It might seem like a faux pas, but a number of people do concealed carry with a threaded barrel. Given the surging popularity of suppressors, a lot of people have been getting a carry gun with a bit extra on the end to use them. But given the extra part of the barrel and the easy-to-catch threads...how to carry them effectively?
You might think it's impractical, and compared to traditional designs it is, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, it doesn't take too much to CCW a threaded pistol effectively.
Basically, you just need a good concealed carry holster and make sure you practice your draw, as the only risk you run is snagging the barrel. Aside from that, you'll have to square yourself to carrying a longer firearm than normal, so you better like carrying with an for daily carry.
Get A Proper Threaded Barrel Holster
So, you want to CCW with your threaded barrel gun because you LOVE being tacticool...awesome! You just need to have a good threaded barrel holster to go with it.
How is this any different from a regular holster?
Largely, it comes down to a couple of aspects of holster design. Namely, look at the lip at the bottom of the holster and the contours inside the holster including the sight channel and the mold of the holster itself. How and why do these matter, you ask?
Simple.
Pistols with threaded barrels, you see, have that extra bit on the end - the extended barrel. They're threaded so you can install a suppressor and the threaded extension is prone to snagging on the draw. A good quality holster will prevent that.
What To Look For In Threaded Barrel Holsters
First, look at the bottom lip of the holster. That's where the barrel is most likely to snag. The more the bottom lip of the holster curls in toward the gun, the greater the chance of a snag.
Therefore, make sure the lip of the holster is slight, if present at all. Additionally, holster material can have an impact in this regard; thick leather, if carrying in a leather pancake for instance, will be more apt to snag than slicker polymer materials.
Next, the holster mold: a good holster should be made for EXACTLY the pistol you carry and none other. This matters, because how a holster is made determines how well the holster will fit and retain your pistol, but also how it draws from the holster.
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The sight channel and overall mold both come into play. A well-made sight channel allows for seamless drawing without the sights snagging on the holster on the draw stroke. Proper molding also ensures the contours of the sight likewise don't interfere with the draw.
Ideally, when a pistol is drawn from the holster, it does so in a fluid motion. A holster that isn't built correctly, such as poor sight channeling, a poor or inexact mold and so on will interfere with the draw...which also can result in snagging the threaded barrel inside the holster itself.
Practice The Draw
Just as with practice with ANY concealed carry firearm, practicing the draw should be a cornerstone of concealed carry practice and training.
It's even more vital if carrying a pistol with a threaded barrel. When drawing, the gun needs to come out straight. Presentation can't begin until the barrel has cleared the holster. This differs a bit from what a lot of instructors teach to improve draw speed.
A common bit of advice is to start moving the muzzle up just as the gun is starting to clear the holster if not just before. The effect is to practically drag the gun through the top corner of the holster itself; this is the reason competition holsters are cut so the top of the slide isn't fully covered. That allows you to get the muzzle moving faster.
You can't necessarily do that with a threaded barrel. It will snag on the holster and come to a stop.
As a result, you need to clear a bit more leather, so to speak, before you can begin the presentation, aiming and firing. It isn't rocket science, but if you intend to carry such a pistol daily, you need to be able to use it well.
That's what you need for CCW with a threaded barrel! There's a whole lot more involved with concealed carry, however.
Concealed Carry with a Threaded Barrel FAQs
What is a threaded barrel and why use one for concealed carry?
A threaded barrel extends beyond the gun's slide and has external threads to attach accessories like suppressors or compensators. For concealed carry, a threaded barrel allows quick attachment of muzzle devices for versatility during range use or duty without changing barrels. However, the extended length slightly affects concealability and holster compatibility.
How does a threaded barrel affect concealed carry comfort and concealability?
Threaded barrels typically add about half an inch or more to a pistol's length, which can impact how easily the firearm hides under clothing. While some carriers notice minimal difference, others find the extra length more difficult to conceal without adjusting clothing choices. The extra barrel length requires holsters designed to accommodate the threads and barrel extension to avoid discomfort or snagging.
What kind of holster is recommended for carrying a pistol with a threaded barrel?
A dedicated threaded barrel holster is essential to ensure proper fit, retention, and a snag-free draw. These holsters feature a slight or no bottom lip to clear the barrel threads and often have specially molded interiors to accommodate the extended barrel profile. Polymer holsters are usually preferred over thick leather to reduce snagging on the threads during the draw.
Can you carry a threaded barrel pistol with a suppressor attached?
Concealed carry with a suppressor attached is impractical due to the increased overall length and bulk. While some open carry or duty-style OWB holsters exist for suppressed pistols, carrying a suppressed handgun concealed generally requires removing the suppressor or using a purpose-built sheath-style holster.
Are threaded barrels legal to own and carry?
Legality varies by jurisdiction. Some states have restrictions or outright bans on threaded barrels or classify guns equipped with them as assault weapons. Laws can also regulate attached muzzle devices like flash suppressors or compensators. It is crucial to verify local and state firearm laws before purchasing or carrying a firearm with a threaded barrel.
How to avoid snagging or difficulty drawing when carrying a threaded barrel pistol?
Practicing your draw extensively with the specific holster and firearm combination helps avoid snagging the extended barrel threads. A smooth, straight draw technique complemented by a holster with an optimized sight channel and minimal bottom lip reduces the risk of the barrel catching on clothing or the holster edge.
What muzzle devices are compatible with threaded barrels and concealed carry?
Threaded barrels can accept suppressors, compensators, muzzle brakes, and flash hiders. For concealed carry, compensators and muzzle brakes are less common due to added length and muzzle blast. Flash hiders or thread protectors are often preferred to maintain a low profile. Suppressors require legal approval and are mainly used in range or duty contexts rather than everyday concealed carry.
Should I choose a threaded barrel if I don’t plan on using suppressors?
If no suppressor or muzzle device use is planned, the added length and potential holster complications may outweigh benefits. However, threaded barrels offer versatility for future accessory attachment and range use without swapping barrels. If you own a pistol with a threaded barrel already, using a high-quality threaded barrel holster maintains safe and practical concealed carry.