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I find I am having a problem with an arthritic hip which is aggravted when I carry. It is worse with an IWB Don Hume, Fobus Paddle is somewhat better but is a problem with "printing" in warm weather attire. I carry a G19. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

I am probably going to get a "pocket pistol" for when hip is too bad or when I need deep concealment. Thinking of a Kel-tek 380 but have heard mixed reports on reliability. Any comments or alternative suggestions appreciated

Budget limited to < 400 for now.

That's a tough call with your particular situation. The only suggestions I can offer would be to switch to a 1911 and try a Kydex holster like one from Greg Garrett's CompTac. http://www.comp-tac.com/index.html 1911's are about .2" narrower than your Glock, as I recall and the CompTex holsters are much thinner than a leather holster, especially those with steel reinforcement for the mouth of the holster. (I have two drawers full of holsters of various types.)

If you are carrying at a position aft of 3 o'clock, you may want to move closer to 3 o'clock.

Sorry I can't give better suggestions,
Chas.

I will +1 for what Charles just said. I carry a Kimber Compac. My legs give me trouble from stiff hips, to completely gone knees, & poor shape ankles that are a real problem. I find the compac 1911 to be comfortable. The Kel Tec you mentioned has had good reviews & seem to pass the reliablility test if you get a 2nd generation. Buy a new one & you will. There are no more 1st on the new market. My BUG is the .32 K-T. I like it better than the 3AT for the slide lock. My Mother, 75 yr, has the 3AT & loves it. Keep the 1911 at about 3:30 & it should be comfortable. I find that to be very accessable & also very concealable. No print problems w/ any loose shirt or Polo type in the summer heat. If you will try it a good pair of all elastic 1.5 inch wide suspenders will be your best friend. They are under your cover shirt & never seen. With them you can leave your belt as loose as you want for a leather holster or the Kydex. I know I have worn them all my life & have never had to get over the "fashion" thing so it may take some getting used to. I never leave home w/o them or Kim. Age makes us change a lot of things.

+1 for Mr. Charles. As far as the Kel Tec .380 I carry one for extra. I have put about 200 rounds without 1 malfunction.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am going to go ahead with the Kel-Tek 380 as a BUG, I also like the suspenders suggestion - thats something I never even thought about! Since I don't seem to have as much problem when using the OWB holster the suspenders and a loser belt may just solve the problem. I really want to be able to carry the Glock since I seem to get along with it real well otherwise. I do see the point with the 1911 being thinner - I was planning on getting one in the future anyway though I was leaning towards a full size, I may now have to re-think that issue. Oh well, I guess I have found excuses to buy two or three more "toys"

You may still be able to go full sized. Many people find them just as easy to CCW as the smaller ones. It is the thickness, not the barrel length in most cases that makes the difference.

And if I buy the full size and still have problems that will give me an excuse to get a compact as well I was also thinking of try a small frame revolver as a BUG. Can't afford to buy them all at once but that gives me 3-4 aquisitions to plan for over the next year or so.

I was caught by suprise when I found out I was going to have a problem from my hip with carrying. I expected a problem with my shoulder when shooting but that turned out not to be a problem.

All the old injuries from my youth are comming back to haunt me - too many times me and a horse parted company

I have similar problem from similar causes (bulls instead of horses). I have to use a cross draw holster when my hips are giving me fits. I carry a G21. However, I got the SW1911SC last week and after a few down range will try it as a strong side carry.
I do like the idea of suspenders though. Will have to try them as well.
The P3AT is a good BUG. Thats what I carry as a pocket 2nd.

bauerdj wrote:And if I buy the full size and still have problems that will give me an excuse to get a compact as well

Now here's a man with a plan.

Chas.

You might consider losing the holster and going with the pocket clip. It attaches easily to the frame, and then you can securely carry your Glock on your belt, in your pocket, or in your waistband. I love mine!

The pocket clip sounds like another interesting possibility, where can I get on and can I install it myself?

You can definitely install it yourself! And you should be able to get one from any good gun dealer. I got mine at The Shooter's Club in Fort Worth, and they installed it on the spot. It took about 5 minutes. But, if you can't find one in your area, check out this web site:

http://www.ajaxgrips.com/ajax/clipdraw