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Help finding a CC holster

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  • SIG_Fiend

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    As the title says, I wanted to see if anyone here could point me to something specific. I'm wondering if their is a holster for concealed carry similar to the Smart Carry Holster, however with some form of retention. Here's a pic of the Smart holster for those unaware:

    dlseam.jpg


    I don't care whether it's a velcro strap, button strap, etc. More and more, I'm really liking the idea of using a Smart Carry Holster for a much more compact backup gun, and for carry where anything else would be too bulky. However, the one thing I absolutely do not like about that holster and similar ones is the fact the gun and extra mag are literally just sitting in the holster. What if you should fall down in just the right manner? It's always possible something could come falling out of the holster. I just can't stand the thought of that. With typical kydex IWB holsters I'm a bit less concerned about retention as most common brands like Blade Tech, Comp Tac, etc are either incredibly form fitting to the gun, requiring significant force to draw the gun, or they have an adjustable tension screw to account for this. Having a fabric type holster with no retention is just a little unnerving to me. I'm almost considering just buying a Smart holster and sewing a retention strap to it or something. ;) If there is something out there like this already, I'd love to hear about it if anyone knows where I can find such a holster.

    While I don't like the idea of carrying a gun pointed at my johnson, I do like the idea of the positioning as far as visibility goes as you can really obscure a small gun as opposed to having any sort of bulge on the side of your hips. There is also always the possibility of carrying in this position without a round chambered for even more safety. Okay, now I'm just rambling.
    Military Camp
     

    FlyinFast

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    It really depends on what gun you carry.
    I dont care for fabric cc holsters. In order to be comfortable they are thin and flexible. Too much so that they don't keep their shape well. I am a big fan of Milt Sparks holsters http://www.miltsparks.com/

    I either carry a P7M8 in a Versa Max 2 or a 1911 in a Summer Special 2. They are the best money can buy. When I get a j frame for carry I'll get one of their pocket holsters. The down side is they take a long time to get from Milt Sparks directly. Around 3 months or so. You can go through one of thier dealers that stocks for them.
     

    SIG_Fiend

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    Well the main reason I was looking at something like this Smart carry holster was to use for a backup gun and not for a primary. With a small, thin gun, it just seems to be relatively unobtrusive that I figure why not go ahead and do it. I still plan on carrying a primary CCW in a typical IWB holster at about 4'O Clock. Right now I have a CompTac CTAC. I'm sure, like most others, after just a year or two of carrying I'll end up with a drawer full of a wide variety of holsters. ;)
     

    shaggydog

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    HK Friend - I am a big fan of the SmartCarry and have used one for a number of years as my daily concealed carry holster with my Glock G30.

    I think that you will find that your concerns about the "looseness" of the gun while in the holster is unfounded. True, If you are wearing the holster with no pants on then yes, the gun is somewhat loose however, once fully dressed you will find that the weapon is fully secured.

    I believe that the manufacturer has a 30 day, no questions asked return policy and I think that, once you try the system out, you will find your concerns negated. If not you can return it for a full refund.
     

    SIG_Fiend

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    Thanks for the reassuring words Shaggydog. Yeah, typically I am a little overly paranoid about most things, always looking for the worst so I can hopefully keep from having to experience it by "accident". I just need to shutup, buy one and try it out. ;)
     
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    Just looking around I found this. https://www.pagerpal.com/default.asp
    Kind of neat. I am thinking on trying on out.

    Wow. this thing is really cool. Once i get my CHL i will likely get one of the hoslters becuase in my line of work i am always wearing a button down/polo shirt tucked into slacks or jeans. THis definalty answered my question fo which IWB holster to use. also the WalletPal holster looks pretty cool. I guess you can just draw and shoot with the gun still in the holster.
     

    SIG_Fiend

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    Funkybassplayer, I wouldn't be so quick to decide on the pager pal. I did a ton of research into them on every forum I could find, and the general consensus seems to be that the leather they use is much too stiff so it doesn't typically conform to the shape of your pants, meaning it can leave quite an obvious bulge. Many people coined the term, something along the lines of the "viagra holster" or something because of it. ;)
     
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    Funkybassplayer, I wouldn't be so quick to decide on the pager pal. I did a ton of research into them on every forum I could find, and the general consensus seems to be that the leather they use is much too stiff so it doesn't typically conform to the shape of your pants, meaning it can leave quite an obvious bulge. Many people coined the term, something along the lines of the "viagra holster" or something because of it. ;)

    Hmmmm...thanks for the heads up on that. I will prolly still look into the pager pal but will definalty keep your comments in mind.
     
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    And not to mention that part there, shoot while concealed in a holster (I don't think that's how it's intended to be used though) is not legal.
    Actually i think that IS the intended way of shooting. He has documentation from the BATF on the web site where he sent it in to classification. I don't own either of the guns that would fit the walet holster but i think it is a neat idea.
     

    BluHog

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    I have yet to carry concealed (used to carry open in AZ), but I saw a guy demonstrating the PagerPal at a gun show in Fort Worth recently. Naturally, he was very proficient in getting the weapon out which was a concern of mine since the weapon is completely below the beltline. And holstered, it wasn't noticeable, standing or sitting. But it should be noted that he was wearing very "relaxed fit" slacks. I wear jeans a lot and I'm not sure it'd work for me.

    FWIW he did point out that the holster is set to fold at the natural bend in your hip - IOW lay on your leg - when you're sitting. But, again, it seems to me (from observation) that the key thing here is to have very loose pants - something that may not be practical for everyone.
     

    fm2

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    ... Naturally, he was very proficient in getting the weapon out which was a concern of mine since the weapon is completely below the beltline. And holstered, it wasn't noticeable, standing or sitting. But it should be noted that he was wearing very "relaxed fit" slacks. I wear jeans a lot and I'm not sure it'd work for me.

    I would like to see a draw time on this carry method.

    When i have seen them at the gunshow, they demonstrate a partial draw.
     

    Fisherman777

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    Try the Smartcarry. I wear it carrying a full sized 1911A1 and an extra clip. I have the Security V model with the money pocket behind the front pockets.

    With the Gov model, you definately want pants with a lot of crotch so you don't look too excited when you sit down and wear it low so the hammer and safety don't poke you in the belly. When I got mine, I put it on and walked into the living room and my wife couldn't even tell I was packing even after I told her where it was.
     

    TAZ

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    Have no expwerience with smart carry, but I tried the PagerPal and can say that I couldnt make it work for me and my P32. One thing to note is the condition of the demo holster vs the condition of a new one. The demo holster is VERY broken in. New ones are very stiff and will not conform to your body or pants easily. You will spend a lot of time wandering your home with what seems to the neighbors and any visitors as an erection. Not saying that it cant be made to work, but youll have to invest some time in breaking it in.

    A buddy of mine got talked into a Kangoroo pouch thingie. Basically a cloth belly band like thing that you can wear under clothes as a shoulder hoster. Has a shoulder strap for heavier guns and a retention strap. Its FAR from a quick draw, but he has been able to carry a USP40C comfortably and hidden without any issues. I would venture that a smaller sized gun would work even better.
     
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