The Often Overlooked Social Aspects Of An Armed Lifestyle
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If I'm ever in that kind of situation, God forbid, then screw the shirt it's getting ripped or buttons torn off etc. The limited practice I have with this situation in drills I would slide my hand along my body, moving the fingers under the fabric. Was enough to teach me to never wear a long shirt while packing. Hell if I'm in that situation I'll switch to a small pistol that I can drop in the pocket or something vs having to mess with all this. Good video though. I think more people need to apply some logical thought towards basic stuff like this.
After wearing out 6 of the next belts, I'm not terribly opposed to them due to local availability and price through my local gun shop. However, after switching to the Kore line of belts, it's a much more sturdy bet for "gun stuff". I purchased 1 of the slide bets from your previous video and took it through a 2 day pistol diagnostics class, and it's definitely NOT the proper belt for if I need to draw and scurry around. While the slide belt with an enigma worked well for me standing in my friends wedding, I did encounter the unintentional release you talked about while bending over to pick up something. Definitely recommend trying one of the next belts, but don't expect something that is completely different than the other belts you have tried.
For IWB carry in general, and especially AIWB, it's possible for a belt to be _too_ rigid, resulting in worse concealment. Even for behind the hip IWB carry, a belt that's pliable laterally is preferred, as long as there's enough vertical structure to keep it from folding (so canvas belts are usually out)
I swear I was just practicing my 1 handed draw stroke yesterday. However, I didn't do either of those methods. Neither are natural for me. I use my thumb to bring the shirt up. I actually find it faster than using 2 hands to defeat the garment and draw the pistol. Significantly faster
My issue is that that method isn't necessarily as robust or repeatable under pressure or resistance, and does nothing to hold the garment in place. I'm personally willing to sacrifice a little bit of speed for a technique that has a lower chance of failure.
Perhaps a couple of years late, but I have one! What about Sherlock Holmes? Admittedly he's more skilled as a detective than as a shooter, but he does have a revolver that he uses several times, from my understanding a Webley No. 5 'Express' model from the 1880s. It seems it was carried in his coat pocket, though not consistently. As for fashion, where do I begin? If it weren't for my obsession with reading his stories in my teen years I'm sure I wouldn't have known what an “Inverness Cape” was. He wore primarily long frock jackets in tweed and corduroy, and often matched it with patterned or brocaded waistcoats with a complementary cravat and a chained pocketwatch, one of my favorite classic menswear accessories! Stand-up or detachable collared shirts; a deerstalker, fedora, or top hat (depending on occasion); and high-waisted wool trousers complete his elegant and practical vintage look.
Funny you talked about ammo but didn’t mention how fmj vs other impacts this. The geometry of a 32 jhp round is different and can cause this and incidentally more us rounds aren’t fmj. I’d be curious to know what bullet type jammed up
I liked Anson when i bought some a few years ago, but the buckles wore a hole in a couple of pairs of suit pants. Maybe the design has been updated if you haven't seen that issue.
@@TheSuitedShootist Something on the bottom of the buckle rubbed the pants right at the top of the fly until the fabric wore through. After I lost two pairs of suit pants to them I switched to the Magpul Tejas with a more traditional buckle. I really liked the Ansons though and would look at them again if I knew my clothes would be safe.
I've been running The Enigma almost exclusively since its release. This matters even if you're not hanging your holster on your belt. Having a micro-adjustable belt is critical for IWB carry, regardless of what holster is being used, because the hole spacing on traditional belts usually ends up with them being too loose or too tight. Also, I see way too many gun carriers wearing a belt that's inappropriate for their context, that a) makes it look like they don't know how to dress themselves, and b) subsequently draws attention to the waistline. So even with the Enigma, it absolutely can matter what belt you're wearing.
Some of my guns feel and conceal better in a belt holster. I have an Enigma and I find the faceplate tends to print, especially if I'm trying to deep carry.
I wore a Kore dress belt for 2 years and have been using their gun-belt for almost another 2 years. I agree the leather leaves a bit to be desired, I find it to be paper thin and very susceptible to being scratched or gouged. However, I've had zero problems with the buckle lever damaging my pants. I'm not quite sure why that might be, since you and I appear to have similar builds. Is it possible your Kore buckle lever had a sharp corner? Really the only complaint I have on Kore buckles is that the finish seems to wear off faster than I'm used to. The defects are not deal breakers for me though, since I always leave my shirt untucked for better concealment.
How can people withstand stuff in the front pockets like this? Anything larger than a credit card in my front pockets is mind numbingly uncomfortable. I sometimes have to place my phone in my front pocket for safe keeping for just a second and I can’t stand it. It’s a rush to remove it asap!!!
I wear Duluth Trading stretch carpenter jeans that have extra large front pockets, plus numerous pockets on the side of both legs. I carry my Ruger Max 9 in the right front pocket along with an extra magazine in the level pocket on the right leg. Both items being in close proximity break up the outline. If I think I might be under scrutiny, I pocket carry a Kel-Tec P 32 and two extra mags loaded with alternating Fiocci 73 grain and Underwood Extreme Defender, both of which have good penetration and alternating negates chance of rim lock. Wearing darker and looser clothes helps with printing. The reality is that everybody but police is oblivious most of the time.
Being a big guy pocket carry is really the only option I have, for comfort and concealment. I used to carry 2 extra magazines in a double magazine pouch. You could tell a mile away what they were, so I chose to give up the extra magazine for a single, flap over magazine pouch. Even on close inspection it looks like just another folding knife pouch, which men have been carrying for decades.
When I started doing IDPA matches this year I initially joined the fishing vest crowd. Shortly after that I realized that I should simple wear what I wear every day. I wear untucked t-shirts or polo shirts every day. Now I compete in IDPA using my every day attire. The bottom line is concealment does not need to be any different from what you wear every day.
Great points. Most people don’t have a 1 or even 2 second draw to first shot. I think most are in the 3-5 second range. And some take even longer due to an empty chamber which requires a slide rack.
@ron8566 0 seconds ago I discovered local IDPA matches back in January 2024. I have enjoyed each weekly event because it requires drawing, moving, shooting and use of cover. These are things that I that I cannot practice at the other ranges I use.
I wear cargo pants/shorts all the time. People that I know would find it strange if I didn’t. I found a brand (Duluth Trading) that make INSANELY comfortable cargo pants. The plus is that I can pocket carry an outsized pistol (M&P Shield Plus) without issue.
If I'm in a situation that's casual enough for me to get away with my shirt untucked, I'm generally able to accommodate my 365X on the Enigma. For me, pocket carry is when I'm in a situation that demands I carry the smallest gun possible.
Being slim, anything thicker than a phone or key fob in my front pockets is too thick. I've tried pocket holsters for my P365 and my 642 and it looks like I have a brick on my thigh as well as the butt of the gun being visible in the pocket opening. Maybe a P32 might work but belt carry works fine for me.
I have a hard time making a j-frame work on trousers, even with the Mika holster. 365 is just too blocky for a pocket (imo), and I really prefer DA triggers on pocket guns for a wider margin of error
In past history, there have been small guns made to look like something else--cane handle, lighter, whatever. Concealment via mimicry. It may sound gimmicky, but I'd love a gun that looks just like my Lufkin 25' tape measure I clip to my belt. That would be concealment via throwing off viewers from its true identity. I suppose that becomes open carry, however.
Something relatively firm but flexible stuck between the weapon and outside of the pocket will fix pocket printing. A folded up brochure or bit of plastic sheet works well.
@@TheSuitedShootist Interesting. I had not heard of that. I always just shoved a folded up road map (remember those? Dating myself) or something like that.
I’ve pocket carried either a J Frame or LCP since my ‘97 retirement and no one has ever asked me about what it was. I assume (yeah, I know) nobody has noticed it. Pocket carry works w/a J Frame in jeans but not so much in dress slacks. I’m limited to the LCP in dress slacks.
Ah, therein lies the rub. - Just because someone notices doesn't mean they'll say anything - Just because someone doesn't say anything to you doesn't mean they're not saying anything at all - Just because someone notices doesn't mean they care. But the only thing we can control is how much visual information they have access to.
“Socially acceptable?!?!” As long as it complies with the jurisdiction’s statutes - and, I’d agree, no one wants the hassle of proving to law enforcement that in fact he is lawfully concealing a firearm - the busybody who asks, in the supermarket aisle, “what’s that on your abdomen?” should be told - uncivilly - to mind his own business.
Nice video. Alabama holster has the best pocket carry holster. Recommend Sig Sauer P238 or Ruger LCP 380. Wear loose fitting shirts, shorts, or pants. Recommend wearing a necklace or chain. People will focus on your neckline and not your pockets. Pro tip: Put your cell phone in front in of pocket gun. The cell phone will PRINT and conceal the weapon. Works well with tight fitting pants.
I dual front pocket carry in a non permissive work environment and have for many years. I use wallet style pocket holsters which have a flap that makes the gun print like a wallet or phone etc. Your pocket gun does print like a gun and would not be acceptable in my environment. I have found that revolvers sometimes print less in a pocket due to their curved shape, but, their larger size compared to a LCP or similar means they can peek out of the pocket opening on some pants. This is an issue if you tuck your shirt. Good video. Happy Independence Day!
Everyone's threshold is different. Based on my past experience, I wouldn't opt for pocket carry on the office, depending on the nature of my employment agreement.
I have to dress formally for work and depending on my slacks I will either pocket carry or wallet carry. Not all pockets are alike and occasionally the front pocket is cut to short or my holster will not conform to the cut of the pocket. To each their own but I like options.
Agree with the message here. And front pocket carry is so useful in certain situations. Weird pocket carry cheat code for NPE: Vertx Jeans in the darker colors fit well and look fairly professional, but the “magazine pouch” secret pocket fits a P-32 in a pocket holster perfectly. The tactical advantage of pocket carry (hand in pocket) is basically gone at that point, but it’s a true zero printing way to pocket carry.
I find myself pocket carrying more often these days for comfort and ease, although I am concerned that my draw from pocket is notably slower than appendix IWB (at least for me). For now, I pocket carry in what I consider to be low threat zones, but will use AIWB with a larger pistol when venturing into the city.
2 considerations: Sooner can beat faster. Also, it's a lot more socially acceptable to have you hand (on your gun) in your pocket than it is in AIWB. Also check out some of the recent content Craig Douglas has been putting out on Shivworks social media about patterning.
Understanding that not everyone at the workplace is your friend, and keeping certain important information that only you and your wife and at most your children should know... my biggest take away is DO NOT tell anyone. Don't print, and make sure every precaution is covered. Yes this is an eye opener, but just as you can lose your job; you can lose your life.
Nah. If you can afford a Omega Seamaster you can afford to buy a couple of different watches to fit various situations. If you can't afford a Seamaster, then go with something like a Tissot Visodate which will work in both formal and more informal situations, then get a Casio analog G-Shock for when you are out in the field or at a casual outdoor gathering or at the range shooting. If you can afford to buy guns, you can afford to buy at least two watches. I agree that an actual man needs to generally wear a mechanical watch except as noted above. I wouldn't be caught dead with an Apple watch, which I regard as the accouterment of the beta male.
Can i trouble you for the brand of "undershirt" you are wearing in this vid. I am embassred to admit but I always have a problem with white dress shirts and my ni*ples showing when Im trying to look professional. Thank you in advance.
I got fired from Walmart today for concealed carrying registered weapon no cpl in my car wasn't pulled over at Walmart they pulled me over in town an two days later they came to my work waited for me to get out an said I had a warrant for my arrest spent the night in jail an I was pulled over with this weapon before multiple times an they let me go an now all of a sudden it's a problem didn't give them no problems told them they could search my car an I had a weapon in the back seat.
Almost no one knows that I carry. When I do bring up the topic of firearms, I usually lead with competition shooting which seems to be more socially acceptable. And even then, firearms are so divisive, that it's usually not worth it, socially.
