Body types: Fat v. skinny v. medium, etc.

paramedic70002 · June 7th, 2006, 10:11 AM

Warning, if you are skinny, you might find the next line disturbing! :)

I'm 6'2", 340 lbs. Got Dunlop's disease with the worst just above the waist. Getting my belt to engage my hips is a tricky and elusive procedure. Weight of a cell phone, no problem. Weight of an H&K USP, different story. To hold that up, I have to take in the belt 1 2 or 3 notches, depending on IWB v. OWB. The butt of the gun is constantly being pushed out, causing it to print. Patterned shirts help a lot. Deep/low IWB carry is not an option for me, because it is painful. High rise carry makes the firearm flop around like a flounder.

My usual methods of carry in order of preference are fanny pack, IWB/OWB behind hip, belly band positioned around the chest (firearm under arm). Usual weapon is either the H&K or a Taurus 85CH .38.

I frequently hear skinny guys complain about it being difficult for them to carry, especially IWB, but I see it as easier.

What I'd like is a new and revolutionary type concealment holster that overcomes my obstacles, but is still convenient, comfortable, unobtrusive, and accessible.

I'd love to hear about other's trials and tribulations. What works and what doesn't.

MattLarson · June 7th, 2006, 10:27 AM

Wow. A fellow medic, has a .40 USP and is also a member of team hugh jass.

We might be brothers....

I find that the most important item is the belt. A purpose made gunbelt is crucial, and makes all the difference in the world.

Check out the Instructor Belt from Wilderness Tactical Products: http://thewilderness.com/catalog/pro...f9d07e3e505b54

I have a pair of these, one wide and one narrow. The 5 stitch narrow sporting a Brommeland OWB holster makes my 1911 disappear under a slightly oversized t-shirt.

A good, stiff gunbelt will take care of the flopping problem. I'd suggest starting there first.

Matt

paramedic70002 · June 7th, 2006, 10:44 AM

Hi Matt!

I feel a connection...the force is with us.....

Yeah, I've got some good belts, just not the will to cinch them up enough!

On another note, this thread should probably have gone under "holsters". Anyone know how to do that?

ENSANE1970 · June 7th, 2006, 10:45 AM

I'm a small frame guy who prefers, large frame guns. I used to weigh 35 to 45lbs more than I do now. I am now 5'-10" and only weigh 150lbs, a car accident, due to an idiot running a red light, put me in the hospital, some years back. I lost around 70lbs and have never been able to gain all the weight back. Anyway this causes, problems carrying a large frame gun, I've found the best way for me is in a shoulder rig, with a button down shirt over it. As you would expect, this gets hot during the summer, my only other comfortable option is OWB, with a compact. IWB, would be too uncomfortable for me I think, but I'm still looking into trying that option.

rstickle · June 7th, 2006, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paramedic70002

On another note, this thread should probably have gone under "holsters". Anyone know how to do that?

I went ahead and moved it for you. With a little luck I even did it right!

mkeBob · June 7th, 2006, 10:56 AM

Ditto on a good belt. However, you might also try a good pair of suspenders. Keeping the gun butt under your straight hanging arm position will also help with concealment.

Gary Brommeland · June 7th, 2006, 11:21 AM

Howdy Paramedic & welcome aboard! I would suggest that you try a bit lower riding holster - Hi-Rides don't work well for most people, and the "Dunlap" just makes it worse. If you add a pair of suspenders, it might help keep yer britches up, too! (I've got a similar problem - chronic dunlap and acute nobutt syndrome). Good luck!

Freedz · June 7th, 2006, 12:36 PM

IWB carry was uncomfortable for me until I got a good thick belt. Its amazing how much support one of those will give. I got lucky b/c I have almost the perfect build for iwb carry - about 5'11'' and around 200 lbs. and a shitload of that weight is in the shoulders. Its more of a challenge for people that dont have a "cookie cutter" body type but its definately possible once you find a setup that works. My buddy is around 6'1'' and goes maybe 170 lbs. soaking wet and he carrys his xd .40 subcompact in a small of the back holster and you'd never know its there. Try MANY different holsters, everyone has a preference. It'll take a while to find one that works but that just comes with the territory. I've got a whole box of ones I dont use. For you I'd suggest a shoulder rig If you want the most comfort, but you gotta wear the over shirt so If its toasty out your gonna feel it.

ENSANE1970 · June 7th, 2006, 12:46 PM

Hey Gary, I went to your site, I carry a shoulder rig in nylon, most of the time. I didn't see any of those rigs on your site, but the products I did see looked to be of very high quality, especially for the price. Any thoughts in the future of making shoulder rigs, or do you make them now and I just missed them? A nylon rig, with a large frame gun in it tends to dig into the shoulders, leather I think would be better, but most of the leather shoulder rigs I've seen are way too pricey.

gddyup · June 7th, 2006, 03:05 PM

Para, have you tried different positions for IWB carry also? I'm 6' 175lbs so I'm on the slimmer side of the scale but I have found that carrying at my 130-2:00 position to be the most comfortable and easiest spot to carry in. Moving to the hip side or back side more changes the position of the butt enough to make the whole thing stick out and be somewhat uncomfortable. Up front on me makes everything tuck right in and the rig becomes transparent in a simple t-shirt.

June 7th, 2006, 10:11 AM	#1
paramedic70002 Distinguished Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Franklin, VA Posts: 1,805	Body types: Fat v. skinny v. medium, etc. Warning, if you are skinny, you might find the next line disturbing! :) I'm 6'2", 340 lbs. Got Dunlop's disease with the worst just above the waist. Getting my belt to engage my hips is a tricky and elusive procedure. Weight of a cell phone, no problem. Weight of an H&K USP, different story. To hold that up, I have to take in the belt 1 2 or 3 notches, depending on IWB v. OWB. The butt of the gun is constantly being pushed out, causing it to print. Patterned shirts help a lot. Deep/low IWB carry is not an option for me, because it is painful. High rise carry makes the firearm flop around like a flounder. My usual methods of carry in order of preference are fanny pack, IWB/OWB behind hip, belly band positioned around the chest (firearm under arm). Usual weapon is either the H&K or a Taurus 85CH .38. I frequently hear skinny guys complain about it being difficult for them to carry, especially IWB, but I see it as easier. What I'd like is a new and revolutionary type concealment holster that overcomes my obstacles, but is still convenient, comfortable, unobtrusive, and accessible. I'd love to hear about other's trials and tribulations. What works and what doesn't. __________________ Guns Save Lives. Paramedics Save Lives. But... Paramedics With Guns Scare People!

June 7th, 2006, 10:44 AM	#3
paramedic70002 Distinguished Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Franklin, VA Posts: 1,805	Hi Matt! I feel a connection...the force is with us..... Yeah, I've got some good belts, just not the will to cinch them up enough! On another note, this thread should probably have gone under "holsters". Anyone know how to do that? __________________ Guns Save Lives. Paramedics Save Lives. But... Paramedics With Guns Scare People!

June 7th, 2006, 10:45 AM	#4
ENSANE1970 Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: SC Posts: 200	I'm a small frame guy who prefers, large frame guns. I used to weigh 35 to 45lbs more than I do now. I am now 5'-10" and only weigh 150lbs, a car accident, due to an idiot running a red light, put me in the hospital, some years back. I lost around 70lbs and have never been able to gain all the weight back. Anyway this causes, problems carrying a large frame gun, I've found the best way for me is in a shoulder rig, with a button down shirt over it. As you would expect, this gets hot during the summer, my only other comfortable option is OWB, with a compact. IWB, would be too uncomfortable for me I think, but I'm still looking into trying that option. __________________ If you want a battle of the wit's, please come armed. Ron Paul Revolution 2008!!! NRA Member

June 7th, 2006, 10:56 AM	#6
mkeBob Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: S.E. Wisconsin Posts: 291	Ditto on a good belt. However, you might also try a good pair of suspenders. Keeping the gun butt under your straight hanging arm position will also help with concealment. __________________ The power of the future is in its ability to inspire the present.

June 7th, 2006, 12:46 PM	#9
ENSANE1970 Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: SC Posts: 200	Hey Gary, I went to your site, I carry a shoulder rig in nylon, most of the time. I didn't see any of those rigs on your site, but the products I did see looked to be of very high quality, especially for the price. Any thoughts in the future of making shoulder rigs, or do you make them now and I just missed them? A nylon rig, with a large frame gun in it tends to dig into the shoulders, leather I think would be better, but most of the leather shoulder rigs I've seen are way too pricey. __________________ If you want a battle of the wit's, please come armed. Ron Paul Revolution 2008!!! NRA Member

June 7th, 2006, 10:27 AM	#2
MattLarson Moderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 2,491	Wow. A fellow medic, has a .40 USP and is also a member of team hugh jass. We might be brothers.... I find that the most important item is the belt. A purpose made gunbelt is crucial, and makes all the difference in the world. Check out the Instructor Belt from Wilderness Tactical Products: http://thewilderness.com/catalog/pro...f9d07e3e505b54 I have a pair of these, one wide and one narrow. The 5 stitch narrow sporting a Brommeland OWB holster makes my 1911 disappear under a slightly oversized t-shirt. A good, stiff gunbelt will take care of the flopping problem. I'd suggest starting there first. Matt

June 7th, 2006, 11:21 AM	#7
Gary Brommeland Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,426	Howdy Paramedic & welcome aboard! I would suggest that you try a bit lower riding holster - Hi-Rides don't work well for most people, and the "Dunlap" just makes it worse. If you add a pair of suspenders, it might help keep yer britches up, too! (I've got a similar problem - chronic dunlap and acute nobutt syndrome). Good luck!

June 7th, 2006, 12:36 PM	#8
Freedz Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western PA Posts: 328	IWB carry was uncomfortable for me until I got a good thick belt. Its amazing how much support one of those will give. I got lucky b/c I have almost the perfect build for iwb carry - about 5'11'' and around 200 lbs. and a shitload of that weight is in the shoulders. Its more of a challenge for people that dont have a "cookie cutter" body type but its definately possible once you find a setup that works. My buddy is around 6'1'' and goes maybe 170 lbs. soaking wet and he carrys his xd .40 subcompact in a small of the back holster and you'd never know its there. Try MANY different holsters, everyone has a preference. It'll take a while to find one that works but that just comes with the territory. I've got a whole box of ones I dont use. For you I'd suggest a shoulder rig If you want the most comfort, but you gotta wear the over shirt so If its toasty out your gonna feel it.

June 7th, 2006, 03:05 PM	#10
gddyup Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Derry, NH Posts: 897	Para, have you tried different positions for IWB carry also? I'm 6' 175lbs so I'm on the slimmer side of the scale but I have found that carrying at my 130-2:00 position to be the most comfortable and easiest spot to carry in. Moving to the hip side or back side more changes the position of the butt enough to make the whole thing stick out and be somewhat uncomfortable. Up front on me makes everything tuck right in and the rig becomes transparent in a simple t-shirt. __________________ Firefighter/EMT My own piece of the web... The Right of Defense It is better to be the widow of a hero than the wife of a coward. - Dolores Ibarruri

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