Ideas on a smaller CCW

[simonsez]

I will get to my question after I extol the virtues of this forum. I have been a member on here for quite some time now and I have learned so much! (Good job Todd and others) I have maybe posted once due to the fact that I am a novice and don't have much to contribute. The people of this forum have helped me to formulate my mindset on CCW prior to my state even allowing it. Kudos to Governor Walker for getting it and much more done! I'm coming to you guys and gals who have more experience to get your help in solving my problem.

I currently carry a m&p9c with manual safety in a comp-tac mtac holster at about 2:00. I love the set up and it conceals well under an un-tucked shirt. The problem is that when I have to tuck in my shirt, (I wear a shirt and tie generally to church-no suit jacket) this set up will not fly. I have tried putting the unloaded un-holsterd m&p behind my belt and there is no holster made that will allow me to conceal that gun with a tucked in shirt. It looks like a huge bulge in my waistline. I am about 5' 10" 155lbs size 32" waist.

There are soooo many options here. The main thing with going to a different gun is it must go bang EVERY time! I don't want anything less than a .38+P. I really wanted to stick with the m&p platform (shield) for muscle memory and training, but i really think that is still too big. I am also concerned that a iwb tuckable with j-hooks, c hooks or regular belt clips would stick out like a sore thumb on my waist, and I don't trust any other style of concealed clip like velcro to stay in place during the draw. I really like the idea of pocket carry and have considered a change to a revolver in a pocket holster for those occasions, (LCR or j-frame) but I have never shot a revolver and would want to try one out before I purchased one. I also like it because having a hand in a pocket draws no attention. I do not want to ankle carry anything because I just don't think its quick enough access in a self defense situation.

Re-reading through my post makes it look like I've eliminated all kinds of equipment already and that's not exactly true. I just have an idea of what I want...sort of...I think. For those of you that are still reading I thank you in advance for your wealth of knowledge. Lay it on me!

[x-rayted]

I carry a S&W 649 j frame when I can't carry my primary. If you are interested in pocket carry I would suggest a hamerless j frame. Check with your local shooting range and see if they have rentals.

[JM Campbell]

Ever thought of a belly band?

[simonsez]

I agree on the hammerless revolver.

I've never considered a belly band, but I guess it could get the gun up out of my waistline. Anyone who's used one have any retention issues?

[ToddG]

I'd stick with the M&P Compact you've already got, and use something like SmartCarry when a tucked shirt is necessary.

[John Ralston]

You could also do the M&P in an ankle rig...

[ares338]

I'd stick with the M&P Compact you've already got, and use something like SmartCarry when a tucked shirt is necessary.

This is the best advice. I have an M&Pm 9c with 850 truly error free rounds and I carry it in a smart carry with no problem.

[JodyH]

I carry my P2000SK in a belly band or Smartcarry when I have to be tucked, works pretty well.
For even deeper/smaller I usually go with my Kahr PM9 in a pocket holster.

[TGS]

I carry my P2000SK in a belly band or Smartcarry when I have to be tucked, works pretty well.
For even deeper/smaller I usually go with my Kahr PM9 in a pocket holster.

No more Beretta Nano?

[JodyH]

No more Beretta Nano?

No, the Kahr has proven itself to be more reliable over the long haul.