So I’ve been carrying off duty using IWB for the last several years. U fortunately 28+ years of wearing a gun belt has taken its toll, and my lower back is not having it right now. I usually carry 3:30 or so, but have also tried appendix. I’ve still got another 4 to go until I retire, so not carrying is not an option,

I’m looking for any suggestions out there. I live in So Cal so it’s t-shirt and shorts weather most days. I’m considering a shoulder pack but could use suggestions on that point as well.

When home, I use pocket carry a lot.

High and tight OWB. I prefer quick snap type options. As long as you are ok with un tucked / cover garment, you are golden.

It’s all about a great belt and high and tight OWB. As with most things YMMV but I have gone years this way.

I’ve been using a Cross Breed belly band for a couple months when I ride my mountain bike, carrying a Ruger LCR (13 oz empty), and I barely notice it. Of course if you’re carrying something heavier you’ll probably notice it, but the belly band keeps it tight to your body and distributes the weight.

Another alternative would be suspenders, but those might be uncomfortable under your shirt.

There’s also those undershirts with the built-in holster pockets but I have no experience with those.

Good luck in your search!

Subcompact pocket carry would be my likely first choice after IWB.

When my lower back has acted up, I went to a shoulder holster Miami Vice style, t-shirt with untucked, unbuttoned outer shirt.

I found having a shoulder holster with tie down straps to the belt kept everything secure. Very little movement of the pistol/ extra mag while going about my day. Trying to draw the pistol without tie down straps, the holster would move causing a more difficult/ slower draw.

I carry a g26 owb under a t-shirt no problem.

When it warms up (no, really, it does) here, I wear a lightweight unbuttoned shirt over a breathable t-shirt and go OWB strong side with a mag pouch on the off side. And I use Perry Suspenders to support the load. Since you are having back problems, the Perrys may be a big help to you. My belt is a NexBelt.
I can also OWB with a loose fitting polo shirt, as long as I use a pancake style, close fitting holster.

Smart Carry (or similar) surprisingly worked for me, once I gave it an honest attempt and adjusted things to find what precisely worked for me.
It's appendix-like, but you can raise/lower the grip of the gun above or below the beltline.
For me, having the handgun grip even (or just very slightly above) the beltline really worked best, and opened up a new world of clothing choices while carrying.
Once you find what works for your body type...it works pretty well.
ETA: Nobody ever looks THERE, and that's a good thing.

I really like my Alessi “Bodyguard” horizontal shoulder rig. Wide shoulder straps are very comfortable. Doesn’t dangle when I lean forward. Its off side dual mag carrier had a tie-down strap, but I discarded it as unnecessary. Especially useful while driving – the pistol comes out pointed at a potential carjacker. Instead of a thumb break, my holster has the Alessi “Speedbreak” retention system that snaps closed within the trigger guard – a sharp tug on the pistol releases it. But that feature is available only for pistols with a safety.

Mine is for righties, but I think Alessi makes one for lefties too.

A j frame in the pocket.

quote:

Originally posted by bubbatime:
A j frame in the pocket.

Better yet, a P938 in the pocket. 3 more shots and very easy to shoot accurately.

Jim

I've been using these for about 10 years and been happy with them and durability. Reasonably quick access and very comfortable.
https://www.kangaroocarry.com/

quote:

Originally posted by SigFan:
I’ve been using a Cross Breed belly band for a couple months when I ride my mountain bike, carrying a Ruger LCR (13 oz empty), and I barely notice it. !

definitely look into a belly-band type

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2375110246

depends on your build some

also -- get a lighter gun an option ??

-------------------------------

What are you lugging around for an off duty?
If you're humping a S&W 4506-1, a Stainless Sig P-226/-220, one of those Ruger boat anchors, I'm going to say get a lighter gun!

What are your parameters as far as choices for off duty?

I'd stick with carrying at the 3:30, but change up the holster, depending on what you have now.

As stated above, a belly-band is a nice option.

quote:

High and tight OWB.

That's my usual carry position...tho I'm a civilian and don't use supplementary retention methods...I make my own holsters and fit them tight enough that they'll keep the gun secured even after a fall from horse back. (Don't ask my how I know....)

As an off-duty LEO, you may need that add'l retention capability.

Kentucky is very hot/humid in our summers and I find that a t-shirt and shorts are no problem for concealment...HTH's Rod

The OP sounds like me.

I have pinched nerves in my lower back, as soon as I wear either an IWB or OWB of any type it increases the pain. I hate any form of pocket carry, and have tried appendix, which still causes back pain to a degree.

It's a pressure point on my right hip that just sends throbbing pain. I have gone to the lightest pistol I can possibly carry.

Good luck , OP, I feel your pain.

quote:

Originally posted by CPD SIG:
What are you lugging around for an off duty?
If you're humping a S&W 4506-1, a Stainless Sig P-226/-220, one of those Ruger boat anchors, I'm going to say get a lighter gun!

What are your parameters as far as choices for off duty?

I'd stick with carrying at the 3:30, but change up the holster, depending on what you have now.

As stated above, a belly-band is a nice option.

On a heavy carry day, I'll carry a G19. I've tried IWB and AIWB but my back still struggles. Currently my main three carry weapons are a P365, a G43, or a S&W 642. The P365 on paper is only an ounce or two heavier than the G43, but the 43 just feels lighter when I carry it, and it is a touch thinner. Regardless, any of them IWB cause all kinds of hate and discontent with my back.

Is an old school fanny pack off the list? The 80s/90s look is in right now, you’d blend right in with the hipsters in SoCal bro!

quote:

Originally posted by bcjwriter:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by CPD SIG:


On a heavy carry day, I'll carry a G19. I've tried IWB and AIWB but my back still struggles. Currently my main three carry weapons are a P365, a G43, or a S&W 642. The P365 on paper is only an ounce or two heavier than the G43, but the 43 just feels lighter when I carry it, and it is a touch thinner. Regardless, any of them IWB cause all kinds of hate and discontent with my back.

Damn! If a S&W 642 and a G-43 are messin with your back that bad, I’d say keep the guns and figure out how to fix the back! And I’m being 110% serious!

Until then, look at a belly band, or just tossing the S&W in your front pocket.
Grip-clip maybe for the S&W

https://www.amazon.com/DeSanti...-Frame/dp/B0057IOBFU


Clip draw for the lil Glock?

https://www.clipdraw.com/produ...f-t-blok-right-hand/