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Here's my dilemma. As you all know too well,it's 95-100 degrees here in the summer,so heavy dress isn't a viable option if you do any work outside in Texas. I'm 6' 9" tall,weight 205,and have a slim build. I've been studying the different concealed holsters and handguns designed more for concealed carry,and have a few questions.

1-Does anybody carry a fullsize in a Fobus paddle holster or similar OWB?
2-If so,what do your cover garmets consist of?

I know a subcompact will conceal better,but I already own 2 very reliable handguns now,and would like to avoid the extra expense of a new one if possible. Not being cheap (I have no problem spending money on guns...just ask my wife ),but looking at the measurements below-I can't see a big difference between my guns and those "concealed carry" guns. And with a tight budget with school starting for the kids,I'd much rather buy a holster vs a new gun and holster.
I've compared a couple of the popular concealed carry guns and my own below:

Beretta PX4 subcompact:
6.2" length
4.8" height
1.4" width
1.2" grip width

Springfield XD SC:
6.25" length
4.75" height
1.4" width
1.2" grip width

My Ruger P89:
7.75" length
5.5" height
1.52" width
1.3 grip width

My Ruger P94:
7.5" length
5.6" height
1.5" width
1.3" grip width

My question with all of these measurements....How much of a real difference is approx 1.3" in length and approx .75" height in concealment? I don't think length would be a big issue-esp with a paddle,but I can see it being a problem with an IWB holster. Does .75" cause a big problem in concealing the butt of the handgun OWB?
Any input is appreciated.
JL

I carried a kimber full size in a blackhawk serpa for over 2 summers with no problems,I just wear a 1 size larger shirt to cover the outline.

I can carry my Sig 2022 or 226 in my Cross Breed holster with no problems. I either wear my shirt untucked covering it. If you have the right holster you can comfortably carry a fullsize weapon. I have found that leather on kydex is most comfortable for me, the leather keeps the kydex or gun from digging into you. Of course you are thin so it wouldn't be as bad.

I see references to clock positions in some descriptions of where people carry at-I'll assume that dead center of the back is 6 o'clock,and even with the belly button is 12 o'clock? If so, I've got an Uncle Mike's Sidekick now,and have tried to carry it around at home at approx 2 o'clock,and it's not bad until I sit down,and the muzzle digs into my leg. That' why I have the idea that the IWB with a fullsize is challenging to do comfortably,and that OWB would be more comfortable.
JL

jlangton wrote:My question with all of these measurements....How much of a real difference is approx 1.3" in length and approx .75" height in concealment? I don't think length would be a big issue-esp with a paddle,but I can see it being a problem with an IWB holster. Does .75" cause a big problem in concealing the butt of the handgun OWB?
Any input is appreciated.

Barrel length is much less of a factor in behind the hip concealment than overall height of the weapon at the grip, and the width of the grip itself. Guns with single stack magazines have slimmer grips that don't cause as much of a printing problem as the double stack guns do, but those can be concealed as well with proper clothing. Barrel length is a major comfort limitation when the weapon is carried in front of the hip.

OWB carry is generally more comfortable for me, but I find concealing an effective weapon this way under light clothing is relatively difficult in the summer.

I am 6'2" and 215 lbs. My preferred warm weather carry method is IWB at 4 - 5 o'clock in a high quality holster like a CompTac Infidel on a stiff, high quality belt from either Maxpedition (Liger) or The Wilderness for stability. The optimum positioning is with the butt of the weapon in the hollow of your back just behind the hip (slender folks have this advantageous physiologic geometry) and just about parallel with your back so the butt doesn't protrude from your body like a grafted on potato. Carrying a full size 1911 this way is easy, comfortable, and readily concealable, although I often elect to go with a lightweight compact pistol of the same design in this rig because it has less of a tendency to make light summer shorts sag downwards.

During cooler weather, it's easy to conceal a similar gun in an OWB holster like a Blackhawk Serpa CQB under a 3/4 length jacket or a goosedown vest.

I dress around a Ruger P-97 in a Fobus paddle, year-'round. It's really not a problem if you have any flexibility in choosing what you wear. A t-shirt, and a lightweight square-tailed button shirt (1 size larger than your usual) makes a dandy concealment system.

Whether you prefer club shirts, bowling shirts, Hawaiian shirts, Dickeys grease monkey shirts, etc., you can probably find something that fits your style. I've got all of the above, plus a blue seersucker shirt that is very cool and does a good job of masking.

KBCraig wrote:I dress around a Ruger P-97 in a Fobus paddle, year-'round. It's really not a problem if you have any flexibility in choosing what you wear. A t-shirt, and a lightweight square-tailed button shirt (1 size larger than your usual) makes a dandy concealment system.

Whether you prefer club shirts, bowling shirts, Hawaiian shirts, Dickeys grease monkey shirts, etc., you can probably find something that fits your style. I've got all of the above, plus a blue seersucker shirt that is very cool and does a good job of masking.

I'm free to dress as a please at work-I work for an electrical/security/fire alarm contractor as the manager of the department,so I'm good there. I'll round up a couple of holsters to try out and see what fits best.
JL

[threadjack]
Um, where did you get your hands on a PX4 sub? And would you recommend it?
[/threadjack]

Also, FWIW, I started off carrying outside the belt with a Fobus paddle with a Walther P99, but never could conceal it except during the winter by wearing a trenchcoat or leather jacket (Tennessee, cold winters). During the summer there was nothing I could wear that didn't just scream "guess what I got under here." I think part of the problem was by body shape at the time, which was broad at the shoulders, and narrower at the hips, so every shirt I had draped loosely around the hips, and any protrusion stuck out like a sore thumb. I still have a similar shape, but am not as narrow around the hips (yet), and I now use IWB as my only carry method. It hugs it in closer to me body, so that almost any shirt covers it easily.

agbullet2k1 wrote:[threadjack]
Um, where did you get your hands on a PX4 sub? And would you recommend it?
[/threadjack]

I'd love to actually put my hands on one. There was somebody else that has one and made a bunch of measurements and posted them on the web. The 9mm version is shipping now in limited quantities,and the 40 cal version is supposed to be shipping in the end of Sept/Early October.
JL

A good IWB holster is all you really need. I recommend the comp-tac too as I have one. I got a fobus too but never use it. In the winter with a coat you could I guess, but Im hot natured and take my coat off the second I step inside.

6'9" at 205!...why do you need a gun!?

I carry my Colt OM .45 IWB at 4:30 and never have any problems. It the summer I just ware a t-shirt, or an outside short sleeve shirt, and it is well concealed. But as, Excaliber, said the most important thing is to get a high quality holster and use a high quality gun belt, at least, 1 1/2" wide for stability and you should not have any problems. I had to learn that last part the hard way, after several cheap belts and holsters.... for comfort and concealability a quality holster and belt is the only way to go.

-geo

bryang wrote:6'9" at 205!...why do you need a gun!?

In case Paul Bunyon tries to use him for a toothpick?

I have carried a Ruger P 97 in a Fobus in the summer. Now I generally carry a Hi Power in a Hume JIT but sometimes carry it in Fobus. I can cover the gun with an extra sized tee shirt.

Blackhawk holsters are very versitile.Just buy a serpa and you can change configurations easily(shoulder,high hip etc.) As far as I know there the best for close quarter concealment.They have an awesome catalog loaded with goodies.

I guess my first holster was Blackhawk SEPRA OWB. I love it when used with a very good $20 gun belt on sale! You need a jacket to hide it since my HK's 9mm double stack grip will print on any summer upper outfit.So, this is the best holster for the winter season.

I have a new smartcarry holster too. I am trying to break-it-in and get used to it carrying at home wearing my shorts and Bermudas. Best test was if my wife could not notice I m carrying. I am golden with this fine holster. I am also trying to get used to carry while driving. So, if everything goes well. This is my summer holster.

my Gun is HK P30. Google it for dimensions.

My next subcompact carry gun would PX4 Storm sub. Unless, HK would build a copy in the next year or so!