Creative Carry Alternative

Gun, shooting and equipment discussions unrelated to CHL issues

Moderator: carlson1


Topic author
doc540
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 7
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:37 am

Creative Carry Alternative

#1

Post by doc540 »

I know it's NOT for everyone, but I've carried inside the pants with a SmartCarry for over 10 years.

Cool weather's not here yet, so I can't use a full shoulder rig.

But I would like to utilize the "shoulder holster" concept.

This week I've been using my old, worn SmartCarry system as a quasi-shoulder system but just strapping it across my chest with the Kahr CM9 under my arm.

No, it's not perfect. No, it's not the full, "ActiveProGear" rig (which I just bought and returned). No, it doesn't feel tight and restrictive.

Yes, it's comfortable and it works.

Unless one has to button their top button or wear a tie, it might be an alternative carry system.

And, Woolrich, makes long-sleeve shirts with two fake buttons on the front with magnets in them. That shirt really works. I bought two of them.

Image

Image

(cell phone case - mag holder)
Image
http://www.train2shoot.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA Lifetime Member
NRA Instructor
"Shooting more, typing less"
User avatar

jmra
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 10371
Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2009 6:51 am
Location: Ellis County

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#2

Post by jmra »

Think I would have gone with some kind of print?
Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid.
John Wayne
NRA Lifetime member
User avatar

Charles L. Cotton
Site Admin
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 17787
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 9:31 pm
Location: Friendswood, TX
Contact:

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#3

Post by Charles L. Cotton »

Thanks for the idea. I'll add it to the seminar on this topic. Would it be okay to use your photos?

Adding a soft, velcro-attached shoulder strap like on a Kangaroo belly band would also take some of the weight off the main "belt" allowing it to be a bit looser. Another advantage of your use is it has a pocket for an extra magazine.

Chas.
User avatar

RoyGBiv
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 9551
Joined: Wed Jan 05, 2011 11:41 am
Location: Fort Worth

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#4

Post by RoyGBiv »

Creative idea. :thumbs2:
I am not a lawyer. This is NOT legal advice.!
Nothing tempers idealism quite like the cold bath of reality.... SQLGeek

Topic author
doc540
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 7
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:37 am

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#5

Post by doc540 »

Charles L. Cotton wrote:Thanks for the idea. I'll add it to the seminar on this topic. Would it be okay to use your photos?

Adding a soft, velcro-attached shoulder strap like on a Kangaroo belly band would also take some of the weight off the main "belt" allowing it to be a bit looser. Another advantage of your use is it has a pocket for an extra magazine.

Chas.
You're welcome to use my pictures.

And, yes, a removable strap of some kind might improve the idea.

As long as the top, "collar" button isn't used, it's fairly easy to reach in and access a small handgun grip.

An undershirt makes it more comfortable and stops it from slipping or shifting.

It's not the "best" carry method, but it's an alternative, and it sure does work for me.
http://www.train2shoot.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA Lifetime Member
NRA Instructor
"Shooting more, typing less"

Topic author
doc540
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 7
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:37 am

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#6

Post by doc540 »

added a simple, removable shoulder strap

seems to be working fine

cooler weather
undershirt
open-neck cover shirt

Image

Image
http://www.train2shoot.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA Lifetime Member
NRA Instructor
"Shooting more, typing less"

woodsong
Member
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 64
Joined: Tue Aug 31, 2010 7:37 pm
Location: Katy
Contact:

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#7

Post by woodsong »

I like it! I wouldn't use a Smart Carry the intended way, but this makes a lot of sense.
User avatar

Divided Attention
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 2
Posts: 1139
Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 9:03 pm

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#8

Post by Divided Attention »

I have to say Doc must practice draw a lot! I purchased my sweet Colt Snubby from him a while back (my Valentines gift from my hubby last year :oops: ) We got to talking and from nowhere another snubby appeared! Not in a threatening manner of course, he was just showing me something. I still have no idea how he drew so unobtrusively - quite impressive. I know he uses a Smart Carry, inspired me to practice my draw more often. :tiphat:

PS, still love my Colt! :mrgreen:
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; Psalm 144:1-2
CHL - 2010; NRA RSO - 2011, NRA Chief RSO - 2014
NRA Pistol Instructor -2013, NRA Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor - 2015
Lifetime NRA Member - 2013

Topic author
doc540
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 7
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:37 am

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#9

Post by doc540 »

Divided Attention wrote:I have to say Doc must practice draw a lot! I purchased my sweet Colt Snubby from him a while back (my Valentines gift from my hubby last year :oops: ) We got to talking and from nowhere another snubby appeared! Not in a threatening manner of course, he was just showing me something. I still have no idea how he drew so unobtrusively - quite impressive. I know he uses a Smart Carry, inspired me to practice my draw more often. :tiphat:

PS, still love my Colt! :mrgreen:
Girl, you got the pick of the litter! :cheers2:
Image

Many people underestimate the utility of the SmartCarry.

Again, it's not for every body, but it works for me. ;-)
http://www.train2shoot.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA Lifetime Member
NRA Instructor
"Shooting more, typing less"
User avatar

The Annoyed Man
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 2
Posts: 26852
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:59 pm
Location: North Richland Hills, Texas
Contact:

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#10

Post by The Annoyed Man »

Charles L. Cotton wrote:Thanks for the idea. I'll add it to the seminar on this topic. Would it be okay to use your photos?

Adding a soft, velcro-attached shoulder strap like on a Kangaroo belly band would also take some of the weight off the main "belt" allowing it to be a bit looser. Another advantage of your use is it has a pocket for an extra magazine.

Chas.
http://kangaroocarry.com/ (warning: there are some buxom lassies modeling the device).

I bought one of these for my wife, and she pronounced it comfortable, but she still doesn't use it because she doesn't listen to anything else I say either. :mrgreen:

That said, it does exactly what doc540 is trying to accomplish here, but it is designed for it, and it has the advantage of support over the shoulders.
[youtube][/youtube]
“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.”

― G. Michael Hopf, "Those Who Remain"

#TINVOWOOT

Topic author
doc540
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 7
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:37 am

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#11

Post by doc540 »

Mine now has the added feature of support over the shoulder for $0 cost.

Wore it all day yesterday.

Well, until it warmed up 20 degrees outside. :oops:
http://www.train2shoot.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA Lifetime Member
NRA Instructor
"Shooting more, typing less"
User avatar

The Annoyed Man
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 2
Posts: 26852
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:59 pm
Location: North Richland Hills, Texas
Contact:

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#12

Post by The Annoyed Man »

doc540 wrote:Mine now has the added feature of support over the shoulder for $0 cost.

Wore it all day yesterday.

Well, until it warmed up 20 degrees outside. :oops:
Aahh.... I didn't see the post with the shoulder strap. Same idea though.
“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.”

― G. Michael Hopf, "Those Who Remain"

#TINVOWOOT
User avatar

Divided Attention
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 2
Posts: 1139
Joined: Sun Sep 19, 2010 9:03 pm

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#13

Post by Divided Attention »

I tried the Kangaroo at a gun show... I am "blessed" in the "girl" department, and found them to be an impediment in this style of carry. It might be great for some folks, but my body type is not conducive to this working. I also felt like it would be really hot.

Thank goodness there are so many options as there are so many folks with different needs and preferences!
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; Psalm 144:1-2
CHL - 2010; NRA RSO - 2011, NRA Chief RSO - 2014
NRA Pistol Instructor -2013, NRA Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor - 2015
Lifetime NRA Member - 2013

Topic author
doc540
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 7
Posts: 1213
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:37 am

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#14

Post by doc540 »

Divided Attention wrote:I tried the Kangaroo at a gun show... I am "blessed" in the "girl" department, and found them to be an impediment in this style of carry. It might be great for some folks, but my body type is not conducive to this working. I also felt like it would be really hot.

Thank goodness there are so many options as there are so many folks with different needs and preferences!
Didn't Howard Hughes develop a shoulder rig called the "Jane Rustler"? :thumbs2:
http://www.train2shoot.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA Lifetime Member
NRA Instructor
"Shooting more, typing less"

texasmusic
Senior Member
Posts in topic: 1
Posts: 585
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 12:43 pm
Location: Katy

Re: Creative Carry Alternative

#15

Post by texasmusic »

Looks like a modern version of the M5.
Image

A belt snap may be a good addition to yours.

I used to have a cheap knockoff and I liked it a lot until the plastic hardware and belt strap broke.
Ubi libertas habitat ibi nostra patria est
Post Reply

Return to “General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion”