I also have a Stainless Elite, but I probably wouldn't want to carry it because of the weight. It would look beautiful in an open-carry leather holster, though.I've got an ST model that I really want to carry sometime. If I could find a cheap OWB holster, I'd probably give it a try.
Yup l. I carry my 226 Elite Stainless in an owb black leather holster. Gets lots of looks. Same holster works for my 220 10mm Reverse two tone.I also have a Stainless Elite, but I probably wouldn't want to carry it because of the weight. It would look beautiful in an open-carry leather holster, though.
Use an IWB holster and it will be a t shirt only option. I carried one of those for years. Mrs. Flash said she could see the bulge but even knowing where to look and seeing it, she said you really couldn't tell what it was or even if was just the way the t shirt was laying.Even though my P220 is a lot heavier than my usual carry firearms, I picked up a Crossbreed Freedom Carry holster anyhow just to give it a try. It's really not anywhere near as bulky or uncomfortable as I had imagined. The handle does protrude out a little more so it's not a t shirt only option.
After carrying for about a year I'm really amazed at how unobservant the ordinary person is. I saw a guy in a store yesterday who was obviously carrying a hand cannon. It looked like a giant hip tumor. No one gave him a second look. I'm guessing that a lot of CCWs, me included, are overly self conscious about appearances.Use an IWB holster and it will be a t shirt only option. I carried one of those for years. Mrs. Flash said she could see the bulge but even knowing where to look and seeing it, she said you really couldn't tell what it was or even if was just the way the t shirt was laying.
Now I carry a 220 compact IWB t shirt only and she says it disappears completely. Even knowing where to look, she can't see it.
This is my opinion also. I've got 3 of the 5 stitch, and 1 of the CSM (the stiffer version MC refers to). I like them all but generally wear a 5 stitch and have for around 10 years or so.+1 on the 5 stitch Wilderness Instructor belts. Great belts, hold a holstered weapon very securely. They offer a bit stiffer belt, but I find the 5 stitch version works great with a single handgun. The stiffer belt is intended for a LEO with several items on the belt, radio, cuff, taser, etc.