Just curious if anyone out there uses a deep-cover concealment holster like Thunderwear or Smartcarry. I've been thinking of getting something for the J-frame for the times when I'm wearing jeans or shorts and don't have a good way to conceal without a cover garment (i.e. when pocket carry isn't an option). It also looks like it would be a good option for carrying while exercising - perhaps not jogging, but walking or biking.
Anyone out there use this type of holster? I'm just wondering how comfortable it would be given the placement; I'm also more than a little leery of intentionally placing firepower that close to my junk... ;) The price is moderate, compared to high-end leather, but not inconsequential if it's going to wind up in my "holster drawer" after two or three uses (like the shoulder rig I bought for my SW99, but that's another story...). I'm curious if it's worth picking one up to give it a shot (pun intended). I mean, I've seen them at gun shows and all, but let's face it, that's marketing in action...
Thanks in advance for any information.
That is all.
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13 comments:
Didn't Xavier recently post a story of a guy who shot himself in his manhood while carrying a Makarov in thunderwear?
I'm a little uneasy having a loaded gun that close to my nuts.
While I normally carry IWB, I have a Smart Carry for my Officer's 1911 - that also works with my Sig p6 - that I use when clothing options don't allow normal modes of carry, or a higher level of discretion is called for. Concealability is fantastic - you can literally conceal in cutoff shorts and nothing else.
I've used the SmartCarry over 12 to 18 hour days and comfort level is as high as with any holster I have. There can be a bit of chafing with the larger guns, but careful positioning can prevent that.
I recently purchased a Ruger LCP and a Thunderwear holster to go with it. I wanted to compare the quality of the two holsters, and there really is little to no difference.
The LCP is much more suited to "crotch carry" and it, with a couple extra mags, is soon forgotten. It's quite a comfortable setup.
As you might expect, drawing from such a holster is somewhat slower than standard belt carry, but with practice it can be sped up. If you follow standard safety procedures (i.e. bugger hook off bang switch) drawing from the SmartCarry is inherently no more dangerous than drawing from SOB or >16:00 IWB where you sweep yourself slightly on the draw.
Drawing is a little harder when using the holster to carry a BUG, as the other belt mounted weapon makes pulling your waistband out a little harder - again, practicality outweighs convenience in my mind. I've tried ankle carry and it's uncomfortable and even slower to access - and, for a BUG, pocket carry is right out, as I have my pockets full with wallet, keys and cash, and spare mags.
I quickly got over the primal phobia of having a gun so close to my junk: I don't want to take a shot to my spare tire any more than I want to put a cap in Big Jim and the twins.
As I recall, the fellow that neutered himself was using a cheap nylon knockoff and there was some speculation that he had only a passing acquaintance with Col. Coopers musings.
So, there's that. I don't carry with a "Knickers Rig" every day, but I find them invaluable for certain occasions and I wouldn't be with out one. And for some, for example; a woman (or man I suppose) wearing a dress, it might be the only workable option.
Joe
My wife has a Kangaroo holster, a sort of cross between a belly band, a shoulder holster and Smartcarry. She initially had some problems with it rolling, so she added a stiffener between the layers--this might not be a problem for a male. The holster pocket appears to be perfectly sized for a J frame.
I've got a Thunderware that I've tested with a Star PD and a spare mag. I'm on the skinny side but it seems to work okay. I suspect the smaller the pistol the better it will work.
emdfl
mike,
That's why I'd be getting one for the J-frame. DA revolver trigger pull is pretty severe; it would take a significant amount of doing to pull the trigger. Doubtful an "accident" would happen...
Joe,
I'm figuring that a holster set up for a snubnose revolver would also work well for my P3AT.
Thanks for the feedback, too. It sounds like this is something I will explore...
(Great. Now I'm on the hook for a tuckable J-frame holster *and* a SmartCarry...) :)
sevesteen,
"Kangaroo", you say? I will have to look into that one as well. It sounds like there's little difference between the different makes, so, being the cheap bastard that I am, I think I'll go with the lowest bidder... *g*
emdfl,
It's interesting that you put it that way - "I'm on the skinny side but it seems to work okay."
I've noticed more trouble getting holsters to fit me now that I've lost my "extra padding", and that's one of the reasons I've been investigating other carry methods. Especially for the J-frame - in the IWB holster at 4:00, the grip digs into my freakin' kidney something AWFUL...
Thanks for the feedback, everyone!
Tom Gresham has the SmartCarry guy (Charlie)on GunTalk pretty regularly. Tell him you heard it on the show and he'll take a few percent off. He also offers a money back warranty - if you don't like it, send it back.
Sounds like a no-lose proposition.
Based on that Makarov negligent discharge, I’d say you’d improve your chances by using a better firearm (like the S&W you contemplate) and NOT using an Off-Brand version of Thunderwear. A previous commenter practically said the same thing, as I read on…
Important safety tip. Thanks Egon!
If you already have or are getting an IWB holster, I have a suggestion to evaluate if it is worth it before you invest in a Smart Carry.
Use an extra belt and the IWB holster to improvise a Smart Carry. A size or two larger belt may be necessary to allow the belt, holster, and gun to ride below the top of your jeans.
It will give you direction as to get the Smart Carry or look for another carry method.
Almost forgot - at the last show I was at - I think it was is Tampa- a guy was there who was selling a T-shirt with a built-in shoulder holster. He had run a spare piece of material from the "holster" part up and over the shoulder to give extra support and had a matching piece on the other side. All in all it looked like a pretty well thought out design.
emdfl
Why doesn't pocket carry work for you?
I have my 642 in the pocket of my jeans right now. Doesn't bulge any more than the wallet and cellphone in the other pocket...
weer'd,
There are times when pocket carry doesn't work - like when I'm wearing certain jeans and such. Shorts, too - even the Airweight J-frame is going to drag down a pair of summer shorts...
Don't know if anyone will see this...
I work in a 'healthcare related field', where, aside from the MD's, most of my co-workers are liberal, nut jobs. When permissable by law, I carry concealed.
When in an environment hostile to firearms, I carry a Bersa Thunder in a Thunderwear rig. It is as hidden from the front as they claim. Looking from the side, the handle prints - how badly depends on the size of the weapon and the width of the grip. Still, better concealed in all activities/postures than my regular rig - IWB, tuckable Minotaur from M-Tac.
I also use the the Thunderwear rig for running, etc. or when I can't justify a big enough belt to hold my .45.
As for putting your danglies at risk, the barrel of the pistol rides below anything 'at risk'. There are some stories floating around about the pistol acting as a sort of cup in an altercation - no personal experience there. If you wear for extended periods (especially sitting down), you can get a little swelling (similar to ankle swelling if you're on your feet all day).
In summary:
Good for deep concealment and strenuous activity.
Bad for big guns.
As always, your mileage may vary.
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