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THIS IS USCCA
In this section, USCCA members share their
challenges, experiences, and successes with
each other, to the benefit of all.
voices of the uscca
What’s your favorite concealed carry
method? What makes that method
work well for you?
I bought your normal inexpensive elastic
and Velcro belly band thinking that I
would use it until I found the perfect holster.
Two years later, after buying and trading
for a dozen or so different holsters, I
am still using the belly band for every day
carry. I like it because it keeps the weapon
close to my body and does not allow it to
move around. It has a space for a spare
magazine and small flashlight or other
tool if I like. The band puts no weight on
my belt so it can be worn with any type of
clothing from gym shorts to a dress suit. I
have read a lot about how folks deal with
restroom functions while carrying and
with my belly band I can simply raise it
and the weapon stays in place and remains
accessible. There is also no chance
that I will forget and leave it behind. If I
choose to open carry while around the
house I can simply strap the belly band
on over my house clothes. Since it is elastic,
it will conform to whichever weapon I
may be carrying that day, be it a compact
.380 or a full size 9mm. The only downside
that I have found is that it takes two
hands to safely re-holster. They are not
going to be for everyone but so far a simple
belly band is what has worked best
for me. I will continue my search for the
perfect EDC holster but I may well have
already found it.
Joe C. in TN
I use a right side appendix IWB.
Conceals very well. I always wear my
shirts un-tucked. Easier access in the car
and feels more secure to me when I am
on my motorcycle. I may be just a touch
faster on the draw also.
Wayne in OH
Appendix IWB is my favorite way to
carry. I use a Dale Fricke Archangel holster
for either one of my XD(M) 9mm.
Besides using a good holster, the best tip
I can give if you’re going to carry IWB, is,
don’t skimp on the belt. I used a flimsy
belt for some time and had problems
keeping the gun where it belonged, plus
some associated pains in the back and
my leg. Now that I use a sturdy riggers
style belt, the difference is night and day.
The holster stays where it’s supposed to
and any pains or discomfort from carrying
IWB have gone away. Plus, it’s the fastest
draw I’ve experienced in the various
ways I’ve carried.
Joel in MI
I prefer pocket carry for two reasons:
First, my pistol is always in the same exact
place, no matter what I happen to be
wearing. Second, my pistol is always unnoticeable,
no matter what I’m doing.
The downside, however, is that shooting
a tiny, powerful pistol is extremely difficult,
and therefore requires lots and lots
of extra practice. My pocket holsters were
made by Robert Mika. His work is made
from sweat-proof material which molds
to the gun sufficiently to permit onehand
holstering.
Steve in WA
I first started carrying at 5 o’clock, but I
have a physical problem getting my hand
and arm back that far so I tried appendix
carry at 2 o’clock and found a winner for
me. My most comfortable carry is my Colt
Defender .45 ACP in a Blackhawk soft
tuck holster #3. One thing about appendix
carry is that the gun is very accessible
when riding in my car with seat belt on.
With the safety on and one in the pipe I
am comfortable with appendix carry.
George in MI
Let’s start by saying I’m a lefty. I carry
a 1911 IWB between 8 and 9 o’clock, just
behind the hip bone. I use TT Gunleather
Holsters and belts. I have holsters for
3-inch, 4-inch, 4.25-inch, and 5-inch barrels.
No matter which I’m carrying, they
all ride the same way in the exactly the
same place, and can be brought into play
in the same manner from under a loose
fitting shirt. I carry my wallet in my weakside
back pocket so I don’t accidentally
expose my weapon when taking out my
billfold.
DJ in FL
In the months when it is cooler I like
using a tee-shirt holster from A Better
Holster. It is always easy to get to and it
hides so well. Plus you can carry up to 3
spare mags under the other arm. I kept
the purchase from my wife because I
wanted to see how long it took for her to
notice. She never did see it but one day
when leaving a store, she was holding my
arm and brushed up against it and said,
“What is that under your arm?” I just
smiled and kept walking.
Russ in MI
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USCONCEALEDCARRY.COM n CONCEALED CARRY MAGAZINE n MAY/JUNE 2011