Shoulder vs. Belt

[baugh009]

This probably is a much over-done topic, already; however, being a new-guy (I over-hyphenate), I wouldn't know. More significant, I know nothing about what I am asking (sic).

What are some pros and cons of shoulder vs. belt concealed carry? (Am I wrong, but I get the impression that most folks prefer belt carry?)

Also, going against what I gather is the current semi-automatic trend, my chosen "piece" is a 3" Ruger GP-100. Does that have any impact on the shoulder vs. belt discussion?

Hopefully, this subject is not so mundane as to bore everyone.

Thanks in advance.

John Baughman
Lake Stevens, WA

[Bill of Rights]

Hi John,

Most of the time, I prefer jeans and either a polo or (in winter) a larger shirt worn, in both cases, untucked. I can get away with tucking in the polos if I'm careful, but it's not very comfortable and slows down my draw.

Alternatively, if I expect to be wearing a coat or overshirt and not removing it at all, I don't mind my shoulder holster. I'm still trying to get everything situated right, but it's "do-able" as it is.

IWB, I use a Comp-tac CTAC and my shoulder holster is a horizontal draw Uncle Mikes Cross Harness.

Hope this helps!

Blessings,
B

[baugh009]

Thanks, B, for your input. It may all be a mute question for me, anyway:
I have been to numerous holster sites, plus Ebay. The only thing that I found specifically for a Ruger GP-100 3" (either shoulder or belt), was on Ebay. It looked like something Darth Vader would wear (a plastic-looking "paddle" hoster.) Seems like 3 inches is either too short, or too long.

Best,

Baugh

[nodaywithout]

To answer your questions in my own words.....

The placement/type of rig that you use all depends on many different conditions. Such as Tempereature of where you will be, ease of draw, and the biggest one of my Concealability and size of the defensive weapon. It was once said, that "comfort is nice but, my life is well worth some discomfort." (no idea who said it but, it works).
When it comes to the overall prefered choices i think that, belt or inside the pants, are in the top places for those who have no choice but to conceal, and when the winter months come along and the jackets get comfortable, so do the sholder holsters.

As a lefty i can tell you i had to look for a few months that i did my research, i decided on two great guns, and then looked through the holsters available for each, and since both the Glock and the SAXD I decieded to put on my wishlist are simalar was able to find some that fit both of them with ease.

The phrase i like to use at work (but hated to hear in school) is Research as much as possible, from as many angles as posible.

(i have located many holsters for your gun on the following website: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/holsterprod.asp)

Note: I am a beginner as well, i have not recieved my permit yet.

[baugh009]

Jason:

Hopefully, I will be able to follow your good advice (on buying a handgun), in the future. Although this (Ruger GP-100-3") purchase was not "impulsive,"
it was not "well-research," or carefully thought out, either.
Thanks, again, particularly for the holster site.

Best,

baugh

[baugh009]

Hello, Again:

Went to the site that you gave for a holster. Plugged in my "dope,"
and came up with two: one for a six inch; one for a four. I suppose my inference is that the 4" will have to do for my 3" gun (unless I want to have one custom built).
If you saw something for a three inch GP-100, please let me know.

Best of the weekend to you and yours.

baugh

[nodaywithout]

John,
I hope that my previous post did not come off as offensive in anyway. I am definatley an impulsive buyer for more things than not (TV, PS3, membership to TFA, countless video games, movies, stereos and only god knows how many electronics. billythekid (my roommate) can certainly vouch for that :lol: )

Back on topic i found some choices for you:
http://www.cowboyneeds.com/Holsters_for_Ruger_GP100-3.html

http://www.desantisholster.com/gun-models-ruger-gp100-3-.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-RUGER-GP100-EVOLUTION-PADDLE-HOLSTER-FREE-SHIPPING_W0QQitemZ350006010873QQihZ022QQcategoryZ7 3970QQcmdZViewItem

http://www.pentagondefense.com/2160534.html

You may also want to check out this one too http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product_Line/Belt_Holsters/belt_holsters.html

I have not seen a highnoon holster (other that in pictures) but stubob (whose opinion i trust (not sucking up i promise)) thinks highly of them, I have considered ordering one but i do not know to much other than they BACK THEIR PRODUCT IN FULL,,,,seriously it says if you don't like it or if it breaks send it back. Which is something very nice to see.

[baugh009]

Jason:

No offense taken, on anything (with the possible exception of at my own lack of knowledge). I finally did find one one Desantis(sic) site, something called, the "THUMB BREAK SCABBARD." At $62.50 it's a little on the high-end (for me); however, if it works well, that's fine.

I have to get to a range. Although I retired from the Army National Guard in 1994 during which timeI qualified on the M-16 annually, the last time I qualified (or, even practiced), with a pistol was in 1966 using a Colt 1911. (Yes, I know that puts me in the "semi-fragile" bracket). When I had my S&W Model 19 years later on the BLM land in Wyoming, I couldn't even hit a large can at 15 yards.

After plugging in "Ruger gp100 3" into Google, I was please with a goodly number of positive comments that it unearth about this weapon, particularly, about its balance. (It has not arrived at my transfer dealer, yet; so, I have yet to find-out for myself.)

Have a great weekend.

baugh

[VegasGeorge]

First, I sympathize with your hyper-hyphenation problem. I understand breathing in and out in a paper bag may help. :lol:

As to the holster question, one must remember that shoulder holsters are only practical outside the shirt, and inside a jacket. That means, you can never take your coat off. All those nifty cop shows where the detectives wear shoulder rigs make them look like an attractive way to carry. But, they can take their coats off whenever, where ever they wish. We can't.

The under the shirt shoulder holster is just too difficult to use. That was my biggest problem with the Kangaroo. So, I'd definitely stick with the inside the belt holster, and the "tuckable" ones are really convenient.

[baugh009]

Happy Rainy Monday Morning (at least in western WA State):

Thanks for the advice of the paper bag. However, as with holsters, I am finding a sizing problem: my gourd is to big for normal size bags.

Regarding a holster, my mind is a telling me that your advice rings true. I (think) that I understand that, "...inside the belt" is an "inside the waistband" holster. However (and, to everyone reading this post, what follows has to sound totally dumb), what is a "tuckable" holster? Also. probably pretty high on any dullness list is this question: I have found few holsters of any variety made for my model IN THREE INCH. May I infer that I could use a four inch holster (model specific), with little or no problem?

Best of the week to you.

baugh

[baugh009]

Just for accuracy, Jason did provide two good possibilities for my GP-100. Thanks Jason. (The third, a plastic "paddle-type" on Ebay I find marginal.) However, that still seems a pretty small number from which to be picking.

baugh

[Bill of Rights]

Hi John,

Not a silly question-we all have to learn somewhere. A "tuckable" holster means that it rides IWB, just like you thought, but the belt hooks are attached in such a way you can tuck your shirt in between the pistol/holster and your belt. Just make sure if you do that that you practice with it that way so that you're used to it and also that you "blouse" your shirt a little-no, I don't mean wear a pink shirt with lace, I mean don't tuck it in smoothly; leave it a little loose to conceal the gun just a bit more. Darks conceal better than light colors, and patterns are better than solids, just FYI.

Good luck, and thanks for asking. I'll bet someone else out there was wondering, too, but didn't have the guts to ask and risk "looking dumb". (some of us can't help looking dumb, it's how we were born, but I'm looking for a good plastic surgeon.) :lol:

Have a great day, and

Blessings,
B

[nodaywithout]

your wecome john glad i can assist

[baugh009]

Thanks a bunch for your useful information and kind words. Luckily, "blousing" is one of the few things I know about (USMC, '62-'66; retired SFC, Army National Guard.) However, in terms of IWB, "tuckable" threw me and I am grateful for the "clear-up." Also, the info regarding clothing color and pattern is great to know. This really is a cordial list.

Just out of curiosity, what typically occurs when one slips-up and his (her) piece is spotted by a member of the public? Is the SWAT team called? (That really would be somewhat discomforting :>)

Merry Christmas,

John

[baugh009]

The last post to "No-Day Without" was meant to "Bill of Rights." It IS Friday, isn't it???

Embarrassed (sic - I mostly taught first grade!!) Baugh

[Bill of Rights]

No harm done, John, but you get to write 100 times on the blackboard, "I will not confuse two different posters." I'd hate for someone to disparage Jason by calling him ME! (insert wink emoticon here)

(hint: You're on your honor to write those lines, because we don't have a blackboard here. :) )

As for what happens when your gun is exposed, it depends on your location and the people around you. If you're in Texas or Florida or any other "concealed-only; no open carry" state, it can actually be a chargeable offense. Other places, the state allows carry, but the folks around tend to frizz. I recall a story from Virginia where three men came from the range, went and washed their hands and sat down in the restaurant, open carrying as per the law there, and had the law called on them. This was perhaps 2 years ago or so. Phillip Van Cleave and the VCDL quickly jumped to their defense in the newspapers because the police were called for someone following the law.

Lildobe (I think it was) posted an excellent solution for this: keep a copy of the local laws in your pocket when carrying so that if the police are called and seem to be moving toward arrest and you know yourself to be within the law, you can politely show them the statute permitting your actions and have them leave with a "Sorry to have disturbed you, sir, have a nice evening."

Cogito, ergo porto.

Blessings,
B

PS: Yes, it is a cordial list, mostly. These folks do a nice job of not making us moderators do anything to keep it that way. :)

[DAN]

To follow up on earlier comments. In my experience and perspective. Shoulder and crossdraw holsters are dangerous. To present the firearm the muzzel must arc across your body therefore pointing where you do not want to shoot, a bad thing.

Also many shoulder holsters require the firearm to point at your side or arm pit when drawn, another bad thing.

In close combat an adversary can easily stop the draw from a shoulder or cross draw holster by just coming in close which eliminates the shot from a close- in retention position. They are also slow to activate and many are combersome.

They do have some advantages. Very comfortable when riding in aircraft seats verses a hip holster. They are out of the way for much of the dirt and grime if you are out in the field. Much easier to get to if you are lying on your back. When you take them off they hang up on a coat hook much better than a hip holster rig.
DAN

[Bill of Rights]

They do have some advantages. Very comfortable when riding in aircraft seats verses a hip holster.

Quit bragging, Dan! :lol:

Blessings,
B

[DAN]

BofRights, How can that statement be bragging????

[Bill of Rights]

BofRights, How can that statement be bragging????

Most of us can't carry a firearm on an airplane, at least not a commercial one.

Actually, that's not true. We can, we just won't leave alive without hearing "You have the right to remain silent...."

Blessings,
B

[DAN]

B of rights, I don't want to give the impression I carry on commercial aircraft, I don't. I do travel a bit and try to always take my firearm with me.
My comment was directed at people who fly around in small fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft for a living in areas where you must carry. A shoulder holster is a nice to have even with a 4 point safety harness.

Other than that, I think shoulder holsters are a hazard due to the requirement of the muzzel must swing out and point in an unwanted direction before it can be used.

Have a great Christmas!!
DAN

[Bill of Rights]

Thanks for clarifying, Dan. As I said in PM, I _was_ kidding you a little. No offense meant, just a little humor.

Apparently, very little. Oh well. Sorry 'bout that.

Merry Christmas to you as well.

Blessings,
B

[DAN]

Bof Rights, no offense taken. I just did not want a wrong impression getting out.

Stay warm and enjoy your Christmas!!!
DAN

[Sky Pilot]

A recent Car Jacking got me to thinking.
The belt holster is less than optimal when seated and seat belted.
For vehicle wear I like my shoulder rig.
It's winter. I can do that now.

[baugh009]

Sorry for my tardy reply - I have an unmarried, 21 year-old daughter (going on 16) living at home with her 5 month old baby. She has a checkered past with drugs and alcohol, and has stolen from us before. Now that her mother has passed on, she must feel that she can rule-the-roost with only me in her way. "She's gotta another 'think' comin'," as they say. I believe she stole a new Ruger P-90 and sold it for, "You know what..." I must have done something real bad in a prior life to deserve this. At sixty-three going on eighty I am too old for this!

I won't do my writings on a blackboard (no longer in the classroom), but will send you photos of the finished copies.

Best,


The Baugh

[Bill of Rights]

Assignment terminated in light of circumstances. Sorry to hear of your troubles. Will keep you in my prayers.

Blessings,
B