Posted: 12/5/2008 6:47:48 PM EDT
| Okay, i've had my CCL for about six months now, but just carried for the first time tonight. I have a Glock 19, and have a paddle serpa holster that I carried at 3 o clock. I was aware of the weapon the entire night. I was constantly adjusting and making sure I wasn't printing. It was very distracting. Does this wear off? Is there another holster perhaps that would maybe hold the weapon closer to me so I don't have to worry about printing? Not sure I will carry every day. I may just leave it in the car. |
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That's an option, but an expensive one, and I'd rather have the biggest gun I could possibly carry in a gunfight... I understand your logic there, I agree with it. However, I would rather have a gun that I actually carry EVERY time I leave the house RATHER than one that is too cumbersome and often left at home. I'm with ya on the money issue though! |
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it goes away - sortof. soon, when you DON'T have your gun with you, you'll be checking where it should be and fidgeting because it's not there.
odds are, if you're clothed properly, if someone DOES see a lump under your shirt, they'll assume it's a cell phone or something. get a good holster, look at yourself in the mirror in various positions (sitting, standing, reaching, etc.) and notice what positions cause you to print more than others. ETA: Quoted:
I understand your logic there, I agree with it. However, I would rather have a gun that I actually carry EVERY time I leave the house RATHER than one that is too cumbersome and often left at home. I'm with ya on the money issue though! this. |
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That's an option, but an expensive one, and I'd rather have the biggest gun I could possibly carry in a gunfight... I understand your logic there, I agree with it. However, I would rather have a gun that I actually carry EVERY time I leave the house RATHER than one that is too cumbersome and often left at home. I'm with ya on the money issue though! I have about 20 handguns, from P3ATs and 442s to Beretta 92FS and Sig P226 size semiautos. I've carried them all at some point. You are correct and the same thing goes for body armor, 70% protection 100% of the time is better than 100% protection 70% of the time and such... I've settled on the M&P series for CCW - 45 Compact or 9 Pro. Sizable handguns, but still effective past 10 yards. |
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I recently got a OWB holster from Grandfather Oak
I got the EVOlution Kydex/leather to replace the Yaqui Slide type holster fro my J-frame the slide left the trigger exposed and to take it off I had to remove my belt So far (2weeks) I love this EVO holster I'm about to order one for my G23 As far as anyone noticing don't worry they are all oblivious I even stopped carrying IWB. I go OWB at 3:30-4 o'clock with just a t-shirt EVOlution Holster |
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In time the worry will wear off and you'll get used to it. As mentioned previously, most people, if they spot a lump under your clothing, will assume it's a cell phone or perhaps a Leatherman or something else. If you wear baggy clothing it'll print less. I carry a full size Beretta 96, even in the summertime when in shorts and loose shirt. I have yet to be questioned. The reason you spot it on yourself when looking in the mirror is that you know it's there and you are intensely looking for even the slightest indication that anything is there. I felt that way too, at first. Now, I don't give it a second thought. Yes, I still know it's there as I am out and about. But I don't feel concerned about the fact that I'm carrying a concealed, loaded firearm. I just make sure I don't expose it (i.e., make sure my shirt/jacket/pullover doesn't ride-up if I'm reaching up high for something, etc).
Carry more and you'll see what I mean. |
You really do get used t it. Ive been carrying a gun every day for the last 20 years. I carry even at my house...most of the time I forget its on until I put it on the nightstand as I go to bed. I use a Galco RG218 inside the pants holster with no thumb snap. It holds it very secure. VERY SECURE (Once jumped my harley with it on...flipped 15 times broke both my legs, gun stayed in holster. Anyway the point is...u position that right on the side just behind your jeans belt loop...and it hides really well. Carry a full size 1911.
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I also haven't yet seen mentioned fanny pack carry. I carry my cell and
pda and checkbook in the outer pocket of mine and my Glock 20 rides in the hidden one (and it's a cheap Uncle Mike's). So people around me are used to seeing me pull those common items out of it and don't give it a second look. I used to carry IWB and got tired of the added weight on the belt. My KelTec P32AT rides in my front pocket all of the time. To echo a poster before, you'll get used to it, but it can take a year or two. Now I get twitchy when I am not carrying, because something just doesn't feel "right", like I might have left it somewhere... |
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That's an option, but an expensive one, and I'd rather have the biggest gun I could possibly carry in a gunfight... I understand your logic there, I agree with it. However, I would rather have a gun that I actually carry EVERY time I leave the house RATHER than one that is too cumbersome and often left at home. I'm with ya on the money issue though! Every time I leave the house my Pro goes with me ............ Milt Sparks VM II Horsehide. OP ............... HOLSTERS 
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The Serpa paddle is a terrible CCW holster IMO.
The standoff created by the holster to mount attachments make it more prominent than most quality concealed carry rigs. If you like kydex paddles there are much better options out there. I for one like the Comp Tac standard paddle in FBI cant. It pulls the weapon in very closely to the body and the 15 degree angle helps reduce the prominence of the grip which is what causes the most printing. Better yet are the good IWB rigs. There are a ton out there. Nice thing about those is that you only need to worry about the grip and not the 2-3" of barren extending below the beltline. Also as stated before, if you feel the G19 is a bit large, consider a smaller CCW. Baby glock, Kahr, J frame, etc, etc. What you may well find though is that the pistol is perfectly manageable with the right belt and holster (BTW, the right belt is a critical part of the equation) The CCW in your car is worthless if you're not in there with it. |
| I have been carrying using IWB for around 10 years. 6 of those years were on duty/ off duty use. A full size 1911, commander 1911, and the smallest being a Glock 19. IMHO the Glock 19 is the best CCW weapon out there. It is small enough for almost any frame of person, and gives you enough fire power when needed. It is also big enough that it can be controled by any person using it. The sub compact Glocks are to small IMO unless you add a plus 1 extension, then you are in the realm of the 19 again size wise for the grip. You have the best tool for the job, just find a holster that fits you better. IWB will help by far. Try the Milt Sparks VMII, that holster does wonders for comfort. They are not cheap, but keep in mind that its a one time buy that will help daily comfort. A good belt is also part of daily comfort and keeping your weapon where it needs to be. Hope this helps |
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The sheeple are oblivious to the bulge under your shirt. They are too busy grazing to notice anything other than the sale on American Idol t-shirts.
As for comfortable carry: a very underestimated component is the actual pants you are wearing. Try Blackhawk. Heavy waistband makes for comfortable carry. Also try a thinner gun like a Kahr or Keltec. |
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The sheeple are oblivious to the bulge under your shirt. They are too busy grazing to notice anything other than the sale on American Idol t-shirts. As for comfortable carry: a very underestimated component is the actual pants you are wearing. Try Blackhawk. Heavy waistband makes for comfortable carry. Also try a thinner gun like a Kahr or Keltec. Funny you say that. I was actually at my nephew's 1st birthday party, prompting my initial question. It was at a local family pizza place and when the party was at a slow point, I took a scan around the place and made the observation that every single person in that place was overweight. They had TONs of food on their table and really were oblivious to anything around them. Now, I'm not a greek god by any means, and I don't want to turn this thread into a political one, but damn, we are a FAT society. When the zombies come, these people will be the first to go. |
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Quoted:
it goes away - sortof. soon, when you DON'T have your gun with you, you'll be checking where it should be and fidgeting because it's not there. odds are, if you're clothed properly, if someone DOES see a lump under your shirt, they'll assume it's a cell phone or something. get a good holster, look at yourself in the mirror in various positions (sitting, standing, reaching, etc.) and notice what positions cause you to print more than others. ETA: Quoted:
I understand your logic there, I agree with it. However, I would rather have a gun that I actually carry EVERY time I leave the house RATHER than one that is too cumbersome and often left at home. I'm with ya on the money issue though! this. +1 on the above. You get adjusted after awhile and learn that most people are oblivious to you having a weapon. Being in FL I can tell you get a IWB Holster. It's a necessity since the times when you can wear a coat, jacket, or sweat shirt are limited. Most of the time it's just a good long t-shirt or a t-shirt with a loose button up over it. |
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Yes, you do get used to it eventually, but there are a few things that will help with comfort and concealability.
1- Holster. Inside The Waistband (IWB) holsters are more concealable, but not quite as comfortable as Outside The Waistband. You can get used to IWB holsters and they are not that bad. I carry in a Blade-Tech kydex IWB and am quite comfortable with my XD 45C (which is roughly the same size as your G19). 2- Belt. A good pistol belt is an often overlooked part of carrying a pistol. It really does make a difference. Check 5.11, The Beltman, or many of the holster makers (Bianchi, Galco, etc...). 3- Holster placement. Try carrying in different places on your belt. You say that you carry at 3:00 (so do I), try 4:00, etc... 4- Wardrobe. Dress around the gun. Wear clothes that fit to conceal a pistol. I like Oversized Dickies button up shirts that I get at Walmart and polo shirts. Dark colors conceal better than light and patterns break up the outline of the gun. |
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Quoted:
it goes away - sortof. soon, when you DON'T have your gun with you, you'll be checking where it should be and fidgeting because it's not there. odds are, if you're clothed properly, if someone DOES see a lump under your shirt, they'll assume it's a cell phone or something. get a good holster, look at yourself in the mirror in various positions (sitting, standing, reaching, etc.) and notice what positions cause you to print more than others. ETA: Quoted:
I understand your logic there, I agree with it. However, I would rather have a gun that I actually carry EVERY time I leave the house RATHER than one that is too cumbersome and often left at home. I'm with ya on the money issue though! this. Exactly right. I have been carrying concealed for going on two decades. Guns I have carried concealed: 6" S&W model 19, Beretta 92, 1911, BHP, and various snubs/mouse guns. Guns I carry every day for a decade? Glock 19 and a colt agent. All it takes is practice and selecting your wardrobe around the fact you carry. |
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Quoted:
Yes, you do get used to it eventually, but there are a few things that will help with comfort and concealability. 1- Holster. Inside The Waistband (IWB) holsters are more concealable, but not quite as comfortable as Outside The Waistband. You can get used to IWB holsters and they are not that bad. I carry in a Blade-Tech kydex IWB and am quite comfortable with my XD 45C (which is roughly the same size as your G19). 2- Belt. A good pistol belt is an often overlooked part of carrying a pistol. It really does make a difference. Check 5.11, The Beltman, or many of the holster makers (Bianchi, Galco, etc...). 3- Holster placement. Try carrying in different places on your belt. You say that you carry at 3:00 (so do I), try 4:00, etc... 4- Wardrobe. Dress around the gun. Wear clothes that fit to conceal a pistol. I like Oversized Dickies button up shirts that I get at Walmart and polo shirts. Dark colors conceal better than light and patterns break up the outline of the gun. +1 Holster, belt, placement, and dress. Those are the keys to being able to successfully carry without anyone noticing, and being comfortable at the same time. Read up on your optinos, and start buying. Odds are you will not find the perfect setup right away. Just keep what you like, and replace what you don't. Over time you will have a setup that will be just right for you. My setup is: XD subcompact - 40S&W Comp-tac MTAC Wilderness Belt I can carry that setup all year round, with 90% of the clothes (loose/baggy) that I own. |
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lots of good info in this thread so far.
It's called 'Printitis'. I suffered pretty badly from it when I first started ccw'ing. To get over it, I strapped on my biggest gun, CZ97B, OWB carry, just a light loose t-shirt over it, and went about my business for a day. I figured there would be 3 results: a) I would either go insane worrying about it, and never carry again. b) my worst fears would be realized, someone would see it, call the cops, etc c) nothing would happen, and I'd get over it. Happy to say option c is what worked out in the end. 
So, in other words, you'll get used to it, and as someone else mentioned, you'll start feeling odd when you leave the gun at home one day....like forgetting to wear your watch. |
| I find myself being too casual about carrying, sometimes. I don't even think about it being there. And sometimes, find myself reaching or bending and possibly exposing or printing before I think about it. Fortunately so far, it hasn't been a problem or caused a scene. I'm constantly trying to discipline myself about this. |
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When I was still fresh to carrying, I bought a used Beretta PX4. I also picked up a nice IWB holster for it, and decided to take it to WalMart...
Well, I felt like it was visible as my shirt was not very long, and bending down to get the allergy medicine on a lower shelf made me VERY conscious of it. It was like at the 5 o'clock position. I'll never carry that gun in that manner again...I left the store shortly after that incident...just incase. I now carry a KelTec P3AT in my front pocket. It is better than nothing...and likely all the gun I will need 99% of the time. As mentioned, a gun that is always with you is better than one that is left at home often. I am thinking about one of those tiny S&W revolvers...442 or 642 or whatever they are called, and will hope to keep it in my pocket like the Keltec. |
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When I was still fresh to carrying, I bought a used Beretta PX4. I also picked up a nice IWB holster for it, and decided to take it to WalMart... Well, I felt like it was visible as my shirt was not very long, and bending down to get the allergy medicine on a lower shelf made me VERY conscious of it. It was like at the 5 o'clock position. I'll never carry that gun in that manner again...I left the store shortly after that incident...just incase. I now carry a KelTec P3AT in my front pocket. It is better than nothing...and likely all the gun I will need 99% of the time. As mentioned, a gun that is always with you is better than one that is left at home often. I am thinking about one of those tiny S&W revolvers...442 or 642 or whatever they are called, and will hope to keep it in my pocket like the Keltec. just curious. those of you that carry in your front pocket, do you carry anything else in that pocket? i considered trying to carry my G26 in my right front pocket but i like to carry my keys, a small pen, and a folding knife clipped to the pocket on that side. anyone afraid of something in the pocket causing accidental discharge or anything like i am? |
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When I was still fresh to carrying, I bought a used Beretta PX4. I also picked up a nice IWB holster for it, and decided to take it to WalMart... Well, I felt like it was visible as my shirt was not very long, and bending down to get the allergy medicine on a lower shelf made me VERY conscious of it. It was like at the 5 o'clock position. I'll never carry that gun in that manner again...I left the store shortly after that incident...just incase. I now carry a KelTec P3AT in my front pocket. It is better than nothing...and likely all the gun I will need 99% of the time. As mentioned, a gun that is always with you is better than one that is left at home often. I am thinking about one of those tiny S&W revolvers...442 or 642 or whatever they are called, and will hope to keep it in my pocket like the Keltec. just curious. those of you that carry in your front pocket, do you carry anything else in that pocket? i considered trying to carry my G26 in my right front pocket but i like to carry my keys, a small pen, and a folding knife clipped to the pocket on that side. anyone afraid of something in the pocket causing accidental discharge or anything like i am? I don't carry anything else in that pocket. Even if I did, it would be in a pocket holster so the chance of discharge is null. I travel light...that's just me. I have keys and cell phone in left front pocket, and KelTec inholster in right front pocket. My wallet goes in one of the back pockets, but I cannot divulge anymore details than that 
I would not put anything in that pocket with your gun as this can slow down your draw. |
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Raven Concealment Phantom Comp-Tac MTAC Would be my two choices. The MTAC is inside the waistband only. The Phantom can be inside or outside depending on hardware configuration. +1 I carry the MTAC and love it. It wasn't my first, though. I had to go through a few others to get one that worked right for me. |
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The G19 is the near perfect size for an average sized, moderately fit person. Unless you are rail skinny, or have a fat gut that pushes the gun grip out (my problem as of late) it's a very easy gun to conceal.
I'll just add my preferences to the suggestions you've already received. If you can find one, the Price Western Leather holsters are very good. I've taken a liking to the Bianchi 7 lately. I like Blade Tec for IWB, and their paddles are nice for the times you need to be able to get in and out of your gun quickly. |
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I am in the same boat. I have only carried for a year or so. The feeling you described will calm but I don’t know that it will ever go away.
In my opinion it shouldn’t go away. I see your current state of readiness as a substantial part of that feeling, and should be maintained, not put away. That’s not to say you will always be worried, but instead of concentrating on the loaded firearm on your hip you will redirect that energy to checking exits and running through what ifs instead, almost equally distracting lol… also i use this holster and it's been very good to me. And is very hard to detect even with a normal plain Tee-shirt as cover. CCC |
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My G19 is my primary carry gun. It is the perfect balance of all things I look for in a defensive handgun.
I must say though, if you're serious about carrying, then carry. This "I'll leave it in the car most of the time" crap won't cut it. If you knew when you were going to need it then you just wouldn't go there, none of us would. You will not see it coming, you will not expect it, the S with just HTF. Train hard, carry always, be safe. |
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