Your $0.02 ... Concealing a Compact

[Flip]

Hi all,

I'm looking your input for a holster to best conceal a compact-sized semi-auto [roughly a 4" barrel like an XD compact, commander-size 1911, M&P compact, etc.] and I'm interested in your suggestions. I want something that really secures it so I don't have to worry about loosing it accidentally ... and I want it to be as concealed as possible but accessible.

My current thoughts of what might be best based on some (limited) research:

1) Thunderwear type system
2) IWB
3) Shoulder (Miami Vice) rig

What do you use for this size of a rig? Have you ever lost your weapon? Rigs to avoid?

Thanks for your ideas

Flip

[gunshop guy]

OK, my thoughts:

1) thunderwear, you'll never get to your gun and it will be very uncomfortable...(thinkk: "hey bad guy, can you hold on while I pull down my pants to get my gun?"

2)IWB: great option

3) Shoulder rig: not a bad option especially this time of year. Some people find them uncomfortable or hard to draw from.

that's my $.02 1/2

[1911fan]

Actually, ANY good holster will keep you from losing it accidently. I use the test of putting a gun in the holster and then without snapping it in, shaking the holster to see if the gun falls out. (Obviously, do this with an empty weapon, and over a sofa or bed to keep it from banging on the ground if the holster fails.) Most good holsters will require a firm pull to release the gun.


Of the Holsters that you list, the miami vice style is in fact the most likely to loose a weapon, maybe the most likely of ALL standard holster types, as it holds the gun naturally at a somewhat downward angle, and if the snap gets undone accidently, gravity will win.

There are now among us, some pretty darned skilled holster makers, as well as links to just about all the major and minor makers of repute in the country here. I tend to wear OWB because with my body type that is what works better. IWB just never seems to stay as I want it, and while I will wear a shoulder holster in some circumstances, such as when dressed up without a belt, (Tux or suit and braces)

What are you considering a compact? Bear in mind, with todays proliferation of phones, BLackberries, etc, another bump on the belt line is just ignored. I tend to wear a cover shirt or a hoodie in the cooler temps, and a un tucked polo or camp shirt on the warmer days, and I get along fine. I wear a 1911 commander. Which I consider a compact.....

[Flip]

my original post was edited to include [compact info] as well as ... and I want it to be as concealed as possible but accessible

[Pat Cannon]

I like IWB Kydex holsters with adjustable tension -- crank down that screw 'til you can hardly get the gun out, then back it off 'til it's only as difficult as you want. I've owned a Comp-Tac and a couple of Blade-Techs that were all excellent with regard to retention, at least as "level 0" type holsters go.

I am told that good holsters are also made from leather, but I don't know anything about that firsthand.

[Aceq2jot]

I own the Galco Miami classic II that fits both my M&P 40 fullsize and compact and have found it to be a nice holster setup, but at over $200 with the tie down's. I also have a crossbreed deluxe IWB that i love that also works well and i also have the Desantis pancake that they sell for the M&P Compact. All of them are fine holsters for concealment depending on what you are wearing. My preference this time of year is either the Miami classic or the Desantis, as they are not covered in multiple layers.

As for a shoulder holster. They seem to vary with price as to what you get. I tried out a few before i bought the Galco, but that was the best fitting one i found and fully adjustable so that it was nicer to get to fit with what ever you are wearing.

[jaysong]

How do you dress normally. Suit? Jeans? Slacks? Shirt tucked in or out? I normally wear OWB at 2:00-3:00 shirt untucked. When I must tuck I wear a suit coat on pocket carry a S&W 642.

[mnglocker]

I'm betting Flip is a nudist.

[1911fan]

I forgot to post what I use, I have a miami classic, I have a bianchi Black widow, left hand, that I removed the thumbsnap from and now with the holster worn on the right side, it really grabs the gun and will not give it up unless you pull firmly, this has become my more or less EDC holster. I have a GG paddle which is a really nice holster, but I hardly use it. I have a Galco PLE Paddle that I really like and use on the days when showing a even an empty holster is ver boten and I just pull it off whole and leave in the car.

Two other holsters I really like are the Blackhawk tandem, which places a spare mag directly in front of the holstered gun, not the best place, but it ends up working so seamlessly that you forget your toting an extra Mag. I have two one for the glock 17,19,27 line and one for the 1911 line. I also have an older Haugen leather askins style which has the rear loop extended a bit which pulls the gun back in tight, I will wear this more in warm weather as it has a kidney guard or what ever you want to call it, where the inside sticks up a fair amount to keep the slide and rear sight from digging in to your side.

[EAJuggalo]

I find that even a full size Glock disappears in a Comp-Tac IWB. I own and use a C.T.A.C. on those occasions where I have to be discreet but don't have to disarm, but if I were to order one right now it would be an MTAC like Rucker has. A kydex shell for the gun with a leather backing to keep from digging into you or chafing.

[Srigs]

Hi Flip.

Check out my website for different ideas. I carry my compact MP40 in my Double Clip or The Slide (see pics of me with it on). It should give you some ideas and there are lots of good holsters and tons of people here who will give you an opinion

Hope this helps.

[katomur]

For the most comfortable and concealed that I've found to date is the Crossbreed IWB Deluxe! http://www.crossbreed.com It's the first holster I found that comfortably carried my Beretta 92FS all day. The leather takes a little to form to your body, but even during that short time period the weapon is secure and pretty soon you forget you're carrying it.

I ordered another for my Kel Tek PF9 9mm, and I'll be ordering another for my Ruger SR9 9mm.

You can wear this with a pair of shorts and a polo outside, no one would ever know......

[Pinnacle]

I would stay away from gimmicks like Thunderwear.... Real cute idea that does not work well at all - yeah it conceals the gun well - but you cant get to it in any semblance of a timely manner.

Shoulder rigs are sort of a mediocre idea IMHO - Yeah they have a cool factor but there is almost NO way to draw without muzzling yourself. In a panic I dont want to risk it. I had and I repeat had a Miami Classic - cool idea - poor execution. Very uncomfortable.

IWB Is about as good as it gets - you can hide a cannon on a good IWB rig and actually want to carry it.

Get a Sideguard Holster - for the $$$$ and the Quality - you cannot go wrong. I have one and love it

[JoeH]

I'm normally the guy who says, "Everybody is different. Try different holsters. YMMV"

Since you are asking, I'll give my opinion. Buy a leather IWB holster.

Get one without the clips. Instead opt for leather loops (either fixed or snaps). You'll feel more secure about the holster staying in place during physical exertion and while drawing the pistol.

There are many good makers out there. Our own Srigs makes good stuff. I have one and another on order.

Nate at UBG Holsters makes good stuff too.

After a minimum amount of break in, you'll think of that holster with the fondness you had for a favorite ol' ball glove.

Wear an undershirt if the holster/gun against your skin bothers you. Then any shirt that covers your belt will conceal the gun.

[Pat Cannon]

For the most comfortable and concealed that I've found to date is the Crossbreed IWB Deluxe! http://www.crossbreed.com ...

You mean http://www.crossbreedholsters.com!