TexasCHLforum.com

dhjenkins wrote:Somtimes special circumstances require special gear.

It seems to me that if you're going to carry something that substantial with an outfit that doesn't really permit it, and you don't want to have to wait a year and pay out the nose for some seriously custom leatherwork, you should think about making your own rig.

I'm thinking something like a "behind the apron fanny-pack" type of thing would work well. It would definately be in a location only your hands would have any good reason to be.

Well, I'm still going to get the MTAC for carry, but I've been rethinking about how to carry at work and it'll probably be a do-it-myself project.

I've measured my apron's middle pocket, which I don't normally use because of its susceptibility to liquids, and I found that it is deep enough to conceal a 1911. I'm planning on making a flap of sorts that will come from the top of the apron to just below the pocket's opening and is secured with a snap/velcro/whatever. I plan on getting some sort of flap holster that's water resistant, and sewing the flap of the holster to the apron flap. That way, it's secure, hidden, and waterproof during work...but if I need it, it's easily accessible.

In order to keep my hands free while walking to my car, I don't remove my apron until I'm inside my car anyway, so I'm not worried about removing it and leaving it somewhere, or someone else finding out what I've hidden in it.

I'll probably make it as soon as I can and do several dry runs to make sure management doesn't question my apron modification. I'll keep water-sensitive items like my cell phone and cash in it during the dry runs so that if I'm questioned about it, I can show legitimate use for the flap. Then I should be good to go, assuming they don't pull a "dress code" card on me.

Texas Dan Mosby wrote:Old post...however....

I would TOTALLY max out the tip of ANY waitress that carried ANY type of 1911 during her service!

I'm just sayin....

Come visit me in a couple months once I have my plastic then...I could use the money!

I had a table last night who knew my gun-friendly bartender friend. He told them I'm getting my CHL next month and they asked me where I was getting it, what I was going to carry, if I would carry at work ("That would be against company policy" ), and other questions.

They also tipped me well, and I'd like to think it was, in part, because of our conversation.

I'll post a photo of my uniform with my carry next month once I have it. I wish next month would hurry up and get here!

gunaddict312 wrote:I had a friend in the same situation as you and very easily i sewed in a false pocket with a zipper on the backside of her apron.

I have pockets on the outside and "inside", but again...I don't want to carry in my apron at all since I tend to spill liquids on it at some point during every shift.

I have it figured out...I'm just waiting on the gun, then I have to get my holster. I'm going to go with the MTAC and carry it somewhere IWB in front -- wherever is most comfortable -- so it's concealed by my apron but still allows for quick access.

The week after my birthday there are three different class times I can choose from to qualify for my CHL, so I'll be doing that ASAP. Then I'll be carrying at work once my plastic comes in!

Sad thing is, the new fall semester starts the same month I'll (probably) be getting my plastic, so most of my time outside the home won't even be spent carrying.

Wildscar, after comparing them both I think I will be going with the MTAC. :) Thanks for the suggestion and review!

Teamless, not an NRA member, but that discount sounds nice

troglodyte wrote:I didn't see this mentioned as a scanned through the posts

5.11 holster shirt may be an option.http://www.511tactical.com/browse/Home/ ... 01/I/40021 They also make a crew neck.

I wear another underarmor shirt under mine. The seams are a little rough. It fit's snug and keeps the gun right up next to you. I carry a XD9SC or a Colt Defender 3" 1911.

The touchy-feely part at work may be an issue although it does tuck up under your arm pretty well. I haven't got around to it but I'll probably put a stich or two across the botton of the pocket to raise my 3" guns up a little. They kinda get lost down there.

Just something else to look at.

Good Luck.

I cannot shoulder carry, even with that 5.11 shirt, because I am wearing a polo shirt. No access to the gun even after I'm off the clock if I wear that. Also, my back/shoulders/side are what people generally touch (a hand placed there to alert you to someone's presence if you can't see them) and I would be much too worried about getting made there, even if I had access to the gun.

I'm going to go with something like the Crossbreed or MTAC...but I am going to wait until I actually have my gun in hand before getting one. Seems like IWB under my apron is my best bet because it has the best concealment and quickest access.

There's a bartender at my restaurant who previously offered to get me a discount if I ordered through Gander Mountain...ultimately I didn't order through GM though. Anyway, I told him I was getting my CHL and that I was getting an STI Ranger II. He grinned and asked me if I would be packing at work. I said, "Why, that would be against company policy as I understand it." He smiled and I wonder if he carries, too...I wouldn't be surprised, but he'd have to be pocket carrying to conceal it.

laketex wrote: Yes. This. One guy didn't know how his firearm operated, and another barely passed his shooting test. Still another managed to sweep the entire class not once, but twice with his gun before he was asked to leave . I think there were 5 renewals, and 3 of them scared the snot out of me with their lack of knowledge, skill, and/or safety.

Btw, I'm in Sherman too and I don't think you'll have any issue with Blankenship's class at Red River. When I first saw your initial photo and noted location, I said...hmmm looks like Johnny Carinos. But then you said it wasn't you. Now I've got to play the game when we go out to eat of trying to spot the 1911 on the waitresses hip....and not getting punched by the wife. Sounds challenging. Always did love a challenge!!!

Scary people in those classes. My hubby took their course and said he was pleased with it, so I'll likely qualify down at Red River Firearms as well. :)

I won't leave you guessing (since I've posted it elsewhere anyway) and will reveal that I work at that crazy place called Chili's. I can't say I dig the food, but I make decent money and can eat for 1/2 price at all Brinker concepts, not just Chili's.
If you want to swing in and see if you can spot the waitress who's packing, I work shifts from Friday night to Sunday lunch. Have fun trying to spot me!!

RPB wrote: Most bad guys prey on the weaker/less able to defend/less aware.

So, sometimes looking "scary" is a prevantative measure to being robbed ... or even confronted by a bad guy in the first place.

Similar philosophy as: When you see a bear or lion, make yourself look bigger ... so hopefully it is a little less likely to attack you and those around you.

Saves effort trying to de-escalate a situation after a confrontation already occurred, if it can be avoided to begin with.

Signed
Scary-lookin' for your and my safety

(You should have seen some of the undercover narcotics officers I've known )
-------------

randomoutburst, post up when the plastic arrives and let us know if you and the hubby throw a celebration party (Be sure if he takes you to a celebration dinner, that you leave an adequate tip [kidding])

I think laketex meant their shooting skills and/or firearm safety practices weren't the best.

I will definitely let ya'll know when I get my plastic and how I end up carrying at work once I'm able to.
We didn't have a celebration for his CHL; I simply saved up and presented him with $200 for a shoulder rig he had been eyeing. I'm expecting something similar. ;)

Good day today - I got new shirts specifically for concealment purposes! I also found a hip OWB holster that fits my Model 60 w/ 3" barrel...for eight dollars!! I tested out the shirts with my revolver and new holster and it's totally concealed.

I also found a shirt with a silhouette of my Model 60 on it! I'll be wearing it (the shirt, not the gun!) when I go to outshoot my little brother next week.


Now I just have to wait until my birthday and I can get my STI I've been drooling over for months already...

jeeperbryan wrote:Well, if you can do it then by all means go for it.

BTW, tell your husband that he's a good man. I can't tell you how many times I've seen and heard of the husband going out and spending $1000+ on their CHL gun and then buy the wife a cheapo gun they wouldn't carry themselves.

I've heard of that as well. I'm glad he told me I could buy whatever I wanted. I let him indulge in his guns (he has 12 handguns already) so he said it's only fair I should indulge in mine. I initially was looking at one for almost $3000 and he said we would buy it if I wanted it, but urged me to reconsider the options because I could get a lot more for that price. Glad he pushed me in the right direction!

And because he's such a darling husband I hid away $200 (a difficult feat, since we share everything) and bought him a shoulder rig he'd been eyeing. I called it a "CHL class" gift. He had a month to test it out at home before he got his plastic.

He thinks I'm a keeper, but I think of the two of us HE'S the keeper!

jeeperbryan wrote:Umm, I'm like super jealous of your STI. I love that they're made in Texas. I wonder if you could get it sooner by driving down to Georgetown.

As far as carrying it, I'm not sure how you're going to conceal that beauty. I think a snubbie or small 9mm is going to be too big. Maybe getting a small .380 like a LCP, TCP, Sig, or Kel-tec and keep the STI locked in your vehicle? A pocket gun is better than nothing and you'll be able to do all your restaurant duties without noticing it.

That was part of my decision in buying from STI. Of course, the fact that they offered EXACTLY what I wanted without me having to modify anything was a big factor...but I also prefer to buy things made in the USA and, if possible, our Lone Star state. :) Well, I can't purchase it until I'm 21 anyway so waiting until my birthday is my only option no matter how badly I want it. If I could legally get it sooner, believe me...I would!!

I think if you guys saw me and what I had to wear you might not doubt my ability to conceal it. I'm a small woman, but I'm no stick. I'm sure I can conceal it - I just want to make sure it's concealed as well as it can be concealed...since it IS against company policy and I don't want to be outed. I can easily find another job if I'm found out, but that's a lot of hassle I'd rather not bother with.

I prefer larger guns for two reasons: they're heavier and have less noticeable recoil. I prefer steel frames for the same reason. I will never buy a polymer frame gun again. I had a Kel-Tec PF9...I hated it and sold it after having it about a year. You're right - I could easily conceal it. That's why my husband bought it; I had intended to use it as my carry when I turned 21. The recoil killed my hand, though, and it got to the point where I couldn't hold on to the gun after several shots; I was limp-wristing it because my hand couldn't take it. While smaller guns might be easier to conceal it doesn't mean I can't conceal my 1911 -- I just need to put a little more effort into it. :)

I genuinely think I can conceal my Ranger II with a Supertuck or Crossbreed at work. If I wear it between my left hip bone and navel, my apron conceals everything nicely while I'm on shift. Once I'm off the clock I can untuck my shirt for easy access to my firearm while walking to my car...which is the time I'm most worried about needing it. If necessary I can readjust in the bathroom before heading out to make sure it's both concealed and more readily accessible.

MedicMan218 wrote:How much did they charge you if you don't mind me asking?

Exactly what the MSRP is on STI's website - $1110. I was going to just order it from STI but figured I'd rather give a gun dealer the business, plus it gave me an excuse to head out of Sherman for a day, haha!

KD5NRH - I cannot wear my shirt untucked, period, while on shift. Still, once I'm clocked out I always untuck it so I plan on "adjusting" before I head out the door. SmartCarry is looking like a good option since I can do that. Also, you are correct - if I apply at any other restaurant they NEVER call for references. As long as you can do that job they don't care.
I'm not at all worried about getting fired over breaking company policy for carrying a firearm because my new employer likely won't know. If they were to ever actually call my old employer and find out that I had broken company policy in that manner, they can't just bring me in and search me to make sure I don't have a gun. Concealed is concealed and, as long as I find the proper way to conceal my firearm, I won't HAVE to worry about getting fired.

I went to TargetMaster yesterday to order and put a deposit on my STI Ranger II - I'm SO excited. He said it should take 11-14 weeks which means it should be here right on or after my birthday. That will give me enough time so save up the rest of the gun money and means that it will be my first handgun purchase...since my hubby bought and gifted me everything else I have.



I am DEFINITELY bringing it back up to Red River Firearms to test fire it since they have $5 ladies' nights Wednesday-Friday. I'll also be taking the first CHL class I can...we'll see if I'm comfortable enough to use my new baby or if I'll just use my husband's PT92 as originally planned.

As for work carry, I'm seriously considering SmartCarry or Crossbreed since I would probably end up using it outside of work too. Pocket carry with my revolver in my apron remains an option - I'll just have to test them out at home and see what works best.

Once I figure out how I'm going to make it work (in about three months...) I'll post photos of the carry I end up using.

fickman wrote:I'd recommend a Smith & Wesson 642 with a pocket holster in your apron.

I served tables for a couple of years in college, and never once had somebody else reach into my apron. You just can't take the apron off and leave it somewhere. The 642 is light enough that it won't tug or print.

This would give you optimal access to the firearm. If you use that pocket of the apron for anything else, just make sure it's clean. Make that your pen pocket and clip them all to the edge so that they are accessible from the outside. I had a couple of spills during those years - but nothing that would have permanently damaged a revolver. They're easy to clean, reliable, and lightweight.

Let us know what you end up trying!

I already have a Model 60 w/ a 3" barrel that I could use for this purpose. My problem is I only have two pockets and I need one for my book and the other for money/change and pens. I might be able to change that up to make this an option, though. :)

MedicMan218 wrote:What about this? http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.ph ... cts_id=114
Seems like it would work well being carried up front behind the apron and under the polo.

Well now...that looks like a workable option too!

I think I'm leaning more towards the SmartCarry or something like what MedicMan posted...

Ladies, do any of you wear a Crossbreed Supertuck? That seems to get good reviews but don't know how well they fit with a woman's curves. ;) Also, I didn't see an option for a commander frame 1911 - just the gov't size.

Shoulder carry as shown in the photos wouldn't allow me any access to the gun at all - I'm wearing a polo shirt. :(
I have considered getting a shoulder rig for everyday wear in colder months, though. Shoulder carry is just not a good location on my body for work.

The belly band might work though - I could wear it low enough that I still have access by pulling up my shirt, which will be untucked when going to and from my car. SmartCarry is also still a viable option.

Unfortunately I can't wear any "packs" on my hip, otherwise I'd just wear a fanny pack to the side of my apron.