my dh's body type? He is...uh, well, we ladies call it 'plus sized'. I don't know what you guys call it. But all the extra weight is all front and center. The beltline of his pants hangs low, where he's smaller around (hips). And so, consequently, does the OWB holster. He has difficulty getting garments long enough to cover. Further, those garments are NOT going to work in the summer. I suggested IWB because it's tried & true for many body types, but he says his beltline will sag too much. I'm wondering if a better belt would make a difference. He's thought about ankle, which I've read doesn't work for most people. And in fact, his basic jeans would not be wide enough. He ruled out shoulder rigs, because he's thinking of summer. What's left? I'd really appreciate hearing from other guys with this body type. TIA! Pru
IWB or OWB either one would work worn around 5 o'clock (7 o'clock if leftie) then if casual wear a polo shirt as a cover garment, if work clothes then an untucked cotton button down shirt as a cover garment works well. I have even used an over sized Tshirt , but most of the time just wear 'Larry the cable guy' type shirts in the summer time, often unbuttened when working outside, and I mostly just carry in my back pocket. You would be surprised at how oblivious people are to their surroundings and how unlikely it is anyojne would pay attention to notice he is carrying as long as its covered regardless of buldges. As far as body type there are pics of me in the butchering tutorials in back to basics. I have gone to our local collage town to the store then to eat and rent movies while carrying a .357 revolver with a 4" barrel in my back pocket and just a normal shirt hanging over it after butchering all day and while covered in blood (VERY uncommon even out here) and NOONE even looked twice at me or noticed I was carrying. So as long as its comfortable, secure and covered its very unlikely he will ever be made.
IWB, or even SOB (small of back). The biggest recommendation that I can make is to buy QUALITY. Not to mention that the most important part of the weapon storage system is the belt. A regular belt will sag, and not hold up the firearm for an extented period of time. A good belt, and a good holster can make carrying a lot less problematic. I like the Milt Sparks Versa-Max II, http://www.miltsparks.com/ but I know that a lot of manufacturers make quality stuff. I would also take a look at El Paso Saddlery. I have some of their products and am very happy with them. http://www.epsaddlery.com/. Wilson Combat makes some nice stuff also. http://www.wilsoncombat.com/index_leather.htm
Thank you both. As of today, he is thinking IWB - I'm glad!! I'm having him look at the links you provided. Another question: he is interested in leather, not Kydex, but is concerned about retention. He wants a strap or something. I'm pretty sure this isn't an issue, but do you listen to your wife? Well, neither does he listen to his. BTW, I started with a belly band, so that's why I don't know. And if anyone's curious, I think this this will be my next holster: http://www.kramerleather.com/productDetail.cfm?productID=4&categoryID=22 It's looks a lot more comfortable for summer, than a band.
Even in leather there are a lot of options as far as retention. Depending on the gun and such it may not need much of anything more than a pocket to hang in, add to that that a good leather holster would be gun/model specific and will be conformed to the exact shape of the gun and so do similar to the kydex holsters. Beyond that there are those with retention straps with or without thumb breaks, adjustable and preset spring mags where a spring inside the leather squeezes the gun to hold it in place, and undoubtedly several other options not comeing to mind at the moment. What would bebest would largely depend on the gun being carried and personal preference as well as habbits (a person jogging or rock climbing might need a bit more retention than a person sitting at a desk).
I guess I fit into the "Plus Sized" area 6'1" about 280 lbs a good quality belt is a must I ware a Wilderness Instructors Belt every day.And a Comp-Tac C-Tac IWB Holster with a Wilson Combat .45
I am about Bogie's size also. IWB is not a problem, but my preferred mode of carry. My philosophy on retention straps is this, (and I stole it from a friend) if you are in a position that puts you at the risk for hand-to-hand combat, such as law enforcement, then by all means a retention strap is a must, but for those of us that are carrying concealed you shouldn't need it. If your weapon is properly concealed then the perp is not even going to know that it is there to take away from you. Do avoid fist fights and wrestling at all costs. The other thing is this, my Milt Sparks Versa-Max II fits so snug into my waistband, it would be really hard for someone to sneak up behind me and pull it out, and downright impossible to pull it out from the front due to the way it is constructed and the position of the firearm while it is carried. I have had people try to pull mine out just to see how easy it would be to no success. It fits snug and you have to pull forward and up to get it out. I would strongly encourage him to look at different models and find what is best for him. The VM-II is perfect for me.
Oh heaven help us! He bought a $12.95 Uncle Mikes Open Style Inside-the-Pant Holster. He wants me to stitch a strip of velcro to it, for a retention strap. Ugh. When he decides he doesn't like it, I'll buy him a good ($50+) holster and see what he thinks of it.
If you do the sew on strap I would at least go to Wallmart and get the stuff to put a snap on it rather than the velcro. If you have enouph velcro to do much then a simple flip of the thumb wont open it and you dont want to have to fight your holster if a time comes when you need you weapon.
well I would any of the High noon tuckable types work for me . I am 5'11" and over 300lbs and I can hide a Gov. model on my well . Doc
I agree, a snap is actually faster than velcro. I carry my big 357 in a regular old Uncle Mikes outside the belt with a snap. With minimal practice it's almost as quick as not having a retention strap at all.
Thanks guys... After a few days of frequent carrying, he no longer feels the need for a retention strap. He also says it's comfortable, but puts it awas as soon as we get home. I know if I remove a certain undergarment the minute I get home, it's because it's not comfortable, but he says it's okay... I may still buy him a nice leather holster for the next gift-giving occasion. Maybe something fancy with stamped leather.
We males don't like to admit failure in anything, we believe it is a sign of weakness so we tend to ignore it. Get him the Milt Sparks VM-II, he won't ever wear that plastic crap again.
I prefer a Alessi holster. They aren't cheap but they are damn good. When it comes to holsters ya really do get what you pay for. If you want to check them out heres the link http://alessileather.com/ Hope that works for ya. Take care Be safe Poacher.
