Posted: 9/11/2008 6:26:34 AM EDT
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Since I am in Florida, I wanted to take advantage of the CCW laws here and take the course which I have set up for next week. I mainly shoot hi-power rifles, ARs and some milsurps but have very limited knowledge when it comes to handguns and even less when it comes to CCW. A few people including my father in-law, who is a LEO, have told me to get the full sized .45 Glock 21. While I have already decided on a .45 and a Glock, my concern is the that for my 6 foot, 180lbs frame - this would be too big to carry properly concealed. I plan to have a friend let me try his on over the weekend and see what it looks like, but I am generally wearing either a suit during the week and jeans/sweatpants + tshirt on the weekends and evenings which is when I will be carrying. Does anyone have any experience successfully carrying a fullsized G21 or any handgun with similiar dimensions? I understand that there will be a small amount of print while casually moving during any given day, how much print is illegal? Would it be strongly suggested to go with a G30 instead? Secondly, what kind of holster setup would be recommended? Edit - As far as the safety features on a Glock, is it safe/recommended to carry them with a round in the chamber? Thanks |
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several aspects 1st off: my suggestion would BE to opt for the G30 in a strong side, IWB holster--the CompTac MTAC, Milt Sparks VM II, and Threat Solutions UCR are all great holsters and my recommendations the G21 can be CCWable, but the longer butt end makes it more difficult to keep concealed fully imo (i have tried it) w/ most shirts, etc; will work fine imo under a jacket, etc a lot of folks have had success w/ CCWing a full size 1911, and some even the G21; h/w, the G30 IS easier to keep concealed...and, you can use the G21 mags as spares that said, have YOU even shot or tried the glock platform? while i too would recommend a glock, bear in mind that what "fits" me or your FIL might not fit YOU--YOU are the one who is carrying, therefore, it might be best if you decide which platform/gun suites you and your needs printing varies from state to state, i dont know the specifics on FL law; rule of thumb: NO print is best, both for legal and practical reasons as to your concern w/ glocks...it sounds like you dont have too much expierence w/ em, which is cool that said, "YES", the glock IS safe and i would recommend it TO BE carried w/ a round in the chamber, ready to go...the ONLY way that firearm is going to go off is if the TRIGGER is depressed; it is drop safe, etc.; what it is not is 'stupid-user- safe' (not talking about you...but to those folks who always blame the glock for discharging "on its own")  glocks and thier completely passive (no manual safety) safeties can be seen as two ways for those new to shooting handguns: one way to look at it, its easier to use the firearm since no manual safeties have to be manipulated before shooting---just point and shoot, like a wheelgun or, its a potential hazard b/c there IS NO manual safety...some folks, esp new shooters, JUST cant get it though thier thick skulls TO KEEP THIER FINGER OUT OF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT (and the other 3 rules) if anything imo, the glock is a great beginer's auto simply b/c the 4 rules MUST be obeyed at all times lest a ND happens; basically, its a sure-fired way to show and remind folks that the firearm and its "safeties" do not matter UNLESS the user IS safe/responsible/conscious of whats going on nothing suppliments good training and proper practice; if you obey your 4 rules of gun handling, use a proper hoslter that secures and covers the trigger guard, and you have nothing to worry about  |
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+1 to everything ALPHAGHOST said. I carry a G30 in a Comp-tac CTAC:  Whether you can easily conceal a G21 will largely depend on your body shape. I have broad shoulders and narrow waist, so shirts tend to drap over my waist line allowing me to conceal a G21 or 1911 fairly easily under an untucked polo shirt. People with more of a pare shape will obviously have a lot more trouble concealing IWB. I also use a CTAC when carrying my G21. It does print a lot easier when bending forward because of the larger grip. |
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Thanks for the replies. I do have a bit of experience shooting Glocks (Father in law has 2, wife has the G26 which is way too small for me) but until recently I have never looked at them in regards to CCW and simply as shooting them at the range whenever I wanted to change it up from rifles. I like how the Glock 21 feels/sits in my hands and I am comfortable using it. I was mainly asking as to the safety issue to see if there were any underlying reasons as to why one shouldn't leave a round in the chamber with them - better to ask and confirm your initial assumption, than to find out the hard way. I think I am simply going to have to try out a few holsters, and borrow the model Glocks I am wanting to carry and try them out with my normal attire. I am leaning towards the G30 out of a more common sense approach, but wanting the G21. |
| I'm not questioning anyone else's knowledge and this is just my 2 cents but I don't see the need for an IWB holster. 3 reasons: #1 - a shirt will cover that gun just fine. You're big, it's short. #2 - The Glock is wide and the holster just makes it wider so you'll need pants a couple of inches bigger in the waist than you normally wear and you'll still need an un-tucked shirt or a coat to cover the rest of the gun. #3 - You don't need to think in terms of "deep cover" or anything. The fact is that only someone who is observant of such things is ever likely to notice you might be carrying a gun and those people are very few and far between. Even if it were really obvious, if they aren't looking for it, they won't see it. People are pretty naive. A decent stong side pancake-type holster is fine. The BELT is the important part! Get a good belt. Without it the rest is useless. And don't wear a safari vest - nothing screams CCW like a safari vest. |
That's a good idea, but be careful--many local gunshops only carry cheap holsters that may not be as concealable or comfortable as quality holsters. A good gun belt can also make a huge difference. |
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+1 to alphaghost. Good advise as usual. In respose to AR45fan's comments above I have to disagree. IWB holsters generally leave only the grip of the gun exposed. So, from the belt down, there is nothing showing, only the gun pressed against the body underneath the shirt. OWB holsters put the entire gun outsite the pants, leaving all of the holster and gun exposed except for a shirt draping over them. Bending over, reaching up, etc. will expose the holster unless you are wearing a night gown. The Wehrmacht_Sniper I'm about your size and I would find it very difficult and or uncomfortable to carry the G21. Especially in the summer heat. For this reason I would look at the G30. If you want a G21, you can always pick one up later. If your primary reason for this purchase is CCW, I would consider the 30 over the 21 for sure. My holster of preference for the G30 is the Comp-Tac MTAC. As far as how much print is allowed, the less the better. Concealed is concealed. Don't let anyone see it and there won't be any problems. Here is my G30 in the MTAC right after the holster was delivered. That's why the belt clips are all catty-wampus. 
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