Holster for Concealed Carry

2179 Views 10 Replies 8 Participants Last post by yung1s, Jan 29, 2008

ironmarshmallow

Discussion Starter · Jan 28, 2008

I'm curious as to what the preferred type of holster is for carry among CWP holders. Mostly I'm interested to know if the popular holster is carried tucked inside the pants or carried on the outside of the beltline. I have a soft holster I put inside my beltline in the small of my back, but that's really uncomfortable, mostly when sitting. I recently purchased an Uncle Mike's hard plastic holster with a paddle that clips on the outside of my beltlike. I carry a Springfield XD 9mm compact. This holster is much more comfortable for sure, but it seems a lot more noticeable, even though it's concealed under a shirt. It pokes out and makes a noticeable bulge. Nobody has said anything to me, and probably nobody will. Do I need to be concerned about somebody noticing my considerable bulge? Do I not want people to know I'm carrying, or do I just not want them to see it, but to probably know it's there? My CWP instructor told us that your weapon is concealed, and it should be concealed, i.e., unknown to everybody around you. Some of the posts I've read suggest that it's not that big a deal. I'm trying to find a balance. Advice and feedback?

Ironmarshmallow

P.S. I'm learning a lot on this forum and I appreciate all the feedback I've received. Thanks!

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GeneticsDave

· #2 · Jan 28, 2008

In a lot of states, open carry is not legal, so concealed REALLY means concealed - you can get into a lot of trouble if someone sees your firearm. Here in Utah, open carry is legal (at least for the present time), so if you are 'made' it's not a big deal as you are not breaking any laws, however, you still may have people overreact. Mainly the depth of concealment depends on you. How comfortable are you with your firearm, where are you going, and what you prefer. There are tactical advantages to concealing with nobody knowing you are carrying, but there are societal advantages (criminal aversion to committing crime around a person with a firearm) to open carrying.

Don't worry about printing, unless your employment is at risk, do what feels comfortable and allows you ready access to your firearm.

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Hunter

· #3 · Jan 28, 2008

I carry inside the waist band (IWB) 99.9% of the time. I have used a Bladetech IWB Holster, but now I have got a Raven IWB Holster and I love it. On occassion I also use a Belly Band when I wear athletic shorts or pants.

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tapehoser

· #4 · Jan 28, 2008

Same with me.....IWB 99% of the time.

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

When you get to their site, just plug in a search for "XD" and you'll see all the models and holsters they have which accommodate the XD, in all its flavors.

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Strategic Tactical

· #5 · Jan 28, 2008

I use the BlackHawk SERPA holster and always wear a coat or have my shirt untucked. Most of the time I'm carrying my Springfield 1911 and sometimes switch to my Glock 19 or my Sig P226.

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T-Man

· #6 · Jan 28, 2008

I am currently using the same holster (Uncle Mike's kydex paddle) for the same gun (XD9SC), and I have no problem. Of course, it is -9 degrees here today, so a heavy coat makes concealment much easier. I will probably be shopping for a IWB when it warms up. When in civilian clothes, jeans and a t-shirt is the norm for me, and even with a loose shirt that gun/holster combo prints pretty bad.

The problem I am currently having is when I go for my wallet, the barrel of my pistol is right in the way. Not a big issue, just one of those bugs you have to work out when carrying.

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GeneticsDave

· #7 · Jan 28, 2008

T-Man said:
The problem I am currently having is when I go for my wallet, the barrel of my pistol is right in the way. Not a big issue, just one of those bugs you have to work out when carrying.

I find that most people carry at about 3'o'clock when on the waistband and then at about 4'o'clock when inside the waistband. You might want to consider moving your holster forward a bit so as to be able to access your wallet without having to reveal your holster. Just a thought.

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tapehoser

· #8 · Jan 28, 2008

I'm a lefty, so for me 8:30 is about the perfect position.

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ironmarshmallow

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 28, 2008

Of course, it is -9 degrees here today, so a heavy coat makes concealment much easier.

I live in the desert. It's actually snowing here right now and this is the first snow we've had here this winter. The average temp is 50-60 degrees so I dress light. Somedays I miss the cold and the snow!

Ironmarshmallow

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divegeek

· #10 · Jan 28, 2008

ironmarshmallow said:
Of course, it is -9 degrees here today, so a heavy coat makes concealment much easier.

Click to expand...

I live in the desert. It's actually snowing here right now and this is the first snow we've had here this winter. The average temp is 50-60 degrees so I dress light. Somedays I miss the cold and the snow!

Lots of us live in the desert, but some deserts are warmer than others

Drive 90 minutes north to my old stomping grounds, Beaver, and you'll still be in the desert, but you'll have plenty of snow!

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yung1s

· #11 · Jan 29, 2008

I haven't chimed in for a while now so I figure I'll put in my 2 cents...

I just recently purchased a CrossBreed SuperTuck for my XD 40SC. I did a lot of surfing on various gun forums to see what was the best holster with the ability to tuck my shirt in. The SuperTuck was by far mentioned the most - and for a great reason! I've been wearing it everyday for a few weeks now. The only time I don't have it on me is at night when I'm sleeping (I even took a nap with it on the other day). It is extremely comfortable and it gives me the ability for concealment without a tucked in shirt or with. The fact that it's IWB gives it a lot less "bulge" that you're concerned about. The fact that the clips are to the side of the gun also allows for deeper concealment (you don't have the gun AND the clip sticking out). On top of that, the fact that there are two clips to hold up your gun distributes the weight across your waist so you hardly feel that its there.

I sit at a desk all day and my drive home to and from work is usually about 45 mins each way and I have no comfort issues whatsoever. I too am very new to guns with my XD as my very first firearm. I was nervous about what it would feel like when I would start carrying with comfort issues and bulge. I feel that this forum (as well as many others) have directed me to an excellent holster.

I hope this helps!

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