Weapon concealment options

nmap · 03-31-2009, 21:15

I've used the search button to find a variety of good options for those who wear holsters; however, I would like to solicit thoughts about the drawbacks (and advantages) to non-holster options.

I'm in San Antonio, which means that much of the year is warm or hot. Therefore, wearing a jacket or blazer probably isn't a good solution. Even a windbreaker would look odd on a 95 degree day.

A large, loose shirt might work in conjunction with a holster; however, it seems likely that drawing a weapon might take a considerable amount of time as I lifted the shirt, drew the weapon, and tried to avoid getting tangled in the excess fabric. Various "fanny" packs are available, but look like what they are - an attempt to hide a firearm.

I would like to find a solution that conceals, is convenient, but is not obvious. Ankle holsters would have me attempting gymnastics while in a stressful situation. Amusing to observers, surely, but probably not a good solution.

I prefer a full sized automatic - probably a Glock 22 in .40, or perhaps a new HK USP in .45, just purchased as a result of studying this forum

Neither of those seems easy to conceal in light clothing - which, in my case, normally consists of a knit polo-style shirt and dress slacks.

So...would a small messenger style bag work? On the positive side, it would conceal effectively and provide adequate space for a full-sized frame. On the negative side, it would be subject to theft (a thief might grab it in a surprise attack), it would certainly take longer to draw, and I suppose there is always a risk of leaving it lying about. (Yes, that would be stupid, but I think one must allow for the possibility). I thought about an inexpensive laptop case, but that might increase the likelihood of theft. Other solutions, such as the Versapack, look too much like places to conceal weapons. The camouflage pattern would have an effect opposite to the original intent, and would, I suspect, draw attention.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Nmap.

JJ_BPK · 04-01-2009, 04:19

Nmap

You may want to consider multiple options.. As you probably wear jeans more than shorts, My solution may not apply,, but it's food for thought..

Here in the Conch Republic, the weather is similar to Tx,, HOT HOT HOT.. The difference,, we wear White work boots,, with shorts..

Daily wear is shorts and T's,, Dress up for dinner and you go for the Polo or Guayabera.

I use the following:

SMALL,, NAA .22 mag, w/ 1 5/8 inch,, under 8oz,, fits any-ware including neck harness.
MEDIUM,, Glock 23 or S&W 940,, in either a small leather butt pak or my version of thunderware

The problem with butt paks,, EVERYONE knows you are not carrying lipstick. The only advantage here is all the touristas from Saginaw Mi have them..

The commercial version of Thunderware is fantastic. Sits comfortably. has room for spare mag. The down side is you need a loose fitting belt line so you can, if needed, pull the front out to grab Mr Big and not look like Pee Wee Herman...

I took an old sliding belt holster for a 1911, stitched up a velcro belt of moderately heavy 2 inch strap. No room for spare mag, but when positioned properly you can ware it inside your bathing suit.

The third venue is to get one of the .380 or 9 mm mini-me's and stick it in your back pocket. I like the looks of the 9mm Rohrbaugh, but for piratical use the .380's by Ruger, NAA, & Kel-Tec are better deals..

Link for ThunderWear: http://www.thunderwear.com/index.asp

Rohrbaugh: http://www.rohrbaughfirearms.com/

Abu Jack · 04-01-2009, 04:44

I live in Florida. I have used thunderware since I got my CCW in 2005. I carry a Glock 27 and a spare magazine. The spare has a two round extender so I carry a total of 20 rounds. Like JJ said an elastic waistband is a must. I do alot of outdoor activities (fishing, camping, canoeing, etc) with my 11 year old son. He doesn't know I carry, that's how good I think it is. I don't expect to out draw anyone. It's a risk I've accepted so I can carry when wearing only shorts.

alelks · 04-01-2009, 07:54

I carry my PT145 (daily carry) in a Crossbreed IWB holster and it's EXTREMELY comfortable. I purchased the horsehide version.

You can check them out here.

http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/

I was wanting the MTAC from Comp-tac but they have yet to make one for the PT145. On a a couple of gun forums I go to it's usually a toss up between the two.

http://www.comp-tac.com/

SF-TX · 04-01-2009, 08:07

I have had a Clipdraw on a S&W 642 for about 5 years, with no complaints. Unless you wear an undershirt, the weapon will be more exposed to sweat (rather common in south central Texas).

http://www.clipdraw.com/store/index....on=show_detail

**Team Sergeant** · 04-01-2009, 09:56

You gents using Thunderwear and a Glock are far braver then me.....

nmap · 04-01-2009, 20:44

Thank you all for the good ideas. I'll have to do some reflecting on the best solution - and I appreciate every response.

Nmap.

alelks · 04-01-2009, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Sergeant

You gents using Thunderwear and a Glock are far braver then me.....

HaHa!

I actually purchased that one first. I truly trust it and it is pretty easily accessible but just didn't feel quite as comfortable as I would want it to be. It's definitely a DEEP conceal rig and will work VERY well when wearing shorts in the summer even if you don't have a shirt on. The manufacturer sells is under two different names (Smart Carry is the 2nd name). There is also a knockoff version that I definitely would not trust as there has been 1 person that I know of who had an unfortunate accident with it when he bent down. I won't go into detail as to his injuries but he DEFINITELY injured himself in some VERY tender spots. The knockoff was just too thin and flimsy which is what helped facilitate the discharge. You won't have that problem with the Thunderwear version though even with a Glock. Even trying I can't pull the trigger on the Glock when it's in the holster.

AL

kawika · 04-02-2009, 10:46

Check out the Ctac from Comp Tac. IWB is about as good as it gets for carrying when it is hot outside. The holsters are around $80 though which is substantial for kydex(plastic). Its pretty much a kydex shell with leather stabilizer struts on the sides with kydex clips. You really want Kydex over leather in the hot weather. Leather will make you sweat more and properly worn you won't know its there. That's why you need to buy quality for a summer wear holster. Winter who cares, just OWB under a jacket and be done with it.

hartzco · 04-02-2009, 15:44

I've been carrying either a full size Glock or full size Kimber "crotched" in a cut down Galco leather holster for about 7 years. It gets to be comfortable, and is easily concealable as long as your shirt doesn't have to be tucked.

Hartzco

abc_123 · 04-02-2009, 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ_BPK

Here in the Conch Republic, the weather is similar to Tx,, HOT HOT HOT.. The difference,, we wear White work boots,, with shorts..

Dammit. I'm less than 1wk out from my first trip to the Keys and now I find out that the wife, kids, and I need white work boots! I HATE not blending in with the locals!

JJ_BPK · 04-02-2009, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by abc_123

Dammit. I'm less than 1wk out from my first trip to the Keys and now I find out that the wife, kids, and I need white work boots! I HATE not blending in with the locals!

We make exceptions to the rule..

Big Daddy · 04-02-2009, 20:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by abc_123

Dammit. I'm less than 1wk out from my first trip to the Keys and now I find out that the wife, kids, and I need white work boots! I HATE not blending in with the locals!

Off topic and for that I apologize, but what a great looking dog? Is he yours? That has to be one of the best GDS's I've ever seen.

abc_123 · 04-03-2009, 08:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Off topic and for that I apologize, but what a great looking dog? Is he yours? That has to be one of the best GDS's I've ever seen.

PM sent

dr. mabuse · 04-05-2009, 15:43

Nmap, ditto with TS. Would suggest TONS of practice with an empty firearm with Thuderwear before going live. The clenching actions of the human hand after a heavy adrenaline dump can be dangerous I've learned.

Enough encounters in the Dallas/Fort Worth area are ~ 5 feet so you'd better be very fast ripping your friend out of your shorts. Or in San Antonio, I guess you could push them into the river to buy some time.

People who make alternatives to the fanny pack (the owner of the notorious Pager Pal comes to mind) will bash fanny packs yet they are more discreet than you might imagine, are reasonably fast with some practice, and, contrary to popular belief, everyone does not look at you, stare at the fanny pack, and think you have a gun. I would have noticed that in the past 13 years.

Just a thought. Have more than one way to carry. Stay safe.