Posted: 10/25/2008 11:08:56 PM EDT
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Hey all.... just got my lic and I need some thoughts, opinions and help from the group. I'm 5'9" 160.bs, athletic build... live in sunny Florida and my carry options are Glock 17, Glock 29 (Sub Compact 10mm) and Sig Sauer 229. Question #1 - What to carry ? I'm comfortable and very profficient shooting them all... I like the size of the Sig 229 and the Glock 29 is even smaller. I like the stopping power of the Glock 29 being 10mm, but it only holds 11 rounds... The stopping power of the 40 cal Sig is good as well and it holds 13 rounds. I really like the capacity of the Glock 17, at 18 rounds... but its the largest frame... and the smallest round. What would you go with out of these 3 choices ? Question #2 - How to carry ? I have no idea what would be the most comfortable or best placement for concealablility and for ease to get to and pull out. In the waistband ... outside the waistband ? Small of the back ? I have no clue. Living in FL... the heat is also a consideration. Please tell me what you do and why... and why I would want to carry in that spot vs any other. I realize that each person is going to be different... but not having any experience at all in this... I'd like to hear some opinions and get some guidance before purchasing holsters. Question #3 - What kind, make of holster do you use and why do you recommend it ? Thanks all... I appreciate the info very much !! Camm |
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#1. You're new with this. Once you calm down and get used to CCW, you'll get over the requirement of 42 rounds of .45 WinMags for a CCW and find that a potent cartridge that you handle well is the most suitable platform regardless of capacity, especially when it comes to carry and concealment in your climate. I have carried everything from 5 rounds to 15+1 (.45), and find a weapon I shoot and carry best with holding but 7+1 to be a far better choice than a bulky, clunky platform that carries more than 10. Also, 10mm in a compact may be the ticket fot you and some others, but it makes no sense to me at all. It's way too expensive for most to shoot extensively (a must for CCW) and its ballistic performance is squandered on bipeds, to say nothing of control over less powerful calibers (particularly in a small package) and overpenetration liability. Go with a well concealed and controlled .40 # 2. OWB is far and away the most comfortable (for most) and also the least concealable. If you are wearing a buttoned suit/jacket, you can get away with it, but an open shirt will give you away every time a breeze comes in. The advantage other than comfort in a OWB is persperation doesn't seep into the leather like a IWB. IWBs are the most concealable and least comfortable (compared to good quality rigs that fit properly, otherwise ignore), but good leather is plenty comfortable, especially if you dress properly with room in the pants for the extra 2" of metal. If you have but one holster, I suggest IWB for your climate, then supplement a OWB for colder weather. Buy quality once or buy at least twice. #3. I am currently using a Milt Sparks VMII that I had to wait half a year for. It's worth it, however. You need a STABLE rig that allows you to draw and return one-handed, one that you don't have to place your hand over when running for fear the bugger will fall out. Good leather will cost you over $100 usually, but $40-60 saved on a cheap piece of leather will cost you aggrevation and a repurchase in the future. |
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You've got to factor in comfort and concealability during movement. I've concealed fullsized guns quite a bit, but they aren't as comfortable or as easy to conceal as a smaller gun. That would knock the G17 out in my book. The G29 and 229 are much easier to carry and conceal. It's easy to hide a gun when you're standing up straight and not moving; but try reaching up to the top shelf at the grocery store or bending down to pick something up. The rear of the grip prints pretty easily. My opinions: 1) Get a midsized gun you're accurate with and can shoot quickly. (Don't worry about capacity, that's what spare mags are for). Sig 229, G19/23, HK USPc, etc. All are big enough to shoot well and small enough to conceal relatively easily. 2) Get a good IWB holster (Comptac, Milt Sparks, etc.) Don't buy a cheap POS. A good holster and belt are critical for comfortable concealed carry. I don't like small of back carry, not only can you damage your spine if you fall on it, but you also have to rotate your shoulder way too much to reach your handgun. I prefer strong side anywhere from 2-4 o'clock. 3) You've got to alter your clothing. To truly conceal a handgun I have to wear an over-shirt. Nothing fancy. Try a breathable undershirt and a lightweight button-up shirt (untucked) over that. |
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+1 to the above. I am 5'10" 220#. I started carrying a HK USPf45 with no problem. Carried it in a Uncle Mikes POS holster for almost a year and was never uncomfortable with it at 3 o'clock. Still carry this way some times. Next was my G26 in a Glaco Summer Comfort. Same position with same results Just bought a Kimber SIS custom/RL Last week and still looking for a holster.  I can CC my friends HK Mark 23 without a problem. Find a good store with lots of holsters and go try stuff out/on, find what works for you and is comfortable then buy accordingly   |
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Quoted: +1You've got to factor in comfort and concealability during movement. I've concealed fullsized guns quite a bit, but they aren't as comfortable or as easy to conceal as a smaller gun. That would knock the G17 out in my book. The G29 and 229 are much easier to carry and conceal. It's easy to hide a gun when you're standing up straight and not moving; but try reaching up to the top shelf at the grocery store or bending down to pick something up. The rear of the grip prints pretty easily. My opinions: 1) Get a midsized gun you're accurate with and can shoot quickly. (Don't worry about capacity, that's what spare mags are for). Sig 229, G19/23, HK USPc, etc. All are big enough to shoot well and small enough to conceal relatively easily. 2) Get a good IWB holster (Comptac, Milt Sparks, etc.) Don't buy a cheap POS. A good holster and belt are critical for comfortable concealed carry. I don't like small of back carry, not only can you damage your spine if you fall on it, but you also have to rotate your shoulder way too much to reach your handgun. I prefer strong side anywhere from 2-4 o'clock. 3) You've got to alter your clothing. To truly conceal a handgun I have to wear an over-shirt. Nothing fancy. Try a breathable undershirt and a lightweight button-up shirt (untucked) over that. |