Belly Band - I'm sold!

[Chaser199]

I have been carrying guns as an LEO for over 20 years but I never before bought a belly band.

Recently, I was looking for a different, less conspicuous way to carry my weapon while on a flight. Got tired of wearing of wearing shirt tails out or wearing a sports coat. Bought the belly band, wore it under a dark colored loose fitting shirt and I was happy as a pig in poop.

The recent trip was to Florida, so when I was off duty, wearing my t-shirt and shorts, I wore the belly band rather than my fanny pack. Great concealment and there wasn't that tell tale sign a fanny pack that usually gives a LEO away.

In case, you're wondering, I carried a Sig 229 and the weapon was completely secure at all times.

Some probably have had worse experiences ... thought I'd share mine.

[USSS1811]

i am amazed to hear that the 229 worked that well in a belly band. as you know, that is a pretty damn heavy pistol, i would have thought it would have been very uncomfortable. did it feel like it was sagging to one side or anything? i usually do the sport coat thing or "camp shirt" (short sleeve botton-up, made to be worn un-tucked). ever try ankle carry? i wonder if that is a pain in the a$$ or not.

[Chaser199]

i am amazed to hear that the 229 worked that well in a belly band. as you know, that is a pretty damn heavy pistol, i would have thought it would have been very uncomfortable. did it feel like it was sagging to one side or anything? i usually do the sport coat thing or "camp shirt" (short sleeve botton-up, made to be worn un-tucked). ever try ankle carry? i wonder if that is a pain in the a$$ or not.

Wore the gun (Sig) on one side, the two spare mags on the other - I was balanced.

Carried an ankle holster long ago for a 2 inch S&W revolver. I no longer have the gun and I don't think my Sig 229 will work in it.

BTW, good luck on your impending move. :t- up: I know I got tired of standing posts in alleys and stairways so I know why you would want to move on.

[USSS1811]

thanks chaser, i think it will be a blast going to ATF. and i would have killed to stand post in an alley...lucky! i was a stairwell superstar! and an elevator landing emperor!

[Chaser199]

thanks chaser, i think it will be a blast going to ATF. and i would have killed to stand post in an alley...lucky! i was a stairwell superstar! and an elevator landing emperor!

It will. Best part - as ATF is under Justice, there is no getting drafted into a protection detail to assist the USSS!

[kenoshacop]

I agree that the bellyband is great! I carry my Glock 27 in one on and off duty and haven't had any problems at all.

-Kenoshacop

[Eaglearm]

It will. Best part - as ATF is under Justice, there is no getting drafted into a protection detail to assist the USSS!

Sounds like you boys were a little bored with protection work standing in empty halls, alleys, and stairwells would not be my cup of tea either. Yet, I guess some new newbie sap has to do it. After a few hours alone, you can kick the walls asking yourself, "What in the heck did I sign up for?"

[USSS1811]

eaglearm,

if it was just a few hours i wouldnt even complain :)

it is the 12 to 16 hour assignments that make you start to question your life decisions... ;)

but seriously folks, somebody has to do it. just not me anymore :D

[Astor]

Do you think the belly band holster would work well for off-duty carry while exercising? Specifically jogging, and building up sweat.


I'm thinking about ordering a belly band holster that is advertised as a '"sport holster" and supposedly suitable for such a purpose. However, I have reservations because the website is one of those paranoid/militia type sights (i.e. not very mainstream, I and wonder about the quality of the product).


Can anyone recommend a mainstream manufacturer of a belly band holster that would be suitable for excercising with?


Thanks,

Astor

[krellum]

There was one for sale on the net awhile back that was made of neoprene and the weapon was carried upside down in the small of the back...I'll see if I can find it for you.

Hope you don't sweat a lot - that could get nasty!

k

[Astor]

Thanks K, I think that may be the same one I was referring to. I meant to post a picture of it...here it is:

http://www.politesociety.com/image6.jpg


It is made by Active Body Holster Inc.


I Googled the company, and they seem fairly reputable.



Thanks K!


Astor

[Lupey]

Only question I have is how quick can you get to it? Is it as quick as an IWB with a baggy shirt??

[dmclark]

Ahh Lupey has asked the Magic Question! Of course, the answer is no, it's not fast. Secure, concealable, but S L O W. I'll take my IWB kydex. DM

[Lupey]

Thanks DM! That ends my consideration of it. I'll keep my IWB also.

[kenoshacop]

I also have an IWB, and yes, it is much faster. But when I'm on duty (IWB wouldn't work), or not wearing something that would cover an IWB, the bellyband works great.

-Kenoshacop

[nsedet]

Only question I have is how quick can you get to it? Is it as quick as an IWB with a baggy shirt??

You can get a quick draw with a belly band holster in one circumstance: wearing the gun under your left arm while in a dress shirt and tie (so you can leave several of the middle shirt buttons undone). That gives you quick access to it similar to a shoulder holster, still probably a bit slower than a normal IWB holster, but as close as you'll get to a fast draw with a belly band. I have a belly band holster that I consider to be pretty good, but only use it on the very rare occasion when a standard holster won't work at all.

[krellum]

I think what Astor is going to use it for is running, and if that's the case, there's really not much of an alternative - you have to sacrifice accessibility for security and the ability to even have it with you, in some instances.

Astor, the one you're looking at IS actually the one I was thinking of (and the only one I found while searching). If you wanted to drop some more money and put a lot more effort into it, you could actually make one of these: find an old farmer john wetsuit (i.e. sleeveless) on e-bay, cut the legs off so it's essentially just a neoprene vest, then use some material from the legs and a tube of aquaseal to make whatever pouches you want on the front or back. Useless in the summertime, but probably great for winter running (and you could have the weapon on the front or under your arm...or anywhere, for that matter). I might actually do this with an old wetsuit...might be pretty cool.

k

[USSS1811]

ASTOR,

USSS SA's use a belly band holster system for running with protectees that is very secure, pretty fast to access, and very durable for running and getting your sweat up. it may take me a couple of days to research the manufacturer, but i will check into it. our set ups have a holster, and radio pouch and spare mag case and cuff case, but i think they are all removable so you can customize. it is made for the sig 229. all ballistic nylon, secures with velcro and a buckle too.

during the campaign one of the SA's on my advance team had to get one fedexed to him at a hotel so he could run with sen. edwards. i declined the invitation to run too :rolleyes: the senator liked to run for an hour, and my knee starts aching after about 45 min...didnt want to be limping around, my luck i would have ended up on CNN looking like an a$$!