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Old February 20, 2013, 04:54 PM   #1
Nowiser
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? on best CC position for me

Good Afternoon!

If this thread is in the wrong place, I apologize.

I am trying to determine what to carry and more importantly where. I understand a lot is trial and error, to see what fits comfortably, but I am hoping with some of the info I give you that there are certain spots that will have a better shot of working out.

I am 6'1" about 235, (working on getting back down to 200, but i love food) and work in Real Estate and Insurance. My typical attire is nice jeans and a polo, tucked in. Suit and tie just isn't me. My desire is to carry full size, I understand it isn't always the best decision, but based on budget constraints, at this time, 1 handgun will be carried and put in the night stand. I am just more comfortable shooting full size.

I understand tucked in shirts aren't the "best" practice for CC but having something is better than nothing. Warm weather attire for me is typically khaki/cargo shorts and a tee shirt, and I am Indiana, one year we get 9 months of sweatshirts and the next year we get 3. Also a state that allows open carry but I am not going to be that guy.

Thanks for the help guys, Like I said, if I am in the wrong spot then please direct me where to go!

I'll answer any questions y'all have that may help out!
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Old February 20, 2013, 05:57 PM   #2
357 Python
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"I understand tucked in shirts aren't the "best" practice for CC"

I carry a 4" Colt Python or similar handgun most of the time and all my shirts are tucked in. I have no problem at all concealing or drawing my handgun. I use a high quality pancake holster for most of the revolvers I carry concealed. The semi-autos I carry are carried in a similiar fashion. I have carried handguns in a shoulder holster in the past but now OWB (on the waist band) is my preferred carry.
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Old February 20, 2013, 06:10 PM   #3
biggun_
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I suggest a good holster to begin with. Love my custom made one. I like to wear shorts and jeans with a t-shirt untucked. The best I have found is a slightly oversized, long black shirt. Black (or dark blue) just seems to help more with printing.
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Old February 20, 2013, 06:40 PM   #4
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I wear much the same clothes, and am pretty much the same size (6', 235lbs).
First, if you don't already have a gun I'd suggest something in the 4" barrel size rather than a full sized 5". It's pleanty big for nightstand duty, and much easier to wear all day.
What works for me is carrying in a tuckable IWB holster (I like crossbreed) at about 5:00. I find that since my shoulders are bigger than my waist there's a natural pocket of loose shirt at my back that hides a gun pretty well without having to wear a jacket. It works well for my PPQ. With a longer barreled gun it might be uncomfortable to sit.
With practice you can get a gun out of a tuckable holster pretty quick. You might not win any quick draw contests, but as long as you're paying attention to your surroundings you shouldn't have too much trouble getting it out if trouble's coming your way.
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Old February 20, 2013, 06:45 PM   #5
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As a big guy you can carry a full size pistol concealed. I have carried a 1911 for years.

You will have to modify your dress though. A loose fitting long tailed shirt unbuttoned works very well. Depending on were you live, the Hispanics have a shirt, I forget what they call it, which would fit the bill. In that culture these shirts are the equivalent of a sports jacket.

Do to my body structure (curved spine) I can carry either a 1911 or EAA Witness in the small of my back. The but fits into the curve and my shirt drapes over it.
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Old February 20, 2013, 07:05 PM   #6
Nowiser
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dayman, thank you very much for your input! You actually helped me out in more ways than 1, first you answered my questions about where to carry, and 2nd you carry the PPQ which is what I can't stop eyeing/getting my hands on. Was worried it would be a little large for carrying.

What holster do you use for it/who made it?

Also, at 5:00 do you have any issues with "love handles" getting in the way?
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Old February 20, 2013, 07:27 PM   #7
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Concealed, carry methods, dress styles...

For general or everyday carry, I would use a simple strong-side(firing hand) belt holster in the FBI cant or regular carry method. Your hip will help conceal it and you have weapon retention/security from any snatching or grabs in a critical incident or street fight.
A level II or retention holster like a Blackhawk SERPA or Safariland ALS-SFS rig can security your firearm but allow a smooth, fast draw too.
I'd wear a vest like a 5.11 or from SIG Sauer. It won't look out of place & will conceal your weapon.
5.11, Woolrich, Blackhawk; www.blackhawk.com and a few other sources have garments or clothes with concealed areas. These shirts jackets vests etc are for "quiet professionals".
Get well made, quality gear or kit too. Cheap or sub standard holsters/gear may break or fall apart.
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Old February 20, 2013, 07:32 PM   #8
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I carry it in a Raven Concealment Phantom. I prefer the Crossbreed Supertuck, but I'm not sure as they make one for the PPQ yet. They didn't when I fist got the PPQ.
The Phantom's an amazing holster, but it's modular. It's nice because for the woods I can wear it OWB, and for the town I can tuck it, but I prefer the hybrids for a dedicated CCW.

I've never had a problem with love handles getting in the way. It rides up fairly high, and has enough of a forward cant that it's not much of an issue. If you can get to your wallet you can get to a 5:00 holster. If there was an issue you could just bring it forward an inch or so until you find the sweet spot.

The PPQ is a fantastic pistol and I can't recommend it enough. It's technically a little wider at it's widest point than the G19, but because of the over all shape I find it conceals better. The one downside is that - as a new gun - you're more limited on holsters.
It also fits into that niche of "big enough, but not too big". If you're going to have just one gun, I'd say definitely something that size.

EDIT: whatever holster you get, make sure you get a good gun belt. Make sure to get something specifically made for carrying a gun. It makes way more difference than it seems like it would.
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Last edited by dayman; February 20, 2013 at 07:37 PM.
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Old February 20, 2013, 08:01 PM   #9
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new to concealed carry...

I'd add that if you are looking for a entry level CC weapon or something practical for home defense & carry, I'd start with a DA only(no spur or cocking) .357mag/.38spl revolver like a Ruger SP101 or a LCR. The LCR is polymer & lightweight. You can add a XS front sight & a Crimsontrace lasergrip too.
Most lethal force incidents take place in low light/darkness.
If you really want a semi auto pistol, see the new Walther PPX in .40S&W/9mm(9x19mm), the HK P30 or P2000 LEM(Law Enforcement Modification) in .40, .357sig, 9x19mm. The Beretta PX4 C(constant) in .40S&W/9mm could do well. I owned a C model PX4 full size in 2009. I only sold it due to $$$ problems.
S&W offers the top rated SD40 & SP9 semi auto pistols. They would protect you well & conceal w-o problems.
For a concealed sidearm(weapon) you want no rough or sharp edges. It should feel like a well used bar of soap.
Only use factory made ammunition for protection & carry too. No handloads or reloaded rounds. I know handgun rounds are now $1.00-1.50 per rd now but I'd still get a well made factory load; Ranger T/T Series, Hornady Critical Duty, DPX, Speer Gold Dot etc.
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Old February 20, 2013, 08:47 PM   #10
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I'm almost exactly the same size as you, and carry a full-sized pistol whenever feasible. My wardrobe is slightly dressier, ordinarily consisting of khakis, sportcoat and maybe a tie, or even a suit. As a lawyer, my work wardrobe is somewhat limited.

As others have noted, you'll need a good belt. While I do not have a Beltman belt, his work comes highly recommended, from everything I've read. I have an Aker B21 that provides plenty of support for carrying without screaming "GUNBELT!"

Given that you are in real estate and insurance, consider adding a sportcoat to your wardrobe. It should blend right in in that environment, and provide you with a good cover garment. Get it just slightly larger than you would normally wear to provide room for your holster.

I have a Theis IWB, horsehide & kydex hybrid. For OWB, I recently got a Desantis Speed Scabbard. The Theis is very good for IWB, but some of my pants are a wee bit snug for IWB carry. When I wear pants that would render IWB uncomfortable, I go with the OWB. The sportcoat provides plenty of cover.
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Old February 20, 2013, 08:57 PM   #11
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I agree with Spats McGee, although I don't wear suits anymore (now that I'm retired). And since I only carry a gun when I legally can, it's mostly on my trips to Arizona and Nevada.

One generally needs to "dress around the gun." When someone begins to carry a gun conceal, he will often need to make some modification to his wardrobe.

I've actually personally had to make only minor adjustments. I've pretty much always dressed in khakis, a button-up shirt and either a jacket or light vest (I like having the pockets).
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Old February 20, 2013, 09:30 PM   #12
Nowiser
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Awesome replies guys! Thanks a lot!

I am currently shopping for jeans, so I plan to get them with a little play simply so I will be able to carry comfortably in them.

I understand adjusting the wardrobe to the gun, but my wife doesn't! So from a cost stand point I can't change a ton.

I am new to both careers (6 months RE and 1 month Ins) so I am still waiting to be back in the green. Puts a slight damper on the budget.

Is 5 o clock the best option for concealment?
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Old February 20, 2013, 09:56 PM   #13
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Ordinarily, I carry at 3-ish o'clock.
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Old February 20, 2013, 11:49 PM   #14
ClydeFrog
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Bullet50 jeans...

I recall a firm called Bullet 50 that was selling a line of black & dark blue jeans for LE, undercover cops, federal agents etc. I'm not sure of the URL. It was started by a group of retired-former south CA area LE officers.
5.11 is well known for the office casual/practical pants. Blackhawk sells them too now. Galls, QM Uniforms, Duluth Trading, & Streichers market pants/slacks for CC-plain clothes use(s).
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Old February 21, 2013, 09:44 AM   #15
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Forgive me if I'm being forward, but you said that you want to loose some weight, and you don't want to spend a lot on new pants......
If you pushed yourself and lost a few of those pounds both your problems would be solved.
It worked for me. Plus, then you have a great excuse not to keep loosing weight.
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Old February 21, 2013, 09:59 AM   #16
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There are lots of "expandable" pants now. I have a few pairs of Dockers D3 pants that have a hidden expansion waist band. If I use my IWB they are just fine; I loosen my belt one notch.

IWB goes at about 3:30.
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Old February 21, 2013, 10:05 AM   #17
Nowiser
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I'll have to look up some of those companies, Thanks!

I have to get new jeans anyways, I am already down about 20 pounds so my current jeans are 2 sizes too big. Heck i'd have room to carry 2 full size strong and weak side
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Old February 21, 2013, 11:23 AM   #18
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An additional comment on holsters.

I prefer leather over the synthetics. For me they are quieter and when properly molded fit the pistol and hold its form.

I once read a book, "Inside the FBI". The author was trained by a agent whose career started in the late 1930 s and was considered to be the last of the FBI gunfighters. The senior agent offered some great advice.

1. The holster should all ways stay in place. It needs to be were you expect it to be in order to facilitate a clean draw.

2. He modified the belt loops on his pants to accomplish this. Modifying your apparel to protect the gun is great advice.

A pancake design holster with its smooth edges (no sharp angles) reduces printing and reduces the possibility of you concealing garments from snagging and interfering with your draw.

The over riding consideration in a concealed carry is your ability to deploy the weapon under stress.

Good luck.
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Old February 21, 2013, 02:41 PM   #19
Frank Ettin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Spats McGee
Ordinarily, I carry at 3-ish o'clock.
Me too. I used to carry at more like 4 o'clock, but as I've gotten older, my range of motion has diminished. So now 3 o'clock is a better idea for me.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ltc444
...I prefer leather over the synthetics...
I also prefer leather. In part because I just like leather. And also, I prefer an IWB (inside the waistband) holster and have found that leather is more comfortable.
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Old February 21, 2013, 08:55 PM   #20
ClydeFrog
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The Protector...

COL Charles Beckwith aka; Chargin Charlie the US Army officer who started the elite SFOD-1 unit(Delta Force) hired a "fashion consultant" to explain to his operators how to conceal weapons & "fit in" with plain clothes details.
The novel; The Protector by David Merill(check spelling) went into detail about fabrics, holsters, concealment, etc. The main character was a ex-spec ops/Delta Force member who became a private security specialist/EP agent.

Clyde
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Old February 21, 2013, 09:13 PM   #21
Frank Ettin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ClydeFrog
The novel; The Protector by David Merill(check spelling)
I just looked it up on Amazon. It looks like the author is David Morrell. Apparently he also wrote First Blood.
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Old February 21, 2013, 09:49 PM   #22
ClydeFrog
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You are correct sir!....

John Rambo's name comes from a French wine bottle.
David M & his wife were out buying wine and he remarked how; Rambo would be a interesting character name.



Clyde
PS; www.imdb.com states that actor Dustin Hoffman declined the First Blood Rambo role. That would of been a interesting film. Screen legend Kirk Douglas was in place to co-star as COL Sam Trautman but left days before the filming.
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Old February 22, 2013, 11:36 AM   #23
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Quote:
For general or everyday carry, I would use a simple strong-side(firing hand) belt holster in the FBI cant or regular carry method. Your hip will help conceal it and you have weapon retention/security from any snatching or grabs in a critical incident or street fight.
It is very difficult to recommend any other mode of carry that works as well as simple strong side at 4 o"clock. Don't over think this stuff. Try strong side as recommended above and after using it for a while try something else for specific situations if needed. Everybody needs a strong side, either OWB or IWB.
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Old February 22, 2013, 12:06 PM   #24
The Great Mahoo
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? on best CC position for me

I generally have a similar mode of dress. I carry IWB at sound 4 o'clock position. I generally carry outside of a tucked in shirt, below a dress vest. If its too warm for the vest, I use a tuckable holster that I can tuck my shirt over, with just small clips on my belt showing.

My tuckable holster is from K&D leather, but I'm not sure if they're still around.
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Old February 22, 2013, 02:24 PM   #25
Tactical Jackalope
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I only have full sized guns for the most part. I feel at best shooting and carrying full sized guns. I carry IWB at 4:00 and OWB at 3:00 when I can.

However, my dear friend...Tucked in shirt? Full sized gun? Concealed? I don't know about all that. Maybe a nice blazer or jacket will be best for you.
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