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Best Conceal and Carry Holster for beer gut guys

9K views 30 replies 21 participants last post by  bankston94 
#1 ·
What is the best conceal and carry holster for bigger guys with a beer gut? Aside from getting rid of the beer gut.....I work in a an office setting, mainly have khakis for work, blue jeans outside of work, shirt is usually always tucked in and has to be for work. Conceal ability is a big deal to me. Everyone has a different opinion but what are some of them so I have something to start with? IWB is what I was thinking mainly but if you have other recommendations I would appreciate them.
 
#2 · (Edited)
In that kind of setting I carry a "mouse" gun. 380 in a pocket holster.
The pocket holster will make it look like a wallet or cell phone.
And it keeps the fuzz bunnies out of the barrel.
I also wear cargo pants with all the pockets for a couple extra magazines.

I do not recommend putting anything you want to keep in the rear pocket.

Now your gut cannot hang over the front pockets ;)
and you may also be accused of playing pocket pool.
 
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#3 ·
You may consider a pocket carry mouse gun or a small revolver with ankle holster. I'm 6'1" and 275lb, I carry a compact double stack at 3 o'clock in a Talon holster easily concealed with even a t-shirt but I can't do it tucked in. If and your company don't mind you printing a bit there are plenty of deep tuck holsters available but you will print and a couple extra hooks will be on your belt.
 
#29 ·
The "police supply store" in our city is very good about demonstrating gear. The city where I shop is not really large, so I expect most cities will have that kind of business.

The first time I walked in to try a holster, I was a bit concerned about exposing my CCW. They had no issue with it and put me fully at ease. They acted a little amused, without being insulting, that I would be sensitive about carrying in their store. The clerk was knowledgeable and very helpful. You can beat the prices on-line, but you can't beat personal service and good advice. I have been back there often.

The following may sound like an advertisement, so I will tell you, up-front, I have nothing to do with holster sales:

I carry a full-size 1911 in a Galco King Tuk. It wears comfortably, sitting or standing. It is easy to draw and re-holster. It does not chaff in any position. I drive with it and am not really aware that it is there. I can keep it concealed by wearing golf shirt as long as it is a dark color or a print, and I do not tuck them in. With a jacket, it is invisible. Winthrop also makes a good IWB holster, but it is not as comfortable or easy to re-holster as the King-Tuk. The Winthrop was my first 1911 IWB and I thought I loved it until my son gave me a King-Tuk.

If you can carry a big-ole 1911 in the King Tuk, I imagine that smaller, lighter pistols would be a breeze.
 
#6 ·
The Urban Carry seemed like a good idea until I bought one. It is highly visible making you look whoopsided. Doesn't matter if your hefty or slim. The holster does not bend when you sit as they advertise. It's not comfortable standing, sitting, driving or walking. It hangs up on the draw every time. Other than that it's a fine holster.
 
#7 ·
Office environments lead to mouse guns most often...
you need not just concealed, but Practical Invisibility.

Keep reading up on Deep Cover Carry, eventually you'll
figure out what you need...

Plus, its fun to check out new types of options regularly.
Found a S&W black leather zipper case for a small pistol,
ended up putting a Star M243 (9mm) w/ spare mag in it ;)
Fits inside a cargo pocket! or can be tossed on a desktop,
embossed side down, and it looks like a pricey calculator holder.

Deep Cover also tends to mean multiple step draw...
like Smartcarry/Thunderwear...pull pants outward,
reach into groin area, draw with finger OUTBOUND,
(avoid shooting family jewels), Aim, bang bang bang...

And there are clothing options which conceal...
like my nifty Jeans Vest with Patches...
Oldicus Pharticus Motorcyclus ;)
which has two concealed carry pockets designed into it,
bought from LOVE's Fuel Station!
They do have a variety of CC wear for some reason,
guess us truckers carry more than folks ever know about ;)
 

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#9 ·
have you ever considered carrying in something like a backpack, computer bag, briefcase, or 'man purse'?
If you're somewhat creative and intelligent you can work something out.
Sometimes I carry a full sized 10mm and 3-4 extra mags in a backpack, and I csn have the gun out and ready quicker than I can with any holster.
 
#10 ·
have you ever considered carrying in something like a backpack, computer bag, briefcase, or 'man purse'?
If you're somewhat creative and intelligent you can work something out.
Sometimes I carry a full sized 10mm and 3-4 extra mags in a backpack, and I csn have the gun out and ready quicker than I can with any holster.
I do that with my G20-SF w/5 mags...
mostly because the 9" Lone Wolf barrel makes it HUGE...
No one would ever think a Harry Potter backpack
contained that kind of Wand ;)

The geekier/more fatherly you can look...:D

Come to think of it, still have two Calico Liberty 3's
and spare mags in a Diaper Bag in the bottom of the safe...
haven't used that one since the boys got outta diapers...
might have to make another baby just so we can use it again ;)
 
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#11 ·
I darn sure fit the beer gut type build but no alcohol in 30 years now . 5-9 and 230lb I have used a Comp-Tac Neutral holster for 12 years so far . It was bought for a for kahr cw9 then with a kahr tp40 and my 1911 on occasion . Wife bought a Neutral also about 10 years ago for her m&p compact but now use's the old kahr kydex body on it for her kimber ultra 1911 today . I bought a p250 sig body for mine 2 years ago and have carried a p320c in it since but also doubles for use with a s&w 669 .

The Comp-Tac Neutral holsters are very adjustable from 3:00 to 4:30 and work for some up to a 2:00 carry position . I tend to carry my p320 and sw669 between a 3:00 and 3:15 position that's held tight to my body so that a loose but not sloppy sized t shirt or button down can cover well
 
#12 ·
I too fit the description but to add to that I wear bib overalls most of the time. My EDC is a Bodyguard 380 and often it's in the pocket, on my ankle, in a belly band or sometimes in a paddle holster on the hip where the bib's button together. I also from time to time carry a S&W 642 which is also in the pocket or in a shoulder holster. Just keep trying different things until you are comfortably concealed. For dress the belly band can be worn low below the belt line or across the chest with the gun under your arm. One can never have too many guns or holsters.
 
#14 ·
I have a good friend who carries a Shield in one of those t shirts with the built in holster under the arm to church.
I knew he carried but couldn't figure out where for over a year. Finally I just asked and he showed me.
With a tucked in button up shirt his Shield is invisible.

Might work for you.
 
#16 ·
I should elaborate a little in my journey for the perfect carry holster...I have a Glock 43 and wanted my Glock to be deeply concealed. I bought a few holsters, a Galco that I just couldn't get comfortable with, then I went on to the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck...lets just say that wasn't my cup of tea like I thought it was going to be, it was however the most comfortable. The reason I did not like it was because I needed to be able to remove my gun and holster quickly and with out hassle. I finally found one with a perfect match that was comfortable, Desantis IWB tuck able, easy to put on and take off. Works great.

In my search for even deeper concealment into casual/professional business dress I needed a smaller firearm all together, the 43 just wasn't able to make the cut to make me feel like it was completely invisible. Yes, hardly noticeable going into and out of gas stations, groceries, etc, but with people I work with every day, I just didn't feel confident in it.

I have a variety of small firearms, a 638 S&W revolver, great for the front pocket, a Ruger LCP, great gun, and a S&W Bodyguard 380, I mainly carry the BG because it has a laser and safety(this is not safety debate, I like the safety at work, but outside of work I always carry my G43), I first started putting it into an Uncle Mikes #4, back right pocket, worked awesome with most of my work clothing, but it did print some, I felt the urge to put a piece of hard leather behind it to keep it from printing. I did not like it. I needed something just a bit better than that. I started googling wallet holster at that time(I never even came across that Talon one TankTop, I may have to buy it if you give it a good review) and came across the Bianchi 22 holster on Midway, thought what the heck, give it a whirl! It works great, the only thing I do not like is they stitched the leather kind of goofy on the bottom so it has about an 1/8 of an inch on the bottom before it gets to the muzzle, which makes it sit kind of high in the back right pocket.

Now after seeing TankTops post, it looks like that holster sits flush with the bottom of the barrel, which would be about perfect for the suit pants I have to wear.

I have to ask where did you order your holster? I looked on Amazon and the on I need must be out of stock.
 
#18 ·
I should elaborate a little in my journey for the perfect carry holster...I have a Glock 43 and wanted my Glock to be deeply concealed. I bought a few holsters, a Galco that I just couldn't get comfortable with, then I went on to the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck...lets just say that wasn't my cup of tea like I thought it was going to be, it was however the most comfortable. The reason I did not like it was because I needed to be able to remove my gun and holster quickly and with out hassle. I finally found one with a perfect match that was comfortable, Desantis IWB tuck able, easy to put on and take off. Works great.

In my search for even deeper concealment into casual/professional business dress I needed a smaller firearm all together, the 43 just wasn't able to make the cut to make me feel like it was completely invisible. Yes, hardly noticeable going into and out of gas stations, groceries, etc, but with people I work with every day, I just didn't feel confident in it.

I have a variety of small firearms, a 638 S&W revolver, great for the front pocket, a Ruger LCP, great gun, and a S&W Bodyguard 380, I mainly carry the BG because it has a laser and safety(this is not safety debate, I like the safety at work, but outside of work I always carry my G43), I first started putting it into an Uncle Mikes #4, back right pocket, worked awesome with most of my work clothing, but it did print some, I felt the urge to put a piece of hard leather behind it to keep it from printing. I did not like it. I needed something just a bit better than that. I started googling wallet holster at that time(I never even came across that Talon one TankTop, I may have to buy it if you give it a good review) and came across the Bianchi 22 holster on Midway, thought what the heck, give it a whirl! It works great, the only thing I do not like is they stitched the leather kind of goofy on the bottom so it has about an 1/8 of an inch on the bottom before it gets to the muzzle, which makes it sit kind of high in the back right pocket.

Now after seeing TankTops post, it looks like that holster sits flush with the bottom of the barrel, which would be about perfect for the suit pants I have to wear.

I have to ask where did you order your holster? I looked on Amazon and the on I need must be out of stock.

I ordered direct from Talon, maybe not the cheapest option but great customer service! It’ll be my 2nd holster from them, the other is my what my M&P 40c rides in. I typically wear it at 3’oclock but sometimes small of my back. It’s not very tuckable but easily removable when going places my gun cant.

http://talonholsters.com/talon-s-w-shield-taurus-pt709-honor-guard-9-40-iwb-holster/
 
#17 ·
Well, mine’s not exactly a “beer” gut, even though I do like beer. Mine’s just a “gut,” and I have it because I like to eat, and I didn’t back off on my eating habits as I got into my 60s (9 years ago) when my metabolism slowed down.:(

Anyway, I’m old school, and have always carried a .38 snubby. Over the years, I have tried a couple of high quality (and expensive) IWB holsters. And now those IWB holsters are stored in a drawer somewhere. I just don’t like carrying IWB. Period. Besides that, IWB carry requires that I wear bigger pants, and the pants I wear now are already so big the size on the tags is damaging to my ego.:D

So, to answer your question, I belt carry at 5:00 o’clock. Yesterday at church, my .38 snubby was hidden under a long, loose fitting shirt, and my wife’s .380 auto was in a holster in her concealed carry purse. Occasionally (like today for instance) it’s cool enough for me to wear a heavier, tucked in shirt when we go to town. On days like today, I still carry my .38 snubby at 5:00 o’clock, OWB, but it’s covered by a long vest. Sometimes I cover it with a long jacket or a coat, and my wife still carries her .380 auto in holster in a holster in her concealed carry purse.;)

I have a couple of concealed carry vests, and at least one concealed carry jacket. They all have breast pockets for concealed carry, and they all came with little, stretchy holsters of sorts. And I actually bought a small, 9mm auto for carrying in my concealed carry vests and jacket. But I’ve found I don’t like carrying a gun in a breast pocket any more than I like carrying one IWB. I think it might have something to do with the fact that I’ve carried a handgun of one sort or another, OWB, at 5:00 o’clock since I was 16 years old – over a half century ago. Therefore, carrying one anywhere else just doesn’t feel right to me.;)
 
#20 ·
There are a variety of tuckable (iwb that permits shirt to be tucked in) that I wear

One is a kydex for a s&w bodyguard .380 and one is a galco leather for a snubby

Wear em at 3:00 and doesnt matter about the beer gut
 
#21 ·
Picked up my LCP on Wednesday and received my Talon pocket holster last night. It’s a bit stiff and looks like a jumbo square wallet in my front pocket. Back pocket is better and I’m wearing khaki’s right now. I told a coworker what I was getting so now I’m going to see how long it takes him to notice. It feels a bit large to me but other may not notice. I’ll take photos later...
 
#26 ·
Bravo concealment makes a Kydex Holster that fits tight against the side and conceals very well. I got one for my Smith M&P 2.0 (9 mm) They offer various types of belt attachments that you can choose from too.
I too have the same "problem" with the "Dunlap Disease"
Good luck Brother.
 
#27 ·
Youngridge. If you are still looking for holster options, check out this company. We have a few of their bag style holsters for on the bike, but they make all kinds, for several models.

https://www.craftholsters.com/

I also bought one of their concealment briefcases back when they first came on the market, and used it for several years in my businesses, as we tended to OC at them, but had to CC from the car to the shop in the city. In the case in the car, walk in, and put it back on once inside.

have a couple of their waist and leg bags for on the bike. Both are large enough to hold a small revovler or mid sized pistol, can be worn RH or LH, and have multiple pockets. multiple pockets with zipper access, with an elastic band holster on the inside that velcros in place, so it can be set up for either side.

Depending on what I'm carrying, and where I'll be, I also have holsters sewn into my leather vest and jacket, a pocket with an insert for different ones I own, and a mag\speed loader insert for the other pocket. There are also belly bands, and CC undershirts out there. Just start getting your outer shirts a size larger thasn what you normally wear (1X is normal for me, so I get mine in 2X.) to help conceal what you have on under it.

As someone else mentioned on here, Galco makes some nice shoulder holsters that allow one to CC a fullsized pistol. I regularly carry a 686 or as GP100 in a shoulder rig, and have even carried my DE357 from time to time, without printing, so it can be done. My dad is currently carrying a SCCY CPX I picked up in a trade 2 years ago, in the rig the last owner had made, that came with it. He had it on him at my stepbrother's wedding, and it took me most of the night to spot it.

Seriously. Even though they are not made here in the US, (Chech Republic) the quality of the items sold by CH, is top notch, and our last order was inj Erie, at our door, ;less than a week later. check them out.
 
#30 ·
Lately I have been carrying my Bodyguard in an ankle holster. Being someone who fits into the "beer belly" category I have tried pocket carry, belly band carry and now ankle.
The ankle carry is almost un-noticed even after several hours of carry. Unfortunately that will have to go away as I tend to wear shorts for at least 6 months out of the year down here in warm southwest MO. I do like the idea of the clinger holsters as well. When I carry my 637 I sometimes carry it in a shoulder rig. Again it works fine in the cooler weather when an outer garment is needed or wanted.
 
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