do you only consider IWB to be "concealed carry?"

[AE3007H1]

What I mean by that is what do you all consider to be "concealed carry?"

Is an outside waste-band paddle style holster like say... a Serpa "concealed carry" to you?  Or does it have to be an inside the waste-band "IWB" like the THESIS HOLSTER or the Crossbreed, or the Smartcarry to be "concealed?"

[fightingquaker13]

What I mean by that is what do you all consider to be "concealed carry?"

Is an outside waste-band paddle style holster like say... a Serpa "concealed carry" to you?  Or does it have to be an inside the waste-band "IWB" like the THESIS HOLSTER or the Crossbreed, or the Smartcarry to be "concealed?"

Concealed is just that, concealed. To me that means as a legal matter that the gun is not visible unless you are actively looking for it. As a tactical matter it means its  not visible period. The type of holster doesn't seem to matter. IWB, belt, deep conceal, shoulder, etc., its just a matter of "whatever works" as far as I am concerned. I like IWB as it works for me, but I also pocket carry, and I've stuck a gun in my laptop bag more than once.
FQ13
PS welcome

[Dakotaranger]

I do end up using a Serpa alot and  I don't worry about the thing printing.

[robheath]

I was carrying my XDm .45 in a OTW leather holster and reached up on a high shelf.  The bottom of the holster showed and a lady asked me if it was a gun.  I said no thet I was diabetic and it was an incilin pump ( a story I had pre-planned)  and she went about her way.  I still consider that concealed.

[Solus]

I was carrying my XDm .45 in a OTW leather holster and reached up on a high shelf.  The bottom of the holster showed and a lady asked me if it was a gun.  I said no thet I was diabetic and it was an incilin pump ( a story I had pre-planned)  and she went about her way.  I still consider that concealed.

Well, from a tactical view, the wrong person sees you carrying what could be a gun could go either way.  They might find other things to do or decide you are the first to get it.  They won't be asking if it is a gun though.

[Sponsor]

[robheath]

Well, from a tactical view, the wrong person sees you carrying what could be a gun could go either way.  They might find other things to do or decide you are the first to get it.  They won't be asking if it is a gun though.

Yes I agree. It was a nervous moment.  I'm glad it was a little old lady and not one of the local thugs.  Thats why I don't were a "shoot me first vest'  I normally use my crossbreed and carry one of my 1911s but this wasa unique occasion as the wife said " your taking me to the store hurry up" I just ment it was not fully discovered as a weapon.  Louisiana's carry law is very clear on what is considered concealed.

[PegLeg45]

What I mean by that is what do you all consider to be "concealed carry?"

Is an outside waste-band paddle style holster like say... a Serpa "concealed carry" to you?  Or does it have to be an inside the waste-band "IWB" like the THESIS HOLSTER or the Crossbreed, or the Smartcarry to be "concealed?"

It has been for the most part of three years now.  

About a month ago I switched from my G27 in a SERPA back to my Commander 1911 in a leather belt-slide (OWB). I have a SERPA for 1911's, but due to the size of the gun, it does conceal 'better' in the closer-fitting leather holster. I wear a long-sleeve shirt over a tee and have not had a problem concealing (I buy 'tall' sizes) and a long tee shirt will conceal just as good, for the most part.
I haven't carried IWB in nearly ten years.

As to your question about what do I consider 'concealed'....... I will defer to what FQ posted.  

[tombogan03884]

With an OWB holster you are restricted in what you can carry by what your shirt or jacket will cover for barrel length.
With an IWB the only restriction is what will allow you to bend enough to sit, all that has to be "covered" is the grip.
I have gained some weight over the last few months so I often use a shoulder holster now.
My situation may be different than yours though since open carry is unregulated so if your pistol shows or prints it's no big deal.

[robheath]

We have open carry here too.  The problem is you can still get a disturbing the peace charge if you cause some alarm.  It is not practiced much here so you are sure to get peoples panties in a bunch.  I checked on the laws and you won't get a firearms related charge just the disterbing the peace unless your doing something stupid.

[AE3007H1]

Yes, thank you for all of your imput and opinions.  I carry my M&P 9pro in a Theis IWB holster and then for my normal pants that are not too big or when I just don't feel like IWB i use a SERPA.  I am in Tennessee and we do have open carry.  I prefer to stay concealed but don't really care.