View Full Version : Best Concealed Carry Holster for Suit and Tie
Team Sergeant
12-04-2015, 09:31
I'd like to hear your thoughts.
I'd like to carry at least USPc .40.
I'm thinking a CrossBreed SuperTuck IWB holster (http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/HotcakesStore/ProductViewer/tabid/113/slug/SuperTuck-and-FREE-10-Gift-Card/Default.aspx)or Smartcarry holster (http://www.smartcarry.com/).
Old Dog New Trick
12-04-2015, 09:43
I used a Dave Workman tuckable leather custom IWB for a Sig 229 in the past. I think Milt Sparks made something similar. Dave also makes (made me) a pocket mag and cuff pouch that fits nicely in suit pants or slacks - soft leather, no outline and holds the mag secure while staying in pocket.
No experience with the newer stuff but I like what I see with Cross Breed and Alien Gear rigs.
I tried a Kydex tuckable IWB but it was very uncomfortable.
Go Devil
12-04-2015, 10:03
I carry a USP C .45 and I've tried an Alien IWB (tuckable) and found that IWB with the HK is uncomfortable as well as problematic with clothing fit and finish.
Galco OWB is my current carry and is still covered by a suit jacket.
Leozinho
12-04-2015, 10:14
I'm partial to the Comptac Minotaur. I've used it daily for ~4 years. I like that it's tuckable for when you need deeper concealment.
It has more clip options than the Supertuck.
craigepo
12-04-2015, 10:15
Another way I go about this depends on what occasion I'm dressing for. If I can get away with wearing a sportcoat/slack/tie combination, I have purchased some tweed hunting coats from Orvis. They are much more roomy than your standard sportcoat or suit jacket. They also have "billow" pockets, which are ostensibly designed to hold a pocketful of shotgun shells. These pockets hold a pocket pistol rather well. Also, as the coat is cut more for hunting than style, it grants more room around the waist. Obviously, tweed is more of a cool-weather material.
TS,
Look at N82 - not one of the big boy holster manufacturing companies - I have Crossbreed also - but the N82 professional holster at link below - for comfort and ease of on-and-off - might be worth a look. I have used one almost daily for years.
Just another .02 centavos.
https://www.n82tactical.com/comfort-zone
Freddy Krueger
12-04-2015, 11:11
When I was working in the embassy, for travel to and from we were carrying Alien Gear (http://www.aliengearholsters.com) IWB cloak tuck 3.0 with our P226's great on comfort, only recommendation I have is to change the clips out in favor of ones that are full capture.
Red Flag 1
12-04-2015, 16:10
I have been using a SafariLand paddle rig for my Glock 17 for over a decade now. It carries rather high, but with some work at the range it is not the problem it might seem to be. For coat and tie wear, it CCW very well. I have both the spring held rapid draw, and one with a snap over to hold help hold the weapon in place. I used the snap over for about a year, but have used the open top, spring held one much more often.
The only problem the high carry has is when I am driving. With a seatbelt on, and having to reach so high, it is a problem. On long drives, and even short ones now, I move the rig to my left hip. This gives easy access while driving. Before I get out of my vehicle, it is easy to slip it over the right hip.
I'm in the same boat, Team Sergeant. Still lookin'.
FlagDayNCO
12-04-2015, 16:45
TS,
First thing I want to say is the SmartCarry type holster will have you adjusting all day long, as the "holster" does not hold the pistol securly. This is common with many similair holsters and especially these that use only the tension of their own belt to secure the weapon in one position. Now I did watch the videos and did some checking, but based on my experience, I personally have had bad results with such holsters. If you have to keep adjusting the weapon in the holster, then carrying concealed is compromised.
I wear a suit and tie most days, or go without the full suit maybe one day a week. I have been using the Galco SkyOps for the last several years.
http://www.galcogunleather.com/skyops-holster_8_7_1279.html
The reason I have used this is I don't find myself adjusting; it holds the pistol securly and doesn't ride up or down. The clips are small, yet extremly strong. I do find it best to run the belt through, but the clips can be worked over and under the leather belt. It does depend on how flexible the belt is, but a belt that is too flexible shouldn't be used to secure a holster.
The holster is a butt forward design, which has the butt more in line vertically with the torso. This eliminates the butt sticking out and the glaring printing. This angle also helps with draw when worn between the three to five o'clock position.
The clip system is secured to the holster near the bottom of the holster, so you can tuck your dress shirt in for maximum concealment. Only a small part of the plastic from the J hook is visible, and pretty much disappears on a back belt. For further concealment, I wear my cell phone carrier next to it, as it helps conceal the J hooks and draws the viewer's attention to the cellular phone carrier.
Prior to this, I used a Kramer IWB with the FBI tilt for my SIG P220 or P226. Outstanding horsehide, the only issue I ran into was the loops could print against the the wool of a suit jacket. The pistol itself was tight against the body. If I could have the same type of J hooks that Galco uses installed, I'd still be using the Kramer.
I am also looking.
My default is the SIG P938, it's small enough to fit in a jacket pocket or any of the several pouches & man bags I have.
BUT,, I'm thinking I would like to move to my new SIG P220 carry. The 10rd mags are 10oz each.
Does anyone use a shoulder holster??
I have the crossbreed AND the smartcarry to fit a Taurus PT145 Millennium Pro (.45) (hey, I'm cheap. What can I say?)
The Crossbreed isn't pretty but it is no-shit comfortable.
The break in period for that cowhide to mold to you given how hot it is where you live would probably be measured in hours.
The smart carry works just like in the video on the web site. 100% sweatproof and comfortable. it rides low on the hips so it doesn't feel heavy on the waist. Get it sized fror the largest pistol that you think you might want to carry in it, then use a large pin to shorten up the pocket if you want to carry a smaller one. No need to buy multiple.
Unless someone is a pro about staring men in the junk, an observer would never know. My .380 disappears. I cold have running shorts and no shirt and you'd never know I was packing. I've actually run with my .380. I'm no track star so it worked fine. A .45 and jeans and a tucked in t-shirt? No problem. The butt of the pistol rides around the front of your hip bone so it's really not noticiable.
I'm partial to my comp-tac holster... but that is for my puny kel-tec pf9.
I have a kramer leather holster for my Px4 that I like.
Regardless, of your choice, talk to a seamstress about putting some protective material on the inside of your suit where your pistol will come into contact with it. Daily carry taught me many lessons, one of which is that sitting up and down repeatedly while wearing a pistol WILL cause it to wear through the material lining the inside of your suit if you don't take precautions.
FlagDayNCO
12-04-2015, 17:24
Regardless, of your choice, talk to a seamstress about putting some protective material on the inside of your suit where your pistol will come into contact with it. Daily carry taught me many lessons, one of which is that sitting up and down repeatedly while wearing a pistol WILL cause it to wear through the material lining the inside of your suit if you don't take precautions.
GREAT ADVICE! I didn't think about that, even after I just picked up another set of trousers that had to be repaired.
The inside of your trousers were you carry, and especially the suit jacket lining. Suit jacket linings are very thin and once a small hole appears, it will grow and swallow the pistol grip.
If you will be carrying in a suit daily, also have the belt loops reinforced and a better stitch where they are sewn to the trousers. There will be one time you bend over, turn, or somthing, and the belt loop will pop.
(1VB)compforce
12-04-2015, 17:37
I have quite a few different holsters since I'm particular about printing. My carries are all 1911's. You (TS) have had your hands on the Pro Carry. I have all three sizes. I regularly wear a suit so carry with and without the jacket is important to me.
For carry holsters I have
Galco OWB - It's an older model, but similar to the Stinger http://www.galcogunleather.com/stinger-belt-holster_8_4_1301.html
That's the OWB I gave you to carry.
Crossbreed Super Tuck IWB
Tagua IWB http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008WPAX4S
Foxx Holsters IWB http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0086FXEXQ
Kimber (Galco) IWB http://store.kimberamerica.com/iwb-3-inch-holster-r-hand
Fanny Pack from a little place in South America (You 7th Group guys will know the tailor that made it)
Urban Carry http://urbancarryholsters.com/holsters-39/original-urban-carry/original-urban-carry-holster-black.html
Here's my short reviews on each of them
Galco OWB - Standard OWB holster. Reliable, good quality, won't work for concealed without a jacket
Crossbreed SuperTuck - I haven't used this in forever. For us shorter people, the top edge of the backing digs into the bottom of your ribs. Sitting, the holster sticks out at the top. It's also insanely long. You've seen what my waist looks like (36"). This wraps all the way from 1:00 to 6:00 on me with the gun at 4:00.
Foxx - I bought this one because it was the same design as the SuperTuck, but with a much shorter length. I still have the same problem with it digging into my ribs, especially when seated. Both the Crossbreed and the Foxx will probably work fine for people 6' tall and over.
Tagua - I'd never heard of them, but for $28 how could I go wrong? It turns out that this is far and away my most used IWB holster. It's comfortable, good quality leather. The clip is still holding strong after 10 years of being my EDC holster. I have the 5" barrel model, but easily carry my 3" in it with no loss of retention. Definitely a KISS principle holster. I can tuck with it too. I only tried other options because I am trying to find something that eliminates the printing, so far nothing is really better.
Kimber/Galco - Works fine, but not very good concealment. The loops are prominent enough that you might as well tuck behind it and open carry.
The fanny pack... Love it, can carry a full size 1911 in it + 2 magazines and just look like I'm a tourist, not someone that has real firepower in there. The downside is that as someone once mentioned to me: If you see a guy over 40 wearing a fanny pack, you can bet there's a gun in it. This is my carry when I wear shorts, doesn't really work with a suit.
Urban Carry - just got it today. I'm still breaking it in. I'll let you know how it works out after the leather softens. First impression, I'm not impressed.
(1VB)compforce
12-04-2015, 17:53
Does anyone use a shoulder holster??
I have two of them, but they don't stay concealed very well. 9 times out of 10 I am unbuttoning the jacket when I sit down and then you have a pistol and mags staring at you if you're across the table. I'd probably go with a chest band and breakaway shirt before I'd use those again.
I can't speak to smart carry holsters, but I have used Thunderwear for years and I've never had to adjust the pistol. It stays secure.
I've found Thunderwear to be the most comfortable means of IWB carry for me.
I used to carry a Glock 23 in the front right pocket, two spare full sized magazines in the front left pocket, and in the rear pocket I carried a small keyring sized OC spray, a short ASP baton, and a tactical flashlight. I never had anyone notice that I am aware of.
The holster gives pretty good groin protection as well. It isn't quite as protective as a cup, but it comes close.
Crossbreed SuperTuck - I haven't used this in forever. For us shorter people, the top edge of the backing digs into the bottom of your ribs. Sitting, the holster sticks out at the top. It's also insanely long. You've seen what my waist looks like (36"). This wraps all the way from 1:00 to 6:00 on me with the gun at 4:00.
How old is your Crossbreed? I'm also a less tall guy and wear mine with a USPc .45 all the time. I assume that it does push against my ribcage, but I've never noticed it. As to length, I carry at 3:00 canted forward a bit and the clips are at roughly 2:00 to 4:00.
As to wearing it with a Suit and Tie...what's that mean? :confused: :D OK, I recently tucked it with a t-shirt just to try it and it's fine. I could even fluff out the shirt at the waistline to help hide it. A tucked in t-shirt looks funny, but a dress shirt would be fine.
And as ABC_123 said, it's extremely comfortable.
ETA: I just measured mine and the waistband length is 8 1/2".
Pat
(1VB)compforce
12-05-2015, 06:08
How old is your Crossbreed? I'm also a less tall guy and wear mine with a USPc .45 all the time. I assume that it does push against my ribcage, but I've never noticed it. As to length, I carry at 3:00 canted forward a bit and the clips are at roughly 2:00 to 4:00.
As to wearing it with a Suit and Tie...what's that mean? :confused: :D OK, I recently tucked it with a t-shirt just to try it and it's fine. I could even fluff out the shirt at the waistline to help hide it. A tucked in t-shirt looks funny, but a dress shirt would be fine.
And as ABC_123 said, it's extremely comfortable.
ETA: I just measured mine and the waistband length is 8 1/2".
Pat
Mine is from somewhere in the mid 2000's, maybe '06 or '07. I may have an earlier model. I'll see if I can find it and post a pic.
Little comparison
Smartcarry vs Thunderwear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjhiheFmVO0
Smartcarry vs TactiPac Elite Deep Concealed Carry Holster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BDtMSwsaR0
I'd like to hear your thoughts.
I'd like to carry at least USPc .40.
I'm thinking a CrossBreed SuperTuck IWB holster (http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/HotcakesStore/ProductViewer/tabid/113/slug/SuperTuck-and-FREE-10-Gift-Card/Default.aspx)or Smartcarry holster (http://www.smartcarry.com/).
As hot as it gets in Arizona, if you're considering a SuperTuck, you may want to look at the Stealthgear Onyx IWB. The back piece is a multi-layer, vented, padded, ballistic nylon. They're more expensive than the SuperTuck or the Alien, but have a 30 day "send it back if you don't like it" deal. If it doesn't work for you, you don't end up with a holster for the holster box.
The Onyx comes with steel belt clips. If you end up liking the holster, but don't like steel clips, they have a kydex "j" clip replacements.
Stealthgear Gallery (http://stealthgearusa.com/pages/gallery-2)
(Have one, no affiliation with the company)
Team Sergeant
12-05-2015, 08:08
I have the crossbreed AND the smartcarry to fit a Taurus PT145 Millennium Pro (.45) (hey, I'm cheap. What can I say?)
The Crossbreed isn't pretty but it is no-shit comfortable.
That's what I'm looking for, comfort. I have a dozen Kramer holsters and a couple of Kramer IWB but they are "narrow" compared to the Crossbreed style holster.
I'm going to narrow my search to the N82 Tactical and the Crossbreed style holsters. I think bigger is the way to go for comfort.
CDRODA396
12-05-2015, 09:24
As hot as it gets in Arizona, if you're considering a SuperTuck, you may want to look at the Stealthgear Onyx IWB. The back piece is a multi-layer, vented, padded, ballistic nylon. They're more expensive than the SuperTuck or the Alien, but have a 30 day "send it back if you don't like it" deal. If it doesn't work for you, you don't end up with a holster for the holster box.
The Onyx comes with steel belt clips. If you end up liking the holster, but don't like steel clips, they have a kydex "j" clip replacements.
Stealthgear Gallery (http://stealthgearusa.com/pages/gallery-2)
(Have one, no affiliation with the company)
I've been running a StealthGear for a G19 since they gave 22% off to raise awareness for Veteran Suicides a month or so ago, and like it a lot. I also had both a CrossBreed and an Alien Gear. I gave both away...the CrossBreed never quit squeaking after months...and the corners of the Alien Gear kept rolling up. I like the holster enough that I have ordered a mag carrier to see how that works.
I would think in the Arizona heat the Stealthgear ventilation would work well.
It not tuckable, but you can pick up some J-hooks or a sheet of kydex and make some the depth you want.
I also tried one of these (snagmag dot com) for the G19's double stack mag...didn't really do it for me, but I think for a single stack mag would work great.
SnagMag video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr_mdvuyeF8
I am looking at the Safariland entry for my single stack.
http://www.safariland.com/magazine/magazine-holder-clip-on-11229.html
SnagMag video
Interesting idea. Kind of light in the HK department, though.
Pat
FlagDayNCO
12-05-2015, 18:11
SnagMag video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr_mdvuyeF8
I am looking at the Safariland entry for my single stack.
http://www.safariland.com/magazine/magazine-holder-clip-on-11229.html
That Safariland looks pretty good and at a very good price point. I'm going to order one to try out.
SnagMag appears to have some solid design features as well.
Anything that securely holds the magazine and minimizes the printing is good.
Thanks
Dragbag036
12-05-2015, 18:38
The majority of the time for work its concealed. I found the CrossBread to be very comfortable. They make two different cuts, so while one stated how it rides and digs, in my experience (I'm on my second set, one for Glock and Sig), I changed from the standard cut to the combat cut, and that helped. As with anything, the draw has to be worked a bit and continued after the holster gets really nice and broken in (it really molded to my hip at that point).
DB .00002 cents
Haven't checked out a Crossbreed yet.
Checked out an Alien...
I'm using a Galco Stow 'n' Go right now, and you can forget about reholstering "easy". Plus, the front sight is right up against the leather.
I got a Kramer #3 in the shopping cart, but I just might go ahead and buy a Comp-Tac initially.
doctom54
12-07-2015, 17:17
I can't comment on the Smart Carry since I haven't used one.
However, I really like Crossbreeds. I've had 4 of them for different weapons and I can conceal a full sized pistol with one. To break it in I get the leather wet and wear until dry. The combat cut is recommended.
Badger52
12-07-2015, 17:21
That's what I'm looking for, comfort. I have a dozen Kramer holsters and a couple of Kramer IWB but they are "narrow" compared to the Crossbreed style holster.
I'm going to narrow my search to the N82 Tactical and the Crossbreed style holsters. I think bigger is the way to go for comfort.Can't personally comment on the Crossbreed but have a friend with one and the comfort level is as described previously. He's older than I am being in his late vs. early-60's and he knew enough to know that folks with an uncomfortable carry solution don't have a solution at all if it makes them even contemplate not doing so. He doesn't regret the Crossbreed at all.
I recently went from a long-time appendix thing from Comp-Tac that I'd installed a J-hook on to replace the standard clip. The last 3 years of my mil/DAC careers I was doing more office than field work and put on some slight girth I didn't care for. So a full-size gun "drooping" because of the J-hook wasn't an issue. Now that I'm retired and actually more active I'm back down to fighting weight & that issue reared its head. I've gone back to another one I had similar to the Crossbreed that distributes the attachment points using leather & regular hooks.
Huge improvement in comfort & the gun doesn't shift at all. There is a very slight difference in cant angle from traditional AC but nothing that doesn't occur in normal movement and the hand finds the gun regardless. You're not someone I'd suspect of having a bunch of girth to push against a belt so standard clips should be fine & actually work better with a full-size.
Tiny bit more cumbersome to put on in the morning but these things seem to become muscle memory like filling our pockets; non-issue. I'm convinced that the hybrid (molded w/leather & 2 attachment points) really works well for a variety of situations. If I were shopping now I'd go Crossbreed in a f'instant. While I have a couple of little things for special occasions, the smallest thing I normally have is a G19 so comfort but with solid performance matters.
Just my $.002 & wishing you luck.
As hot as it gets in Arizona, if you're considering a SuperTuck...
I live in AZ and have worn one for several years now. We don't get sweaty here so it's not a problem. Living in a high humidity area might be a problem. I think that ABC_123 can speak to that, though.
Pat
I have the corssbreed and love it. It's SUPER comfortable.
I've used IWB exclusively since I started carrying, I started with a Cross Breed and later bought a Comp Tac MTAC in the sake of experimenting.
The Supertuck is more comfortable in general, I have found though that the width of it causes one side of my pants to sag a bit (in spite of the kydex Minotaur gun belt I wear). It does squeak a bit as others have mentioned though and it is well broken in. This may be something that some saddle soap(?) would help alleviate.
The comp tach is slightly less comfortable (not uncomfortable), but I prefer it to the Super tuck. It's easier to pop on, I like the retention a little better, it doesn't load one side of my pants as much for some reason. It also holds the gun slightly differently and is a touch less visible on close examination.
If I'm going to be on my feet, I wear the Comp Tach, driving/ sitting down more, the super tuck.
Both, of course, have clip options based on your intended use, crossbreed even makes them in different colors to match your shoes I guess :)
Both are "tuck-able", imho neither is any better at this requirement than the other, although as mentioned I find the comp tach is a touch less visible under scrutiny both in shirt and under tucked in shirt.
On a side note I just purchased and installed one of these in my truck (f150) and I love it. It's at the perfect position to draw from. I didn't install it directly under the center of the steering wheel but rather just to the right of it.
Due to the design of my truck mounting it at the normal location put it way too high and it was a chore drawing it and not getting caught up by the steering column. Just to the right of the steering wheel was another location that just fit perfect. Pic is not my truck but rather the standard mounting location.
31710
On a side note I just purchased and installed one of these in my truck (f150) and I love it. It's at the perfect position to draw from. I didn't install it directly under the center of the steering wheel but rather just to the right of it.
Due to the design of my truck mounting it at the normal location put it way too high and it was a chore drawing it and not getting caught up by the steering column. Just to the right of the steering wheel was another location that just fit perfect. Pic is not my truck but rather the standard mounting location.
31710
Where'd you get that, Brother?
Roguish Lawyer
12-10-2015, 09:09
On a side note I just purchased and installed one of these in my truck (f150) and I love it. It's at the perfect position to draw from. I didn't install it directly under the center of the steering wheel but rather just to the right of it.
Due to the design of my truck mounting it at the normal location put it way too high and it was a chore drawing it and not getting caught up by the steering column. Just to the right of the steering wheel was another location that just fit perfect. Pic is not my truck but rather the standard mounting location.
31710
I need something like that, but it has to lock. Like a gunvault sort of thing that installs in a truck. I found one company that makes this sort of thing, but it is in GA and they don't ship kits.
(1VB)compforce
12-10-2015, 09:16
I'm in GA so if you want me to pick it up and then ship it to you separately I can...
I should ask where in GA, but if it's not on the other side of the state I can do it.
I need something like that, but it has to lock. Like a gunvault sort of thing that installs in a truck. I found one company that makes this sort of thing, but it is in GA and they don't ship kits.
My wife is getting this for Christmas: http://www.consolevault.com/Jeep-Wrangler-2011--2016_p_89.html#.VmoFjfBIj6U Shhh. She doesn't know it yet.
I'm going to get one for the Tahoe later.
Pat
Where'd you get that, Brother?
I ordered off of Amazon: You use your own holster as you are just purchasing the mount:
http://www.amazon.com/Gum-Creek-GCC-UVHHM-BLK-Vehicle-GCCUVHHM/dp/B00CJUT62M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449799323&sr=8-1&keywords=steering+wheel+gun+holster
I ordered off of Amazon: You use your own holster as you are just purchasing the mount:
http://www.amazon.com/Gum-Creek-GCC-UVHHM-BLK-Vehicle-GCCUVHHM/dp/B00CJUT62M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449799323&sr=8-1&keywords=steering+wheel+gun+holster
Thanks.
I need one. My pistola came loose when I rolled my truck last summer.
Roguish Lawyer
12-11-2015, 08:59
I'm in GA so if you want me to pick it up and then ship it to you separately I can...
I should ask where in GA, but if it's not on the other side of the state I can do it.
Thanks, but they don't sell kits -- they will just install locally.
Roguish Lawyer
12-11-2015, 09:06
I think I just solved my problem.
http://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2015/05/9-vehicle-based-gun-safes-and-holster-mounts/#gunvault-mv-500-std
http://www.consolevault.com/cadillac-escalade-console-cover-2007-2011.html#
I wear Dale Fricke "Zaccheus" AIWB with a suit almost daily. It's very concealable, and I can take my suit coat off with no fear of flashing the gun. The string goes around the button of my pants. While the gun is not locked in a single position, that actually helps adjust as I sit, stand, and move around.
http://dalefrickeholsters.com/product/zacchaeus-concealment-holster/
frostfire
12-14-2015, 08:17
I wear Dale Fricke "Zaccheus" AIWB with a suit almost daily. It's very concealable, and I can take my suit coat off with no fear of flashing the gun. The string goes around the button of my pants. While the gun is not locked in a single position, that actually helps adjust as I sit, stand, and move around.
http://dalefrickeholsters.com/product/zacchaeus-concealment-holster/
Yep, same here. I use minimalist holster with the addition of clip on the pistol to secure the angle.1 holster system, all applications. Same set up for jogging all the way to suit and tie. If you're at Bragg or Fatalville, best place to buy is with John at http://www.carolinamilitarysupplies.com/
Support local industry and John will give you deal unbeatable anywhere else
Went with the Comp Tac Minotaur with C-clamps. Very comfortable, can be adjusted just right, easy to draw and reholster. The shells are replaceable. Even the mag pouches are good to go.