Optics on CCW

[cobian1984]

P365 XMacro with EPS Carry AIWB. Can wear it comfortably all day.

 

[M_N04H]

Hip carry, leaning towards staying no optics. I'm already comfortable with it. I tried walking around with optics on, the optic hits my belt, forced me to adjust to holster, now I can't cant the pistol like how I like it.

If anyone wants a Sig Romeo X compact, reach out. I'm really bummed because I really wanted this optic to work, I like it.

 

[vplaza96]

Those who carry with, what position? I carry at 3 o'clock and it's just the most comfortable for me. But I throw on the optic and I feel like it's going to be just enough to start poking through my shirts. As is, my pistol just disappears in the holster.

AIWB with a T1C MSP Pro Flex holster. I feel like I have more control of my shirt from the front and don't have to worry about showing accidentally if I lean over or turn my torso.

 

[.dC0m]

I learned during my initial CCW classes that carry position varies on the person's build. AIWB is not going to work for heavier set individuals, no matter how deep your holster is sunk past your belt line.

I had a guy in my class (heavy set) who was going to rock his CCW toys in the "miami vice shoulder holster" - it was funny at first, but then you realize he didn't have many options to be truly "concealed".

 

[M_N04H]

I learned during my initial CCW classes that carry position varies on the person's build. AIWB is not going to work for heavier set individuals, no matter how deep your holster is sunk past your belt line.

I had a guy in my class (heavy set) who was going to rock his CCW toys in the "miami vice shoulder holster" - it was funny at first, but then you realize he didn't have many options to be truly "concealed".

I'm not heavy set but I cannot get appendix carry to work for me. I carry strong side, which is probably why I can't really work with optics. My shirts are loose enough but even the addition of the optic caused issues with how the holster sat on my hip.

 

[vplaza96]

I learned during my initial CCW classes that carry position varies on the person's build. AIWB is not going to work for heavier set individuals, no matter how deep your holster is sunk past your belt line.

I had a guy in my class (heavy set) who was going to rock his CCW toys in the "miami vice shoulder holster" - it was funny at first, but then you realize he didn't have many options to be truly "concealed".

For sure, how someone carries depends on many factors. I'm a little on the heavy side but fortunately, I'm able to carry appendix my full size guns with optics.

Folks should carry the way they're comfortable. More importantly, train regularly with how you carry. You want to be able to draw, reload, reholster, etc. exactly how you carry on a daily basis proficiently and consistently.

 

[Vtec44]

I've always carried and train with iron sights but lately I'm thinking about switching to optics. My eye sight isn't as good as it once was .

 

[Ron Swanson]

I'm not heavy set but I cannot get appendix carry to work for me. I carry strong side, which is probably why I can't really work with optics. My shirts are loose enough but even the addition of the optic caused issues with how the holster sat on my hip.

I feel your pain here lol. No matter what small gun I've tried it doesn't work. I tried my friends p365 in a T1C and grip still prints badly. I did find that if I pulled up my pants like Urkel high, it stays hidden. I'm not willing to make that lifestyle change to carry appendix.

 

[M_N04H]

I feel your pain here lol. No matter what small gun I've tried it doesn't work. I tried my friends p365 in a T1C and grip still prints badly. I did find that if I pulled up my pants like Urkel high, it stays hidden. I'm not willing to make that lifestyle change to carry appendix.

I'm not buying an entire wardrobe just so I can carry differently

 

[BunnySloper]

I have an RDS on all my carry and home defense handguns. All of them also have a WML.

Holster and belt design are major factors on concealment and comfort for carrying. I have carried my G19, G26 and recently the Hellcat. Both at the 3:30 position and AIWB. All with RDS and WML (a TLR-1 for the G19). Never had any issue.

 

[GAAPlebees]

I'm not buying an entire wardrobe just so I can carry differently

With the right holster AIWB is totally feasible, and has many advantages over other positions.

I’m 6’3” 230 lbs to give a reference. I AIWB a g19 plus reload 100% of the time I’m wearing pants with a belt loop. Holster is a tenicor Certum 3 with a CCW pillow, on a Nexbelt ratcheting CCW belt. Also using a tenicor mag carrier.

The 19 just disappears, and printing is very minimal, I’m actually not sure how it’s possible to print more with appendix carry vs strong side. I can guarantee any issues you’re having with appendix will disappear with a quality holster and more time carrying appendix.

 

[bonesurf]

once upon a time I used an SW air weight. but the roundness was never very comfortable. then I was using a p365 SAS for like as much concealability as possible. and that gun pretty much defines point/shoot. but frankly the regular slide and an eps carry isnt much different re concealabiity and is endlessly easier to shoot well vs the SAS. so thats what I evolved to. I also sling carry a hk45c that has an optic as well. but not so worried about concealability in a sling.

 

[DJD100]

Three pistols, 2 have dots, a modded CZ SP01 and a EDC Sig P365 Spectre Comp, plus a EDC Kahr PM9 with Magguts +1's for deep concealment/pocket carry.

My old eyes prefer the dot with my glasses on, but irons are fine as well if need be.

Point shooting should be practiced as well!

 

[M_N04H]

Those carrying on 3 - 4 o'clock (or strong side 9 for left handed carry), what holster do you use? I'm looking at TXC with the wedge and minimal bulk to possibly switch to if I start carrying with optics.

 

[BunnySloper]

Those carrying on 3 - 4 o'clock (or strong side 9 for left handed carry), what holster do you use? I'm looking at TXC with the wedge and minimal bulk to possibly switch to if I start carrying with optics.

When I carried at this position IWB, Crossbreed with horse hide were my go to. Currently, I carry AIWB, and using Vedder and Tenicor.

 

[DJD100]

Those carrying on 3 - 4 o'clock (or strong side 9 for left handed carry), what holster do you use? I'm looking at TXC with the wedge and minimal bulk to possibly switch to if I start carrying with optics.

Inexpensive Warriorland here for my Sig P365 Spectre Comp with GDS and Laser (Laser mostly for a thumb rest as batteries don't last in it, even when it's off?), though the IWB Kydex holster works great and is quite comfortable (with a Hogue Grip Sleeve on the grip). The Laser and Holster came together.

https://warriorland.net/

You can spend lots more, but you don't have to IME.

 

[M_N04H]

I found a wedge by vedder that I will try first. I currently use a Desantis slim tuk that I actually really like. Both items inexpensive. It arrives tomorrow. Will update. Thanks everyone.

 

[ar15robert]

My carry gun is cut for an optic but i prefer the regular sights on the gun.My thoughts is electronics no matter how good they are made can fail at anytime and i like to keep gun as compact as i can.

Most likely in a self defense situation the shots will be close if you cant hit a target you need more practice or shouldnt own a gun.

 

[H. Bowman]

My carry gun is cut for an optic but i prefer the regular sights on the gun.My thoughts is electronics no matter how good they are made can fail at anytime and i like to keep gun as compact as i can.

Most likely in a self defense situation the shots will be close if you cant hit a target you need more practice or shouldnt own a gun.

I've had one red dot optic fail on a gun before, and it was a cheapo Bushnell TRS-25 on an AK.

I've had the front sight fly off of several pistols over the years.

 

[Mr.Cip]

I have a Holosun optic on my P365. I carry between 3 and 4:00 IWB.
I’m 76 so my eyesight is not as good as before. Optics makes a big difference. I just need to keep practicing to be consistent in acquiring that dot quickly.

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