Summer CCW and a "Shoot Me First" Vest

[just me]

Does anyone here actually use one of the SMF vests for summer CCW? Or, even for cool weather??

When it's typically 110-118 degrees during the summer (and since I have a trim waist) I'm limited to what I can CCW without major printing. I can get by with my J-frame but my XD-9 just yells, "Gun!"

I can't stand IWB holsters, so I've been using mostly Fobus and I find them to be very comfortable. But I would like some options so I can carry other sidearms.

I note some of the touristas wear various vests and possibly there's a pistola or two in the mix there somewhere.

I would like some input from you guys who possibly have a trim waist and what and how do you carry various sidearms in the summer heat without major printing.

Thanks for your help!

just me

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[rocky]

IWB and a loose t shirt. I found the fobus holster stuck out wayyy to far to conceal with anything less than a baggy sweatshirt or winter coat.

[just me]

Thanks Rocky, but I can't stand those IWB holsters.

If that were my only option for summer CCW............

[AKsrule]

Eat more.


Wear baggy clothes.

[just me]

Good one!

just me

[rocky]

a pancake type holster and a loose shirt might help. also a shirt with a dark print (Hawaiian) type helps to hide the outline of the gun. I use a 3 slot Strong holster for my HK USP , for those occasions I do carry a full size pistol in the warmer months.

[Squawker]

When I carry my XD 45 in the Vegas summer heat, I use my Max Com V IWB, and a Hawaiian shirt, or another short sleeve shirt. When it's cooler, I use my Sig-tac vest. I disagree with those who think that vests, or fanny packs screem gun. Most people don't even think about concealed weapons. I know that before I started carrying, these things meant nothing special to me.

[NikatKimber]

Have you tried carrying about 4-4:30? It took some time, but I almost forget I'm carrying there at times. And that's with an all steel 4" 1911. From what I have found, it took something simple, just basic clip on IWB. I use a Don Hume 715. And yes, I'm very thin.

[myusername]

The heat is one reason I went ahead and bought the kel-tec. I have larger guns but normally would carry my Bersa. I found myself leaving that at home because it would get uncomfortable and I try not to wear much during the summer. The kel-tec disappears in the pocket of my shorts and weighs so little I forget its there.

[just me]

Thanks Rocky & Squawker!

I had not considered a pancake type holster, so I will check them out.

As to the SMF vests, I actually think they cool, except for those cutesy-poo back pouches. They do seem however, to be rather hot for an already hot day.

Regards,

just me

[just me]

Yes, that's the position I usually carry in.

Maybe put the Fobus aside and try a pancake holster as Rocky suggests.

A "Book 'em Dano" shirt was also suggested so between the two, maybe I can carry my XD-9 during the summer.

Regards,

just me

[P95Carry]

I personally don't see vests as ''shoot me first'' ........ I call those ''keep 'em guessing'' I use vests a lot, tho often when biking and so it maybe does not seem too odd then.

I am despite age fairly slim of waist and hip, and broad of shoulder - this combo with a loose fitting cover garment does give a natural space where the gun sits in OWB. ''Pear shaped'' folks will have much more potential for printing.

My Eagle Defender holds in real tight and so all I need to cover really is bottom of rig and avoid windy day 'blowback'

[just me]

Thanks P95Carry,

I'm certainly not pearshaped, but I have some friends, (who also carry) tell me they could see the print everytime.

Of course, some of those guys are just a few jelly donuts shy of a full on whale bloat. They can carry anything!!!

What I may really need is a disruptive pattern shirt that can be left partially unbuttoned towards the bottom.

The "SMF" vests may be more of a regional thing.

Regards,

just me

[Jfan]

Cargo shorts and a Mika pocket holster. I find the IWB's hot and uncomfortable also. You might have to give up on the full size XD 9 for hot summertime carry. I carry a Taurus Milpro in the above rig and I don't even notice it.

[just me]

Thanks Jfan,

I don't know why, but I had not even thought of a pocket holster.

I'll Google Mika holsters and see what comes up.

Thanks again for the suggestion!

Regards,

just me