How to Carry Concealed in the Cold

[swollengoat]

This is a bit embarassing ... as I'm a new englander by birth ... BUT, Ive spent the past decade living in south florida and, well, simply don't have the right clothes for the season ...

Two things I am looking to get in the very near term:
1- Gun Belt: I need a sturdy gun belt that will not look out of place on a pair of dress slacks but will still hold up a full size 1911 at 3 o'clock without sagging in an OWB holster.

2. I need a cold weather jacket that will appear work approopriate and be geared toward providing (a) coverage of existing concealed firearm (i.e., side zippers, etc.) or (2) having some sort of inner 'holster' capabilities ...

Either 5.11 or Blackhawk makes a Sabre 2, which looked like it would cover all the angles, but figured no group would be better suited to offer some suggestions than the members here ..

FYI, right now, I'm using a pea coat, but it/s about 15 years old and while I love it and it works, I need something that I can wear casually on the weekends as well as to work with my concealment a non-issue ...

Thanks all.


SG

[Rumson]

I have a synthetic $25.00 Galco belt.. Wear it everyday and it shows almost no wear after four years.. It doesn't fit the belt loops of my suit pants but does on everything else.. Dress slacks included..

I've never worried about coats since anything past the hip will cover nicely.. Just don't do anything with an elastic type hip hugging bottom has been my experience..

I tend to shy away from the shoot me first tactical wear.. No point in advertising.

[gunderwood]

Galco makes several nice belts. I've been using their contour belt everyday for about 7 years and it's still going strong. A bit of wear on the eye holes (somewhat ovals for the two holes I use) and the nickel plating it starting to wear off the brass buckle a bit (not enough to bother re-plating yet). I've worn this with suits, slacks, and jeans. It just looks like a dress belt, but is thicker to support the extra weight when carrying. The contour shape helps a lot with comfort by preventing the top of the belt from digging into you. Obviously, a wider belt is better, but most dress pants don't have loops large enough for a 1.5" belt.

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterP3.asp?Pr ... alogID=255

[GeneFrenkle]

My belt from Tractor Supply Co. works just fine with IWB carry.

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[GlockMan]

+1 on Galco - I got one a few years back "while I saved up " for a more expensive one. I never felt the need to upgrade once I starting using it.

[FiremanBob]

If the work pants you wear are office-style, try the Filson 1.25" double-thick harness belt. It fits most of my suits, but not all as it is a full 1/4" thick. Absolute confidence in its ability to maintain stiffness for years without sagging and suitable for all business attire.
www.filson.com

I got mine at Greentop for less than MSRP.

There are also some custom belt makers who will make a slightly thinner belt with a layer of plastic in the middle to stiffen it.

[ReadyDog]

+1 on Galco - I got one a few years back "while I saved up " for a more expensive one. I never felt the need to upgrade once I starting using it.

Another Galco user here. Have never found the need or desire to buy any other