I am not calling out anyone here.
The OP is head of security and for whatever reason the leadership of the Church have decided that carrying openly is no longer allowed.
The main considerations in my not so humble opinion are,
- Ease of access
- Stopping power
If you read his preferences he is not interested in pocket, ankle, OB, deep concealment or mouse guns. He also has just purchased trousers that fit well, are not suited to IWB carry and is not wanting to buy new pants with a larger waist.
Again, this is just to refresh memories or for folk that have not taken the time to read the entire thread.
Ok, I've been packing a gun now, first as a lawman and now as a retired country squire, for over forty-five years. There is no method of carry that I have not used.
In the warmer months I wear a nice button-down shirt over either a nice t-shirt or a Henley. The shirt is worn open. When things get cooler, I wear a shirt tucked in, and over that a nice vest, also worn open, or a sport coat. These methods allow me to carry any EDC or combination of same, including a pair of S&W N frames or double shoulder holsters.
Any of these methods allows a belt holster or a shoulder holster. If the OP is looking for a method that will allow his heeled status to be undetected when he is manhandled by a church lady I think he is out of luck. All carry methods involve compromise.
Head to your local Goodwill store and scope out sport coats or blazers. There'll probably be way more in your size than there would be in mine.
A few slightly different jackets will work with MANY styles and colors of shirts, pants, and ties. Even one good looking navy blue sport coat will probably work 75% of the time - but people will catch on pretty easily that you only have the one if you wear it every week.
I'm FAR from fashionable, but a navy one, a tan one, and some kind of brownish houndstooth plaid pattern (super tight pattern, not typical plaid with the huge squares) should be enough to spruce up the wardrobe considerably.
And then you can find a tailor that can put weights in your strong side hem to help keep the coat down. You probably know local detectives you can ask who they may have tailor their clothes? Or, heck, call a few places and explain to them your needs. If they balk - find another tailor. Many tailors are used to working with gun-carrying type people.
Best to you!
That is pretty much what I figured it would come down to. Not being big into fashion I really only have a couple and they are mostly suitable for cool weather use. I hate shopping for clothes but it looks like that will have to happen.
Head to your local Goodwill store and scope out sport coats or blazers. There'll probably be way more in your size than there would be in mine.
And then you can find a tailor that can put weights in your strong side hem to help keep the coat down. You probably know local detectives you can ask who they may have tailor their clothes? Or, heck, call a few places and explain to them your needs. If they balk - find another tailor. Many tailors are used to working with gun-carrying type people.
Haha, I wear shorts and sandals often, with a Sig P226 or 1911 and am in the 'elected officers' gang so those Methodists referenced above have nothing on us. I'm usually untucked but can dress up and tuck in with the same IWB holsters for any of those that I'd be wearing anyway. The only thing that would show are the belt clips and people are so non-observant I just don't care to that level.We definitely have some members who are more casual dressers. I have even seen a few guys wear shorts ( the horror!). The elected officers are expected to dress on a fairly traditional church manner.
So is there anyone here who carries at church and dresses well? By that I mean no untucked shirts mainly. If so, give me a quick rundown of how you do it please? BTW, I will probably use OWB not IWB as I just got a bunch of dress pants that fit and really don't want to by a bunch more in a bigger size.
...
He also has just purchased trousers that fit well, are not suited to IWB carry and is not wanting to buy new pants with a larger waist.
Again, this is just to refresh memories or for folk that have not taken the time to read the entire thread.
consider a good tuckable holster..
i carry a sig in a hign noon holster often just under a dress shirt. shirt is able to be tucked into the belt line.
Its interesting how some folks can make something so simple so difficult.
Haha, I wear shorts and sandals often, with a Sig P226 or 1911 and am in the 'elected officers' gang so those Methodists referenced above have nothing on us. I'm usually untucked but can dress up and tuck in with the same IWB holsters for any of those that I'd be wearing anyway. The only thing that would show are the belt clips and people are so non-observant I just don't care to that level.
Ha, I don't wear sandals period. let alone to church. (yes, I know Jesus probably wore them.)
My overall reaction to your post is that you are making it harder than what it needs to be, IMHO. You just now passed some kind of "concealed carry policy" at your church, but you may be the only guy carrying. So, 1. the choices should be up to you, within reason; 2. I would assume that guns/security has not been addressed up to this point but now all of a sudden when it is there are all these rules in place that will hinder the success of the security teams' intended purpose. There have been no guns there up to this point, but now we need so many rules that it is almost more trouble than it is worth? I think you should be able to carry the way that's best for you and your success. I also truly believe that no one will notice you carrying, unless of course this has been publicized and the naysayers will be looking.
I will try to make this coherent and still answer your comments. I won't be the only guy carrying, but for now might be the only guy carrying on the actual "emergency team". The carry policy was put in place mostly to keep people from having to do it illegally. Something about breaking the law while in church doesn't sit right with some (myself included) There really are no rules other than we need a copy of their CPL and they have to pass the MCOLES qualification. Yes I know that will bother some of the muh rights people here, but remember carrying in church is illegal in MI unless granted specific permission from the governing body. So I feel it is still better than not. If someone wants to be an armed member of my team, they will need to be a lot better than just what they need to carry in church. As in harder shooting challenges, attending training, mindset, etc.. I doubt if I will get many takers. The other rules you refer to I am not sure what you mean. Wardrobe rules arent really rules they are just tradition and I am big on tradition. There may be a few naysayers but I am not too concerned about that as the policy was voted on and passed unanimously. (Among the voters who actually come to the meetings which as you probably know is a small percentage)
I certainly don't mean for this to come across as harsh or rude, but don't know how to say it any other way. You know you are free to disagree with any or all of my points, and I am free to not understand your side, but I truly do wish that you will find the best way for you to help protect your flock.
Not rude at all. I appreciate the conversation.
Editing to add for the reading comprehension police; I wear the same pants whether IWB carrying or not, it's about body type, if you're a solid chunk of muscle then ya maybe you need bigger pants, but if you are average or "better" then I say you gotta try it to rule it out.
It boggles the mind...
Had to wait until I got to a real computer to type this out. Yes, making things difficult is sorta what I do. No, I am not an engineer. I pretty much knew what I was going to do just wanted some feedback from people who may be in the same situation. I appreciate most of the comments in the thread. As for the stupid ones or the ones who are just trying to be wise guys, I am reminded why I seldom stray far from the Training and Tactics subforum.