The belly band is generally for concealed carry, but if you wore it over your shirt it wouldn't cover any more than an OWB or IWB holster, so it'd probably count as OC.
They work better for men, since men don't have a waist... I like my belly band, but the strap around the back tends to roll into a cord & be uncomfortable.
The elastic one you're looking at will probably be more comfortable w/r/t heat & sweating than one made of neoprene.
Whatever you decide on, practice drawing with an UNLOADED pistol so you're less likely to fumble with it.
pkbites said:
Carrying a single action revolver (in paltry .22 yet) in a belly band seems very odd to me...
Self defense wise, it is better than carrying nothing at all.
rightwinglibertarian said:
Anything else at about that price range that would suit a newbie?
What I tell my students in re "what gun is right for me?", is that the only 2 absolute statements I'll make on the subject are:
don't use a .22 if there is any way to get any higher caliber
don't use a single-action revolver if there is any way to get any other pistol
I think I might need to start adding: don't go to Gander Mountain. (Unless it's only to do what I'm going to describe below,
shop for guns, but never buy anything.)
Aside from being overpriced, several years ago, when we were working on concealed carry in WI, the NRA-ILA rented meeting rooms from GM across the state to hold informational meetings so people could learn about the bills being suggested and how they could support the movement.
Just a few days before the meetings started, GM broke the contract, claiming that when they rented the meeting space, they didn't know what the NRA was about or what they'd be discussing. This change of heart was thanks to pressure from some few vocal anti-gun people (similar to Demanding Moms), most of whom have probably never been in a GM.
So the NRA-ILA had to scramble to find new meeting space. I believe many were moved to Cablea's.
(And once concealed carry passed, GM opened a new store just NW of Milwaukee, called "Gun World", to take advantage of the people who aren't principled, or weren't aware of the problem they caused.)
So... that being said, here's my standard recommendation for someone shopping for their first pistol.
Go to a store & handle all the different models you can. It's nice to the staff to do this at a non-busy time. It'll be less frustrating for you too.
Don't let them steer your choice, you're only there to find what fits your hand. Handle everything.
Make a list of those pistols; they have to feel right, you have to be able to hold & control it or it's not safe.
Now go to a range which has rental guns, or get some friends together who have the models you're interested in, and try everything on your list. Again, see which ones fit your hand & you can control.
Now consider whether you want a semiauto or revolver, as well as price.
Revolvers are slightly more reliable, but if they jam you might need a gunsmith to fix it.
Semiautos are slightly more likely to jam, but most malfunctions can be fixed by you on the spot.
Revolvers are thicker, semiautos generally have higher capacity (for the same caliber).
rightwinglibertarian said:
how much personal info will the government make them take off me?
I highly doubt i'll be able to walk in and out in 15 minutes.
Here's the 4473 form you'll have to fill out if you buy from a dealer.
http://www.atf.gov/files/forms/download/atf-f-4473-1.pdf
In Wisconsin, there is a 48-hour waiting period for a pistol purchase from a dealer, after the background check is done. Long guns can go home with you the same day.
Find a private sale, through ArmsList or a show or something similar.
You'll get more gun for less money and the ATF won't have a record of it.
Also, there's no waiting period.
As for refusing to get a license, you will have to be careful of "gun-free" school zones - the non-private property which is within 1000' of the edge of any property which holds a school of grades 1-12.
Without a license, you are required to have your firearm unloaded & encased while in that magical area.
Also, you're not allowed to be armed in taxpayer-owned buildings, and if you want to go into a restaurant which serves alcohol you'll have to get permission from the owner or manager.