Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Picked up a used Belly Band Holster this weekend always wanted to try one and now that I have I like it. This one is ambidextrous and will hold my PM9 or XD subcompact and two magazines without printing unfortunately the XDM leaves a big bulge. Has anyone tried one and what was your impression?

I have one , and it provides excellent concealment. It unfortunately does not offer as quick of access as I would like, and requires at least two shirts to be worn comfortably I have found. A t-shirt under the band, and a button up to cover it from sight. not a problem in the winter, but a little warm here in Virgina during the summer. If I had to get to it, I could always rip the buttons off forceably, or use velcro, but that would be noisy.

I carry a Taurus 85 when I use mine.

I have one & I use it sparringly. I had it on once, bent over & the gun fell out into my shirt, luckily I was at home.

OakRidgeStars wrote:I'd like to try one, but I have too much belly already

You're not the only one sir, not the only one at all.....

I use a Bianchi Pro. Its IWB and has a clip so you can wear it with or without belt. It secures nicely and an easy draw once you break it in. Very comfortable and affordable. Also easy to do the VA tuck when you have to. I also use a Bianchi clip on for spare mag. Its a little uncomfortable since your mag rides against bare skin unless you tuck your shirt in and wear another over that.

I thought about trying one but I have too much girth as it is.

OakRidgeStars wrote:I'd like to try one, but I have too much belly already

That was my reason for trying. Yes it is not ideal for a quick draw but mine has a retention strap to keep the weapon in place

I love it, it is the only concealed holster I use now for my Glock 27. I always wear shorts or sweats when not working, so most holsters wont work for me. The BellyBand has worked great. I wear it with shorts and t-shirt and friends have not even known I had it on until I said something when they asked where my gun was.

I see this is a rather old thread, which I found when searching for info about the belly band. I am curious though, if anyone has a recommendation for a particular manufacturer of this style holster. I have seen ads online for Galco which has leather holsters built into the band; looks more secure than just sticking a gun into an elastic pocket.

Also, can one belly band setup be used for different guns? Or are the holster portions sized for a particular style/size weapon, such as a subcompact semi-auto or J-frame revolver?

Are they available in any retail locations? I am in Richmond and travel frequently to Hampton Roads so could check out retailers in either locale.

Thanks for any feedback and experiences.

I was curious about this myself. I wanted to carry while I went running, and the belly band holsters seem to be about the only ones that would be secure/comfortable enough. So far I am leaning toward: Pistol Wear, though I wanted to do a bit more research before getting one.

This is the one I wear and I really like it... http://www.nrastore.com/nrastore/Produc ... A+360&ct=e I don't think it would really be good for running though.

The Pistol Wear product seems to discriminate against those of us with more girth. The NRA version looks interesting; I like that it has a retention strap. I would think running in shorts or sweats with a gun would necessitate a pretty small gun for a resonable level of comfort - maybe a J-frame or slim-profile subcompact.

Thanks for the info!