I have decided that I am finally going to start carrying. I have a concealed permit so I've got that part down. What I'm looking for here is real life practical experience. please excuse me since I know this has been covered before and I can Google some of this but I trust you guys more, so maybe I'll porn blast later as a thank you.

So here is what I'm looking to learn:

Holsters
1. Any special design features I should be looking for?
2. Inside the belt? Outside? Pros and cons.
3. Any other practical thoughts on holsters?

Weapons
1. Size of weapon? Im not going full size but how small is too small? I'm sure the answer is depends on the shooter but I thought I'd ask.
2. I like how my CZ full size shoots, and how the larger Sigs shoot. Also considering HK and Glock. I'll be trying all those out at the range but wants y'all's thoughts on what you use and why.
3. Round capacity? Some subcompacts come in 10, while some come with 17. More is better I'm sure but is 10 too small (Glock 43X)
4. I just assumed 9mm because I have a lot of defensive rounds at home. Should I consider another round?

Other practical advice
1. What else am I missing? Any other thoughts?

Anyways, y'all have been really helpful on lots of things here so I appreciate any advice you can give. Normally I wouldn't ask but this is more serious than me trying to figure out how long to smoke ribs…

A lot of more knowledgeable folks on here than me. But getting in because I always learn a thing or two from these threads.

Make sure you check out the Sig 365 Macro. I've already got a slightly modified XL I like or that would be the first one I looked at for carry.

Also throwing out something like the CZ P-01 or PCR if you like CZ's. Small enough to carry but still shoots like a CZ.

I go IWB for mine. I recently upgraded from a M&P Shield (8 rounds) to an Sig P365 X-Macro (18 rounds). The Sig is almost the same size as the Shield, but has a lot more capacity.

Get a good belt, that will be the key to being comfortable. Unless you're a tiny guy, the pistol size won't play much of a factor in how easy it is to conceal.

Also, people are stupid. Unless it's someone that carries, no one will notice your concealed pistol.

Holsters
1. Any special design features I should be looking for?

- There's no one size fits all approach to holsters. It's gonna be trial and error. That said, get one from a good manufacturer, and you will probably be fine. I am currently wearing a Tier 1 Concealed IWB. I also have Comptacs and Stealthgear holsters that I really like. A decent kydex holster with a leather or other backing and good clips is what you will need.

2. Inside the belt? Outside? Pros and cons.

- IWB is more easily concealable but less comfortable. OWB is more comfortable but less concealable. What you wear can mitigate this. I usually wear an untucked fishing or golf shirt and don't have any issues. Clothing with a pattern on it will really help break up any printing.

3. Any other practical thoughts on holsters?

- See if you can find somewhere to try them on. Unfortunately, I don't have anywhere local so have bought some $100+ holsters I really don't like.

Weapons
1. Size of weapon? Im not going full size but how small is too small? I'm sure the answer is depends on the shooter but I thought I'd ask.

- As big as you can effectively carry and will carry. You don't want something that becomes inconvenient to where you leave it at home or in your truck. You also don't want to get in a gunfight with a .22 derringer. There are tons of good options out there now.

2. I like how my CZ full size shoots, and how the larger Sigs shoot. Also considering HK and Glock. I'll be trying all those out at the range but wants y'all's thoughts on what you use and why.

- I carry a Glock 43x with Streamlight TLR-7 sub light, Trijicon RMRcc red dot, and Shield Arms 15 round mags. I'm familiar with Glocks, trust them, and this gets me 31 rounds of 9mm on me in what I feel is the best compromise between carryability and firepower. See question 1.

3. Round capacity? Some subcompacts come in 10, while some come with 17. More is better I'm sure but is 10 too small (Glock 43X)

- I think 10 rounds and a reload is sufficient. But I use the Shield Arms mags to get to 15 rounds/mag.

4. I just assumed 9mm because I have a lot of defensive rounds at home. Should I consider another round?

- I wouldn't.

Other practical advice
1. What else am I missing? Any other thoughts?

- Good job making the decision to carry. We need more people out there that are proficient. My best suggestion would be to take some practical shooting/defensive handgun courses and repeat them at least once a year.

Anyways, y'all have been really helpful on lots of things here so I appreciate any advice you can give. Normally I wouldn't ask but this is more serious than me trying to figure out how long to smoke ribs…

Not an expert but I do carry 9mm daily.

What holster I use (IWB vs OWB under an untucked shirt vs pocket carry) depends on my activity for the day. Holsters are trial and error unfortunately. Most places won't let you try them on and/or are custom made. I like Trex arms side car for IWB.

Appendix carry a Glock 19 in 9mm

My biggest input would be: Practice. Practice, practice, practice.

You can do a lot of dry fire drills at home, working your draw stroke, defeating your garments (imo, you should practice this every time you strap on, just to make sure that what your wearing isn't going to create a bind that you don't realize until it's too late - or what you have to do to defeat multiple layers of clothing in cold months, and to that end, practice with gloves on and off too, because that majorly impacts your grips), working reloads. Having a shot timer works great with these even without a bang. You can set it up with a delay start and a par time to work on draw to first shot time.

Then spend time at a range that will allow you to work from the holster and rapid fire, so you can work on keeping follow-up shots on target.

If you're in the DFW area, I can recommend Proactive Defense. They also have classes every Saturday, drill mornings and nights, and other events to have you shoot in non-static environments (shooter moving, target moving, both, extensive course of fire, etc.).

As for your questions, many have answered already, but what it comes down to is what you'll carry and are comfortable with. My first conceal was IWB at the 5 o'clock with a Crossbreed Supertuck with a full size. My work changed and I shifted to a pocket carry in a Desantis Superfly for when I was wearing suits. Now I mainly go with my full size in appendix carry. I've got a Tier 1 kydex holster that I like. T-rex arms also makes good rigs. Decision for me between the two was T-rex didn't make a holster for my HK.

Get training. Take a class that stresses you some, not just shooting paper at 25yds.

Some people think that their LTC class is/was training. It is not. If you are in Texas, I recommend Sheepdog, but there are a few others as well.

As for holsters, I would only buy from a manufacturer that allows for some sort of trial period with free returns. Holsters are very much a personal decision and what works for me may not work for you. I also think Kydex is the better choice longterm over leather or a hybrid setup.

I love the Nexbelt belts. The ratchet adjustment makes putting on and taking off my appendix holster very easy. There are others that are similar, but I've only used this brand.

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nextbelts (or any ratchet-system belt) are a gamechanger.

Train. Train. Train.

HumbleAg04 said:

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Train. Train. Train.

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Oh I'll definitely will do that. That's priority #1.

One other question: do y'all use red dots on your carry weapons?

Thanks for advice so far. Keep 'em coming.

RK said:

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nextbelts (or any ratchet-system belt) are a gamechanger.

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Hear this all the time. But why?

As mentioned, Things get very preferential. What works great for some doesn't work for others.

Holsters
1. Any special design features I should be looking for?
I like Kydex Shells on my holsters.
2. Inside the belt? Outside? Pros and cons.
I carry AIWB almost exclusively. Once you get it dialed in, I find it pretty comfortable.
3. Any other practical thoughts on holsters?
A good belt is just as important as a good holsters, I like belts with steel cores vs just relying on thick leather. Wedges and wings on holster can really change the comfort and concealability.

Weapons
1. Size of weapon? Im not going full size but how small is too small? I'm sure the answer is depends on the shooter but I thought I'd ask.
That is personal... You need to be able to shoot it well but also something that you WILL carry.
2. I like how my CZ full size shoots, and how the larger Sigs shoot. Also considering HK and Glock. I'll be trying all those out at the range but wants y'all's thoughts on what you use and why.
I carry a P365 XMACRO the most. But also really like my Glock 19 and will occasionally carry my regular P365 if I really want a small gun.
3. Round capacity? Some subcompacts come in 10, while some come with 17. More is better I'm sure but is 10 too small (Glock 43X)
More is always good. I like 10+ as a minimum for me
4. I just assumed 9mm because I have a lot of defensive rounds at home. Should I consider another round?
You should keep 9mm

Other practical advice
1. What else am I missing? Any other thoughts?
Red dots are awesome in my opinion. Get suppressor height sights as a back up and practice with both.

RK said:

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nextbelts (or any ratchet-system belt) are a gamechanger.

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I'm a fan of Blue Alpha Gear's belts

Yes on the red dot. I carry a Trijicon RMR and change the battery annually. You need to make it a deliberate transition and get to the point where you never have to hunt for the dot. Many advantages to a RDS.

The ease of adjustment and wider range of adjustments. Compared to a standard belt with fixed holes and limited range of adjustments, a ratchet system is far more flexible. With a standard belt, I always found the hole was never in the right spot. Would be good without gun, but then too tight or too loose with gun (or vice versa). Also nice to loosen an extra 1/4" after lunch! Stiff gun belt that helps carry the weight.

Glock 43x MOS.

jrb2019 said:

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The ease of adjustment and wider range of adjustments. Compared to a standard belt with fixed holes and limited range of adjustments, a ratchet system is far more flexible. With a standard belt, I always found the hole was never in the right spot. Would be good without gun, but then too tight or too loose with gun (or vice versa). Also nice to loosen an extra 1/4" after lunch! Stiff gun belt that helps carry the weight.

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Too easy.

BSD said:

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HumbleAg04 said:

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Train. Train. Train.

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Oh I'll definitely will do that. That's priority #1.

One other question: do y'all use red dots on your carry weapons?

Thanks for advice so far. Keep 'em coming.

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You need to find a range where you can draw from carry position and time your shots. Can't measure improvement if you can't measure.

I'm new to carrying as well, picked up a 365 X-Macro and a T.Rex Arms sidecar for IWB. Have a Kore Essentials ratcheting belt coming in today.

What are people's preferred 9mm defense loads? 115/124/147 gr? +P? I know it's dependent on what your gun likes as well. I picked up some Hornady Critical Defense 115gr, Sig Elite 124 gr, and Federal Punch 124 gr +P to try out. Especially interested in what other X-Macro carriers think.

I'm not a fan of red dots on carry weapons. If in the situation you will likely be feet away....won't need a red dot and practice such that as you come to proper aim you are immediately firing. You won't be looking for much of a laser accurate sight picture. You don't need the ten ring you need the basketball sized center mass. You might even be aiming from the hip on a rapidly approaching bad guy. I've seen where the laser didn't work, dead battery, or finger in the way and the operator would not fire looking for the laser first. Don't need it don't use it don't anticipate it. In a stressed situation it will be worse and you will lock up.

Won't need an extra magazine. There has never ever been an instance of a citizen involved gunfight where they needed a reload.

First rule of a gunfight. Have a gun.

After that train for scenarios. Need a secure holster so you aren't fighting your equipment. Your carry weapon will likely not be fun to shoot. They are snappy because they are smaller to be concealable. That's all a good thing.

SGrem said:

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I'm not a fan of red dots on carry weapons. If in the situation you will likely be feet away....won't need a red dot and practice such that as you come to proper aim you are immediately firing. You won't be looking for much of a laser accurate sight picture. You don't need the ten ring you need the basketball sized center mass. You might even be aiming from the hip on a rapidly approaching bad guy. I've seen where the laser didn't work, dead battery, or finger in the way and the operator would not fire looking for the laser first. Don't need it don't use it don't anticipate it. In a stressed situation it will be worse and you will lock up.

Won't need an extra magazine. There has never ever been an instance of a citizen involved gunfight where they needed a reload.

First rule of a gunfight. Have a gun.

After that train for scenarios. Need a secure holster so you aren't fighting your equipment. Your carry weapon will likely not be fun to shoot. They are snappy because they are smaller to be concealable. That's all a good thing.

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That is outdated. There are so many good shooting carry guns today. It may not be the smoothest gun in your arsenal, but even my P365 isn't what I would call snappy in any way. My XMACRO and glock 19 are great to shoot.

Also, are you conflating reddot sights with lasers?

My EDC is an XDS and for sure is great to shoot as well. I enjoy it. I just enjoy my 1911 much better....or my FN or one of my Redhawks.

Just not a fan of sight systems in a close battle weapon. I've seen it lock up operators. In a high stress rapidly approaching bad guy it can delay you when you should be simply coming to target and firing while retreating to create distance.

.....for me. Same reason I don't want a big sight on the home defense shotgun. God forbid you ever had to use your carry weapon your likely to be nearly in arms length.

Howdy Dammit said:

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RK said:

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nextbelts (or any ratchet-system belt) are a gamechanger.

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Hear this all the time. But why?

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you can get a perfect fit instantaneously no matter what variables you're dealing with:

1. all of my pants or shorts fit slightly different
2. my size and shape are different if i haven't eaten all day vs just having put down a pound of fajitas and bucket of queso
3. my size and shape changes when standing vs sitting
4. can instantly loosen when getting in the car and instantly tighten when exiting
5. some clothes conceal differently than others (may need to snug up to conceal better in some and can be more loose in others)
6. can loosen easily without completely disconnecting (comes in handy for sh*tting)

...plus a bunch of other reasons. basically, you can discretely and quickly make micro-adjustments to the fit at any time to enhance comfort and/or concealment.

Carry what is comfortable and won't print on a light shirt much, if at all. (Mine is a Ruger 9mm stubby revolver)

Carry at least one reload for a semi-auto and two reloads for a revolver.

Be very sure morally that you can commit to shoot another human being in lawful defense of you or another person.

Know and review the law frequently on use of force in whichever state you travel armed.

Do everything possible to avoid getting into a confrontation. When you cannot retreat, mentally commit to being victorious in the inevitable gun usage.

Just my .02 from decades of carrying professionally and as a citizen.

Some good (and some....less good) advice so far.

A quality gun belt makes carrying easier, no matter what you're carrying. Buy a gun belt. Holsters are so gun/body/clothes dependent its really hard to make good recs in this area outside of "dont use a floppy nylon holster you bought at walmart".

Would highly recommend seeking out a force on force class in addition to traditional classes. The things you'll learn in a quality force on force setting are by far the best "training" you can do for the possibility of having to use a gun.

Red dots are a significant advantage if you train on them. Big fan.

I'll also throw in a "go shoot a competition" plug here. No, it's not training. But your body can't tell the difference between "oh crap that dude has a knife and he's coming at me" real stress and "oh crap, people are going to watch me do this on the clock and I'm going to look like an idiot" stress. Getting your brain conditioned to work and think quickly while stressed and practice using a firearm under pressure is valuable for someone carrying a gun for self defense, and competitions are the easiest place to get both.

Good luck on your journey!

I have several Nexbelts and am a big fan. I carried for years with several different holsters. Didn't realize what a difference it made until I tried the Nexbelt. I would opine that the belt is as important as the holster. As already pointed out, you can ratchet 1/4" at a time instead of 1" increments on conventional belts.

One caveat. Only choose from their EDC belts. The EDC belts have an additional stiffener inside that is important when carrying. I bought one of their regular belts, and while okay, is not nearly as effective as the EDC.

Make sure if your going to cancel carry, sign up with USCCA, U.S. Law Shield or any type of concealed carry defense protection. As a LEO, I'm protected by my local union, however... if I'm off duty, traveling through different states, it's nice to have an independent concealed carry protection plan. In this day of age, you need all the legal help you can get.

A friendly reminder, if you pull the trigger of a firearm and kill someone, all shootings go before a grand jury. To get cleared of a self defense charge, can cost any where from 100k to million easy. It's double that, if your case goes to jury trial. That's from paying a bondsman if and when arrested, hiring a lawyer, hiring investigators, expert witnesses testimony. It can get expensive fast.

Pocket carry works well and is most comfortable for me. I carry either a shield or hellcat.

BenderRodriguez said:

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Some good (and some....less good) advice so far.

A quality gun belt makes carrying easier, no matter what you're carrying. Buy a gun belt. Holsters are so gun/body/clothes dependent its really hard to make good recs in this area outside of "dont use a floppy nylon holster you bought at walmart".

Would highly recommend seeking out a force on force class in addition to traditional classes. The things you'll learn in a quality force on force setting are by far the best "training" you can do for the possibility of having to use a gun.

Red dots are a significant advantage if you train on them. Big fan.

I'll also throw in a "go shoot a competition" plug here. No, it's not training. But your body can't tell the difference between "oh crap that dude has a knife and he's coming at me" real stress and "oh crap, people are going to watch me do this on the clock and I'm going to look like an idiot" stress. Getting your brain conditioned to work and think quickly while stressed and practice using a firearm under pressure is valuable for someone carrying a gun for self defense, and competitions are the easiest place to get both.

Good luck on your journey!

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This is my advice as well. My profession is literally about carrying handguns. I've designed many holsters over the las few years and can tell you, not everything we make works well for everyone. Carrying is all about comfort. If you can't carry comfortably, you will not carry. Holsters are extremely personal. Pick a carry gun that you can shoot constantly well with and base your holster and carry style off of that. I also will say that a proper carry belt will make a huge difference on stability. Last thing you want to do is always readjust.

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Other practical advice
1. What else am I missing? Any other thoughts?

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Not sure where you fall in this category, but fitness and a normal BMI will make carrying significantly easier and are far more likely to prolong your life than carrying. I bought holster after holster trying to find the right one back in my fat days. Now that I'm 40lbs lighter and normal weight, they're all comfortable. (Currently use an Alien Gear Shape Shift Appendix for my G43]. Fitness will also make training more enjoyable.

Personally I've gone from carrying full sized weapons to as light as I can get with enough capacity. Started with a full sized XD OSW and eventually a 365XL ISW. Capacity is the same but much lighter. ISW, OSW, and appendage is largely dependent on body type.

I did not read the whole thread because I trust you have all the information needed so I'll give my preferences.

First, I dont like IWB holsters. They suck. They are not comfortable and I just don't like them. I have a High Noon lined OWB holster. It rides a little high and is canted. I am 6'1" and none of my "regular" shirts stay tucked in long anyway so they stay untucked and they completely cover the weapon. It holds well, it draws well, I like it. That means I'm going to carry it more.

Second, I ditched the mall ninja .45 caliber hand cannon horse crap guns that I felt the need to carry in my twenties. I carry a Sig P938 and two extra magazines. It's a solid weapon. It's quality. It works. It's also not a lot heavier than my big ass leatherman I carry on my belt every day which means I don't really notice my weapon. It's comfortable. Again, meaning I'm going to carry it more.

I have no problem with open carry but it's not my preference because I like my stuff hidden and I carry everywhere regardless of signage. Open carry isn't ideal if that's your plan or belief.

I recently validated my own biases while shopping. This big old corn fed fella came in, nestled up well within my bubble to eyeball something on the shelf. He had his big old "I tell you what" hat on, and sure enough, Rambo sized .45. No extra mags. Open carry. Hammer down. Guess he was going to Israeli draw or something. I went through about 3 scenarios in which I had already bet my life savings that I could unholster his weapon, take a round and pop him in the gut if I had bad ideas on my mind and all before he even knew what the hell was going on.

Anyway, I like my weapons small, OWB, but concealed and comfort is still my priority because as I said, if it's comfortable, you'll carry more.