Anyone carry a Tactical model for CCW?

1474 Views 15 Replies 12 Participants Last post by XD-GEEZER, Dec 5, 2005

MPSoldier

Discussion Starter · Nov 29, 2005

I love my Tactical 45GAP and I was wondering if there were many people out there who carried a Tactical on a regular basis. Yes, I know that the service model is more practical for that purpose, but I like the weight, balance and feel of my Tactical when I heft and shoot it.

I am about 6'1", 205lbs, but with a relatively slim waistline (I wear 33/34 in pants), and I'm not sure of the best way to carry my XD for my frame. How does everyone carry their Tactical? Please give me ideas for holsters, belts, carry positions, etc. Thanks, I appreciate it.

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

gordo23

· #2 · Nov 29, 2005

have you tried the small of your back?

MPSoldier

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 29, 2005

I have thought about carrying in the small of my back, but I wasn't sure. Tell me more - Do you have any holster ideas?

gordo23

· #4 · Nov 29, 2005

http://www.desantisholster.com/n91.html

not sure if that's available in your gun size...but look around-- they are out there.

stunksinatl

· #5 · Nov 29, 2005

I've read horror stories about SOB carry, and while they bother me a bit, I absolutely LOVE carrying SOB. It is by far the most comfortable way to carry I've tried. I move the gun (a PPK) slightly to the right so its not completely over my spine and the draw and presentation is top notch.

I don't carry an XD, tho... It's a good bit thicker than my PPK

-stunks

Parrishco

· #6 · Nov 29, 2005

I personally carry the XD Sub Compact. I am almost the same build as you as well. If you wanted to carry IWB the Milt Sparks VersaMax 2 is the best one available: http://miltsparks.com/. However the 5" may be too big to carry IWB. Check http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterG2.asp and http://www.desantisholster.com/leather-belt-holsters.html
When I carry outside the waistband i carry on the http://www.desantisholster.com/001.html at like 4 or 5 o'clock postion.
It is really all about personal preference and comfort. But trust me from personal experience you get what you pay for and rather than spend $20 six times and be disappointed - go spend $120 and get a good one. There is a difference in carrying concealed everyday.

Jon

· #7 · Nov 29, 2005

There are a few IWB's for an XD Tactical. The only one that jumps out is

http://www.blade-tech.com/product.php?productid=820&cat=260&page=1

..but it looks like a few places might have holsters that fit the bill as well.

You may want to email

http://tuckergunleather.com/ and see if they can accomidate you.

There are some other "fit to form"/velcro IWB kits out there (Blackhawk :roll: or the Desantis Invisible Agent) but I agree with Parrishco. Better to spend the money once and be sure that the product will last a life time then buy a couple holsters and be marginally satisfied.

Let me know what you get and how you like it.

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dave2184

· #8 · Nov 29, 2005

Check the C-TAC out they make one for the tactical.

http://www.comp-tac.com/

Reckoning

· #9 · Nov 30, 2005

I carry my Tactical concealed on occasion. I only have 1 holster for it (Don Hume) and it is OWB. I'm 5'9" and thin, but I have no problems keeping it concealed if I'm wearing a jacket, sweater, untucked shirt, etc. I've even carried it in warm weather with a T-shirt covering it. I'm not a huge fan of this hoslter, though. It keeps the gun close to the body with a good belt, but it is really tough to draw quickly from. I've tried to stretch the leahter a bit with frequent drawing, but to no avail. I'll probably get another holster for it soon. I have been looking for a holster which would let me carry it with the tactical light mounted, but can't seem to find anything. I'll probably end up getting a C-Tac, Milt Sparks, or BladeTech soon.

Parrishco

· #10 · Nov 30, 2005

There are a few that you can have made in leather that will allow you to carry you tactical light on the gun or these:
http://www.hillsmanholster.com/SpringfieldXDwithRailLight.html
http://www.blade-tech.com/product.php?productid=967
and I think Fobus may have had one too.

retired

· #11 · Nov 30, 2005

Please, do NOT carry sob. Tho you may not experience problems at first, I can pretty much guarantee you (at least based on my spine surgeon's opinion and he's nationally recognized) it will affect you in the future.

It doesn't matter whether it's right on your spine or nearby, you are putting pressure against it that it doesn't need. It may be 5 or 10yrs before you have a problem, but once you do, it will probably stay with you the rest of your life and affect how you live.

I carry my subcompact 9 on my left side at about 11, sometimes at 9, but never sob.

backstay

· #12 · Dec 1, 2005

I carry my tactical strong side in a fobus.

MPSoldier

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 1, 2005

Hey, thank you SO much, everyone. I appreciate the input. You all have given me a lot to think about.

Frenchy

· #14 · Dec 1, 2005

One other thought!...There are some holsters out there that are worn between the pants waist and the belt, allowing for a close fit.

ActaNonVerba

· #15 · Dec 2, 2005

I dont have the tactical model but I carry my service model in a Galco Sky-Ops IWB. Works great for me. Its designed to be carried at around 4 o'clock. It's also designed so that you can tuck your shirt in.

XD-GEEZER

· #16 · Dec 5, 2005

I carry mine in a ("holstersrus.com") elastic wrap around holster, with velcro to secure it tight around my chest. the pistol is tucked in under my armpit and conceals extremely well. There is also a carry pouch for an extra mag. This works very well for this time of year when it's cold out and you're wearing heavier clothing. The weight of the pistol is evenly distributed and is very comfortable to carry. Due to the material the holster is made from, it stays put securely. The only real negative is super quick accesibillity. I have to lift my shirt (usually like an untucked sweatshirt) fairly high and then reach in (crossdrawal style) to draw the pistol. If you are wearing a button down shirt, it's better to have your top couple of buttons unbuttoned, then you can quickly unbutton another button and go straight in with your hand and draw the pistol. It's really not as complicated as I'm probably making it sound. It may not be as quick as some holsters, but like anything else, practice makes it quicker and reliable. I intend on carrying a smaller Bersa Ultra Compact 9 IWB during warmer months. However, let's remember, a lot of peole are carrying the XD service model yearround. The Tactical model is the same dimensions except the barrel/slide is 1" longer. That is not much of a difference.

I see no reason you couldn't carry the Tactical all of the time, with the right holster. Hey, some are carying fullsize 1911's and other pistols that are larger than the XD-Tactical. Go for it!!!!

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