Hiding a Cannon

[Elwin Ransom]

I posted this earlier in the Open Carry / Conceal and Carry thread, but it promptly got derailed, and I still don't have any advice.  As awesome as Scipio's and Joshua's posts were (great job, guys  ), I still need some help with this, so I decided to crank up a new thread.  Apologies to those of you who may be offended by a duplicate topic.   

I'm considering getting myself a nice little hand-cannon, then getting my CCW license for it... I saw this Taurus 1911 at a gun show lately, and it just "fit."  Perfectly.  I mean, it just felt good. 

http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=59&category=pistol


Then there was this article from a third party on it, that pretty much confirms (and then some) all of the rave reviews I heard about it at the gun show.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/pt_080505/

I know it's big, but I honestly don't mind wearing a bit extra clothing to conceal it, even on a daily basis.  Always been more of a conservative dresser, anyway.  My question is, what's the best way to conceal something this big?  I mean, It's not a Desert Eagle or anything, but it's not a Baby Glock either...

As Madea said...

"In my house, peace will always be still, 'cause I keeps me a piece of steel.  Load your steel, thank you, Jesus."

[Herr_Mannelig]

That will be hard to totally conceal, but a proper holster which is comfortable under your coat would probably work pretty well, although it wouldn't be super secret. You wouldn't have to wear extra clothing, unless you are one of those uncivilised people who walk around outside in their underwear.

Open carry could work too, at times.

That looks like a pretty good gun. Let us know if you get it and how it handles.

[Elwin Ransom]

Not being super-secret is ok by me... Like I said in the other thread, the best gun is one that never needs to be fired.  If someone is casing me and they can tell that I'm armed, they won't go for me.  If I have to draw it, the goon will have a hard time not running.  Besides, I've got pretty large hands.  Small pistols just don't fit right. 

I don't know if I'd ever open carry... For some reason, I think I'd be more comfortable with a poor concealment than wearing it out in the open.  Unless, of course, there's a zombie apocalypse going on.

If (more like when) I do, I'll be sure to let you know.

[Texican]

Not being super-secret is ok by me... Like I said in the other thread, the best gun is one that never needs to be fired.  If someone is casing me and they can tell that I'm armed, they won't go for me.  If I have to draw it, the goon will have a hard time not running.  Besides, I've got pretty large hands.  Small pistols just don't fit right. 

I don't know if I'd ever open carry... For some reason, I think I'd be more comfortable with a poor concealment than wearing it out in the open.  Unless, of course, there's a zombie apocalypse going on.

If (more like when) I do, I'll be sure to let you know.

Don't ever give up the element of surprise.  Not everyone will quake in their boots, just because a potential victim is armed.  Many would just come up from behind and shank you, or shoot you, just to take your gun. 

Printing while carrying, is like carrying a sign that says "Shoot me first". 
The other thing is, that if you're carrying concealed, you're also giving up some speed during your draw, usually.  In my opinion, if you're going to carry concealed, make sure that nobody else can tell you're carrying.  If not, then just open carry.  Or conceal with a vest, although that is also a shoot me sign.

To answer your question, I have to ask some of my own:  what do you normally wear?  Are your clothes loose fitting?  Do you wear neutral colors?  How do you carry yourself?  Have you carried guns before?  How much time are you willing to put into doing it right - including, practicing drawing from concealment?

[Cro-Doc]

You forgot to ask him, how big is he...

[Texican]

Why didn't you do it?  I feel like I'm working by myself here...

Nice gun, though.

OK, so - what's your body type?  Big?  Thin? Are you tall?  Short?

[Scipio_a]

I'm a really small dude and carry my GAT in the back of my pants like a gangsta...LOL...not a pro at all...too enamored of being anti-establishment and disordered

I would like to know how to do it right though...just in case I ever decided to...    Mine's the P226   but you already know that


5'6"  150 lbs but should weigh 135 to 145 depending..

[Texican]

I'm doing the appendix carry, for several years now.  Usually, at my 1o'clock. 
One, 'cause it's easy to conceal.  Two, 'cause it's easy to protect, and three, 'cause it's easy to draw from.

[Cro-Doc]

Just make sure that you find a comfortable holster. 

Watch that trigger, too!

[Texican]

That should go without saying...

[Herr_Mannelig]

Just make sure that you find a comfortable holster. 

Watch that trigger, too!

Well, I would hope no one would wear an uncomfortable holster (except for the Opus Dei Stormtrooper division), and the four basic rules of gun safety should be followed at all times (sort of insulting to bring one up randomly).

[Cro-Doc]

Just make sure that you find a comfortable holster. 

Watch that trigger, too!

Well, I would hope no one would wear an uncomfortable holster (except for the Opus Dei Stormtrooper division), and the four basic rules of gun safety should be followed at all times (sort of insulting to bring one up randomly).

I wouldn't think anyone would, but you just never know.  I mention watching the trigger because of the proximity of the muzzle to certain body parts.  Also, because of the dynamics of the draw from this location.

[Beware_the_Ides]

I know it's big, but I honestly don't mind wearing a bit extra clothing to conceal it, even on a daily basis.  Always been more of a conservative dresser, anyway.  My question is, what's the best way to conceal something this big?  I mean, It's not a Desert Eagle or anything, but it's not a Baby Glock either...

That's a loaded question...pardon the pun.  You really need to think about how and where (on your body, that is) you want to carry your weapon.  Just by the type of weapon you've chosen you've already limited your options - no inside-the-pocket or ankle holsters for you.  A bit of extra clothing might be okay in the winter but what about warmer weather?  You could end up spending a lot of $$ on (a) holster(s) before you figure out what you like - I know. 

Take some time to think it through - you might want to handle a couple of compact .45's before you make your purchase.  Since you have big hands, the Colt Defender with Hogue grips might suit you well - but those grips are a bit bulky and its a bit pricier than the Taurus.  I opted for the Colt New Agent and then a Springfield XD compact .45 (also, look into the Springfield XDM - I want one of those).  It would be nice to have a full size 1911 but the reality is that this is a defensive, short range weapon - you're not going to be picking off gooks at 100+ yards (no offense, anyone).

I'd also suggest going to a range and renting a similar weapon before making the purchase - some ranges have a wide variety and may even actually have that particular weapon.  If not, ask for one of the same caliber and barrel length.  Squeeze off a few rounds through it and then try a compact .45 or somethig else that interests you.

I've recently been doing some research for concealment holsters and came across a couple of good sites.
I like this company's logo design but didn't buy the holster yet - http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/Default.aspx
   From the video. it seems like a good concealment holster for that size weapon. 

High Noon Holsters is another good site with some good info to consider.  I bought one of their IWB tuckable holsters but it rode a little higher than I would like.  Rigth now I use the Desantis "Tuck This"

This guy has some nice (and pricey) holsters - http://www.holsters.org/index.htm

I hope that helps.  Good Luck!

[Elwin Ransom]

Don't ever give up the element of surprise.  Not everyone will quake in their boots, just because a potential victim is armed.  Many would just come up from behind and shank you, or shoot you, just to take your gun. 

Printing while carrying, is like carrying a sign that says "Shoot me first". 
The other thing is, that if you're carrying concealed, you're also giving up some speed during your draw, usually.  In my opinion, if you're going to carry concealed, make sure that nobody else can tell you're carrying.  If not, then just open carry.  Or conceal with a vest, although that is also a shoot me sign.

To answer your question, I have to ask some of my own:  what do you normally wear?  Are your clothes loose fitting?  Do you wear neutral colors?  How do you carry yourself?  Have you carried guns before?  How much time are you willing to put into doing it right - including, practicing drawing from concealment?

You forgot to ask him, how big is he...

Hmm... You give me lots to think about...

To answer your questions...  I do dress in mostly neutral colors, browns, greens, some blues.  I've got a heftier build, so I always wear loose fitting clothes... they just look better.  Actually, I used to wear a blazer all the time, even with tee-shirts and stuff, and I could easily go back to that.  I carry myself with pretty straight posture, arms at my sides, and don't flail much as I talk or anything like that.  I stand about 6'3", around 250 lbs, not athletic.  I'm not obese or anything, but I am a bit heavy. 

[Elwin Ransom]

Also, just wanted to throw in that I'd prefer a shoulder/underarm holster that I can wear with a jacket or blazer.