Holsters that work with a Tucked Shirt?

[Mikey]

I recently got my MD carry permit and for the first time in my life I am able to carry every day. Despite shooting 500+ rnds a week training for competitions I am finding myself a bit lost in the CCW world. I work in an office and wear kakis and a tucked button up shirt every day. This environment really seems to limit my carry options. So far I have been carrying a G43 in a pocket holster, it works well enough but it definitely prints and I would like to get something IWB to get use of my pocket back. I would appreciate any advice.

[Clay]

Smartcarry or an ankle rig are your best bets, in my experience. I wear the same thing as you to work every day, and normally carry a Glock 26 or S&W 442 in a Galco ankle holster. I've never had good luck with a pocket holster in today's common pants. Tuckable holsters mostly suck, at least for larger guns - I haven't tried one for a Glock 43 sized pistol, though. Desantis makes an inexpensive tuckable holster called the Sof-Tuck or something like that. It might be worth trying out to see if that kind of carry will work for you.

[BobLoblaw]

Smartcarry. Pleated khakis will give you a bit of wiggle room. I wouldn't go any larger than the G43.

ETA: If you wear high top dress boots 5"+, you might be able to get away with ankle carry.

[Mikey]

I'm not interested in ankle carry, I tried it and just didn't like anything about it. I keep looking at Smart Carry but it looks like the most awful contraption I have ever seen. I don't understand how something that massive won't show up or be uncomfortable to wear. Been doing some reading here and on other sights and I just ordered a ulticlip and a Bianchi T100, though I am skeptical they will work either. At least that experiment is under $50. In anticipation of failure still open to other ideas, thanks for the advice so far.

[Crossfaced]

For IWB I really like the Kinetic Concealment Holsters. They tuckable and highly adjustable. They also have a neoprene backing so they are very comfortable. I've never been a fan of ankle holsters....they are very awkward even after some training. Another option would be a belly band. I have not experience with those though.

[BillSWPA]

A G43 in your pocket is the best you are going to be able to do. Tuckable IWB holsters do not conceal well at all. Ankle holsters carry the risk of the pants leg rising up too high while sitting or getting in and out of cars. People expect people to carry things in pockets, so unless that printing is definitely gun-shaped, you should be fine. Keep in mind that, unless you are allowed to carry at work, even a 1% chance of getting caught is unacceptable, so should is not good enough.

The best pocket holsters I have seen are the Aholster, which I currently use for my G26, and the DeSantis SuperFly. Of the two, the Aholster is best. Take a few minutes to round off the sharp hook on top with a nail file or sandpaper to prevent poking a hole in your pocket, but leave enough to hook your pocket during a draw. If you are using a pocket holster that does not have an anti-print panel, consider folding about 4 sheets of copy paper into a rectangle and putting them in your pocket in front of your gun.

Clothing selection is critical. You should be buying pants with an extra 2" in the waist to make room for an IWB holster, and the extra room will also help keep pocket holsters hidden. I buy relaxed fit, pleated pants for better printing reduction. Make sure your pants are long enough so that they still cover an ankle holster while seated. Your shirts, sweaters, and jackets should also be sized accordingly.

Since I am business casual 5-6 days/week, I find that owning a lot of sweaters and lightweight sweater vests to be really helpful for concealing the gun in cooler weather.



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[Mikey]

Luckily my employer is good with me carrying and even helped me get my permit. I am using the desantis superfly now, I may order aholster just to see the difference. Thanks Bill.

[BobLoblaw]

For IWB I really like the Kinetic Concealment Holsters. They tuckable and highly adjustable. They also have a neoprene backing so they are very comfortable. I've never been a fan of ankle holsters....they are very awkward even after some training. Another option would be a belly band. I have not experience with those though.

Those clips will get you caught in an office environment.

[JustOneGun]

I recently got my MD carry permit and for the first time in my life I am able to carry every day. Despite shooting 500+ rnds a week training for competitions I am finding myself a bit lost in the CCW world. I work in an office and wear kakis and a tucked button up shirt every day. This environment really seems to limit my carry options. So far I have been carrying a G43 in a pocket holster, it works well enough but it definitely prints and I would like to get something IWB to get use of my pocket back. I would appreciate any advice.



I disagree with most people's fear of tucked in carry. If you can AIWB then tucked in is just as if not easier than untucked. I can conceal my G19 with a t-shirt or button up. Drawing a non-stretch button up takes some experimenting. The shirt must blouse loosely enough to get the shirt tail out of the way. Drawing is a bit slower, but if one were to just practice that draw it would come along quickly. I live in the middle of no where so I've been practicing with my AIWB 2.0 from JMCK. No one has asked what those clips are for. LOL. It works well but the draw is different. Grabbing the blouse over the pistol is most consistent for me.

For an office you would need a special made holster obviously. JMCK has a tucked holster version for the 43. If I switch fully I will probably stick with a G19. I think Tony says he will make one if you ask.

[Crossfaced]

Those clips will get you caught in an office environment.

Not 100% concealed but matching the belt color it's pretty hard to tell.

[BobLoblaw]

Not 100% concealed but matching the belt color it's pretty hard to tell.

Sure, around random oblivious people at the store. If you see the same people everyday they will notice everything about your attire whether you realize it or not.

[zuplex]

A Smartcarry knockoff has worked for me with that kind of attire, both with a Beretta Nano and a Sig SP2022. I was surprised at how well the Sig concealed. If you go that route, I'd recommend also getting a trigger guard cover like the Raven Concealment Vanguard. The material of a Smartcarry can allow the trigger to be pulled through the holster, so attaching a trigger guard cover gives a better margin of safety. Going with dark colored pleated pants should allow for good concealment.

[JustOneGun]

I recently got my MD carry permit and for the first time in my life I am able to carry every day. Despite shooting 500+ rnds a week training for competitions I am finding myself a bit lost in the CCW world. I work in an office and wear kakis and a tucked button up shirt every day. This environment really seems to limit my carry options. So far I have been carrying a G43 in a pocket holster, it works well enough but it definitely prints and I would like to get something IWB to get use of my pocket back. I would appreciate any advice.



Do you have any experience with AIWB? Does it work for you?

[Mikey]

I went to JMCKs website I did not see a tucked version. Does anyone have pictures or a review?

I went ahead and order an aholster for $30, figured at that price an extra holster can't hurt.

[Mikey]

I found the link at JMCKs http://www.jmcustomkydex.com/p/AIWB-TUCKABLE.html

I have never tried AIWB but I am not opposed to it. I'm 6' 195lbs so I have a small gut that may get in the way, but I am working on that as well.

[texasaggie2005]

Sure, around random oblivious people at the store. If you see the same people everyday they will notice everything about your attire whether you realize it or not.

Agreed. Any belt attachment that goes over the outside of a belt will be noticed.

I've been thinking about messing around with a Velcro backed belt and Comp-Tac's V-Clip (http://www.comp-tac.com/holster-parts-and-hardware/v-clip-10021), but I haven't gotten around to it.

[BobLoblaw]

I disagree with most people's fear of tucked in carry. If you can AIWB then tucked in is just as if not easier than untucked. I can conceal my G19 with a t-shirt or button up. Drawing a non-stretch button up takes some experimenting. The shirt must blouse loosely enough to get the shirt tail out of the way. Drawing is a bit slower, but if one were to just practice that draw it would come along quickly. I live in the middle of no where so I've been practicing with my AIWB 2.0 from JMCK. No one has asked what those clips are for. LOL. It works well but the draw is different. Grabbing the blouse over the pistol is most consistent for me.

For an office you would need a special made holster obviously. JMCK has a tucked holster version for the 43. If I switch fully I will probably stick with a G19. I think Tony says he will make one if you ask.

A whole lot of people have tried tucked-in AIWB carry (myself included) and it doesn't work well if you're trying to look professional. If one tucked shirt tail is pointed down and the other is being pulled to the side due to the bulge of the holster, it creates a hinge at your bottom button and bunches your bottom-most portion of shirt material over the holster more than the other side. It's hard to explain but the uneven-ness is very obvious unless your whole shirt is bloused like a slob. However, if no one is noticing the clips, I doubt they'll notice anything else. I never recommend tucked in AIWB to anyone because I've yet to see anyone pull it off with flying colors. Smart carry or strong side with a jacket are much safer options.

[Mikey]

Those V-Clips look promising, if the two holster I have on order don't work for me I may try that next.

[GuanoLoco]

Tuckable AIWB with zero visibility possible depending on how you attach the cord to the belt. A little non-traditional but excels for non permissive environments (like the entire state of MD).

https://www.amazon.com/MIC-Holster-Glock-43-9MM/dp/B00X3KYMU8

I have used this expensively with Glock 23's and 19's, never with a 43 but should be even more concealable. I like that the gun can be floated around a bit for comfort, especially when seated.

[BillSWPA]

I have tried at least a half dozen tuckable holsters. The belt attachment is always a giveaway. A Velcro attachment that is 100% behind the belt may (or may not) work, but tucking in the shirt would still create a gun-shaped bulge. I gave up on the tuckable idea a long time ago, and would absolutely never trust a tuckable holster to go undiscovered in a NPE.



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[JustOneGun]

A whole lot of people have tried tucked-in AIWB carry (myself included) and it doesn't work well if you're trying to look professional. If one tucked shirt tail is pointed down and the other is being pulled to the side due to the bulge of the holster, it creates a hinge at your bottom button and bunches your bottom-most portion of shirt material over the holster more than the other side. It's hard to explain but the uneven-ness is very obvious unless your whole shirt is bloused like a slob. However, if no one is noticing the clips, I doubt they'll notice anything else. I never recommend tucked in AIWB to anyone because I've yet to see anyone pull it off with flying colors. Smart carry or strong side with a jacket are much safer options.



I hear what you're saying. I stop counting elk in my yard at 30 because I get bored. That's my daily reality. As an office worker I would definitely go with the specialty holster to limit the visible clip. For my body shape (6'1"/185) I can AIWB fairly well. When I dress up I go cowboy casual, meaning I tuck in my shirt.

Where I disagree with you is for me and others, pocket carry is a non-starter as it prints far more than AIWB tucked.

[BehindBlueI's]

I carried a gov't 1911 in a SmartCarry in an NPE for several years. Nobody said anything. Even if someone notices a bulge "down there" they aren't saying anything about it.

[Doc_Glock]

Bell band with Fricke Zack sewn into it works great in this situation.

[JustOneGun]

A whole lot of people have tried tucked-in AIWB carry (myself included) and it doesn't work well if you're trying to look professional. If one tucked shirt tail is pointed down and the other is being pulled to the side due to the bulge of the holster, it creates a hinge at your bottom button and bunches your bottom-most portion of shirt material over the holster more than the other side. It's hard to explain but the uneven-ness is very obvious unless your whole shirt is bloused like a slob. However, if no one is noticing the clips, I doubt they'll notice anything else. I never recommend tucked in AIWB to anyone because I've yet to see anyone pull it off with flying colors. Smart carry or strong side with a jacket are much safer options. I hear what you're saying. I stop counting elk in my yard at 30 because I get bored. That's my daily reality. As an office worker I would definitely go with the specialty holster to limit the visible clip. For my body shape (6'1"/185) I can AIWB fairly well. When I dress up I go cowboy casual, meaning I tuck in my shirt. Where I disagree with you is for me and others, pocket carry is a non-starter as it prints far more than AIWB tucked.

[BobLoblaw]

I hear what you're saying. I stop counting elk in my yard at 30 because I get bored. That's my daily reality. As an office worker I would definitely go with the specialty holster to limit the visible clip. For my body shape (6'1"/185) I can AIWB fairly well. When I dress up I go cowboy casual, meaning I tuck in my shirt.

Where I disagree with you is for me and others, pocket carry is a non-starter as it prints far more than AIWB tucked.

I'm 5'7" 200lb (I don't look that heavy though) and AIWB is my carry method 99% of the time. I have big enough legs (heavy runner) that you can see the outline of my iPhone through my jeans so I can't pull off pocket carry either. For me it's AIWB untucked, smartcarry with tucked polo/dress shirt, or strong side with a jacket or blazer. Aside from the obvious NPE concerns, the brandishing laws in my state are all inclusive so taking chances with printing is a very, very poor decision.

[octagon]

Mikey There is some good advice here already so I'll just add my thoughts on what I have experienced in relation to your choice. I carry at 3-330 position with a hybrid Whitehat holster with closed front but mostly untucked cover garment. I have used the same set up with a tucked polo or button front dress type shirt. It can work but as others pointed out it is a bit more cumbersome and slower to draw but I never worked on it enough as tucked was pretty rare for me. The sloppiness is a real issue with the blousing. I use Ulticlips with this and other similar holsters and I am 100% happy with them. They are as close to invisible as I think is possible with any design that attaches to the belt or pants. I tried some velcro,J clips and other low profile clip designs and these are the most secure,easy to use and invisible behind a proper belt. I also like how they allow easy belt adjustment and movement unlike the regular metal clips that drag on the belt if you try and rotate it around your waist.

That said the smart carry does seem like a better choice for what you carry and the environment if you can get it to work for your body shape and get comfortable wearing and drawing from it. I have a smart carry but rarely use it except NPE where the consequences would be prohibitive. Since you have permission from your employer (I assume 100% legal carry status as well i.e not a school, post office etc) it seems you wish to keep as low a profile as possible for other employees and visitors. True?

I have also pocket carried (in uniform on duty and off duty) and carried ankle on duty. I prefer pocket over ankle for reasons already mentioned(risk of exposure and speed of draw) I seriously doubt even an observant person would be able to tell you had a firearm in a pocket holster pocketed and as someone else said they likely wouldn't mention it to anyone just like smartcarry bulge.

You have options and some are cheap enough to try out. Do a lot of dry practice with the draws or each set up and walk around for awhile wearing each to see what changes with movement,sitting etc and then without adjusting anything look in the mirror and have a friend or family member look from different angles to see what may print. You can do it blind or tell them where it is before asking what they see.

The 43 or a J frame S&W or LCR would be the largest I would consider for pocket,ankle or smartcarry and for pocket or smartcarry I prefer and use most often a small 380 (Kahr P380 or Cw380)

[GuanoLoco]

As a 6' tal 32" waist guy I tried a SmartCarry and it was a total non-starter. Unless you like the diaper-in-the-front look. Give the MIC approach a try.

[M2CattleCo]

I've tried tucked AIWB and 3:00-4:00 IWB and never got anywhere with it. On my slim 5'7", 135-145lb frame, the pistol would be covered, but the huge bulge and clothing laying unnaturally made it very obvious that something was going on down there, and all the onlooker's curious speculation while trying to be discreet about looking would probably be more disruptive than just open carrying.

I tried tucked AIWB with a Glock 43 once and literally the first thing my 9 year old daughter said when she saw me was 'Why do have your gun like that??'

It goes in my boot if the shirt gets tucked in.

[ImNobody]

I dress business casual with a tucked in shirt and I carry AIWB with a Gcode Incog holster for a S&W Shield 9mm. The clip is definitely a dead giveaway, so I swapped it out for an Ulticlip. Now I have no doubt that someone would have a pretty hard time spotting my carry. The shirt can be a little hard to get looking right, but with a little practice it gets easier. Adjusting the shirt tails through your pant's fly after getting everything else set is usually the final touch. I also don't drop my pants to piss anymore, but use the fly instead (leaving the belt, holster, and shirt all untouched).

Definitely check out Ulticlip as a potential swap for your holster's OEM clip if you are looking for something more concealable with a tucked in shirt. They run about $10 on Amazon.

I have a couple of posts on my Instagram that show the concealability of my setup. https://www.instagram.com/sc.concealed/. The reflection shot is exactly how my shirt looked getting out of the car after driving to work. The draw video was done prior to my getting a real gun belt.

[Up1911Fan]

Here's a link to the review I did of the prototype. I'm currently using the same set up for a G43.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?9458-Prototype-JM-Custom-Tuckable-AIWB-review

[Mikey]

Thanks all for the advice. My T100 and utiliclip should get here today so I am going to try that route next. I will see if the Aholster prints a little less when it comes in and report back with some pictures. So far in my week of carry with the superfly no one has noticed so perhaps I am over thinking this. It just bothers me since I can see it fairly clearly, but of course I know what I am looking for. The JM Custom may be the next experiment if the T100 and Aholster fail.

As some of you have asked it is %100 legal to carry where I am. I just want to keep as low of profile as possible especially in the work place.

[BillSWPA]

Thanks all for the advice. My T100 and utiliclip should get here today so I am going to try that route next. I will see if the Aholster prints a little less when it comes in and report back with some pictures. So far in my week of carry with the superfly no one has noticed so perhaps I am over thinking this. It just bothers me since I can see it fairly clearly, but of course I know what I am looking for. The JM Custom may be the next experiment if the T100 and Aholster fail.

As some of you have asked it is %100 legal to carry where I am. I just want to keep as low of profile as possible especially in the work place.

When you get the Aholster, round off the end of the top hook by the rear sight with a nail file or some sandpaper. It will still serve its purpose equally well that way, but will be far less likely to poke a hole in your pocket.



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[JustOneGun]

Here's a link to the review I did of the prototype. I'm currently using the same set up for a G43.

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?9458-Prototype-JM-Custom-Tuckable-AIWB-review



I missed that review initially. Thanks for posting it again. If I decide to get a tuckable it will be a JMCK. That split velcro would definitely be needed to place the pistol in the correct place.

[deputyG23]

Congratulations on getting your MD wear and carry permit. My son moved to downtown Baltimore last summer. After reading what constitutes "good and sufficient reason" for issuance there, I told him not to even bother applying at this time since it would not be required for his job or having documented threats against him. Interested in hearing how your conceal carry odyssey works out for you especially being in a generally NPE state.

[CleverNickname]

When I have to carry with a tucked shirt, I use a Glock 43 in a Crossbreed modular bellyband. There's no external clips since it's a belly band.

Years ago I regularly NPE-carried a Kahr PM9 in a Smartcarry. The Smartcarry is less comfortable than tucked IWB, but there's also a lower likelihood someone else will bump into you and accidentally find out you're carrying.

[Nimitz87]

OP look at some of the AIWB tuckable holsters, JM customs, dara, etc.



Sure, around random oblivious people at the store. If you see the same people everyday they will notice everything about your attire whether you realize it or not.

I think you are vastly over estimating the average person's awareness of what is going on.

if someone does say something just bs and say its a cell phone clip, etc. and avert the conversation, I carry every day in an appendix rig with a tucked in polo.

[BobLoblaw]

OP look at some of the AIWB tuckable holsters, JM customs, dara, etc.




I think you are vastly over estimating the average person's awareness of what is going on.

if someone does say something just bs and say its a cell phone clip, etc. and avert the conversation, I carry every day in an appendix rig with a tucked in polo.

The idea that "nobody has caught me yet, so no one ever will" is half the reason Trex arms ("concealment", bro) is the retarded cousin of the kydex benders. By that logic, if you've never had to pull your gun on someone, skip carrying entirely cuz you won't ever need to.

[Nimitz87]

The idea that "nobody has caught me yet, so no one ever will" is half the reason Trex arms ("concealment", bro) is the retarded cousin of the kydex benders. By that logic, if you've never had to pull your gun on someone, skip carrying entirely cuz you won't ever need to.

I have no idea what you're talking about, especially the last point about not carrying if I haven't had to draw.

[BobLoblaw]

I have no idea what you're talking about, especially the last point about not carrying if I haven't had to draw.

You said no one has caught me, insinuating that is your litmus test, which is a logical fallacy. You can get by 99.999% but if you get caught once, you're fucked. Same with getting into gunfights.

[BobLoblaw]

When I have to carry with a tucked shirt, I use a Glock 43 in a Crossbreed modular bellyband. There's no external clips since it's a belly band.

Years ago I regularly NPE-carried a Kahr PM9 in a Smartcarry. The Smartcarry is less comfortable than tucked IWB, but there's also a lower likelihood someone else will bump into you and accidentally find out you're carrying.

[points to strange bulge on crotch from smartcarry] "What is that?"
"My penis."
End of conversation. HR won't even touch that subject. IWB, you might not be so lucky.

[JustOneGun]

[points to strange bulge on crotch from smartcarry] "What is that?"
"My penis."
End of conversation. HR won't even touch that subject. IWB, you might not be so lucky.




This doesn't get said enough so I'll throw it out there for the younger crowd on PF...

Obviously we all must decide what we are going to do with CCW. But may I humbly suggest if a person is going to destroy their career, go to jail, etc because they are armed and they are looking for a way to carry, I would suspect there is something else going on with that person that might require they re-examine their life. Here is an idea if you find yourself in such a situation....

Don't...carry...a....gun...

a perfect solution to your problem.

If you work at Starbucks as a college job and will lose your crummy job but having a plan b decide to carry, then somewhere between Smartcarry and a nice tuckable holster is going to work just fine. One thing to consider is what situation you perceive you might need the pistol.

For me and where I live it's about 60/40 between, "Give me your money" robbery where the idiot is waiting for me to give them the good news and someone whacking me over the head in a strong armed robbery and then taking my money. If it's the first, who cares where my gun is. If it's the second, a draw that is very quick becomes necessary to avoid further injury.

Life is a balance. But if the gov or bossman are like a rolling stone coming to crush you, perhaps instead of finding a way to cheat the rolling stone you could just step out of the way?

[BobLoblaw]

This doesn't get said enough so I'll throw it out there for the younger crowd on PF...

Obviously we all must decide what we are going to do with CCW. But may I humbly suggest if a person is going to destroy their career, go to jail, etc because they are armed and they are looking for a way to carry, I would suspect there is something else going on with that person that might require they re-examine their life. Here is an idea if you find yourself in such a situation....

Don't...carry...a....gun...

a perfect solution to your problem.

If you work at Starbucks as a college job and will lose your crummy job but having a plan b decide to carry, then somewhere between Smartcarry and a nice tuckable holster is going to work just fine. One thing to consider is what situation you perceive you might need the pistol.

For me and where I live it's about 60/40 between, "Give me your money" robbery where the idiot is waiting for me to give them the good news and someone whacking me over the head in a strong armed robbery and then taking my money. If it's the first, who cares where my gun is. If it's the second, a draw that is very quick becomes necessary to avoid further injury.

Life is a balance. But if the gov or bossman are like a rolling stone coming to crush you, perhaps instead of finding a way to cheat the rolling stone you could just step out of the way?

For some people, carrying a gun is the solution for a policy lacking sufficient safety measures. Hell, some entities probably wished their employees would get attacked and killed solely for some sympathy PR. It's kind of odd to assume that anyone who puts risking their career over risking their life is making poor life choices. Risk is always assessed on an individual basis.

[JustOneGun]

For some people, carrying a gun is the solution for a policy lacking sufficient safety measures. Hell, some entities probably wished their employees would get attacked and killed solely for some sympathy PR. It's kind of odd to assume that anyone who puts risking their career over risking their life is making poor life choices. Risk is always assessed on an individual basis.



First of all I didn't assume anything. I suggested. What part of me saying that, "We all must decide...." is an assumption.

If you believe your employers wants you to die for sympathy you will have to take that into account on what you do. Perhaps for you treating your career as a Starbucks job is a good balance. Other's might not. But it is worth considering all the options before deciding.

Of course the answer could be both. I might decide to treat my career like a Starbucks job while at the same time working to change employers. It doesn't have to be an all or nothing. But again, I do think it should be considered fully.

[BobLoblaw]

First of all I didn't assume anything. I suggested. What part of me saying that, "We all must decide...." is an assumption.


But may I humbly suggest if a person is going to destroy their career, go to jail, etc because they are armed and they are looking for a way to carry, I would suspect there is something else going on with that person that might require they re-examine their life.

Don't blame me for your strangely-worded, predestined scenario. I had to re-read it three times because it doesn't make any sense. Why are you talking about someone hell-bent on getting fired and going to jail and then why would they be looking for a way to carry after that? I'm in agreement now that that guy is a real retard, but I'm not sure what that has to do with the rest of us.


If you believe your employers wants you to die for sympathy you will have to take that into account on what you do. Perhaps for you treating your career as a Starbucks job is a good balance. Other's might not. But it is worth considering all the options before deciding. Of course the answer could be both. I might decide to treat my career like a Starbucks job while at the same time working to change employers. It doesn't have to be an all or nothing. But again, I do think it should be considered fully.

When did I say that about the company I work for? Wait, I thought you were the guy who didn't assume anything. In addition, a career is just a list of jobs you've had to get to where you are. "It's just a job" is a healthy perspective at times like when you come home from work but making that your code will result in you becoming dead weight in the workforce. A lot of people just believe that protecting themselves is priority #1 and in fact, more important than their job. It's a judgement call that I don't really think anyone is qualified to make for anyone else.

[BillSWPA]

This doesn't get said enough so I'll throw it out there for the younger crowd on PF...

Obviously we all must decide what we are going to do with CCW. But may I humbly suggest if a person is going to destroy their career, go to jail, etc because they are armed and they are looking for a way to carry, I would suspect there is something else going on with that person that might require they re-examine their life. Here is an idea if you find yourself in such a situation....

Don't...carry...a....gun...

a perfect solution to your problem.

If you work at Starbucks as a college job and will lose your crummy job but having a plan b decide to carry, then somewhere between Smartcarry and a nice tuckable holster is going to work just fine. One thing to consider is what situation you perceive you might need the pistol.

For me and where I live it's about 60/40 between, "Give me your money" robbery where the idiot is waiting for me to give them the good news and someone whacking me over the head in a strong armed robbery and then taking my money. If it's the first, who cares where my gun is. If it's the second, a draw that is very quick becomes necessary to avoid further injury.

Life is a balance. But if the gov or bossman are like a rolling stone coming to crush you, perhaps instead of finding a way to cheat the rolling stone you could just step out of the way?

If your job is deadline sensitive, requiring unpredictable late hours, and is located in a dangerous city, some priority balancing might be needed.

I will not encourage or discourage compliance or violation of stupid employer policies. I will say that a lot of this can be dealt with by carrying something sufficiently small, not making ignorant assumptions about what people will not notice, and keeping one's mouth shut.



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[JustOneGun]

If your job is deadline sensitive, requiring unpredictable late hours, and is located in a dangerous city, some priority balancing might be needed.

I will not encourage or discourage compliance or violation of stupid employer policies. I will say that a lot of this can be dealt with by carrying something sufficiently small, not making ignorant assumptions about what people will not notice, and keeping one's mouth shut.



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Priority balancing is needed by everyone. It's just not the same for everyone. Sounds like you have a good plan.

[SAWBONES]

Tried but never found a "tuckable" CCW solution that wasn't all-too-visible to any careful observer.

IME, every CCW approach that:

1.) involves a sidearm of acceptable-to-me size, caliber and capacity

AND

2.) permits a quick and accurate "master grip" on the pistol at the beginning of the draw

AND

3.) is truly invisible to even a careful observer

involves IWB or AIWB, or a shoulder rig, i.e., an approach that requires a cover garment of some sort beyond just a standard dress shirt.

Alternatives such as custom-configured off-body carry can work, of course, for short times and short distances (e.g., walking from car to office or home), but aren't a solution for all day preparedness.

Pocket carry for a J frame BUG is fine, but is not an optimal choice of a daily primary for me in terms of either capacity or speed of access if taken by surprise, likewise "Smart Carry" groin holsters, which are notably slower to draw from than the idealized examples shown in their advertising, especially if seated, and which, again contrary to advertising, don't make carrying a larger pistol truly comfortable or invisible. ("YMMV", as always.)

Of course any gun is better than no gun, but I'm assuming that we're talking about "a better way" here.

[BillSWPA]

Tried but never found a "tuckable" CCW solution that wasn't all-too-visible to any careful observer.

IME, every CCW approach that:

1.) involves a sidearm of acceptable-to-me size, caliber and capacity

AND

2.) permits a quick and accurate "master grip" on the pistol at the beginning of the draw

AND

3.) is truly invisible to even a careful observer

involves IWB or AIWB, or a shoulder rig, i.e., an approach that requires a cover garment of some sort beyond just a standard dress shirt.

Alternatives such as custom-configured off-body carry can work, of course, for short times and short distances (e.g., walking from car to office or home), but aren't a solution for all day preparedness.

Pocket carry for a J frame BUG is fine, but is not an optimal choice of a daily primary for me in terms of either capacity or speed of access if taken by surprise, likewise "Smart Carry" groin holsters, which are notably slower to draw from than the idealized examples shown in their advertising, especially if seated, and which, again contrary to advertising, don't make carrying a larger pistol truly comfortable or invisible. ("YMMV", as always.)

Of course any gun is better than no gun, but I'm assuming that we're talking about "a better way" here.

I also always have my eyes open for a better way, but when perfect is not one of our options, the question becomes "What is the best we can do without overly compromising another priority?"

[SAWBONES]

I also always have my eyes open for a better way, but when perfect is not one of our options, the question becomes "What is the best we can do without overly compromising another priority?"

Your suggestion of a flat single-stack 9mm pistol (or a J-frame :cool:) in a groin holster is probably as good as any.
The draw is slow, and the capacity is small, but the gun is typically concealable and not particularly uncomfortable.

[BillSWPA]

Your suggestion of a flat single-stack 9mm pistol (or a J-frame :cool:) in a groin holster is probably as good as any.
The draw is slow, and the capacity is small, but the gun is typically concealable and not particularly uncomfortable.

Actually my suggestion is such a gun in a pocket holster. I find that access to the gun is much better, particularly with dress slacks with vertical pocket openings. People tend to expect pockets to be used to carry stuff, so as long as the bulge is not gun-shaped, it will go unnoticed.

The only disadvantage is in a workplace where one might be asked to empty their pockets.



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[JustOneGun]

Actually my suggestion is such a gun in a pocket holster. I find that access to the gun is much better, particularly with dress slacks with vertical pocket openings. People tend to expect pockets to be used to carry stuff, so as long as the bulge is not gun-shaped, it will go unnoticed.

The only disadvantage is in a workplace where one might be asked to empty their pockets.



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Bill,

Do you find AIWB not to conceal well for you? I ask because many people who can't AIWB pocket carry. That may be a natural progression to just get a smaller pistol for the pocket. But some say they can pocket carry a certain pistol but not AIWB it.

For me, pocket carry prints like I have a G19 in my pocket even if it is a small pocket pistol. What I found strange is that I can conceal AIWB without buying a larger shirt. Just my shape I guess. Tucking the shirt actually makes the grip of a G19 disappear even more. What of course doesn't work is that the thickness of the gun looks like I have a gun down my pants. What is odd is that the G43 does not. I find it odd because it really isn't that much thinner.

[SAWBONES]

Since I am business casual 5-6 days/week, I find that owning a lot of sweaters and lightweight sweater vests to be really helpful for concealing the gun in cooler weather.

I've used the same approach, and for some 30 years.

It does indeed help to have a large selection of cardigan sweater vests and lightweight tailored leather vests.

Even in summertime, lightweight dress and high quality dress-casual vests are pretty much "invisible" to others, if properly coordinated with the rest of one's attire.

[BillSWPA]

Bill,

Do you find AIWB not to conceal well for you? I ask because many people who can't AIWB pocket carry. That may be a natural progression to just get a smaller pistol for the pocket. But some say they can pocket carry a certain pistol but not AIWB it.

For me, pocket carry prints like I have a G19 in my pocket even if it is a small pocket pistol. What I found strange is that I can conceal AIWB without buying a larger shirt. Just my shape I guess. Tucking the shirt actually makes the grip of a G19 disappear even more. What of course doesn't work is that the thickness of the gun looks like I have a gun down my pants. What is odd is that the G43 does not. I find it odd because it really isn't that much thinner.

I have never tried AIWB. When I am wearing a jacket, sweater, or untucked shirt, traditional IWB works just fine. I have tried at least a half dozen tuckable IWB holsters, and found that anyone who thinks their gun is concealed that way is as badly deceived as the Emporer with his New Clothes. That experience has not led me to believe that AIWB will be any different.

I have tried a small revolver at 12:00 in a belly band. It made me look like I had a gut.

A tuckable holster also means getting the shirt out of the way to draw. With my belt tight enough to hold up a gun, clearing a tucked in shirt would be impeded.

I carried daily in NPE's for about 10 years before becoming self-employed. In that environment, a tiny .380 in a pocket worked best. There were times when I had spotted danger and had my hand on my gun while my colleagues, who were walking next to me, had no idea.

As I type this, I am carrying a G26 in a pocket Aholster. Relaxed fit, pleated pants go a long way to minimizing printing. A well designed pocket holster also helps. While I would not call the G26 in a pocket NPE worthy, something like A G43 would likely meet that standard.



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