How do you Carry?

[TNSportster883]

Hey everyone I am new to riding and have a CCW. I have been trying to figure the best way to ride and carry comfortably.

I have a Glock G30 and have tried the Fanny pack route but it is a pain. I am to fat for IWB.
I have been looking at either a shoulder holster or OWB but cannot decide.

Could you provide any recommendations on holsters/styles either leather or plastic etc...?
Thanks
Todd

[DudleyDoRight]

A shoulder holster might be most comfotable for a larger person when sitting on a bike, but there are drawbacks, like taking off the jacket when you get hot. Why not stuff a smaller gun in a pocket and leave the Glock home?

[AZbiker]

A shoulder holster might be most comfotable for a larger person when sitting on a bike, but there are drawbacks, like taking off the jacket when you get hot. Why not stuff a smaller gun in a pocket and leave the Glock home?

Not a drawback here. I don't know about TN, but AZ is an open carry state in addition to allowing weapon concealment. Switchblades are also legal here.

The main drawback to a shoulder holster is the fact you have to reach up and across the body to draw it. If the firearm is accidentally discharged from a strong-side holster, the bullet is more likely to go into the ground. On a crossdraw-style holster, the arc traveled by the barrel of the weapon being drawn will have lots of bystanders in the way. I have seen some pretty fat guys carry IWB. Maybe SOB is the best option for the OP.

Now how's THAT for some acronyms? :D

FWIW, I'm planning on buying a custom tuckable IWB holster from a local guy and I'm 6', 270#.

[cantolina]

I like a shoulder holster for a concealed carry, but in AZ, with open carry, I opt for a tactical rig, strapped to my leg.....did I mention I REALLY miss living in Arizona? :laugh:laugh

[Paladin]

I agree about the IWB, it can be a pain in the lower back. I ususally carry that way but on the bike, my jacket has a gun pocket that my Ruger SP101 fits in nicely. My buddy carries a glock, and what a nice lightweight gun it is. I may opt for a high rise pancake type rather than the IWB when I can afford it, that should take the pressure off that part of my body.
Also, a 38 snubby can be a good option also, easy to hide and great in close quarters.

Mark

[mid30]

I sue a shoulder holster. Easy to cary and easy to get at.

[TNSportster883]

I agree about the IWB, it can be a pain in the lower back. I ususally carry that way but on the bike, my jacket has a gun pocket that my Ruger SP101 fits in nicely. My buddy carries a glock, and what a nice lightweight gun it is. I may opt for a high rise pancake type rather than the IWB when I can afford it, that should take the pressure off that part of my body.
Also, a 38 snubby can be a good option also, easy to hide and great in close quarters.

Mark

I think I must give some dimensions. I am 5'10" and 215lbs. Carrying in the open would also be a problem because we do have some liberal do gooders who would call the cops, and I do not like to advertise while I am carrying. Shoulder holsters would be a problem because of work. We are not allowed to carry at work and if someone was to make out a pistol then it could be a problem. A tuckable IWB would probaly be the best but I would have to get some oversize pants.

I ride every day to and from work and need some way to have easy access but still stay hidden.

Having said that I have been looking at the CTAC and or MTAC IWB tuckable with the "J" clips. The gun looks like it can be easy on and off without anyone seeing.

I shoot right handed and am not very good with weak hand shooting. Do most of you carry on the weak hand side? Has anyone tried Small of the Back carry?

[wandrur]

I've got the options--shoulder, IWB, or SOB. I think I like SOB the best, then shoulder, then IWB, primarily for issues of comfort. My thing is that I usually ride somewhere, then go some place to sit down to eat or read or some other sitting activity. Constant up and down requires a regular adjustment to the IWB, and the SOB often juts out when sitting, which makes the shoulder the most flexible and still concealable, though as someone mentioned--what happens when you need to take off the jacket? I've actually worn a t-shirt over the rig before, and that sorta worked. I just don't want someone freaking out when/if they see I'm packing (in the case of being concerned about the SOB jutting out). So, I'm still search for the ideal while keeping my options open.

[AZbiker]

I've got the options--shoulder, IWB, or SOB. I think I like SOB the best, then shoulder, then IWB, primarily for issues of comfort. My thing is that I usually ride somewhere, then go some place to sit down to eat or read or some other sitting activity. Constant up and down requires a regular adjustment to the IWB, and the SOB often juts out when sitting, which makes the shoulder the most flexible and still concealable, though as someone mentioned--what happens when you need to take off the jacket? I've actually worn a t-shirt over the rig before, and that sorta worked. I just don't want someone freaking out when/if they see I'm packing (in the case of being concerned about the SOB jutting out). So, I'm still search for the ideal while keeping my options open.

If you're in an open carry state, don't worry about it. If not, well bummer. :D

[wandrur]

If you're in an open carry state, don't worry about it. If not, well bummer. :D

I live in Colorado, which is an open carry state...unless specifically prohibited, which includes a signed (as in, on a sign), verbal, or municipal prohibition. Again, I am actually concerned about people reacting to a visible firearm. During my safety course, our instructor warned us of the possible (silly as they may be) repercussions if someone sees a weapon on our person and complains to the authorities, so I'd prefer to avoid those. Even my brothers, who run restaurants in eastern Colorado (really as eastern as you can get in Colorado, which means very rural) had a situation where a fella came in with a handgun strapped to his thigh. The presence of that visible firearm could easily have negatively impacted their business, so they asked him to either cover it or leave it in his vehicle (he was on a motorcycle, so he had no place to put it). So he graciously covered it.

If I carry, I conceal. But that's me. :p

[mid30]

We are an open carry state also here in new mexico but I prefer concelled since most people freak and the site of a gun unless you are a cop.

[raysheen]

a lot of people have success with appendix carry in a Mr. Softy / G30 combo
The gun is short enough that it won't dig into you much while seated and it is still accessible while on a bike. Appendix carry can also work for people with "curvy" bodies hence the reason that many women like it much better than typical 3:30-4:30 IWB carry.

[Traveller]

I've been carrying concealed since 1994, and I've learned some very important things. They are:

1) Having only one weapon severely limits your clothing options, especially if it's a medium or large frame weapon. Common sense says the bigger the weapon the harder it is to conceal.

2) Carrying concealed means dressing around the weapon. Sometimes you're gonna have to sacrifice comfort for concealability.

3) Having more than one holster for each weapon is almost a must. This gives you flexibility in which holster to use, which will in turn give you flexibility in how you choose to dress around the weapon.

4) Sometimes it's just not possible - or practical - to carry concealed, so the weapon has to stay home.

I have three weapons that I carry concealed; a S&W .38 snubnose, a Beretta 92FS in 9mm, and a Beretta Tomcat .32 auto. I have two holsters for the .38, a nylone pancake and a leather OWB; I have three holsters for the 9mm, those being a Miami Classic shoulder rig from Galco, a Fletch pancake from Galco, and an MOB (Middle Of Back) also from Galco. All three of these holsters give me great flexibility in dressing around the weapon. For the .32 Tomcat I have one holster, a leather pocket holster which fits VERY nicely in the back pocket of my shorts, the inside pocket of my jeans jacket or the inside pocket of my vest. So far I haven't found a need for an additional holster for this pistol, but you never know.

As for what holster is going to be "best" for you, that's up to you based on what you carry, when you carry, how you carry it, and how you dress. If you can find one hoslter that will suit you for all possible occasions, great! Go for it! But you may wind up having to buy several holsters as I have done.

Good luck!

[wrongpaw]

The PPK fits nicely in the left pocket of
either riding jacket. (I am a southpaw).

[AZbiker]

I live in Colorado, which is an open carry state...unless specifically prohibited, which includes a signed (as in, on a sign), verbal, or municipal prohibition. Again, I am actually concerned about people reacting to a visible firearm. During my safety course, our instructor warned us of the possible (silly as they may be) repercussions if someone sees a weapon on our person and complains to the authorities, so I'd prefer to avoid those. Even my brothers, who run restaurants in eastern Colorado (really as eastern as you can get in Colorado, which means very rural) had a situation where a fella came in with a handgun strapped to his thigh. The presence of that visible firearm could easily have negatively impacted their business, so they asked him to either cover it or leave it in his vehicle (he was on a motorcycle, so he had no place to put it). So he graciously covered it.

If I carry, I conceal. But that's me. :p

I guess y'all get more anti-RKBA idiots than we do. They've gotta live somewhere, I'm glad it's not here.:clap

I've only been told once to leave, and I did. Told the guy that if he just posted a simple sign he wouldn't have to come off as an a$$hole. The coffee house had to eat one of their overpriced (but damn good) coffees, as I don't patronize places like that.

I have a CCW now, but I carried open for quite awhile and still do sometimes.

Municipal restrictions on public firearms possession are prohibited by the AZ state constitution. :clap x2

[TNSportster883]

Everyone thanks for the replys.

The first holster decision has been made and I went with this one here. It is the Minotaur MTAC Holster. I purchased the 45 slide version and it sure is comfortable.

I have been trying it out this week and it not only disapears but is comfortable while riding. I carry it in the 3:30 position and is the most best IWB I have ever had.

http://www.comp-tac.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=95&osCsid=b4ead38ad4d7c88a3cf1473d0a3e3b9d

Next step I will look at a shoulder holster.

Todd

[raysheen]

Comp-Tac makes some of the best holsters in my opinion. Great choice! i have the very similar C-TAC and it's all I use

[milmat1]

This is the easiest one I carry , Though I have a Glock .40 and a Smith Sigma.
A Kel-Tech 9mm With the pocket clip. You Can See the Spring Clip on the Side !

I loosen my belt one clic, Then Carry the gun between my belt and the outside of my jeans. Just above right hip. (Right Where the LEVI Logo would be)
The Pocket clip holds in perfect and a normal shirt covers it well ...

At other times I may drop my .22mag Derringer in my front pocket as well...
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/milmat1/P11.jpg

[Ranger7]

I carry G22 IWB w/ a Mitch Rosen holster has a reinforced top to make re hostering easy. That's important to LE becayse the weapon is in and out alot(depending on were you work a whole lot) but for deeper cover or civilain carry I have a DeSantis Nylon that clips to the waist band and my belt covers the clip a loose fitting T shirt works fine. Also I carry over my right kidney area.

[TNSportster883]

I have been carrying my G30 in the Minotaur MTAC Holster for 4 weeks now and man is it comfortable. A light t-shirt covers everything with out printing.

The leather backing makes the whole gun and holster more stable.

I would highly reccomend this holster for anyone who wants to carry IWB.

Todd

[RICOB1]

I carry a Kel Tec 380 in my r leather vest pocket, I have it position so I can fire (if i have to) while I am riding. Fits very well in my front or rear pocket also, i know it is not a lot of fire power but I would hate to get shot with one!

[trendenoche]

I have to agree with on of the previous posters, about hae more than one gun and more than one holster. Depending on the time of year and what I am wearing and more important where I am going determines the gun and holster set up. Take a look at the safepacker from a company call the "Wilderness" then also have a great holster called the zip slide. As for shoulder rigs you are going to pay top dollar for anything leather. Check rigs from Null holsters