summer conceal carry

[Chuck B]

Springfield 1911 is my carry weapon during the winter. I'm considering something different for summer as it is hot and muggy where I live (and I sweat profusely). One of my first choices so far is the Glock 36: lightweight, slim package, .45 ammo, non-corrosive, reasonable price, & feels good.

Any thoughts? Other ideas that might fit the bill?

If I go with the 36...does anyone have suggestions for holsters they would recommend?

Blessings,

Chuck B

[AngelDeville]

IMNSHO the 36/30 Glock is so wide it kinda defeats the purpose of having a concealable gun. one of the Kahr .40 or 9mm's would be a good choice.

or even an OM/compact 1911...

[Chuck B]

Thanks Angel. I'm looking for a .45. I'm sure the Kahr is a good gun. It is a bit thinner (.10in)...If I wanted a pocket pistol I'd probably go with the new Ruger .380 (which I may do eventually).

thanks again, cb

[CampingJosh]

That new Ruger LCP looks conspiciously similar to a Kel-Tec 3AT. Granted, I haven't ever held one of the Rugers, but...

I like Ruger a lot, but I don't know that I would pay more for that logo on essentially the same weapon.

[Chuck B]

You are absolutely right about the Ruger and its similarity to the Kel-tec.

Personally, I'll pay the difference. I've had, and probably will always have, one or more Rugers. I'll bet my life on them. The Glock, however, is new to me and so I've requested some intput on the G36.

Blessings,

Chuck B

[CampingJosh]

I just looked it up, Chuck, and the difference in MSRP for the two is $6 ($324 for the Kel-tec, $330 for the Ruger), so I would probably pay that, too.

[delta13soultaker]

Originally Posted by Chuck B

Springfield 1911 is my carry weapon during the winter. I'm considering something different for summer as it is hot and muggy where I live (and I sweat profusely). One of my first choices so far is the Glock 36: lightweight, slim package, .45 ammo, non-corrosive, reasonable price, & feels good.

Any thoughts? Other ideas that might fit the bill?

If I go with the 36...does anyone have suggestions for holsters they would recommend?

Blessings,

Chuck B

Holsters.....

I like Don Hume leather holsters. Very happy with 715 series for IWB. (The clip makes it easy to take off and replace when getting in/out vehicles. The holsters are molded so well to each model it rides secure with no strap needed.)

They come in basic black or different browns/tans.

Never paid more than $30 for one and so far all holding up like new...have a few years of carry on my Glock 17 Don Hume too.

[Pistolenschutze]

Originally Posted by delta13soultaker

I like Don Hume leather holsters. Very happy with 715 series for IWB. (The clip makes it easy to take off and replace when getting in/out vehicles. The holsters are molded so well to each model it rides secure with no strap needed.)

But Delta, do they make one big enough to carry your M131 Vulcan?

[delta13soultaker]

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

But Delta, do they make one big enough to carry your M131 Vulcan?

Ah but my heart belongs to the M242

[Chuck B]

Thanks for the input guys.

I can get the Ruger .380 at my gun store for $285. Last I checked they had 25 names on a waiting list.

The Don Hume IWB is a good choice...I've got one for my 1911 and I like it.

Take care,

cb

[Pistolenschutze]

Originally Posted by delta13soultaker

Ah but my heart belongs to the M242

I can't argue with that! A Bushmaster 25mm chain gun would ruin any bad guy's day. Humping it might be a bit of a chore though, unless you have a Bradley handy.

[UncleFudd]

ChuckB

I don't know about the G36 for carry as I have never done so. But another possible solution comes up when I read your q.

I too carry 1911 exclusively, summer and winter. So it is not a question of changing guns, as opposed to holster wear when it gets above 100 as it did today here in Phx Az. It was 111 I think and will get hotter tomorrow.

I have a dilemma as do you as I sweat a lot at this time and not wanting to change guns for a number of reasons I change my holster so I do not sweat through onto my gun. I carry Don Hume, Milt Sparks or Galco depending on my mode of dress for the day or evening.

I carry IWB also and on a good day I will have to wipe down my gun and lightly oil it three to four times a day. Not fun but absolutely necessary.
So my fix is to go with a good Kydex for the summer months and the sweat problem goes away and I am able to stay with the gun(s) that I train and shoot. I do not have to retrain myself which is another element at my age. I turned 65 today.

just some more food for thought.

UF

[Vladimir]

I carry my USPc during the summer IWB. The only limitation I can find is that it requires a good belt, I think most of it is the weight of the USPc but I was kind of hoping the belt-hook would slide over sweat-shorts without a problem .

I wear an undershirt, so maybe I just don't sweat as much as some guys, but I don't see sweat being a problem, the gun itself isn't touching skin anywhere, so it would have to sweat through the shirt. I'm not super-prone to heat but humidity is what gets me, I can definitely feel the humidity back here in the NW (longing for my A/C duplex back in humid-free Spokane ), but I know many areas are much more humid than here.

[ckill1]

I carry the G30 daily, in a bianchi belt slide and have no problems concealing under t-shirt. I am 6' 1" and about 195 lbs. Also like the gun in a galco SOB, more concealable, slower and less comfortable while sitting, tho. I looked at the 36 before buying the 30, but didnt like giving up the extra rounds for less than 1/8th inch difference in width. If you want really small, Kahr has a new .45 that is TINY! Only 5 + 1, but gets really good reviews. Hope this helps...

[user]

I think the overall best choice for compromising between size, weight, value, reliability, capacity, caliber, and performance is the Kahr PM9.

[Chuck B]

I don't disagree with your assessment, User. But "compromise" is the operative word...and I'll "give a little" to have a .45 that's thinner, shorter in height, lighter, and only 1/4 in. longer than my Makarov .380. And the G36 fits into my Makarov holsters!

Regards,

Chuck

[Vladimir]

In a world of compromise. Some don't.

[kilogulf59]

Hello Chuck,

You did not mention your normal mode of dress, which is a major factor.

Personally, I like a 2-inch .38 revolver and pocket carry for summer (with or without a holster). This is convenient and comfortable with so-called cargo type shorts. Mika, I am told, makes nice pocket holsters http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/

Another option, which I do use, is a bellyband type holster over a sleeveless undershirt, under a big untucked t-shirt or polo shirt.

A word of warning Chuck (I‘m sure you know this but I had to say it), I would not carry an automatic, especially a Glock type action, without a holster that covers the trigger area. Of course, I do own a G30 and it ain’t no pocket pistol, that’s for sure.

[Chuck B]

I appreciate the input!!

I understand what you're saying about "compromise", Vladimir...but (with all due respect) it's not easy to conceal a 12 ga. or a .308 rifle (or insert favorite battle rifle). And my favorite handgun, a stainless Super Blackhawk .44 mag with 7 1/2 barrel, isn't easy to conceal either. So I settle for a compact .45 for conceal carry. And I will back User all the way on his choice of the Kahr PM9...or Delta's wife's choice of a NAA .22 mag. For me, "compromise" is failing to take responsibility for the safety of my family.

Thanks for the warning, Kilogulf59...this is the first Glock I have owned (picked it up today). I appreciate any info on the Glocks you guys might have.

I usually wear denim shorts w/t-shirt and over-sized short-sleeve pocket dress shirt (untucked) or large Polo. My carry habits to this point have been: (1) in and out of my truck I use IWB strong side; (2) mostly walking I use SOB; (3) hiking and such I use an external Ace Case gun packer.

The G36 is very comfortable IWB strong side while in my truck etc. It is also more accurate than I expected...I shot enough through it today to know that I can't blame the gun! I thought the recoil was very manageable and shot good groups both two handed and "gunfighter" (or one handed).

My next purchase will be a true pocket pistol...possibly a S&W revolver.

Thanks again,

Chuck B

[Vladimir]

Originally Posted by Chuck B

I appreciate the input!!

I understand what you're saying about "compromise", Vladimir...but (with all due respect) it's not easy to conceal a 12 ga. or a .308 rifle (or insert favorite battle rifle). And my favorite handgun, a stainless Super Blackhawk .44 mag with 7 1/2 barrel, isn't easy to conceal either. So I settle for a compact .45 for conceal carry. And I will back User all the way on his choice of the Kahr PM9...or Delta's wife's choice of a NAA .22 mag. For me, "compromise" is failing to take responsibility for the safety of my family.

The line, In a world of compromise, some don't, is Heckler and Koch's motto/slogan .

[patrol]

Originally Posted by Chuck B

I appreciate the input!!

I understand what you're saying about "compromise", Vladimir...but (with all due respect) it's not easy to conceal a 12 ga. or a .308 rifle (or insert favorite battle rifle). And my favorite handgun, a stainless Super Blackhawk .44 mag with 7 1/2 barrel, isn't easy to conceal either. So I settle for a compact .45 for conceal carry. And I will back User all the way on his choice of the Kahr PM9...or Delta's wife's choice of a NAA .22 mag. For me, "compromise" is failing to take responsibility for the safety of my family.

Thanks for the warning, Kilogulf59...this is the first Glock I have owned (picked it up today). I appreciate any info on the Glocks you guys might have.

I usually wear denim shorts w/t-shirt and over-sized short-sleeve pocket dress shirt (untucked) or large Polo. My carry habits to this point have been: (1) in and out of my truck I use IWB strong side; (2) mostly walking I use SOB; (3) hiking and such I use an external Ace Case gun packer.

The G36 is very comfortable IWB strong side while in my truck etc. It is also more accurate than I expected...I shot enough through it today to know that I can't blame the gun! I thought the recoil was very manageable and shot good groups both two handed and "gunfighter" (or one handed).

My next purchase will be a true pocket pistol...possibly a S&W revolver.

Thanks again,

Chuck B

Summer for me usually means shorts and that usually means something that does not have as strong a waistline to put any type of holster on without a belt, so a pocket gun is better. For a pocket gun Id go with what I carry a Airweight J frame Smith is perfect and sometimes I also carry my Kahr P40. A PM Kahr is even smaller but they are expensive. You can also get the Walther PPS "new" model in a 40sw now I think. If you dont mind 380acp there is a great deal of pocket guns in that caliber but I dont like that caliber. I stick to 38spl as the smallest caliber for personel defense.

[kilogulf59]

“I appreciate the input!!” Thanks and remember Chuck it is just that, my input, not necessarily the supposed right or correct way of doing something. Simply put, it is generally how I do things and therefore what seems to work for me.

You are welcome on the warning Chuck. Safety first, last, and always my friend. About the only other point I would make regarding Glocks is to follow the instructions concerning cleaning and lubing. Additionally, only holsters that completely cover the trigger area, that is about all there is to them. Oh, remember a firm grip and break the unit in, as you should with any duty weapon.

As far as dress is concerned the garments material is a consideration, as well the color and print pattern, if any. The dress shirts, tailored at the bottom, work great and is you buy tall size you will get an extra inch or two at the bottom. Cotton synthetic blends are best a.k.a. “permanent press”, darker colors (no shadows), and blotch type patterns conceal very well. OK, enough with the fashion statement, lets talk drapes…LOL

Chuck I have tried most of the various carry positions and methods. For me, OWB at 03:30 and pocket carry seem to fill the bill most of the time. Occasionally, I will use the bellyband and carry in the appendix position because I can adjust the holster for perfect comfort usually while driving. You may want to consider Smart Carry as these are great for casual wear.

I like the G36 and think it is a nice .45. You may want to consider a +1 round magazine extensions (proof them with the weapon before carrying). After that, shoot it and leave it alone. Bells, whistles, and shiny accoutrements do not make you a better shot or the weapon more accurate, they just make you broker and give you something to go wrong at the worst possible time. Spend the money on ammunition.

A great reference site on Glock is The Glock FAQ site.

Hope this helps some Chuck and, like I stated above, it’s simply how I do things…