guns, I used to explain to my larger customers that carrying OWB would be the way to go due to their midsections.

If you are good with your new setup, that should be all that matters. I am an OWB kind of guy. Love it. I really do not care for IWB for many reasons. Reasons I will not get into now.

OWB in and around the four o'clock area seems like it may work for you.

You sir are 110% right.

Im a big ol fatty mcfatterson. I cant carry iwb to save my life (literally). At work I carry a Leatherman Surge (around 12oz) at my 4 oclock. Always looks like im going for a gun when I pull it out to use.

If not 4 o'clock, my LCR357 in front right pocket.

 

[beebee]

Geez, I'm not that heavy.. I'm 6 foot about 210- 215 pounds.. Not skinny by any means, but I only wear a size 36 pants and a mens large shirt.
I see some FAT guys wearing IWB no problem... Its not that big a deal either way.. For now, my method of carry has worked well for me, and as stated, OWB might be something I'll try in the near future.. bob

 

[Uzi]

Geez, I'm not that heavy.. I'm 6 foot about 210- 215 pounds.. Not skinny by any means, but I only wear a size 36 pants and a mens large shirt.
I see some FAT guys wearing IWB no problem... Its not that big a deal either way.. For now, my method of carry has worked well for me, and as stated, OWB might be something I'll try in the near future.. bob

It doesn't matter how much you weigh overall or how tall you are in this instance, the point that's being made is that, any body fat hanging over your belt is what is going to make concealment much more difficult and uncomfortable. Simply loosing that extra weight will make carrying almost everywhere more comfortable, efficient, practical, and safer.

 

[Toecutter]

It's hard to give one answer. holsters seem to be a very personal thing. What one person hates the other one loves. I used to carry appendix I lost weight and cant do it anymore drives me crazy . I suppose how high you wear pants may have a part in it. I wear my pants about an inch below my belly button . For shits goto walmart get a 10 dollar pair of jeans a size larger then usual and try out some holsters with them .

 

[MothMan]

Waist = 34” @ 195lbs.

I only carry OWB a Roy Rodgers, John Wayne, Audrey Murphy, Gabby Hayes kinda thing. I only use leather holsters for revolvers or SA from SideGuard holsters. I’m telling you this so that when we meet you will know that that lump on my waist at 3 o’clock is not likely an ostomy bag.

 

[beebee]

My wife carries a P238- sticks that Kydex holster down her pants IWB with an Ulti clip, and never feels it.. never once complained, drives with it, NO problem.. It would drive me crazy... bob

 

[GOPerfect]

The only time I carry IWB is when I am wearing cargo shorts and carrying my XDS. All other times, OWB. I do not like the feel either.