Tuckable Holsters

[dcphoto]

New poster, been lurking for some time now. I searched for information about tuckable holsters, but couldn't find what I needed.

I fly for a living, spend about 60% of my time sitting, the other time filling out paperwork and crawling around the aircraft. I have a full size 1911, and will soon be acquiring a Kimber Ultra Carry II. I want to purchase a holster for each, but I don't know what to get. Tuckable under a dress shirt, no jacket. I would like to carry strong side (right), behind the hip, preferably with the grip facing the right hip (I think that would be crossdraw). Comfort while sitting is the #1 priority, concealment a very close second...

And before anybody mentions it, I don't have to go into the secure part of an airport, so thats not an issue.

[LarryH]

dc, welcome to the forum.

I recommend Comp-Tac, the CTAC or MTAC, in particular (they're both inside waistband (IWB) holsters). It's usually recommended that you carry with the grip pointing aft, just like Roy Rogers used to carry (except you could see his guns). With the so-called "Cavalry Carry", it's very difficult to avoid sweeping part of your body while drawing.

With either holster (or any of many others), you can tuck your shirt either behind the holster or over the holster/gun butt. If you do tuck over the rig, dark and/or patterned shirts conceal better.

Oh, I forgot. Check in at the "Pilots and Airplanes" thread in the "Off-Topic" forum.

[Sport Coach]

I have had a High Noon Holsters "Closing Argument" in horsehide and like it. It's quite tuckable, comfortable, stable while walking or running (short distances) and can shift enough while sitting to be comfortable too. I've not tried other composites but the draw from mine is nice and smooth.

[WarHawk-AVG]

Carrying a conceal handgun shouldn't be comfortable it should be comforting (not my quote...read it somewhere on the interwebz)

With that said I have a full size 1991A1 in a IWB 3 to 4 o'clockish position in a CrossBreed Super-Tuck Deluxe

I find that the large slab of leather behind the pistol keeps it from digging in and after a while of wearing it I almost don't realize its there, I did have to raise the front clip 2 notches so it would cant a bit more to the rear (about a 2/3 FBI cant) and putting the grips more upright, occasionally if I let my pants slip a bit and I sit down without 1st adjusting it can give a quick but painless pinch

The other good thing is it wont break the bank, this holster has plenty of retention and I regularly wear it on my motorcycle, I have changed the brakes and oil in my vehicles (crawling around and on my back, bending over for tools) with no problems..I sometimes stretch out on the couch to watch a movie with it on and it just feels good

Maybe I am a bit biased because this is the ONLY holster I have ever had..but I really like it ALOT!

Cool thing is it can fit ALL these types of pistols
Currently available for
All 1911's, All Glock's, HK USP's, HK P2000, HK p7 series,
Taurus Millenium Pro's and all 24/7's,
Taurus PT92/100,
S&W K-Frames, J-Frames (most five and 6 shot revolvers,)
S&W Sigma series, S&W 5906 and similar, S&W M&P,
Walther P99 and similar,
Ruger P series, P89, P90 ect
Sig 230/232/ Sig 2340, Sig 226/228/229/239, Sig 220/245,
All Kahrs, PM9, MK,9, Mk45ect.
All Springfield XD series,
Beretta 92/M9, Beretta Cougar, Beretta PX4 Storm,
CZ75, CZ75BD, CZ100, EAA/Tangfolio Witness,
SteyrM40,Steyr M9,ect
NEW ADDITIONS!
Browning Pro-9,
FN-FNP (9 and 40) AND FN Five-Seven
(Square Trigger Gaurd)

[CompVest]

Carrying a conceal handgun shouldn't be comfortable it should be comforting (not my quote...read it somewhere on the interwebz)

Clint Smith

[longtooth]

Carrying a conceal handgun shouldn't be comfortable it should be comforting (not my quote...read it somewhere on the interwebz)

Clint Smith

It can be both comforting & comfortable. I dont own a holster that is uncomfortable for me. I have had a couple. I do have one double mag carrier that is a little uncomfortable when setting. It is not my daily carry though.

I believe there are enough quality holster makers w/ quality designs to fit every body shape comfortably.

[dcphoto]

It's usually recommended that you carry with the grip pointing aft, just like Roy Rogers used to carry (except you could see his guns). With the so-called "Cavalry Carry", it's very difficult to avoid sweeping part of your body while drawing.

Larry: When you say pointing aft do you mean grip points left or right. If I am carrying behind the hip (4 to 5 o'clock) the gun is turned parallel to the back. I realize that care must be taken on the draw to avoid sweeping myself. The majority of the time I won't even need the weapon on me as I will be offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, so comfort is a major factor. If it wasn't comfortable I probably wouldn't even carry it. It is really only for when I get back to shore. I have considered carrying in a bag, but that wouldn't allow ready access and re-holstering once ashore would be a problem.

[LarryH]

OK. New frame of reference. When you're carrying at 4 or 5 o'clock, the grip should point toward your spine.

If you're old enough to remember the Roy Rogers movies/TV shows, he usually wore two pearl-handled revolvers, at 3 and 9, with the grips pointing aft. A few TV/movie gunslingers wore their revolvers with the grips pointing forward, requiring a "twist of the wrist" while drawing.

Brings to mind the old saying, "There are fast gunfighters and there are fancy gunfighters, but there are no fast, fancy gunfighters." Much like our saying, "There are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots."

Now that I know what you fly for a living, I have to change the name of my thread to "Pilots and Aircraft".

[locknload]

It's usually recommended that you carry with the grip pointing aft, just like Roy Rogers used to carry (except you could see his guns). With the so-called "Cavalry Carry", it's very difficult to avoid sweeping part of your body while drawing.

Larry: When you say pointing aft do you mean grip points left or right. If I am carrying behind the hip (4 to 5 o'clock) the gun is turned parallel to the back. I realize that care must be taken on the draw to avoid sweeping myself. The majority of the time I won't even need the weapon on me as I will be offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, so comfort is a major factor. If it wasn't comfortable I probably wouldn't even carry it. It is really only for when I get back to shore. I have considered carrying in a bag, but that wouldn't allow ready access and re-holstering once ashore would be a problem.

Welcome from me, too, dc. Have you considered a belly band? I carry in one most of the time. The particular model that I have carries the gun with the barrel parallel to the deck, with a finger snap security strap across the butt of the gun, so it is easy to draw, comfortable, always on me, and easily concealed under my left arm, unless, of course, you are really thin ... which I am not. Pulling open your shirt to get to it, if you need it, isn't a problem, and concealment is almost fool proof, even with light colored shirts.

In choosing a carry method, as a pilot, also, I would be concerned with not carrying on the inside isle side of the cabin, as it could be "stolen" by passengers who might get a glimpse. If you carry on the outside side of the cabin, no one will know that it is there, even if your cover garment slips up. Also, in the unlikely case of a ditching, with the belly band, you wouldn't have to worry about losing the weapon to the ocean.

Crossdraw across the body isn't a problem, as you have it on your person. It becomes a part of you, and you don't even notice its weight. A little adjusting of the velcro closure, and it is a very comfortable carry option no matter what position you take: sitting, standing, laying, bending, etc. You can put the finger snap security strap across between the hammer and gun on a 1911, so that guns without safety's can be made secure, if they have a hammer that can stay extended. The size and type of gun aren't a real problem with a belly band, as they all carry the same and are virtually invisible under your arm, except as noted above, and they can be carried as high or low as you wish.

[dcphoto]

Can you recommend a belly band so I have a starting place?

[locknload]

Can you recommend a belly band so I have a starting place?

It is sold by WRB. 1-888-824-2899 at:

http://store.wrbsales.com/wabaho.html

"Product Description
The Waistband Back-Up Holster is truly functional. Originally designed for horizontal "Small of the Back" carry. 5" Elastic with velcro closure, adjustable/removable thumbsnap retention, and sizes for everybody. In addition, we found the elastic band can be worn with the gun in front when driving. Fits medium and standard handguns.

Holds Weapon in a Horizontal Position in the Small of the Back
Custom Sizes Available Upon Request"

They call it the "Waistband Backup Holster" and show it with the gun upside down in the small of the back ... no way would I carry there! (Fall off, while checking the fuel level, and ... oops! ... broken spine!! Now, that'll ruin a perfectly good flight in a hurry! ) Turn it over, and wear the gun at 9 or 3 o'clock, where God made it to be worn!

We bought mine at a Gun Show, so I was able to try it on before buying. I weigh 180#, so I bought an XL, if that helps any.

At $30, it is cheap enough to have as a "just in case" holster, even if you don't wear it every day, like I do.

Edit ...

Also, you can have them make one for you in a lighter color. When the elastic in mine wears out, I'll just cut it off and attach to the bottom of my bra, but, you don't have to do that ... unless you want to, of course! It could be sewn into a T-Shirt, vest or any other garment quite easily. That's my point. I intend to buy several and do just that.

[Keith B]

If you wear a button-up dress shirt as most pilots do, then you might also check out the Kangaroo Holster.

I have one and it is very comfortable with an undershirt for use all day.

[dcphoto]

If you wear a button-up dress shirt as most pilots do, then you might also check out the Kangaroo Holster.

I have one and it is very comfortable with an undershirt for use all day.

The website says "It will accommodate any small frame semi-auto or revolver..." How well would it work with a full size 1911? Would it work at all?

Thanks for all your suggestions, I appreciate it.

Edit: I e-mailed the kangaroo people. They said it will not work with a full size auto, but they have a model which will work with a medium auto.

[Familyman1993]

Carrying a conceal handgun shouldn't be comfortable it should be comforting (not my quote...read it somewhere on the interwebz)

With that said I have a full size 1991A1 in a IWB 3 to 4 o'clockish position in a CrossBreed Super-Tuck Deluxe

I’ve read a lot of positive reviews about this holster. I’ve placed my order for one. Should have it in a few weeks. I hope it performs as good as the review say it does. No doubt it lacks the fine look of a quality leather holster, but since it’s concealed, functionality is top priority.

[KC5AV]

I'm very happy with mine. The only change I would have made is upgrading from the standard clips. I will order a set of the v-hooks when I order my next holster from them... I just have to decide on the next gun, first.