for those of you who carry...

[mzimmers]

I'm toying with the idea of getting a rig for myself, for UOC where it makes sense. I think I've decided that the gun I want to carry is my Ruger P345.

So, I'm curious to hear from those who already carry on at least a semi-regular basis: what holster configuration do you use? I'm trying to decide between a belt and a cross-draw shoulder.

Thanks for any informed input.

[OneSevenDeuce]

cross draw is not something that I ever recommend. I'm sure some people are pretty good with it, but it is generally not as fast, and requires moving across the body to accomplish. Just curious though, what situations to you believe that UOC would make sense?

[mzimmers]

cross draw is not something that I ever recommend. I'm sure some people are pretty good with it, but it is generally not as fast, and requires moving across the body to accomplish. Just curious though, what situations to you believe that UOC would make sense?

Thanks for the input.

With regard to "sensible" UOC situations, I'm not referring to times when I feel a heightened need for self defense. (As a law-abiding citizen, I don't carry now at all.) I'm thinking of (probably uncommon) situations when I could carry without creating FUD on the part of people whom I encounter.

Besides, in the extremely unlikely event that Laurie Smith ever gives me a CCW permit, I could use the same rig, right?

[OneSevenDeuce]

I'm thinking of (probably uncommon) situations when I could carry without creating FUD on the part of people whom I encounter.

Besides, in the extremely unlikely event that Laurie Smith ever gives me a CCW permit, I could use the same rig, right?

What kind of situation did you have in mind?

Also, do you mean "rig" as in gun? Or rig as in holster/belt/etc? In my background rig refers to your duty gear, etc.

[Honeydos]

Strong side hip. Fast, secure, reliable, safe. Don't cross draw if there isn't some need, ie equipment, clothing, environment, that requires it. You can get good at it and be safe with it, but why?

[mzimmers]

What kind of situation did you have in mind?

Unclear on the details at present. I'd just like to be prepared with the right gear.

Also, do you mean "rig" as in gun? Or rig as in holster/belt/etc? In my background rig refers to your duty gear, etc.

Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to holster. Unless someone persuades me not to, I'm pretty sure I'd go with my P345. It's lighter and more compact than my 1911. And, I don't think I'll be going with a revolver for this, much as I like them.

[OneSevenDeuce]

Unclear on the details at present. I'd just like to be prepared with the right gear.

It's good to be prepared, and it's your choice of course. However it's easy to spend a lot of money on something that will serve no purpose. I would suggest having a reason before spending the time and money setting something like this up. But hey, do what you want and have fun doing it.

[PsychGuy274]

If it's for UOC then I wouldn't recommend anything other than strong-side hip. The type of holster from there is 100% personal choice. I personally like the Blackhawk SEPRA Level II with the paddle, but that's just me.

Then again, keep in mind that everyone's different and it's whatever works the best for YOU. If for some reason you are the most proficient with carrying a gun in a holster attached to a funny hat, then carry that way

The only way you will find out what works best for you is by buying a bunch of different holsters and practice with all of them and then make a choice. Sell the ones you don't like.

[GWbiker]

In Arizona I OC in retention holster, full magazine with round in the pipe cross draw, as it's more comfortable while driving and IMO helps create less confusion all around me when I reach for cash in my right front pocket.

As always, YMMV.

[PressCheck]

NO "Cross Draw."

[mzimmers]

NO "Cross Draw."

Yeah, that seems to be the popular opinion. As a novice to this, I find it somewhat surprising. Maybe it's because I have pretty long arms, but it seems that for me, it'd be easier and more natural to reach across than to go straight down.

This is what I'm thinking of right now (in LH model):

[Sky_DiveR]

Strong side retention holster. Especially if OC.

Don't forget the belt. A good holster on a flimsy belt does nobody any good. Now you are talking about a "rig" (holster/belt). Take a look at Beltman gunbelts.

[Omega13device]

Michael since you said you're a novice at this I'll throw out a couple of suggestions that are probably not news to you but for the benefit of others in similar situations: whatever you choose, take a combat handgun class with your setup (holster, belt and mag pouches) so you can see how it runs in real-world-ish scenarios. You'll also learn all the proper steps in a holster draw, re-holster, etc.

One FYI regarding a P345 as a defensive pistol is that since it's DA/SA you will have to train to two different trigger pulls. This is no biggie on the square range but it is a big deal in a gunfight. Can you overcome this through training? Absolutely, and lots of LEOs are forced to because they're issued DA/SA pistols, it just requires a lot more work than a pistol that has the same trigger pull with every shot.

[paul0660]

This is no biggie on the square range but it is a big deal in a gunfight.

In a gunfight, unless the DA is very excessive, I think adrenaline is going to make the difference a non factor. The last concern will be trigger pull.

[OneSevenDeuce]

In a gunfight, unless the DA is very excessive, I think adrenaline is going to make the difference a non factor. The last concern will be trigger pull.

Well that's kind of the rub, isn't it? Trigger pull shouldn't be a concern. It should be muscle memory. Muscle memory will take over and give you a good trigger pull when the adrenaline is flowing. If the trigger on your gun is too excessive for you then you are taking muscle memory out of the equation and putting yourself at a disadvantage. Adrenaline doesn't make the difference a non factor, skill does.