For the Left Handed shooters.

[Texas Tech Jpr.]

I am seeking advice from those left-handed shooters who carry concealed strong side. I carry concealed with my job (Sig 229) and for the past couple of years, have been using a Galco 3 slot leather hoslter. I love this model as it has gotten broken-in enough that it is comfortable and I forget that my weapon is there now. The main issue I have, is that when I am carrying and wearing a suit, things are okay, however when we are doing street work and are dressed down (jeans, button up or t-shirts) it is easy to see the retention strap profiling thorugh my shirts. I am small framed and it isn't THAT noticeable, but if someone was looking for a weapon, they would probably clue in to the fact that something is going on.

My dilemma is that it is a pain finding left-handed holsters and I am thinking about getting an IWB holster. Does anyone have any experience with any makes/models that might fit the bill?
Thanks!

[Jason Clark]

Check out Ohio's post and my comments on there. IWB is the only way that I carry. Partly because of what you mentioned, and partly because this way I only need one holster. As I type this, I am wearing (get your minds out of the gutter you freaks:p) shorts, a T-shirt, and a loose button up shirt left open. My 1911 is riding on my left hip in an El Paso Saddlery Summer Cruiser. It is both comfortable (as comfortable as having two pounds of steel shoved in your pants can be anyway) and well concealed. Perhaps a tuckable holster might fit the needs that you have better considering what I am picturing your dress style as being.

[DrLewall]

I dont see how you southpaws can shoot left handed..:D I cna shoot lefthanded but I really have to strain to hit anything.

[JeepBSU]

I am right handed, but I shoot left handed, not sure why it always seemed natural, I play pool both handed, and bat both handed too :cool:

[Jason Clark]

I dont see how you southpaws can shoot left handed..:D I cna shoot lefthanded but I really have to strain to hit anything.

You right handed people are the ones that need to come to terms with your disabilites.:D:D

Seriously though, it has taken me several years, and many hundreds of rounds to be proficent enough with my right hand to be able to hit a target at 25 yrds off handed consistantly.

I am planning to start teaching myself right handed rifle/shotgunning as soon as I can afford the ammo. At the current rate of income and outflow, I should be getting to it in the next 60 or 70 years.

[tater'sTJ]

I am right handed, but I shoot left handed, not sure why it always seemed natural, I play pool both handed, and bat both handed too :cool:

So, would you say you "bat both sides of the plate"? Or you're a "switch hitter"? :D

[Jason Clark]

it is easy to see the retention strap profiling thorugh my shirts. I am small framed and it isn't THAT noticeable, but if someone was looking for a weapon, they would probably clue in to the fact that something is going on.

This is also one of the preconceived notions of someone who either hasn't carried for a long time, or is overly self-conscious (not meant as an insult). I too had the same thoughts when I started carrying. After a couple of years and talking to close friends, my fears subsided.

There will be times when doing some routine tasks like crouching or reaching overhead will increase your risk of exposing your little secret, but with a few precautions, most of these situations can be avoided.

Please don't take my opening statement as being insultive or inflamatory, simply an observation, and one that I have experienced myself when I started carrying. I don't know how long you have been carrying, but I can almost assure you that no one around you that you haven't told has no idea what that little bulge in your shirt is, if they have even seen it. Besides, something like that can be easily disissed as a cellphone or a multi-tool/knife pouch. With so many people today carrying so many things around with them all day, things like that are easily explained away with something much less benign.

If it is deeper concealment that you desire, you could consider something like a Smartcarry. It looks like a small apron that is worn under your pants/jeans, and carries the pistol in the front. Personally, I kind of have some apprehension about having a loaded firearm anywhere in the vicinity of my junk.

Perhaps a smaller gun carried in the appendix position would make the gun disappear better, although may restrict movement. I haven't played with this method much and was entirely experimental. While it would be effective for being able to get a hand on the weapon without alerting everyone in the area that you are keyed in on something that you don't like, it may not be the most comfortable of methods, especially if you have a case of dunlap like I have.

Just a few rambling thoughts. Perhaps you can make sense of my mental regurgitation.

[JeepBSU]

"switch hitter" on a totally unrelated and side note, this sam adams octoberfest sure is good.........:p

[WD97TJ]

here is the holster I use to carry my Glock 19 IWB off duty. I am 6'2 and 180 LBS so I have a smaller frame than some and I can easly concealed my Glock.

http://www.officerstore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_6553_desantis_style_057_inner_piece_holster_in side_pant_with_belt_loop_tan_left_hand/

[DrLewall]

for those who carry SOB (Small Of Back), if you are left handed, get a right handed holster, and if you are right handed, get a left hand holster..that way it puts the gun correctly in your hand when you draw.

[Tonka]

I dont see how you southpaws can shoot left handed..:D I cna shoot lefthanded but I really have to strain to hit anything.

It's not that hard for me....

http://www.trendir.com/archives/toto-soiree-toilet.jpg


:p

[DrLewall]

strain?..oh I get it...:rolleyes::lmao:

[Texas Tech Jpr.]

Good point, and no insult taken at all. I am (self-admitted) new to this and it could be the whole wet behind the ears thing telling me that the weapon is profiling. I did check out Ohios thread and saw your pics with your IWB setup (thanks btw) and everyones helpful comments/advice.

Ditto on the thoughts about weapons near/around the junk. I fully trust the safety mechanisms in my sig, however a healthy fear is warranted around that real-estate.
I would love to carry a smaller framed firearm (granted it is nothing compared to a 1911) but as of yet, our agency has not approved back-up weapons for carry.






This is also one of the preconceived notions of someone who either hasn't carried for a long time, or is overly self-conscious (not meant as an insult). I too had the same thoughts when I started carrying. After a couple of years and talking to close friends, my fears subsided.

thoughts. Perhaps you can make sense of my mental regurgitation.

[Texas Tech Jpr.]

Thanks for that link! I also see that it will accomodate the 229!

here is the holster I use to carry my Glock 19 IWB off duty. I am 6'2 and 180 LBS so I have a smaller frame than some and I can easly concealed my Glock.

http://www.officerstore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_6553_desantis_style_057_inner_piece_holster_in side_pant_with_belt_loop_tan_left_hand/

[Texas Tech Jpr.]

"switch hitter" on a totally unrelated and side note, this sam adams octoberfest sure is good.........:p

Sammy's Oktoberfest is my favorite of theirs (Boston Lager is great as well)! Bars are starting to "special" this beer now because it is going out of season. //Borat// Great Success!! //Borat//