M14 Forum

techvoodoo

So I made a post talking about my Ruger LCR .38s+p that I picked up for CCW when my license finally arrives. I wanted to talk about methods of carry and holsters for this/similar compact revolvers and get some advice.

I picked up this IWB holster thinking that would be my method of carry.

http://shop.talontraininggroup.com/R...B-LCR-IWBC.htm

It's a farily nice holster. It's very rigid, the throat holds open in my waistband even when the firearm is drawn. The belt clip retains it's hold on my belt/pant line very well when drawing the revolver. And the price was decent.

That said I find that even with this small revolver it's fairly obvious that I am carrying when I have a t-shirt covering my waistline. If I bend forward it's plain as day.

If I position it at about 3 o'clock it is more obvious than if I position it at about 5 o'clock, but if I sit down with the revolver at the 5 o'clock position on my waist the grip of the revolver digs into my kidney region so I find I have to slide it over to 3 o'clock to sit comfortably.

I am a bit overweight at about 195 pounds so I have a few bulges in the belly region anyway but the grip of the revolver is still easily identifiable to me when I look in the mirror.

Is part of CCW just knowing that you conceal as best as possible and know that most people just aren't looking for it or trained to recoginize it and I'm over analyzing it? Maybe I need a man purse and carry off the body? I'm not really sure since this is the beginning of my CCW life.

Thanks appreciate the insight.

Hgunner

Personally, in the summer time if I'm carrying my J-frame Airweight I just drop it in my front pants pocket, or my rear pants pocket and wear my shirt out, no holster. In the winter time, I just stick in a my coat pocket, again no holster, it's a Boydguard Model so I don't worry about hammer snag.

dragon6097

I do the same thing as Hgunner with my sig 380. Just toss it into a pocket and go. Just make sure you have deeper pockets. I had a lightweight jacket that had not so deep pockets and the pistol was visible to anyone standing behind me that happened to look down to the jacket pocket. It wasn't hanging out or anything but I don't like to advertise at all.

If you prefer a holster, I'd go with something similar to what you linked and carry somewhere in the 1:00 to 2:00 position for a righty. Try to fit it in snug in front of the hipbone, but alot of it boils down to body type/frame and personal preference.

ArmyCPT

Appendix carry might suit you...

I sometimes use a Dale Fricke Archangel to appendix carry my Glocks. It conceals very well...even with the 17's somewhat more lengthy grip.

techvoodoo

I live in south FL. so t-shirts and shorts of the typical dress for me. My pants/shorts that I do have don't have deep enough pockets to carry this without a bit of the grip sticking out. I'll have to pay attention to that next time I'm shopping. Anyone tried 5.11 taclite shorts? do they tend to have deep pockets?

I've tried a more frontal carry in the waistband and that's really uncomfortable when I sit, digging into my my belly and leg.

I didn't expect to have so many issues with carry method when ordering this revolver. But I appreciate all the suggestions.

Nightrider

I had no problems carrying mine in a front pocket holster, even in shorts. The LCR is light enough that you don't even need a belt to carry it that way.

Hungry1

I use this holster in my front pocket.

http://www.amazon.com/DESANTIS-Nemes.../dp/B003K7X75U

Underneath an untucked shirt it's comfortable and concealed.

mkd357

Try buying the next size up when you buy your shirts. That makes for a looser fit, which helps conceal your IWB pistol. I carry off the body whenever I cross the river into IL. They don't have CCW so I have to unload & case my CCW pistol. Pain in the balls, but as an IA resident there isn't much I can do about it. I still keep my pistol close at hand in my day pack. You could get a carry bag from somewhere like Disse. http://dissegear.com/index.php?main_page=products_all
I have heard good things about them & their Receptrix is like a laptop bag so it doesn't necessarily scream gun at people.
Still I wouldn't give up on carrying on your body just yet. It takes some time to adjust to, but it becomes second nature. Especially with a little gun like your LCR or the Glock 26 I carry. Also from my experience most people have no idea. I play the spot the guy carrying game when I am out and about. Maybe other CCW holders do as well? But 95% of the population (including most police officers I see out in public) are clueless to the fact you have a weapon. So try not to get over conscious about if your gun might possibly be printing a little bit.
Best of luck with your system!

Silverton4

I like my Galco slide holster, but I don't usually carry concealed though my "shoot me first" black leather vest does cover my Speed Six in the slide holster. I also have a Don Hume H721-1 belt holster, which is good for concealing under a jacket or with shirt tails out. I don't have a CCW permit since Virginia has legal open carry statewide with a recent state law that prohibits local jurisdictions from making open carry restricted or conditional.

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This new Don Hume JIT#1 slide just came in the mail. Haven't used it yet.

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