The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: Chunky Monkey on March 20, 2007, 06:19:05 AM
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Does anyone out there have, use, or CCW in a Smart Carry holster. I've been considering another IWB holster for my XD 9SC when I came accross the SC web site. I was reading the comments and this sounds like great way to carry. Most likely going to order one (can't beat the price) but I would like to hear from a few of you that have or use one.
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I carry my PM9 in one fairly often. An IWB is better but when you have to carry it deeply concealed, the Smart Carry works well.
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Beeing that the XD9SC is much wider than the Kahr, it would be a good idea to invest in some loose pants. You will most likely find that it may pinch a bit.
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I've carried a full size Glock in the Smart Carry for several years, as well as a compact Glock, a baby Glock, a Gov't 1911 and S&W snubbies. The full size Glock and the 1911 are not all that comfortable, to say the least. The baby Glock and snubbies are great, and while I had a Kahr K40 for a while, I don't recall carrying it in the Smart Carry. I think it would have been perfect, due its flatness and length. Currently, I carry a Glock 17 this way, as my job requires a tucked in shirt and khakis (or nicer), and I've not yet purchased a Glock 30.
My recommendation if you want to use Smart Carry is a Glock/Kahr/XD compact or smaller, a double action revolver, or something else of similar size with a heavy trigger pull. This is due to the way you have to draw. While the trigger literally cannot be reached from outside the holster, your hand is at a funny angle for the draw, with the pants and belt pushing in on the drawing hand.
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Can someone point me to a link for this rig? I find myself in need of a holster...all of a sudden. ;D
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Google is your friend....
http://www.google.com/search?q=+smart+carry
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Google is your friend....
Not to correct you Don, but search engines are your friend.
Google is an evil, gun-grabbing bunch of narcissistic weenies in California who see nothing wrong with cooperating with the Red Chinese government, but won't lift a finger to help the FBI catch child porn dealers.
rant/off
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Just in case.. www.smartcarry.com is the site. There is also Thuderwear, at www.thunderwear.com.
I have used both for quite a number of years, and I have several. Depending on what I am wearing, I carry a Kel-Tec P11, a Kimber Compact, or a full size 1911. I will try out the XD9 next as I am reaching the point where I am comfortable with it. The Kel-Tec, being small, works the best. The Kimber is not a problem, but yeah, it is a tad on the large side. The full size 1911 is a bit more so, but not terrible. Same as trying to use an IWB, clothing selection does make a difference.
-Bidah
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Just looking at the website and not having used it, I prefer a regular ol' fitted, leather, IWB holster for CCW.
I don't really see a benefit to the SC or Thunderwear.
If I need to conceal that deep, I think a j frame in the pocket would be better (and faster).
Might also cut down on those "Or are you just happey to see me" comments.
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I've always wondered whether they worked or not!!!
Michael B
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I've used a full-size smartcarry to carry an XD-9, CZ-75B, G19, G26, Kel-Tec P-11, SW642 and Ruger sp101. Like the website says, you can use a safety pin to down-size a larger size to fit a smaller gun. I don't particularly like the way that clump of extra denim feels below the barrel when it's safety pinned for a much smaller barrel but it works. On me, the very edge of the butt prints even with a G26. It's not bad but I can't say it just disappears. Close but not perfect and someone would really need to stare to notice. With pleated pants it's easy to conceal in the pleat. It can also be moved off-center to conceal the butt better in flat fronts. Looser pants (and probably a flatter stomach) conceal it better and looser makes the draw easier. The draw is much slower than a typical IWB and is very difficult sitting down but it works. I agree with RecoveringGTer's comments on the strange draw angle. I find longer barrels like the CZ-75B less comfortable and I need to shift the barrel down a pants leg when sitting. Using a urinal is also harder, you just have to use your off hand to get it (the smart carry) out of the way. It get's easier with practice just don't slip on the smartcarry mid-stream (don't ask how I know). I used to use it a lot, especially when I first started carrying and was paranoid. I still use it when I absolutlely positively want it concealed. I haven't been to the smartcarry website in some time but as I recall the sales claims were pretty accurate. I liked it enough that I bought for one for my daughter when she got her CCW. She also likes it, but it's usefulness for her is limited by current female fashion. YMMV, hope this helps.
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Using a urinal is also harder, you just have to use your off hand to get it (the smart carry) out of the way. It get's easier with practice just don't slip on the smartcarry mid-stream (don't ask how I know).
Ewwwwwee.
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On me, the very edge of the butt prints even with a G26. It's not bad but I can't say it just disappears. Close but not perfect and someone would really need to stare to notice. With pleated pants it's easy to conceal in the pleat. It can also be moved off-center to conceal the butt better in flat fronts. Looser pants (and probably a flatter stomach) conceal it better and looser makes the draw easier. . . . YMMV, hope this helps.
Thanks everyone for all the input. I think I will get one (can't beat the price) for my XD9SB to use until I can tuck away enough dough to buy a good belt and IWB holster. Ordered my XD 9SB about a month ago and it is still not in. Getting restless.
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I use a Smartcarry at least once a week, With my GLOCK model 30. It works well. Don't wear the pants too tight. I'm gonna get a Small sized one to use with my Taurus 617 when I can.
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I have a full size 1911 that you all know is carred cocked and locked so I am kinda nervous about where the muzzle points. :-\
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To each their own issues, but it points down between your legs, not where you are thinking. To me no worse than an IWB that you have stuffed upside your leg. I would feel that if you are comfortable with cocked and locked, and are not doing mexican carry, they why worry? I know a lot of people love IWB, but I personally cannot stand it that way. Major clothing abuse.. :)
-Bidah
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Yeah. What he said.
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Thanks everyone for all the input. I think I will get one (can't beat the price) for my XD9SB to use until I can tuck away enough dough to buy a good belt and IWB holster. Ordered my XD 9SB about a month ago and it is still not in. Getting restless.
Charley pretty much makes them to order, He keeps some ahead but he makes them himself I understand.
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Since I have only recently realized the need to carry a gun due my current neighbourhood situation :o Would a smart carry work for my Glock 23, or would it be better to purchase a smaller flatter pistol? I sometimes have to go into bad areas, it's all part of the life, and I want be sure to come home alive. Any suggestions ultra conceallable holster and gun options?? Thought about Keltec 32acp, and .380. , and the Ruger LCP. ??? I love my Glock, but it's tough to carry in hot weather and still keep well concealled and be comfortable. Then again I've heard it said "Carrying a gun is supposed to be comforting, not comfortable!" But I say why can't it be both??
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I am not sure how big a Glock 23 is, but I carry all sizes of pistols. Most complaints are about longer pistols, such as 5" 1911's. Certainly smaller and flatter is easier, and more comfortable, but what are you willing to give up to get it?
-Bidah
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I don't know, I guess I would have to try one and see, Main worry would be, can I draw fast enough to prevent my untimely death :o
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Go to http://www.youtube.com/user/passive101 and check out all the smart carry videos. If nothing else it's pretty entertaining. He is definitely a smart carry fan. Charlie should hire the kid for his marketing department. ;D
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If you are looking for this kind of deep concealment... Check out the "Pager/PDA Pall." I'm very happy with mine!
http://www.pagerpal.com/
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If you call and order a Smartcarry holster tell they you heard about it on Tom Gresham's Guntalk and you will get a discount. I have used one with my Glock 27 and 1911 A1. I really like it.
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If you are looking for this kind of deep concealment... Check out the "Pager/PDA Pall." I'm very happy with mine!
http://www.pagerpal.com/
Are you the guy who sells them at the gun shows then??? Just Kidding. Seriously though. I've only ever heard of 2 people who actually liked the Pager Pal (And YES, I've tried it with several different pistols.) What do you carry in yours??
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Since I have only recently realized the need to carry a gun due my current neighbourhood situation :o Would a smart carry work for my Glock 23, or would it be better to purchase a smaller flatter pistol? I sometimes have to go into bad areas, it's all part of the life, and I want be sure to come home alive. Any suggestions ultra conceallable holster and gun options?? Thought about Keltec 32acp, and .380. , and the Ruger LCP. ??? I love my Glock, but it's tough to carry in hot weather and still keep well concealled and be comfortable. Then again I've heard it said "Carrying a gun is supposed to be comforting, not comfortable!" But I say why can't it be both??
I actually have heard of people using a G23 in one. You'd have to check and see how it would work for you though.
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I carry my S&W 642 daily in a PagerPal/CellPal holster hooked to my NiteIze cell case. It is the large size one that is supposed to work with a lot of different guns and it was just two big for my little J frame. I hated it because the revolver would drop too far into the pouch with the barrell sticking way out at the bottom. I decided to modify the holster so the J frame would sit perfectly upright and the muzzle would align with the bottom edge of the holster. I did this by sewing up the holster in the profile of the J frame's trigger guard and grip. This gives a custom fit to the J Frame and when hooked IWB, the butt of my CT-405s sits just below the bottom of my belt loop on to the left of my belt buckle. This helped tremendously with comfort and makes the draw, albeit two handed, faster than before. I like the smart carry idea as well and may try one at some point, but I think the draw would be slower for sure.
I mentioned my modifications to the "Pager Pal Preacher" :D at the last gun show and he mentioned that you can also add a rivet to the holster where I sewed mine to accomplish much the same thing but said this changes the universal use of the holster. For me I could car less. If I need/want to carry a bigger blaster I'll go from deep concealment to a more traditional rig.
Your mileage may vary.... ;)
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Is that a gun in your pants, or are you just happy to see us?
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Is that a gun in your pants, or are you just happy to see us?
They are not mutualy exclusive. ;D