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TX Rancher wrote: Pro’s:

Easily carry large frame pistols.
Can be used when wearing outfits that do not use a belt
Meets the legal definition of concealed
Most packs represent a high level of weapons retention
If you have to de-arm in public, your weapon is never visible while you secure the pack

Con’s:

A lower level of concealment when compared to traditional carry
Reduced speed of presentation

Con, cons:

I've got less than a second in presentation, going from ready. Gun hand is going in as the weak hand opens the compartment. The draw is longer if using only one hand though.

I would disagree about lower level of concealment. Belt packs are so popular around here (maybe everyone's carrying ) that they don't stand out at all. I've never gotten a second look with two exceptions. The guard I had engaged in conversation at the Alamo asked me if I was carrying about ten years ago because I was wearing my pack; I had disarmed in the car. And once after a day at the fair a DPS officer noted it when I had posted and was ready to draw in an escalating situation at a convenience store. He simply nodded like, "Okay, were ready."

Other than that, I have never noticed anyone, cop or sheeple giving it a second glance, my SA is pretty high so i should notice being checked out.

Pro:-Will try to be different

Good carry alternative for fat people (ask me how I know).
Wearing with casual clothes, I.E. a long un-tucked shirt, the pack won't be noticed, much less the carry.
Very secure (but I think that was covered).
A pack truly goes well with casual and light summer attire.
Can be repositioned within a second by simply pushing or pulling it to the side when you need to work bent over.

Con:

When visiting at family gatherings, unless I am using a belly band I disarm. It is uncomfortable when holding grand babies on the lap and such. Also if I find myself soporific, a nap is difficult with the pack and I wouldn't feel comfortable taking it off (not maintain positive control} in their house; especially with so many kids. As a note, going armed to my in-laws does not cause any alarm. They and my family are all good with it and assume I am, whether the reality bears the assumption or not.

Does not go well with formal or even church wear. Usually resort to a belly band in those instances.
Tendency to overload it.

Well, that's my $.02

My daughter told us this story from her CHL course. The instructor displayed a photo of a fanny pack and asked the group, "What's wrong with this picture?"

The expected answer was "the fanny pack screamed gun"... but there was a lady sitting next to my daughter who had a different insight.

She replied matter of factly, "Well, for the first thing, it's ugly!"

MrsFosforos wrote:.......She replied matter of factly, "Well, for the first thing, it's ugly!"

Help help, someone call the fashion police! I guess if you are going to carry, make sure you look good doing it!!

My wife and I were discussing this thread and she had an interesting insight. My position was that it does not necessarily "scream" gun. Her take was so what if it did?

Her scenario went something like this:

While it may scream "gun!" it may also be screaming "old cop" especially on a fat, balding clean cut guy like myself. That is probably, in her assessment, why people don't ever give it notice. If it does cross their mind its like, "Oh, there's an ODO. Probably has a bad back. Glad he still has his gun." or some process similar.

In the mean time, Joe Badguy is casing the place with his paranoia sharpened senses, he sees the pack and maybe it screams "gun!"...maybe it doesn't, he's not quite sure. So M. BG moves on to a less doubtful environment.

Offered tongue in cheek but with a trace of truthful insight.

SkipB wrote:I have never thought much about one but after reading these post I may have to take a hard look at one.

+1

As far as the Tommy's Gun Pack, do you know if a medium is good for a Sig P239? Also did either of you order a magazine insert?

Thanks

I have noticed Fanny Packs on people for years now. I have never seen it to screen gun, I just assumed they were all for the convience of not having to carry all your stuff in your pockets, making you even more comfortable during the summer days, in shorts and t shirts. I never knew they made some for ccw untill I started looking for a good holster. I don't use the fanny pack as my only holster. I also have a couple IWB holsters I like with my jeans.
Thanks for all the imput. I got alot more interesting insight then I thought I would.
Thanks,
Emmett

WildBill,
A P239 will fit in the medium. I didn't order magazine inserts. I don't think you will need one. It would just take up space.

Just a note on Tommy's Gun Packs: The small size will hold a Glock 33 with a Pierce finger extension. But it won't rip open cleanly the top zipper catches on the rear sight. It works fine with a flat bottom stock magazine. The medium will hold a SIG P225, but it won't rip open cleanly, the zippers hang up. The top one on the hammer, the bottom one on the grip.

In order to have a fast presentation your gun has to fit in the pack with a little room to spare. Like I said a SIG P225 will fit in the medium size but you can't just rip it open and draw.
Regards, OE

OE- Thanks for the input. I appreciate it.

What AndyC said is exactly why I haven't got one and why I want.

My CHL demostrator demo'ed one for us, and I thought the one designed for CCW was cool. That being said, I would never wear one.

SkipB wrote:What AndyC said is exactly why I haven't got one and why I want.

Maybe it was the brown leather? Only a macho guy would wear "ballistic nylon."

A fanny pack 'screams' GUN to me... that may be just because I carry... but if the bad guy has a clue... he is going to shoot anyone he thinks is armed first.... on the other hand... if he had a clue, he wouldn't be a bad guy... etc.... 15 yrs ago, you would see fanny packs everywhere... now the only ones I see I assume have a gun in them....

In the end, the first rule of a gun fight is 'bring a gun'.... so if a fanny pack is the only way, then pack in one...