summer is coming, newb needs help!

Z

Zombiebait

New member
hey guys, im new to concealed carrying and this is my first post, summer is coming and i want to be ready to go so lets get down to it

last year i bought a S&W M&P 40c and a supertuck to carry it in, thanks to heavy coats carrying through winter went fine, but im a thin guy(5'10" 170lbs.) and its kind of a fat weapon. i carry in the 4 o'clock position and opted to use the magazine w/o the pinky extension and tried to adjust the supertuck to sit straight up and down to reduce bulge from the magazine and the weapon cant. but i still feel like im printing. is this just normal paranoia from being new to carrying? or is there anymore i can do besides investing is some new overshirts?

any and all advice is welcome
 
Welcome to the world of concealed carry. It's definitely a lifestyle change, and it's normal to feel like you're having to be overly conscious about printing. Figuring out all of the details about how to carry your weapon and conceal it in the best possible way is something we all go through. My suggestion is to ask a spouse or a friend to help you out. Ask them to watch you move around while wearing different articles of clothing and positioning the firearm differently if needed (cant or holster position). I also carry in the 4 o'clock position IWB. Crossbread is a good holster. If you're tucking the shirt in, it's still difficult to completely conceal. The best concealment method is to use an IWB holster and then wear an untucked shirt. Length of the shirt is quite important though. Good luck, and congratulations on making the decision to carry!
 
You are going through the same thing we all do. The previous advice was great, just remember that people don't see as much as you think they do. Dark colors, or patterns on your shirt helps to conceal easier as well.
 
Remember the non carrying public just moves through society and expects safety from LEO, most would not notice you carrying on hip, information you received is excellent I usually have a tee-shirt tucked with light shirt hanging over weapon, will sometime use a small fishing weight in side front of sides of overshirt to help with wind problems.
 
Zombiebait said:
hey guys, im new to concealed carrying and this is my first post, summer is coming and i want to be ready to go so lets get down to it

last year i bought a S&W M&P 40c and a supertuck to carry it in, thanks to heavy coats carrying through winter went fine, but im a thin guy(5'10" 170lbs.) and its kind of a fat weapon. i carry in the 4 o'clock position and opted to use the magazine w/o the pinky extension and tried to adjust the supertuck to sit straight up and down to reduce bulge from the magazine and the weapon cant. but i still feel like im printing. is this just normal paranoia from being new to carrying? or is there anymore i can do besides investing is some new overshirts?

any and all advice is welcome
Click to expand...

psmith0408 has it right.

The only thing I'd add is to perhaps change the cant (tip the gun forward)--this will bring the grip into the curve of your spine more and also make the gun easier to grasp as you reach back for it.

Good luck!
 
Yeah, patterns on shirts, IWB holsters helps. I've carried a 9mm Kel-Tec P-11 for about a year now and do like it.

I purchased a Ruger LCP about a month ago and love it! Easy to conceal in a pocket holster and very light.
Definitely my summer carry.

Keep looking and try different things. You'll find a way you like.
 
Like said above, the more cant the less it will print you can also lower the ride height completely, just not so much you can't get at the gun. Also remember just because you can FEEL it doesn't mean the public can SEE it. Carrying IWB in the summer is tricky. If you feel it's just not working out look into a SmartCarry. You wouldn't think they'd be comfortable but they are. It's the only way (for me) that a can conceal in hot weather without worrying about printing. It's also good if you piss someone off and they try to kick you in the nuts :biggrin:
 
Try pocket carry with a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. You can carry in the winter or summer without changing your training draw and very little printing. Also, when you go from "Yellow" to "Orange" you can have your hand on your gun (without finger in the triggerguard) ready to draw without printing or indicating. Actually if someone gets the drop on you and says, "give me the cash" (which you should train to avoid) you can say "here it is" and pull you weapon from your front pocket and shoot. Get some loose pants and shorts. Lightweight 5.11 brand pants and shorts are perfect in pocketsize and looseness. Also, the newer version of the pants and shorts have built in magazine pockets in the side cargo pockets.

I must add that this works great for a Glock 26 or 27 but I am not familiar with the S&W subcompact.
 
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Good advice here! I've been concealed carrying for 30+ years. The weapon, the holster you choose and the attire you will be wearing all come into play when deciding to head out the door with your weapon on board. Some caution needs to be used when switching between different firearms and holsters with the seasons - remember which gun your packing, remember which holster you are suing and practice drawing with an unloaded firearm until you are comfortable and have it all committed to muscle memory. I usually pack a heavier gun when I can conceal under heavier clothing, and my carry weapon gets smaller as the seasons warm up and the clothing gets lighter.
 
psmith0408 nailed it pretty good.
Depending on where you're at a fanny pack holster could be an option--fanny packs are real common where I'm located.
A pocket gun can be an option too.
 
It depends on where you live. Around here all kinds of people from young to old wear fanny packs. I don't use one very often but one I do I don't even get a second look
 
I have a "Covert Carrier" on my .380. While I use a Crossbreed most of the time, I like being able to grab the gun and go and not have to worry about the holster. You need a good belt if you want it to work right and not pull down.
 
Zombiebait, I can tell you what works very well for me. I live in FL, wear shorts and Tshirt, I use a holster from ( Tucker Gunleather) called Cover up, $75.oo. I carry IWB, appendix carry. It works so well I have three of them, one for my PM9 Kahr, one for Sig P239, also Sig P 220 carry. Anyone that carries concealed is always looking for the perfect holster, I found mine. The holster is adjustable for height and cant. You can tuck your T-shirt over the gun and holster, also has a sweat shield, Good luck
 
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