Maximum carry gun weight

[Harold Green]

Ok, I’m new here, but I’ll chime in with a couple of general observations. 

I help run a practice group in the Salt Lake City area that runs live fire defensive simulations on a monthly basis.  Our only equipment guideline is to use your carry gun and related gear when shooting our simulations.  We’ve been running these simulations for about four years, and I’ve noticed some general trends over this time.

We have about a dozen guys who shoot with us on a regular basis and many more who just show up occasionally.  In observing the folks who’ve been carrying for a while and who’ve been using our simulations for practice, I’ve noticed most seem to follow the same progression.

Most of us started off carrying smaller guns on an occasional basis.  Over the years, almost every one of us have moved to full-sized guns of one kind or another, and carry these pretty much all day, every day.  As someone mentioned earlier, weight isn’t an issue in most circumstances.

[long762range]

"No Belt? Tom how do your pants stay up? :-) "

I have the same problem.  When I carry a heavy gun my pants slowly... slide... down.  Even with a belt.

I have begun carrying a J frame in a Nemesus pocket holster.  I carry one reload in a speed loader.  I figure that the pistol is only to keep the bad guys back until I can reach something more authoritive, like my Remington 870.     Who ain't afraid of a 12 gauge?

I bet Tom uses a spray on adhesive to keep his pants up.

[tombogan03884]

No Belt? Tom how do your pants stay up? :-)

Tight fit 
I didn't buy them that way I just kind of "grew" into them 

[Hazcat]

Tight fit 
I didn't buy them that way I just kind of "grew" into them 

Yeah, my pants keep 'shrinking', too.  Never used to happen, must be cheap material they use these days.

[PegLeg45]

Tight fit 
I didn't buy them that way I just kind of "grew" into them 

That's called "custom fitted".     

Weight has never been an issue (gun-wise anyway....don't say it Haz  ) with me for strong side carry with OWB or Ted Blocker IWB.
I carry the Glock 27 mostly, but when I transition to the heavier 1911 commander (all steel) it really don't bother me.
But, I've been carrying for almost 20 years so I may be accustomed to it by now.

 

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

I thought it was custom if the pants fit you and putting on a few pounds when you fit the pants 

[SigShooter]

I'm planning on getting a quality holster and belt, which I've heard will greatly reduce felt weight by distribution. I'm not too worried about it's loaded weight though, since I chose it based on hand felt and shootability. And since it's a Sig, any weight it might have over a Glock 19 is offset by the weight reduction of my wallet

[twyacht]

Since moving to a warmer less clothing climate, I have noticed a HUGE difference in my carry pistol. Most of the time my P3AT is like its not even there. However, My PPK/S is heavy in shorts, BUT fine with jeans. IWB.

My EAA Witness compact .40 is even heavier, and more difficult when seated, bending, etc,..

If I am only walking around town, the full size M+P or FN works IWB, but I'm a tuck-in kind of dresser and the "bulge" becomes more prominent.

I guess if I went back to the Don Johnson Miami Vice style I could carry my full size 1911.

Nevermind,....

[Big Frank]

Way beyond maximum carry gun weight. http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=4476.0 I don't care how big your pockets are.

I'm still trying to decide what pitol to buy. Maybe a Walther PPS?

[m25operator]

I think weight is very relative, once you begin to carry even a very light gun, you will notice the difference, and favor it until you get used to it, I have carried ankle holster, belly band, IWB, pocket carry, shoulder holster and on the belt. On the belt  and shoulder holster are the most comfortable, IWB comes in a close second, but after it all, get a good rig, wear it and carry it and the weight disappears, except I notice it, when it's not there! If I went to a lighter pistol, it would feel weird for a couple of days, and then it would be the new normal. Is there too much weight? Sure, but in what situation? when hunting, I carry a 5" S&W 29 classic hunter with a scope in a cross draw holster, I don't really notice it, except when I have to let my pants down, then they go down very fast. I have a home made Kydex holster, IWB for my 5" S&W 625, that I have used for years, it hides well, and is very fast. I use it for hunting too, as it fits my 4" and 3" N frame revolvers as well. On the belt and IWB with a belt, definitely puts the weight in an area that is one of your strongest body parts, and most able to carry weight.

It's amazing what you can get used to.