Below is a question from reader Rob T. I get asked this carry question quite often so I wanted to answer it in-depth today…
“Hi Jason Love your stuff!!! Quick question. I live in an area where my daily wear is shorts and a t-shirt. I know I am lucky but this “outfit” does not lend itself to concealed carry.
I have had my CCW for several years and find I don’t carry more than I do because I am very conscientious about printing under just a t-shirt. Since I wear shorts most days and ankle holster is no good.
I suppose you will tell me to move to Texas so I don’t have to worry about carrying concealed. Just wondering if you have any thoughts? At this rate it is highly likely that the time I need my firearm, I wont have it. Thanks again for all the information.”
I’ve got some good news for Rob that he doesn’t have to move to Texas. Also, I’m sure Rob will have some people tell him to “suck it up” or “change your clothes and dress differently,” but I’m not going to do that.
I’m going to give Rob two ways to carry a gun that can easily be done in shorts and a t-shirt and are comfortable. In fact, when it’s blazing hot in the summer where I live in southern Utah, I utilize these two methods.
The first and easiest way to carry in the heat is by carrying in your pocket. There are so many guns on the market these days that are perfect for pocket carry including the Ruger LCP, Sig P238, Colt Mustang, Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard, and Glock 42.
When carrying a gun in your pocket you will want to wear cargo shorts (or another thicker type of short) and not mesh basketball shorts that are flimsy and will cause your shorts to fall to your ankles if you try and carry a gun.
Of course, you also want to use a pocket holster. I use a simple kydex holster when I carry my gun in my front right pocket. So, pocket carry would be my first choice for Rob and for anyone who often wears shorts and a t-shirt.
(Ruger LCP in a kydex pocket holster)
Also, all of the guns mentioned above and the ones most common for pocket carry are .380. Don’t let anyone tell you that .380 isn’t a good enough round for self-defense. If you get a solid hollow point round from Hornady, DoubleTap, or Speer, you’ll be well prepared to stop a threat.
Now to the second carrying option…
The second option is to wear a bellyband. When I exercise I use a bellyband and it works great to carry smaller guns such as the ones I mentioned above. Also, because the bellyband keeps the gun so close to your body most people (depending on their body type) don’t have to worry about the gun printing through their t-shirt.
The beauty of the bellyband is that not only can you carry a gun, but most of them have places to carry a spare magazine, flashlight, or a knife.
(Ruger LCP in a bellyband)
There is a third option that can be used; however, I wouldn’t recommend it. Some folks carry these small guns in the “appendix position” because it’s easy to conceal a gun when wearing a t-shirt.
The reason I never carry this way is because the gun is pointing at your body and if you have an accidental discharge while holstering the gun you’re going to shoot yourself. Again, I know this is becoming a more popular carry position but I prefer not to have a loaded gun pointing at important parts of my anatomy.
So, now Rob and anyone else that lives in hotter climates have zero excuses not to be carrying a gun on a daily basis. And although the gun may be a smaller “pocket gun” it’s better than the full-size gun sitting at home in your gun safe.
The Mailbag
From Osvaldo V: Good morning Jason, the book from Lott is fantastic. I also found this summary persuasive, too.
A: Yes, John Lott has written many great books and articles on the importance of having a firearm for self-defense.
From Mick L: I just saw your point about licensing your training in May of this year. I would certainly be interested in finding out more about that when it comes available.
A: I’ve added you to the contact list. Around the beginning of May I’ll send you an email with more details.
From Robert D: You have so much good advice and experience that you do not need to be drawn into the “men bad, women good” flatulent garrulity. When you say that our wives and daughters will probably do more good than most men, you play into the regressive, liberal mindset.
A: I must say this is probably the first time I’ve ever been associated with a liberal mindset. However, I stand by what I said. I think women are sweeter, kinder, and more selfless than us men.
From G & M: Just wanted to take a minute to respond–love the pic of your beautiful daughter (doesn’t she look mischievous!)–but we (our family) really appreciate what you are doing for the public. Wish we could attend one of your events, but we just can’t right now. However, we look forward to seeing you on Rachael Ray and we love reading the emails.
A: Thank you. My daughter is a handful but she keeps life exciting as I imagine most two-year olds do.
I carry a Beretta PX4 storm full size frame in shorts and a T-shirt. No concealment problems. I am 6 ft tall and weight about 210, so that has some effect. Buy your shirts a size larger and go with inside the waistband holsters. I tried many different holsters, but will only use Falco custom holsters. The very best.Well worth the cost.