Weapon concealment options

[nmap]

Again, my thanks to everyone for great ideas.

I can see a variety of benefits to the Kimber IWB - although the weight of a full-sized automatic might result in an embarrassing development.

Dr. Mabuse, you make some interesting points. Some other conversations I've had indicate that few (if any) notice the various fanny packs that people wear. I'm thinking of This Item, since it is large enough for anything (10 x 7 x 4) I would ever need.

It's true that I can't draw quickly; but I'm more inclined to avoid trouble than to confront it - which is, I think, best for unremarkable civilians.

A wise friend suggested that the .45 might be somewhat more than I would need or want on a daily basis, and I suspect they gave good advice. In fact, they suggested that a 9mm might be most appropriate for me. However, my selection of "nines" consists of a Glock and an all-steel S&W 559. I like the S&W a lot, but it is rather heavy.

So I may go with a SIG 239 in .40. It has tritium sites, and I doubt I will need more than the 8 round magazine capacity. It, a spare magazine, and whatever else should fit nicely in the case. Perhaps I could even add a can of pepper spray as a non-lethal alternative.

[Utah Bob]

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!

And they're short, white, rubber boots, not the thigh high leather go-go type.
Wouldn't want you to buy the wrong thing..

[abc_123]

Originally Posted by Utah Bob

And they're short, white, rubber boots, not the thigh high leather go-go type.
Wouldn't want you to buy the wrong thing..

Shit. I got me a pair of thigh highs.

[Ambush Master]

I carry a Kel-Tec P3AT (.380) or P32 (.32) almost all of the time, even when carrying a larger frame weapon. They are so light and small, that I can carry them in light shorts or in a shirt pocket. Yeah, I know....Rat Guns, but most encounters are so close that the "power factor" won't matter with proper shot placement. In an 8-10 foot engagement, that should not be a problem!!

They are also "Hard Chromed" so the sweat factor is not a problem.

Any questions, feel free to PM.

Later
Martin

[abc_123]

Just tried to order a ruger LCP (.380) and the guy at the gun store laughed. HE said they stopped taking backorders when they got a year behind. They are working that backlog off...currently filling september's orders.

[Go Devil]

Originally Posted by dr. mabuse

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.

Fanny packs are not a problem, if you know how to conceal the fanny pack.

fannypack.jpg

Who would chance to think that Pat is concealing a firearm?

[koz]

Originally Posted by abc_123

Just tried to order a ruger LCP (.380) and the guy at the gun store laughed. HE said they stopped taking backorders when they got a year behind. They are working that backlog off...currently filling september's orders.

There are several on gunbroker around $350-$370. It's a bit over retail but you'd get it sooner...

[Team Sergeant]

Originally Posted by abc_123

Just tried to order a ruger LCP (.380) and the guy at the gun store laughed. HE said they stopped taking backorders when they got a year behind. They are working that backlog off...currently filling september's orders.

You might want to consider another weapon..... seems Ruger is still working out the bugs on the LCP


http://www.ruger.com/LCPRecall/

[Not So Slow]

Originally Posted by Team Sergeant

You might want to consider another weapon..... seems Ruger is still working out the bugs on the LCP


http://www.ruger.com/LCPRecall/

Off topic for just a second:
What other bugs do you know of aside from the accidental dischage possibility that's been very well recalled by Ruger?

And back on topic:
IWB seems to be the best option proposed thus far, unless like stated, you must tuck your shirt in. The fanny pack, while it doesn't sound horrible, may create more hassle getting to the gun, but allows you to carry more additionals (extra mag).

My personal choice is the IWB, or if clothing allows, OWB.

[Team Sergeant]

Originally Posted by Not So Slow

Off topic for just a second:
What other bugs do you know of aside from the accidental dischage possibility that's been very well recalled by Ruger?

And back on topic:
IWB seems to be the best option proposed thus far, unless like stated, you must tuck your shirt in. The fanny pack, while it doesn't sound horrible, may create more hassle getting to the gun, but allows you to carry more additionals (extra mag).

My personal choice is the IWB, or if clothing allows, OWB.

Not so slow,

Nice screen name. You're 23, you understand how the internet works, try googling "Ruger Recalls".
Ask me again without doing some research and I'll change your screen name to "Kinda Slow".

Team Sergeant

[tom kelly]

Originally Posted by Not So Slow

Off topic for just a second:
What other bugs do you know of aside from the accidental dischage possibility that's been very well recalled by Ruger?

And back on topic:
IWB seems to be the best option proposed thus far, unless like stated, you must tuck your shirt in. The fanny pack, while it doesn't sound horrible, may create more hassle getting to the gun, but allows you to carry more additionals (extra mag).

My personal choice is the IWB, or if clothing allows, OWB.

Sorry, But IMHO there is no such thing as an "accidental discharge" any discharge of a firearm not intended is a "NEGLIGENT DISCHARGE" If you are accident prone DO NOT CARRY A FIREARM...Regard's, tom kelly

[abc_123]

Originally Posted by Team Sergeant

You might want to consider another weapon..... seems Ruger is still working out the bugs on the LCP


http://www.ruger.com/LCPRecall/

Welll... it looks like they'll have a lot of time to continue to work things out before I get mine if I place my name on the list at the local shop.

Theoretically the new production run has the AD problem fixed... the retrofit work has probably reduced throughput, thus creating the HUGE backorder.

[DinDinA-2]

Originally Posted by Ambush Master

I carry a Kel-Tec P3AT (.380) or P32 (.32) almost all of the time, even when carrying a larger frame weapon. They are so light and small, that I can carry them in light shorts or in a shirt pocket. Yeah, I know....Rat Guns, but most encounters are so close that the "power factor" won't matter with proper shot placement. In an 8-10 foot engagement, that should not be a problem!!

They are also "Hard Chromed" so the sweat factor is not a problem.

Any questions, feel free to PM.

Later
Martin

Have you shot the Kel-Tech PF-9?? I am looking for an inexpensive slim-line.

[nmap]

I went with the swissarmy pack - it seems ideal, with small size, good capacity, and multiple pockets. The front pocket has a pen, some paper, and other harmless items.

The back pocket has a can of Fox Labs mean green OC spray, will now have a Glock 17 9mm (I'll upgrade in due course), and a knife. In addition, I've picked up a Kel Tec 380 based on the good words from wise people here. However, I have not yet tested the 380...

I did a brief test of the Glock today and used the ammo that had been in the magazines since....well...10 years ago? , along with a box (50 rnds) of my expected carry ammo. Not much, I realize, but at least somewhat better than nothing. I'll practice more as the days go by.

One magazine produced repeated malfunctions. It has been marked and a replacement ordered, although the rangemaster was able to stretch the spring and get it working again. The second magazine worked perfectly.

As always, comments, criticisms, and ideas are always welcome. And thanks again for the guidance. It is greatly appreciated.

[perdurabo]

Originally Posted by nmap

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.

Comfortable IWB and appropriate-length shirt.

Practice drawing a lot (reach across your body with non-drawing hand, pull up shirt fabric near holster, draw weapon with drawing hand, release non-drawing hand from fabric and assume proper shooting positions). It's pretty easy and muscle memory comes quickly.