Thread: How many people CCW here?

I'm not that heavy now, but when I was almost 300 lbs I wore a DeSantis IWB holster and still do. It is very comfortable and I love the extra flap that keeps the safety and hammer off of my waist.

I've worn it every day for about 10 years, so it isn't as pretty as it used to be.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Good looking set-up, but my issue is that I am a chunky fellow and have found that anything other than SOB doesn't work for me. I've been eyeballing Galco's SOB set-up. I prefer the additional safety of a a thumb snap...

I have the same problem for the opposite reason. I'm 6' but only 140ish. I'm so skinny If I tried to carry anything but SOB or Ankle it'd be dead obvious. As for the pocket pistols a couple pages back, I've handled the Kahr P380 and Kel tek P-32. They belonged to a friends dad who happened to be on Illinois State PD SWAT, and he always carried one or the other in an ankle holster as a backup. To me they hurt my hands to shoot because of the size and where the slide and magwell fit my hands. He agreed but then told me how years ago after breaching a house an assailant tackled him (being on the tail end of the team and at 5'6 150 he was a small guy) all he could reach was the Kahr so he put 3 rounds into the man's ribs. The man lived and (If I'm not mistaken) is in prison for a good amount longer before even thinking about parol.

Dominant-side appendix-in-waistband (AIWB) carry is definitely the fastest draw out there, and one of the most secure in terms of retention. However, I just can't pull it off. Right now, there's a gut in the way, but even when there was less, that method never worked for me beyond an hour or so at a time.

My carry varies from on-the-waistband (OWB) at the 3-4 o'clock position, using either a leather Galco slide or a kydex Gideon Elite by Dale Fricke. I started out as a leather purist back when, but much favor kydex these days. Leather has to be broken in, then it's fine for a while, then it stretches out again at some point. My belt slide, for example, started out tight for a Glock 17, now it's a perfect fit for the larger frame of a Glock 20. IMHO, Fricke makes the best kydex holsters out there - different models available for a wide range of guns, fit extremely well, are very low profile, and speedy to draw from.

If I'm going to be in the car for hours at a time, I carry in a dual shoulder holster-rig. From the seated position, it's the fastest access I have found. The holsters in the rig are kydex by Survival Sheath. They also do good work and are specialized in knife sheaths and shoulder holster rigs, which Fricke does not make. The holsters are mounted on an Alessi harness, which happened to be the best fit for me.

Both OWB and shoulder-holsters work well for me in terms of concealment, not so much due to size (I'm big) as dressing for the occasion - untucked shirts one size larger than I need, a jacket with some extra room... in hot weather I wear casual short-sleeved shirts, again a size larger than needed. Like I said, I'm big, but I know quite a few super-skinny guys who also pull it off with no problem, even under a T-Shirt!

I do not like my holsters with thumb-breaks or other retention devices, but I certainly don't fault anyone who wants that extra level of safety. I would however caution against SOB or ankle carry as a PRIMARY - if you run into the kind of trouble that would warrant actually drawing your gun, it's shall we say not a given that you will have time to access it from either of those positions. Don't take my word for it though ;-) - get together with a friend, some rubber knives or sticks and a plastic training gun. Have your friend "attack" you at a good speed from different distances, maybe starting at 10 yds., moving in to 7, 5, 3... and see at what distances you can still deploy from your chosen carry method. No matter how you carry, practicing access to your weapon under direct pressure is a very good idea and will swiftly show you what works and what does not.

Originally Posted by HamburgO

No matter how you carry, practicing access to your weapon under direct pressure is a very good idea and will swiftly show you what works and what does not.

This is an ABSOLUTE fact. Home invasions are getting more prevalent around here and my wife and I were recently talking about it and starting a sort of training. When it comes to "fight or flight", I've been tested and know where I stand, however I am concerned that my wife will do neither...I'm afraid she will freeze. I explained to her how practice will develop muscle memory, so hopefully if the SHTF she will act appropriately depending on the situation. Practice may not make for "perfect", but sure does help when it comes to depending on a reflex.

On the gut part, I'm with you. Just went to the Dr. yesterday and I am at the heaviest I have ever been & gotta do something about that. 5'11" @ 274 is not a good thing...I'm best at 210-220. This is why I mostly SOB carry. If I look at Kydex stuff, will have to get another weapon. Could be a good thing

Freezing is one thing I don't worry about with my wife.

She is a Brown Belt with 2 black stripes in Karate.

One more reason for me to carry.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

This is an ABSOLUTE fact. Home invasions are getting more prevalent around here and my wife and I were recently talking about it and starting a sort of training. When it comes to "fight or flight", I've been tested and know where I stand, however I am concerned that my wife will do neither...I'm afraid she will freeze. I explained to her how practice will develop muscle memory, so hopefully if the SHTF she will act appropriately depending on the situation. Practice may not make for "perfect", but sure does help when it comes to depending on a reflex.

On the gut part, I'm with you. Just went to the Dr. yesterday and I am at the heaviest I have ever been & gotta do something about that. 5'11" @ 274 is not a good thing...I'm best at 210-220. This is why I mostly SOB carry. If I look at Kydex stuff, will have to get another weapon. Could be a good thing

Your right home invasions are becoming more common-that's why my avatar is a 112 llb doberman,that's there best hope dealing with her while I decide between my .45 or a scatter-gun,any way, its a bad position to be in.

Originally Posted by Grizzley1

Your right home invasions are becoming more common-that's why my avatar is a 112 llb doberman,that's there best hope dealing with her while I decide between my .45 or a scatter-gun,any way, its a bad position to be in.

Yep, you can't beat a good canine family member that will defend their family. Note that as I type this, my two kids are with me. My baby girl Kyra is under the desk and my big boy Uri is at my left, both German Shepherds.

On a side note, went to the range today and shot until I was fatigued enough to know it was a good day. About 75 rounds to warm up with the Buckmark, 150 rounds of 10mm (really building confidence in this one) in the Delta Elite, and about 75 rounds of 44mag out of the blackhawk. About half of the 44 rounds were full house 300gr hog rounds...that was the straw that broke the camels back. I remember why I don't shoot those big rounds all that often...

Originally Posted by Grizzley1

Your right home invasions are becoming more common-that's why my avatar is a 112 llb doberman,that's there best hope dealing with her while I decide between my .45 or a scatter-gun,any way, its a bad position to be in.

From a safe distance, I've been admiring that Dobie ever since I saw your avatar...

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Yep, you can't beat a good canine family member that will defend their family. Note that as I type this, my two kids are with me. My baby girl Kyra is under the desk and my big boy Uri is at my left, both German Shepherds.

On a side note, went to the range today and shot until I was fatigued enough to know it was a good day. About 75 rounds to warm up with the Buckmark, 150 rounds of 10mm (really building confidence in this one) in the Delta Elite, and about 75 rounds of 44mag out of the blackhawk. About half of the 44 rounds were full house 300gr hog rounds...that was the straw that broke the camels back. I remember why I don't shoot those big rounds all that often...

And I remember why I avoid the range on certain days of the month! 75 rds. of hot .44 would wear me out just standing next to you! I'd probably walk out of there with a nervous tic ...

Seriously, how is the Colt treating you? Nice looking gun, I'd love to shoot one next to my Glock 20 some day!

Originally Posted by Grizzley1

Your right home invasions are becoming more common-that's why my avatar is a 112 llb doberman,that's there best hope dealing with her while I decide between my .45 or a scatter-gun,any way, its a bad position to be in.

My parents have a 130lb husky that goes from a giant baby to a furry ball of teeth and pain if he thinks someones in danger. Unfortunately I am unable to get a dog at this time because the apartment I'll be moving into has a 40lb and "no dangerous breeds" rule. I asked and they said Dobermans, Pits, German Shepherds, Malinois, Husky, English Bull, and Bull Terriers are considered "dangerous" to them. I guess I'll just have to settle with my M4 and 1911. To be honest I think 3 ROTC guys with M4's and various handguns would be more dangerous to any intruders than the dog but they can have it their way.