Concealing at Work - Waitressing

[Medic218]

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.

[randomoutburst]

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.

[megs]

I got a small tucking holster for my snubby. I wear it in the front in the hollow between my hip bone and navel. I set it so the grip is at the waistband and teh snubby disappears. I don't wear low rise jeans at work but you probably don't either. Anyways it's easy to stick it in the waistband and see if it hides okay before spending $50 on a holster.

[cbunt1]

Well, I'm the wrong person to be replying and commenting here, cuz I'm male. And yes, we're built differently -- Trying to help my mother through the woes of on-body packin' has taught me that...Haven't been able to find a holster she will tolerate (Doesn't want to wear a belt--'specially a gun belt, and doesn't really like IWB--till she tried one of my better holsters. But I digress...)

But, as for jeans and a polo shirt, I comfortably and frequently carry a commander frame 1911 in an MTAC holster, IWB--wearing bluejeans and a polo, or the proverbial "white shirt and tie". A polo one size larger than normal, tucked, and slightly "sloppy" at the waist does quite nicely.

I think the CTAC and Supertuck models are essentially the same--but they will allow you to adjust the cant of the gun to the point it's almost absurd...which should help with both printing and poking.

IWB does take a little getting used to, but if you're determined, (and it sounds like you are) then you can do it.

[RPB]

Well, I'm the wrong person to be replying and commenting here, cuz I'm male. And yes, we're built differently -- Trying to help my mother through the woes of on-body packin' has taught me that...Haven't been able to find a holster she will tolerate (Doesn't want to wear a belt--'specially a gun belt, and doesn't really like IWB--till she tried one of my better holsters. But I digress...)

But, as for jeans and a polo shirt, I comfortably and frequently carry a commander frame 1911 in an MTAC holster, IWB--wearing bluejeans and a polo, or the proverbial "white shirt and tie". A polo one size larger than normal, tucked, and slightly "sloppy" at the waist does quite nicely.

I think the CTAC and Supertuck models are essentially the same--but they will allow you to adjust the cant of the gun to the point it's almost absurd...which should help with both printing and poking.

IWB does take a little getting used to, but if you're determined, (and it sounds like you are) then you can do it.

CTAC and Supertuck models are essentially the same in that they are both IWB kydex/Leather hybrids. BUT, there are differences in them ...

Each kydex/Leather hybrid has differences ... for example:
On some, like Comfort Carry for example, ... retention/tightness is adjustable as screws are used to fasten kydex to the leather, whereas on Kholster kydex is rivited to leather instead of using screws/bolts.


(A guy told me once, "Holsters are like noses, you gotta pick your own and not let a freind pick yours")
Here are some you can consider when shopping:

Take a look at Tucker Gunleather "Silent Thunder" (leather lining inside the kydex too for a more silent draw)

Tucker Gunleather "The Answer" (Lining on the back of the leather next to the body, and you can order leather lining inside the kydex)

Concealed Technology/Rob Durham "Comfort Carry" Smooth Horsehide next to skin, smooth leather next to gun, thicker/stiffer leather portion since 2 pices of leather/horsehide are laminated)

Comp-Tac (Partially lined next to the body, several types of clips available (Velcro/C-Clips/normal Belt clips etc)

Crossbreed (rough leather or rough horsehide next to your body)

Kholster (Opposite of Crossbreed in that comfortable smooth leather next to skin, but rough leather next to gun, Better belt clips should be used IMHO)

[Ropin]

The SuperTuck works just fine with curves...the adjustability helps with that.

Regarding gun size, CBSTs are designed to fit multiple size variants of a given gun. So the 1911 model will fit a 3", 4" or 5" barrel. Or an XD model will fit a service or tactical or compact or subcompact. You order for the longest slide you figure to use, IIRC.

[Fawkes]

Having done shoulder carry for a couple of years, I would advise against it.

Due to my work conditions, I have chosen a small revolver carried in a pocket holster. I used to carry a Kimber Compact, but there is just too much bending and crawling around to make that comfortable, and would be easily spotted. Having worked in the front of restaurants for many years, that will probably be a concern also, even with thunderwear (smartcarry).

I opted to go super small, with an NAA .22lr 5-shot revolver, but may up that in the near future.

[fickman]

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!

[randomoutburst]

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. :)

[gigag04]

A sig P238 will give you that 1911 look/feel while being MUCH easier to hide. I like (and own) the Kahr P380 - believe me I love the .45 acp as much as any other good american. But when I was serving/bartending there is no way I could practically conceal it and not have others find out. A small .380 on an ankle, or even that bra holster looked promising. Belly band may be uncomfortable all day. I wear my P380 daily on my ankle at work as a BUG and don't notice it. Also nobody grabs your ankle to say "behind you" while carrying a tray.

The thunderwear shown may work too as you have an apron to help break up lines.

[randomoutburst]

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.

[Medic218]

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

[KD5NRH]

I'm thinking a deep concealment option would be my best bet. The apron covers my front so weird bulges in my pants aren't likely to be noticed, and no one should be "alerting" me in that area anyway!

I'm a big fan of .357 snubs for daily carry; small enough for deep concealment when needed, but absolutely big enough to do the job when needed. Put a 2" 5 shot in a SmartCarry, and you've got a good insurance policy that nobody should ever know about until they're looking at the chambered round from the wrong end. Also, the shape of a printing revolver is less obviously gun-like than most autos, and a speedloader printing in a pocket really looks like anything but a gun accessory to anyone not intimately familiar with wheelguns.

That said, I keep a 17+1 PT-99 in the car, and a 1911 by the bed, and I carry any of the above when the situation allows, but for everyday comfort I stick with a Taurus 605CH and two speedloaders.

The important thing with any carry method is to practice with it. I haven't used my SmartCarry in a few months because I keep forgetting to dig it out and go through a few dozen draws every week. I figure it will take me 2-3 weeks of that before I'm back to the speed and reliability I require from a carry method.

[KD5NRH]

SmartCarry might be a good option because I feel like I could conceal there comfortably, especially since the apron will cover any suspicious bulges.

If you wear the shirt untucked, bring the SmartCarry up so that the grip is behind your belt. This speeds the draw somewhat, and makes a one-handed draw much easier.

[KD5NRH]

Getting fired is one thing, bearing the reason for the dismissal is something else altogether.

IME, there are certain jobs that potential employers just don't care why you got fired from. (Assuming you're not applying for a similar job.) Food service and convenience stores are pretty high on that list.