Posted: 10/29/2007 1:26:23 PM EDT
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First of all, I don't mean to offend anyone by the use of the term "Mexican Carry". If there is a more politically correct term for this method of carry please enlighten me. Having said that; I watched two guys at a client's warehouse almost come to blows over the meaning of the term. One guy said that it meant carrying a gun without a holster, in the waistband of your pants. The other guy said that it just meant carrying a gun without a holster. It's a pretty stupid thing to almost fight over, but I am curious. Do you do it? (carry without a holster) |
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another vote for carrying in the waistband without a holster. that's all i've know it as. that said, i wouldn't do it. i don't like shooting myself.......as strange as that may sound... most of my holsters are also clips ons though, so i can throw one on quick if i have to. |
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OK, here's a story for you and how I think "Mexican carry" got to be called that: When I was a US Coast Guardsman, we went down to Mexico to do drug interdiction work, we were given a briefing about the local laws and courtesies. We were told (and I have no idea if this is totally true) that if we saw guys with a .45 1911 tucked in their pants with no holster (VERY specifically NO HOLSTER) that they were Mexican federales, the 1911 was essentially their badge. I never saw any of these types, but apparently it is how Mexican federales carry? I do NOT think the term "Mexican carry" is racist, since that's who invented it. BTW, when this all took place I was not as involved in gun culture as I am now and had never heard the term "mexican carry", but recently when I heard it I suspected this was the source. |
I believe that happened but when did these guys go there? I ask because I have a book referring to "Mexican Carry" with a 1988 copyright… And if anyone doesn't think it is widespread use here in the US ask about for this info… 'What holster to robbers, street thugs, etc. use?' Oh I have shot people in the back but that was in Sunny Southeast Asia... |
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Somebody posted here about a CCW Instructor who carried Mexican, while in line renting a movie, it fell out of his pants hit the floor and he announced he was a Firearms Instructor and then put it back and continued onto rent the movie (that made me decide that it was never an option, I mean, I already knew, and honestly a firearm isn't something you want bouncing around.) Maybe that member will post here and clarify, I think I described it pretty accurately. They gave him hell for carrying mexican before that if I recall, it's just dumb, and in the waist-band. Can be done and concealed. |
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I consider mexican carry in the waist band no holster. funny story about this. I went to a certain place one night to but some stamps. This place is open all night long but is not attended by any employees except during business hours. I think you get the picture of what the place was. Anyways I was just making a quick trip so I stuck my 1911 into the waistband of my shorts on my backside. I was standing at the machine buying stamps and an older lady was standing next to me waiting to use the machine as well. My 1911 then fell into my shorts and slid out one of the legs and onto the floor. Needless to say that older lady went somewhere else to buy her items. I just picked it up and went along with my business. I figured that im hispanic I could use the mexican carry. |
+1 That story makes the most sense. |
I concur and "no gracias, duderino"! I need to have any carry weapon secured in a holster of some sort... |
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Another funny story I was working a shooting were a gangster was walking down the street and some rival gang members rolled up on him and began to shoot at him. He drew his gun and returned some fire and took off running. While he was running he shoved his gun back into his waistband (he was using mexican carry method) with his finger still on the trigger and he shot himself right between his thigh and his private parts. |
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Incidentally, I have met an ARF team member who carries "mexican carry" as his normal carry method, at least when I knew him. He used one of those strap belts that can be tightened as much as you want and IIRC he said he kept it pretty tight. I guess it worked OK for him. I'll stick with my CTAC, though. I already have enough trouble with the weight of the gun putting extra tension on the belt without trying to tighten the belt enough to hold the gun in place through friction. |
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I will sometimes carry this way if I am in a hurry and not wearing a gun properly...which is an odd occurrence. Like the Vaqueros of old though, there may still be a compelling reason for us to practice carrying this way..... Most "badguys" carry this way. Most street cops will tell you they can count on one hand the number of badguys they have busted who had holsters with their guns. There is something worthwhile in being able to degun quickly and not leave any trace that you were carrying a weapon. |
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I have carried people of Mexican Heritage a time or two, but prefer not to. As I get older I find that the knees and back hurt from packing a Mexican around all day. have BTW, I interpret Mexican Carry to mean, in the waistband, sans a holster. Biker |