Here's a link to my previous video that covers CCW methods for more concealable handguns: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6v3oYIo0jNs.html
I've been carrying "duty" sized handguns for at least 12 years. Never been spotted, to my knowledge. Typical off duty dress for me is an untucked button up and jeans with an IWB holster. It really is a "clothing lifestyle". Pants and shirt are one size bigger than necessary. Bottom line is a good belt and holster. That oversized, untucked shirt can hide a lot on your waist.
I've never cared for IWB. Since I retired, I sometimes still duty carry strong side but mostly carry with cross draw. I carry a canted H&K VP9 and it works very well. It's a much easier draw while standing or driving in my truck. But like you said, what works for some may not work for all. Thanks for the video.
@@hrfunk Mousing in his neighborhood is hunting dangerous game! Geoff Who notes in his neighborhood, if the birds don't get the mice, the snakes will, the local cats graze on lizards.
Minus a scope, me daily carry actually is an 8 inch (well, 7.5 really) 1875 Remington clone in .45 colt, chewing 255 gr chunks of meteorite in full house loads of 40 gr. Holy Black. A stout boom to be certain, but one I trust should handle most needs of mine out in the country. ^.-.^
Another point that I have from personal experience is: light sport coat. A light sport coat will allow you to carry OWB or even shoulder holster in warmer climates or in spring/summer. There are sportcoats or suits you can buy (and certain sportcoats can be worn casually w/o tie or even dress pants) that are not so thick and suited for warmer environments. To many modern people, this sounds ridiculous, but stop and think: our grandfathers or even fathers ( the former often before they even had a/c) wore suits to work and church every single solitary day all year whether they lived in the North, South, East or West. Your body will acclimate to it and it won’t be uncomfortable in the least. And it looks very adult and professional which presents yourself well. I have been carrying service size revolvers and semi autos for 16 years like this...and I live in hot and humid Texas and Louisiana
In Florida a jacket means you are either carrying, a politician or a funeral director. Geoff Who notes winter has been declared so women can change styles.
I noted in another comment below that a nice thing about choosing a cover garment is that you can usually find one that matches the style of clothing you prefer.
Good miring, HR, and thank you for this excellent video. I most often carry full size sidearms (four inch barrel, at a minimum) and I have been doing so for MNAY years. Therefore, I’d like to offer two comments to your viewers: 1. The BELT is a critical element of the “carry system,” especially for all steel, full sized sidearms. It frequently may support (for example) a five-inch 1911-A1, three fully loaded eight round .45 ACP magazines (one in the firearm), the holster and a double mag pouch, . That’s a good deal of weight and, therefore, the belt become critical for comfort, concealment and assured, fast presentation. One DEFINITELY requires a top quality, very strong and stiff belt (imho). My usual choice is an Akers, with a solid Kevlar inset between the two substantial leather sides; this is a little bit lighter, more comfortable, and less expensive than the extra thick, frequently custom-made, leather-only belts, but it is every bit as effective, solid and strong. 2. You didn’t mention large revolver concealed carry. During the colder months, I often carry a five-inch barrel, S&W N Frame, Model 27 or 627, chambered in .357 magnum. It certainly is a “full size” sidearm, but it is also superbly accurate, durable, and reliable . . . and I’m entirely comfortable with six rounds for almost all my defensive scenarios. Additionally, I favor somewhat heavy (158 grain, usually) .357 magnum loads for penetration, when felons may be wearing several layers of heavy clothing. I strongly recommend the Bianchi model 111 Cyclone series leather holsters. They’re very well made and they carry the weapon quite a bit higher than normal (due to the placement of the belt loop). This allows me to cross-draw carry a big revolver semi-tucked under my left arm, where it’s essentially invisible and very easy to draw rapidly. Okay, fwiw those are my observations.
Thanks Roy! Just FYI, that's a 111 Cyclone that I was using in my opening when I drew my Model 29. I like the fact that it can be worn as either a strong side or cross-draw holster.
Very well said! I wear a suit to work w/an issued/duty sized firearm & holster. No way getting around those requirements, but with the right belt & a skilled tailor it's very doable.
I'm 46 years old, and daily carry a 5" 1911 in either .45ACP or 10mm (depending on what season it is, higher penetration in winter) along with two additional magazines. I use a belly band holster, low at my 2 o'clock position just ahead of my right hip and it works beautifully. Overall comfortable all day, easily accessible, and can be covered by something as simple as a loose T-shirt. I'd do an outside the waistband but I feel wearing a vest screams 'I have a gun!" I also agree with the "why do you carry a large handgun" part of your video where it's about what you shoot best. I've tried smaller guns, including small 1911's, M&P Shields, XD-S, etc. I, being a bigger guy, don't get a comfortable grip on a gun I can only wrap two fingers around (such as the XD-S) and thus the recoil makes the gun move around quite a bit. Add to it I've been shooting 1911's since my grandfather taught me when I was 8, it's just the gun I know I can always hit the target with.
I am very confident carrying my K-frame 357mag with 4” barrel. I wear OWB at 5:00, and wear an open “over-shirt” that covers it just fine. I really don’t care if someone sees it, but except when the wind blows it open, it works just fine.
I often carried a full size 1911 Colt 45 off duty. These models may qualify as “big,” but since they are single stack, they conformed more thoroughly to my contour when carried in a pancake holster at the 4 o’clock position. This worked especially well when on a motorcycle. Cold weather opens up just about every other carry option. BTW, I never understood the horizontal shoulder rig. Seems like only someone with rather substantial “girth” could conceal a full size gun in that mode of dress.
Excellent video, thank you. 15 years retired LEO with the local sheriff's department after 30 years of service and still carrying a full size hand gun. Cross draw with a Hawaiian shirt is the preferred method of carry here in SoCal.
Who’s the guy in the 2016 video???? You’re looking great, Chief! I’m 6’2”, and can carry my N frame Smith and Wesson Model 627 in a high ride pancake holster, even in my Miata(!!). I have a dresser drawer full of all different types of holsters, and have found they’re not all creat equal. Thanks for Sharing, Chief! 👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@@hrfunk Slowly! :D I used to have an MG Midget, and that was a tight fit. My Miata is a 2010, and they have much more leg/headroom than the previous generations, but you do have to slide in. The biggest problem with large pistol waistband carry, is the seat bolsters. I have 3 Galco Miami Classic rigs, but would like to find a vertical pistol component.
@@frankbutta9344 Oddly, I seem to run across those rather frequently in the dusty boxes on the side of the tables at gun shows. Some of them are in pretty good shape too.
When I viewed the 2016 video, it was followed by the "How I lost 65 lbs." video. Geoff Whose Doctor would be happy if I lost 50 lbs, working on it, counting carbs but the Beer Virus keeps me out of the gym and a groin pull keeps me off the stationary bike. Curse you 2020!!!
Excellent Video as always. Been largely using a Shoulder Rig for quite some time, but this gave me some other alternate ideas for when I wear different clothes. GREAT Hawaiian shirt!!! Another concept you might explore is a Belly Band Holster.
Another great video HR. I would love to see a video on leather holsters that you have had good service from. I am currently in the market for a leather holster, so this would be very helpful. All the best and keep up the good work!
I carried a Beretta 92 for years back in my younger days daily. I always preferred shoulder rigs, as I spent a lot of time in vehicles, and the fact I was well over 6', and only wore a 29" waist jean(lean, not skinny for the rubes!) I just always found them more comfortable than hip carry because they spread the weight over the whole upper body, instead of all the weight on a single point on the belt. But that was also when Safariland came out with the paddle holsters. Which was a very comfortable option for hip carry, as it spread the weight points also. But I digress, my point of the comment was in reference to the "Hawaiian" shirts(mine were pastel, so not "gaudy", hence plain short sleeve button up summer shirts), which cover a shoulder rig perfectly for skinny(I mean lean)folks. Always just wore them open, like your vest, and never had a problem.
Some states require handgun registration and the process is usually quite onerous. Making multiple handguns for carry not a practical option. Thanks for another good vid HR.
I used to carry a full size 45 in my business. I purchased my pants 2 inches larger than my normal size. I owre a heavy wide thick leather belt and used a solid holster like a galco royal guardsman or milt sparks. The king tuck holsters were not out yet. I left my business in 2007.
Great video. Back in my Dark Ages I learned to carry my full-size hardware under silk Hawaiian shirts Shin-Bet style. Right-dominant shooter. No holster, just shoved the hardware up front and to the left side. Spare mags on the left ankle. Cable imbedded Zip-ties inside the pant back left pocket. A second larger one to go over the head and around the neck if needed was also carried under the ones used for the wrists. Knife in a left front divided pants pocket. A piece of treated cloth flap was tack-sewn on the inside of the shirt to separate the skin contact with the pistol preventing rust on the hardware. Most of the time women and kids carried the bad-guy's hardware. The Wild, Wild Middle-East!
Like a lot of people that carry I've ended up with a large box of holsters that just didn't work out for me. Knowing I'm not the only one with this issue I'm trying to start the holster exchange club were we can sell, swap, or just give away our unused holsters to folks that might be able to use them.
Great video! I'm an IWB guy. I've advised that the pants should be about two sizes larger in the waste to allow comfort when sitting as well to allow for the midsection spread. I prefer the 3 o'clock position with a Crossbreed style of IWB holster with a comfort pad to distribute the gun's weight.
I carry a Springfield Xdm 4.5 inch in 10mm in a strong side(right hand draw), IWB holster with a Nex belt. It’s not the most comfortable, but easily concealable with the right clothing. Even with jeans/T-shirt. Also, the majority of people I know personally, who prefer micro compact firearms, cannot not shoot them to a standard I would feel comfortable with in a self defense situation. Of course practice can remedy this, and I do train with my small frame pistols with the expectation that consistently hitting the target under stress is inversely related to barrel length and overall weight/ size of your firearm. I opt for a full size pistol in an inside waist band configuration on most days. The comfort of knowing I can perform under stress with greater accuracy and firepower is more than enough to counter the slight discomfort on my hip.
Spot on H.R. My carry pistols are typically either a Glock 30S or a Glock 21, and depending on what I'm doing, I carry either O.W.B. with a True Spec vest or a High Noon Under Taker horse hide shoulder holster. And of course 2 spare magazines, a Leatherman Surge multitool, 2 tourniquets, and a flashlight if none are on the handgun as my EDC. That may seem a bit much to some, but I protect people for a living!
Been carrying my Walther pdp 4.5" full size for about 6 months now. Most comfortable seems to be a high 2:30 when driving and slide to 3 while upright.
My career started in ‘68 and my off-duty was a Colt snub, then a slightly slimmer/lighter J Frame, then alloy frame guns. Over time as I’ve gotten older & lumpier the EDC got smaller & lighter. Today @ 74 years old it’s either a 340PD or LCP in a pocket holster.
I've started using an elastic belly band. They're relatively inexpensive andyou don't need a belt so it works with sweat pants or shorts. If it's really hot, they can be a little uncomfortable, but still tolerable.
Love your humor! :)) Thank you for this video, the effort put into making it and sharing what worked for you over the years -- especially the part for warmer climate places! Added to Favorites!
Yes, sir. People who say that you don't need a size or two bigger for appendix carry. Yes you do. I found that going up two sizes bigger with a kore tac 1.5 inch belt and ether a tier 1 or bravo concealment holster and NeoMag Alias receiver and holter clip with a wedge. 👌. Very comfortable with this setup. Most people just don't put enough time into that position setuping up their gear.
Talk to Tom at 2A Holsters about a Pro-S concealment High ride OWB holster for fully concealing duty sized pistols. I’ve used it for USP40 full size and 5” M&P CORE etc and it hides real well. Great for vest or suit coat as well as it doesn’t poke down below belt very much. Recommend blue loctite on screws after you select your ride height however.
I'm working on carrying blackhawk colt 45 with 7.5 in bbl. I wear it owb holster on my belt wearing overalls over top of shorts. All I need next is my straw hat and corn Cobb pipe...lol
I grew up in Eastern Ohio but have lived in Florida 31 years . Last winter I wore a jacket twice. So a lot of untucked shirts here. And I carry a 5inch Smith&Wesson.
Personally, I've found that if I'm overweight by 20 pounds, I'm uncomfortable inside the waistband. Another reason to stay in shape. Excellent presentation Sir.
I'm 6'0" 155 lbs and a righty. I carry a fullsize cz 75b omega convertible with raised sights and a compensator. I use a $20 tokarev holster (dont know the fabric) iwb of sweatpants at 11 o'clock. I don't notice the weight, its comfortable, and retains just fine since its iwb and tight against me when I tighten sweatpant strings and knot. If I were to do cartwheels or handstands then yes it would fall out. Completely unnoticeable unless wearing a tight fitting shirt. I could see discomfort issues if a bigger belly is involved. What I'm getting at is you can have high comfort, high retention with no resistance when drawing, no visibility of firearm, and all the benefits of a full size. If I could get someone local to make me a non belt required iwb kydex holster for what I carry I would have by now, can't find anybody.
Very nicely done Mr. hrfunk. Covered about all the bases I can think of including the why questions. I carry my full size 1911 in a Galco IWB even in the summer with shorts and untucked shirt. If the firearm is a bit heavy and for some of us with a few extra pounds you can even wear suspenders under your shirt in the summer. Be safe and healthy out there sir.
Two of my EDCs are a GI sized 1911 and a Colt Python. Open or concealed, I carry OWB 3 o'clock or shoulder. Though lately I have been considering adding waist crossdraw.
The thing I like about your comment is that you prefer full size firearms and you’ve come up with ways to carry them. I hope you never have to use them in defense. Take care.
I've just started watching. I've seen that vest you're wearing referred to as "shoot me first" vests. I personally like an untucked t-shirt or fishing shirt and the like. A tucked shirt does look better I agree but for me anyway, the untucked shirt does a good job of concealing my IWB carry piece and I blend in with most of the population. For a big gun, I find the 1911 conceals the best. I carry a compact 9mm (G3C) strong side in an IWB holster. As always, I enjoy your vids and have been subscribed for a long time now. Thanks! ETA: Ha - I live in a warm climate as you say towards the end... but you obviously favor the vest... so I'm leaving my earlier comment up.
I carry either a beretta nano 9mm with a Galloway precision +1 mag extension, or a M&p40 4.25”. I carry both of them in crossbreed hybrid iwb holsters. I find this method comfortable and effective. I’m 6’2” 185lbs. This method may be uncomfortable for overweight people, but if you are lean it works great! I would have no problem concealing a Beretta 92 this way.
Outstanding video Chief. I cracked my front tooth with the butt of a 1911 bending over picking something up while on duty in the armory while using the shoulder holster... smh
i like to carry mine butt forward with the slide between my belt and jean with the business end in the watch pocket. it nice for sitting comfort and hides well and i can get it easy. recently I've been carrying a more compact 45 but it's still a big gun 3 finger grip, maybe an inch shorter than a 1911. holster make everything bulge out too much. when i was younger and thinner holsters weren't a problem lol.
Funk I carry IWB and never consider cross draw because I thought I needed another type holster. Now mine arm Milt Sparks which I love and one for each firearm is OK,Two is another thing. When I watched your video I felt maybe I my permit should be revoke as I did not have the ability to realise I could move it over. Anyway thanks and it feels odd at the moment but I wear it and see. Just glad I don't have to buy another holster which takes 6months to get.
Inside the waistband seems to be the only practical method for warmer months/climates. Might be able to get away with a cross draw. You might have an inch or two of the bottom end of the holster left exposed but its at such an odd angle it might not raise enough suspicion to become a problem. Especially if the gun is pulled closer to center mass so the entirety of the gun is kept within your profile. Then you can always slide it more to the side when you have to sit down.
I've been carrying a CZ Shadow 2 for years (appendix & crossdraw). South Africa only allows one ccw gun so I just got the best version I could find 🤷♂️. Never saw the big deal about weight when it's not too different from a full size 1911.
@@hrfunk and they're trying to take the ability to own the 1😂. I remember I once called the police when someone was trying to break in and they said "ey' we're busy right now, call later"🤧
best deal for summer the blackhawk gun fanny pack a large will hold a full size beretta or 1911 they can not be beat for summer carry I have used mine foe 3 years
Great points throughout the entire video and Amen at 5:56 ! I picked up a Ruger BlackHawk in 357 mag and carry it cross draw as you suggest at 6:30 . I was surprised how comfortable it was in that position for everyday work chores ! Keep up the great work !
Im 6' 185. I iwb a fullsize 1811 every day in an alien gear cloak tuck. I tried shoulder holsters and everything else because i thought there was no possible way for my skinny but to conceal it. I put on my alien gear for my makarov and the 1911 fit pretty good. Gave it atryfor a day, ordered thenew holster before the day was up.
I am considering going with a S&W mod. 10 that has a 2" barrel. The full sized grip means that I can shoot it better then the Mod. 638 I currently carry. I guess that with the shorter barrel it's not quite full sized. Kind of a mid-sized compromise. One upside is a 20% increase in capacity! lol I need to get another holster though.
I carry a 1911 commander size .45 ACP in a high ride, strong side OTWB leather belt holster. My main concealment garments are blue jeans with a tucked polo shirt underneath a tweed, or similar pattern, sport coat. This outfit conceals well and is suitable for casual dress on the job, play or street. Sometimes I switch out for my 9mm P229.
I carry a springfield emp 9mm in a $50 leather DeSantis small of the back and ashamed to say but put my stainless dan wesson specialist forged 5" in a $30 galco iwb at 11 o'clock both at the same time and wear a dressy lookin walmart vest that hides both...my ccw has to be one I can hit with #1...tiny guns never appeal to me but I like all firearms...my pistols put food on the table and defend my life and friends that's around me..
I AIWB an M9A1 in a JM custom kydex. Super comfortable. I’ve no use for small pistols. The right holster allows one to carry a full size pistol which is far superior than something small.
Yes. I actually one day played around with my bravo concealment, strong side holster one day and placed it on my left side. It's made for right hand strong side. After I placed it on my left side. The cross draw was actually nice.
@hrfunk good evening, HRFUNK. I actually do like it. Only down side is I notice I have to wear a ' metal snap up ' button up shit or open jacket when carry cross draw. 🤔 wait a sec. I can mess around with my Alien gear shape shift shell holster. It does allow me to adjust it 360 degrees of rotation on its mounting receiver belt plate. Yes. I'm actually enjoying the cross draw carry. I practice that one during my dry fire training as well with strong side and appendix carry
The problem I have with OWB carry is the darn belt loops on the pants. They never are in the right spot to allow a holster to sit at a 3 or 4 o’clock spot. I have to get the loops moved. Is the IWB cross draw you used also a Bianchi Cyclone? And for shoulder holsters, I’ve found that most want to slide forward. Alien Gear and Andersen leather have straps across the back that pull the gun back. More comfortable and conceals better.
I love to carry my Walther PPQ (.45acp) but sometimes I just don't feel like going through the motions so I just purchased a nickel plated S&W .38 Chief Special w/3" barrel, it's something I can toss in my back pocket and out the door I go.
I'm a very large man so I don't have too much problem concealing a large firearm but I feel perfectly comfortable with my G19 or even my LC9s in the waistband. I don't want someone knowing I'm carrying and I always carry a spare mag. Even when I carry just the little ruger if I can't handle the problem with 7+1 and a 9 shot reload I'm probably out of luck anyway.
For me an OWB paddle holster works best. Comfortable and easy to put on and off. 4 to 4.5 inch barrels are the best compromise for medium to full size pistols especially when seated in a vehicle.
Love your editing and your speech. I learned how to shoot with the berrata 92 in the marines, don't care for guns much more because of my environment now but always keep some around.
