how to properly CCW?

[dunsho]

i just applied to carry and while i wait for my license to come i was wondering what is the proper way to carry conceal.

if shoulder strapped, does your jacket have to be button all the time,
on belt, i don't see how carry on belt can be conceal without a long coat, you'll look suspicious with a coat in the summer.

so i was just wondering how most people carry without everyone noticing

thanks

[rwilson452]

Most carry in the waist with an inside the waist band holster (IWB) I would point out in PA there is no prohibition for it showing. Open carry is legal in PA. If it "prints" it is not an issue legally. I often wear a shoulder rig on long car trips. Mostly I open carry in warm weather months. If I do want to conceal I carry My XD in an IWB and wear a loose fitting shirt usually unbuttoned.

Originally Posted by dunsho

i just applied to carry and while i wait for my license to come i was wondering what is the proper way to carry conceal.

if shoulder strapped, does your jacket have to be button all the time,
on belt, i don't see how carry on belt can be conceal without a long coat, you'll look suspicious with a coat in the summer.

so i was just wondering how most people carry without everyone noticing

thanks

[Pierce8468]

The prper way in my opinion is what ever way is not only most comfortable for you, but also give you the best access to your weapon... You will find out as I did that there is tryly no one way to best carry. The reason I say that is there are different ways to carry based on how you are dressed. For example one day I may be using a paddle holster, another day a shoulder holster, and then other days a inside the pant small of back holster...

[TaePo]

For summer get an oversized 'Hawaii' shirt ala Magnum PI.

I carry 6" 357 revolver under that type of shirt in summer and coats in winter or combination.

I use a vertical shoulder rig.

The advantage comes in the restroom if you must sit. You can continue to wear your gun and it is not visible to anyone and you won't 'forget it on the toilet' when you leave.

The down side is it is more bulky/uncomfortable and more reach required cross body.

[Brown-Bear]

I have an LTCF and really only have it because I wanted to be able to get in mycar with my weapon. I normally wear a lose fitting shirt of some kind, polo or T-shirt and let the shirt hang over the weapon. What ever part gets covered, gets covered. PA has no laws about "printing" or not having the weapon completely concealed so I don't normally concern myself with that. But if you haev a smaller framed weapon an IWB and an untucked shirt usually gets the job done.

Dave W.

[Bruce]

Originally Posted by dunsho

...i was wondering what is the proper way to carry conceal.

There is no "proper" way, per se.

Although I strongly recomend a good, sturdy, secure holster, where or how you wear this holster is entirely an individual, and very personal, choice.

Access is important to some people, yet many people opt for ankle holsters (which I find would provide the most difficult access to me and my over three feet of tree trunks). Shoulder holsters are "cool" and can offer good concealment, but not everyone is built to wear them. Then there are pancake holsters, Inside The Waistband holsters, Small Of the Back holsters, even "fanny pack" holsters... the list goes on and on.

Some of it depends on your build. Some of it depends on how you dress. Some of it depends on your dexterity (or, maybe, your flexibility or any physical limitations).

You might get a lot of suggestions, but, ultimately, you will have to find out what works for you (and your body / choice of clothing) on your own.

Just face it - one way or another, you'll probably wind up with a box full of old holsters like all the rest of us.
.

[jb12string]

Find what works for you. If you give us some details about your lifestyle, we may be able to give you some advice. Personally, I usually carry in a tuckable IWB holster, usually a 5" 1911, sometimes the shirt is tucked, sometimes not, depends on the situation. I carry an extra 8 round mag in my left pocket (I'm right-handed) when I have the 1911. My 9mm is a double stack mag and the mags don't conceal as well, which is one reason why I don't carry it as much, If I do carry it, it is in a IWB leather holster (bianchi 100 pro)

[dunsho]

super helpful guys. spend 1/2 my day in a warehouse and the 1/2 in an office. I'm 5'7 170lbs, i doon't usually wear button up shirt, usually tshirts, or a hoodie.
think i'm gonna get iwb from kholster they're onlly 33.00 until 12-31 if anyone wants to refer me please shoot me an email or post here.
thnaks

[SSGF109]

The proper way to conceal carry is not get caught doing it!