concealed carry stuff

[moodyskydiver 0]

So after waiting impatiently for the decision on my CHL I called the state and asked about my status.My call was returned today saying that my CHL was approved and mailed out Dec 20.With all the holiday postal traffic its not here yet,which isnt a surprise but I'm expecting it soon.

So, now I need some good accessories,specifically a holster.My dad had a friend of his whos a saddle maker, make me a clip holster for my 1911 but,b/c he used my dad's 1911 as a model and not mine its not quite a perfect fit.Its too tight and has a tendancy to come off when I try to pull my weapon out,leaving me holding a gun with a holster attached in my hand. It can and will be fixed, but I'd like to keep my options open.

I dont want an ankle or shoulder holster.I'm looking for something fairly simple and not overly expensive.I'd like to carry either on my hip or a little further back, not exactly small-of-the-back,but more like off centered in back.(I know the controversy about carrying on the small of the back so please dont go into that.) I dont wear a belt,so I'm trying to find a holster with a waistband clip.Also, I wear very casual clothes...tshirt and jeans/running pants mostly.So I want as low profile as possible for concealability.

I'm looking for a holster for a Norinco 1911A1 .45ACP and a Springfield XD .45GAP Service Model (4inch barrel).

So where do I start looking and what do you personally recommend?I'm not nessairly just looking for a holster either.Clothing and other accessories (maybe a purse?) are appreciated too.Thanks!

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[kris2extreme 0]

I like kydex holsters. I use a Comp-Tac CTAC as my usual IWB holster, generally carried between 3 and 4 o'clock right-side. It really needs a belt though.

Usually if i'm going casual and wearing pants that don't have belt loops, I will use my galco leather shoulder holster with a light jacket thrown over it.

I've been meaning to pick up a belly-band or other similar such holster that doesn't rely on hanging off of your belt, though I still haven't managed to get one and see how well they work. (My wardrobe sounds pretty similar to yours) Athletic pants just don't have the support to hold up a gun. Hang a 2 pound object off your pants with a 1" wide clip, you'll see just how uncomfortable and unsecure it really is.

If i'm going to carry in a bag or such, I have a very cheap nylon holster that I got from Acadmy that i throw it in.

Unfortunately, CCing usually requires dressing up just a hair more than we're used to, and adjusting your wardrobe around not only your ease of access to the weapon, but also the complete concealment of the weapon. Usually this is helped with darker colored or radical designs on your shirts. An undershirt helps with comfort as it keeps the weapon from being directly against your skin.

[Douva 0]

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I like kydex holsters. I use a Comp-Tac CTAC as my usual IWB holster, generally carried between 3 and 4 o'clock right-side. It really needs a belt though.

Usually if i'm going casual and wearing pants that don't have belt loops, I will use my galco leather shoulder holster with a light jacket thrown over it.

I've been meaning to pick up a belly-band or other similar such holster that doesn't rely on hanging off of your belt, though I still haven't managed to get one and see how well they work. (My wardrobe sounds pretty similar to yours) Athletic pants just don't have the support to hold up a gun. Hang a 2 pound object off your pants with a 1" wide clip, you'll see just how uncomfortable and unsecure it really is.

If i'm going to carry in a bag or such, I have a very cheap nylon holster that I got from Acadmy that i throw it in.

Unfortunately, CCing usually requires dressing up just a hair more than we're used to, and adjusting your wardrobe around not only your ease of access to the weapon, but also the complete concealment of the weapon. Usually this is helped with darker colored or radical designs on your shirts. An undershirt helps with comfort as it keeps the weapon from being directly against your skin.

I was going to make pretty much the exact same recommendations. I use a Comp-Tac shirt tucker for my Colt Combat Commander (short barrel 1911). I love it. The only problem my belt clip broke twice, each time after about a year of use. I ended up taking the belt clip off a cell phone case, which was slightly heavier than the holster's original belt clip, and affixing it to the holster.

For athletic wear, a belly band or fanny pack are your best bets. The fanny pack looks kind of silly and is the 21st century Texas equivalent of walking around wearing a holster, by which I mean many Texans will recognize that you're carrying, so I recommend the belly band.

A 1911 is big carry gun, so if you're not a very big guy, you may find it a little cumbersome with light clothing. I sometimes wish I had something a little smaller in the heat of the summer.

I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names.

[JohnMitchell 16]

Kydex holsters will hold the gun an inch or so farther away from your side than a leather belt mounted holster. My wife can conceal an XD-9 under an untucked t-shirt with her Galco holster. The plastic one that came with the gun just stuck out too far for a skinny little girl to hide anything.

[mnealtx 0]

If you're looking at IWB (inside the waistband) carry, it's hard to get much better than the Milt Sparks VersaMax 2.

It has two belt loops that are away from the bulk of the pistol, so the overall package is thinner. You can get optional Kydex clips that let you clip directly to the waistband of your pants (although a belt *is* recommended). The clips are in a "J" shape that allows you to tuck a shirt over the pistol. I've used this holster and it is very comfortable and secure.

Any sort of waistband carry in althletic pants is going to be difficult - there's just not enough support there to 'carry it off', so to speak. In those instances, some sort of bellyband would work better.

Lou Alessi holsters are VERY highly recommended, as well. Unfortunately, I can't reach his website from here to make any sort of recommendation.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[moodyskydiver 0]

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A 1911 is big carry gun, so if you're not a very big guy, you may find it a little cumbersome with light clothing. I sometimes wish I had something a little smaller in the heat of the summer.

*pssttt* I'm a chick.

And on top of that, I'm not exactly a petite chick at that.I'm rather 'fluffy' even at 5'7". My guy friends keep telling me to just stick my weapon right between my 40DDDs and not worry about it b/c no one will be looking at the gun....but seriously, even though I'm not thin I'm still trying to find ways to conceal.In the winter I can do it fairly easily b/c I wear hoodies w/big pouches in the front (good for a smaller weapon like my Makarov 9X18).I also have a big over-sized Army jacket that I wear in the winter. Plus I normally wear big baggy tshirts.I just need to learn the art of concealing.


I agree with you guys on the fact that sports pants are a PIA to find a good holster for.I've tried out a few holsters w/1911s or even an XD in them at gun stores and they sag waaaay low and its VERY obvious that you're carrying...it makes me look like I have a tail! Although I have concealed my XD, Makarov and 1911 under a bagy tshirt and PJ pants while outside my apt late at night.I'll just have to start wearing jeans more often.And even in the middle of the TX heat, I still always wear pants if I'm out in public.I look like shit in shorts. So not a problem there.

I'd like to avoid a belly band simply b/c I'm a real hot natured person and dont like clothing real closed to my skin..I get hot real easily.But I am looking for an IWB holster.If it helps you guys with some ideas, I'm a right-side standard draw. From using someone's earlier refrence, I'd say I carry at about 4-5o'clock position on my body if 6 is directly in the small of the back.Although the holster my dad got me is leather, I'd prefer non-leather.

I know I know! I'm getting picky. I'm just trying to give a better picture of what I'm looking for.I have 3 guns stores,an AcademySports/Outdoors store,and 2 Gander Mnt. Outdoor stores near me that I can shop around,not including the internet.

Like I said in the beginning, I'm not just looking for a CC holster for my 1911.I'm looking for one for my Springfield XD .45GAP (4" barrel) too.I'm not worried about concealing the Makarov,its fairly petite and easy to conceal.One of these days I'll have the $$$ for a compact carry 1911 (para-ordinance has a SWEET one right now but its almost $1k.) But for now I'm sticking with my standard 5"barrel 1911A1.

Thanks for the tips so far! Keep 'em comming!

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[Zipp0 1]

I love my Fobus paddle holster. It fits the gun perfectly, has good retention, is super light, fits close to the body, and conceals well.

I like the basic paddle over the rotating paddle for weight and size considerations. Also, I like that I can take it off in a moment and leave it in the car if I choose to.

fobusholster.com

--------------------------
Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down.

[AggieDave 6]

You're a chick, don't forget about a holster purse.

Beyond that its hard to beat a ITW holster. Its such an easy way to conceal and its so much easier to conceal then a traditional holster on the outside of your pants (regardless of make, model, deisgn or material).

Personally I feel bad carrying a 1911 in anything but good quality leather.

Go to http://www.gtdist.com Your husband can shop there, so he can get you a good quality holster. Actually, I think none LEOs can buy some stuff there too. They have a decent selection.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[masterrig 1]

The holster your dad had made for you... I assume, it is made of leather with a clip attached to the back-side? If so, wet the leather with cold water. Daub-off any excess water. Put your pistol in a plastic bag and carefully push it into the holster and let the leather dry. You'll end-up with a perfect fit for your pistol. Apply a couple light coats of neatsfoot oil to the leather and allow the oil to be absorbed into the leather. I think, you'll find a big difference.


Chuck

[JohnRich 4]

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Apply a couple light coats of neatsfoot oil to the leather...

What kind of animal is a "neats", and how do they get oil out of its feet?

[warpedskydiver 0]

I suggest lightly wetting the holster, then placing the pistol inside, then warming the entire thing in an oven to 170 degrees remove and oil it well, leave it to cool.

I suggest warming to make it form a bit better and to open up the leather pores to get it to take oil evenly and thoroughly.

To go a step further you could also put it in a vacuum sealer and seal it up tight for a day.

[warpedskydiver 0]

Moody, what he said is good enough.

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[kris2extreme 0]

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Kydex holsters will hold the gun an inch or so farther away from your side than a leather belt mounted holster. My wife can conceal an XD-9 under an untucked t-shirt with her Galco holster. The plastic one that came with the gun just stuck out too far for a skinny little girl to hide anything.

The plastic holster that came with the XD is just a very basic OWB holster for use at the range... it's definately not a concealment holster. A good Kydex holster is a whole different animal. They're generally slightly thinner than leather holsters (at least my CTAC kydex holster is thinner than my Galco leather) Kydex and leather both have their own pros and cons.

Any concealment holster, regardless of material, will place the gun directly up against your body.

[masterrig 1]

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Apply a couple light coats of neatsfoot oil to the leather...

What kind of animal is a "neats", and how do they get oil out of its feet?

__________________________________

John... go to your room!


Chuck

[masterrig 1]

I've found, hurrying the drying process tends to have adverse effects on the leather. Allowing to dry at room temperature leads to better results. I've tried both ways with holsters I've made and found the 'slower' way, works best.


Chuck

[warpedskydiver 0]

Cool!

[masterrig 1]

I've found another good leather oil, made by Fiebing's. Simply called 'Leather Oil', contains lanolin and Silicone and comes in an aerosol can. It oils the leather yet, helps retain 'shape'.


Chuck

[moodyskydiver 0]

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You're a chick, don't forget about a holster purse.

I havent forgotten.I said "other accessories" and mentioned a purse in the original post.Just havent gotten any feedback on them yet.I've looked at alot of CC purses and woohoo are they expensive! The cheapest I saw was like $200.For that price I'll just shove the darn thing in my waistband.


As for everyone's advice for the leather holster I already have.Its not just a little tight its really tight.I almost cant get it all the way in the holster without shoving it in there pretty hard.Another prob with it is that the guy (not used to making stuff for guns..hes a saddle maker after all) put the clip on the back, but all the way through to where the backside of the clip is exposed on the inside,so,with as tight as the fit is I'd scratch the shit out of my gun using it as is.I think I'm going to have my hubby take it up to his unit and have one of the craftshop guys restitch it so its not as tight and put something over that clip.

feedback is appreciated!

"...just an earthbound misfit, I."

[warpedskydiver 0]

Get a purse you like, and have your local rigger modify it

[JohnMitchell 16]

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Get a purse you like, and have your local rigger modify it

On the secret compartment . . velcro, tuck tabs, or magnets????

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[warpedskydiver 0]

Ask Gene03 he is the expert here.