Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Do you worry about concealment or just slap on an OWB set up and pull a shirt over it?

I'd be interested in hearing how, if at all, actual concealment has played a role in what type of gun/set up you carry.

Do you not care if it's blatantly obvious and just don't compromise, or do you carry something smaller that maybe you don't shoot as well because you care more about concealing?


I only ask because I've been carrying for coming up on a year and have gone through a few different set ups. And, I just got a new holster in tonight for my fullsize. It still won't make it a concealable VA summer carry but will conceal much better than my previous rig in the cooler months, and will be much more comfortable. My warm months rig is still my go to most of the time just because it's so easy to carry.


I know for pretty much everybody CC is full of trade offs. Smaller gun that conceals well, bigger gun that you shoot better, capacity, etc. We all make our own choices based on our own criteria.


Your thoughts on why you CC what you do....

I carry a M&P Shield in a Concealment Express Kydex IWB that I wrapped in suede (the holster not the gun). I pair that with an Elite CO Shooters Belt, which is a thick plastic reinforced 1.5in belt.

For me it's a perfect set up for these reason:

It's secure- trigger guard is covered and the gun is very secure.
It's fast it put on- If you have to practically disrobe to throw your gun on you're not going to do it.
It doesn't shift around - The suede really causes it to stick
It's a fairly quick draw - Some of those fancy pull out holsters, ankle holsters, pocket holsters, bag holsters, ect are just freaking slow and impossible to pull in the event you're pinned against something.


Those are the things I look for in a holster. What I don't look for is is comfort. Comfort to me is secondary. As Clint Smith always said "Carrying a gun isn't suppose to be comfortable it's suppose to be comforting.

Since open carry is legal in VA, I don't typically care if I print. Most of the time, I have a shirt over it so the zombie sheep don't get scared. I do open carry on occasion.

When I CC, I carry a full-size gun all day, every day, year round. I typically use an OWB slide holster with my Glock 17 and run untucked. I also occasionally use a King Tuck or Royal Guard from Galco if I need to wear a shirt tucked in. I also wear loose fitting shirts.

Same holster and clothing combos, I will also carry my SIG P226 or my Walther PPQ.

About 5 years ago, I used to pocket carry a Ruger LC9 in a pocket holster. It was very comfortable, but it was super obvious I had something in my pocket. Also, the smaller guns don't fit my hands very well. That makes trigger action and recoil management very difficult. I don't want to risk accuracy issues in a life or death situation.

I don't care for the idea of open carry in public, but that's just me. I don't want to "ask" for trouble.

So, when I carry (which is all the time unless going into a government building like the courthouse) I don't want to advertise it. The idea is not to be the first one shot/jumped because it's obvious you're carrying.

Mostly I've been using an Air Marshall 3 holster. Cotton web/holster sort of like a shoulder holster set up that I wear over a t-shirt and under a short sleeve button up cotton shirt with a couple top buttons left open. My P07 with RMR fits just fine. I have found that that little bit of extra magazine length when using a +2 extension makes it stick out enough that I just carry the standard magazine in the gun with a spare 17 round magazine in my left pants pocket.

I've switched over to the cargo type pants and shorts as I really need the extra pockets for the wallet, keys, car key fobs, cell phone and two more 15 round magazines in my left thigh pocket in a magazine pouch.

I was using one of the leather/kydex IWB holsters for the P07 last year but the air marshall 3 ended up in every day use after I'd used it awhile.

I bought a P01 urban gray with the suppressor sights and put a light on it. I ordered a kydex holster from the Cleveland Kydex Co. that was supposed to be a custom fit holster for that model of the P01 with a light on the rail. I had to open up the bottom for the threaded barrel/thread protector to clear it. I tried to wear that holster (IWB type holster) a couple of time but the inside of the holster is very short and the top/back of the pistol digs into my ribs/side real bad when driving the car/truck, so it's back to the AM3 when I carried that pistol. That holster also made it necessary to grab the grip, start it out of the holster and then move my hand/fingers into the right place on the grip because the holster is made so that it covers too much of the frame/grip of that model of handgun. I don't carry it anymore, after awhile taking the light off/putting it on again gets old.

My latest project is almost complete (have a little metal removal work to do on the trigger guard - still trying to decide whether or not to go that far) to say it's finished but functioning has been 100% so far so I'm carrying it already, sometimes. I just ordered a holster for it (kydex IWB with the inside part of the kydex going up high enough to protect my tender ribs/side from the back of the pistol when I drive. That pistol started life as a CZ 75 Compact that has been modified with CZ 85 controls and a Pre B style spur hammer. I carry it around the property and on road trips so my wife and I have common magazines/ammo.

I'm fat/out of shape and I wear baggy clothes to both stay cool and to hide that CZ.

Gun belt. Get one. I use the magpul Tejas and I couldn't be happier.

Use a good holster owb or iwb depending on personal preference. I use either one depending on what I wear and what I'm carrying.

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While I don't currently CC, I have considered biting the bullet, and getting the permit.

My only interest, though, would be to obtain the freedom to not have to think about how my jacket is going to affect my carry status.

I really don't care if anyone sees that I'm carrying, or not. Actually, it's been my personal experience that "ne'er do wells" tend to take their nonsense elsewhere, if they spot me carrying. (Although, YMMV)

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Jon wrote:Do you worry about concealment or just slap on an OWB set up and pull a shirt over it?

I'd be interested in hearing how, if at all, actual concealment has played a role in what type of gun/set up you carry.

Do you not care if it's blatantly obvious and just don't compromise, or do you carry something smaller that maybe you don't shoot as well because you care more about concealing?

Your thoughts on why you CC what you do....

I CC everyday. Have for several years. The are only 2 exceptions: At work, it's tough to keep on me so, my weapon will stay in the truck (I'm a contractor). Only other time I don't CC is if I forget my gun at home. Rare but, does happen sometimes when leaving in a rush.

I carried a full size a few times but, was really bogged down by it. For the last couple years my EDC, is a Ruger SP101. I carry IWB about 1:30-2:00. It is convenient, & very concealable. It doesn't matter if I'm wearing jeans, or shorts, & a t-shirt. To my knowledge, I've never been spotted as printing but, who knows. Either way, it has become comfortable to the point of it doesn't distract me at all. I never "forget" I'm carrying but, am not impeded by it either.

While, the idea of carrying a full size sounds awesome in some ways, I sure like the convenience of carrying what I do. I have 100% confidence in a life or death scenario that I will survive. I am considering a compact .45 as another EDC option. For no reason other than, options...... and cause I want one lol.

I'm not a big guy, 6' 185lbs but, I am also not the cowering, shoulder slumped, no eye contact kinda guy either. I doubt I appear as a target to many in public. Maybe it's my prior military experience, or just my profession, who knows. It's probably my active military sons, & their high testosterone levels...lol. I gotta keep the title as long as possible...hahaha. Either way, as father time marches on, my self defense capabilities surely are enhanced by carrying.

I think the most important thing in an EDC choice...... confidence. Carry what gives you confidence, & secondly what is comfortable for you. The odds of any of us actually discharging our EDC in a self defense situation is slim. However, if lightning strikes you, it will most likely be at close range..... very close range, & will be over in a matter of seconds. With this in mind, the idea of a long drawn out gun fight, multiple magazines, etc.... are even more slim. At least that is my opinion.

I carry everywhere I LEGALLY am permitted to carry. I only carry a small pistol because it's there for "OH CRAP!" moments. If I'm going into a neighborhood I don't trust? I'll carry like I would openly, but I conceal it.

The small one? You don't see print.

The big one? I couldn't give a rip.

Concealed in some cases is to hide up close, and some cases from a distance.

P.S. Jake! GOOD TO SEE YOU BACK!

I'll 2nd that! Good to see you, Jake.

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I carry when I have the chance. I have a Ruger sr9c with a belly band holster. Its comfortable and holds the gun under the arm.

I guess I would say that I'm still new to the carry crowd as I've only been at it a little more than 2 years. I CC pretty much daily, and use a M&P 9mm as my EDC. I have a cheap plastic Blackhawk IWB holster that does the job. It covers the trigger (my M&P has no mechanical safety), and is actually pretty comfortable at 3 o'clock. After a bit I forget I have it on.

Winter CC is easy because of the clothing. Summer I still carry IWB and don't really care if people notice out here in Front Royal/Winchester. If I get to feeling uncomfortable I just untuck and cover it up. Have thought recently about switching to cargo pants from blue jeans for the storage. Right now I carry no spare mags because I have no room.

Haven't gotten around to trying anything new just because what I have works for me. Lately been looking for something new that might let the gun ride a little lower on my belt. Tried OC a few times early on, but felt too conspicuous. Didn't seem to bother too many folks much. Probably because I'm out here in the country and no one really cares.

I tend to avoid large crowds mostly because I just don't like people very much.

I CC every time i carry, which is all the time unless at work in which case it is in the truck. I carry a Glock 26 OWB in a kydex holster that keeps it pretty tight to my body. Cover shirt and go. I honestly do not try real hard. I do switch to a slighty smaller Glock 43 in the summer, still OWB. Most switch due to weight.

I have IWB for all as well, i just find OWB more comfortable.

On a road trip i might actually go to the Glock 19 for extra capacity. Not much changed wardrobe wise though.

Now if i have to go in to DC or MD..........well F me.

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Swampman wrote:.......I tend to avoid large crowds mostly because I just don't like people very much.

I second that.

Thanks guys! I'm back! New place with an internet connection, old place was too far in the country for anything. Good to be back!

MarcSpaz wrote:
About 5 years ago, I used to pocket carry a Ruger LC9 in a pocket holster. It was very comfortable, but it was super obvious I had something in my pocket. Also, the smaller guns don't fit my hands very well. That makes trigger action and recoil management very difficult. I don't want to risk accuracy issues in a life or death situation.

The LC9s is actually my normal go to, or "small" carry. Did yours have the standard flush mag? I found very early on that the extended pinky extension made a WORLD of difference. I don't know how well that would work for pocket carry but I carry mine in a simple IWB kydex.

I understand the smaller guns not fitting the hands well, I have large hands myself, but I'll say it anyways: practice, practice, practice. I often get the feeling that many folks who carry (regardless of what size gun) don't practice nearly enough. I think it's even more important if you're going to carry a sub compact. One has got to wonder how many folks out there are carrying something like a LCP in a pocket that they shoot maybe a few times a year.

I had the finger extension on my mags. I could still only get 2 fingers on it.

I'm with you on practice. I am at the range a few times a month. If I skip a month and don't practice at all, I'm shooting pretty poorly for the first few minutes, regardless of the pistol.

I'm the same for me Mark. I was for a good while in a religious regime of at least once a week at the range. With work slow the last few months it's been more like a couple times a month practice.

I notice the same poor shooting initially, although it's worse with the Ruger and takes longer to sort out.

I've gotten real lazy and make the most of my IWB Kydex for my S&W full size .40. I have a Gould Leather OWB pancake that I like but I have to re-thread a couple belt loops to wear it. I usually pick the Kydex. It does have a large clip and stays in place quite well.

But I really don't care much whether anyone knows or not...at least where it doesn't matter. This area of Va is pretty forgiving about guns and well accepted.

===

Just got mama, son, sons GF, GF mother, GF sister-in-law and a friend through the Gun Safety training at Roanoke Firearms yesterday Sat. There were more in the class but these are the immediate friends and family. Now they can all complete the SP-248 form and hit the court house and come away with a CWP permit. I love adding these numbers to statistics

Just to add -- As Marc indicates Va is an open carry state so those of us who conceal carry may not be too concerned with a slip or printing.

This being a VA forum may also restrict the replies you see to being similar. With exceptions to Maryland all the adjacent states are pretty much the same as VA. Only major difference I see is NC -- you must notify LEO if you are carrying concealed if stopped for a driving infraction.

45 ACP Commander sized 8+1 with one spare mag, Alessi IWB holster I found on a board before he passed away, and it is one of the most comfortable rigs I have. I can and have carried that gun, holster combo winter and summer with no issues. Some days I will carry it in the Virginia Tuck formation, most days covered by a shirt. In the summer I wear shorts with belt loops, and a normal not tight T-shirt covers it well. I also have a King Tuck and even though I'm just 5'5" I can carry a full size 1911 in that one with no one the wiser. It is also pretty comfortable too. I have a few times carried a PPK in the summer in a loop style holster in shorts and a tee, full disclosure it was loaded with hot defense rounds so I had enough trust in it, and shoot it well.