New to concealed carry

[randy]

If I end up with an IWB holster, does that necessitate a new wardrobe? If I'm wearing 32" waist now, will I need to step up to 34"?

It depends. Most of my pants (work and jeans ) have enough flex and stretch that I can wear the same ones with and without my IWB. The only adjustment I have to make is what notch my belt is on. Once you have your holster and belt, try it and see what works for you.

I carry a Ted Blocker ST-17 IWB for my Browning High Power and find it very comfortable and practical.

One important feature is the reinforced top which keeps the holster from collapsing when the pistol is removed, making it much easier to re-holster.

I work primarily in an office environment, so I have a Ted Blocker dress belt that I wear all the time, so the fact that I have a particular belt on is not an indication of whether I am carrying.

You may very well find that you have different holsters for different situations. The IWB is good for deeper concealment, especially with golf/polo/t-shirts in warm weather and when I'm walking and standing a lot.

The Shoulder Holster is for when I'll be spending a lot of time behind the wheel, am able to wear more cover (heavier shirts/jackets in cool weather), and for staying in motels (drape it over the back of a chair near the bed and throw it on if I have to bug out for a fire, etc).

Etc, etc etc....

[Combat Controller]

I am a big fan of both the Kholster and Crossbreed IWB holster for my 1911's. There are circumstances where I will wear a shoulder rig, mostly in winter when I will not be taking off a jacket but will be sitting a lot, such as in a car.

I bought pants in 36" for my 34" waist and it does make a small difference. See what is comfortable for you. I wear a Hume Trouser belt, it looks like a regular dress belt but is thick and heavy, good for wearing a holster on.

[Dave]

An update to my original post.

I bought a crossbread IWB holster and a 1 1/2" black cowhide belt from the beltman. The latter was a Christmas present. The holster works really well concealing the CZ 82. I wore it all Thanksgiving with my extended family and no one noticed.

So just today I managed to get the day off and take care of my driver's license and registration. While in York I stopped at the sheriff's office. It was like night to day between dealing with PennDOT and then the sheriff's office. "I'll run it right now if you have 10 minutes." I did and they did.

So I have a real basic question. In what condition do you carry your pistols? I have two choices with the 82.

Round chambered and hammer down, safety off

Round chambered, cocked, safety on.

I'm not sure which I prefer and I'd like some advice.

Thanks for all the input. I'm really happy with the purchases thus far.

[randy]

I'm not familiar enough with the options on a CZ-82 to be sure, but IIRC it's a double action, in which case you generally don't carry with the hammer cocked. I don't remember enough about it's safety (as in if it is really a safety or a de-cocker) to recommend anything on that when carrying double action.

Since your Sig is also a double action I'd definitely carry double action to keep from getting mixed up when drawing if you switch them out.

By contrast, with a single action auto (Browning Hi Power, 1911, etc) Condition 1, Cocked and Locked (Round chambered, Hammer cocked, and Safety on) is the only way to go IMHO.

[Dave]

With the CZ-82 it is a true safety, I believe. The hammer stays back when you flip the safety on anyway. So to put it into DA I need to pull the trigger while holding the hammer. Surely I can't get into any trouble doing that!

[Aglifter]

I buy my pants a size bigger, but it doesn't matter as much. I have to buy belts sized to fit w. a gun, though -- Dickie's work pants also seem to have a very stiff waistband. FYI, you might want to check out when Weyrbacher's releasing more Heresy.

[TabascoKid]

I highly recommend 5.11 covert tactical slacks. They have two hidden, zippered pockets that have loops for 2 magazines apiece and an expandable waistband to aid IWB carry. Got them for $20 +S&H from LA Police Gear. They threw in a free belt that has stiffening to help with the holster.

[SeekHer]

Check in the Wiki for Custom Holster Makers

[Dave]

This thread gave me plenty to think about.

http://theguncounter.com/forum/viewtopi ... cz82#p9148

I've got a couple of pairs of jeans that were a little loose but fit quite well if I shove a holster and gun in them. The jeans that fit me well before are pretty uncomfortable though. I'll just be sure to bring my holster the next time I'm in the fitting room.

Do tactical pants tell the general scumbag that you are carrying and to move along without unduly upsetting the general law abiding population? Are they like the baggy pants and poofy coats of good guys?

I talked with the fellow in the sheriff's office about where I can and can't carry in PA. His answer was a little disconcerting. "I have a booklet for you, but I've read the laws and they aren't that clear." It really seems like this is an area of the law where clarity would be good.

[TabascoKid]

Do tactical pants tell the general scumbag that you are carrying and to move along without unduly upsetting the general law abiding population? Are they like the baggy pants and poofy coats of good guys?

The 5.11 slacks I mentioned look like khakis. No cargo pockets on the thighs or poofiness usually seen in tactical pants. Got two pairs and will be getting a couple more.