How to Comfortably Carry a Full-Size Pistol: Ultimate Guide
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- Опубліковано 11 гру 2023
- In this video, Jon dives into the evolution of CCW pistols, highlighting the shift from pocket pistols to micro compacts, and the enduring relevance of full-size frames. He offers practical advice on how to enhance comfort and control, discussing the benefits of higher magazine capacity, options for weapon-mounted lights, and choices in optics. Whether you're a man with larger hands or someone seeking to carry a bigger gun to have better control and firepower, Jon's insights on gear selection, holster tips, and personal adjustments will guide you in carrying a full-size pistol with ease. Tune in for a comprehensive look at making a full frame size work for you in everyday concealed carry.
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This is going to sound bad but - losing weight helps. Having a thin midsection and standing upright hollows you out so when you appendix carry it’s just your shirt waving around rather than being tight around say a - beer belly - and producing an outline of your firearm.
Doesn’t sound bad - just makes basic sense.
True. I’ve lost 50 lbs since this time last year. Appendix is now much more comfortable and concealable.
Yeah, I can conceal carry a full size Glock 20 daily with a flat stomach. Over the years I've realized it's actually easier to carry if you aren't overweight. Even if you are a 250lb body builder it will be difficult to carry a full size handgun. Especially appendix. Just be in shape and the right weight for height and you can probably carry almost any handgun.
You are correct! My beer belly is definitely what hinders me from carrying appendix.🤷🏽♂️
I carry alternating 1911s, FNX .45, and a Gen 5 Glock19. The holsters make all the difference. And you are correct about weight. I went from 185 to152 and that allowed me to bring the FNX into the rotation. There is just a bit of printing. The way I carry my keys with some sticking out of my jeans pocket draws the eye there. It is great having a couple of mags and having 45 rounds of .45 ACP Underwood Extreme Defense!
I'm in the 6'1" 3mumblemumble weight range.
Things I am discovering, from experience:
1. No matter what anyone else says, a beavertail of any size is a bad idea for appendix - I stopped even trying to carry, with my old Shadow Systems because it felt like someone was driving a thumb into my gut. Every. Single. Time.
2. Most Kydex holsters seem to have rivets to one side or the other - my JX Tactical light-bearing has a big old slab running underneath the light (obv) that makes it -very- hard to get truly comfortable with it - Find ones that utilize that real estate for clips, wings, etc.
3. Definitely ride it higher, not lower. Lower is the big selling point on the JX Tactical Fat Guy holster, and it shows. Even set up as high as I can get it, the handle still rides tight to my belt, and I can see myself getting hung up in it.
4. Look into a good undershirt; my gut gets pinched, my belly hairs get pulled. When I get the opportunity to comfortably wear an undershirt, it makes a world of difference.
Thank you for taking the time to explain in such detail.
Great video man. I carry a 5” M&P with an X300 and SRO in an Axis Elite 10 hours a day. Everybody could carry a full size if they took the time to mess with the adjustments like you talked about. You use all of the same tricks I do on the daily!
Solid advice, especially lifting the belt line. I'm 5'4", about 145 ibs. I bought a full-size m&p 2.0 with a holosun dot, got training, and then a tier 1 holster. I find baggier shirts, especially flannel, really helps on breaking the outline. I also cant the pistol slighly on my dominant side and its damn comfortable. I dont run the extra mag though thats what will make it uncomfortable. Just keep an extra mag in my pocket.
Thank you for the work you put into information and I appreciate it as big guy also. 👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Excellent presentation!
Only one little thing to add to it, something that I've found makes the daily carry of my all steel Colt Combat Commander 1911 easy (along with the things you'd covered): a pair of good suspenders. Not the cheap ones with the alligator clips that pop off your pants when it's least helpful, I like the ones that hook on your belt itself; Duluth Trading Company sells some good ones. I prefer Perry sideclip. Makes a BIG difference in carrying a larger pistol!
Thanks again for the great advice and clear explanations.
I have a footlocker full of Holsters failures.
Fantastic advice
Great video thanks
The correct holster and clip setup makes a huge difference. Everyones body is different so the recipe is not standard and also why alot of us have 46 holsters for 10 guns😂. I carry a gen 3 glock 17 with a red dot and full size light appendix. Odin valknut holster with two rigid tuckable polymer clips is the key to my success carrying that gun. I went through two other holsters before I got this one made for my gun. I will say the off the shelf holsters are decent but the right holster for your body makes the biggest difference.
Two clips close together about the width of the holster and a wing make it real nice. I can conceal with a +5 extension on my mag no problem at all.
Blue alpha makes the best edc belt and affordable.
Now days all I carry are trigger guard holster . It’s so slim and easy to carry
Good info I appreciate it.
I carry a Glock 19 with a ramjet, which makes it the length of a G17. I don’t have problem concealing. I recommend the Hunter Constantine belt. It’s a game changer.
I consider a "full size" to be a 1911 or an S&W K or L frame.. A Glock 19 is a mid-size.
Agreed, went back to G19 and commander 1911…better accuracy…thanks for the info!
Fat guy over here (6'3" about 290) and I have been carry appendix for about 6 years now. The first thing I learned is a good belt is KEY. Like you, I stick with a Blue Alpha Force gear built on the day to day, but I do have a KORE for when I need to be dressy. When I am carrying "small" it's either my P2000 or a Fauxland Special P-07, minus the comp, but I found carrying something full sized is easier to conceal. Since coming to the realization, I started purchasing my holsters for the next size up. So my P2000 is carried in a P30 holster and my P07 in a P09 holster.
A good belly band placing the full size gun in the hollow between swell of belly and rib cage with two extra mags beneath a loose shirt is a great EDC.
Wait... So you're having yours sit right around your Diaphram, like above the bellybutton? Is that accessible? That would seem like a super difficult draw and also really difficult to keep concealed? I've been having a lot of trouble finding a good way to carry a full size without showing God and everyone else. Does it really work well for you?
I just come across this video and was interested in what you had to say. It's June 2024, and I just got a Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0 4in. bbl 10mm. I want to carry this pistol, and I just ordered a holster for it. So I'll see how it goes.
I would like to recommend a "SafePacker" from Wilderness Tactical. I carry mine on their 1 1/2" shoulder strap over my left shoulder since I am right handed. They were originally designed for use by Back Country Rescue folks since it totally protects the weapon and can be drawn fairly rapidly with practice. I carried my Sig P226 or a 1911 in one for years. It does swing around a bit and can be manipulated like a ladies' purse or, If a more secure carry method is desired the I use additionally a Wilderness's 1" shoulder strap worn around my waist attached to the Safe Pacher's dee rings. Interestingly when I ask LEO's where I am carrying a gun (I am a retired federal agent) they, quite surprisingly do not seem to notice the SafePacker. Amazing actually.
Great tips ☝🏻I love my 19x maybe will never change it 😑
So some of us… larger guys… can’t appendix carry. So I’m more a 3:00-4:00 position and my 9mm 1911 in an alien gear cloak IWB holster works great. Just need a solid belt. And the Blue one you showed caught my eye.
I am in a power wheelchair and I am sitting most of the day. my preferred carry method is AIWB in a leather holster. with the gun being around the size of a g3c.
That is the perfect ccw size for the averge person honeslty. It's comfortable sitting down, standing, laying you name it.
Do you have a video showing how you heated your kydex holster to fit your different light and laser?
Well done.
First time seeing one of your videos excellent by the way. But if I can make a suggestion on any future videos . When you talking about Pacific lights holsters etcetera would you please have it print out on the screen. Show a viewer can write it down it's nearly impossible if it's not visible on the screen. Again just a suggestion keep up the good work thank you so much
Only being 6' tall & 160 lbs Thanksgiving evening I carry an older Taurus PT845 that I have loved for years & its a bit on the larger side compared to my 365xl/ Macro. I'll always have one on me though. 🤘🇺🇸 #ARJunkie #2ARights #RepealNFA #AlwaysBeCarrying #ABCs
Micro and Sub-compact is where I live for AIWB. I have to really get used to compact sized guns in the AIWB. Maybe my body structure. I normally carry compact sized at 4 o’clock, strong side concealed.
How do you get a holster to fit your gun correctly and the light correctly
I bought a Beretta 92x GTS hoping to be able to carry it with a light. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to carry it concealed without it being very obvious and/or uncomfortable. I'd love to solve this mystery someday.
I carry a glock 20 with an alien gear iwb cloak tuck. It spreads the load evenly and can do the yard work or pretty much anything with no issues.
Luckily, I am very proficient with my HK vp9sk with iron sights. Smaller footprint than any full size that I would carry.
I have a Glock 45 and an Sig P365 X Macro TacOps. They are virtually the same size (a bit shorter barrel on the 365, but otherwise almost the same) but the TacOps is much thinner, has a better grip angle, but the same capacity. I carry my TacOps (which I HAVE taken classes with) bone stock. I have no need for an optic or a light on my carry pistol, and I can conceal it with no trouble in a Desantis belt slide at about 3:00-3:15. For what it’s worth, I can conceal the Glock 45 the same way, but I shoot the Sig better, so that’s what I carry.
Just got the tacops, my other carries are P365 pocket and G17 owb/iwb
I love the blue alpha belt !
I’m small frame 5 feet 7 170 pounds . All I can carry is single stacks like bersa bp9cc, cz p-10m , girscan mc1911sc with minimalistic trigger guard holsters. I can’t carry else . They are pretty comfy . Check out zerro carry holster
Thanks for the info. Strangely, it would have been sooooooooo much better to also actually *show* how your belt, holster, gun and mag carrier actually sits!!!! Just a minute long video section would have been a really great demo. But, it is what it is. Thanks.
Nice!
I have a Glock 19 and a SIG 356Xl on a grip module. The SIG is more comfortable but I rather carry the 19.
5 foot 6 and 139 pounds. I carry a g22 and a 17 in an alien gear cloak tuck. Alien gear holsters are designed for large frame pistols. Mixed with a hanks “gunner” belt. It’s easy!
Interesting!
I carry a Springfield XDM 10mm 4.5 at 3 o'clock concealed every day. The only problem I have is that it slides around on my belt.
Is the comp a Radian?
I use kilk belt 3 layer with d-ring I love their belt I have always worn klik belt nice and sturdy no sag. Stays tight I have a beretta 96a1 and a gen 5 glock 22 with TLR-1 light I have for in the waist band holders. I'll never go to another belt company just my opinion
1/4"of hermin oaks leather belt and holster cz75 online no optic and no extra mag
Im 5'11" and around 140lbs to 145lbs on a good day. I just recently got an MR920 from a friend with a good T1C sidecar. Got a bit of insole as a wedge and the gun just disappears under my shirt
My pistol/holster combo is so comfortable it sometimes feels like my pistol isn’t there! Which sometimes feels a bit alarming!
Full size 4.5 PDP in an ANR kydex AIWB w/wing every day. No issues in shorts and a T-shirt. If I do print its cool because people generally aren't looking at your crotch.
Have another tip, don't wear my 5 year olds shirt. 😂
Guitarists are familiar with the side buckle as the buckle can scratch a very expensive instrument.
I need a holster iwb or owb that curves to your leg that would great and much more comfortable. It would be for the new Springfield Echelon.
Did u ever find any good holsters for the echelon? I just recently got mine and am looking for holsters
@@charmingcummer1200 I got this holster but I don't like it 😔 Xecutive Holster by N8 Tactical
Just can’t appendix carry with a beer belly even my small one. But great video
Jx tactical, fatttac. Holster try them out
Props to the guys and girls who carry full size because we don't care about showing.
I feel like a cowboy in the Wild West
Sorry, I know a lot of people that carry. I’m glad you’re 65 dude.
Caring all that shit is uncomfortable as hell , I carry 365 XL all day every day. It’s a pain in the ass. .. I do not live in Chicago. I’m 61 other than being in the military I’ve never had a gun pulled on me.. if anyone positive thing we’ve gotten out of this video is you have a lot of training . Caring inside the waist is uncomfortable either you accept it or you don’t . Whether it be 4 o’clock 1 o’clock or 12 o’clock. It’s a pain in the ass.
From my understanding leather is much more comfortable for iwb…
Also depending on the manufacturer it can have as good of retention as kydex…
Good belt, good holster, lose weight, button up shirts, and prosper.
Im pretty small 5”7 and a 19 to me feels big as fuck. Have a tlr-1 so it basically makes the gun as long as a 17 anyways I should’ve chose the full size
Whats your thoughts on the Hunter Christian Belt?
Constantine...
i struggle to conceal just about anything. im in florida and it gets hot most of the year. im limited to tshirts 90 percent of the time. not sure what i can really do. fanny packs tend to be the only thing that actually conceals for me.
Have you tried tier1 for a holster? This paired with a wedge and a good belt helps me conceal a G23 no issues in the heat.
@@chrisf828 i have not. i have a tulster profile for an equalizer and a bucks hybrid holster for a th9c. part of my problem is when you cant a holster the concealment wings do not contact the belt any more and become useless
I’m familiar with both and own both but for a different sidearm. If you’re a 2 is one person, a sidecar helps even out the appendix as well as an extra mag slot. Tenicor makes holsters with an integrated “bump” in the kydex rather than a detachable wing without the sidecar. The bump helped me get my grip closer to my body. I get what you mean about the wing not making contact like it should.
I’ve found that going with something smaller like a G43 or even a G42 works best. Throw on a Dr Scholl’s heel pad for a wedge that’s actually comfortable and it not only hides extremely well, but is more comfortable than having Kydex against your body all day. You might be giving up capacity for a smaller, more concealable gun, but it’s better than having a 15-17 round firearm that’s just left at home cuz you can’t conceal it well enough.
I look like a biker. That makes something like a button-up shirt overlooked by the public, even when it's warm (doesn't get that bad in Nebraska anyway)
That is why I carry OWB just slightly behind 3 o'clock.
My full-sized pistols actually carry better than a sub-compact in that position.
I carry a mid-size gun 380
cool
I can easily carry my SW Governor or Glock 17 with my m tac sling bag.
So basically "pull ur pants up" is ur advice for carrying a gun with a longer barrel? Ground breaking
Refine your system, stiff belt, wedge, wings, positioning, tips for sitting. He gave a lot of info you ditz
And after trying those basic carry tips I came looking for something more advanced and found this guy telling me to wear my pants uncomfortably high. At some point u need to tell ppl they're only so big, and the pocket ur body creates to carry in can't be tricked into being bigger. Find the overall length ur body can fit and find a gun u like in that range. Stop trying to force it. Being uncomfortable isn't just part of carrying everyday. Fuckin snake oil
😂
if it was that simple you wouldn't be here
@mcleod_aka_doom1961 you are ridiculous. You know there's a limitation to carrying, yet you came here hoping for a magical solution anyways. Hilarious.
I would not want anyone seeing me carry a glock!!
If you’re going to a pistol class to become a better shooter for carrying a weapon on you, you should actually use the small gun you carry everyday, not your full sized gun that stays at home on the nightstand.. if you’re going to that class to be better at shooting bigger guns, that’s different. But for carrying training? Use the damn carry gun 🙄
I only carry full size cuz you know I'm a man I hate little girl guns...but I do have gorilla mitts for hands so....
I'd rather carry a full size over a compact.
*vertx SOCP Fanny pack🤞🏻🥰😂
warp stabilizer fail
Chest rig under a coat.
With all of the options out there today there is absolutely no need to carry a full size pistol. Makes no sense.
If this were true then there would be no such thing as full size pistols anymore. There are tons of clear advantages to carrying a full size gun.
Just get a messenger bag
Who in the heck wants to deal with all of this crap…wings…wedges…flapping attached mag carriers…no thanks. Full size gun is fine at home. My ruger lcp will have you dropped before you get that extra mass of kydex out of your way
#1 is 5min in. #2 9 min in. Bro just waffles
Did I blink and miss it? A 22min video talking about how to carry and not demonstrating it even once? Words are nice, but it would help to see the result to decide if this is right for me.
22 min of blah, blah, blah. I quit about 15min into it, couldn't take it anymore.
Please don't be insulted, but this seems to be some of the worst advice I've heard. You take a huge gun and add several pieces of stuff that adds to the weight and girth. I think a full size gun is great, not all the time, but when necessary.
The no buckle subject, " make it look more like gun belt"!! Sorry to be negative. I'm sure it may all work for some people, but more people may quit carrying because of it. And appendix carry is not always the best carry.
Request for how to carry a full size in church clothes
Get a blazer and carry however you’d like. The sports coat/blazer hides everything
I know Glocks are great guns but, I get so sick of hearing about them. Everytime somebody mentions a model number makes no stinking reference to me. Give an actual size comparison.
Also very annoying that a “Glock 40” is actually a 10mm auto and a “Glock 22” actually fires a .40 S&W… and the Glock that is actually chambered in .22 rim fire is called the “Glock 44.” Haha Annoys the hell out of me.
@@sentineloffreedomand after stamping all those model numbers on them, they all look exactly the same. Kinda like BMWs
Whiney ♀️🐩🐩, knowledge is power. Spend a few moments learning.
Get over it its not hard at all learn@@sentineloffreedom
Learning is fundamental
Carrying a gun is supposed to be comforting not comfortable.
The way to carry a full size handgun, lies in your 'gun belt', and a very good OWB/IWB leather holster. I have 2 handguns that I alternate carrying over the past 15+ years...... A Springfield Armory 1911A1 in .45 ACP, or a Sig Sauer P365XL in 9mm...depending on where my destination takes me.