So I need to get a holster so I can carry while I run. Our area has been flooded with oil workers who like to drink and drive the country roads when their shift is over. I had a wake up call a few weeks ago and I need to start carrying when I run. (at least if I want to do the 4 or more mile runs) A regular holster, a fanny pack, and the tank top with the holster under the arm are out. I want my sig P232 (I think that's it, flow just told me but I'm on good pain killers at the moment and it's a thought that is gone ) in my lower back. So I'm still balanced and I don't really like carrying under my arm, it's annoying to me, I would suck it up and get uses to it......but I don't have to. I know a belly band sounds like a good idea, but when I look up reviews I see guys who say "I was in the military so I don't care if rattles around". And then want to give other holder reviews instead of the belly band review. What say you gunforge?
My dad uses a belly band for his backup piece. He's had Type 1 Diabetes for 50+ years, so he can't wear an ankle holster. He said that sizing is critical. You either need to order several, and return the ones you don't need, or go to a place that sells them and try them on. His #1 tip is to go larger than you think because he found that the "proper" size for him was comfortable while standing, but very uncomfortable when he sat down. Two other things to consider. You need to decide where you're going to wear it. Traditionally, you wear it low on the waist behind where your pant's waistline or belt would be. But a lot of people, my dad included, wear it around the solar plexus area. Those areas are two different sizes on him, so he had to decide where he was going to wear it first. Secondly, dad ended up going with the Galco model because of it's leather holster pouch. When wearing it higher above the waistline, he found that his J-Frame tended to move more than he wanted throughout the day when using a traditional nylon only band. Obviously you wouldn't have that problem if your waistline and belt are helping hold it in place. I hope this helps.
I flat out don't like the idea of an ankle holster at all. To stand on one leg like a stork when the SHTF and draw your weapon seems like an awkward thing to do.
No ankle holsters, especially when running, and I'd consider taking my runs into town like the school track or something like that. Sometimes the best defense is layered- as in removing yourself from the threat environment if you don't really need to be there.
That's...why...you wouldn't do that. You draw from an ankle holster through a kneeling motion. But, I don't want to clutter up the thread with that. This thread isn't about ankle holsters. The only reason I mentioned them is to tell you why my dad went to a belly band.
I've done it but I don't like the constant movement up and down. It's just to floppy. I want it held close to my body.
One my towns track is around the football field which is down in a bowl and wouldn't be seen from the road. That's good and bad. Good that they can't see me but if attacked bad that they can't see me. I hate treadmills I can't go more than a mile or two without horrible boredom. I could run around town but I don't like running around people over much. If I run around my house farmers are driving around a lot as well, as the oil riggers. Not to mention my husband, bro in law, and dad in law. I know more people here than in town. I do not run by the drug house that is out here but I don't know the drug houses in town, so which houses do I route around?
One thing, as you make recommendations to her, remind yourself that she's built more like Lisbeth Salander and less like the pear shaped fellas at the gun range.
When it comes to jogging and carrying, it is about the only time when I would suggest something in a .380. So the P232 would fit that bill. Just make sure it is reliable. As for where to carry, that is the biggest problem. From all accounts, the PT-2 from Pistolwear.com would probably suit your needs best. It gets good reviews across multiple forums. I don't know how it would work out, but you might want to check out the Flashbang holster. Others will suggest the smart carry / bellyband holster. I would take the other two options first. Unfortunately I can give you no first hand accounts in this area.
I think the flash bang will not work when I'm wearing a running bra. The first looks better than the bellyband to me. So I think I will try it first.
I'd love to see a gun small enough to fit into a wrist/arm holster holster. Shit hits the fan, just sliiide it out of the holster and into the palm of your hand... Obviously, you'd have to be wearing a relatively thick jacket, otherwise gravity would work against you here.
She needs that rig like Quarles in this season of Justified has. "What'd you say, would-be rapist roughneck? Come here, big boy, and get a hug..." BLAM! BLAM!
Went with PT-2 from Pistolwear.com I used it yesterday and it worked well. We'll see I stay happy with it. Thanks for the advice guys.
Used to know a woman cop. At a party, she was wearing the fanny pack (reversed, with the pack on the front). One of the other women at the party asked her if she was carrying a gun in it and she said yes. Simultaneously the other woman said "That's awful!" and I said "Cool."
Yeah. Any time I see anyone wearing a photographer's vest (aka "Shoot me first" vest) or a fanny pack, I assume the person has a gun. I'm right far, far more often than I'm wrong.
It's a safe bet because few professional photographers wear those any more. Most prefer backpacks, sling packs (like a fanny pack, but you sling it over your shoulder), or specialized multi-compartment waist packs.
