Thread: Opinions on off-duty carrying options

I have read several threads about different ways to carry off-duty and I wanted to gets some opinions on the different types/styles. Here is my situation: My agency allows 24/7 carry, BUT only with my assigned SIG 229. I live in California where it is pretty hot during the summer so I usually wear shorts and a T-shirt off-duty. I have small children so I spend a lot of my off-duty time “running around.”

Here is what I have already found on different threads

IWB-
Pro’s- can be worn with almost anything
Con’s- need to buy a lot of new pants/shorts with a larger waistband

Fanny Pack-
Pro’s-can be worn with almost anything
Con’s-Looks….well….not very cool

Ankle-Not an option with my weapon or with wearing shorts

Hip-
Pro’s-Easy to conceal during winter
Con’s-hard to conceal with shorts or impossible if I don’t have belt loops

I’m I missing anything or any ideas? Does anyone else have any ideas/opinions?

Thanks

Try a belly band holster. Galco makes a pretty high-quality one for about $45.00. I use one when it's really hot and it works pretty well. If you get the El Cheapo version, it might not work as well. I had a cheap one previously and it was pretty worthless.

I would stay FAR away from the fanny pack option. It's no longer 'covert' at all and you might as well be in uniform.

My opinion.

k

Fanny packs are convenient, but the bad guys and many average citizens will see anyone wearing one as an off-duty cop (not always a bad thing but something to consider). Any fanny pack will stand out in most of the country, although some of the less "tactical" looking ones will blend in a little better in hot weather tourist areas like Orlando and, to a lesser extent, SoCal. If you are inclined to go this route while wearing shorts and a T-shirt, then consider going for the full look by finding one in a color other than black that won't scream cop.

Personally I am for sticking with what you know and what you train for, meaning if you carry on your hip while working then carry that way while outside work. That may mean adjusting your wardrobe slightly, but when I worked in SoCal I found it easy to go with the typical California "sportcoat" look by wearing a button down, short-sleeve shirt over a t-shirt. Sometimes I buttoned the shirt, sometimes not depending on the outfit I was wearing, but you won't stand out dressed that way in SoCal. Not hard to find shorts with belt loops...although you can get away with some paddle holsters without wearing a belt, I don't recommend it with a heavy gun like the P229.

You might also look at some of the belly band holsters that are out there, or another design such as Thunderwear that can be worn without a belt. IMO, the P229 is a little heavy and bulky for these options but it works for some people.

Also, before you go with a fanny pack or anything other than a traditional holster, make sure they are approved under agency policy. Most agencies, at least at the federal level, will require you to actually qualify using an alternate holster before you can carry that way, especially if it is significantly different from your duty holster.

Any fanny pack will stand out in most of the country, although some of the less "tactical" looking ones will blend in a little better in hot weather tourist areas like Orlando and, to a lesser extent, SoCal. If you are inclined to go this route while wearing shorts and a T-shirt, then consider going for the full look by finding one in a color other than black that won't scream cop.

Nsedet makes a good point that I forgot about. The black leather-look is bad. Black tactical cordura with velcro? Um...probably worse. If you have to take this route, I'd opt for one of the non-holster types like for climbing and outdoor sports, like North Face, etc. The last time I wore one of these (a looooong time ago) I had a multicolored one from Patagonia that I got at REI. I ripped the holster portion out of another "LE-type" fanny pack and had it sewn into the Patagonia. It didn't have that tactical "quick rip open" option, but hey, how tactical do you realistically expect to be with a fanny pack, anyway? You're giving up a lot of the tactical draw for concealability, here. For some added camo, take a pair of sport headphones and drape them around your neck, like you just took them off, then stick the plug inside the pack's zipper. This is all if you realllly have to use this option.

Another thing to do if you have to wear a fanny pack is to pull your shorts up to your chest, wear black dress socks with sandals, drive around like you're blind and deaf, and eat at a lot of cheap, buffet-style restaurants .


k

Originally Posted by krellum

If you have to take this route, I'd opt for one of the non-holster types like for climbing and outdoor sports, like North Face, etc.

A couple companies make fanny pack holsters in other colors just for this purpose. I had one once upon a time that definitely looked more like it was for a jogger or hiker. Unfortunately I found that my self respect was too high to allow me to actually use the thing, but I thought it was nice as a concept.

Originally Posted by nsedet

A couple companies make fanny pack holsters in other colors just for this purpose. I had one once upon a time that definitely looked more like it was for a jogger or hiker. Unfortunately I found that my self respect was too high to allow me to actually use the thing, but I thought it was nice as a concept.

Nsedet, you seem to be a "fanny pack" expert. You even know the designs and colors. I'm just teasing with you.

Originally Posted by krellum

Another thing to do if you have to wear a fanny pack is to pull your shorts up to your chest, wear black dress socks with sandals, drive around like you're blind and deaf, and eat at a lot of cheap, buffet-style restaurants . k

This gave me a good laugh, Krellum. You are too funny.
Here in Bama we don't call them "fanny packs", we have another name for them, but I won't go there.

Well I'll second cassaka2...my agency just started to transition to the Sig 229DAK from the S&W Sigma. I am a smaller (5'7" 165) guy and have a hell of a time concealing anything other than my G27 in the summer. I have a blackhawk SERPA on order for an off-duty/out of uniform holster but I think I am going to have issues with concealment when it counts with that holster. I was thinking maybe I should just nix the Serpa and put that money towards a blade-tech,g-fed,other kydex holsters...any opinions/recommendations?

I am sure many are going to ask why if I have a g27 am I worried about concealing a 229?...well depending on my mood or travels I like to carry the department issue call me crazy

It's pretty hot here in Texas during the summer as well. Off duty, I use a cheap Uncle Mike's IWB holster with a microfiber exterior. I typically carry a Sig 239 off duty, but from time to time use my duty weapon, a 226. The holster is pretty comfortable and remains totally concealed. Best part is there are only a few pairs of pants that I own that I can't carry with this option due to the fit. All the rest of them though I never had a problem squeezing an extra inch or two out for the weapon.

As already cited, stick with what you know. I am in favor of carrying in the same or very close to the way you do when on duty. Muscle memory comes into play here.

The advantage of the paddle backs is that they slip on and off. Some even have room for an extra magazine, a big plus for me.

If you opt for a different method of carry, go to the range and practice twice as much as you do with the duty rig!

Originally Posted by Kristin

Nsedet, you seem to be a "fanny pack" expert. You even know the designs and colors. I'm just teasing with you.


This gave me a good laugh, Krellum. You are too funny.
Here in Bama we don't call them "fanny packs", we have another name for them, but I won't go there.

I had a friend who called it his Fast Action Gun bag .

A lot of good opinions here. I'm thinking about using a pancake holster for off-duty (I use the Serpa on duty) for a closer fit. I think the shorts with the belt loops and a T-Shirt is the way to go.

With your only option being a 229 to carry, it kinda makes your option list pretty short.

IWB holsters are OK, but make sure you get a good fit or wear a belt otherwise you will be pulling up your shorts more often than you like. Also a loose fitting T-shirt will help make sure the gun does not print. Check out the Galco catalog as they have several other models (I believe they are the J-hook or sky something) that are made to be worn under clothing.

Belly-Band holsters seem like a good idea as well and of course the loose fitting shirt will help as well.

And I echo what everyone else mentions about fanny packs, while they may work, they scream "COP" unless you are in the middle of a tourist area.

You could get a very large hat....just kidding. Of course I have seen more than one gun hidden in the top of a cowboy hat here in the State of Texas.

I carry a 3 inch Ruger SP 101 every day in one of these.



It's a FIST #12 basic. I love it.

Link for FIST Holsters.

Few more things to consider:

There's "Smartcarry" or "Thunderwear" (groan), which carries under your pants/shorts in front. Not my personal choice...but might be an option with your situation.

There's also the option for a very high-ride OWB holster...I just ordered one for my 229. I'm getting the Stead-fast model from Garrity gunleather...Fist inc makes a very high-ride kydex model.

For such a large gun, I would suggest a Milt Sparks VMII. Its an IWB. With a good belt, it should be no problem. I used one for my .40 H&K P2000. Its not as large as a 229, but it is pretty thick. I also carry a full size 1911 in one no problem. Sparks are pricey, but its the best. It holds it very tight to the body.

Originally Posted by Norm357

I carry a 3 inch Ruger SP 101 every day in one of these.



It's a FIST #12 basic. I love it.

Link for FIST Holsters.

I am a big fan of FIST also. I use a Basic #7 and it makes a P239 vanish under a t-shirt. Nice matching mag pouches as well. For my P229, I use a Lou Alessi or Milt Sparks rig. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Every penny.
Gonzo