It really depends on what you are carrying, and how you dress.
Some pistols are dubbed 'pocket guns' just because of their size and how they are primarily carried.
Some pistols are just too large to comfortably or regularly be carried in a pocket.
How you dress can influence IWB, OWB, pocket, or other types of carry. Some people can not find IWB carry comfortable, and have found OWB concealable alternatives. I have known people of your described size to hide a full size pistol IWB without printing, unless they were bending over or reaching. Both of which will make people print almost regularly.

12/29/2009 10:48:16 AM

Yeah, I havent bought a carry gun yet. Honestly dont know what to get and how I'm going to carry it.

12/29/2009 10:52:43 AM

yeah its tough. I'm kind of in the same boat. I'm not one to wear overly large shirts or button downs. Most of the time outside of work i'm in a pair of jeans and a single t-shirt. So to carry i'll really have to alter my ways of dressing.

12/29/2009 11:11:18 AM

You're not opening a can of worms.
Carrying is an individual thing. If carrying one way works for someone then another person cannot argue that it doesn't work.

I'm 5'=8" and 170 lbs
I carry primarily IWB and sometimes in my pocket.
IWB at the appendix is much different than at the hip, but I like appendix carry because:
-I can draw faster than any other method
-I can draw while seated
-It's comfortable (some find it very uncomfortable). It doesn't get in the way of anything and it doesn't flop around.
-It doesn't print no matter what shirt I'm wearing or what position I'm in.
-It's in front of me so in a struggle I should be able to keep control of it a little better
-I keep too much shit in my pockets, so IWB keeps my pockets free

The only limitations to appendix carry are:
-you have to mentally be able to deal with the fact that it's pointing at your man parts
-you need a slight belly to keep it from printing but you can't have a belly so large it rubs up against the gun and is uncomfortable.
-It can rub you raw if you're moving from sitting to standing a lot, especially when you're sweaty

When my pants don't allow for IWB then I'll pocket carry an LCP. The advantages of pocket carry are:
-you can have your hand on the gun without anyone noticing
-it's comfortable while sitting
-it will probably work with more of your pants than IWB

Disadvantages:
-It can be difficult/slow to draw, especially when seated. if I pocket carry I take the gun out and put it between my legs whenever I get in the car.
-your gun size is more limited
-you can get more buildup of lint and other crap in your gun
-you can't normally carry anything else in that pocket
-The gun can flop around more
-it prints worse for me

At 5'-10 and 170 you can probably carry IWB at the hip better than I can. IWB at the hip just doesn't work for me with any gun in any holster.

Your choice of guns makes a difference. IMO a revolver can be pocket carried just as well as an auto that's one size smaller. That's due to the revo having less corners that print and it's skinnier diagonally which makes it easier to draw. Many autos have the advantage of being flatter though, which can make a difference in comfort and printing.

What works best for me is having two guns, the J frame for IWB and an LCP for pocket when I can't wear IWB.
If I had to pick just one it'd be the smaller gun just because it will fit in anything I wear.

[Edited on December 29, 2009 at 11:22 AM. Reason : ]

12/29/2009 11:20:46 AM

Quote :

"you need a slight belly to keep it from printing"

I've got a buddy who is insanely into fitness, probably has 5% body fat and carries a Glock AIWB.

Other than that, I agree with everything [user]Fumber[/user] said.

12/29/2009 11:36:52 AM

can he lean backwards without printing? I can bend around in any direction and my small belly keeps the shirt from pulling tight against the gun.

12/29/2009 11:41:17 AM

I've got a Sig P226 that I'd love to conceal...but it's a bit large I believe. I might play around a little bit at home and see what I can do with it.

12/29/2009 11:48:39 AM

Have any of you ever carried with a shoulder holster system? I've seen a few videos regarding people carrying with this system under the shirt and most say its comfortable with the only drawback being that drawing the weapon is more difficult if ever needed.

12/29/2009 12:02:39 PM

A shoulder holster will not conceal under a tshirt of any kind. It can conceal under a button down, or under a jacket. I have one that I use(d) for when driving a lot, and in cold weather.
Some people don't like them, as your muzzle is possibly pointed at people and things behind you. You also stand a chance at sweeping your body when you draw.

12/29/2009 1:09:12 PM

Quote :

"can he lean backwards without printing?"

Not sure, but he says it prints the least. If you're wearing a t-shirt and a moderately substantial collared shirt on top it won't show up if you carry right

12/29/2009 1:24:19 PM

Undershirt + polo is perfect for appendix as the two shirts sort of stiffen up. Printing is never an issue.

It's good to hear someone else loves appendix carry.
I think it's one of the most overlooked options.

12/29/2009 2:02:03 PM

reading my county sheriff's information page i see they have 90 days to either grant or deny the conceal carry permit. For those of you that have yours, how long did it take them to actually grant your permit?

I'm in cabarrus co. btw

12/29/2009 3:14:31 PM

I put in for the CCP a week before Christmas, and had it back mid january- but I also understand I was the exception, as it takes most people much longer

12/29/2009 4:12:03 PM

^^A buddy in Durham County is right at the 3 month mark now and hasn't heard back.

We are guessing that sheriffs that love gun control (i.e. counties with major cities) take their sweet time in granting it, while a more rural county would be a little more on the ball.

We're guessing it'll be approved right at the 90-day mark, and then take a few more weeks/months for the actual permit to get into his wallet. Guess I'll find out soon, too - I'm in Durham and taking the class next week.

12/29/2009 4:21:35 PM

Quote :

"It's good to hear someone else loves appendix carry."

Suarez International preaches the stuff pretty regularly

12/29/2009 4:40:44 PM

got a question- I have a clean record but have been charged with a felony- can I still apply for and get pistol permits? (goes to court jan. 11th and will be a differed sentence )

12/29/2009 4:55:05 PM

http://www.jus.state.nc.us/NCJA/ncfirearmslaws.pdf

Read the bottom of page 7 and top of page 8 (page number on the document, non in Reader) - if you are not disqualified by those criteria, you're good.

12/29/2009 5:57:48 PM

I carry the G27, and now the 642 in appendix. 1oclock is the sweat spot for me.

12/29/2009 6:18:03 PM

what kind of holster do you use for you 642 IWB? I just use a redhawk (I think that is the brand- I got it with the gun) paddle holster for pocket carry- usually if I want to IWB, i use my taurus 24/7

12/29/2009 7:09:36 PM

Don Hume H715 M for appendix. I have been thinking about using a clip draw with it though.

12/29/2009 7:12:47 PM

think you could post or pm some links to these things? I'm completely ignorant when it comes to holsters, since the crossbreed was the first one I got and I love it

12/29/2009 7:59:51 PM

Stock photo:



I'm looking at a couple different OWB, trying to find a crossdraw for it, and probably going to pick up a nemesis pocket holster.

Here are some don hume products:
http://www.gunnersalley.com/results.cgis?catalog=OPTIONS&keywords=SW+J+frame

[Edited on December 29, 2009 at 8:03 PM. Reason : .]

12/29/2009 8:02:34 PM

my residence on my driver's license is in wayne county. i rent an apartment and go to school in raleigh. i'm taking my concealed carry class in wake county. will my CC permit be from wayne or wake? can y'all explain how the process works after you take the class?

12/29/2009 8:12:07 PM

IIRC, you can take the class anywhere. If I were you I'd get the permit in Wayne Co. They're good throughout the state and it'll simplify things with your addresses matching. When you move, you just get a temporary card which indicates your new address which you carry until you renew your license.

I'm stationed in Alabama but I moved my permanent residence from Wake to Chatham Co so I just stopped by the Sheriff's office while I was home this summer. They were pretty accommodating and set me up to renew from Alabama.

12/29/2009 8:16:53 PM

i plan to get it in wayne county simply because i've been told it doesn't take as long there. the folks i talked to took their class in wayne, so i didn't know how it works.

do i get some sort of document proving i've taken the class and then take that to the wayne co. sheriff's office?

12/29/2009 8:21:06 PM

yes, they give you a certificate with your instructor's name and class info.

12/29/2009 8:29:17 PM

excellent. thanks guys.

12/29/2009 8:32:44 PM

Quote :

"got a question- I have a clean record but have been charged with a felony- can I still apply for and get pistol permits? (goes to court jan. 11th and will be a differed sentence )"

i was in a similar boat. My charges were not disqualifying charges though (see link above). Just to be safe though i've waited for everything to be dropped and dismissed.

12/29/2009 8:47:33 PM

^ & ^way up there

Doesn't deferred sentence mean that you plead or were found guilty? If you're still eligible, the only issue that I see is that the Sheriff can veto any application because of "character" so you could still be denied based upon that charge (since it *could* be shown as proof that you're untrustworthy or something).

12/29/2009 10:53:34 PM

thanks for the info yall. all it means is if I don't fuck up after 12 months of supervised probation, I get the charges dropped. and keep my clean record.

12/29/2009 11:27:57 PM

I use a homemade holster for carrying my J frame.



If I had to buy one I would have picked one from the Alabama Holster Co.

12/30/2009 12:26:39 AM

^^you technically admit guilt and involvement in the crime. However it's not a guilty conviction. You admit guilt, take the punishments, stay out of trouble and then the charges are dropped and the case is dismissed. After that you can file to have it all expunged.

12/30/2009 12:27:19 AM

ive had my springfield xd .45 auto for almost a year and its nice living alone and knowing its there but also on my long drives when i may have to stop in a shitty area, i feel better.

though i just got my first shotgun, a remington 870 express, i like shooting clays and thats a good enough pump for that. ill worry about huntin rifles/shotguns later.

but i havent gotten my carry permit just yet. will soon though

12/30/2009 9:18:03 AM

ooo- Fumbler- I like that holster... how much did it cost you to make that one? and how much does that Alabama Holster one cost?


I would think about making my own, but I don't own a heat gun nor the tools to put on the clip, so I'd have to factor that into the cost of making one


I found the site (http://www.alabamaholster.com/index.php?p=2_16 for anyone interested) and they look to be about 65 bucks... i'll have to look into this some more but I like those

[Edited on December 30, 2009 at 11:44 AM. Reason : nmovenwpvne]

12/30/2009 11:30:46 AM

It costs next to nothing, maybe less than $5 in parts.

You don't need a heat gun. An oven and lighter will work fine (a cracklighter or blow torch is even better).
Here's something I wrote on another forum:

Quote :

"I get my kydex from http://www.knifekits.com The first one took about 5-6 hours total. A lot of that time was spent scratching my head trying to figure out how to make the clip and where to place it. The second most time consuming part was sanding the edges to the final shape and final sanding the edges to a smooth finish. Subsequent holsters take about 3 hours. If I get a table sander then i'm sure i can cut that time down to two hours. If I turn down the finish quality I could probably do 1 hr, but I'm not going to do that. I may get around to doing a tutorial, but there are already many on the net. I learned how to make them with the help of google The basic steps are: -order kydex and appropriate chicago screws or rivets. It comes in a few different thicknesses, but I think 0.08" is great for IWb. 0.093 would be good for heavier guns and OWB. The clips are nice/thick/sturdy 0.125". -get a cheap 1/2 inch thick camping mat from walmart and cut it into around 1 ft square pieces. you'll need 4 pieces, two on each side when molding. -decide how you're going to press the kydex. either get two thick pieces of wood that are at least as big as the foam squares and clamps or get one piece of wood or something sturdy and just stand on it to apply pressure. -Use pieces of wood to fill in behind the trigger or any other place you don't want the kydex to hang up on. Also use a wood dowel taped to the top strap to be sure the front sight can come out while drawing the gun -heat up the kydex in an oven for a couple minutes -quickly wrap kydex around gun, put gun between foam, put foam between wood, clamp it (or stand on it) -wait 5-10 minutes -Take out kydex and gun, remove gun, trim off excess kydex. I use tin snips to cut the kydex, but a bandsaw would be great. -Check the retention. if it grabs too much then start over or heat up the problem spots to loosen them. if it grabs too little then you can heat up behind the trigger guard and apply more pressure. -sand down edges of kydex to final dimensions -make the clip. I use a mini propane torch to heat the clip where I want to bend it. Then I bend the clip over pieces of wood to give it a nice flat shape with nice clean bends. This is where I think other holster makers do a poor job (for instance, JS Holsters). The bends and flat parts of their clips look sloppy. -attach clip with chicago screws or rivets. -Use a knife and sandpaper to chamfer all the edges -do your final sanding of the edges with progressively finer sandpaper -make a few more and sell them to your friends to pay for the supplies and time you spent on all the holsters."

I forgot to add:
To heat the kydex you stick it in a 300° oven for a couple minutes until it gets floppy and feels like a slice of american cheese.

The only tools I used on my first holsters were a utility knife, tin snips, handheld drill with appropriately sized bit (you can actually drill the holes by hand just holding the bit if you're that cheap), mini blow torch, and sandpaper (100 grit through 600 grit wetdry). Ohh yeah, I also used balsa wood for bending the clip. Cut the wood to whatever width you want, heat the kydex, and bend it around the wood. It'll give you a nice flat bend and ensures you have the right gap in your bend.

If you stand on the foam and kydex to mold it then you have to have really good balance. It also helps if you weigh a lot.

If you're heating kydex and it turns shiny then you've overheated it. Overheat it too much and it'll turn brittle.


[Edited on December 30, 2009 at 12:01 PM. Reason : ]

12/30/2009 11:50:08 AM

It's not such a big deal in NC because open is legal but in some states that have cc but not oc, you better conceal real good.

12/30/2009 5:08:58 PM

what should i expect to pay for a ruger LCP .380?

[Edited on December 30, 2009 at 5:46 PM. Reason : $350 is high, right?]

12/30/2009 5:29:38 PM

They are all over gunbroker.com new in box for $250-300. Without knowing anything about the gun it would seen $350 is high.

12/30/2009 6:04:07 PM

Fumbler, if you're still in Raleigh, go by Raleigh Plastics on Capital (was inside the beltline on the right if heading downtown but I haven't lived there in 2-3 years). They carry Kydex in 4x8 sheets. You'll go from $5-10/holster to where the actual hardware is the most expensive part. I think I paid $60 for a sheet of .03-.04 about 3 1/2 years ago. I made around 20 holsters with it and then sold the remaining 5'x4' for $80. It's harder to get used to (the thickness makes it mold MUCH easier but it's easy to get it too tight). I went from 2 rivets/screws on my .06-.08 holsters to 3 and it worked great for IWB. It's WAY too floppy to consider OWB of course but the difference in size is very noticeable with IWB carry and much more comfortable. I made mine in the same style that you use and never had any issues with any of my daily carries (XD9 Sub, G26, 5" 1911, & 4" 1911)

12/30/2009 8:35:39 PM

I bougt a shotgun yesterday to keep loaded under my bed. We've had some break-ins around the neighborhood where I live while the owner is at home. I'm going to be ready if these bastards come in my house.

12/31/2009 10:52:08 AM

sucks that you can't (legally) shoot them just for breaking in

12/31/2009 12:06:19 PM

i thought you could while they were breaking in but not after they were actually in your house..unless they were about to kill you, etc

12/31/2009 12:13:03 PM

I believe that has already been covered once or twice in this thread.

12/31/2009 4:24:20 PM

As long as you fear for your life you should be OK.

12/31/2009 4:27:45 PM

i'm gonna assume you're just trolling

[Edited on December 31, 2009 at 4:32 PM. Reason : ^^what page? or what should i search for?]

[Edited on December 31, 2009 at 4:32 PM. Reason : or i can just wait until it's covered in my ccw class]

12/31/2009 4:31:36 PM

I believe there's a misunderstanding here.

Quote :

"sucks that you can't (legally) shoot them just for breaking in"

This is correct.

Quote :

"i thought you could while they were breaking in but not after they were actually in your house..unless they were about to kill you, etc"

This is also correct, but I think ScHp read Neuse's post as "just before breaking in."

Am I right?

1/1/2010 2:03:11 AM

^^Just for reference:

Quote :

"a) A lawful occupant within a home or other place of residence is justified in using any degree of force that the occupant reasonably believes is necessary, including deadly force, against an intruder to prevent a forcible entry into the home or residence or to terminate the intruder's unlawful entry (i) if the occupant reasonably apprehends that the intruder may kill or inflict serious bodily harm to the occupant or others in the home or residence, or (ii) if the occupant reasonably believes that the intruder intends to commit a felony in the home or residence."

Just make sure you understand the bold.
This issue was brought up in the violent carjacking thread and has been covered somewhere else in this thread.

1/1/2010 2:39:48 AM

http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/6724309/

1/1/2010 4:06:53 PM

Picked up a GSG-5 SD on gunbroker yesterday, they are no longer legal for import-sale at the end of the month, so I'm betting on a value increase. If I had more money I'd buy 2 or 3.

1/1/2010 4:17:42 PM

and just to further clarify- every instructor and officer I have talked to says that stealing your Plasma TV is not considered a "Felony" in these situation, as this is a common misconception- use of deadly force can be used against you very easily by an over zealous DA trying to make a point, so the best thing you can do is try to remain as calm as possible and not just get pissed off that someone is in your house and blow them away (unless, like previously mentioned, you fear for the safety of yourself or anyone else in the house)

^^that is awesome- good for that cop.... I would like to think I'd have the whereabouts to remain cool and handle it like he did. I hope no one goes after him and that he did in fact do everything right



[Edited on January 2, 2010 at 9:27 AM. Reason : s]

1/2/2010 9:22:30 AM