[vvllbs]

I’m a big believer in concealed carry. Very seldom do I carry on my person, but I need to re-evaluate that. I buy, sell and trade firearms on a regular basis, that keeps me in the loop with the latest trends. While I do own semis and revolvers, I feel more comfortable with a revolver. Being a shade under 6 foot tall and kind of thin, its really hard to conceal comfortably. I’ve tried many guns and only my little KelTec p32 is easy to hide. You’ll find out I’m kind of a cheapskate. While I enjoy my little 32, but should my life and most importantly others lives depend on a $250 semi auto. I’m looking for a rig that functions flawless and is easy to conceal. Prefer a wheel gun but may have to try an auto. Would appreciate your thoughts and opinions.


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[texastaurusguy]

The rig is going to be everything in making a difference for your comfort when you conceal carry. Do you carry IWB or OWB? My son is built like you and he swears by appendix carry, almost right in front of him, inside the waistband. Everybody is different though.

 

[olfarhors]

ahh, everybody likes different stuff, myself I am a semi guy!
I would suggest in the 380-- a Sig 238, a Kimber 380, or the newly introduced Springfield Armory 911.
the Bersa is another great choice that will not break the bank in 380 although larger than the others mentioned.
9 MM- I would look at the CZ P-10C, CZ P-01, CZ Compact 75, CZ PCR.( all stacked magazine) the Sig 365, the sig 320, the Kimber 9mm micro, the Sig 938.
Canik also makes a good quality CZ clone that is less expensive, and of course there is always the Commander, officer, defender size
1911 in 9 MM as well.

 

[Divebum]

If you are going to carry a wheel gun, and you want to conceal it on a thin body, you're going to be pretty much confined to 5 shot .357/38sp. Then, you might want to carry a couple of speed loaders as a backup. The Ruger LCR is easily concealed, light and comes in .357. I bought the .38 version because I figured if I can shoot +p, why pay extra for the 38 version.

For a semi, single stack is probably the best, again, for your frame. Check out the new Springfield XDS in 9mm or the S&W Shield in 9mm. Again, you'll want to have an extra mag. I have th XDS, and it's a nice little shooter. I don't carry it yet since I don't have what I consider as a comfortable round count. But I have carried it around the house, and it fits very well.

 

[68Firebird]

I'm about your size and don't have any trouble carrying my S&W 642. I either pocket carry in a #3 Uncle Mike's or IWB in a small kydex holster at 2 or 4 o'clock. It just depends on my mood, clothing and/or activity.
I carry my Kahr CM9 more often though. Same locations.

 

[ICUKev]

The rig is going to be everything in making a difference for your comfort when you conceal carry. Do you carry IWB or OWB? My son is built like you and he swears by appendix carry, almost right in front of him, inside the waistband. Everybody is different though.

Exactly. It also depends on your clothing choice. Skinny jeans and tight t-shirts will limit your carry options. You also have to realize that most people don't pay attention so unless someone points it out, most won't see owb outside of shirt! LOL

 

[daytonaredeye]

If you are going to carry a wheel gun, and you want to conceal it on a thin body, you're going to be pretty much confined to 5 shot .357/38sp. Then, you might want to carry a couple of speed loaders as a backup. The Ruger LCR is easily concealed, light and comes in .357. I bought the .38 version because I figured if I can shoot +p, why pay extra for the 38 version.

For a semi, single stack is probably the best, again, for your frame. Check out the new Springfield XDS in 9mm or the S&W Shield in 9mm. Again, you'll want to have an extra mag. I have th XDS, and it's a nice little shooter. I don't carry it yet since I don't have what I consider as a comfortable round count. But I have carried it around the house, and it fits very well.

This is my thinking. ThinK Ruger SP101 IN 357/38 2 1/3” BBL. Or a Ruger LCR in 357/38. Either of these can be pocket carried with great ease. This would likely be your quickest entry into CC as you evaluate possibly adding an auto pistol at some point where you’ll have to go through holster rig evaluations.

 

[Lmstncwby]

Go with a S&W 9 Shield with some +P ammo in an IWB or an OWB pancake holster. If you carry at the 1:30 or 2:00 position, it should conceal just fine. Wear a loose-fitting Hawaiian Flowered Shirt one size larger and your problem is solved.

 

[maloy]

Anything S&W in a J frame, I myself prefer the SP101 in .357 or 9mm. With moon clips in the 9mm, you have a very fast reload with practice. The LCRx is also a good choice for lightness.

I own the SP101 in .357 and 9mm. As well as a 3" LCRx. I tried the shorter Hogue Tamer grip for it, and ordered one.

Maloy

 

[jtg452]

Dress is the key. Find a balance between concealment ability and blending in.

When I was your size (6'1" and 155-185 pounds), I could hide basically anything I wanted if I could wear the right clothes. Seriously, one of my common carry guns was a 5 inch N frame Smith and Wesson chambered in .45 Colt. I carried it during the fall under a windbreaker or denim jacket. A 1911 or a Browning Hi Power disappeared under a t-shirt, button down or polo.

Loose is better than tight. Dark is better than light. Patterns are better than solids. Thicker cloth hang better and bunch up less than thinner cloths like silk and rayon.

With your build, unless you are extremely narrow shouldered, you should be able to get away with carrying about anything you want under a looser fitting t-shirt or polo shirt with a decent IWB holster and a good belt.

 

[chefduane]

If you are going to carry a wheel gun, and you want to conceal it on a thin body, you're going to be pretty much confined to 5 shot .357/38sp.

^ This.

 

[1942bull]

I have made the Taurus G2C my only EDC gun. I weigh in at 163 and am 5’10”tall with a 33inch waist. I can conceal the G2C IWB, my preferred carry style, anywhere between 3 and 4:30 on my right side. I can conceal it appendix as well but I do. It like that carry position. The G2C has now proven itself to be reliable and accurate pistol. Its 12+1 capacity gives it an edge over any wheel gun or single stack semi. You really should consider it. Check out the numerous reviews on YouTube. The PT111 reviews are
relavent since the G2C is an updated version it the G2.

 

[RedOilMan]

An inexpensive way to try iwb with different firearms is to use a sticky holster. I have 3 sizes for 3 different pistols. They run from $12 to $22 in my area. They are very comfortable and stay put.

 

[youngandfree]

I carry a G19 and mag appendix really easily. What's your definition of only a P32 hides enough? You'd be surprised what you can conceal with a proper holster and cover garments. Certain holsters are built to position your firearm so the end of the grip turns into your body more than a plain old plain Jane holster.

I have the same G19 appendix under the tucked shirt and tie for Easter Sunday.

 

[aznboi3644]

The holster and belt are going to be key factors in concealing. I'm 5'6" 150 and I can conceal a 1911 and two spare magazines on my belt wearing a medium sized t shirt.

I EDC a Springfield XDS9 4.0 now appendix and spare mag with ease. My back doesn't like the all steel weight anymore. I only carry the 1911 on the weekends and if I want to have more firepower.

IMO concealing a revolver is harder because the bulge will be larger because of the cylinder.

I would rather carry my XDS45 with a 5 round magazine and spare mags on my belt than a bully revolver and bulky speed loaders.

It's also much easier to reload the XDS with 6-7 round magazines than a revolver and speed loaders.

 

[BigBlue]

At 6'3", I find the biggest problem I have is finding shirts that are long enough to cover a concealed carry gun. Even in short sleeves you can find long sizes, but you have to hunt around for them. A less fashionable loose fit is best and a good carry belt is a must. When your life and the lives of others depend on a decision you made to carry, it not the time to cheap out.

 

[Tracker627]

Bersa .380 for the budget minded or a Ruger SP101 for a wheel gun. I don't shoot my SP101 enough but I am always pleasantly surprised how accurate it is for a .357 snubby. The Uncle Mike's Belt Slide series of OWB holsters are very well made, not expensive, and will hold the pistol of your choice close to your body. Very comfortable too.

 

[Dave]

I prefer Snub Revolvers. I carry Two J-Frames most days. A 442 is always in my pocket. The other is in my waistband. Some times I trade out the waist J and use my 617 7 shot Taurus.

 

[Backpacker]

It can depend a lot on your body shape. I'm six feet, 185 lbs, which is 10 pounds heavier than I was in 1985. That weight collected mostly around my waist.
That brings in the next most important thing to consider, carefully: How you carry, especially a holster and belt, with appropriate cover. If you haven't been doing that, it could take a number of tries until you find combos that work. I can carry N-frame revolvers under light cover, or two full-size or "Commander"-size 1911s. Most of my holsters are outside-the-waistband because that extra 10 pounds doesn't like things poking into it. I have IWB rigs for a Sig 239 or S&W 6906 or 915.
For revolvers I can carry two Pythons or various L- and K-frame revolvers in holsters made especially for them. A Colt Diamond back is good when I need deeper cover under lighter cover.
The key in all cases is the carry rig.
Don't overlook S&W J-frame revolvers. I use them only in deep cover, say, outdoor summer clothes in warm/hot weather, but I've never liked the reduction to five rounds. I prefer a Colt Detective Special instead. The Colt is also rated for +P ammo and heavy enough to shoot without breaking your wrist.

Since you're slim you should have no trouble finding a suitable rig that will keep your gun(s) concealed.
A relative who is active duty USAF and often in threatening civilian environments, carries a Ruger LC9 in an appendix carry holster under nothing more than an un-tucked shirt. He is 6' 2" and 195 lbs.

Hint: don't take somebody's word for what might work for you. Insist on seeing that person wearing the rig s/he likes - and moving around with it, and consider it on yourself. Best thing is to actually try it yourself, dressed as you intend to dress. Unfortunately, you'll likely start a "collection". Good trading material for gunshows.

Final suggestion: Even if a carry gun might print a little, you can add distractions. Sling a camera over your shoulder, for example. People will see it instead of a wrinkle in your shirt. I no longer wear a wrist watch, but when I did it was a large aviator's watch that always attracted attention.

 

[FreeInAZ]

I mean this in the nicest way, I do... only you know what works for you.

This said, only you know where you are and are not willing to compromise also.

I recently met up with some friends and they have always liked to play the guess how many guns FreeInAZ is carrying game.

In short, if you are willing to dress around your pistols you can carry them easily discreetly.

Oh by the way, it was 107° F on that day and I was carrying: a 14 shot double stack 45acp, and two 8 shot single stack 45acp's and a very large pocket knife and a spare double stack mag... all while wearing cargo shorts a T shirt & a cover shirt. ..