Concealed Carry For Big Guys

Concealed Carry For Fat Guys

Husky? A bit pleasantly plump?

You can call it whatever you wish but some of us are carrying more than just a concealed pistol in our waistline. And for people with a bit extra around the waist, sometimes an inside the waistband concealed carry holster can be a bit uncomfortable.

In this article, we'll discuss some concealed carry techniques and positioning that are helpful for us huskier gentlemen.

Inside The Waistband Concealed Carry For The Extra Jovial

An inside the waistband concealed carry holster with high retention and a good trigger guard is always worth it. Even though some prefer to go to a or an , .

Unfortunately, some carriage styles may not work depending on one's waistline distribution. An important consideration is sitting and standing. If an IWB holster configuration doesn't work for you while seated, it's not going to work.

What Holster Position is best for bigger guys?

2 O'Clock Truffle Shuffle

We always recommend starting at 2 o'clock because there is a natural valley between the front girth and the love handles. This valley can be taken advantage of by placing your IWB concealed carry holster within it. Not only is it highly concealable, it's adaptable for sitting and standing.

Obviously, if you're carrying left-handed, 2 o'clock becomes 10 o'clock.

An has a lower profile than a typical classic IWB holster, which may improve comfort at the 2 o'clock position if it has a smaller footprint.

It's all about balancing comfort with utility, and a lightweight holster in this position will be less noticeable.

It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere

A decent alternate to 2 o'clock is 5 o'clock (or 7 o'clock for lefties). This is right behind the love handle and is reasonably comfortable and accessible. For those with back problems and drive long hours, this may get a bit tiresome but for those who are walking around a lot and only drive casual hours (commuting to/from work), this will work.

When In Doubt - 3 O'Clock Rock It

The only issue with 3 o'clock is it's not very concealable even for a normally proportional person. An inside the waistband concealed carry holster will inevitably jut out at least an inch or two from the waistline. Most people shouldn't notice and it is truly a great position to grip your pistol and draw - it's just unfortunate that in terms of concealability, it's not always the best move. But when in doubt - this is a position that is usually comfortable for sitting and standing.

Appendix Carry For Chubby Guys: Taming The Tactical Muffin Top

So, you're wondering if appendix carry for chubby guys is viable? If you're carrying a tactical muffin top, the answer is...

It depends.

Appendix carry with an either works for a person or it doesn't. The lynch pin in the enterprise is where your gun rides.

So, what makes appendix carry tenable for most folks is whether the holster and pistol interfere with your hips hinging. If you can put on an appendix holster and bend over or squat without the gun sticking in your craw...you're good to go. If it does, then appendix carry isn't for you.

In other words, if you have a relatively high natural waist - meaning your pants naturally set near your belly button rather than your hips - then you're suited to appendix carry. If your jeans ride a little lower, then no.

However, what about the gun and holster protruding outward thanks to your spare tire?

This is where a little strategic placement can do wonders.

The standard trick is to move the holster closer to the front pants pocket rather than the button/tab. The reason is the rounded edge of the belly will help camouflage the bulge of the holster.

This way...the one bulge helps cover the other. Place it right and you'll have no problem with the draw, either.

So...it's totally possible! IF, however, you're suited for it, which comes down mostly to your specific shape and proportions.

Holster Comfort and Printing

If you live in a place that's incredibly restrictive about printing, make sure to check out our other articles which discuss various or getting spotted.

No matter what size you are - an inside the waistband holster with a backpad should help distribute some of the pressure from carrying a firearm in your trousers. or if you're stuck in a hot environment - get an inside the waistband holster with neoprene backing. That will wick away sweat much easier than leather - which can stick to the skin.

For the skinny guys, we have not forgot about you here is our article:

Have you found any particularly good carry techniques which have supported your weight? Tell us about them in the comments section.

About The Author James England (@sir_jim_england) is the contributing editor for Alien Gear Holsters. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and private defense contracting in Afghanistan.