View Full Version : Opinions on these concealment methods
cassaka2
02-27-2008, 12:59
My agency only allows me to carry my issued SIG 229 on and off duty, no other weapons are authorized. I usually use an IWB holster when off duty, but sometimes it is just not practical. I am opposed to getting a CCW and carrying something smaller under that.
So I have done some research and have seen these two options:
Bianchi Ranger Triad Ankle Holster
Specgear TRUSS holster
Does anyone have any experience or opinions about these holsters with a weapon as large as a SIG 229? Does anyone have any other ideas where shirt needs to be tucked in and wearing an over garment isn’t practical off duty?
Thanks
I think your sig will be too big for an ankle rig. I have a little .380 backup that I carry in an ankle holster and it can be bulky (some pant cuffs won't even fit over it), not to mention heavy, so I think a 229 down there might be a bit much.
Not familiar with the Truss holster, but it looks like a typical belly band, just with an added set of suspenders (kinda thin, too, so I wonder if they're necessary). I have a Galco belly band that I use in the summertime and carry a Sig 229 in and it works just fine. It has no shoulder straps, but is probably one of the highest-quality BB holster's I've seen - thick material, solid velcro fastening, good, deep pockets. I can carry the weapon, 2 mags, cuffs and a knife in it and am still comfortable, even while flying.
In some of the photos on that Tuuss website, it looks like the guy is carrying everything but the kitchen sink, and I can't imagine that could be comfortable, even WITH suspenders.
If you really want to wear a tucked-in shirt, you might try one of the undershirt-type holsters. Only drawback is that they can be hot. I have one that I bought a few years ago that's fairly good quality, plus a free one I got from 5.11 (local special, got it when I bought some shirts and pants). The 5.11 is actually more comfortable.
k
cassaka2
02-27-2008, 14:47
Does your 5-11 holster shirt sag? Looks like the butt of the weapon would print.
The TRUSS system is well designed and good for concealment. Similar to a belly band, but less elastic and better reinforced, so the suspenders actually end up carrying the bulk of the weight and keep it in place. It's a good option if you have to carry a standard sized duty weapon, have to dress up and don't want to wear a jacket. Not my first choice for daily wear, although I have worn it over a full day on occasion and found it to be comfortable, if perhaps a bit restrictive.
cassaka2
02-27-2008, 15:53
The TRUSS system is well designed and good for concealment. Similar to a belly band, but less elastic and better reinforced, so the suspenders actually end up carrying the bulk of the weight and keep it in place. It's a good option if you have to carry a standard sized duty weapon, have to dress up and don't want to wear a jacket. Not my first choice for daily wear, although I have worn it over a full day on occasion and found it to be comfortable, if perhaps a bit restrictive.
Thanks for the input.
Does the Truss print or does it conceal pretty well?
Also can anyone compare the Truss vs. the 511 holster shirt?
I'll go ahead and throw another plug out there for the Galco Belly Band. I've used it with both a P239 & a P229, and it holds the weapon well. Not only is the band itself nice and thick (which helps disperse some of the weight of the weapon), but the velco is big enough to actually keep the belly band closed. If you position it right, there's little to no print of the weapon (unless you wear shirts two sizes too small to show off those huge biceps or pectoral muscles!).
Years ago, I tried a P239 on the ankle, and found it way too bulky (even with baggy pants). If the P239 was too bulky, I'd imagine the P229 would be worse.
Does the Truss print or does it conceal pretty well?
It conceals well. The weapon is canted at a good angle to keep it hidden even when you are moving, turning, etc. Not a bad holster to draw from compared to even some belly bands I have tried, but the angle makes it slightly awkward (not bad but takes some getting used to).
The 5.11 doesn't print for me, but I have a wide chest and essentially "big armpits", which helps a lot (deeper place for the weapon to lay). This seems to be common with these kinds of holsters. If you have a slight frame, it might not work as well for you. If you find one at a polce supply place, I'd imagine they'd let you try it on with a weapon in it and/or under different shirts.
Another plug for that Galco belly band - I had tried 2 or 3 before the Galco which were just crap. I could see why people who are anti-BB would have been so after trying any of them. But like Navy said, the material in this one VERY rugged. The 229 doesn't print at all, and like nsedet said with the Truss system, the Galco also allows you to cant the weapon.
k
Actually, I have to check my belly band, but I believe you get two options with the Galco - one cant section and one straight. I always use the same one (canted position - it prints less) so I haven't looked that that in a while.
Since I don't have Krellum's big armpits, the grip of my Glock 23 does print some in the 5.11 holster shirt but this is remedied by wearing a patterned shirt over it. I use mine for travel and it can get a bit warm since it wears like white on rice.
agenttobe
02-27-2008, 21:16
I've had the TRUSS and the belly band as well as the Kydex IWB holster. I personally like the kydex best. Not to short the belly band or the TRUSS. Both were very good as far concealment goes. The only problem with the two of them was the summer months. In the summer months these two can really hold in the heat. After a few hours with them on it became a little uncomfortable because of the heat. Between the TRUSS and belly band, I liked the TRUSS more but depending how high you had it riding, it could take a second or two longer to get to it. But again, as for the concealment, they both worked well.
kennethm3
02-27-2008, 21:29
A 229 in an ankle holster? Yes the '70's are back! Honey, dig out my bell bottom jeans! Now, where is my "Starsky and Hutch" sweater?
Fin4Life
02-27-2008, 22:34
You may want to take a look at the Galco SkyOps IWB holster. You can wear your shirt tucked or untucked.
A 229 in an ankle holster? Yes the '70's are back! Honey, dig out my bell bottom jeans! Now, where is my "Starsky and Hutch" sweater?
Well, I guess if you have elephant ankles.........................
cassaka2
02-28-2008, 14:47
I think I may try the Galco belly band. I want to find a shop that sells it so I can try it on.
I think I may try the Galco belly band. I want to find a shop that sells it so I can try it on.
I was a little skeptical first... but that's exactly what I did. I went to a local shop and found one. I looked like a complete idiot trying it on over my clothes, but it allowed me to see how solid it felt. I went ahead and purchased it at the shop, but I think it may have been cheaper at a few places online (even after shipping).
colsanders
02-29-2008, 01:49
I carry a 229 on the ankle. It takes some getting used to (heavy) but its not really noticeable. I carry nearly every day in that configuration, as does another agent in my office. I use an Uncle Mike's Sidekick, with a Galco CopSafe for my cuffs and mag.
Draw isn't super fast, obviously, but it's good for plane carry at the very least, or for summer when you don't want to wear a jacket.
Only problem with the ankle - you can't really run with it on. One might argue that if you need to run you'll have your weapon out anyway...
JimSpoor
02-29-2008, 08:03
I carry a 229 on the ankle. It takes some getting used to (heavy) but its not really noticeable. I carry nearly every day in that configuration, as does another agent in my office.
:eek::eek::eek:
I don't mean to doubt your choices, but I remain skeptical of the utility of a Sig 229 on your ankle.
uptownfed
02-29-2008, 08:21
229 on ankle!? Do you wear boot cut jeans?
I carry a 226 both off and on duty. Off duty I'll typically carry it IWB with an Uncle Mike's holster. I have learned how to tuck the shirt in around it so I can wear tucked and untucked, depending on situation. Maybe it's just the way that I'm built, but nobody has ever noticed. In fact, even people that know I carry will ask if and where. Is it the fastest on the draw? No, not so much, but the point is concealment, right?
:eek::eek::eek:
I don't mean to doubt your choices, but I remain skeptical of the utility of a Sig 229 on your ankle.
Walk this way...................
No, THIS way............................................... .
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