how do I carry with comfort?

[ironsights]

I'm saving money for my chl and with times being tough and taking on new responsibility, it's taking some time. I posted a thread a while back about a Beretta 9000 that was having some problems but I took it out with some better ammo and that seems to do the trick, so I am confident in my firearm. I bought this pistol because I like Beretta and it is a compact .40 witch is what I really wanted but I can’t find any way to carry it well. I have nice leather inside the pants holster and I wear pretty baggy button up shirts. On my hip is the most comfortable but it shows too much and causes my pants to tighten too much so I get discomfort in my ever growing stomach area . In the small of my back is hidden better but I can’t bend over or sit down or really move much at all. Should I opt for a different holster?....Is it my pants?...or should I trade it in for something a little slimmer and lighter? I'm about 5'11" and 175lbs...If it is the pistol, does anyone have any suggestions on something of equal value to the 9000 (can't afford to put down any more money) that I could trade for? Also, and I know this is strange, is there any chl courses that take a payment plan for the economically challenged? Thank you!

[killerfly128]

You shouldnt have any issue carrying it at 4-5 o'clock .... I carry a p2000 at 4 o'clock and can pull it off with a t shirt. im 5'5" and 170 BTW


that pistol you have .... as much as i hate to say it (i hate beretta "pretty pistols") shouldnt be hard to conceal .... just have to alter your life around being aware of your gun

[Target1911]

Believe it or not, just a 1/2" difference in place can cause discomfort. Wear it around the house every chance you get. If the placement is uncomfortable, move about a 1/2". Keep doing this until you find the sweet spot. You may find that your pistol/holster (one or the other) just may not work for you. I can comfortably conceal a 5" 1911with a loose (but not over sized) button up shirt. I am the same build as you. Go buy you another pair of pants and get the next size up from your normal size. That may also be all that you need.

Remember one thing tho. It will take some time for you to get used to having a pistol in your waistband. Its a foreign object. You can almost compare it to buying a new pair of work boots. You know can tell they are new and takes time to get them comfortable. Just give it some time.

[Fixintu]

What make and type of holster are you wearing it in?

[Sangiovese]

The quality/design of your holster will have a major impact on how comfortable it is to carry. Different folks have different preferences so I won't try to sell you on what I use... but you should be able to find some gear that works well for you.

FWIW, my current holster wasn't the most comfortable when I first got it... but after about 3 days of wearing it, it got broken in (i.e. it came to a border agreement with my spare tire) and I now wear it 16ish hours every day and don't even feel it.

Also, you mention that it makes your pant uncomfortably tight. That makes sense... you just added about an inch to your waistline if you're carrying IWB :) I hate to say it, but buying new pants with a slightly larger waist might be one of the expenses incurred with daily carry.

[M9FAN]

The quality/design of your holster will have a major impact on how comfortable it is to carry. ...you should be able to find some gear that works well for you.

...buying new pants with a slightly larger waist might be one of the expenses incurred with daily carry.

+1

A good, stiff belt is also advised. I am 6'2", 170 lbs., carry a Beretta M9, use a CompTac Minotaur holster, and support it with a Kydex-lined leather belt that I also purchased from CompTac.

Here are a few pics of my M9 concealed carry setup:

[WildBill]

I'm saving money for my chl and with times being tough and taking on new responsibility, it's taking some time. Also, and I know this is strange, is there any chl courses that take a payment plan for the economically challenged? Thank you!

I don't know your location, but you can look into getting a non-resident license from another state such as Utah, Florida or Pennsylvania. The fees are cheaper than Texas.

[ironsights]

Thank you all again !I will continue to learn untill the day I die or die the day I stop learning........We teach History in hopes that some will learn and prevent previous mistakes......you all are my heroes.

[Mark F]

Believe it or not, just a 1/2" difference in place can cause discomfort. Wear it around the house every chance you get. If the placement is uncomfortable, move about a 1/2". Keep doing this until you find the sweet spot. You may find that your pistol/holster (one or the other) just may not work for you. I can comfortably conceal a 5" 1911with a loose (but not over sized) button up shirt. I am the same build as you. Go buy you another pair of pants and get the next size up from your normal size. That may also be all that you need.

Remember one thing tho. It will take some time for you to get used to having a pistol in your waistband. Its a foreign object. You can almost compare it to buying a new pair of work boots. You know can tell they are new and takes time to get them comfortable. Just give it some time.

Open Carry will eliminate this... If you haven't signed the petition, then please do so.

[MoJo]

You may want to try OWB. Some folks, I am one, just can't warm up to an IWB.

[Target1911]

What make and type of holster are you wearing it in?

I am not sure who this question was for but i will answer it too.
I can easily hide my 5" Kimber tho I usually carry my Kimber Compact (for those that dont know...4"bbl on an officers frame) ina Andrews Leather Mc Daniels II.




I can also, and many times do, use a loose (not overly baggy) t-shirt for cover.