Over the last several years, the trend for carry pistols has leaned towards smaller pistols with larger capacities. Subcompacts like Springfield Armory’s Hellcat, Smith & Wesson’s Shield Plus, Canik’s TP9 Elite SC, and several Taurus models have all sold like hotcakes.
But many people still prefer a larger pistol like a 1911 for a number of reasons having to do, usually, with how comfortable that they can be for shooting.
And shooting comfort is a great reason to choose a larger pistol. After all, if you dislike the way that your gun feels when you take it to the range, are you going to practice with it as much as you should? Probably not.
Still, larger pistols aren’t as convenient for concealed carry precisely because of that larger size. Fortunately, for those who like larger pistols, there are ways to practically carry a full-sized pistol as your everyday carry. Athlon Outdoors gives us some advice on that:
So how do you carry a large pistol? It is all in the accessories. The first and foremost is the holster. Having carried a 4-inch or longer 1911 or revolver for well over 25 years now, that may be the most important purchase other than the pistol.
The article also noes that you should “Get a real pistol belt made to hold a pistol.” You don’t want something that isn’t up to holding up your pistol and holster or that will bee too weak and flimsy when you need to draw.
Beyond that, there is the issue of clothing.
So how do you cover up the iron? Well, it takes some thought, and maybe a bit of compromise to the fashion idols, but it can be done.
It’s true. To effectively conceal a bigger pistol, you may not be able to wear skinny jeans, tight T-shirts, or some other popular fashion trend of the time, but if that is a dilemma for you, it’s worth asking yourself, “What’s more important?”
As for me, I want to carry effectively and without other people noticing that I’d carrying (no reason to freak out the ignorant or to tip off the criminals). So, I’m perfectly fine wearing wearing an untucked shirt or, in cooler weather, a jacket of some sort which will cover up my firearm.
How about you? Do you have other tips for carrying full-sized pistols? Share them below.
