Looking for advise for a Concealed Carry Rig

[mbnaegle]

I don't have a CCL yet but have thought about getting one. As silly as it is, my biggest hold-up has been "how" I could even do it. My typical dress is blue-jeans and a button-up shirt with a T-shirt under that, but I always tuck my shirt and wear rigid leather suspenders and a leather belt to hold a Leatherman and flashlight sheath, so waste holsters are almost a non-starter unless I go way up on my waste size. I've thought about doing a breast/under-arm rig under my button up shirt, and then I would just need to pop a couple buttons to get to it. I'm not looking for a quick-draw solution, and think having a couple seconds to consider my situation as a benefit. I know training with whatever set-up I go with is imperative.

I bought an elastic pocket harness to try out, but found that it would need some modification to fit whatever pistol I used (two candidates are a little 25APC blow-back pistol, or an old 32S&W top break revolver), and it was hot having a big wide strap of elastic around my chest. I'm interested in building something out of leather, thinking it could be made to fit better and have less contact area producing less sweat, but am curious if anyone else has run into a similar case, or if there were any existing designs I could take some inspiration from.

I've got a friend who uses a belt case that looks like some kind of big cellphone wallet that's another possibility.

[PastorBob]

I am almost positive you don't need a CCL to carry concealed in TX.  If you have never had any classes or training with a firearm, it would be advisable to obtain the training for sure.

Another means, especially since you wear jeans might be an ankle holster or pocket holster.  Or maybe even a lightweight vest with inside pockets.  Those elastic straps do seem like they would make you sweat.  During summer months, it would be terrible.

[chuck123wapati]

I throw on a denim long-tailed shirt over my daily wear, much like yours, when I go to town; it covers about any holster I could think of, including my waist holster. I don't live in Texas, however, so heat isn't a problem lol.

A pocket holster is a good choice, but you need to find pants with good-sized pockets and a pistol small enough. Either of those weapons, if they are reliable, you mentioned, should be a decent fit. 

 

 

[jrdunn]

2 hours ago, PastorBob said:

I am almost positive you don't need a CCL to carry concealed in TX.  If you have never had any classes or training with a firearm, it would be advisable to obtain the training for sure.

Another means, especially since you wear jeans might be an ankle holster or pocket holster.  Or maybe even a lightweight vest with inside pockets.  Those elastic straps do seem like they would make you sweat.  During summer months, it would be terrible.

Bob,  I find it surprising too but I think you actually do need one.  There has been much debate (in Texas) about "Constitutional Carry".  I actually think much of the resistance is due to the influx of "liberals" into the larger cities (DFW, Houston and Austin).  I'm really not trying to be political here.  I wouldn't have known it either but my oldest son lives in the Texas panhandle.  JM2C, Jim

[mbnaegle]

It's been a little while since I've researched the CC rules here in Texas. I seem to remember rules changing a few years ago, but whatever the rules are I want to make a point to follow them. I've been around firearms my whole life, but for sure want to take a course before I start packing.

In regards to an ankle holster, I should add I wear high top boots too (Red Wing Pecos or similar pull-on) with the jeans over the top. Just putting the pistol in my pocket might be a good simple option.

[TonyV]

There are so many different ways and means of concealed carry that vary depending on your weapon, your body type, clothing and other factors. Before you try to decide what holster to build I suggest you research those different methods and reasons.  I second the motion to get training, as well.  Carrying is a big decision with potential life-changing consequences.   I usually carry a small 9mm IWB at the 4 o'clock position.  When I tuck my shirt in, I can leave it tucked loosely around the pistol so that it won't snag or be visible. I also sometimes carry in my pocket.  

Texas does indeed have concealed carry without a permit for age 21 and over non-prohibited people since 2021.  There is also a CCP still available.  Check your local laws before making any decisions.

When you're ready to carry, building your own holster is very satisfying and a matter of pride.

[Charley1]

Texas does not require a license to carry either concealed or open carry.  Wife and I both have had carry licenses since they went into effect, in 1995. License  requirement was dropped in September of 2021. I started making holsters back when I first began to carry, because I couldn't find holsters that worked for me that didn't cost the same as my F-150 pickup. 90% of my concealed carry now is done with a belt rig, wearing a pullover shirt that covers it. Now that I'm older, IWB doesn't work for me. I would recommend avoiding open carry, even with it being legal. Scares the sheeple, and in my opinion, it's the same as wearing a sign on your back that says, "If you are going to commit a crime, shoot me first".

[Dwight]

9 hours ago, mbnaegle said:

I don't have a CCL yet but have thought about getting one. As silly as it is, my biggest hold-up has been "how" I could even do it. My typical dress is blue-jeans and a button-up shirt with a T-shirt under that, but I always tuck my shirt and wear rigid leather suspenders and a leather belt to hold a Leatherman and flashlight sheath, so waste holsters are almost a non-starter unless I go way up on my waste size.

Unless you have to hold your breath to button your jeans (lots of guys do . . . ) I have a holster pattern you can use and carry a full size . . . 45 caliber . . . 1911 pistol . . . and no one will ever know unless you tell them.

The pictures below show both my black version and brown version (black got sold some time back . . . still got the brown one).

It is an inside the waist band . . . takes up very little real estate . . . I've carried it for over 20 years . . . never been made.

The pictures are me with my weapon.  I actually don't carry that big boy any more . . . I'm down to a 2inch barrel Springfield .45 . . . works very well.

The weapon and holster go on  the pants and belt . . . your shirt is pulled down to cover the weapon . . . it goes between your belt and the weapon . . . your pants are pulled up . . . buttoned . . . zipped . . . and belt buckled.  

Then go on with your life.

And I also have patterns for the overstuffed cell phone case in case you would like to go that route.  With the .25 auto . . . which no one I know of recommends one should carry . . .  the cell phone case would be a non noticeable deal.

May God bless,

Dwight

 

 

[AlZilla]

I like a pocket holster sporting a J Frame. I'd prefer a nice drop holster with a 1911 or Glock 21, but as a society we're just not quite there.

The suspenders are the bugaboo. I recently became a convert to suspenders, which means tucked in shirt and no 12:00 Glock IWB.

I'll endorse at least a basic training course because I think it'll change your mind on a couple of things. You could go over to smith-wessonforum.com and search around for some relevant threads. Those guys love to talk about this very subject. Since you asked for advice on a cc rig, I think the biggest pushback you'll get is on the idea of having a couple seconds to think about it. But, to each, their own.

You might also find that topbreak, of which I am envious, is more valuable than you want to carry.

[chuck123wapati]

10 hours ago, Dwight said:

Unless you have to hold your breath to button your jeans (lots of guys do . . . ) I have a holster pattern you can use and carry a full size . . . 45 caliber . . . 1911 pistol . . . and no one will ever know unless you tell them.

The pictures below show both my black version and brown version (black got sold some time back . . . still got the brown one).

It is an inside the waist band . . . takes up very little real estate . . . I've carried it for over 20 years . . . never been made.

The pictures are me with my weapon.  I actually don't carry that big boy any more . . . I'm down to a 2inch barrel Springfield .45 . . . works very well.

The weapon and holster go on  the pants and belt . . . your shirt is pulled down to cover the weapon . . . it goes between your belt and the weapon . . . your pants are pulled up . . . buttoned . . . zipped . . . and belt buckled.  

Then go on with your life.

And I also have patterns for the overstuffed cell phone case in case you would like to go that route.  With the .25 auto . . . which no one I know of recommends one should carry . . .  the cell phone case would be a non noticeable deal.

May God bless,

Dwight

 

 

That's a nice design for sure, does it work as well with smaller pistols? I made an iwb for a G3C, and it didn't feel right to me, the barrel seemed too short to stay under my belt.

[Dwight]

2 hours ago, chuck123wapati said:

That's a nice design for sure, does it work as well with smaller pistols? I made an iwb for a G3C, and it didn't feel right to me, the barrel seemed too short to stay under my belt.

The answer to that question is the simple addition of a thumb break on the holster . . . the good thing about one of those is your thumb is heading in that very same direction anyway . . . and all you have to remember to do is have it ready to do it's job which is simply to separate the two pieces of leather by a downward push of the thumb as you push back a tad into your hip . . . it breaks the snap loose at the same time you fingers are surrounding the grip . . . and you are in great shape.

As for the G3C . . . of all those you have mentioned so far . . . it would be your best carry option in my opinion.  I owned a G3C for a while . . . got talked out of it by a young man . . . his dad had a G3 which I had made a holster for . . . and they both loved it . . . he didn't have enough money to buy a G3C . . . so he kind of begged me out of the G3C and the holster for it.  He doesn't carry it . . . it's his home defense weapon.  

I never had any trouble carrying it as my CCW . . . other than I just simply am not a 9mm fan . . . I like the .45ACP . . . feel comfortable with it . . . which is a big part of feeling comfortable with your CCW.

I can get it back . . . make you a holster for it . . . send it to you . . .  you can wear it for a week . . . if you don't like it . . . your only cost is the return shipping.  I  can put it on Ebay . . . it'll be gone in a week.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Brokenolmarine]

Most constitutional (permitless) carry states also offer permits if you go thru the permiting process.  The advantage there is reciprocity.  My home state permit allows concealed carry in nearly forty of the fifty states.  We just won't travel in the others.

I use a J frame Smith 357 in a pocket holster during warmer months, and a SIG 45 in a shoulder holster in cooler weather.  Injuries make a belt uncomfortable these days.  The truth is, nearly everyone I know who carries concealed, has "the box" in a closet.  It holds all the holsters that were going to be perfect.  The longer you have been carrying, the larger the box/collection.

 

Maybe you'll find a friend and they'll let you try some of the holsters in their box.  😉

[DoogMeister]

I prefer an officer's model 1911 in an OWB pancake-style holster.  A double-stack gun creates a larger profile to conceal.  Different body shapes and sizes make a difference as well. 

No matter what your preferred method of carry, you will likely need to adapt your wardrobe.  Concealed means concealed, not showing the bottom of the holster or an obvious bulge.