Posted: 10/28/2005 10:42:11 AM EDT
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There are times when you can not allow anyone to know your packin’. How do you carry discretely? This should make any discussion of huge pistols and baggy clothes irrelevant but let’s assume you work in a nice office and no one wears a jacket while on the floor. Or, maybe you want to have lunch at a country club or restaurant that has a strict dress code. How about, it’s summer in Phoenix and everyone in town would make you if you were wearing your IDPA vest. I’ve been a big fan of belly bands for a couple years now and just bought a new Uncle Mike’s “Law Enforcement” replacement. I haven’t gotten used to it yet and still use the old one most of the time. I’ve tried it every way imaginable but still prefer strong side, canted forward, just behind my hip. My friends all know I carry but none of them can tell me for sure where it is. My preferred carry piece is a Kahr MK9 that has never failed to go pop when the trigger was pulled (~2,000 rounds now). |
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I have to agree on the ankle rig. When i dress up its the only way i can carry comfortably that isnt obvious. I carry my snubby 38 in an ankle rig. the rig i have is galco, i like it, but im trying to find a high quality from a good maker like sparks. ankle rig is obviously for pants. i live in FL and you live in AZ so shorts happen far more than pants! i carry my snubby in a pocket holster from milt sparks OR i carry my Glock 36 or my 38 at 4 or maybe even 5 oclock in a VM2 with a untucked shirt, polo or T. i can get away with the pocket holster on cargo pants and cargo shorts, nice cut shorts require a good gun belt and a good holster and an untucked shirt. Well, i havnt slept in about 40 hours so i hope that all made sense. But those are my discrete carry methods. Oh, and the only person that ever KNOWS im carrying is my girlfriend - when she stands next to me and puts her arm around me her hand lands right on top of the holstered gun! hahaha, but no one else can ever tell, even when i tell them i am and ask them to point it out. |
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I not pickin on you so please don't take offense but - doesn't the very nature of concealed mean the same level of discretion that you are looking for? Maybe it is just me.... On a daily basis I carry places that - while not against the law - no one wants you to....... Ankle rigs are great, about the only time that they can be challanging is during a long meeting wherein you have to sit in a chair with nothing in front of your legs or where you are seated at a table with nothing in front of your legs - you learn to make sure that your slacks or trousers are long enough, have enough break at the hem, your socks are dark, and when you cross your legs you keep you free leg on top of ankle rig and leg below - nobody knows. Pocket carry is also great with the right weapon - a J frame is great. Again the cut of your slacks or trousers makes a difference - no flat fronts, you need triple pleets, dark colors again help hide the outline. Full size - shoulder rigs can be good but the problem is often the color of the harness is not close to a shirt color. Narrow harness straps are a bonus. Tie downs are handy such that when you lean - the weapon doesn't sway away from you body. In the winter I often wear a sweater and IWB. Another concealment garment would be a fleece vest , casual jacket, instead of photog vest - which in addition to screaming 'gun' looks GAY. Much of staying concealed also has to do with 'crowd control' - huggers - when people approach you to hug you - learn to force them to go above the belt line if you strong side hip or pin their arms to their body and force them to go low if you are using a shoulder holster. Also - a little extra clearance around corners / tables / desks / whatever is good - no reason to go 'clunk' at the waist as you pass a desk. Lastly, learn to bend down at the knees instead of the waist and be thoughtful when reaching above your head for an item in case your cover garment rises up. Good Luck Edited to add - IMNHO there is only one ankle holster to have - Lou Allessi - I have had others - just trust me. As for SH - I am still looking for a good one I have had a Rosen and a Galco - I have to believe that somewhere out there there is a good SH. For IWB - again IMNSHO - there is only one Milt Sparks VM2 and a good belt. |
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I carried while working at Honeywell in Tempe, in biz casual almost daily. I had the nice Galco ankle rig with a G27. Only two people knew I was packing - both good friends but they couldn't tell where it was. I also packed it in the pocket a few times. Sometimes I would carry my "Any-timer" which is a Daytimer with a holster instead. Worked out well for me and looked right with a Polo and slacks. |
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I believe GALCO just came out with a thigh option advertised for men in shorts as well as women. For a J-frame and shoulder carry, I prefer the Ken Null SKR. I Can wear this under a polo shirt or button shirt, tucked in. Pull the shirt out of the pants and reach up to access the firearm. It's the best shoulder holster I've tried yet and it's VERY discreet... no straps showing through clothing for me. www.klnullholsters.com |
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SmartCarry My primary mode of carry for the last year. Any weather--any form of fashion. Also... their customer service is top shelf! |