For the heavy fella

[NSP]

I'm 6'1" and 3 bills. Some of the IWB holster just look uncomfortable, especially when carrying a full sized XD, Glock, 1911, etc.

What typed of carry is most comfortable for a big guy? Also what holster brands/types are most forgiving around the spare tire?

I always just assumed I'd be using a ankle holster as in summer or winter my job requires I wear dress slacks every day.

Thanks

[arran77]

I've been looking all over the place and it's hard to tell what will be
comfortable from a picture on the net.

[NSP]

Originally Posted by arran77

I've been looking all over the place and it's hard to tell what will be
comfortable from a picture on the net.

Do you have a CCW? What works for you?

[THaves]

You might find it more comfortable if you used a holster out side the waste band or even a shoulder rig.

Also think about the best way for you to draw. An ankle holster is slow and difficult to access.

[NSP]

Originally Posted by THaves

Also think about the best way for you to draw. An ankle holster is slow and difficult to access.

Duely noted. However I would not prefer to have an outside the wasteband holster advertising that I'm carrying and a shoulder rig requires the use of a coat which I do not wear as part of my wardrobe.

[Dan M.]

Maybe a Crossbreed model? Or pocket carry a snubbie?

[BonoVox]

Originally Posted by NSP

I'm 6'1" and 3 bills. Some of the IWB holster just look uncomfortable, especially when carrying a full sized XD, Glock, 1911, etc.

What typed of carry is most comfortable for a big guy? Also what holster brands/types are most forgiving around the spare tire?

I always just assumed I'd be using a ankle holster as in summer or winter my job requires I wear dress slacks every day.

Thanks

Why would you want to carry a full size anything?

Look at the Sub Compacts.

M&P 9 or 40 Compact
Glock 26, 27 or 39

Or for even smaller and possible pocket carry. "maybe your answer"

Kahr PM9

This is just a few. There are a lot to choose from. Including some very nice 1911 models that are considered sub compact too.

I am wearing a M&P Compact in a Crossbreed Super Tucker Deluxe, IWB and man it is comfortable! I am 6'3" 245 and dress business or business casual on a regular basis.

[Spicy McHaggis]

I'm kind of partial to the HKs, so don't forget about these:
HK USP Compact (9mm, .40, and.45)
HK P2000SK (9mm and .40)
(Yes, there are other calibers for these, but I only mentioned the more popular ones.)

And some people here are really big fans of the Kimber Ultra CDP II 3". I have one and love it. It's very compact and even fits into the pockets of my shorts. Not bad for a 7+1 .45. I would only carry a full size OWB.

[NSP]

Originally Posted by BonoVox

Why would you want to carry a full size anything?

Look at the Sub Compacts.

M&P 9 or 40 Compact
Glock 26, 27 or 39

Or for even smaller and possible pocket carry. "maybe your answer"

Kahr PM9

This is just a few. There are a lot to choose from. Including some very nice 1911 models that are considered sub compact too.

I am wearing a M&P Compact in a Crossbreed Super Tucker Deluxe, IWB and man it is comfortable! I am 6'3" 245 and dress business or business casual on a regular basis.

In my original post I said: "especially when carrying a full sized"

I am looking for a compact pistol, but still I was hoping for input from other "big boned" guys to see what works best for them.

I 2nd the vote on the Kimber ultracarry and also I'd like to throw out a nomination for the Springfield EMP, I got a chance to test one this weekend as the Springfield rep was in town. I'm impressed to say the least.

Thanks for the input Bono.

[arran77]

Originally Posted by NSP

Do you have a CCW? What works for you?

No, I don't have a CCW but I'm working on it. I was thinking the SOB (Small of the Back) Holsters would work best (avoid the love handles) but I haven't seen any in a shop that I could try out. I'm left-handed also which complicates matters further.

[NSP]

Originally Posted by arran77

No, I don't have a CCW but I'm working on it. I was thinking the SOB (Small of the Back) Holsters would work best (avoid the love handles) but I haven't seen any in a shop that I could try out. I'm left-handed also which complicates matters further.

Ooh ouch, good luck with that left handed stuff. I gotta say SOB is kind of growing on me too.

Much better than a fanny pack.

[OCResident]

Originally Posted by arran77

I was thinking the SOB (Small of the Back) Holsters would work best (avoid the love handles) but I haven't seen any in a shop that I could try out.

I have yet to meet anyone that doesn't dismiss a SOB holster (for normal carry) as uncomfortable and useless.


I'm 6'0 and close to 3 bills. I carry a midsize Glock in a Milt Sparks Heritage (almost the same as a Summer Special 2), and a 3" 1911 in a Milt Sparks Watch Six (almost the same as a Versa Max 2). Pics are at Milt Sparks Holsters. I don't recommend the VM2 for Glocks for a big guy. For some reason they seem to ride higher than the VM2 for 1911. They are very comfortable. Not looking for replacements

For that size range I would recommend trying IWB. Just keep in mind that you may need to go up one pants size. I like IWB - it is a little less printing than OWB, and you get about 2 extra inches of cover if your shirt lifts up a little. I find it very comfortable.

Also, for that size range, if you, how do I say it...overflow out of your pants a little , and your holster rides a little low, it may find some natural "padding" to sink into for the ultimate in concealment

There are some good threads on here on holster selection. I'd also recommend taking a look at CombatCarry (now DefensiveCarry.com ). In particular:
Holster survey (note how many people carry SOB): http://www.calccw.com/Forums/holster...hod-carry.html
and http://www.calccw.com/Forums/holster...g-holster.html

[reddcell]

I am a 5'11" 280lbs. I carry a Glock 27 with a nylon iwb holster and have no issues at all. It is very comfortable and I can wear it all day long with no issues. I think it would be a different story carrying a full sized auto though as they are heavy and can be uncomfortable to carry. But why would you want to carry a full size? The compacts are just as good, more comfortable, easier to conceal, and you can carry several mags if you are worried about firepower. But that is just my opinion.

[safe carry]

You might want to check an article in the July/August American Handgunner magazine. It has Duke Ventarino discussing various methods he uses. He is a plus size.

[X-ffdo]

I have been tempted to try a Smart Carry. Most people have a positive report on them. I have not been able to find anything IWB that goes with my body type.
I am going to try a Crossbreed Supertuck.
I am afraid to spend a lot of money on something that will end up in the proverbial shoe box, so I am thinking of going wth a midrange priced holster like the UBG Canute, or Crossbreed Supertuck because they approximate the VM2. If I prove to myself that I can conceal without gun printing, then money will be no object as I will have learned what works for me.
Right now I am stuck with an ankle holster.