Conceal carry holster for a lean guy - Page 3 - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

xrayxd9 · 10-25-2006, 01:34 AM

The pagerpal looks like it rides too deep for my liking but hen again I haven't tried one. I agree with Demonspunk the only option in shoulder holsters are vertical ones due to the muzzle printing out the back. Need for Speed, how long have you had the clipdraw? any complaints? I would think that it would dig. I also am looking to carry at around 4 or 4:30 and I would need some cant on the gun which I am not sure if the clipdraw can do. It is looking like out of the few options that IWB is going to require some more research to find a holster that isn't too bulky but hugs the gun close to the body, all in an affordable package. jarhead79 if you have any suggestions they would be greatly apperciated

jmel · 10-25-2006, 06:50 AM

I'm 5'7" and 132 lbs. I bought a crossbreed supertuck adjustable, and have the hooks set to the bottom holes. Works great at 3:30.

Can't see the gun, and its comfortable for the most part when I sit down too.

I wear a size 30" waist normally, but started wearing my 32" waist pants with a belt and no problems.

saltysquid · 10-25-2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M2XD

We were eating dinner a few weeks ago and the city police helicopter crew came in, and one of the pilots was wearing a shoulder holster. His gun was pointing at a group of people sitting directly behind him, something I wasn't comfortable with. Rule #1 of handguns is treat every gun as if it is loaded and Rule #2 is never to point your gun at anything you don't intend to kill. I know he wasn't intentionally pointing his weapon at them, but it was. What makes it worse is that this was an open carry situation, and it was plainly obvious which direction the weapon was pointing. Not an ideal situation in my book.

Plus my 6-yr-old sits behind me in our minivan, do you think I want my gun to be pointing at him? Hell no! Even if the chance of an AD is slim, there is a chance and I'd rather shoot my own ass off than accidentally shot someone else!

There are tons of horizintal shoullder rigs, small of back holsters and others that point other than down out there. Pocket guns point horizontal when sitting down. Some IWB's poing straight ahead when sitting down and they are carried in front, mine lays accross my leg when sitting and points ahead if I carry in front. The fact is that AD's DO NOT happen unless someone's hand is on the gun. If they did gun companies would be broke with the lawsuits taking place because of guns sitting around just going off sponaneously.

The rules you quote are rules to live by, but they are for handling (read gun in you hand). NEVE Point a gun at someone, but a gun in a holster is not going to go of. The only way to defeat the built in safeties and have an AD is someone having their finger on the trigger.

Do what you are comfortable with, by all means but saying an AD happening to a gun sitting in a holster with nobody touching it is slim is wrong. The correct statement is that it does not, nor cannot happen. Guns DO NOT go off just sitting in holsters, nor do they go off sitting in safes or on nightstands. It takes human hands for an ad.

M2XD · 10-25-2006, 10:31 AM

Salty

I don't disagree, I keep one in the pipe so I have to believe that it is a safe way to carry. However, I have never liked--nor will I ever like--having a weapon pointed at me for any reason...and during my nearly 25 years in the military it happened more often than I care to remember. Be it a Croatian HVO soldier with an AK-47 or some inept augmentee with an M-16, I consider it to be a hostile act whether it is intentional or not.

Oddly enough, while standing in line to get coffee at work this morning, we were behind a USAF SP (yes, I still call them 'SPs') with an M4 strapped across his back. The retired USMC Gunney who was with me noted they were never allowed to carry their weapons this way, only in front of them. I agreed, although the threat was low in the area we were in (it is controlled), the SP should've displayed better weapons handling. Same goes true for the police officer with the shoulder holster...I know the chances of an AD are slim; but the mere fact that he displayed the weapon at someone (and most likely someone who doesn't know that the chances are slim) is simply wrong in my book.

Cheers! M2

saltysquid · 10-25-2006, 12:46 PM

I understand your point and I think it's more instinct and safety consciousness (lots of it drilled into us) than anything. Even if it is safe, AD's don't happen in horizontal shoulder holsters, it's still hard to look at it and not get that "shiver" or "feeling". I don't mind it, better to get it and know I don't need to than not and should.

demonspunk · 10-26-2006, 03:12 AM

Everyone has made great and clear points and I'm not going to say anyone is wrong but that is not my only reason for desiring a vertical shoulder holster (though it is one of them). I also think it would be much easier to conceal the weapon when the 4" barrel is paralell to my body vertically rather than horizontal since vertically it will be under my arm for the majority of the weapon (other than part of the grip) and with less sticking out front and back. Maybe this is me just speaking from a newbie point of view but isn't the best concealment by keeping as much as possible of the weapon looking like its part of your body and not a foreign object? Thanks again *bows before the almighty knowledgable men around him*

M2XD · 10-26-2006, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demonspunk

Everyone has made great and clear points and I'm not going to say anyone is wrong but that is not my only reason for desiring a vertical shoulder holster (though it is one of them). I also think it would be much easier to conceal the weapon when the 4" barrel is paralell to my body vertically rather than horizontal since vertically it will be under my arm for the majority of the weapon (other than part of the grip) and with less sticking out front and back. Maybe this is me just speaking from a newbie point of view but isn't the best concealment by keeping as much as possible of the weapon looking like its part of your body and not a foreign object? Thanks again *bows before the almighty knowledgable men around him*

Demonspunk

Rule #1 is if it works for you, then it works! My earlier comments were concerning a horizontal shoulder holster, which was the type I used in Bosnia for numerous reasons (mainly because if we were in a vehicle, it was still easy to draw the weapon from a seated position). I have never used a vertical shoulder holster, but I agree that in theory it should work better as it does keep the weapon aligned with your body. But what many of us here have learned is that when it comes to holsters, what works in theory doesn't always work as well in application! The PagerPal holsters are a good example.

My druthers would be that drawing a weapon from that angle takes longer and is harder than drawing from a horizontal holster. However, I do agree that it is a better configuration for open carry. It would make me feel safer seeing a weapon being carried that way, even though I agree with Salty that the chances of a holstered gun having an AD is practically nil (I wouldn't go as far as to say it is completly impossible, there is always a slim chance; but the odds are definitely against it).

I will close by recommending buying a holster from a shop that has a good return policy, and try it for a day or two. Take good care not to damage it and they should earily refund your money if it isn't the one that works for you.

Good luck!

Cheers! M2

DocXD45ACP · 10-30-2006, 09:46 PM

Personnaly I have a Blade-tech IWB made out of Kydex ( http://www.pistolgear.com/proddetail...od=18BTB&cat=7 )that is very easy to concele and I also have a Blade-teck kydex shoulder holster with the 2 mag pouch on the opposite side to wear when I am wearinga jacket or on a op that I need to have it under my suit. Very nice the both of them but as many have posted it is up to you. buy one try it and if you don't like it e-bay or gunbroker.com it.

My brother preffers his Leather IWB but I can not stand the feel of leather so like we all have said it is user prefrence and trial and error. Good luck

Prometheus · 10-30-2006, 11:00 PM

6'3" 160 pounds here...

I normally carry strong side hip, on the belt, either bianchi belt slide, which rocks for keeping the weapon in tight and close or a fobus.
bianchi:

I'm currently trying out a CQC serpa for my XD9. SO far just liek teh fobus and I use the paddle instead of the belt hanger.

On the hip I can conceal any full size handgun at 4.5o'clock. I also use a shoulder rig from time to time, problem is I have to carry vertically (muzzle down) and even then a slight 'print' can be seen sticking out from under my arm pit. Floral shirts make it almost impossible to detect (flows nicely and the print breaks up the lines very well)... problem up here in indiana (vs when I lived in florida) is floral shirts are rare... and 2/3 of teh year it's too cold and jackets prevent shoulder carry. Those who live where you need a tshirt, shirt, sweater and jacket plus maybe a over coat know exactly what I mean, it can be hard enough to access your belt...

Another awesome way to carry fullsize is the 'smart carry / invisicarry / thunderware' line. Us folks with six pack stomachs don't have a belly to move out of teh way in order to get to the weapon either

http://www.smartcarry.com/scinvi.htm
I met the old timer in the pics at a lauderdale gun show in 1999 when I bought mine. Heck of a nice guy. and yes I've carried everything from a 9 highpower to a full size HK USP 45 plus spare mag in it... basically everyone should have one of these in their bag of holsters IMO.

Only time I do IWB is with the P11 and belt clip. Otherwise as you probably know, without the padding, guns tend to dig into us alot easier.

snowdoctor · 11-01-2006, 07:39 AM

I really think with your build a quality IWB holster is going to conceal the best. But if you don't choose a quality one to try...i.e. uncle mikes. It will be painful and stick out terribly. I carry both in a Brommeland Max Con V. It is a custom holster that is comfortable and just plain fits. Gary Brommeland knows his stuff, and if you don't like it...read his guarantee on his website, or call him. He will discuss with you and determine your needs. He is very knowledgeable.
www.brommelandgunleather.com
his phone number is on the website.
good luck.

10-25-2006, 06:50 AM	#22
jmel XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 165	I'm 5'7" and 132 lbs. I bought a crossbreed supertuck adjustable, and have the hooks set to the bottom holes. Works great at 3:30. Can't see the gun, and its comfortable for the most part when I sit down too. I wear a size 30" waist normally, but started wearing my 32" waist pants with a belt and no problems. Last edited by jmel; 10-25-2006 at 06:53 AM.

10-25-2006, 10:31 AM	#24
M2XD XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas! Posts: 476	Salty I don't disagree, I keep one in the pipe so I have to believe that it is a safe way to carry. However, I have never liked--nor will I ever like--having a weapon pointed at me for any reason...and during my nearly 25 years in the military it happened more often than I care to remember. Be it a Croatian HVO soldier with an AK-47 or some inept augmentee with an M-16, I consider it to be a hostile act whether it is intentional or not. Oddly enough, while standing in line to get coffee at work this morning, we were behind a USAF SP (yes, I still call them 'SPs') with an M4 strapped across his back. The retired USMC Gunney who was with me noted they were never allowed to carry their weapons this way, only in front of them. I agreed, although the threat was low in the area we were in (it is controlled), the SP should've displayed better weapons handling. Same goes true for the police officer with the shoulder holster...I know the chances of an AD are slim; but the mere fact that he displayed the weapon at someone (and most likely someone who doesn't *know* that the chances are slim) is simply wrong in my book. Cheers! M2 __________________ Springfield XD-45 ACP Service Springfield M1911 Loaded Target Springfield M1911 Lightweight Operator Springfield M1911 GI 1954 Colt .357 Magnum Plus a few others...

10-26-2006, 03:12 AM	#26
demonspunk XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Covington, Wa Posts: 6	All great points Everyone has made great and clear points and I'm not going to say anyone is wrong but that is not my only reason for desiring a vertical shoulder holster (though it is one of them). I also think it would be much easier to conceal the weapon when the 4" barrel is paralell to my body vertically rather than horizontal since vertically it will be under my arm for the majority of the weapon (other than part of the grip) and with less sticking out front and back. Maybe this is me just speaking from a newbie point of view but isn't the best concealment by keeping as much as possible of the weapon looking like its part of your body and not a foreign object? Thanks again bows before the almighty knowledgable men around him

10-30-2006, 09:46 PM	#28
DocXD45ACP XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: SD,CA Posts: 10	Holsters Personnaly I have a Blade-tech IWB made out of Kydex ( http://www.pistolgear.com/proddetail...od=18BTB&cat=7 )that is very easy to concele and I also have a Blade-teck kydex shoulder holster with the 2 mag pouch on the opposite side to wear when I am wearinga jacket or on a op that I need to have it under my suit. Very nice the both of them but as many have posted it is up to you. buy one try it and if you don't like it e-bay or gunbroker.com it. My brother preffers his Leather IWB but I can not stand the feel of leather so like we all have said it is user prefrence and trial and error. Good luck __________________ Doc XD45ACP Good people sleep peacably in their beds at night only because rough men stand at the ready to do violence on their behalf. George Orwell Last edited by DocXD45ACP; 10-31-2006 at 08:32 AM.

10-30-2006, 11:00 PM	#29
Prometheus XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,093	6'3" 160 pounds here... I normally carry strong side hip, on the belt, either bianchi belt slide, which rocks for keeping the weapon in tight and close or a fobus. bianchi: I'm currently trying out a CQC serpa for my XD9. SO far just liek teh fobus and I use the paddle instead of the belt hanger. On the hip I can conceal any full size handgun at 4.5o'clock. I also use a shoulder rig from time to time, problem is I have to carry vertically (muzzle down) and even then a slight 'print' can be seen sticking out from under my arm pit. Floral shirts make it almost impossible to detect (flows nicely and the print breaks up the lines very well)... problem up here in indiana (vs when I lived in florida) is floral shirts are rare... and 2/3 of teh year it's too cold and jackets prevent shoulder carry. Those who live where you need a tshirt, shirt, sweater and jacket plus maybe a over coat know exactly what I mean, it can be hard enough to access your belt... Another awesome way to carry fullsize is the 'smart carry / invisicarry / thunderware' line. Us folks with six pack stomachs don't have a belly to move out of teh way in order to get to the weapon either http://www.smartcarry.com/scinvi.htm I met the old timer in the pics at a lauderdale gun show in 1999 when I bought mine. Heck of a nice guy. and yes I've carried everything from a 9 highpower to a full size HK USP 45 plus spare mag in it... basically everyone should have one of these in their bag of holsters IMO. Only time I do IWB is with the P11 and belt clip. Otherwise as you probably know, without the padding, guns tend to dig into us alot easier. Last edited by Prometheus; 10-30-2006 at 11:02 PM.

10-25-2006, 01:34 AM	#21
xrayxd9 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: washington Posts: 23	The pagerpal looks like it rides too deep for my liking but hen again I haven't tried one. I agree with Demonspunk the only option in shoulder holsters are vertical ones due to the muzzle printing out the back. Need for Speed, how long have you had the clipdraw? any complaints? I would think that it would dig. I also am looking to carry at around 4 or 4:30 and I would need some cant on the gun which I am not sure if the clipdraw can do. It is looking like out of the few options that IWB is going to require some more research to find a holster that isn't too bulky but hugs the gun close to the body, all in an affordable package. jarhead79 if you have any suggestions they would be greatly apperciated

10-25-2006, 12:46 PM	#25
saltysquid XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 752	I understand your point and I think it's more instinct and safety consciousness (lots of it drilled into us) than anything. Even if it is safe, AD's don't happen in horizontal shoulder holsters, it's still hard to look at it and not get that "shiver" or "feeling". I don't mind it, better to get it and know I don't need to than not and should.

11-01-2006, 07:39 AM	#30
snowdoctor XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2	I really think with your build a quality IWB holster is going to conceal the best. But if you don't choose a quality one to try...i.e. uncle mikes. It will be painful and stick out terribly. I carry both in a Brommeland Max Con V. It is a custom holster that is comfortable and just plain fits. Gary Brommeland knows his stuff, and if you don't like it...read his guarantee on his website, or call him. He will discuss with you and determine your needs. He is very knowledgeable. www.brommelandgunleather.com his phone number is on the website. good luck.

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