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New handgun question

Treed

Junior Member
522
0
Stark County
I've got an M&P 40. I broke it in with a few boxes of FMJ then went to my hand loads. Worked great. I carry it on a Black Hawk Serpa Paddle. It comes with the paddle or an attachment to run through your belt if you prefer that, which I do. When you reach for it, your trigger finger naturally rests on the release button and it comes out like butter. If someone else reached for it, they would have to rip your belt off to get it. I liked it enough to go get one for my 1911 and a P-95 I sometimes carry, they're worth taking a look at if you carry on your hip. Security wise, for a hip holster, there isn't a whole lot better IMO. I've also got a couple shoulder rigs and to be honest, unless you're carrying an LC-9 or something similar in size, they're bulky and uncomfortable. I've never liked the idea of shoving a gun down my pants aimed directly at the family jewels, similarly the idea of blue steel in my butt crack doesn't really appeal either. Both situations can make it uncomfortable to do everyday things, like getting in your car or sitting down at a table.
I usually carry a smaller gun, a Ruger LC-9, in the summer because it's easier to conceal on the hip in shorts and a tee shirt if need be and the untrained or unobservant eye would automatically dismiss the bulk under my shirt as a cell phone clipped to my belt without even thinking about it. When the weather cools down and bulkier coats hoodies come out, I usually will switch to the .40 or the 1911.

Brings up an interesting question, how do you carry and where? Do you have different set ups or guns for different situations, seasons, ect? My wifes got it pretty easy with her carry purse!
 
Last edited:

MK111

"Happy Hunting Grounds in the Sky"
Supporting Member
6,551
66
SW Ohio
Treed;Brings up an interesting question said:
I use the Smartcarry holster all the time. Either my Astra 380ACP with a spare holster. Now going to my H&K P7 squeeze cocker in 9MM. Love that pistol and have 2 models. A Europeon model with the magazine release under the magazine. And the USA model with the thumb magazine release. Man have they gone up in value in the last 20 yrs.
 

Hedgelj

Senior Member
Supporting Member
8,541
189
Mohicanish
I've got an M&P 40. I broke it in with a few boxes of FMJ then went to my hand loads. Worked great. I carry it on a Black Hawk Serpa Paddle. It comes with the paddle or an attachment to run through your belt if you prefer that, which I do. When you reach for it, your trigger finger naturally rests on the release button and it comes out like butter. If someone else reached for it, they would have to rip your belt off to get it. I liked it enough to go get one for my 1911 and a P-95 I sometimes carry, they're worth taking a look at if you carry on your hip. Security wise, for a hip holster, there isn't a whole lot better IMO. I've also got a couple shoulder rigs and to be honest, unless you're carrying an LC-9 or something similar in size, they're bulky and uncomfortable. I've never liked the idea of shoving a gun down my pants aimed directly at the family jewels, similarly the idea of blue steel in my butt crack doesn't really appeal either. Both situations can make it uncomfortable to do everyday things, like getting in your car or sitting down at a table.
I usually carry a smaller gun, a Ruger LC-9, in the summer because it's easier to conceal on the hip in shorts and a tee shirt if need be and the untrained or unobservant eye would automatically dismiss the bulk under my shirt as a cell phone clipped to my belt without even thinking about it. When the weather cools down and bulkier coats hoodies come out, I usually will switch to the .40 or the 1911.

Brings up an interesting question, how do you carry and where? Do you have different set ups or guns for different situations, seasons, ect? My wifes got it pretty easy with her carry purse!

Be careful with the serpa. While I have used them in the past the number of instructors and facilities that WILL NOT allow you to use them due to the safety issues is growing. I am slowly replacing them with other owb options.
 

Hedgelj

Senior Member
Supporting Member
8,541
189
Mohicanish
If you want an owb I will suggest an Ohio guy from Facebook. His holsters are very reasonable and good quality kydex and good retention.