CCW - Carrying Tips

[jyl]

Okay, I think I can start a thread that won't get locked or deleted . . .

Another gun thread!

I just received my CHL license (what they call a CCW permit here). So, I have my shiny new S&W 442 .38SPL, my shiny new CHL card - and no way to actually carry the gun.

I spent some hours searching on different ways of CCW carry, what kind of holster, what make of holster, how you have to dress, if you have to buy all new pants and belts - geez, if I can't make more sense of this, I'll end up leaving the gun at home all the time.

I mean, the 442 is a small gun, I thought it would ride in my front pocket, but in the front pocket of my jeans it makes me look overly happy to see you.

Any tips? Those of you with CCWs, how do you carry (where and how) and what do you wear to hide it?

[red-beard]

It all depends on what you are wearing, etc.

1st, describe yourself, height, weight and waist size (and I'm serious).

For me, I usually carry a Colt Defender (3" barrel 1911, 45ACP). I wear an OWB (Outside the waistband) holster, in the winter, under my jacket. In the summer, I carry in a place some do not agree: Small of the back. I use the same holster, but I put it on a second belt, under my clothes. There are lots of ways to carry.

[Joeaksa]

Small of the back pancake is what I see the most. Wheel gun may be a bit thick for that but try it and see how it works for you.

[Boogalou]

I carry a CZ PCR or a CZ75B in a IWB leather holster behind my right hip. In the winter I wear it under a sweatshirt and in the summer I wear a thin wifebeater tucked in with a hawaiian or polo shirt over the belt. I also used to carry a 1911 on occasion. Be aware that a good thick gun belt is just as important as a good quality leather or kydex holster. The belt needs to be stiff enough to keep the holster against your body and sturdy enough so that nothing can sag.

[jdlowery]

Just curious jyl, how did you get a carry license in the Bay Area? I keep hearing it's damn near impossible.

And BTW, my dad use to (probably still does) use an ankle holster. Seems a little uncomfortable but I suppose you get use to it.

[RANDY P]

remember the CCW license is only good on public streets, not OTHER people's private property, banks, bars, federal buildings and whatnot.

I usually carry in the small of my back, (glock 27 - no holster) or my SW 1911 commander carry in a galco paddle.

rjp

[competentone]

Originally posted by jyl
I mean, the 442 is a small gun, I thought it would ride in my front pocket, but in the front pocket of my jeans it makes me look overly happy to see you.

Hmmm....it sounds like you could be a "dangerous predator," but I'll take the chance and respond anyway.....


The only thing that I find I can really carry concealed effectively while wearing jeans and shirt is my Kel-Tec P32. Big guys with extra "folds and bulges" probably have more concealment options, but for me, the Kel-Tec rides nicely in an Uncle Mike's in-side-the-pants, pocket holster while wearing clothes that show off my "boyish figure."

The little Kel-Tec is a gun pretty much consistent with my "need" to carry -- aside from the time spent on this board, I'm not normally around "dangerous predators," so my carrying is consistent with the idea of "it's better to have a small gun with you if you need it, rather than having a bazooka at home!"

For times when I've felt the need to carry something more powerful, a Glock (26 through 17) in an in-side-the-pants holster on my back hip works fine, but requires a longer jacket or shirt extending down over the waist for proper concealment. The back hip carry may not be real comfortable if you're sitting a lot though.

I think you're raising a good overall point with your questions, that is: Carrying is a pain!

I really wish I lived in a society where I didn't feel the need to bear arms, but I'm a realist who reads the newspapers, and while the risks are small, the stakes can be extremely high if I happen to cross paths with a dangerous predator intent on physically harming me. They're out there, no question about that!

[HardDrive]

I have my CCW, but I don't carry. I don't really feel the need. If I did, it would be a S&W airlight in an ankle holster. Or maybe just a Desert Eagle stuck down the front of my pants.

[jyl]

I am 5' 11", 200lbs, wear 34 waist pants.

Usually in either jeans (like a 501 cut, so neither baggy nor tight) or khakis (like Dockers) and polo/T-shirt (tucked or untucked depening on whim). Given climate here in Oregon, often wearing a short coat, jacket, or sweatshirt of some sort. Another issue is the P-car has a tight race bucket. It is uncomfortable to even have a cellphone on belt or wallet in back pocket, don't think I could fit with a holstered gun on the hip.

(Yeah, the sig is confusing - used to live in Berkeley, moved to Portland last year, will keep the "Berkeley->Portland" sig until I don't miss Berkeley any more, might be indefinitely.)

[red-beard]

Well, ya can't be too Berkeley, if you CCW!

The most comfortable way to carry is to carry in an OWB holster, and usually about 4 o-clock (Noon is your front, and 6 behind), unless you are left handed which would then be 8 o-clock. If you wear a short jacket, get a holster that rides very high and the bottom of the holster goes through the belt loops. This also works very well for an untucked shirt.

The method I describe above is for a tucked in shirt carry. Again, you might try the "under belt" and have it ride high, above your waist band. When you tuck your shirt in, leave it a bit loose.

I'm "heavy". My Problem is I have a front bulge and love handles that runs around me. (I am reducing, see biggest losers thread). But it is difficult for me to carry above the waist line this way. It sounds like you don't have the bulges, so a good belt with the holster may work for you above the waist band.

I was going to say that you can't use a Kel-Tec since you are in California, but, since you are in Oregon, you might consider a Keltec P3-AT. It has an optional belt clip. I carry it clipped inside my left jeans pocker and it looks like I have a pocket knife in my pocket. You can use the clip to carry IWB (inside the wasit band), clipped to your belt. It will even work with a tucked in shirt, if you leave it a little loose around the pistol area. The P3-AT is a .380 ACP pistol, very short, very thin, very small. It also comes with a "rug". If you have a spare magazine, it fills the area under the trigger guard and it "prints" wallet. If I cannot carry anything else, I can carry my P3-AT. And they are not expensive, around $250. Goto www.ktog.org to see more info on the Kel-Tecs.

[jriera]

Good advice, check here --> http://www.combatcarry.com/vbulletin/index.php