Why bother?

[General Zod]

Comfort is going to cost you. I've got an Crossbreed I carry a full size Sig IWB in, an Alien Gear I carry a compact Ruger SR9C IWB in, and a couple of DeSantis GunHide leather OWB holsters for the Sig and a full size 1911 that I use on days when I don't feel like tucking my shirt in.

Also, I've got about 100 pounds on you and have very little issue with comfort - the IWB holsters I use all have a thick leather shield that keeps my gut from impaling itself on the pointy bits of the pistols. And I wear them with good quality gun belts, which helps immensely with the comfort and stability of the holsters.

I've also been known to carry a subcompact in a pocket holster. Ultimate comfort there.

 

[Lead Belly]

I prefer Cohise IWB for my mare's leg scabbard.... but some folks say it puts a hitch in my giddyup.

 

[Tnhawk]

Comfort is going to cost you. I've got an Crossbreed I carry a full size Sig IWB in, an Alien Gear I carry a compact Ruger SR9C IWB in, and a couple of DeSantis GunHide leather OWB holsters for the Sig and a full size 1911 that I use on days when I don't feel like tucking my shirt in.

Also, I've got about 100 pounds on you and have very little issue with comfort - the IWB holsters I use all have a thick leather shield that keeps my gut from impaling itself on the pointy bits of the pistols. And I wear them with good quality gun belts, which helps immensely with the comfort and stability of the holsters.

I've also been known to carry a subcompact in a pocket holster. Ultimate comfort there.

A good gun belt is essential to comfort when carrying a gun. It will last for years however as holsters and guns change.

 

[Southpaw]

You carry a gun for that rare chance that you might actually need it. If nothing is comfortable than perhaps consider a smaller gun that can easily be pocket carried. The only reason to carry is for protection so either you are protected or not. Pocket carry may mean less effective caliber but still protection.

I know it's not what the cool kids do, but I've been pocket carrying forever. First it was with a 44 special and eventually moved on to a @Moonpie special (Glock 27). For me it was just easier when my daughter was young and I had to carry her a lot (I'm slightly restricted from using both my hands, so both child and gun carry was one sided for me), but I grew use to it and yes, I'm very much aware of the limitations of that style of carry.

As mentioned below by baboon, the right clothing is required and might just not be your style. It's been a cargo style pant or short for me, and not every clothing maker has a pocket design that works for me. As I've gotten older i.e. fatter, I've supplemented a regular belt with suspenders and that seems to be where I've landed. The suspenders over my white tee shirt look also gives me street cred when I'm yelling at the neighborhood kids to keep off my lawn.


Hope you can find something that works for you. I couldn't imagine not having the option of not carrying and feel exposed in the rare occasion I am not.

Pocket pistols are not a bad idea but they do depend on the design of the pocket of your pants. Wearing a belt & cinching it down always sucked in my mind, but I did do it for years.

 

[Charley]

I've been making holsters for about 10 years now. The primary thing to remember is everybody is different. What works great for one person is a nasty, uncomfortable POS for someone else.

 

[vmax]

I got my LTC a while back but have never carried one of my guns with me anywhere. The holsters are so uncomfortable I can’t stand wearing them. I’ve tried 5 different ones and finally gave up. Never tried appendix carry because I’m not going to have a loaded gun pointed at my balls. Getting an LTC was just a waste of time.

I bet you're a hoot at parties

 

[MTA]

buy something smaller and pocket carry. I have found that to be the most comfortable carry method for me

If I am doing IWB its always with a suede leather holster or with a desantis unituk. Not big on kydex either unless it has a padded backing, like the unituk

 

[seeker_two]

A good gun belt is essential to comfort when carrying a gun. It will last for years however as holsters and guns change.

This is very true....even for pocket carry. I prefer the Nextbelt and Wilderness Tactical Frequent Flyer belt (5-Stitch). Both provide excellent support and comfort for a variety of carry methods.

Also, if you're in the Hipless & Buttless Club like me, the Perry Ubee suspenders worn under the shirt is a godsend....

 

[Scat]

I got my LTC a while back but have never carried one of my guns with me anywhere. The holsters are so uncomfortable I can’t stand wearing them. I’ve tried 5 different ones and finally gave up. Never tried appendix carry because I’m not going to have a loaded gun pointed at my balls. Getting an LTC was just a waste of time.

I pocket carry (in a pocket style holster) a Ruger LCP 380 wherever I go.

 

[innominate]

While I do have a couple comfortable IWB holsters I use a snap OWB holster. I like the GS2 made by rgrizzleleather.com.

 

[motorcarman]

The smallest revolver I have is a North American Arms .22 that I sometimes 'pocket carry'.

At 5' 8" and 140 lbs after a Thanksgiving meal (if I eat a lot) I appendix carry a Polish P64 in a nylon holster that is not uncomfortable.

I'll be 70 next year so I don't need a SW model 29 to test my hand strength.

Maybe get a really small handgun.(better than NO GUN)

They do make a 'belt-buckle-holster' for the NAA .22

 

[HD-Ghost]

I carry concealed with a Jack-Ass/ Miami Vice shoulder holster. With two spare mags, it balances out to being non-noticeable.

 

[RatBikeRod]

TLDR, and you are probably not going to like what I have to say, but ... you need to nut up!

I carry a full size gun most days in an OWB holster, numerous holsters, and comfort is not my main concern. Concealability and function are. I need it to conceal well and provide easy draw and relatively easy reholstering (without anything getting in the way). Comfort comes last on the list.

I am not thin as I once was, so I get my fat pinched at times and if I am sporting my Leatherman in pocket clip mode it often hits the end of my holster. Annoying, yes, but nothing to make me stop carrying.

My two cents, not worth that much in the Biden economy.

 

[texasrho83]

I have an OWB leather holster made for my gun (S&W 340) by Craft Holsters. They're my go to for any hand gun I want to carry. I also have a shoulder holster complete with speed loader holders that I've yet to wear mainly because it just doesn't get cold enough down here to wear jackets or long sleeves much.

 

[OldPhart]

A quality leather OWB holster with a steel insert belt does fine for me.

I'm partial to the Milt Sparks Summer Specials. A bit of a wait for one but you will not be disappointed. A full size 1911 is no problem for me even at 72. I sometimes forget I'm carrying my Officers ACP and SIG P938 if that's the gun for the day.

 

[CrazyCobraManTim]

There's an old locution: Carrying a gun is comforting...not comfortable.

Or something along those lines...

However, if you can predict when you may need one and not have one...you can figure out the rest.

Yup - I did open carry longer than concealed - usually a Glock 30 or 1911 (Desert Warrior). Actually got an Urban Carry leather holster - which could accommodate a full frame pistol. It didn't hurt that the wife wondered if I was packing (or dual packing).

 

[KTXdm9]

I prefer leather holsters over kydex. What belt are you using?

I neglected to add that a well fitted quality gun belt is a very necessary part of the system. I have a few of those in that holster drawer too.

This. I prefer leather over plastic for holsters. Either way, you need a gun quality gun belt. The JC Penny special ain't gonna cut it. You are also going to need some break in time for any holster and belt to conform to your body.

 

[Gordo]

I've appendix carried my 1911 for decades, most without a holster, always cocked & locked.
But I make sure any auto I carry that way has a good strong safety detent.

Have a nice older Blackhawk leather IWB holster now that is very comfortable.
Too bad they don't offer them any longer.

 

[Gordo]

And if I'm going somewhere, like say the dentist, I carry my little AMT DAO 45, in a DeSantis pocket holster, with a couple of spare mags in the other pocket.
Also very comfortable, easy to bring into action.

Maybe OP should consider a different sidearm...
The only one that will save your life is the one you have with you.

 

[leVieux]

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The most comfortable rig I ever tried is a S&W Scandium J-frame in a GALCO ”Scout” IWB @ 3:30 - 4:30.

After trying several aftermarket grips & grip scales, went back to the original S&W black “rubber” panels.

Since you are in Texas, w/ a “CL”; you could OC most places.

I advise all new to CC to “start small’’ so as to not get discouraged; like you are now.

For instance, a P3AT in a good horsehide shirt pocket holster or in an Uncle Mike’s “sticky” pocket model.

Remember that ANY gun in an emergency is better than your finger going “Bang-Bang”. . . . .

Good Luck !

leVieux

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