Business casual carry options.

[Michael J. Spangler]

Looking for some input from the mass of knowledge that is CB forums.

I wear dress pants and a tucked in button down daily for work.
IWB holsters don't work very well for me. I'm in and out of the car all day and they're not the most comfortable. Along with the fact that I would half to step up another size or so in pants to make the fit work for IWB. stepping up in size ends up stepping up in bagginess all around in the pants. I'll look like a kid wearing his fathers clothes.

I'm not a huge fan of off body. I haven found a good way to do it and always keep the gun near. Seems people look at you weird when you won't let your briefcase get more than 2' away from you.

I can't hide my religion in these dress pants never mind a pistol in my pocket. I did purchase a bodyguard for that purpose but found it was still a tight fit and the sharp lines printed really bad.

I prefer to carry my S&W 442 which seems to fit better in the pocket but still bulges pretty bad.

Does anyone have other options? I see a variety of concealed carry under shirts and belly bands.
Seems the belly band would be as bad as an elastic ankle holster that keeps sliding down.

I do have the need to carry a bag around because I bring a laptop just about anywhere I go during the day. Usually a backpack but I don't always keep it on. I deal with restaurants so when the thermometer hits 90 and the kitchens hit 120 I prefer to keep that extra insulation off my back.

Thanks in advance.

[Dan Cash]

If you are not so fashion conscious as to demand tight ankle band pant legs, check out Dehner Boot company http://www.dehner.com/customboots_military.html and look at the tank boot. I wore them for many years in the Military and as a civilian and still do as dress foot wear. They will make the boot with a built in pouch in the boot top for a small auto or revolver. I carried my 642 for years that way undetected.

[gwpercle]

Sneaky Pete Cell Phone holster. They go on your belt. Sneaky has several options that might work for you.

[Artful]

You have to decide how far you want to go
Baggy pants with IWB work for me.
And you can get tuckable IWB that blouse over pretty well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG4rgs1A1sw
I like the T shirt idea - I'll have to get one or get the wife to
sew on a pocket to try it out. I've got a "belly" band but
more of a chest band really - works ok but didn't conceal that well
for my body.

Inside the pocket carry with wallet holster
http://picturearchive.gunauction.com/2355235643/6381104/f5978c62572ca3bf842fb336eb88f291.jpg
works best with an auto - check local laws understand illegal now in Commiepornia in some cities.

Mount to belt
http://www.dillonprecision.com/the-wilderness-safepacker-holster_8_14_23846.html
http://14544-presscdn-0-64.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/WilsonCombatHIPSholster21.jpg
Wilson's version

Get your dork/nerd on and get a fanny pack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQZGyw0Gl2E
or Maxpedition Murse
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/catalog/img_5988_1277_detail.jpg

I agree that Ankle holsters are not the greatest
At one point I had what I call half boot or ankle boot
That would keep it from coming down any further but the
weight on some side still bothered me.

The Boot holster worked great for a friend of mine (custom Wellies)
but may not be your best look and you need a light weight gun
or the boot tends to slump with time.

[marlin39a]

I had the same problem working in a convenience store years ago. The ankle holster was my solution. Nobody had a clue I was armed. Takes getting used to, but after awhile feels comforting.

[Boaz]

Ruger 380 LCP or similar for pocket carry . Been carrying one about 7 years , you don't even know it's in your pocket .

[SSGOldfart]

I'm wheelchair bound so my opinions are limited to start with,I also have a permanent ankle brace on the left ankle and foot kinda like a stiff boot,so I use a ankle holster with Velcro straps,yep,I agree it takes a few days to get used to it, I forget it's there most of the time.

[imashooter2]

Revise your fashion sense and wear pants that support pocket carry.

[scarry scarney]

There are still other options.

Crossbreed makes a comfortable tuckable holster (an inside the waistband, but you can tuck a shirt in between the pistol and the belt). CCW Breakaways makes Jeans, Dress slacks (dockers) and Cargo style pants, made for discreet carry. And there is a new holster company (Urban Carry Holsters, urbancarryholsters.com) that offers a deep concealment style holster. It takes a little getting used to, but works real well (disclaimer-They provided the holster to me for evaluation). If you live in a colder climate, you could also look at the "T-Shirt" holster made by 5.11 or by one of their competitors.

These holster designs can give you options not normally looked at.

Plus, to really go against the grain, take a look at the Taurus Curve. It is "worn" in a pocket as if it's one of today's smart phones.

I teach CCW classes, and some of my students don't want to announce to the world that they are armed, and have come to me for various options/solutions.

[Rufus Krile]

Like Boaz, I prefer pocket carry when dressing lightly. The little Ruger or KelTec disappear in your pocket and an extra mag in the offside also goes invisible. I can carry the KelTec .380 in gym shorts without alerting anyone. As stated before, I'd prefer a shotgun but will settle for what I can conceal.

[bullet maker 57]

I have the Tshirt with the pockets under your arm. I put a full size 45 in one pocket and a 380 on the other side. Nobody knew I was armed. Takes a little getting used to. It works for me.

[Blackwater]

This is one of those situations where the mini .380's are one of the best options available. As to car carry, my son uses one of those magnetic holdres under the dash of his truck, and likes it. His keeps his Glock secure even on the roughest roads, but it's still accessible very quickly. All kinds of ways to skin this cat, but the main thing is just to HAVE a gun, should it be needed some time. And FWIW, these things sometimes take a little experimentation to find what works for you. My own experiences with ankle carry were less than satisfactory for me, but many find it OK, so what works for one might not necessarily work for all. This is the joker in the deck you're playing with. Only wrong answer is to give up and go unarmed.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

For deep concealment i think you need to look for in auto a flat gun is easier to conceal then a wheel gun and a lot more comfortable in your pants also IWB holsters with "J" hooks are more discreet

[JoeG52]

You have to decide how far you want to go
Baggy pants with IWB work for me.
And you can get tuckable IWB that blouse over pretty well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG4rgs1A1sw
I like the T shirt idea - I'll have to get one or get the wife to
sew on a pocket to try it out. I've got a "belly" band but
more of a chest band really - works ok but didn't conceal that well
for my body.

Inside the pocket carry with wallet holster
http://picturearchive.gunauction.com/2355235643/6381104/f5978c62572ca3bf842fb336eb88f291.jpg
works best with an auto - check local laws understand illegal now in Commiepornia in some cities.



The wallet holster is considered an "any other weapon" by the BATFE.

See wallet holster about halfway down this page...
https://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearms-guide-identification-firearms-section-9

See "wallet guns" starting on page 5...
https://www.atf.gov/file/56386/download

[country gent]

I have used pocket carry with dress pants or the desantis IWB tuckable holster for bigger autos. Another is a set of Hip grips inside the waist grips on the pistol and blouse the shirt over the grips. One other trick Ive used with a vest is a 2 barrel derringer with a gold chain attached to a pocket watch. Pistol in one watch pocket watcth in the other. Pistol is the watch fob LOL gold chain just there for show. Sometimes a little custom work from a tailor can make a big diffrence in how clothes conceal print and comfort.

[Artful]

The wallet holster is considered an "any other weapon" by the BATFE.

See wallet holster about halfway down this page...
https://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearms-guide-identification-firearms-section-9


Wallet Holstershttps://www.atf.gov/n/n/n/sites/default/files/wallet-holster-2.jpg
https://www.atf.gov/n/n/n/sites/default/files/wallet-holster.jpg
Notice: All "Any Other Weapons" have a mandatory tax of $200.00 for making. Transfer of an "Any Other Weapons" is an additional $5.00. Classification
Any Other Weapon with firearm
Distinctive Characteristics
Holster has hole to fire weapon
Rate of Transfer Tax
$5.00 with firearm; no tax without firearm


See "wallet guns" starting on page 5...
https://www.atf.gov/file/56386/download


WALLET GUNS

ATF has received numerous inquiries regardingwallet guns and wallet holsters.

As defined in section 5845(e) of the NationalFirearms Act (NFA), the term “any other weapon ”includes certain concealable weapons. Various types of disguised weapons such as cane guns, beltbuckle guns, and briefcase guns (with remote control firing mechanisms) fall within the “any other weapon” category.
It is unlawfil to make, possess, or transfer such firearms without complying with the provisions of the NFA.

During the 1970’s, ATF determined that various small handguns combined with certain “wallet holsters” fall into the “any other weapon” category and are subject to the provisions of the NFA.T hese wallet holsters are generally rectangular in shape, are designed to disguise the appearance of the handgun, and are designed to allow the weapon to be fired while it is contained within the wallet. The handgun combined with the wallet holster constitutes an NFA firearm.

A conventional pistol or revolver which is possessed without the wallet holster would not be an NFA firearm. A wallet holster alone is not subject to NFA controls and cannot be registered or transferred as a firearm.

Firearms contained in conventional holsters, trouser pockets, purses, gun cases, or various other forms of carrying cases have not been determined to fall within the definition of an “any other weapon,” even though it maybe possible to discharge a firearm while it is carried in such a manner. In order for an individual to lawfully “make” a wallet gun, that is to say, acquire both the handgun and the wallet holster, the person must first submit an Application to Make and Register a Firearm (ATF Form 1), pay a $200.00 making tax and receive approval of the application. The serial number appearing on the handgun should be used to register the firearm.

Transfer of a wallet gun requires an approved transfer application and payment of a $5 transfer tax. A transfer will not be approved unless the wallet gun has been registered to the transferor.

Mere sale or possession of the wallet holster without the handgun is not a violation of the NFA. However, 18 U.S.C. section 2 provides that a person who aids or abets another person in the commission of an offense is also responsible for the offense. Therefore, sale or distribution of a wallet holster with knowledge that it will be used to make an unregistered NFA firearm may also place the seller or distributor of the holster in violation of the NFA.




Yes, since the BATFE has blurred the legal line yet again sort of like their arm brace decision ...

But my understanding is that pocket holsters as long as it still is identifiable as a firearm and not disguised was not considered AOW/NFA.

If the slide top of the firearm is covered on a wallet holster, the holster "hides the gun" and then is an AOW.

If the slide top of the firearm is exposed on a wallet holster, the gun is exposed and the holster is legal for sale and use.

Revolver "wallet holsters" that cover the top of the revolver are, indeed, AOW's.

But the problem as always is the BATFE regulations (NOT LAWS) are subject to interpretation/change on a case by case basis by civil employee's who may or may not know firearms and the intent of the laws as passed by congress and rewritten as BATFE regulations on a daily basis by BATFE itself without oversite by the actual lawmakers.

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/11/robert-farago/new-from-desantis-pocket-shot-holster-for-ruger-lcp/


New From DeSantis: Pocket Shot Holster for Ruger LCP (http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/11/robert-farago/new-from-desantis-pocket-shot-holster-for-ruger-lcp/)By Robert Farago (http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/author/robert-farago/) on November 29, 2012
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Screen-Shot-2012-11-29-at-9.11.52-AM.png
Like the rest of DeSantis’ Pocket Shot holsters, their latest Ruger .380 compatible model (http://www.desantisholster.com/store/SEARCH-BY-HOLSTER-OR-ACCESSORY/POCKET-HOLSTERS/pocket-shot/RUGER/LCP-380-Cal) is “illegal in California.”

The Del boys link to a letter from the ATF (http://www.desantisholster.com/store/attachments/files/ATF%20Style%20110.pdf) as to why this rig is A-OK. And this writer reckons the government has as much business regulating holsters as Mor Biton (http://hotisraeligirls.tumblr.com/tagged/Mor%20Biton) has shopping at Kohl’s. But you can certainly see the “challenge.”

A holster that doesn’t cover the trigger? Well . . . why not? As the holster mavens’ presser points out “there’s no need to ‘draw,’ as . . . The Pocket Shot™ allows you to fire without physically removing your gun from the holster!” Good idea! Especially for those of us in colder climes who carry outside-the-waistband, necessitating a three layer extraction technique. And it’s way better than a loose pistol in a jacket pocket. Still, a word to the wise: don’t put ANYTHING else in that pocket. Ever. Forty bucks and 3-4 weeks delivery.


http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww328/rjdavis2011/f6cf4718.jpg (http://s732.photobucket.com/user/rjdavis2011/media/f6cf4718.jpg.html)

http://mecopocketholsters.com/RearThumbPushOff_small.jpg

http://www.lesjones.com/www/images/posts/POCKETGUN.jpg

Thing is all Michael J. Spangler needs is something to change the profile of his weapon while in his pocket.

[Michael J. Spangler]

A big problem is the dress pants being thin material and the pockets are a little tight. I've tried mouse guns like the 380 BG as listed in the OP. It looks like I'm trying to hide my wallet in my front pocket.
I was looking for ideas like the under shirt holster and reviews of how they work.
The IWB is a little tough without stepping up pants size. I've used a cross breed but it's not the most comfortable. Maybe it's time to visit a tailor for some modifications.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Geezer in NH]

Shoulder holster worn under the dress shirt.

[Artful]

Was it 5.11 that offered pants tailored with a holster pocket made of leather? Someone did.

[Blackwater]

Sounds to me like the belly band, under the dress shirt, may be the best option, maybe? In carrying a gun, one MUST (not "ought" but MUST) make some concessions to what one is carrying. Looser pants are called for, and once worn, tend to really grow on most folks. Not all, of course, but most.

The big thing is, many just don't WANT to make those concessions. It's a value judgment we all have to make sooner or later. I long ago decided it was more important to have at least SOMETHING on me at all times, but others have decided differently. WIth all the "workplace violence" that comes from so many crazies out there now, I just hope those who value style over substance don't have one of those experiences themselves. Once crazy people start killing, it's really easy after the first one's down.

[Rdbronco]

Tough decision that involves gun and holster. I have tried most of small gun and holster solutions , but still did not care for the small caliber idea. In my humble experience always heads for better gun leather. I am using a Mitch Rosen Workmen holster with a 1911commander. It works very well. What good optics are to rifles, good leather is to pistols. God bless Mitch Rosen and Milt Sparks. YMMV

[Blackwater]

Excellent point Rdbronco. And I love your analogy about the holster being like scopes. It's VERY true, but most folks have the mindset that a holster is "just something to carry it in." It's FAR from just that when you want to carry concealed, and leather holsters are expensive. But a good one will last at LEAST a lifetime if you just give it a once-over with Neat's or Lexol or some other good preservative/oil every year or two. I have one holster that's over 40 years old now, and it's STILL one of my favorites. That one's a Bianchi #1L for my 7.5" Ruger, so it's not for concealment, but the principle holds for ANY and ALL leather holsters.

And to your list of the really great makers, you can also add in Andrews Leather. His McDaniel is my own personal choice for an IWB holster for my 4" Lwt. Kimber .45. I'd NEVER felt a more comfortable holster for IWB carry, and hated them until I got this one at a gun show in Savannah from Andrews himself. He's a great guy and VERY ticky about every little detail on his holsters, and he surely knows a thing or two about how to make a holster work AND fit AND feel comfortable! If I ever need another IWB for an auto, it'll be his McDaniel. Comfort and accessibility are LONG remembered after price is forgotten and just laughed at! And even the best can usually be had for a C-note or less .... unlike good scopes. They're one of the most neglected and misunderstood bargains available to us shooters. And WELL worth the price, if not SEVERAL prices they charge, too!

A concealed gun is NO benefit if it's not comfortable, because if it's not, it won't be carried. Plain and simple. And if it's not ALSO easily and quickly accessible, it's not of much use either. So they require more thought and effort than many are simply willing to give them, and each person will have his own assessment of what works for THEM in those regards. And don't be too quick, like I once was, to pan ALL IWB (or any ohter) holster types simply because you haven't found one that works for you yet. There's probably one SOMEWHERE that will suit you. All we have to do is keep trying and trying to adapt us to them and them to us, to get one that really works. When you find that, it's amazing how valued they become. Most, when they find a holster like this, wouldn't sell it off for 5x the cost, once they get to really like it for their situation, if they couldn't replace it with one just like it. That ought to tell us something, shouldn't it?

Harvard Business School came out with the principle that "it's all about the money" quite a while back, now, and some still adhere to that philosophy, but there are SOME things where this is so ludicrous that I can't understand why I and many, many more, didn't see it from the beginning, and holsters is one of those things where utility and comfort and effectiveness FAR outweigh the price for a really good one that fits us and our needs "just right."

How many other accessories really make our guns WORK moreso than a good holster? And most are under $100! What other accessory can we say that about????