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So this has come up more than once in regards to my main method of carry. I know a lot of people dont agree with carrying this way and I completely respect that and understand the reasons.

First let me say I would carry owb/iwb everyday if I could. I think its the best way of carry. However, that being said I hardly ever belt carry and here is why. I am a big guy. I am not stocky, big boned,...I am a fat boy. Is what it is. So for me carrying on or in the belt isnt that comfortable due to my shape.

My primary method of carry is a bag. Most of my bags are designed for CCW and have quick access to my handgun. I have large bags, small bags and more bags than my wife has purses. (A point she reminds me of often). I have more bags than I do holsters and I have a lot of holsters. My main carry is a small over the shoulder bag by by Tuff Products and a 5.11 called the 2 Banger. Dont like the name but it just looks like a normal bag. These are my bag for quick trips around town.

I do have larger EDC bags including backpacks that are made for CCW but they are not as quick to access and due to being cumbersome these bags are more set up towards a bug out bag. I like Vertx products because of the design geared to ccw. I have a Vertx satchel that I can quickly access my handgun and here is where these types of bags excel for me. There have been a few occasions when I was walking to my truck in a dark parking lot for example and I could have my hand on my gun and no one was the wiser.

In the summer I HATE carrying anything in my pockets and a gun in my waistband just doesnt work. Now I can carry my Shield comfortably IWB/OWB and I have started doing that since I got it. But still I like the bag method because I can have what I need in a nice organized package. And nowadays so many people use EDC bags I dont get a second look. I have tactical looking bags but I go for more plain styles now.

But here is the thing when I bag carry. If I am carrying a gun (and I always do unless I am someplace I legally could not) my bag stays with me and on my person at all times. I cant be in a restaurant eating and leave it on the chair for my wife to watch while I go to the restroom for example. It has to be under my control. So its slung across my body and stays that way. Yes there are places I have gone like to dinner for example and set it next to me in the booth. I guess its no different than a woman who legally CCWs with a purse. But I wouldnt hang my bag off my chair, set it on the floor, etc.

Another thing I do is whatever gun I am carrying it is in a holster that can be used IWB if I had to quickly. Its a method that has worked great for me for years. Only one time did I walk into a store and they said I could not bring my bag in. I looked around at the women in the store who had purses bigger than my EDC bag and pointed that out. I was given the option to leave my bag behind the counter. Hmm let me think about that.....NO. Now I will just say I have meds in my bag and have to keep it with me for emergency. This is not a lie as I always keep a supply of aspirin on hand :) But seriously no I wont leave it.

I have been flamed on other sites when I mention I carry an EDC bag. Dont care because its my method and I responsible for what I do. I am all about comfort these days. I am 40 and I am more relaxed than when I was 21. I dont mean ignorant to my environment. I am talking about being relaxed as in style.

So does anyone else use an EDC bag for carry? How has it worked out for you? Things you found that work or dont work?

Whatever works for you is fine. Better in the bag then in the house.

maximus2161 wrote:First let me say I would carry owb/iwb everyday if I could. I think its the best way of carry. However, that being said I hardly ever belt carry and here is why. I am a big guy. I am not stocky, big boned,...I am a fat boy. Is what it is. So for me carrying on or in the belt isnt that comfortable due to my shape.

I suspect it is more due to a lack of proper gun belt than it is to waist size.

I know of people comfortably carrying full size handguns in a belt holster with a 60 inch waist.

If it works for you, rock on.

Jumping Frog wrote:

maximus2161 wrote:First let me say I would carry owb/iwb everyday if I could. I think its the best way of carry. However, that being said I hardly ever belt carry and here is why. I am a big guy. I am not stocky, big boned,...I am a fat boy. Is what it is. So for me carrying on or in the belt isnt that comfortable due to my shape.

I suspect it is more due to a lack of proper gun belt than it is to waist size.

I know of people comfortably carrying full size handguns in a belt holster with a 60 inch waist.

When I do carry owb or iwb I use the reinforced belts from The Beltman. Great belts.

Obviously it's a matter of personal choice, but I cringe every time I hear someone discussing off body carry. Maybe it's because I just couldn't imagine tooting something like that around constantly or maybe it's from watching women who have carried a purse their entire life swear that they would never leave their purse unattended right after I witness them leave their purse unattended. Or maybe the recent story about the woman at Walmart who was killed when her kid stuck his hand in her purse. Or maybe it's because purse like items are prime targets for snatch and grab theft. Or maybe I'm just over cautious and need to feel the presence of my firearm so that I know it's secure.
Whatever it is, I just couldn't do it.

jmra wrote:Obviously it's a matter of personal choice, but I cringe every time I hear someone discussing off body carry. Maybe it's because I just couldn't imagine tooting something like that around constantly or maybe it's from watching women who have carried a purse their entire life swear that they would never leave their purse unattended right after I witness them leave their purse unattended. Or maybe the recent story about the woman at Walmart who was killed when her kid stuck his hand in her purse. Or maybe it's because purse like items are prime targets for snatch and grab theft. Or maybe I'm just over cautious and need to feel the presence of my firearm so that I know it's secure.
Whatever it is, I just couldn't do it.

Those are all valid and very very good reasons. However those are things I have never done and will not do. Its like fanny packs. If you wear one its on you which if I have an edc bag its the same. Its always on me. Kids are not reaching in my bag. In fact no one is but me. I dont leave it unattended period. As for a snatch and grab I guess thats a possibility but I think it would be difficult being thats its slung over my body.

Everybody is different and there is no right way to carry that fits every body type so whatever works for you and your comfortable with is the way to go. I would rather see people carry by almost any reasonable method than not carry at all. There is an exception or two to this rule, the Plaxico Burress method of carry I would highly discourage.......

I get some grief by a friend or two because I carry IWB at the 1:00 position utilizing a tuckable holster, it works for me and I can get to it very fast from any position should I need to, no need to remove it when driving.

Salty1 wrote: I get some grief by a friend or two because I carry IWB at the 1:00 position utilizing a tuckable holster, it works for me and I can get to it very fast from any position should I need to, no need to remove it when driving.

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I carry the same way Salty1. But I'm left handed, so my carry is at the 11:00 position. It's the most comfortable position I've found, especially driving.

Some folks are dogmatic about what OTHERS do.

Carry the way that works for you and ignore any protest from others...

I am a rather large man myself. I carry IWB or OWB at the 4:00 position. That is what works best for me.

The age old saying here is that CHL is supposed to be comforting, not comfortable. I do have to agree with that statement

I agree that what works for you is important. Whatever way I choose to carry, I think important factors are: Be consistent and PRACTICE drawing using different scenarios, i.e., sitting, driving, walking, etc. And I like to be consistent with the handgun I carry and practice with - being familiar with the operation of firearm is as important as the method used for carrying it. I also agree you should always avoid letting your carry bag out of your sight.

I suspect bag snatchers could be encountered..just remain vigilant and prepared.
I have some good female friends who live in Chicago and New York that sometimes when walking down a sidewalk or parking lot they have encountered bag snatchers, but they say it's a fact of life, and the best way to avoid it is to not carry a bag, depending on where you go.