New to CC, EDC essentials ?

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AverageDad

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I'll try to keep this short. Im new to conceal carry and have my ccp. I have two gun options currently, a vp9 and a sig 365. I've been carrying the 365 front right pocket in a cheap pocket holster. In my head I'd like to carry appendix but believe I'm too heavy for that right now. Im 5'10" 215, down from 240. Using the want to cc as my drive to lose weight. Anyhow, need some holster options for aiwb or reasons to carry other ways and holster recommendations. Also wanting to start carrying a light and knife neither of which I currently carry so looking for recommendations there too. I'll be posting in the blades section also. Any help/advice for a beginner is appreciated. Im not new to shooting and practice often but never any cc experience.
 
i have the same two pistols as my EDC options.

i’ve lost weight and aiwb conceals the best now. tier-1 and t-rex sidecar styles seem like the best aiwb to me. the sidecar style just feel more balanced and comfortable to me

when i had love handles the pistol grip just disappeared in the 2-3 o’clock position with an rm holsters lowrider or my @chiefjason or comp-tax minotaur IWB
 
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@AverageDad ,

Hi and welcome to the CCH world.

First, this is a journey that lasts a lifetime. So what works in the fall of 2021 might not work in the spring of 2023. So be ready.

Pistols, both you typed about are great guns.

Training.

I have a upcoming class that answer your questions.

But, a local IDPA match is a great way to put your ideas to practical use within the rule book.

Honestly,
If I was you, I would keep doing your CCH like you are. And focus money and time on shooting IDPA at H2O and deep river.

Within a year, you will have grown alot...
 
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Just a couple random thoughts, in no particular order…

• The hardest part will be getting over the fact that you might print, or a shirt will get caught up on the firearm…IWB vs OWB will determine how much of an issue that is. The reality is nobody is gonna notice or care. Their faces are stuck in their phone or they’re simply avoiding social interaction of any kind. Once you get the mindset change…which could take weeks, months, or years…it becomes much more natural.
• Regardless of carry method, you begin to dress (and buy clothes) around your desire to carry…as opposed to buying holsters/mag carriers based on what you’re already wearing. This could mean squared off shirt tails instead of tapered, jeans with an inch or two bigger waist, larger size shirts, etc.
• First purchase needs to be a Fat Boy belt.
• I combined those three points and opted years ago to carry OWB in the 2-3 o’clock position. Untucked shirts, both tees and button ups. It’s either a G23 or G21 every day. Spare mag pouch (OWB) as well.
• Knife and small flashlight with clips. Knife in the strong side front pocket, light in the weak side front pocket. Jeans or cargo shorts, doesn’t matter…same setup.
• Carry everywhere.
 
Oh yeah…you got your CHP, not your CCP or any other variation. In NC, it’s Handguns only. 🤓
 
I’m bigger than you and can carry full size pistols (always!) with little notice. Never appendix though. Even at my smallest, around your current weight, I didn’t like them at all. 4-5 o clock iwb and I can run, bend, whatever without issues.
 
Pretty much every suggestion I’d give has been posted above. Don’t cheap out on the belt and add 1”-2” to your belt and pants waist for IWB.

As to my holster suggestion … I suggest being your first entry into carrying IWB be ready to start a draw full of holsters that ”just didn’t work”. Personally for my carry … mainly a compact 1911 in Summer and Commander sized 1911 Winter … I like a Vedder Light Tuck for appendix and Sparks Versa Max off hip. To get to those I bet I ran thru over 8 others before finding those two. Personal preference comes into play big time.

Another key thing … carrying IWB be it off hip or appendix is not comfortable … some ways are better than others but none feel like you aren’t carry … so it is something you need to get use to. To do so carry all the time … even at home. Sitting on the couch watching TV, eating a meal, learning what to do with you handgun when nature calls, etc. Carrying around the house allows you to try different stuff without everyone being in your business … plus you get use to it.
 
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I'm heavier than you and carry aiwb just fine long as I don't have to bend down at the grocery store to get something off the bottom shelf and I'm not landscaping.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 
Streamlight microstream is the most unobtrusive light I have ever carried. Not the brightest, but super convenient and cheap if it's lost. May try the "wedge" way more light, but loses on the others.
 
My favorite holsters for the P365 are the Tenicor Velo and the Vedder Light Tuck. Favorite belt is the Recycled Firefighter EDC. I prefer the micro adjustments web type belts allow. Leather belts never worked for me. Carrying AIWB has allowed me to not have to wear oversized clothing I felt I needed to conceal at the 3-5 o’clock position.


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Hate IWB holsters but Ive bought several kydex for small autos (Shields) off ebay and they have been great. Way more comfortable than the highly revered Summer Special that I also have. This time of year with a jacket or coat I go all Miami Vice with a shoulder rig. I think the one I have now is a Galco Special Agent or something from Midway. LOVE my shoulder rig. I have a keychain 100+ lumen light and I carry a Spyderco Military most days. Shoulder rig has 2 spare mags. Nuther reason to carry that way.
 
I will just give you my personal things and feel free to ask me any questions about them.

First don’t cheap out on your belt I personally use Kore essentials. There are many other great companies just make sure your belt is rigid enough to hold the weight of a gun. Along with the belt is a holster. You mentioned you’re carrying a P365 I would definitely recommend using a Kydex holster for any firearms that doesn’t have an external safety. A few good brands are QVO tactical, trexarms, tierone, etc..

Second my knife choice is ZT tolerance. They can pretty costly for some. If you’re going on the budget wise definitely check out the mini griptillian by benchmade. I used that for years and it’s still going strong.

Third a light. I’m currently using a surefire now max output of 500 lumens. I started out using stream lights which are perfectly fine, the surefire was a gift and it’s been something I’ve wanted for the longest time.

These 3 are what I have on me as a basic for my everyday carry. I am looking at carrying a medkit but will need to do more research on that. When I do travel a little further from my house I do have a Fanny pack design for this kind of situation. It’s made by spiritus system, I pretty much have a medkit in there with a couple extra mags..

And just a final tip always have medical in your vehicle. Doesn’t have to be a full blown up one to begin with. But something is definitely better than none.
 
in warm weather for me its a S&W 642 revolver in my pocket, cold weather with a long tail shirt or jacket i carry a p365 or a taurus g3c, a light is a waste of time unless the world blacks out for concealed carry. and memorize the number of someone to bail you out in the event you defend yourself, they will take gun, phone ,wallet, belt, a 1200.00 gun is a dumb carry weapon that you will never see again
 
Appendix is more dependent on the holster ride height, angle, and your clothes than your weight. It's more doable than most people think. (5'11" and 230 here, wear a size 36 or 38 pants)

Usually though I carry strong side most days these days. But I have AIWB options that are lower print profile.

And some days (like today) it's both.

PXL_20211105_232843518.jpg
 
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All of the above. LOL.

Just don't cheap out on what you do and you may have to experiment with what works best for your body shape, not just height/weight.

The belt as mentioned above is very important and my personal experience is my CHP was absolutely correct when he said get used to buying bigger pants if you want to carry IWB. You can get away with a less expensive belt, but you'll be replacing it and might as well have spent the the extra on a quality belt.

Personally I use a Crossbreed Mini-Tuck for an XDs that likes to ride at the 3-4 o'clock position. I have Dunlaps disease and started wearing tank style undershirts to keep some cloth between my gut and my gun. For Pocket carry, a Sticky or similar brand has held up well for a J-frame revolvers and LCPII. Those don't have to be expensive, 30-40 bucks and they've held up well. Just make sure the sights won't snag. I have a Beretta Pico. Nice big tall sights. Snags on the pocket holsters, and ended buying the IWB for it from Beretta.

Carry the most comfortable way for you. I know AIWB is all the rage these days, but just isn't practical for some of us IMHO. If it works for you, do it.
 
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Tier 1 Agis would give you the option of both AIWB and IWB 4/7(ish)oclock. - appendix is definitely preferred as it's fastest, but it's not always ideal. I skateboard a lot and there is no way I can carry AIWB while doing that and I'm in pretty solid shape, doesn't much matter. Accept the fact you will end up with a bunch of holsters you will likely toss in a drawer and never use.

For regular IWB I'm a fan of CompTac MTAC (hybrid) and Vedder LightTuck (all kydex).

OWB, Safariland ALS 7378 on a UBL Mid ride with thigh strap.

Practice dry fire a lot...
A lot. Look up Lucas Botkins dry fire drills (Trex Arms) - download the free IPSC shot timer app.

Knives, that's another world too. I carry a folder and push dagger, neither of which are anything special (OKC and Cold Steel). The folder is serrated for seat belts.


Sent from my moto g fast using Tapatalk
 
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I'd also stay away from appendix carry. I have carried OWB for 10 years now, as has been said it's a journey. I went from cheap leather belts and just essentials to a 2.5" duty belt from Bianchi, 2 spare mags, pouches for pepper spray, rescue knife and light. I picked that gear up for the year I was OCing and just liked how solid everything is, nothing moves and wobbles. Plus if I get shot you can drag me to cover using the belt o_O
 
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AverageDad said:
Im new to conceal carry
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Hardest thing for me to learn was that printing isn’t as big a deal as I made it out to be at the start. Those people who are paying attention and know what they are looking at are usually gun people. Normal walmartians wouldn’t notice if you painted it orange and mounted your holster to your hat.
 
Catfish said:
Hardest thing for me to learn was that printing isn’t as big a deal as I made it out to be at the start. Those people who are paying attention and know what they are looking at are usually gun people. Normal walmartians wouldn’t notice if you painted it orange and mounted your holster to your hat.
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Yep. That was the point I was trying to convey earlier. I think the mental roadblocks may be bigger than the physical, as far as being comfortable when you’re carrying.
 
Catfish said:
Hardest thing for me to learn was that printing isn’t as big a deal as I made it out to be at the start. Those people who are paying attention and know what they are looking at are usually gun people. Normal walmartians wouldn’t notice if you painted it orange and mounted your holster to your hat.
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Most people barely see it if you are OCing.
 
BigWaylon said:
Just a couple random thoughts, in no particular order…

• The hardest part will be getting over the fact that you might print, or a shirt will get caught up on the firearm…IWB vs OWB will determine how much of an issue that is. The reality is nobody is gonna notice or care. Their faces are stuck in their phone or they’re simply avoiding social interaction of any kind. Once you get the mindset change…which could take weeks, months, or years…it becomes much more natural.
• Regardless of carry method, you begin to dress (and buy clothes) around your desire to carry…as opposed to buying holsters/mag carriers based on what you’re already wearing. This could mean squared off shirt tails instead of tapered, jeans with an inch or two bigger waist, larger size shirts, etc.
• First purchase needs to be a Fat Boy belt.
• I combined those three points and opted years ago to carry OWB in the 2-3 o’clock position. Untucked shirts, both tees and button ups. It’s either a G23 or G21 every day. Spare mag pouch (OWB) as well.
• Knife and small flashlight with clips. Knife in the strong side front pocket, light in the weak side front pocket. Jeans or cargo shorts, doesn’t matter…same setup.
• Carry everywhere.
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Damn good stuff^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I have concealed carried for Over 45 Years....Originally I opted for Mexican...I still do this on occasion...I have carried 2 for the last 30 years..always Pocket Carry with DeSantis Nemesis.....2 J Frames....2 G26.....2 G43....2 Sig 365....now 2 Ruger LCP Max.

If I could offer you One piece of advice it would be..Live With The Gun You Choose..Our Mantra here is..Carry Every Step..Shoot Every Day.

A decision to "Carry" is Not a Hobby....it should become your lifestyle. There is a Huge responsibility to carrying a Deadly weapon. Make sure You are ready to accept that responsibility....it is not to be taken lightly.
 
We're about the same size and appendix isn't a problem. Get yourself a good holster (safer and more functional) and a good stiff belt (again, safer and more functional). Between those two appendix carry is completely attainable. I carry a CZ P-07 with a spare mag daily and don't even print in a t-shirt.

Best advice I can give is be safe, don't play with it, and train train train.
 
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AverageDad said:
I've been carrying the 365 front right pocket in a cheap pocket holster.
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How about trying the 365 in something besides a cheap pocket holster? Get a better holster that will not come out with the pistol if you have to draw. There are lots of them out there. Do not carry anything else in the same pocket with the pistol. Do not try to reholster the pistol while the holster is in your pocket. Take the holster out, put the pistol into it, and but the holstered pistol back into the pocket.
 
I've got some holsters ordered, that was the whole point of this thread. There's so many options out there I wanted to be sure I was buying quality and not throwing my money away.
 
AverageDad said:
I've got some holsters ordered, that was the whole point of this thread. There's so many options out there I wanted to be sure I was buying quality and not throwing my money away.
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Even buying quality you're going to end up with a bunch of holsters over the years as you try things looking for the perfect fit/position/whatever.

Most everything has been covered to start, but I want to 2nd @JBoyette 's call for training. Without some training and practice getting the tools out and ready for use takes way longer than you think, especially when someone is trying to punch you in the face. My dad carries but refuses to practice anything so his draw from concealment looks like grandma trying to pull her best china out of the back of the hutch. Wobbly, slow, and a huge risk of dropping everything at any time. Unless he gets ambushed by a turtle (non-ninja type) then whoever attacks him is going to get a free pistol when they're looting his unconscious body.
 
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