My smallest handgun is a full size P220. I haven't tried an IWB with it yet but I have a Bianchi Shadow 2 which sucks the gun up nice and close to my body (it rides quite high) but it still feels too big, esp. when the weather is hot and I have to dress accordingly. I've tried button down short sleeve shirts untucked but it still seems to print to me. I don't want to buy an IWB holster to find out it doesn't conceal much more than my Bianchi.

I've read a number of times where people say they carry a full size P220 with no problems but it doesn't seem to work for me, at least not with the holster I have now.

Your thoughts please: do you think an IWB holster would make a P220 much much more easy to conceal or should I opt for something smaller?

Thanks

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Super Hans,

If you have the cash, then buy something smaller. I opted for a j-frame revolver, and it's so darn handy, I find myself carrying it everywhere when a bigger gun just wouldn't work. in particlar with summer wear.

IWB won't keep the big grip of a 220 from printing. I have tried both ways, and finally settled on a Comp-Tac paddle. People worry way too much about printing. For all everybody else knows, if the even notice, and most don't, it could be a Blackberry, or a camera, or about anything.

A VM2 or Blade-Tec IWB presses the butt against your side. I wouldn't worry about printing unless my T-shirt were wet.

It doesn't work for me either. Too damn heavy. Think plastic for high capacity, low weight and highly concealable carry. Here are some ideas.

Kahr pistols
SIG P250
HK P2000 or P2000SK
Glock 19, 23, 26 or 27
Springfield XD sub-compact
Smith & Wesson M&P Compact
Walther PPS
Walther P99

There isn't any way to shrink the P220, but a good holster (like the VMII) and a good belt (and oversize pants) make it possible to conceal with a little creativity. Still, I think smaller/lighter guns are easier to conceal-particularly in warmer weather. (I agree with the poster who noted that the butt provides the challenge.)

Actually, provided that the pants I'm wearing are roomy enough, I'm surprised at how comfortably and unobtrusively the full sized P220 carries in my VMII...even when sitting!

The 220 is an awesome gun, however, it is big and heavy. There are some people that can lug around a full sized gun all day. I am not one of them. You may carry it for a little while, but it is probably going get uncomfortable, and you will find yourself leaving the house without it. I would suggest something like a 239, G19, a lightweight j-frame, or a smaller .380 pocket gun. Find a gun you shoot well, and never leave the house without it.

real men tote a full size

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
real men tote a full size

Then call me a baby, 'cause that's what I carry.


I've tried to carry P226 and P229, but it only works in the winter under a LOT of clothes. The baby Glock will work in hot weather, which is most of the year here.

The best advice is to carry as much firepower/knock-down power as you can. What each person can conceal varries a lot.
Good luck.

Thank you for the replies everyone. Much appreciated.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Super Hans,

Try a McDaniel II, I'm 5'9"/ 168# and carry my full size P220 alot with shorts and a loose t-shirt.

Picking up a G30 with a 9 round mag to make the height a little smaller Thursday. I'm also doing my first IDPA shoot at the same place. Needless to say, I'm excited about Thursday, getting a new pistol and doing my first IDPA shoot at the same time.

I'm going to bring my digi cam and hopefully get someone to film me doing my IDPA runs. Friend and I have filmed each other doing combat focused shooting and it really helps to go back and watch yourself. You're doing so much so fast it's hard to pick out your mistakes or what you could do better by just trying to remember what you did. Video is great. Plus when you do a good run you can show off to your friends.

I might carry the P220 in the winter when it's easier to conceal.

Holster design and belt selection are critical when carrying a full-size pistol. Due to some special work constraints, I had been carrying my P245 in a Blade-Tech IWB holster. I got fed up with the small pistol and picked up a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2. I am now carrying my P220ST and it hides better than the P245.

I just thought about ordering a left hand holster for my P225 as back-up.

Its possible but not practical. I carry sometimes in the winter but compared to my G27 it still feels large.
I'd get something else for carry so you will carry it more than occasionally. Go to a store & see if they will let you slip a few different guns inside your belt to get a feel of what a smaller gun would feel like.

You have to do what works for you. I have found I can conceal a P220 in an MTAC holster and it is 95% unnoticeable to those around me. My wife knows because she likes to put her arm around me. I haven't changed my shirt or pant size. It works with my build and a good belt.

Last week I test rode a mountain bike with the 220 on and it wasn't an issue. Having said that, it may not work for you, your equipment, or your situation. Experiment and if you need to, downsize your gear till you feel comfortable.

--usp_fan

quote:

Originally posted by LtJL:
IWB won't keep the big grip of a 220 from printing. I have tried both ways, and finally settled on a Comp-Tac paddle. People worry way too much about printing. For all everybody else knows, if the even notice, and most don't, it could be a Blackberry, or a camera, or about anything.

and what happens when you bend over and the shirt rides up???? that a bit more than printing. and if it gets worse the shirt slides over the but of the gun and when you come up it's now an open carry till you put your shirt back down.

printing isn't a problem for me in everyday situations. but when you don't want people to be asking questions... you need to eliminate obvious printing.

would a j frame or sub compact be better for concealability?

I heard a shooter at an IDPA match last week say, "I carry a 220 because I pee standing up." I will be using that line a lot from here on out.