Concealment methods

[Will_Die_Trying]

I am waiting for my texas state chl to come in the mail.

I have been going to teh gun shop several times now. This last time, yesturday, i started putting guns in holsters and trying them on. IWB and OWB.

My concern is that while i see ppl on you tube and the internet concealing larger guns like 4" 1911's or glock 19's, i am not sure I have the knowledge to pull this off.

I have been looking at the small kel tec pf-9 and for IWB it was rather comfortable, but I am concerned about its reliability.

Winter is coming up and I am wondering if any of you guys might have some advise for winter carry that will not require specialized clothing. I normally wear pants, shirt and a light jacket or maybe a heavier coat.

Does getting a glock 26 or 4" 1911 and shoulder holstering it or OWB'n it sound liek a reasonable move for winter? Or will I get into problems like when I go into a resturant and maybe need to take my jacket/coat off?

Thanks for any help. Advise that can keep me out of jail is always valued.

[Sry0fcr]

First, stop worrying so much people don't notice even when I'm printing to my own eye (wearing a fitted or thinner T-shirt). You can go IWB or OWB but that depends on how long your shirt is. I find IWB works better for me because the muzzle isn't visible and I get belt retention to aid stability. Personally I think shoulder holsters are or T.V. actors but that's just my opinion.

[kjdoski]

W_D_T - people worry a little too much about being "made." I've never been so chuffed about anything Keltec that I'd carry it as a primary weapon.

WRT your specific question, I'd humbly recommend you look at the Glock 19. It is, perhaps, the most size efficient pistol ever made. Accuracy is going to be comfortably better than your Keltec, though definitely not up to 1911 standards. 15+1 of good 9mm JHP is nothing to sneeze at for defensive purposes. Trigger is good, sights need to be replaced with NS, but that's going to be true of any pistol. Best of all, because of its size and weight, it's very easy to conceal under even very light covering garments. I live in So FL, and I carry a G19 every day, under an untucked polo shirt or "casual" shirt - and have never had anyone look twice at me.

During the week, I carry in an OWB holster (Alessi CQC); off duty with shorts I usually carry IWB in a FIST #1K ultrathin kydex.

For my money, the G26 isn't "smaller" enough to make it worth giving up significant capacity, and putting up with decreased shootability.

Regards,

Kevin

[Ak44]

Shoulder rigs have their time and place, but for me I have no need for it. There are better options out there IMO, I use an OWB for winter time. I layer during the winter...T shirt, hoody, and jacket. I wear my t shirt tucked in my jeans, hoody tucked in behind the sweat guard, and my jacket over the holster. You can conceal any size weapon, just gotta get the right holster and find what works for you.

[M4Fundi]

You do need to figure out what your environment will allow. For example in MT everyone carries and no one cares, so concealing is easier and getting made is no big deal, but if you live in a metropolitan area where getting made will most likely result with a conversation with some LEOs then concealment needs to be more well thought out. I lived in the Rockies for years where the clothing choices were ideal for CCW, but in Austin, TX when its 109 degrees and you are surrounded daily with anti-gun libtards I need to be more aware of my concealment. I still carry a 5" gun, but choose my cover shirts for their ability to conceal. No thin white shirts. Patterned shirts help.

[GotAmmo]

last winter I concealed a Springfield Armory XD45 Compact IWB under a hoodie or the occasional North Face windbreaker along with a spare mag.... never an issue with printing or showing provided I didnt reach for something on a high shelf

today I carried a G17 in an RCS Phantom OWB under a hoodie and again... no issues

I've been sporting a G27 lately and it was great for hot weather and wearing tshirt and shorts

jus to give you some ideas

[Black Jeep]

I carry my Glock 23 (gen 3) IWB @ 7-8 o'clock (lefty) and it is easily concealed. My IWB holster allows me to adjust the cant, so the further back it goes the more extreme the cant. Also, I will often carry a 5" 1911 in an OWB leather holster covered only by a t-shirt and it disappears as well.

Personally, I'd spend a bit more and get a pistol that you can put your full trust in. Having shot the Kel-Tecs, I would pick my Glock everyday and twice on Sunday over them. You don't need a full size hand cannon and there are plenty of reliable sub-compact pistols out there that are much easier to conceal (I'd love to get a G27, but with a baby on the way it'll have to wait).

As others have noted, you just need to learn what setup works best for you. Print shirts will hide the pistol well, as do darker colors and cover garments. Don't bend over at the waist to pick stuff up. Sit up straight and pay attention to where you sit in a restaurant (I try to sit in a booth w/ my strong side to the wall). And don't fidget constantly with your rig - get a quality set up and it will stay in place.

Good luck with your purchases and carrying. May you never need to use your CCW.

[CaracalUSA]

Take ALL of the above post to heart. It is very good advice!. In the end it all comes down to what works for you. You will eventually end up like the rest of us. Several carry pistols and a box full of different holsters for different occasions. Good Luck.

[Iraqgunz]

One thing that is overlooked depending on method of carry is a good and proper belt. It will definitely help you by hold the holster tight to your waist and not allowing it to sag.

I live in AZ and wear shorts most of the time. I just throw on my XL North Face or Columbia Sportswear shirt, my belt and Kramer vertical speed scabbard in Horsehide and hit the road.

[LHS]

One thing that is overlooked depending on method of carry is a good and proper belt. It will definitely help you by hold the holster tight to your waist and not allowing it to sag.

I live in AZ and wear shorts most of the time. I just throw on my XL North Face or Columbia Sportswear shirt, my belt and Kramer vertical speed scabbard in Horsehide and hit the road.

This. A good belt, good holster, good mag pouches (my mags actually print worse than my Beretta), and a good cover garment are all you need. Patterned shirts are better than solid colors, and I prefer IWB.