Concealed in the Summer

How does it feel, is it difficult to hold onto? I have a compact .45 and it is almost feels too small for my hand at times. I would love to have something smaller and easily concealable like this.

 

It is a bit small, but defiantly manageable. Its only a .380 so its doesn't kick too much. If you have bigger hands it might be too small. My glove size is a medium (9) and its about as small a gun as I would want to shoot.

 

Everybody has heard Rule #1 of a gun fight... Bring a gun!

A 380 in the pocket is a hell of a lot better than a 45 sitting on the nightstand at home.

Don't be ashamed of that little thing.

 

When carrying a pocket gun, I would suggest a 380 as being the minimum caliber to be effective. Sure, a .22 will stop someone, but the 380 has better ballistic ratings as opposed to .22's, .25's and .32's. Especially when it comes down to penetrating heavy clothing. As a Back Up Gun (BUG), I carry a L.W. Seecamp 380 for use as a last resort. When I am off duty I want a caliber that would be more effective, so I carry either a snubby .357 or a compact .45 acp and always have a reload ready.

 

Carrying in the summer does mean a slight wardrobe adjustment to avoid printing. Holster and belt choice also becomes more important. Additionally, you will have to worry more about sweat corroding your weapon.

My setup (stays the same year around):

Glock 19 w/ XS big dot sights, Speer 124gr +p or Rem Golden Saber 124gr +p
Comp Tac C tac kydex IWB
Comptac 1.5" kydex reinforced leather gun belt or 1.75" Wilderness 5 stitch rigger's belt, depending on dress.

I find the pistol conceals best with a slight forward cant worn at the 4 o clock.


You make a larger weapon disappear by using a quality holster and stiff purpose built belt. I can't emphasize this enough. Too many people buy a nice pistol but throw it in a cheap generic holster and use their soft leather dress belt and then complain about how difficult it is to carry.

I like kydex because it does not retain moisture like leather and offers very good retention with a nice 'click' to let you know the piece is secure.

Training is also huge. I shoot my G19 as carried in 3 gun competition. Train as you would fight.

 

yahtzee, a better holster may just do the trick. I must find the best OWB holster now. Any suggestions? I have an XD subcompact 40, pretty bulky little gun. I decided that I like carrying it, and will probably not be changing guns.

 

I agree with MGRS. A good gunbelt is just as important as a good holster. I still maintain that an IWB holster is the best way to conceal carry and with the right holster (supertuck), can be very comfortable to wear.
I really like my Galco Concealable OWB but it is anything but concealable with a full-sized grip.

 

If I'm wearing pants, I either have my LCP in my front pocket, my Sig P239 IWB/OWB, or both. I use a Simply Rugged Cuda. Awesome holster, can do IWB or OWB (make sure you buy it with the inside out straps).

I can carry my P239, or if I feel froggy my Sig P228 IWB under just a tshirt and conceal no problem.

 

From an "EDC" thread on another forum:


I highly recommend the comp tac c tac pictured. They are $80 but well worth it. Mine is used daily when I am not in uniform. Retention is excellent.

 

^ did they or you empty their pockets?

 

That's mine. Other than only wearing one watch, and carrying one light/knife of those pictured, I have all that stuff on me.

 

The Keltec 9mm is pretty small.

 

How many of you guys actually have permits to carry or just carry? I don't know a lot about it but I have never seen anyone carrying, but I guess that's the point.

 

I ran into the same dilemma last summer so I bought myself a pocket gun (Kahr PM9 - Didn't like the Keltec as much) I wanted to keep it in 9mm so I didn't have to stock another type of ammo in case I didn't like it, so that seriously limited my options.

Made myself a holster from Kydex to fit in my back pocket and it ended up replacing all my other options for carrying. It's not the fastest draw, but then again, no one is going to question going for your wallet in your back pocket either.

The PM9 is really so small that I didn't notice a lot of difference between it and my wallet. The hardest thing to get used to was moving the wallet to my front pocket.

It does suck a little losing the back pocket, but then again, I guess its not a great idea to keep your wallet there anyway. And as quoted earlier, the first rule of a gun fight is to bring a gun. A .45 at home doesn't do anyone any good.

Regretfully, the temperature is heating up again and I'll have to stop wearing my jacket, which I would keep an extra mag and a light in. Not sure what I'm going to do about those since I have enough stuff in my pockets already with my knife, keys, phone and wallet. Maybe I'll have to put em on my belt.

 

Thats what I was wondering. I'd have to go a size up in pants and get suspenders.

 

It really depends on your state. Some allow open carry with out any permits and concealed requiring a permit, while others require a permit for everything, or no permits needed at all. Personally, you'd be completely insane to break the law concerning carrying. Pretty sure its a felony in most states, ruining your chances of carrying legally ever again.

 

Ive been looking at them recently, has anyone ever shot a Keltec PF 9? it looks nice and the price is very appealing.

 

I have the PF9 for summer carry. Nice little gun.

 

ruger lcp w/ desantis nemesis pocket holster FTW!

 

Oh cool thanks. I know in MD you need a permit and I'm pretty sure it's hard to get one.