First off, over the years I've considered carrying and always found a reason why not to, and now I have found a reason why there's no reason that I shouldn't be carrying.
Currently I've got a G19, and it's our bedside buddy. I've thought about carrying it, but the only holster I've got for it is a blackhawk serpa that sticks out quite a bit and even with a shirt over the top of it, it sticks out like a sore thumb. What's a holster that would help me hide that gun?
The other approach I'm considering is to buy a smaller gun that even more conceilable. I've owned a PF9 in the past and I really liked that size. I've also had an xd sub 9mm and it was so big that I never really carried it. With that said that's why I probably wouldn't want to buy a G26 for me, but and I'm looking for a S&W shield locally to buy.
My questions would be where do I even start with a S&W shiled in terms of holsters? I'd love to get a pocket holster that it'd slip into but I don't know who makes a good quality holster for it.
I'd appreciate any advice.
Mr88GT carries a 17L in the same rig and it's far less noticeable than you would think...unless you wear your shirts skin-tight to flaunt your six-pack. THere are times I have to ask to confirm that he is carrying. Worse case the L makes it more likely to stick out below the shirt. But people don't notice when I OC; they certainly don't notice when he CCs it.
I carry a 26 with a 17-round mag (making it the equivalent of a full size EDC except the muzzle doesn't peek out from below the holster) in a Serpa. Although I normally OC, on those times when I want to avoid the hassle (like a quick stop into the bank or with clients that I don't want to scare away), a t-shirt does a pretty decent job of keeping it hidden.
I tried lots of IWB options for the Glock. None were comfortable for me. Of course, the issue is IWB carry not the Glock for the most part. Curves--natural and otherwise--make laying a flat board up against your body and preventing certain movements a little yucky. So I said "screw it" and started flaunting it to advertise my machismo and make the sheeple scared because my ego said I was cooler than a mall ninja.
I will say that the Galco leather the 1911 rides in is comfortable and significantly diminishes "attachment" look the Serpa gives. My 17 came with a paddle version of it. I like it, but the wiggle is too much and retention is so strong drawing became an issue. (In that regard, I love the retention capabilities of the Serpa.)