Women and concealed carry options/holsters

[Sarah]

So I've read about all the reviews on what people think are the best holsters for CCW but one question I can't really seem to find recommendations on is concealment holsters for women.
I am small 5'4 100lbs and a 24 inch waist. Most women don't carry inside the waist-Not really gonna buy extra large pants just so I can carry ;) . My purse is a too full of crap, and don't think it's the safest option for concealed carry.
So in winter I can put outside my pants, but what about summer?
I carry an HK45c---not a small little gun thats gonna fit in any pocket.

Any advice?
Thanks!

[JRCHolsters]

So I've read about all the reviews on what people think are the best holsters for CCW but one question I can't really seem to find recommendations on is concealment holsters for women.
I am small 5'4 100lbs and a 24 inch waist. Most women don't carry inside the waist-Not really gonna buy extra large pants just so I can carry ;) . My purse is a too full of crap, and don't think it's the safest option for concealed carry.
So in winter I can put outside my pants, but what about summer?
I carry an HK45c---not a small little gun thats gonna fit in any pocket.

Any advice?
Thanks!

Hi Sarah. Based on the information you are giving, your pretty much going with some type of OWB carry. Picking a holster that's made for you, should work well for concealment and comfort any time of year. In the summer, obviously you have to choose shirts and blouses that will work.
Based on where you want to wear the gun along your waist, will have a lot to do with rake angle and ride height. The closer to 3 0'clock the less rake you will need, but the lower the gun will need to ride. Depending on your hips, you may be able to ride up a little, but you'll have to watch for the butt digging into your ribs or just being to high to be able to draw from. If you go further back, you can increase the rake and ride higher, as the axis of the pistol is working more along the center line. If you go for a cross draw, then a slight reverse rake would be in order.
Think about where you feel comfortable carrying. Based on where you want to carry, it is easy to figure out a rake angle that you can easily draw from and then go from there.
The nice thing is, there are enough custom makers, that you can have something tailored to fit you needs, instead of settling for something standard. Hope this helps somewhat.

[RoyGBiv]

Is Appendix OWB an option?
I've spent 2 days this week wearing some old jeans that were too tight in the waist for IWB, so I wore a straight drop holster between my belt and my jeans with a cover garment that was long enough to provide cover. It wasn't elegant and I wouldn't do this (behind the belt) long term, but it worked for me for a few days. With the right holster and belt AOWB might be an option in some situations. Women (generally) have a body shape that's conducive to Appendix carry with a lose-fitting top.

[JeffJ]

Generally, you have to dress around the gun which is easier for guys who don't mind walking around in baggy cargo shorts and an untucked shirt. I wouldn't immediately discount iwb, we're talking about 1-2" more in the waistband and it will give you more options. I you're really having trouble a tailor can probably help you out. I know some women have had good success with a belly band. Kathy Jackson's site www.corneredcat.com (typing from memory on my mobile, you can always google her) has some women specific tips. I think you ladies have it tougher with concealed carry - good luck

[Al T.]

JeffJ beat me to it - Kathy is an awesome resource for the ladies. His link works too. :)

[BN]

Check out the LadyFist holsters at http://www.fist-holsters.com/

[Shellback]

If you'd like to check out a few options in person just let me know. I have everything from a CCC Shaggy to Raven Concealment and you're more than welcome to try them out. The holsters I have are for a G19 but it's comparable in size to your HK.

Remember that one of the most important things in getting a comfortable set up is a good gun belt. You can't build a house without a proper foundation.

ETA - I also have 3 fairly popular gunbelts you can see in person as well. Wilderness Instructor, Beltman leather belt and the Volund Atlas to give you a good idea of what you'll be shopping for as well. My wife has the Atlas in a size small if you'd like to try that too.

[John Ralston]

In addition to Kathy, check out Packing Pretty.

In my experience, you won't get a very good answer to your question. I have made holsters for Heidi Smith at Thunder Ranch and Gila Hayes at the Firearms Academy of Seattle (both curvy women) and the holsters were totally different. Heidi went with a reverse rake, and Gila had a very agressive forward rake.

Gracie at Packing Pretty is fairly is fairly straight, and she went with my standard rake.

BTW - all 3 went with some version of my IBS, inside the waistband rig.

I think you will really need to decide where you want to carry (3:00, 4:30, 12:00, etc.) and play around with a blue gun in Mexican Carry mode and decide which rake is going to work for you.

Women are really tough to fit with a generic holster, since even women of the same height and measurements can have very differnt builds.

[Default.mp3]

http://www.faliaphotography.com/ and the corresponding YouTube channel seemed to have gotten decent feedback here, IIRC.

[Shellback]

Sarah - This is the company that makes the light belt with the G hook I showed you. http://volundgearworks.com/

Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help. Talk to you soon to set up a shooting date for us, the wifey and your husband.

[Sarah]

Awesome thanks so much!!

Sarah - This is the company that makes the light belt with the G hook I showed you. http://volundgearworks.com/

Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help. Talk to you soon to set up a shooting date for us, the wifey and your husband.

[UNK]

HiSarah. Here's a thread where one of the holster makers on this forum is looking for female volunteers for some experimental holsters.
http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?1297-I-need-input-from-females-on-holster-needs

[Sarah]

Thanks Brian!! I responded and would LOVE to help out!



HiSarah. Here's a thread where one of the holster makers on this forum is looking for female volunteers for some experimental holsters.
http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?1297-I-need-input-from-females-on-holster-needs

[Sarah]

Mike,
I spent the last three days doing alot of shooting and weapons manipulations with Buck Mossie and I'm quite fustrated with the belts I have
(the buckles are way to heavy and they are not supporting my holster w/ the Glock 19 in it very well because they are too bulky for me to tighten properly.
I think the one you showed me would be awesome? Do you know where I could buy one or is the website the way to go?
thanks!!




QUOTE=IRISH;53936]Sarah - This is the company that makes the light belt with the G hook I showed you. http://volundgearworks.com/

Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help. Talk to you soon to set up a shooting date for us, the wifey and your husband.[/QUOTE]

[Shellback]

I spent the last three days doing alot of shooting and weapons manipulations with Buck Mossie and I'm quite fustrated with the belts I have
(the buckles are way to heavy and they are not supporting my holster w/ the Glock 19 in it very well because they are too bulky for me to tighten properly.
I think the one you showed me would be awesome? Do you know where I could buy one or is the website the way to go?
thanks!!

If you want you can have the wife's new one, should be the same size, and I'll order her another one. Shoot me an email or give me a call tomorrow and I'll get you taken care of.

[Sarah]

Thanks!!
Definitely will buy that one off of you--let me know what day and time works well for you both:D



If you want you can have the wife's new one, should be the same size, and I'll order her another one. Shoot me an email or give me a call tomorrow and I'll get you taken care of.