Carrying with no belt?

[ray1970]

So... I really don't ever wear a belt and was wondering what style of holster would work best for concealed carry with no belt?

I was thinking either some sort of paddle holster or something with some kind of metal clip type thingy?

Thanks in advance. [Beer]

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Fanny pack! Sorry I'm no help.

[Fentonite]

Both paddle hoster and IWB holsters with clips sag too much without a belt, for me. So I wear a belt. With wintertime coming, a shoulder holster is an option. Hides well under jacket. But you can "road-test" one of my paddles or clips if you want, to see how they work for you.

(For those who will grumble, yeah, I know the arguments against shoulder holsters. Not gonna debate.)

[cstone]

I have no first hand experience with these, but they seem to be popular: http://remoraholsters.com/

I have worn a belly band. I cannot recommend them for long term wear, as they get very uncomfortable if you spend more than an hour in a seated position.

The only other option would be suspenders. There are times when I had to carry so many things, I wore a belt and suspenders. There are ways to conceal almost anything.

[Monky]

If you actually have decent retention on your holster and it's NOT secured IWB.. meaning it's just clipped on.. go ahead and try to draw.. I'll wait for you.

[lead_magnet]

Probably not the best of ideas for sure. I would venture to say that it pretty much tosses out all waistline carry options. You best bets are probably pocket, ankle or shoulder carry. That being said, I do occasionally do this, but never outside of my home farther than the mailbox. If I'm in my PJ's or something I'll tuck my IWB holster into it to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night or to go check the mailbox... that's about as dynamic as you want to get with that setup...slow shuffle down the stairs to pee in the middle of the night, or going from bedroom to bathroom for shower, lmao, anything more "crazy" than that and you can't have any faith in your weapon staying where you put it.

[Trigger Time 23]

no belt- ankle holster

[BigBear]

Got a reason for not wearing a belt or is it just not your style? Just curious.

[StagLefty]

Corset with molle ??? [Help]

[Zundfolge]

I have worn a belly band. I cannot recommend them for long term wear, as they get very uncomfortable if you spend more than an hour in a seated position.
Way back when I first started carrying I packed with a belly band. I'm convinced that the continuous pressure around my lower mid-section caused (or exacerbated) a bad case of IBS that lasted about a year.

If you're going to carry a gun heavier or larger than a pocket piece you either need to start wearing a belt. Otherwise you'll just have to get used to the downsides of a shoulder holster, pocket holster or ankle holster and skip the waist carry.

[ray1970]

Got a reason for not wearing a belt or is it just not your style? Just curious.

No reason other than comfort. That's also a good part of the reason I haven't gotten my carry permit yet. I just don't want to carry if it is going to cause me any discomfort or restrict my mobility in any way.

[SideShow Bob]

Concealed carry is not comfortable, but rather comforting. Without a belt you are regulated to either pocket carry or, gangsta style carry - tucked in your waistband........

[SA Friday]

No reason other than comfort. That's also a good part of the reason I haven't gotten my carry permit yet. I just don't want to carry if it is going to cause me any discomfort or restrict my mobility in any way.
This is exactly why I would make my probationary agents carry every day for their first 3-4 months as an agent. I simply saw too many that succumbed to the slight discomfort instead of carrying every day. With a good belt and holster and carrying every day for a couple of months, it just feels normal.

[TFOGGER]

Maybe something like this, except I really don't want a firearm pointed at my junk...

http://www.smartcarry.com/

+1 on suck it up and learn to carry with a proper belt. Standard belts almost never are adequate for supporting a holster and spare mag.

[Jeff350]

No reason other than comfort. That's also a good part of the reason I haven't gotten my carry permit yet. I just don't want to carry if it is going to cause me any discomfort or restrict my mobility in any way.

To be honest you will probably find yourself not carrying. I am not uncomfortable while carrying, but it definitely isn't comfortable. You may be able to pocket carry, but without a belt you may be pulling up your pants quite a bit.

As far as mobility is concerned, I have found that the more comfortable the carry set up, the less secure it is while moving (with regards to keeping your gun where you want it). For example, my G19 carried AIWB in a Dale Fricke Seraphim holster is very secure, and will always be in the same spot even if you have just wrestled around on the ground. The same gun, tucked in the belt with a Zac holster, will move around and has the potential to fall out of the belt, but it is very comfortable and very well concealed.

[ChadAmberg]

There's a youtube video of a woman wearing a remora holster in a bikini, and it staying in place no problem. Your mileage may vary of course!

[ray1970]

There's a youtube video of a woman wearing a remora holster in a bikini, and it staying in place no problem. Your mileage may vary of course!

You had me at "bikini". I'll check it out.

[Mazin]

Ankle?

[cstone]

Maybe something like this, except I really don't want a firearm pointed at my junk...

http://www.smartcarry.com/

+1 on suck it up and learn to carry with a proper belt. Standard belts almost never are adequate for supporting a holster and spare mag.

This was the belly band I mentioned above. After a few hours of being seated with my P229 dug in, "my junk" wasn't on my mind. When the weather was warm and humid, and after long hours, I would have red welts around the various contact points. They itched like crazy, so even when I wasn't carrying in the band, it still bothered me a few days later.


Most comfortable for me was a DeSantis pancake holster carrying my .357 snubbie. The speedloader in my left front pocket was a bit bulky, but there were times when I forgot I had the gun on and I would get my jacket half way off before I remembered that probably wasn't a good idea. I don't know when the Crossbreed style IWB holsters first became available, but I got my first one a few years ago. It is now the only way I carry. I've had two co-workers actually ask me why I stopped carrying because they don't have a clue about looking for the clips.

I hope you find something that works for you. For me, belts and holsters are a very personal item.

[Irving]

I'm not sure that carrying with a belt restricts my mobility. I guess it might, and I'm just not very mobile to begin with. While carrying in public, I do as little reaching with my arms and bending as possible. It's not that I can't, just that I don't want my clothes to reveal, or print. If it makes a difference, I run with my gun. I've run hundreds of miles with my gun.

[ray1970]

Shit. Sounds like I'll have to start wearing a belt I guess. Anyone have any recommendations for a decent belt. Preferably something that doesn't have a buckle that jabs me in my belly when I sit down?

[two shoes]

Concealed carry is not comfortable, but rather comforting. Without a belt you are regulated to either pocket carry or, gangsta style carry - tucked in your waistband........
I disagree... I have fallen asleep/taken a nap multiple times with mine on, carrying at the 4:00 position. Here it is: http://oldfaithfulholsters.com/ A good belt is a must. With one, it doesn't have to be tight and the gun doesn't want to flop. I will likely never use my Blade-Tech IWB again... too much bulk in one spot.

[two shoes]

Shit. Sounds like I'll have to start wearing a belt I guess. Anyone have any recommendations for a decent belt. Preferably something that doesn't have a buckle that jabs me in my belly when I sit down?
The 5.11 kind of sucks..(I have one and it jabs after sitting for 2-3 hours) although you could repel off of it if you had too... I am looking at Beltman, Old Faithful or something similar...

http://thebeltman.net/
http://oldfaithfulholsters.com/shop/category/gun-belts/

[SA Friday]

I've always used either a Galco or Aker leather belt in suits or street clothes. I used ballistic nylon belts "rigger belts" when in uniform or war zone.

[newracer]

Wilderness belts are very comfortable. I wear mine every day.

[Lex_Luthor]

I carry in a Smartcarry holster every day. It's not uncomfortable at all. I've ran with it on, several miles, in sweatpants. Even pajama pants conceal my M&P very well. The trick is to wear it quite low. I haven't had to change any part of my wardrobe. I found that wearing it slightly to the right (gun in right holster pocket, extra magazine in the left) is more comfortable for me and doesn't rub my junk. The muzzle of your gun is not pointed at your junk. It sits below your junk and points at the floor. Obviously you won't re-holster lightning speed... take your time, be careful, and keep your finger out of the trigger guard and you'd be just fine.

[Irving]

I carry in a Smartcarry holster every day. It's not uncomfortable at all. I've ran with it on, several miles, in sweatpants. Even pajama pants conceal my M&P very well. The trick is to wear it quite low. I haven't had to change any part of my wardrobe. I found that wearing it slightly to the right (gun in right holster pocket, extra magazine in the left) is more comfortable for me and doesn't rub my junk. The muzzle of your gun is not pointed at your junk. It sits below your junk and points at the floor. Obviously you won't re-holster lightning speed... take your time, be careful, and keep your finger out of the trigger guard and you'd be just fine.

How does the Smart Carry co-exist with a belt? Could you do business casual with the Smart Carry?

[Lex_Luthor]

How does the Smart Carry co-exist with a belt? Could you do business casual with the Smart Carry?

Easily. I may or may not have done that before at my old job. Slacks, dress shoes, button up shirt tucked or untucked (or polo), dress belt. The belt sits above the gun. If you're wearing it, you'll notice a bulge in the appendix area from the grip of the gun, but it's nearly invisible to anyone else. Even my wife usually can't tell unless she reaches for my crotch.... hahaha.

[Irving]

Thank you. Did you get the M&P40c? I'm looking for an alternative for my IWB holster. Right now I'm running velcro clips and while they are much less visible, they are more of a pain to put the holster on.

[rockhound]

http://www.uscav.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=9831&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&cm_mmc=Google%20Base-_-Products-_-SF-_-V1&cvsfa=1007&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=32383436332d3436303332

[William]

I don't like to wear a belt, but I always carry when I leave the house. A belly band works great for me. I just make sure I have t-shirt under the belly band to keep it from being uncomfortable.

[Lex_Luthor]

Thank you. Did you get the M&P40c? I'm looking for an alternative for my IWB holster. Right now I'm running velcro clips and while they are much less visible, they are more of a pain to put the holster on.

Yes I have an M&P40c. If you want to see the holster sometime, shoot me a text or call. It might not fit you, depending on what your waist size is. Mine's about a 30. Smartcarry specifically is build much better than the other similar style holsters. It's very durable and the material used on the backside keeps moisture out. I've ran with it over the summer in 90 degree + weather, had the back of the holster drenched and my gun was completely dry.

[Zundfolge]

Shit. Sounds like I'll have to start wearing a belt I guess. Anyone have any recommendations for a decent belt. Preferably something that doesn't have a buckle that jabs me in my belly when I sit down?

The buckle on my Beltman.net belt is somewhat unobtrusive.

You could also wear your belt with the buckle off center (my dad did this for years when he worked on the assembly line at Cessna so his belt buckle didn't scratch the airframes he was working on).

[Ronin13]

I've always used either a Galco or Aker leather belt in suits or street clothes. I used ballistic nylon belts "rigger belts" when in uniform or war zone.
I'm the same- I use a Galco leather belt for carry in work or certain pants, but casual clothing, jeans, and tactical clothing (range days) I wear a rigger's belt!

Ray, you can get a decently priced Galco ($35-40) that works perfect for carry and is comfortable. I have yet to have a single problem.

[cofi]

i have been daily carrying this http://glockstore.com/pgroup_descrip/336_Featured+Items/3535_The+Original+Belly+Band/?return=%3f
for a year and a half now (obviously not pointing at my junk) it is great! fits my g30 like a glove i wear it with a belt but can also cruse around in my sweat pants or whatever......i really like it and can highly reccomend it

[Cman]

I use to not wear belts also so I carried a p12 in a smartcarry holster for 5 years. Very slow draw like about 10 seconds. Now I carry on my side IWB holster and wear a belt! Much faster draw!

[Irving]

Yes I have an M&P40c. If you want to see the holster sometime, shoot me a text or call. It might not fit you, depending on what your waist size is. Mine's about a 30. Smartcarry specifically is build much better than the other similar style holsters. It's very durable and the material used on the backside keeps moisture out. I've ran with it over the summer in 90 degree + weather, had the back of the holster drenched and my gun was completely dry.

After a run, do you just toss the holster into the washer with your other stuff? Also, how is the draw?

[Lex_Luthor]

Draw time is about 2 seconds or so. That's something I need to continually practice. But I've improved with time & practice. Sometimes I still get hung up clearing my shirt when I'm practicing. Yes, the holster can be washed, in cold water & hang dry (so the elastic doesn't get ruined).

[SouthPaw]

FWIW, I use a Liberty Holster (Dain) that is a few years old with out hooking it to my belt. The retention on it is little and more than anything "cups" the gun. I do wear a belt but the clips are attatched to my pants and the belt rides over the clips. I have practiced many times this way and it works fine for me (southpaw, 9 o'clock position). The reason I do this is because almost every pair of pants I own the belt loops get in the way of the clips.

[YammyMonkey]

I've been running a SmartCarry almost daily for over 6 years with either a compact 1911 or full size M&P9. If you're running or have sensitive skin you need to hane something between the holster & your skin. A pair of boxer briefs will usually cover all the necessary area.

The draw will be a little slower, but once you learn the process you're only looking at adding a half second or so. You need to practice with it though.

[jslo]

European man purse, very chic

[trlcavscout]

I use these for concealed carry most of the time. Hooks to belt or belt loop and covers the entire trigger area, holds gun snug in the waist but can be drawn quicker then a normal holster. I also know the guy that makes them.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b436/trlcavscout/Kydex/20111031152035.jpg

[Lex_Luthor]

This weekend I was practicing my draw from smart carry, and for s & g's had my wife time me. She was in control of saying "go" also. I averaged in the 1.4 - 1.7 second range. But as I continued, I started getting more times closer to 1 second. I began to average 1.2 - 1.3 seconds, with a couple times 1 second flat and once at .99 seconds.

So, for a sub-one-second draw, probably not likely. I'm fine with not being Mr. Quick Draw McGraw. I think one, to one and a half seconds is fair. But I'm still always practicing, especially for reflex and fluidity. [Beer]

[ray1970]

I might just end up getting a belt and a decent IWB holster. I'm a ways out from actually carrying right now anyways. I haven't even taken my class yet.