Most critical concealability factor?

[cosermann]

What do you consider the most critical factor for the concealability of a handgun?

In other words, what dimension do you think most affects the concealability of a handgun?

When you vote, please state method of carry in the thread.

Example: Thickness. IWB.

 

[Noway Jose]

Grip length, iwb

 

[SERparacord]

A person's body type.

Shoulder holster or OWB.

 

[saintnick81]

Grip length. Iwb.

 

[patricktjms]

Grip length. I can conceal a long barrel many places but the grip is the give away.

 

[88E30M50]

I think it's width. Length can be hidden via IWB, but the width or thickness is what stands out.

 

[cobber]

Person's body type. Hard for wee folk to conceal much of anything...

 

[Faine]

Definitely a person's body type is worth taking into consideration, I for instance can conceal carry a full sized 1911 in an owb holster. However, either carry method it's grip length that will print in my experience.

 

[jbombelli]

I went with "other" because I think, ultimately, the holster you use has a very big effect on how concealable a pistol is. I carry a full-size 1911 and have no difficulty concealing it. I use a Galco Concealable belt holster. I carried a Beretta 92FS in a similar holster for a while. I carry a Hi Power in a Kramer Vertical Scabbard sometimes, too. All of these will hold tight to the body (as long as you have a good belt) and an overshirt will cover them very well.

I also have a Safariland paddle holster that is thick and bulky, but easier to put on and take off, and prints horribly. When I wear that holster, everyone knows I'm carrying. The bulge on my side is HUGE.

If you wear a bulky, thick nylon holster OWB or a paddle holster, EVERYONE will know you're carrying a handgun. EVERYONE.

 

[TheEngineer]

I gotta go with grip length...IWB or OWB, if your grip is too long, your probably gonna print.

 

[FireBirdDS]

Body type is the ultimate factor, but for me it's overall length. No problem for me concealing a full size grip.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Proportionately, I think its width. Regardless of body type or holster, its easier to hide an extra .75" of length or grip than an extra .75" of width.

A longer grip can be hidden more effectively by changing carry position. Small of back or appendix comes to mind. Length isn't a big factor for IWB carry if you're willing to forego low rider jeans and a smedium t-shirt.

Width is more difficult to conceal, though, as regardless of where or how you carry there's going to be that bump. Where the thickness is matters, as well. A revolver with a pencil barrel may be thicker at the cylinder than a comparable S/A, but the barrel is thinner than a slide and will be easier to conceal over all as the thickest part is right at the belt.

I carry IWB or OWB. I pocket carry a BUG.

 

[FireBirdDS]

Having a good full-size grip is a major factor in effective fire control (for me anyway). The larger the grip I can carry, the better my control. I don't care too much for the dangling pinky.

 

[Exodus]

Grip length. I went from a large subcompact to a Fs gun and the grip is what is giving me the most trouble. So I just OC now. OWB btw.

 

[Jtgarner]

Grip length for sure. I carry AIWB

 

[throttletony]

for me it's height first, then width

 

[Ruffnek]

Chose price myself because for the right price on the right gun I'll MAKE it work.

 

[mvician]

Other

The way you dress.

 

[ATM]

Other - weather

If I'm wearing a coat, it tends to somewhat conceal whatever I'm carrying.

 

[VERT]

Had to think about this a bit. Going to go with length of the grip. If you carry IWB or OWB on the strong side a long grip will stick out and print in the back. The grip may also bang on the chair of dig into a car seat.

Thickness is also important as it directly affects the position of the gun on the belt. For example I carry a Glock (fairly thick) at the 4 o'clock position. It is too thick to ride further forward without bulging out. My 1911 can be moved forward without the bulge.