"On Board" update - PICS ADDED

[quidni]

I've been resigned to being limited to Pony-size for on-board carry, and purse/pack for anything larger, but you know what they say about hope!

Had to take my truck in to get a new starter today. I was very pleased with the shop - I got the truck back in less than an hour, and almost a hundred bucks cheaper than what the dealership had quoted me for the repair. Afterwards I went up to the gun store, with a list of reloading supplies my son needed, and to make the last payment on the CZ-75B I've had on layaway.

Got to looking at the holsters again while waiting my turn at the register, & found a plain, leather pancake holster that fit the CZ. It rode really high on me, and didn't curve where I do. On a whim I put it on weak side, at approx. 8:00, instead of strong side like it was intended. It actually came closer to fitting me, instead of fighting me, in that position! The butt winds up under my left arm, in easy reach of my right hand, and I was able to draw without dropping or snagging the pistol. (how come I never thought of trying it that way before?)

It was breezy this morning, so I was wearing a T-shirt with an unbuttoned denim long-sleeved shirt over it. I slipped the denim shirt back on over the T-shirt, and asked the gentleman helping me if it printed anywhere. His reply was "Not at all!" I'd say he seemed almost as surprised as I was!

When I finally got home, I found that my son had forgotten his cell phone when he left for work. I offered to take it to him, and swapped a lightweight sleeveless denim vest for the shirt since it had warmed up some. "Test Drive" time for the holster.

My son couldn't tell where or what I was carrying, although he's very familiar with carry methods, & plans on taking the class himself this month. He was shocked to find out I was wearing the "fullsize" CZ!

Tomorrow, I'm going to try wearing the CZ to church this way. If the Preacher and the other CHL'er can't tell either, then I know I've finally found a way I can wear a "full-size" SA.

Plus, my truck is fixed, and runnin' fine. I think it's been a good day!

(please pardon the long post... I tend to get wordy when excited)

[RPBrown]

Let us know the outcome. I have 4 daughters and a wife that would be interested.

[Charles L. Cotton]

Quidni:
I'm glad you found a rig you like and you may have an idea that would work for other women who ask me about holsters for women.

I have to admit I'm having a hard time picturing the positioning of the holster and the draw stroke. If I understand correctly, you're right-handed wearing a strong-side holster on your left side at 8:00 and are able to draw with your strong (right) hand. I would think that a straight drop holster would be difficult to draw from, if you're drawing from the front in cross-draw fashion, and a holster with an FBI cant would be very difficult.

Could you tell us a little more about the holster and how you are drawing. Are you drawing from the back similar to a small-of-the-back holster?

Thanks,
Chas.

[quidni]

Easier to show than to explain, I think... my son took these pics for me this afternoon when we went to the range.

Yes, that's my ol' pickup, running fine now.


Sideview, cover shirt pulled back.


The draw. It's pretty easy, & will just take some practice to be quick.




2 pics without the cover shirt, showing exactly where the holster rides on me.




Something else I discovered today - I can also draw and shoot with my left hand from this setup, just in case I can't use my right. (think SOB draw but a shorter reach) Makes me think about the possibility of getting a left-hand holster to wear on the right side...

I also think the size of the holster has something to do with the way it works for me. I tried a smaller pancake holster of my son's, and it didn't work at all. Everything dug into me in all the wrong places.

I even made it through the "Gauntlet of Hugs" at church this morning, wearing this outfit, without problems. (My husband didn't even realize where I was carrying until this evening, when he walked through the kitchen and "patted" me in passing... and the pat went "thunk" )

[longtooth]

No reach at all for you. That is a good rig. Facing you w/ arms down or folded would not be able to see it then.

[gigag04]

nice setup. nice window sticker too!

-nick

[Kalrog]

I am AMAZED that it is as comfortable and hidden as it is. That holster / gun combo just looks like it would be way too big on you to be either.

I am looking at a larger carry gun and I think I could get away with a true full sized, but I am 6'4" and north of 210. Glad you tried it out and even more happy that it works for you!

[BobCat]

Your choice of carry pistol is excellent - same as mine! I bet you get to like your CZ75B more and more, the more you shoot it.

I think your picture shows you are using the 10-round mag that may have come with the pistol. CDNN has 16-round magazines - http://www.cdnninvestments.com/cz.html - that fit and feed properly, and they are only $20. Wolf (gunsprings.com) has mag springs (the stock mag springs are sort of weak - no need to replace them soon, but sometime).

My CZ lives iwb strong-side @ 4-o'clock, with a Wrangler denim shirt worn like a jacket. Your cross-draw rig seems like it works just fine for you, and would be easier to draw sitting in the car if need be.

Regards,
Andrew

[quidni]

Yes, it's a "Clinton" mag. But this is a pre-owned CZ, made in 1996. I've already got plans to add a couple mags from CDNN, but right now my discretionary income is telling me to be discreet! (and my son has offered to spring for a couple for my birthday if I don't have them yet. He's a very good son

Put about a hundred rounds through it yesterday, & my groups got tighter each magazine. I even took some left-handed, & after the first couple of "wild" shots I managed to keep everything on the paper - even if not in the 10-ring! Yep, this'uns definitely a keeper.

Forgot to add - that's actually my son's full-sized RIA .45 in the holster in that last pic. He wanted the pic for the size comparison between pistols in the holster. So, Kalrog, if'n I can do it, there's a way for you to do it as well.

Funny, how instinct kept telling me that because of my size, I should look for a smaller holster, when what I really needed was to look the other direction, and put it on wrong! You think y'all were surprised??

Nick, that window sticker was the first thing I did to this truck when I bought it. I'm glad you like it!

~~~
(edited because I can't spell..... )

[BobCat]

Ok, I understand discretionary income real well. And yes, your son sounds like he was raised right!

Once the $ become available, besides mags, you may find the Kadet .22 top end will save you money in the long run, on ammo. I shoot a lot of 9 mm, but the .22 allows practice with the same trigger and grip, but a lot lower ammo cost.

After I read something about "point shooting" aka "quick kill" I decided to try it. Went to the 3-yard line (feeling foolish) and put on the .22 top end. Raising the pistol just to chin level, not looking at the sights (looking hard at the target, in contravention of everything I know, and feeling still more foolish), I was able to shoot 10 rounds of .22 into a palm-sized group, about 3" below the bullseye. After 50 rounds of .22 I was willing to admit that, at arm's length, sights aren't all that necessary.

So - you can accessorize your CZ with all kinds of good stuff, and have fun!

Regards,
Andrew

[Jim101]

Great pictures and information, it is amazing how that rig just disappears on you....

Thanks,

Jim

[txinvestigator]

quidni,

Did you exaust all opportunities for strong side carry? I ask because cross draw causes an entire set of challenges for the wearer.

When you draw, unless you practice specific techniques, you will sweep everyone from your 9 o'clock to your target. It is also very easy for someone to jam you up by pressing and holding your arm against your body to prevent you from drawing. Cross Draw also limits your ability to draw and fire quickly at a potential assailant within arms reach.

I am not trying to poopoo on your new Mode of Carry, but I have had experience and training in this, and I want you to at least be aware.

[JLaw]

HOLY COW!!

It amazes me how you can hide a full size service pistol on such a small frame, quidni!!!

That inspires me to look into carrying a full size weapon. I suppose where there's a will, there's a way.

I understand the points made by txinvestigator, they do seem to make sense. But I'm in shock of the "disappearing CZ" right now!

Good job!

JLaw

[quidni]

txinvestigator - Thanks for the heads-up! I don't know about "all" opportunities but I've borrowed/tried a number of IWB & OWB holsters, bellybands, leg holsters, etc - whatever I can find locally. I've really appreciated places that have let me pull everything off the racks to try out! Of course, until this past weekend, I've only tried them the way they were meant to be worn by their designers.

Typically, holsters for larger pistols ride way too high on me so that conventional strong-side draw is difficult and sometimes almost impossible for me. If I wear even this holster strong-side, like it was intended, I almost can't get the pistol out at all. Up 'til now, anything larger than my Pony has had to ride in a purse or fannypack, which has straps that can be grabbed or cut, and that's what I'm trying to get away from.

One thing I have learned for sure, is that every concealed-carry method has both its plusses and drawbacks. I really appreciate your advice on some of the things to look out for with cross-draw, & I'll see if some of the folks I know locally who teach/carry can give me some pointers.

I'm also not giving up my Pony.

[flintknapper]

One thing I have learned for sure, is that every concealed-carry method has both its plusses and drawbacks. I really appreciate your advice on some of the things to look out for with cross-draw, & I'll see if some of the folks I know locally who teach/carry can give me some pointers.

I've been carrying cross-draw for quite a few years, and honestly don't find it to be nearly as hazardous as many would have you think. I do not disagree with txinvestigator that "potentially" the things he said.. might apply.

I don't know your shooting stance (Isosceles or Weaver or other), but I'll submit this: The position you begin your draw from has much more to do with having your draw stalled "jammed up" than where your pistol resides.

If you are facing me (squared up) at arms length, I will stall your draw everytime regardless of where you have it. Only, if you parry off my attack with your weak hand, or blade your body to me, will I fail. I'm pretty sure Sensei will confirm this.

Same holds true for sweeping everyone. Blade your body (if possible), keep the weapon vertical (muzzle down just like from strongside), and when it crosses your midsection, make your support hand transition and no one gets swept. All it amounts to is a proper draw!

Slower than strongside to draw from? Without more information I won't comment. I will say this however, IF you are bladed...then most cross draw rigs provide a shorter (arc of draw) than strongside, and many people actually find them faster. I know some of the tactical schools look down on this mode of carry, but give it a try.

Again, I am not purposely being argumentative and TI's advice is sound. Anytime you switch modes of carry you need to re-evaluate it suitability.

It works great for me and many others.