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Old May 6, 2008, 08:06 AM   #1
Larry $
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Where To Carry Concealed

After reading the "Do Not Carry Center Of Back" thread (and that's where I carry), my question is - where can I carry concealed safely without exposing bulk, etc.? My CW is a Kimber .45. I'm talking about warm weather, no jackets, etc.
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Old May 6, 2008, 10:07 AM   #2
rickdavis81
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I used to carry small of back but quit because of comfort reasons before they started warning about back injury. I found I couldn't sit in the car without taking it off or bend over without the grip sticking way out. I now carry in the 4:30 to 5 o clock position. Right behind my hip. Or in the 3 oclock position if I wear something like a hoodie or jacket. I can conceal my xd45c in the 5 oclock with just a t-shirt or polo shirt.
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Old May 6, 2008, 11:14 AM   #3
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I wear a Keltec PF9 in a scabbard style holster on the back of my strong side hip and it completely dissappears under a t-shirt. I've never been happier with a BUG purchase in my life! When on duty I wear it in a pocket holster in my cargo pocket on my uniform pants, no one has ever guessed where my BUG is either. On a personal note, I'd never trust a Kimber to start with, but you can see my post in the recent 'least favorite' handgun thread for that rant...
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Old May 6, 2008, 11:41 AM   #4
BikerRN
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I carry at the 3:30 Position (8:30 for you lefties).

It's more in how you dress. If you wear "skin tight" clothing you can't even hide a Raven 25 acp effectively, sorry to say. Now this morning, before work, I'm wearing Cargo Shorts and a one size too large un-tucked Polo Shirt. It's hiding my IWB 3" GP100. The other day I was dressed the same and was carrying my 5" 1911. I carry my 4" N-Frame Revolver dressed the same way.

I'm not a big guy either, 5'06" and 140 pounds. Another big help in effectively concealing a wapon is to use high quality gear. I'm partial to Milt Sparks, Ted Blocker, Greg Kramer, Matt Del Fatti and Mitch Rosen. The money spent on good gear is worth it's weight in gold as far as comfort and concealability, IMO.

99% of the time I use an IWB Holster. That too aides in concealment. It may take some time for you to find what works for you, but it can be done. The old saying is, "Learn To Dress Around The Gun." I'm lucky in that I've had good teachers in the past to teach me this. Thank you Vic and Don, RIP.

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Old May 6, 2008, 12:57 PM   #5
Edward429451
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In colorado, the weather is such that there's only ~4 days per year where it's hot enough that some type of overshirt may look out of place. then there's always Bulldogs & bellybands...
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Old May 6, 2008, 02:28 PM   #6
Paul Joost
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I just started to carry concealed (and first post here ;-) ). I live in Florida, and anything but a t-shirt wouldn't work. An oversized polo shirt or button down short sleeve shirt helps.

So far, I used two holsters: The bladetech ultimate concealable holster: Works well, but I don't like the hard plastic against my skin. The only adjustment you get is two options for the kant.

The Minotaur MTAC: The leather makes a big difference, and it is nicely adjustable. The holster itself is quite wide, and it doesn't work for example in the 1:00 position. 4:00 works ok. I use a cell phone holster (either semi-concealed under the shirt or above it) as a bit a distraction to "explain" the bump on that side.

SOB carry works well IMHO because you don't see the gun ;-) Its kind of like a kid hiding behind a pillow. But if you look in a mirror, its easily exposed. Also, its hard to reach and hard to defend if someone would try to grap it.
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Old May 6, 2008, 02:46 PM   #7
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Went I carry IWB I carry at the 3-4:00 depending on the jeans or shorts I'm wearing. I too used to carry SOB, but with traveling alot it was VERY uncomfortable.
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Old May 6, 2008, 03:36 PM   #8
threegun
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Fanny pack! Carry whatever you want for concealed carry plus a spare mag, wallet, change, receipts, etc. I have been told that I would look strange without it by family who have grown accustomed to me wearing it. I have several sizes from a couple of manufactures for different occassions.

Positives
easy to wear
fast deploy
allows discreet access to firearm
can be carried reguardless of attire
allows full size gun carry in hot climates
allows access even in car with belt attached

Negatives
looks
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Old May 6, 2008, 03:42 PM   #9
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It's a compromise between "most concealed" and "easiest to draw". I'm a big man and wear my belts tight so IWB is out for me. SOB is out for the same reason. It's hard for me to reach around back there. I'm currently carrying a Keltec PF9 in a strong side pocket holster. I'm planning a strong side hip holster (belt slide or paddle) and a "day planner" holster for my Steyr S9. I'd love to find a speed scabbard or Yaqui, but for the Steyr? Forget it! DeSantis used to make a belt slide for this gun, but it's OOP now. Oh, more problems, I'm a lefty, too!
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Old May 6, 2008, 10:00 PM   #10
Jacobie
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We see this question alot, how about some of us start posting pics of how we carry.
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Old May 6, 2008, 10:22 PM   #11
hoytinak
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Quote:
We see this question alot, how about some of us start posting pics of how we carry.
Ask and shou receive. Me taken about 5 mins ago...HK P2000SK 9mm in Milt Sparks VMII at about the 3:30...most comfortable setup I've found yet (well besides the Seecamp in the pocket).
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Old May 8, 2008, 08:26 AM   #12
Larry $
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As I read the various replies and observe the folks around me when in town, I now notice that it seems that wearing an untucked shirt (either a T or button down over a T) seems to be in vogue so I suppose that is an option for concealment. It looks like it works well for Hoytinak at least.
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Old May 8, 2008, 08:29 AM   #13
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I carry in about the same place as hoytinak and I carry either a Ruger P345 IWB in a Desantis Tuck This or SP101 IWB in an AKJ Concealco IWB rig.

If I switch to OWB I go in front of the hipbone and carry the P345 in either a Bianchi Minimalist or Black Widow.

Then there's the LCP in the pocket thing too.

Typically I wear an undershirt and either an untucked polo or buttondown in the summer.
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Old May 8, 2008, 11:12 AM   #14
gilfo
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I carry in the 1:00 position. Due to a shoulder injury anything else is out of the question. Also like it there due to front pocket carry. When the shtf my first instinct will be to go for the front of my body whether it's in the pocket or iwb.
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Old May 8, 2008, 12:02 PM   #15
rantingredneck
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Quote:
I'd love to find a speed scabbard or Yaqui, but for the Steyr? Forget it! DeSantis used to make a belt slide for this gun, but it's OOP now. Oh, more problems, I'm a lefty, too!
Two words.......Bianchi Minimalist
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Old May 8, 2008, 12:18 PM   #16
Keltyke
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"Two words.......Bianchi Minimalist"

Three words......."No matches found" from a search for the Steyr S9 on the Bianchi website. That's the one they USED to make, but it's OOP now.

Thanks anyway!
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Old May 8, 2008, 06:22 PM   #17
Erik
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Another 3:30ish IWB with a quality belt and holster combination advocate.
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Old May 8, 2008, 06:46 PM   #18
rantingredneck
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Quote:
Three words......."No matches found"
Don't search for the Steyr S9. These holsters are not made to fit a specific firearm but one size fits a size range of firearms. Go here:

http://www.copsplus.com/prodnum2969.php

pick a firearm from the drop down menu that is of comparable size and enjoy your new holster.
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Old May 17, 2008, 12:07 AM   #19
finity
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Keltec P-11 IWB appendix (1 to 2 o'clock) position. Quick, comfortable draw.
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Old May 19, 2008, 07:45 PM   #20
LeadFistExpress
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IWB or Pocket

I usually carry with an IWB holster. I carry both my Kahr K40 and my Taurus Ultralite 38 special IWB. I have a cheap holster for the 38, and a Galco Horsehide holster for the Kahr. I have carried my XD40 IWB as well, but usually in the winter. I need to get a better holster for it to continue carrying it.

I have purchased a paddle holster for the XD as well, and have carried it that way, but it is only good when wearing a winter jacket and only if I do not remove it.

I have a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster for the 38 as well, and often use it when carrying while wearing my cargo shorts, or to carry in the pocket of my winter coat. I have carried it in my jeans pocket as well but it does show some. It is OK if you are wearing an overshirt or very loose jeans.
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Old May 19, 2008, 09:07 PM   #21
Shadi Khalil
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239 at 8:30 (lefty) in a galco summer comfort IWB. When the weather is right I like to use my comp-tac FBI paddle holster. If I could carry with the comp-tac everyday I would. Granted the IWB is just a touch more comfy (soft leather on my side as opposed to kdyex agianst my boney hip) but the comp-tac draw is about a million times faster and easier to draw from concealment.
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Old May 19, 2008, 11:04 PM   #22
2cooltoolz
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Pictures? I Got Pictures....!!

As a matter of fact this has become an obsession of mine.... I don't sleep. I don't eat. I can't remember the last time I had......well, you know.
Somebody HELP MEEE!!
OK..back to topic.
I'm 54 years old, 6 ft, 210 lbs, with tendonitis in my right(strong) shoulder, so I don't like to reach back, or around. I also mostly carry smaller guns, so my favorite carry is 2 o'clock.
I have been trying various pistol/holster combinations for a couple of years, buying and selling on eBay. I just recently started documenting my results. The links to my "reviews" are at the bottom of each pic. They provide a lot more explanatory pictures.
My newest favorite:
Comp-Tac Minotaur MTAC 2 o'clock with camouflage / Kahr MK9

THE FULL STORY
________________________________________________________
I also like my High Noon "Alter Ego" with camouflage

THE FULL STORY
_________________________________________________________
I didn't like this one so much, but have found it easier to carry now that I moved it to 4 o'clock. Almost recommended.
The GALCO USA (Ultimate Second Amendment) / J Frame S&W 442

THE FULL STORY
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What me worry

Last edited by 2cooltoolz; May 20, 2008 at 02:03 PM.
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Old May 20, 2008, 06:19 AM   #23
Keltyke
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"These holsters are not made to fit a specific firearm but one size fits a size range of firearms."

Thanks, but that's not what I want. I can go to Uncle Mike's or any pawn shop or sporting goods store and get a "generic" holster that MIGHT fit the Steyr well and MIGHT hold it securely in place. I'd rather have something made specifically for the gun. I found a Kydex paddle holster at Blade Tech.
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Old May 20, 2008, 06:31 AM   #24
Keltyke
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2cooltoolz

I fully understand the quest for just the right holster. The Steyr S9 is a relatively big, heavy gun. I went through many different models and designs before finally settling on a Blade Tech Kydex paddle OWB under an untucked shirt of the golf/polo type. I'm too fat and my belts are too tight for wearing an IWB comfortably. I can't reach around to a SOB type. A shoulder holster feels like I'm wearing a straight jacket. Belt slides are out because I want the easy on/easy off option of the paddle. Am I picky or what? I did see a GREAT idea. Bandera Gun Leather will make a belt with a specific-gun yaqui-style holster built in. Any position/cant you want. Trouble is - it costs almost $90!!! I can't go that.
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Old May 20, 2008, 09:06 AM   #25
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Quote:
Am I picky or what?
Nope, not at all. I myself like prolly 90% of everyone else that has carried for a minute or two has a box of holsters that just didn't work out for us in one way or another. We all go through the search to find "the perfect holster".
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