Just How Concealed?

[JordonC2]

I am new to the fourm and just received my LTCF. I have been looking for a holster (just ordered Milt Sparks VM2 for my 5" 1911 - 6 months to go), I wonder just how concealed is OK? I know, no reason to make a seen. I have a S& W 640 and a Galco summer comfort IWB. To me, and my wife, it sticks out like I'm wearing a brick. It’s a J-frame and is very small, but still it makes a lump where their should be none. The holster does not help as it has an extra layer of leather at the mouth of the holster and the straps which wrap around my belt add another 2 layers of thick leather. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am sure that I am too aware of the bump, but someone's got to notice.

What do you suggest?

[Steve_NEPhila]

A lump or an outline is hard for most to notice. The real complication is that you live in Illinois and I am not aware of the laws for your particular area. You should seek them out and read them. For example, here in PA it is perfectly legal to openly carry and or conceal a firearm with the proper license. So there is no legal ramifications of poorly concealing. However, in South Carolina there is a 25 dollar fine for being noticed when carrying a concealed weapon legally. Check your laws.

As for you noticing a bulge where a weapon is concealed ask yourself a few questions: is it readily identifiable as a weapon (remember, you put it there and know what it is thus your opinion is not accurate). A lump, bulge or funny shaped vestige is not proof positive of a weapon. Most people walk around in a Blackberry, cell phoned and IPod existence that virtually ignores the outside and the real. In short, they will probably not notice. I have open carried full sized handguns without people noticing...

[knight0334]

Legally it doesn't matter how conceal it needs to be since unlicensed open carry is legal by default. ...so, how concealed being ok is irrelevant if you have a LTCF.

If your concern is to conceal, do so at what level that you're comfortable with. Looser fitting clothing goes a long ways to cover up bulges. Jackets and overshirts play their part too. If you still aren't happy, try carrying in a different location on your body, or a smaller gun.

People tend to be oblivious to such things. That budge that you think sticks out like a sore thumb is so rarely noticed by common folks, even by LEO and those of us who do look for them. I carry a Ruger Vaquero in a cowboy style drop holster that sits mid-thigh on a cartridge belt and people dont notice much at all.

[Tequila Sunrise]

Originally Posted by knight0334

Legally it doesn't matter how conceal it needs to be since unlicensed open carry is legal by default. ...so, how concealed being ok is irrelevant if you have a LTCF.

If your concern is to conceal, do so at what level that you're comfortable with. Looser fitting clothing goes a long ways to cover up bulges. Jackets and overshirts play their part too. If you still aren't happy, try carrying in a different location on your body, or a smaller gun.

People tend to be oblivious to such things. That budge that you think sticks out like a sore thumb is so rarely noticed by common folks, even by LEO and those of us who do look for them. I carry a Ruger Vaquero in a cowboy style drop holster that sits mid-thigh on a cartridge belt and people dont notice much at all.

But do they notice the Cowboy hat?

[knight0334]

Originally Posted by Steve_NEPhila

A lump or an outline is hard for most to notice. The real complication is that you live in Illinois and I am not aware of the laws for your particular area. You should seek them out and read them. For example, here in PA it is perfectly legal to openly carry and or conceal a firearm with the proper license. So there is no legal ramifications of poorly concealing. However, in South Carolina there is a 25 dollar fine for being noticed when carrying a concealed weapon legally. Check your laws.

As for you noticing a bulge where a weapon is concealed ask yourself a few questions: is it readily identifiable as a weapon (remember, you put it there and know what it is thus your opinion is not accurate). A lump, bulge or funny shaped vestige is not proof positive of a weapon. Most people walk around in a Blackberry, cell phoned and IPod existence that virtually ignores the outside and the real. In short, they will probably not notice. I have open carried full sized handguns without people noticing...

In IL there is no form of legal concealed carry. IL doesn't issue permits, and OC is only legal in rural areas. ...so, this would most likely be in regards to PA carrying.

[knight0334]

Originally Posted by Tequila Sunrise

But do they notice the Cowboy hat?

..dont wear one, but they notice my 30" ponytail. lol

[GuyMontag]

Originally Posted by knight0334

..dont wear one, but they notice my 30" ponytail. lol

Please say it's a 30" mullet and make my day.

[knight0334]

Originally Posted by GuyMontag

Please say it's a 30" mullet and make my day.

Sorry.. All the same length.. No business in the the front and party in the back. Mine is party all the time!

[DaveM55]

Do you still live in Illinois?

If you have a LTCF from Illinois you are a very rare person indeed.

[jtwalker]

Originally Posted by DaveM55

Do you still live in Illinois?

If you have a LTCF from Illinois you are a very rare person indeed.

Maybe not too rare ... could be 1 of the 10's (? 100's ?) of thousands that B.O. owes favors for helping get him elected.