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How can I carry?

podsense

New member
Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
4
Location
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA
imported post

Hey everyone,I have a unique situation I need help with. I live in Wisconsin and am an avid supporter of open carry. My problem is that I want to start to carry, but I weigh 400 pounds. walking is good for me to try and lose weight . I want to carry but most of the pants I wear have elastic bands at the moment.How can I have a setup that allows me to carry? Maybe an ankle holster? any ideas ?
Thanks.
 

frenchdl

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 15, 2009
Messages
32
Location
Richmond, Virginia, USA
imported post

To ways come to mind, shoulder rig, or drop leg holster. Drop leg holster may be out of the question if you legs are really big, but you may be able to find a shoulder holster.
 

Nutczak

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
2,165
Location
The Northwoods, lakeland area, Wisconsin, USA
imported post

a bandolier holster that hangs over your shoulder and places the holstered firearm in the center of your chest.

A belt with a holster, or even a 'Drop-leg" tactical holster should work for you.

For anything on the hip, you're going to need a belt to support it, even with a paddle holster.

What size firearm do you plan on carrying? I have a bandolier holster I could part with that is sized for a large-framed scoped revolver or pistol . I used it for my full sized Desert Eagle with a holographic sight on it. it fit nicely.
 

jeeper1

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2008
Messages
692
Location
USA
imported post

The first thing you need to do is buy pants with belt loops!
http://www.kingsizedirect.com/
has pants with an elastic waist band and belt loops. That is what I wear.
Second get a good gun belt. I have a belt
from
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/.
If you have trouble drawing a handgun strong side, like I do, then get a cross draw holster.
I speak from experience on this as I weigh a lot more than you do.
 

jrwalker

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2009
Messages
61
Location
Reno, Nevada, USA
imported post

Nutczak wrote:
For anything on the hip, you're going to need a belt to support it, even with a paddle holster.
Not necessarily. I wear workout/basketball shorts all the time (which have an eleastic band as well as a drawstring). As long as I pull the drawstring fairly tight, my blackhawk paddle holds very secure. Works very well actually. Of course I only weigh 160 lbs, but if your pants have a drawstring, you may want to try it.
 

VMAX

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2009
Messages
10
Location
NW Wis, ,
imported post

I'm located in NW WI. I have found from personal experience concerning OC that I like a shoulder holster. I have two: one for my .45 auto for general purpose carry; & my hunting rig for my S&W lg frame .41.

I like the wide leather carry strap as it runs from my right shoulder to my left side. Doesn't chafe or cut & distributes the weight. Also, easy to take it off, I just slip it over my head no tie downs or cross chest straps.
 

Bustelo5%

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
474
Location
kent, Ohio, USA
imported post

I would go with a Blackhawk CQC so no matter how you want to wear it you can,on a belt in pants with no belt.Using the clips throw it on a molle thigh rig and or buy the shoulder rig so you always have options.
 

Task Force 16

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jul 20, 2008
Messages
2,615
Location
Lobelville, Tennessee, USA
imported post

You might try a gun belt with an addedsuspender system that will hold the belt up. Kind of like the "web" systems the military uses to keep their utility belts fromsliding down.
 

Michigander

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2007
Messages
4,818
Location
Mulligan's Valley
imported post

Another option, if you want cheap and effective, is military surplus belts worn over your pants, no need for belt loops. If one isn't big enough for you, you could even hook 2 together. Depending on your build, a belt may keep falling down. I know it's this way for many larger people. If you have that problem with a belt, you could use suspenders. If you don't like the suspender look, you can wear a shirt over them.

I wear a dedicated gun belt, and the only part you can usually see visibly is the holstered gun. I definitely suggest it for OCing, regardless of your build.

A lot of people would suggest a paddle holster, and if you want you might want to try that, but know in advance that you may or may not find them comfortable.

And by the way, a side note, I went from 220 pounds and weak to 170 pounds running half marathons and working out 3 times a week. With determination, a good diet, and regular exercise, you CAN lose all the weight you want and get very physically fit. Before I went and did that I spent a lot of time researching diet and exercise. About a year and a half. Then I went and made the fundamental lifestyle changes that have to be made to get fit. It's not actually that hard if you put your mind to it.
 

John Wolver

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2009
Messages
418
Location
Caldwell, Idaho, USA
imported post

Im pretty big as well. I wear just a gun belt with holster and mag pouch. I wear shorts and tshirt as well and it fits fairly well when walking around. Some people on here say that the gun belt look, especially with the mag puch is too much. But I say, and so do others, if its comfortable, wear it. Besides, as us big guys know, we carry big guns that got to be supported. :cool:
 
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