PHLSTER Kydex Holsters & Every Day Carry Accessories
PHLster provides kydex holsters, medical accessories, & education designed for real world applications at the cutting edge of concealed carry.
www.phlsterholsters.com
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In need of holster recommendations for specific clothing situation
I'm looking for recommendations for concealed carry holsters for my M18. I'm new to concealed carry and am open to any suggestions.
I am on the heavy side, with a bit of belly. I'm looking for something that I can use when I am wearing the following outfit.
lightweight elastic waistband athletic shorts
a properly fitting t-shirt
a fanny pack with 1.5" straps, too small to fit my M18 in the largest pocket
I could wear a lightweight button up over-shirt if necessary
I was initially thinking of IWB holsters, but I did a couple tests with my M18 and found that I am too heavy to sit with the pistol in my waistband at my appendix. It prints too much and is very uncomfortable. The strap of the fanny pack is thin nylon but it is capable of supporting the weight of the unloaded weapon.
Please let me know what you think. Thank you in advance for your help.
I am on the heavy side, with a bit of belly. I'm looking for something that I can use when I am wearing the following outfit.
lightweight elastic waistband athletic shorts
a properly fitting t-shirt
a fanny pack with 1.5" straps, too small to fit my M18 in the largest pocket
I could wear a lightweight button up over-shirt if necessary
I was initially thinking of IWB holsters, but I did a couple tests with my M18 and found that I am too heavy to sit with the pistol in my waistband at my appendix. It prints too much and is very uncomfortable. The strap of the fanny pack is thin nylon but it is capable of supporting the weight of the unloaded weapon.
Please let me know what you think. Thank you in advance for your help.
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
www.phlsterholsters.com
Not everyone’s cup of tea but this is another idea
secure.braveresponse.com
Top Concealed Carry Holster - Brave Response
secure.braveresponse.com
@strikerfire
I watched several of those videos and I was already aware of phlster. Most of that is oriented toward people who appendix carry. Not really something I can do in that outfit. I could maybe get an enigma and a compatible custom kydex holster that works with my pistol, light and red dot, but that seems a bit much in terms of initial investment just to find out if I even like it at all. I'm not ruling it out, though.
I was thinking of replacing my fanny pack with a fanny pack that is a holster, or, less appealing, wear a vertical shoulder holster under an over-shirt, but I don't know if either of those options are even worth thinking about.
But, like I said, I'm open to any solutions.
I watched several of those videos and I was already aware of phlster. Most of that is oriented toward people who appendix carry. Not really something I can do in that outfit. I could maybe get an enigma and a compatible custom kydex holster that works with my pistol, light and red dot, but that seems a bit much in terms of initial investment just to find out if I even like it at all. I'm not ruling it out, though.
I was thinking of replacing my fanny pack with a fanny pack that is a holster, or, less appealing, wear a vertical shoulder holster under an over-shirt, but I don't know if either of those options are even worth thinking about.
But, like I said, I'm open to any solutions.
A modern double stack in a shoulder holster is very bulky, at least for me personally. Based on your situation, if normal appendix doesn't work, I don't think an enigma will either. I would try something maybe 4:00, or go with a bigger fanny pack.
I'm looking at this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZSHKLHK
Simply Things fanny pack holster
The medium sized bag fits a G17, but I'm not sure if the design of the holster is any good for cc. I don't know if it will work, or if it's better to get a regular fanny pack that can fit my gun and a holster that is designed to be placed in a bag.
Simply Things fanny pack holster
The medium sized bag fits a G17, but I'm not sure if the design of the holster is any good for cc. I don't know if it will work, or if it's better to get a regular fanny pack that can fit my gun and a holster that is designed to be placed in a bag.
I would not trust that holster at all. The M18 has a thumb safety but I still wouldn't trust a soft fabric holster, just in case the safety got knocked off.I'm looking at this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZSHKLHK
Simply Things fanny pack holster
The medium sized bag fits a G17, but I'm not sure if the design of the holster is any good for cc. I don't know if it will work, or if it's better to get a regular fanny pack that can fit my gun and a holster that is designed to be placed in a bag.
IMO off-body carry of any form is a pretty advanced form of carry, and not something I would recommend to a beginner. I have done it on occasion as a veteran CCW holder, and it still makes me uncomfortable. I would prioritize a form of carry that keeps the holster affixed to your body, and while a fanny pack probably does stay on most of the time it still toes that line of being too easy to take off for my liking.
But if you're dead set on it, I'd suggest a dedicated gun bag. It seems like you use your fanny pack for carrying other stuff, and if that's the case, you need to ensure that whatever bag you get has a pocket that is dedicated to the gun and absolutely nothing else, except maybe a spare mag secured in place that won't move around. I would personally go for one of Vertx's bags, which are made with a dedicated pocket for gear. The pocket is lined with loop side velcro, and numerous holster makers make velcro-backed holsters, or you can get something like a QLS plate mounted to a velcro panel, stick that in the bag, and attach a normal holster via that plate. Personally, that would be my preferred setup if I were to off-body carry. I own their transit sling and while I've only used it for off-body carry a handful of times, it works well.
TL;DR: my recommendations are as follows. 1. Figure out a method of on-body carry that works for you. If that fails, then 2. Purchase a dedicated CCW bag, like one of the Vertx options, and set it up accordingly. I'd anticipate spending a few hundred bucks to get it set up nicely.
Hey buddy, I know you said you tried appendix, if my shirt is big enough I can hide it well.. The trick is to loosen your waist a little more then you'd generally think..
Hopefully you get something out of this.. Even if it doesn't work with your gym shorts it'll work with pants for me and shorts.. So you might be in luck..
I can't carry a full size witness 45, a g17 or a 1911 like this and hopefully the secret works for you too.. If it does let us know lol..
I bring to you... The 300 Parallel... If your sitting you pull your rig up on your belly if your standing you pull it down under your gut and let the handle come above your gut, you don't want the handle under your gut.. I've seen guys carry like that even some that pull theyer fat up with the shirt and they can draw quick and accurate but that's not for me.. Maybe I'm not that big lol but having the holster line under my gut and the grip against my guy works fine when standing or walking and when sitting like I said I just pull the whole rig up on my belly.
I cannot and do not take credit for this secret its all this guy here.. And he says it was actually our 27th president that came up with this pure magic!
Tell me what you think and try it out with whatever holsters you have and report back!
Hopefully you get something out of this.. Even if it doesn't work with your gym shorts it'll work with pants for me and shorts.. So you might be in luck..
I can't carry a full size witness 45, a g17 or a 1911 like this and hopefully the secret works for you too.. If it does let us know lol..
I bring to you... The 300 Parallel... If your sitting you pull your rig up on your belly if your standing you pull it down under your gut and let the handle come above your gut, you don't want the handle under your gut.. I've seen guys carry like that even some that pull theyer fat up with the shirt and they can draw quick and accurate but that's not for me.. Maybe I'm not that big lol but having the holster line under my gut and the grip against my guy works fine when standing or walking and when sitting like I said I just pull the whole rig up on my belly.
I cannot and do not take credit for this secret its all this guy here.. And he says it was actually our 27th president that came up with this pure magic!
Tell me what you think and try it out with whatever holsters you have and report back!
The philster engima is my choice if I'm wearing something that doesn't have belt loops. Having a gut the trick is to hike up your pants/belt as you're going to sit down and wearing the right t-shirt with a pattern that helps break up or camouflage any print as a result of your gut pushing the grip out while sitting.
Then as you stand back up, you suck in and let it fall back below the muffin top.
I tend to pocket carry but these days if I belt carry appendix is honestly the most comfortable way for me to do it. Longer slides tend to be a little more comfy for me. I'm not quite as big as the guy talking about the 300th parallel in the video in the post above mine, but, his advice is good stuff.
Then as you stand back up, you suck in and let it fall back below the muffin top.
I tend to pocket carry but these days if I belt carry appendix is honestly the most comfortable way for me to do it. Longer slides tend to be a little more comfy for me. I'm not quite as big as the guy talking about the 300th parallel in the video in the post above mine, but, his advice is good stuff.
I'm a big guy and I use a Crossbreed modular belly band holster. It's a wide elastic belt with patches of velcro on it. I currently use it to carry a P365 on my two o'clock and a magazine carrier on my ten o'clock. If and when I want to carry a different pistol I can just order the holster module and not have to buy another belt. It's light and relatively comfortable. I wear it with jeans, sweatpants, shorts, etc. My current summer setup is shorts and a tanktop, I put the belt setup over that, and another tanktop to hide everything. Naturally you could omit the first shirt if you don't mind the belt against your skin. Your mileage will vary of course, holsters and which are acceptable and which are not is very subjective.
www.crossbreedholsters.com
CrossBreed® Holsters Modular Belly Band
CrossBreed® Holsters is pleased to partner with one of the most recognized trainers in the industry and owner of I.C.E. Firearm Training Services, Rob Pincus, in introducing the first ever modular belly band.
www.crossbreedholsters.com
I kinda expect this would be the result for an M18 as well. It's pretty close in size to a G17. Worth a try though.I can't carry a full size witness 45, a g17 or a 1911 like this and hopefully the secret works for you too.. If it does let us know lol..
The enigma is basically just another form of appendix carry. If that already doesn't work for OP, I doubt the enigma would. As someone who exclusively appendix carries, though, I've looked into the enigma a few times and I'd love to try it out if they supported the TLR7 instead of exclusively supporting full-size lights, which is kinda silly to me.The philster engima is my choice if I'm wearing something that doesn't have belt loops. Having a gut the trick is to hike up your pants/belt as you're going to sit down and wearing the right t-shirt with a pattern that helps break up or camouflage any print as a result of your gut pushing the grip out while sitting.
That's already been stated once in this thread and owning one.. I'm fully aware. If you notice the second sentence of what I said was offering advice on how to get away with appendix carry as a bigger person. Speaking as someone who used to think I couldn't get away with it previously and turned out to be wrong, as I also stated in the paragraph after the one you copied.. AIWB turns out to be the EASIEST way to carry on my belt as someone with a gut.The enigma is basically just another form of appendix carry.
For carrying with gym shorts.. pajama pants..it's the enigma or a belly band. The Enigma at least offers a full kydex shell. Thanks though. If you want another option maybe just get an LCP II to put in your pocket as it's going to take something small and light for it not to pull your pants down. The enigma's going to let you carry and conceal a full sized handgun if you put the time into figuring out how to make it work for you.
Also check out the guy in the video above the post of mine you responded to.. He's like two of me. But he's making AIWB work for him. It can be done.
I'm not saying the OP or anybody has to. Just that it can be done.
I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you that big dudes can't AIWB. I'm just referring to the fact that OP explicitly said he can't AIWB. If he's already experimented and can't do it with a normal holster, I'd hesitate to recommend that he go spend the money for an enigma and compatible floodlight. I'm not trying to attack you pal, just making sure OP knows that the enigma is pretty similar to a system he's already tried and might not be worth it.That's already been stated once in this thread and owning one.. I'm fully aware. If you notice the second sentence of what I said was offering advice on how to get away with appendix carry as a bigger person. Speaking as someone who used to think I couldn't get away with it previously and turned out to be wrong, as I also stated in the paragraph after the one you copied.. AIWB turns out to be the EASIEST way to carry on my belt as someone with a gut.
For carrying with gym shorts.. pajama pants..it's the enigma or a belly band. The Enigma at least offers a full kydex shell. Thanks though. If you want another option maybe just get an LCP II to put in your pocket as it's going to take something small and light for it not to pull your pants down. The enigma's going to let you carry and conceal a full sized handgun if you put the time into figuring out how to make it work for you.
Also check out the guy in the video above the post of mine you responded to.. He's like two of me. But he's making AIWB work for him. It can be done.
I'm not saying the OP or anybody has to. Just that it can be done.
UltiClip allows attachment to any kind of pants fabric:
www.ulticlip.com
The clip itself stands a bit proud though, compared to a DCC clip, which is lower profile and also can grip most any pants fabric.
Tuck Combo - UltiClip
Includes: UltiTuck & TuckWing Estimated delivery time 4-8 business days. Actual color may vary from picture.
www.ulticlip.com
The clip itself stands a bit proud though, compared to a DCC clip, which is lower profile and also can grip most any pants fabric.
So I think I'm getting closer and closer to a solution here. I think a part of the problem may be that my clothes fit a little tighter than they maybe should. I'll buy a couple of larger t-shirts and do some more experimenting. Maybe I can make the appendix carry work for me with that and the 300th parallel technique.
@DFA-K8
So I like these crossbreed products, some good stuff on that site. I was looking at the belly band and a couple other things. I like that it uses velcro for a reason that @tommyh touched on here.
I'm a big fan of micro flashlights, and I've got a TLR-7 on my rig. Finding a holster compatible with the TLR-7 is the biggest limiting factor. If not for that I wouldn't have any hesitation trying out the enigma, but as stated it's not directly compatible and I'd need a custom holster.
I can find custom holsters that are compatible with my light, but there are few inexpensive options.
I'm looking at this brand here: Home - Gold Star Holsters They've got kydex holster designs that are exactly compatible with my entire setup for a really good price. I'm just not sure if they are of good enough quality. Anyway the price is so good I may just have to give it a go. Please chime in with any experience or opinions on this option.
I'm still considering the fanny pack idea. When I wear the fanny pack, I do not remove it. In fact, when I have worn it, I have never removed it outside of my home. So I'm very comfortable with the idea of keeping my firearm in there. It feels like an extension of my body.
I would buy a bigger fanny pack, pair it with this: Purse Defender Assembly Only to install a surface that will hold the holster stable, and this holster which is exactly compatible with my setup: IN THE PURSE HOLSTER - Gold Star HolstersPurse Holster for Purses and Backpacks which will attach to the velcro of the assembly inside the fanny pack. Please let me know what everyone thinks of this.
If not the fanny pack, I'm thinking of the belly band and bigger shirts in either appendix carry or 4-o-clock, whichever I find to be more comfortable and offer better concealment. I was thinking this: Modular Belly Band Package because it's compatible with anything velcro backed; very convenient. And pair it with the same gold star velcro backed holster that is exactly compatible with my rig.
All of this is inexpensive enough that I can experiment with it at no great loss if I dislike something.
@DFA-K8
So I like these crossbreed products, some good stuff on that site. I was looking at the belly band and a couple other things. I like that it uses velcro for a reason that @tommyh touched on here.
I'm a big fan of micro flashlights, and I've got a TLR-7 on my rig. Finding a holster compatible with the TLR-7 is the biggest limiting factor. If not for that I wouldn't have any hesitation trying out the enigma, but as stated it's not directly compatible and I'd need a custom holster.
I can find custom holsters that are compatible with my light, but there are few inexpensive options.
I'm looking at this brand here: Home - Gold Star Holsters They've got kydex holster designs that are exactly compatible with my entire setup for a really good price. I'm just not sure if they are of good enough quality. Anyway the price is so good I may just have to give it a go. Please chime in with any experience or opinions on this option.
I'm still considering the fanny pack idea. When I wear the fanny pack, I do not remove it. In fact, when I have worn it, I have never removed it outside of my home. So I'm very comfortable with the idea of keeping my firearm in there. It feels like an extension of my body.
I would buy a bigger fanny pack, pair it with this: Purse Defender Assembly Only to install a surface that will hold the holster stable, and this holster which is exactly compatible with my setup: IN THE PURSE HOLSTER - Gold Star HolstersPurse Holster for Purses and Backpacks which will attach to the velcro of the assembly inside the fanny pack. Please let me know what everyone thinks of this.
If not the fanny pack, I'm thinking of the belly band and bigger shirts in either appendix carry or 4-o-clock, whichever I find to be more comfortable and offer better concealment. I was thinking this: Modular Belly Band Package because it's compatible with anything velcro backed; very convenient. And pair it with the same gold star velcro backed holster that is exactly compatible with my rig.
All of this is inexpensive enough that I can experiment with it at no great loss if I dislike something.
I may have took the defensive there, my apologies. I'm not trying to convince anybody of anything other than there might be workarounds unconsidered to increase their comfort with AIWB and that specifically for carry with a pair of gym shorts or sweat pants or something that the Enigma was the one that made sense to me.I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you that big dudes can't AIWB. I'm just referring to the fact that OP explicitly said he can't AIWB. If he's already experimented and can't do it with a normal holster, I'd hesitate to recommend that he go spend the money for an enigma and compatible floodlight. I'm not trying to attack you pal, just making sure OP knows that the enigma is pretty similar to a system he's already tried and might not be worth it.
I believe in dressing around a gun but a fanny pack is not on my list of options personally. But I'm not going to knock the OP if they can live with the compromise. I don't want to fuss with a zipper if i actually need my weapon.
A muzzle pad on the holster and a claw attachment to push the grip into the gut.. an appropriate shirt to camouflage it. IME my G19 in a JM custom Kydex holster is more comfortable than my P365XL holsters for AIWB as well, but a muzzle pad that extends beyond the muzzle might help. Otherwise pick a pair of shorts with belt loops and pocket big enough to tote a P365 imo. That's my typical EDC.
Take a look at the Unity Tactical Clutch and Runner Clutch. Both require the use of a kydex holster inside the pouch but it's a good system from what I gather.
No worries. I also don't dress to the gun, and only carry appendix. Casual clothes: appendix. Suit and tie: appendix. Running clothes: appendix.I may have took the defensive there, my apologies. I'm not trying to convince anybody of anything other than there might be workarounds unconsidered to increase their comfort with AIWB and that specifically for carry with a pair of gym shorts or sweat pants or something that the Enigma was the one that made sense to me.
I believe in dressing around a gun but a fanny pack is not on my list of options personally. But I'm not going to knock the OP if they can live with the compromise. I don't want to fuss with a zipper if i actually need my weapon.
A muzzle pad on the holster and a claw attachment to push the grip into the gut.. an appropriate shirt to camouflage it. IME my G19 in a JM custom Kydex holster is more comfortable than my P365XL holsters for AIWB as well, but a muzzle pad that extends beyond the muzzle might help. Otherwise pick a pair of shorts with belt loops and pocket big enough to tote a P365 imo. That's my typical EDC.
This is what I use... https://www.amazon.com/Copper-Fit-S...8&sr=1-1-f0029781-b79b-4b60-9cb0-eeda4dea34d6
I put my favorite holster on one of the external straps and "done"...
This works so well I can carry my P229 and 1911 well concealed under a safari shirt.
And you get the side benefit of having the Copperfit do its thing...
Good luck...
I put my favorite holster on one of the external straps and "done"...
This works so well I can carry my P229 and 1911 well concealed under a safari shirt.
And you get the side benefit of having the Copperfit do its thing...
Good luck...
I forgot to mention is has a large area of velcro that for me ends up right in front roughly from the 1 o'clock position over to the 10 o'clock. My magazine carrier rides at the 10 o'clock edge and all of the velcro between there and where my pistol resides on the opposite side is available. I figure if you could find a clip or carrier for your light with velcro it might ride well on the belly band. I'm currently looking for a carrier for pepper spray to go on the belt, to give me a de-escalation option of lesser magnitude than shooting someone. It works very well for me and the P365 disappears but everyone is different with different needs so as usual I always say your mileage may vary.So I like these crossbreed products, some good stuff on that site. I was looking at the belly band and a couple other things. I like that it uses velcro for a reason that @tommyh touched on here.
I'm a big fan of micro flashlights, and I've got a TLR-7 on my rig. Finding a holster compatible with the TLR-7 is the biggest limiting factor. If not for that I wouldn't have any hesitation trying out the enigma, but as stated it's not directly compatible and I'd need a custom holster.
Hate fanny packs, nothing says I'm carrying a gun more then a fanny pack. Get a smaller pistol and pocket carry.
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
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