Big Hands and Small Guns: A Concealed Carry Conundrum

QuestionEverything · November 8, 2006, 10:45 AM

Hey everyone,

I'm preparing to get my first handgun. Applications will include concealed carry, nightstand home defense and plinking. As we all know, gunmakers offer a wide variety of compact pistols for discreet self-defense. Unfortunately, I'm very tall with huge hands, and I have trouble firing those little guns comfortably and accurately. After all, the degree to which you can control an object in your hands is proportional to the surface area of your hands that's in contact with it. I have no qualms with shooting something even as large as a Desert Eagle, but with those little guns my sights just bounce all over the place. I like using CZ75s and 1911s, and an XD, Ruger P89 or even a GP100 are also possibilities.

Thing is, I'm trying to figure out the feasibility of carrying those full-sized pistols on days when I'm not wearing a coat. I typically just wear a t-shirt and jeans on warm days, and I don't wear a whole lot of billowy, baggy clothes. Has anyone had success carrying full-sized guns with such clothing? I don't have the budget to get a standard pistol and a compact carry pistol, and I'd rather trust my life to something I feel comfortable shooting besides.

cpaspr · November 8, 2006, 12:48 PM

you may have to consider altering what you wear if you are going to CC. Some people can CC full size handguns in just jeans and a t-shirt, but most can't. Just a head's up at the start of the thread. I'll let those who can chime in with the how-to that they use.

And Welcome to The Firing Line!

mete · November 8, 2006, 12:59 PM

Dress around the gun ! Some wear those brighty patterned Hawaiian shirts .

Les Auten · November 8, 2006, 01:04 PM

I carry a Steyr M40 IWB all year long.In summer I usually wear jeans and an untucked Tshirt or tanktop.
I now buy my shirts 1 size larger than I did or I look for something that comes in tall sizes a couple of inches longer than normal.
I haven't had any problems. When I first started carrying my wife would ask if I had my gun.She couldn't tell standing 3 ft away and specifically looking for it.
(She no longer asks knowing it will be there as long as it is legal to have it).
I have a Fist holster that hold my gun tight in the hollow spot above my hips.(and below the love handles).

UglyGlock · November 8, 2006, 01:28 PM

If you plan to carry everyday, I'd consider a small gun with a thick grip, like glock 29/30 or the officers/commander size double stack para, or the HK USP compact or I think there is an XD compact. If the grip isn't long enough, look into the magazine extentions that blend into the grip design. These are all small enough to conceal under an untucked (loose but not baggy) t-shirt but will still have grips big enough to feel comfortable in large hands.

For example, I have a Glock 29 and sometimes use the glock 20 magazines and a A&G extention like this one: http://glockmeister.com/images/ag2930.jpg
But that is a bit too big for me, and i usually use +0 extention baceplate like this:
http://glockmeister.com/images/pearce27.jpg

For more information, see this: http://glockmeister.com/ext.shtml

I am sure there are similar products for whatever gun you choose.

Alos, look in to the "commander" size 1911. These have the shorter slide and barrel, but full size frame/grip/magazine. These conceal very well, and if it still dosen't fit you, you can easily find thick panels for a 1911.

Another option is the "fanny pack" style carry which has some disadvantages, but is concealed in plain sight with any kind of cloths (except dressy or formal)

**pax** · November 8, 2006, 02:37 PM

Look at the Para Warthog, or maybe something from Sig-Sauer.

pax

Voyager AL · November 8, 2006, 02:42 PM

summertime, i wear tucked in tshirt and jeans, with a Kel-Tec .380 in the Nemesis holster in rear pocket. Now that its colder, i wear a longsleeved shirt, untucked, with a taurus .32 revolver in a Bianchi IWB holster. Its awfully comfortable. I also wear a IWB Crossbreed holster with a 4" N-frame, sometimes. but its not as comfortable. its a big gun for IWB. I have big hands, the Keltec is fine with a +1 mag extension.And a Hogue grip cover.

BillCA · November 8, 2006, 03:44 PM

Hi Q.E. - Welcome to TFL and your first post.

You can carry a sizeable pistol and conceal it pretty well with a little planning. Carry method and your clothing are key, of course. Typically, depending on physique (or lack thereof!

), carrying a 4" semi in either the "kidney position" or the "appendix position" is relatively easy to conceal.

Assuming a "kidney position" - about 4 o'clock to 5 o'clock on your body - using an IWB holster, an untucked shirt is all that is required. But that untucked shirt should include some specific requirements.

Shirts need to be long enough to drape below the belt line and not rise up over the belt when you reach BOTH hands above your head. This prevents unintended exposures if you're reaching overhead.

Shirts should also have a non-geometric pattern. Shirts with geometric patterns may allow the eye to notice any distortion of the pattern caused by the grips. Same goes for solid color shirts, although I've been able to conceal using both a light tan and light yellow shirt, when the wind changes it can "print" pretty well.

Hawaiian shirts are used often because their garish colors and non-geometric patterns break up the outline of the gun. Also the square cut bottom is meant to be worn outside the waistline so it looks more natural. Other shirts can be used in cooler weather and left untucked and unbuttoned, giving a casual look.

Purchasing shirts slightly oversized so that there is space around the waistline helps conceal too. If you will tuck in a shirt, buying it one size larger allows you to tuck it in, then "blouse" it around the waist to obscure the gun. Some holsters are made with a little room between the belt mounting and the holster to allow the shirt to be tucked in over the gun. The shirt must be lifted with the free hand to draw, however.

That should give you some food for thought.

QuestionEverything · November 8, 2006, 11:21 PM

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'm thinking I'll get the CZ-75 SP01 and a good holster.

dairycreek · November 9, 2006, 03:54 PM

As the thread has matured some solid advice has been given. It is up to the individual to alter their dress to conform to their choice of carry combo. The CZ P-01 is an excellent concealed carry choice. Here is a pic of mine in a Dairycreek Special IWB holster by HBE that is just a superb carry combo.

I have worn this combo with jeans and a large t-shirt with no problem. It tends to hug my body without printing. Eric at HBE is IMHO the best holster craftsman for CZ's to be found anywhere.

chris in va · November 9, 2006, 04:06 PM

I'll second the P01. Granted I don't have one, but the 75BD in my safe fits my large hands very nicely and the P01 isn't that far off in grip size. They're a heck of a lot lighter too.

If you do get one, be sure to run a lot of different ammo through it to be sure it's reliable. I've had some FTE issues with the 75, but only with WWB.

frankxd · November 9, 2006, 05:52 PM

I've got a similar problem as you. My fingers are very long, so I find a lot of pistols uncomfortable. I had an XD-40, but I had to get rid of it because the trigger reach was too short for me. I bought an HK USP-40f which fits my hands like a glove; unfortunately, it is too large for daily carry. I recently bought a Kel-tec P-11 for this job. It is a tiny pistol, but interestingly, the trigger reach is quite long for the size of the pistol. It is pretty comfortable to me (not like the USP, but there are always compromises to make). Don't automatically discount a pistol due to its size until you actually get your hands around it. I would have never believed that the Kel-tec would fit me

.

Excalibur · November 9, 2006, 07:41 PM

I have the same problem as you but it turns out it really isn't a problem. I am your averaged size, 6'3" and around 290. I work for myself so only wear jeans and a T shirt. Dressing up is changing into black jeans and if formal, a collared polo shirt

I normally carry a Para Carry 6.45. Easy to carry, fun to shoot and very comfortable in the UBG IWB holster. I also carry, just as easily, my Colt Defender, Colt Commander and XD 45. The 'hardest' to conceal is the XD and it isn't that bad. Mostly because I am more aware of it than anyone else is.

Get a GOOD belt and a GOOD holster and you will find most reasonable guns you are comfortable will conceal fine.

The Real Wyatt · November 9, 2006, 07:52 PM

Welcome aboard.

You might want to consider something like this rig:
http://www.thunderwear.com/holsters.asp

DWARREN123 · November 9, 2006, 07:53 PM

For a revolver may I suggest a Ruger GP-100, 3" barrel with fixed sights.

chadwick76 · November 10, 2006, 03:29 AM

big hands need big guns!!

November 8, 2006, 10:45 AM	#1
QuestionEverything Member Join Date: November 3, 2006 Posts: 23	Big Hands and Small Guns: A Concealed Carry Conundrum Hey everyone, I'm preparing to get my first handgun. Applications will include concealed carry, nightstand home defense and plinking. As we all know, gunmakers offer a wide variety of compact pistols for discreet self-defense. Unfortunately, I'm very tall with huge hands, and I have trouble firing those little guns comfortably and accurately. After all, the degree to which you can control an object in your hands is proportional to the surface area of your hands that's in contact with it. I have no qualms with shooting something even as large as a Desert Eagle, but with those little guns my sights just bounce all over the place. I like using CZ75s and 1911s, and an XD, Ruger P89 or even a GP100 are also possibilities. Thing is, I'm trying to figure out the feasibility of carrying those full-sized pistols on days when I'm not wearing a coat. I typically just wear a t-shirt and jeans on warm days, and I don't wear a whole lot of billowy, baggy clothes. Has anyone had success carrying full-sized guns with such clothing? I don't have the budget to get a standard pistol and a compact carry pistol, and I'd rather trust my life to something I feel comfortable shooting besides.

November 8, 2006, 12:48 PM	#2
cpaspr Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 304	The fact is, you may have to consider altering what you wear if you are going to CC. Some people can CC full size handguns in just jeans and a t-shirt, but most can't. Just a head's up at the start of the thread. I'll let those who can chime in with the how-to that they use. And Welcome to The Firing Line!

November 8, 2006, 01:28 PM	#5
UglyGlock Junior Member Join Date: October 23, 2006 Posts: 13	If you plan to carry everyday, I'd consider a small gun with a thick grip, like glock 29/30 or the officers/commander size double stack para, or the HK USP compact or I think there is an XD compact. If the grip isn't long enough, look into the magazine extentions that blend into the grip design. These are all small enough to conceal under an untucked (loose but not baggy) t-shirt but will still have grips big enough to feel comfortable in large hands. For example, I have a Glock 29 and sometimes use the glock 20 magazines and a A&G extention like this one: http://glockmeister.com/images/ag2930.jpg But that is a bit too big for me, and i usually use +0 extention baceplate like this: http://glockmeister.com/images/pearce27.jpg For more information, see this: http://glockmeister.com/ext.shtml I am sure there are similar products for whatever gun you choose. Alos, look in to the "commander" size 1911. These have the shorter slide and barrel, but full size frame/grip/magazine. These conceal very well, and if it still dosen't fit you, you can easily find thick panels for a 1911. Another option is the "fanny pack" style carry which has some disadvantages, but is concealed in plain sight with any kind of cloths (except dressy or formal) __________________ --- An Ugly little Glock 29 in troll green.

November 8, 2006, 02:37 PM	#6
pax Staff Join Date: May 17, 2000 Location: Washington state Posts: 6,403	Look at the Para Warthog, or maybe something from Sig-Sauer. pax __________________ Kathy Jackson My personal website: Cornered Cat

November 8, 2006, 03:44 PM	#8
BillCA Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Ca Posts: 7,014	Hi Q.E. - Welcome to TFL and your first post. You can carry a sizeable pistol and conceal it pretty well with a little planning. Carry method and your clothing are key, of course. Typically, depending on physique (or lack thereof! ), carrying a 4" semi in either the "kidney position" or the "appendix position" is relatively easy to conceal. Assuming a "kidney position" - about 4 o'clock to 5 o'clock on your body - using an IWB holster, an untucked shirt is all that is required. But that untucked shirt should include some specific requirements. Shirts need to be long enough to drape below the belt line and not rise up over the belt when you reach BOTH hands above your head. This prevents unintended exposures if you're reaching overhead. Shirts should also have a non-geometric pattern. Shirts with geometric patterns may allow the eye to notice any distortion of the pattern caused by the grips. Same goes for solid color shirts, although I've been able to conceal using both a light tan and light yellow shirt, when the wind changes it can "print" pretty well. Hawaiian shirts are used often because their garish colors and non-geometric patterns break up the outline of the gun. Also the square cut bottom is meant to be worn outside the waistline so it looks more natural. Other shirts can be used in cooler weather and left untucked and unbuttoned, giving a casual look. Purchasing shirts slightly oversized so that there is space around the waistline helps conceal too. If you will tuck in a shirt, buying it one size larger allows you to tuck it in, then "blouse" it around the waist to obscure the gun. Some holsters are made with a little room between the belt mounting and the holster to allow the shirt to be tucked in over the gun. The shirt must be lifted with the free hand to draw, however. That should give you some food for thought. __________________ BillCA in CA (Unfortunately)

November 8, 2006, 12:59 PM	#3
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 4,936	Dress around the gun ! Some wear those brighty patterned Hawaiian shirts .

November 8, 2006, 01:04 PM	#4
Les Auten Member Join Date: September 11, 2004 Location: Cass City MI Posts: 87	I carry a Steyr M40 IWB all year long.In summer I usually wear jeans and an untucked Tshirt or tanktop. I now buy my shirts 1 size larger than I did or I look for something that comes in tall sizes a couple of inches longer than normal. I haven't had any problems. When I first started carrying my wife would ask if I had my gun.She couldn't tell standing 3 ft away and specifically looking for it. (She no longer asks knowing it will be there as long as it is legal to have it). I have a Fist holster that hold my gun tight in the hollow spot above my hips.(and below the love handles).

November 8, 2006, 02:42 PM	#7
Voyager AL Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2006 Location: Pittsburgh,PA Posts: 221	summertime, i wear tucked in tshirt and jeans, with a Kel-Tec .380 in the Nemesis holster in rear pocket. Now that its colder, i wear a longsleeved shirt, untucked, with a taurus .32 revolver in a Bianchi IWB holster. Its awfully comfortable. I also wear a IWB Crossbreed holster with a 4" N-frame, sometimes. but its not as comfortable. its a big gun for IWB. I have big hands, the Keltec is fine with a +1 mag extension.And a Hogue grip cover.

November 8, 2006, 11:21 PM	#9
QuestionEverything Member Join Date: November 3, 2006 Posts: 23	Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'm thinking I'll get the CZ-75 SP01 and a good holster.

November 9, 2006, 03:54 PM	#10
dairycreek Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 1998 Location: North Plains, Oregon, USA Posts: 1,867	As the thread has matured some solid advice has been given. It is up to the individual to alter their dress to conform to their choice of carry combo. The CZ P-01 is an excellent concealed carry choice. Here is a pic of mine in a Dairycreek Special IWB holster by HBE that is just a superb carry combo. I have worn this combo with jeans and a large t-shirt with no problem. It tends to hug my body without printing. Eric at HBE is IMHO the best holster craftsman for CZ's to be found anywhere. __________________ ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR HEARING AND VISION GOOD SHOOTING

November 9, 2006, 04:06 PM	#11
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 11,718	I'll second the P01. Granted I don't have one, but the 75BD in my safe fits my large hands very nicely and the P01 isn't that far off in grip size. They're a heck of a lot lighter too. If you do get one, be sure to run a lot of different ammo through it to be sure it's reliable. I've had some FTE issues with the 75, but only with WWB.

November 9, 2006, 05:52 PM	#12
frankxd Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2006 Posts: 211	I've got a similar problem as you. My fingers are very long, so I find a lot of pistols uncomfortable. I had an XD-40, but I had to get rid of it because the trigger reach was too short for me. I bought an HK USP-40f which fits my hands like a glove; unfortunately, it is too large for daily carry. I recently bought a Kel-tec P-11 for this job. It is a tiny pistol, but interestingly, the trigger reach is quite long for the size of the pistol. It is pretty comfortable to me (not like the USP, but there are always compromises to make). Don't automatically discount a pistol due to its size until you actually get your hands around it. I would have never believed that the Kel-tec would fit me .

November 9, 2006, 07:41 PM	#13
Excalibur Member Join Date: September 4, 2006 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 20	I have the same problem as you but it turns out it really isn't a problem. I am your averaged size, 6'3" and around 290. I work for myself so only wear jeans and a T shirt. Dressing up is changing into black jeans and if formal, a collared polo shirt I normally carry a Para Carry 6.45. Easy to carry, fun to shoot and very comfortable in the UBG IWB holster. I also carry, just as easily, my Colt Defender, Colt Commander and XD 45. The 'hardest' to conceal is the XD and it isn't that bad. Mostly because I am more aware of it than anyone else is. Get a GOOD belt and a GOOD holster and you will find most reasonable guns you are comfortable will conceal fine.

November 9, 2006, 07:52 PM	#14
The Real Wyatt Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2006 Location: South Central KY Posts: 339	Welcome aboard. You might want to consider something like this rig: http://www.thunderwear.com/holsters.asp

November 9, 2006, 07:53 PM	#15
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2006 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 1,759	For a revolver may I suggest a Ruger GP-100, 3" barrel with fixed sights.

November 10, 2006, 03:29 AM	#16
chadwick76 Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 246	big hands need big guns!!