What kind of CCW holster

[gunnut1]

OK after I get my CCW, I will need a holster. I am a rather large guy and I have been looking at several kinds. I am thinking an IBW.

What should I look for and how will I know this is what I need?

I am not opposed to an OWB. But I tend to wear t-shirts daily.

I have a Safe Packer that I used in Colorado and it works great but I feel like everyone is looking at it wondering what is in it.


Thanks guys. I know this has probably been cover many times.

[Timber Wolf]

I have a couple of Cross Breed SuperTucks and like them a lot. My first (for a G27) was in horsehide and I carried it a lot and liked it a little better than the cowhide (for a XDsc .40) I got (because it was sitting at gun show and I did not have to order it) for my second. I waited a full 6 weeks on my first SuperTuck so when I walked up on the cowhide that fit my XDsc (and XDm 3.8) I bit. The cow is OK but the horse sure broke in and carried nice and is what you really want if you are really going to carry IMHO.

Although I have no experience with them I think if I had to do it over, or again, I would go with the CompTac Minotaur or even Spartan due to the ability to change the kydex body to accomodate a different gun. That way you could have one broken-in backer and if (when for me) you swap out carry guns change over is like $40 instead of $75. I have no experience with the Comptac and they do not offer horsehide but I may yet buy one to try next time I swap carry pistols. It is getting expensive stacking SuperTucks in the corner! To be fair Cross Breed will take your holster back and change bodies for a nominal fee but I don't like doing stuff like that. I would rather have expensive holsters sitting around unused. That and I might want to carry my G22 which fits the same holster.

I do recommend thinking about and going with a holster that is tuckable. There are several and it does open up the possiblity of having one holster and carrying under different conditions. I have used the SuperTucked actually tucked and it is not bad, it really does work that way, and you look nicer to boot! Even though I have said my cowhide SuperTuck was OK I find myself wearing a "wife beater" T shirt under my regular shirt so nothing rubs me, helps with the comfort. I don't remember doing that with the horsehide version.

[fnogger]

www.andrewsleather.com


Just down the road from me, he produces some great stuff.

[JohnnyV1966]

Hear You! I know a guy who carries and uses a Crossbreed holster. I cannot tell hes packing a handgun when he conceals his full size .45 ACP.

Crossbreed is an excellent choice!

[JAB75]

I have a Milt Sparks Summer Special II IWB for my 1911 Govt...picked it up from Brownells, made from high quality horsehide. It rides very comfortably in the right side and conceals very well.

If that doesn't suit you, I would also highly recommend a IWB from Blade Tech. Injection molded polymer fit specifically for your weapon and its completely water/sweat resistant.

Most important is to find a gun/holster combo that is comfortable for you to shoot and wear.

Good luck with the CCW!

-JAB75

[StarPD]

Consider the Galco "Skyops".
It allows a shirt to be tucked between the holster and waistband, giving complete concealbility.

[Survey Punk]

http://www.impactguns.com/store/WIL-F1BLR15.html

JB

[Delta-3]

I'm probably the only guy that doesn't like an IWB holster. I'm a big guy & wear T-shirts daily too. I use a Galco Avenger OWB holster for my 1911. Very comfortable, & doesn't print with a shirt over it.

[parisofthewest]

I too am a "man of larger proportion" and I have the Galco version called the summer comfort. Being a little bigger though the but end prints a little bit with just a t shirt on. I have not tried one yet but I think going with a Supertuck or the like with a large "plate" of leather behind the holster would help some.

This is with a Sig P6/225 though, so not the smallest of pistols. I am considering going to a G26 instead for more concealability.

parisofthewest

[W.E.G.]

Let me get this straight.

You want to carry a gun on your waist.

You want to attach it to your belt.

You want to wear JUST A T-SHIRT as a cover garment.

That shit's not gonna work.

[gunnut1]

Originally posted by W.E.G.
Let me get this straight.

You want to carry a gun on your waist.

You want to attach it to your belt.

You want to wear JUST A T-SHIRT as a cover garment.

That shit's not gonna work.

That's about the jest of it.

[W.E.G.]

I often wear a polo shirt over my t-shirt when I'm carrying.

If you already wear a 2XL t-shirt, you need to get you some 3XL polo shirts.

I like the 5.11 polo shirt because it is extra long, and never allows the gun to be exposed.
See http://www.galls.com/style.html?asso...t=&style=SW439

[Timber Wolf]

Originally posted by W.E.G.
Let me get this straight. That shit's not gonna work.

[Fn/form]

I think you're looking for holsterS. ;-)

I carried a Glock compact (G23), and my fav holsters of the recent past are...

OWB
Kramer Belt Scabbard, horsehide, FBI cant. My hands-down favorite OWB, I had it before I carried a badge. I'd only switch to another OWB if I *needed* retention features.

Rocketman ECP paddle. Compact, practical and it allowed me to use it with shorts or trousers with built-in belts or tension (think tux or Propper shorts).

IWB.
SmartCarry (aka ThunderWear). My favorite of all holsters. Goes with everything casual.

OTHER
Hawe Paks micro "fanny pack" style. I'm secure, and it works great for wearing cell phone, pistol, xtra mags if you want, plus other stuff such as notepad, lightweight handcuffs, etc.

Now I'm carrying either a G17 or G26 concealed. SmartCarry mostly, but I need to find a holster for IDPA stuff. I'm looking at the Kaluban Cloak, among others. Would be great to find a Kramer BS horsehide for the 17/26 as well.

[DC]

Originally posted by W.E.G.
Let me get this straight.

You want to carry a gun on your waist.

You want to attach it to your belt.

You want to wear JUST A T-SHIRT as a cover garment.

That shit's not gonna work.

hmm. It's worked for me for the last decade. However, I don't have a gut.

The best holsters I've ever used are from Dale Fricke

http://www.dalefrickeholsters.com/

They are fighting holsters, not something show off in front of the mirror or at the club with.

For the last couple of years I've carry appendix inside the waist band and won't carry any other way again.

[macvsog]

When I was "On Duty" I carried my Glock 34 in a hard to find Safariland holster. Now "Off Duty" I carried the same handgun in a OWB from Blade Tech. It worked perfectly for the G34. I would use Blade Tech again for any other handgun I would want to trade in for another hand gun (Right now I am carring a 1911A2 for my Federal License).

I also had the combo of the hand cuffs slot and next to it, It had another place for a magazine. I also had the double Mag pouch too. All in all I carried on duty and off duty, 5 mags (I wasn't going down without a fight) in pockets in my jacket, pants pockets or my pockets during Summer and during winter I would place some of these mags in my pockets and in my "Polo" shirt with a white T-Shirt tucked into my waist band. I also carried at least 6 knives on me on both on and off duties.

Bottom line, I'd go for "Blade Tech" if you have a either a Glock 17 or a Glock 34 If you have decided what weapon you will be carrying for your CCW With that following already decided. Pleas remember this: "The only fair fight is the one you lose".

My apoligies for having some info there about me. I Sometimes I go overboard on Subjects that deal with tactics, handguns, and short Rifles.

Me
"MACVSOG Living Historian"

[Cava3r4]

Let me get this straight.
You want to carry a gun on your waist.
You want to attach it to your belt.
You want to wear JUST A T-SHIRT as a cover garment.
That shit's not gonna work.

this will work!!
you need a comp-tac brand IWB holster from comp-tac.com (no I don't work their or own stock in them...wish I did though ) The holster is called the C-tac.

Next, you need a GOOD gun belt, one that is 1.5 wide x about 1/4 inch thick x whatever length to cover your 6 pack abs with.

Then, your Tee shirt needs to have a color or pattern (urban camoflage I call it) and 1 size larger then what you normally wear.

Email me back channel at cava3r4 at cox. net and I'll send you photos back channel on how well this works. I have NOT been "made yet" and I've been carrying since 03.
Bob

[W.E.G.]

Originally posted by Cava3r4


this will work!!
you need a comp-tac brand IWB holster from comp-tac.com (no I don't work their or own stock in them...wish I did though ) The holster is called the C-tac.

comfy

[nightschneider]

[

I carry a Kahr CW-9 in the appendix position; by far the most discreet, and comfortable combo I have carried to date....hide easily under a slightly baggy t-shirt.




When I do have to carry a full size gun in a sneaky manner; again, appendix carry....I can't believe I carried any other way.

I have felt others that hide a full size gun much more comfortably, but I carry it so infrequently in this manner, I haven't upgraded. Good holster, but I haven't been blown away by it.

both from El Paso Saddlery (epsaddlery.com)

don't own stock in them, but i've had good luck with lots of their holsters, and their customer service.

[W.E.G.]

Seriously now,... you fellas that wear handguns INSIDE your waistband, how does that work out when you sit down - especially when you are wearing it on your "appendix?"

How does it work out over the course of the day?

Are you REALLY telling me you can wear that arrangement for eight hours?

Are you REALLY telling me you can wear that arrangement for consecutive days?

I can't fathom it.

[Fn/form]

Originally posted by DC


hmm. It's worked for me for the last decade. However, I don't have a gut.

The best holsters I've ever used are from Dale Fricke

http://www.dalefrickeholsters.com/

They are fighting holsters, not something show off in front of the mirror or at the club with.

For the last couple of years I've carry appendix inside the waist band and won't carry any other way again.

FWIW, Suarez had some on clearance, $70 or so for a normal $100 holster.

[nightschneider]

Seriously now,... you fellas that wear handguns INSIDE your waistband, how does that work out when you sit down - especially when you are wearing it on your "appendix?"

I'm not kidding; I wear my Kahr CW9 everywhere I go in the appendix carry; at first I noticed it would dig into me when driving...but I have awful posture, and tend to slouch; it sort of acted as my posture coach, as long as I sit up properly, it is a non issue; I can barely tell it's there. honestly.

how I roll; been on for the last 3 hours; going to be on for another 5-6...no sweat:

every day I'm not wearing the duty belt...

[Deltaten]

Jeezus!!
That hurts just ta look at ! I can't imagine sitting down at a diner or in a car.
IF ya say so 'schneider, I'll believe ya

I've got bags full of holsters. Still like reverse cav carry Messikin' style best

[W.E.G.]

I think they call it "appendix carry," 'cause if you sit down while wearing it,
you probably got a 50/50 chance of it GIVING YOU an appendectomy.

[mosbysmen]

http://www.onesourcetactical.com/ehu...waistband.aspx

i wear the ehud appendix carry , dont wear a t-shirt cause its hot enough down here already .
at first i had a problem with sweating from the kydex in contact with my skin ,
i got one of my wifes short cotton white socks , pulled it up over the holster trimmed off the extra and taped it to the holster.


i wear a hawaiian type shirt over it nothing shows , it takes a little getting use to but its not bad , it is a fast draw .

if im going to be driving for hours i will take it off , but most times im not setting for more then a hour .

i carry a glock 30 with nite sites

[Cava3r4]

Seriously now,... you fellas that wear handguns INSIDE your waistband, how does that work out when you sit down - especially when you are wearing it on your "appendix?" How does it work out over the course of the day? Are you REALLY telling me you can wear that arrangement for eight hours? Are you REALLY telling me you can wear that arrangement for consecutive days? I can't fathom it.

YES to all of the above.
I wear mine at about 2:30 Oclock with no problems. 16/7 the other 8 or so it is on my nightstand.
Bob

[W.E.G.]

I think the only two skinny guys on the FAL Files posted to this thread.

When are we going to see some pics of "manly men" wearing one of those holsters?

[mosbysmen]

weg i will be glad to send you a picture as i have never figured out how to post a picture here ,pm me a email adress

[W.E.G.]

Originally posted by mosbysmen
weg i will be glad to send you a picture as i have never figured out how to post a picture here ,pm me a email adress

ummmmm.... no thanks

[mosbysmen]

Originally posted by W.E.G.
I think the only two skinny guys on the FAL Files posted to this thread.

When are we going to see some pics of "manly men" wearing one of those holsters?

sorry i thought you were serious

[bykerhd]

from W.E.G.

When are we going to see some pics of "manly men" wearing one of those holsters?

I would be happy to post a picture. But, I don't think I could suck my gut in far enough to get a holstered pistol IN my waistband right now.
At least, not without risking a serious injury, or major wardrobe malfunction.
Holiday season and all that, don't cha know ?
Santa didn't have the foresight to provide any roomier tacticool pants or larger belts this year.

[nightschneider]

LOL

that's probably the first time in my life I've been called skinny!

6'2" 230.....never considered skinny

[brunop]

Most comfortable = Mexican behind the right hip.

Fastest = Appendix in kydex as mentioned above.

Safest (?) IWB = 4 o'clock in leather (JMHO) with thumb-break

Most discreet = depends on the handgun: I think it is a flat .380 or .32 in a pocket (winter - like a coat), or Mexican at 4 o'clock.

What I wear = all of the above. I can't stand Appendix with full-sized Glock (17) when I sit down (car, office, etc.), because I think I'm getting pelvis surgery. But I wear it when I'm out and about - it is hands down the fastest thing out there outside of an 'Open' IPSC "holster".

Problem with Mexican is running, tripping, falling, or wrestling.

Problem with 4 o'clock is drawing quickly.

Problem with *any* back carry is auto accident when it cuts, crushes, or damages your spinal cord at impact.

It isn't great news, but I've learned that a person has to spend on several holsters to get it right - every person is different.

Good luck.

[W.E.G.]

So, I guess the knotted tube-sock I keep tied to my belt loop at 3 o'clock isn't very tactical.

[StarPD]

Brunop, since the enactment of our Constitutional Carry law in Arizona, I am using both the Galco "Skyops" and "Royal Guard" (horsehide) IWB holster most of the time. Until then, I carried "Mexican" for over 50 years. I kept it in the 4 o'clock position, always wearing a true gun belt. Guns carried were S&W Model 39, 469, 659, Walther .380 ACP PPK (cut down custom wood grips), and finally my Star PD, the best of them all.

I never, ever once dropped my gun or had it move out of position, even when running, jumping, falling, etc. It helped that I always wore a GOOD gun belt from Safariland at first, then Galco, and kept it cinched up snugly.

For those whose body shape prohibits Mexican carry, the Galco horsehide "Royal Guard" is excellent for when wearing a coat or jacket of any kind or sweater that conceals the belt loops, gun and top of the holster. For those times when only a shirt is indicated, the "Skyops" works well, even if it is a little time consuming positioning it and getting the gun and holster covered. The only thing that shows then is the 3 very small black plastic tabs that hook to the belt, and blousing the shirt over them provides complete concealment.

I still like "Mexican carry", and occasionally revert to it. Done right, it is excellent for concealment and a good quick draw, as long as the gun is properly secured.

[brunop]

Originally posted by W.E.G.
So, I guess the knotted tube-sock I keep tied to my belt loop at 3 o'clock isn't very tactical.

Are you joking!!??!! That is the very definition of tactical. And, in your case, Tacticool, too.



@ Star PD -

I still carry Mexican all the time. And every time I do, I think I shouldn't be doing it. I've done it since I was 18 - with a Beretta 92F (not that great for concealed anything). My take is that if you get to one-punch a guy (some fight that goes your way), your Mexican-carry piece isn't going anywhere.

If you end up on the ground with someone, you better have a holster on. JMHO. Meanwhile, I try hard to not let anyone I don't like get too close too easily.

I'm going to look into your Galco suggestions. Thanks for the heads up.

Peace.

[Timber Wolf]

Originally posted by macvsog
All in all I carried on duty and off duty, 5 mags. I also carried at least 6 knives on me both on and off duties. I sometimes go overboard......

Humm, I believe you. Five mags I can see (especially if single stack) but SIX knives? Really?

[indy_Muaddib]

Originally posted by fnogger
www.andrewsleather.com


Just down the road from me, he produces some great stuff.

+1 on andrews

[gunnut1]

Ok I took my CCW class, sent in my application and in a record 4 weeks had my license back. I am still him-hawing about a holster. However, in the mean time, I am using my Wilderness Safepacker. I carried with it while I lived in Colorado and I like it. The only problem is that it is kind of big and I suppose that someone could figure out that I had a gun in it. It does not print so I will see.

The Wilderness Safepacker

[AndyC]

Wanna see a pic of your CHL course target

[longhair51]

Originally posted by W.E.G.
I think the only two skinny guys on the FAL Files posted to this thread.

When are we going to see some pics of "manly men" wearing one of those holsters?

Well this is how I roll. Actually I usually wear a looser shirt because
I'm not as skinny as the others. The holster is comfortable in all positions
and has excellent retention capabilities.


my holster

[Andy the Aussie]

I can't fathom IWB for any length of time either I am afraid. I have tried it but it just never did float my boat. I am around nightschneider's build but he has a (vertical ) inch on me. On the rare occasion I do carry now it is in a Safariland SLS OWB. That gives me essentially the same draw on any type of carry I may choose. It is not the mot concealable thing around however.

[idsubgun]

First, I like Milt Sparks holsters. Why, because they are quality holsters but they are also in my town and I know some of the guys that work there.
But seriously, they are quality and several holster manufacturers have copied their holsters.
I own IWB and OWB holsters from them but I have narrowed it down to their #88 Mirage holster, basically the same as the Yaqui slide holster.
I am a big guy. I do wear T-shirts everyday. This holster sucks the butt of the gun into my side, or love handle if you will, and barely prints unless you are bending over at the waist.
I carry an Officer's Model .45 acp 1911 in it.
I have two of these. The thing I really like about them is that I can carry any of my 1911's, my Hi-Power, or even my PA-63's in the same holster.

Just my .02¢.........

[gunnut1]

Originally posted by AndyC
Wanna see a pic of your CHL course target

No you don't. I shot miserably. But it was enough to pass. And I was having problems with my P6. The shooting stage for me was qiute stressful. Hell, my son shot better than I did.

But I would love to get together some time and see if you can streighten me out on what ever it is that I am doing wrong.

[Lippo]

NTAC

http://ntacholsters.com/store/Default.asp

Great prices and great quality.

Get both clips and you can wear them OWB and IWB.

This is what I use.

[jerry704]

i used to carry a glock 23 in a simple uncle mikes soft iwb and liked it as much as you can with such a square pistol but since then ive picked up a full size para gi expert esp 1911 and carry it in a galco horse hide iwb holster that you can tuck a shirt inside the clip believe it or not the 1911 carries better and prints less than my glock 23 my bersa 380 thunder or my keltec p11 9mm