I'm hopefully getting my Utah CCW and carrying a lot in PA in the near future if all goes well. My only handgun is a S&W 64-5 4" square butt, which I love but it's kinda big to conceal. Should I even attempt to? I'd like to try out a few holsters before I buy anything, those IWB/OWB convertible ones seem interesting. 

 

I'd like to buy a Model 10 snub or a Colt Mustang Pocketlite to carry, but I cant afford it now. I'm not really happy about shelling out $200 for the course as it is. 

It's gonna suck but it's possible

I wouldn't say it sucks and have been doing it at times over the past 40 years. I use a DeSantis Speed Scabbard for OWB or a Milts Sparks Summer Special IWB. I hide the OWB under something like a Hawaiian shirt this time or year. The IWB I hide under a loose fitting tshirt. My normal EDC is a S&W Model 66 2 1/2" so there is little difference between this and a 4".

 

Don't forget a 2X2 pouch for a reload.

With the right belt and holster combo it should zero problem. I have 2 buddies that carry K Frames off-duty all year long. They have no problem concealing them.

don't look at the bellyband holster, its tempting but is more hassle than help.  I am getting an XDm for my ccw but I have recently got to handle an XDs and that thing is SWEET!! may be time to consider having more than one handgun!!

don't look at the bellyband holster, its tempting but is more hassle than help.  I am getting an XDm for my ccw but I have recently got to handle an XDs and that thing is SWEET!! may be time to consider having more than one handgun!!

I'm all for everyone having all the handguns they want. Beware of the man who only owns one handgun because he's probably very good with it!

Here's the thing. You have to dress the part. Skinny jeans and a tight t-shirt will have a hard time concealing a derringer. Its a mindset.

Anywhere I can try holsters?

don't look at the bellyband holster, its tempting but is more hassle than help. I am getting an XDm for my ccw but I have recently got to handle an XDs and that thing is SWEET!! may be time to consider having more than one handgun!!

3 guys in my department have XDs' only thing I can say is after watching all of them qualify with it, I wouldn't bet my life on that gun

3 guys in my department have XDs' only thing I can say is after watching all of them qualify with it, I wouldn't bet my life on that gun

Would that be because of reliability issues?

Would that be because of reliability issues?

Yup

XD or XDm?  I heard not so great things about the main XD frame but the XDm format I can't find any solid negatives about it?

XD or XDm? I heard not so great things about the main XD frame but the XDm format I can't find any solid negatives about it?

XDm my buddy carries every day great gun I was referring to the XDs as far as reliability issues

3 guys in my department have XDs' only thing I can say is after watching all of them qualify with it, I wouldn't bet my life on that gun

I have an XD and I get good tight groups. Maybe they need some practice lol

 

And knock on wood ...never had an FTF or FTE

 

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For the semi-auto guys:  Sounds like "part-time shooters syndrome".  If you're having a reliability issue, is it because of the gun, the ammo, the tight recoil spring, or limp-wristing from lack of practice?

 

Can all of you shoot weak hand ONLY and get the gun to cycle?

 

 

 

To the OP:  You're using your head, because trying out stuff is important!  Getting a permit to carry without even having the experience to draw a loaded sidearm from a holster is like buying a gross of rubbers before hitting puberty IMHO.  Perhaps you ought to go to a club that has a league (I suggest IDPA) that does this sort of thing and borrow some equipment to PRACTICE first.  This way, you'll KNOW what works for you BEFORE you start collecting holsters in a drawer.  Pizza Bob and I have extra stuff to lend (including speedloader holsters), so we're here to help!

 

Dave

Getting a permit to carry without even having the experience to draw a loaded sidearm from a holster is like buying a gross of rubbers before hitting puberty IMHO.

Now that's funny! lol

 

 

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I have an XD and I get good tight groups. Maybe they need some practice lol

 

And knock on wood ...never had an FTF or FTE

 

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They all FTE'd like crazy something like every 3rd round it was the XDs

They all FTE'd like crazy something like every 3rd round it was the XDs

That's my experience with them as well. All from experienced shooters, that run guns hard, but also follow PM cycles and generally take care of their gear.

 

Then there was that one time when half the guts of the gun followed the mag out of the mag well during q speed reload. This was after the second time it had been back to Springfield for repairs.

 

They are in my NFE list, and for cause.

What do you mean by "conceal?" Do you mean nobody will notice or nobody can notice?

 

Throw a Hawaiian shirt (no tail, not flowers) over it and call it a day.

 

BTW you shoot near me so you should be stopping by for lunch now and then.

Now that's funny! lol

 

 

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I try to please, lol!

 

But at the same time, I MEAN what I said....what good is a Permit for CCW if you've never drawn a loaded sidearm from a holster?  Sorta Cart before the Horse, eh?

Didn't realize this thread was still alive LOL. Anyway...

 

Smokin .50: I agree. I can shoot well IMO but I definitely need to practice. I'd love to get into IDPA at some point for the fun of it. Not that I have time to shoot guns, but that's another problem. I don't even know if I have shot anything in 2013.

 

mipafox: By conceal, I would like something nobody will notice. Ideally I will probably buy a pancake and an IWB at some point. You shoot at the public range-that-shall-not-be-named out in the boonies right? Or are you at EFGA these days? I can stop by for lunch at one of the ranges or your place of employment. I'll bring the ketchup.

 

As for everyone else... I'm fussy. I admit it. I like DA/SA or even DAO revolvers, and single action handguns. Striker fired handguns and DA/SA feel "weird" to me and I don't like them. Sigs are okay, and I've fired S&W automatics (steel frame, no Sigmas or M&P's) and I hated them. I would like to buy a Colt Defender when I have a better job. I'll be honest, I almost think I would like a Tokarev but the third-world safety is a turn off. 

I try to please, lol!

 

But at the same time, I MEAN what I said....what good is a Permit for CCW if you've never drawn a loaded sidearm from a holster? Sorta Cart before the Horse, eh?

Absolutely and I agree.

 

But I would think if someone is serious enough to apply for and get a ccw that is definitely something they will work into their practice - if they haven't already.

 

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