Small Of Back Carry?

Griblik · May 22nd, 2007, 06:11 AM

Hello all,

I've heard mentioned in a few other postings as well - is small of back carry more hazardous due to the potential for spinal injury? I've thought about that as I'm sitting in various postures, and it seems like any type of accidental/negligent discharge would be clear of everything except for my

-meat (ouch, nonetheless!) But I hear that concern somewhat frequently. It seems as though that's the most comfortable spot for my shape, however, (about 5:30, drawing with my right hand with the gun relatively verticle and the butt of the gun pointing to the right) and most concealable as well, as most of my cover garments tend to be longer in back that on the sides. Thoughts?

Bark'n · May 22nd, 2007, 07:22 AM

All I can say is that more than one LEO has been paralyzed by landing on a gun, handcuffs, or long flashlight that was placed directly over the spine in the small of the back.

What is the percentage or likelihood of that happening?

I have no idea, however, a broken back resulting in paralysis is a permanent injury that I do not want to risk.

Even a ruptured or herniated disk is an injury that I do not want to suffer when all you have to do is avoid placing a steel object over your spine.

It does happen... I hope this helps.

Good luck and stay safe!

Gary Brommeland · May 22nd, 2007, 12:06 PM

I agree 100% with the above. Furthermore, it is not possible to draw from an SOB without muzzle-flashing yourself and/or bystanders. I consider it to be highly irresponsible to carry in such a manner.

I would suggest that you try an IWB with a more agressive rake angle (24-maybe 28 degrees) and wear it at 5:00 if that position is comfortable for you. Your draw will then be in a straight line with your intended target and therefore MUCH safer for those around you. Good luck!

ront · May 22nd, 2007, 04:38 PM

I also agree 100% with what has been said above! At first look, SOB carry looks ok, but look at it more closely. It really is not a safe way to carry. Also, when you sit down, the pistol really pokes out away from your body also. At least it does in my case!
Griblik, if I am reading your post correctly, you would basically be forced to draw your weapon across your body which is never a good thing.
Gary Brommeland's suggestion about the IWB with an aggressive rake is a much better solution. I have a couple of carry guns. One is the Kel-tec P3AT. Most carry this gun in their pocket and I do sometimes, but I much prefer IWB carry. I ordered a holster from K&D Holsters (http://kdholsters.com/) that has a very aggressive rake and I love it. It works very well. I can wear it very far back and still have very easy access to it. Here are a couple of pics.

Ron

Griblik · May 22nd, 2007, 05:14 PM

Seems like sound logic. As I've mentioned before, I'm fairly new to carrying, still working out the physics of all this. Thinking I might go invest in an el cheapo holster that I could wear as suggested for a bit just to see how that works out before I spring for a nice one, but I'll definately try the new position - safety first, and all. I like the looks of that holster, Ront, but really prefer the idea of a holster with a retention strap, which seems to be a rarity among IWB.

ront · May 22nd, 2007, 05:25 PM

That retention strap is not really needed and most of the time will ONLY serve to slow you down!! These holsters are molded to the specific gun and the gun basically locks into place when inserted in the holster.

Ron

Griblik · May 22nd, 2007, 05:52 PM

Does it have some type of spring retention? Or just a tight-fitting holster in general? I'm sure a strap isn't neccesary, much like a safety on a DAO, but it sure would go a long way towards making me feel better. Right behind "spontaneous discharge" on my list of irrational firearm fears is to be walking down the street and realize my piece fell out about 3 blocks back..!

And when it comes down to it, the reason we all carry in the first place is more peace of mind, not less, right?

ront · May 22nd, 2007, 05:55 PM

The only retention is friction. But really. look at all of the better made IWB holsters. How many of them do you see with retention straps?

Ron

Griblik · May 22nd, 2007, 06:21 PM

Haha, what're you saying, there's a *reason* I can't find any IWB with a strap?? :-) To be fair, I've never even held another IWB holster other than my Uncle Mike's I've been using. Maybe I need to try some other types, and they might sway my opinion.

semperfi.45 · May 22nd, 2007, 06:25 PM

SOB is not only hazardous but just flat out uncomfortable. Why even subject yourself to it when there are much better carry options?

May 22nd, 2007, 06:11 AM	#1
Griblik Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 127	Small Of Back Carry? Hello all, I've heard mentioned in a few other postings as well - is small of back carry more hazardous due to the potential for spinal injury? I've thought about that as I'm sitting in various postures, and it seems like any type of accidental/negligent discharge would be clear of everything except for my -meat (ouch, nonetheless!) But I hear that concern somewhat frequently. It seems as though that's the most comfortable spot for my shape, however, (about 5:30, drawing with my right hand with the gun relatively verticle and the butt of the gun pointing to the right) and most concealable as well, as most of my cover garments tend to be longer in back that on the sides. Thoughts? __________________ "Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they're not out to get you."

May 22nd, 2007, 07:22 AM	#2
Bark'n VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 4,298	All I can say is that more than one LEO has been paralyzed by landing on a gun, handcuffs, or long flashlight that was placed directly over the spine in the small of the back. What is the percentage or likelihood of that happening? I have no idea, however, a broken back resulting in paralysis is a permanent injury that I do not want to risk. Even a ruptured or herniated disk is an injury that I do not want to suffer when all you have to do is avoid placing a steel object over your spine. It does happen... I hope this helps. Good luck and stay safe! __________________ -Bark'n Semper Fi "The gun is the great equalizer... For it is the gun, that allows the meek to repel the monsters; Whom are bigger, stronger and without conscience, will prey on those of us who without one, would surely perish."

May 22nd, 2007, 04:38 PM	#4
ront Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 611	I also agree 100% with what has been said above! At first look, SOB carry looks ok, but look at it more closely. It really is not a safe way to carry. Also, when you sit down, the pistol really pokes out away from your body also. At least it does in my case! Griblik, if I am reading your post correctly, you would basically be forced to draw your weapon across your body which is never a good thing. Gary Brommeland's suggestion about the IWB with an aggressive rake is a much better solution. I have a couple of carry guns. One is the Kel-tec P3AT. Most carry this gun in their pocket and I do sometimes, but I much prefer IWB carry. I ordered a holster from K&D Holsters (http://kdholsters.com/) that has a very aggressive rake and I love it. It works very well. I can wear it very far back and still have very easy access to it. Here are a couple of pics. Ron __________________ Shine on... S&W M&P .40 Compact Taurus Raging Bull .454 Casull Kel Tec P3AT; Walther P22 Mossberg 500 Persuader http://kdholsters.com/

May 22nd, 2007, 05:14 PM	#5
Griblik Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 127	Makes sense... Seems like sound logic. As I've mentioned before, I'm fairly new to carrying, still working out the physics of all this. Thinking I might go invest in an el cheapo holster that I could wear as suggested for a bit just to see how that works out before I spring for a nice one, but I'll definately try the new position - safety first, and all. I like the looks of that holster, Ront, but really prefer the idea of a holster with a retention strap, which seems to be a rarity among IWB. __________________ "Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they're not out to get you."

May 22nd, 2007, 05:25 PM	#6
ront Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 611	That retention strap is not really needed and most of the time will ONLY serve to slow you down!! These holsters are molded to the specific gun and the gun basically locks into place when inserted in the holster. Ron __________________ Shine on... S&W M&P .40 Compact Taurus Raging Bull .454 Casull Kel Tec P3AT; Walther P22 Mossberg 500 Persuader http://kdholsters.com/

May 22nd, 2007, 12:06 PM	#3
Gary Brommeland Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,426	I agree 100% with the above. Furthermore, it is not possible to draw from an SOB without muzzle-flashing yourself and/or bystanders. I consider it to be highly irresponsible to carry in such a manner. I would suggest that you try an IWB with a more agressive rake angle (24-maybe 28 degrees) and wear it at 5:00 if that position is comfortable for you. Your draw will then be in a straight line with your intended target and therefore MUCH safer for those around you. Good luck!

May 22nd, 2007, 05:52 PM	#7
Griblik Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 127	Retention? Does it have some type of spring retention? Or just a tight-fitting holster in general? I'm sure a strap isn't neccesary, much like a safety on a DAO, but it sure would go a long way towards making me feel better. Right behind "spontaneous discharge" on my list of irrational firearm fears is to be walking down the street and realize my piece fell out about 3 blocks back..! And when it comes down to it, the reason we all carry in the first place is more peace of mind, not less, right? __________________ "Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they're not out to get you."

May 22nd, 2007, 05:55 PM	#8
ront Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 611	The only retention is friction. But really. look at all of the better made IWB holsters. How many of them do you see with retention straps? Ron __________________ Shine on... S&W M&P .40 Compact Taurus Raging Bull .454 Casull Kel Tec P3AT; Walther P22 Mossberg 500 Persuader http://kdholsters.com/

May 22nd, 2007, 06:21 PM	#9
Griblik Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 127	Haha, what're you saying, there's a reason I can't find any IWB with a strap?? :-) To be fair, I've never even held another IWB holster other than my Uncle Mike's I've been using. Maybe I need to try some other types, and they might sway my opinion. __________________ "Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they're not out to get you."

May 22nd, 2007, 06:25 PM	#10
semperfi.45 VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Over here now! Posts: 3,343	SOB is not only hazardous but just flat out uncomfortable. Why even subject yourself to it when there are much better carry options? __________________ My art is different from yours; it consists not in defeating others, but in not being defeated.

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