Tag: belly band

May 13, 2021 – ‘Tacticool’ Thursday

May 13, 2021 /

There are two things on my mind today and they sort of go together. The first one is an update on the belly band holster from December 17, 2020. I have tried it a number of times (maybe 20). I have ultimately stopped using it because the Velcro was rubbing raw spots on my body. I could wear it about three days in the same position and then I would have to move it. I don’t know if that is a function of the design or what.

At the time, I was doing a lot of moving. I would sit for two minutes and then get up and walk around. Maybe it was the up and down along with the bending and such, I don’t know but I suspect that it was the sitting that rubbed the Velcro more so than being upright. I won’t say that I am giving up on it, yet. I like the concept and the comfort (mostly). It may mean that I need to investigate a better built brand. The one that I have does work. As long as I am healed from the abrasions, I can wear it for a couple of days no problem until it starts scratching again.

The second thing I wanted to talk about is a concept that I have named ‘Running Dirty’. It implies that you are doing something that you should not do. Things like driving without a license or expired tags for instance. In this case, I am talking about carrying concealed when prohibited by policy at work. In my last three employment stints, policy expressly prohibited carrying concealed.

Now, this is a slightly sticky situation. On one hand, I absolutely endorse the right of companies to set their rules and policies as it has always been private property (in my case). But really, what is the aim? In my opinion, it is a liability play. The companies figure that it would be cheaper to pay off victims of some sort of crime rather than permit employees to potentially have the ability to defend themselves.

Let us analyze my recent stint as a driver for Amazon. When you pull up to the station, every door is marked with a ‘no firearms’ sign. It is expressly forbidden to carry a firearm, a knife or pepper spray. We were told as drivers that we did not have to make any delivery where we felt unsafe. I would argue, how do you know it is an unsafe situation? If I knew for a fact, of course I wouldn’t go into it policy or not. I am driving a loaded truck, alone into unknown situations.

During Christmas time, there was a UPS driver that was kidnapped and his truck was stolen in Portland. That could have just as easily been an Amazon driver. I was also bitten by a dog, not severely but it could have been worse. I heard of other drivers getting yelled at and threatened to be shot for trespassing when the accidently went down the wrong, poorly marked rural driveway. I would argue that drivers are some of the most vulnerable jobs out there. Sounds like a good case for ‘Running Dirty’ to me.

End Your Programming Routine: Ultimately, you have to assess your risks and rewards. I am always going to side on safety over policy. I doesn’t mean that I would or do carry everyday (or do I?). That’s the point. You might want to look at the Belly Band type holster if you need deep concealment because you cant get caught printing or brandishing.

December 17, 2020 – ‘Tacticool’ Thursday

December 17, 2020 /

I am a tactile person. I am also a frugal person but also a value oriented person. I want to ‘buy once and cry once’. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is any one holster shopping solution.

Inside the Waistband or commonly called IWB seem like the best compromise in concealability and function. However, they require coordination with your clothes. Pants need to be at least one inch or more bigger than you normally wear to accommodate the holster in your pants. But then, what do you do when you are not wearing a holster, your pants don’t fit well. Or what do you do when you gain weight or lose weight, again, your pants don’t fit.

It can be pretty uncomfortable to squeeze into pants and then have this extra bulge to contend with. Not to mention, keeping that kind of holster concealed can be a challenge. I have had it fall out. I have had my shirt come up and get hooked over the top if it is a little short.

As I was saying at the beginning, there really isn’t a way to to look at the different brands or try one without ordering from the internet. But, I tried something completely different, called a ‘belly band’ colloquially. It is a big strap that you put around your stomach, so it eliminates a lot of the problems with IWB and clothes.

I tested it while I installed the floor the other day. Everything stayed in place like it should and I was able to keep working fairly physically with it on. The velcro can be a little scratchy until it warms up to body temperature and seems to soften a little bit.

This is a good solution for several options. It offers the deepest of concealment so it will fit in with almost any attire that is not skin tight. It is also the best solution for active people who do things like running for activities.

It is also one of the cheaper options at $20. Since it is flexible material, it is also universal fit for firearm and body and you don’t need a bunch of holsters to change out firearms. I still believe that you probably need options. Not every platform is the best for concealed carry. My 5 1/2″ barreled Colt 45 is probably never going to get carried concealed, that will go out in the woods, outside the waistband, open carried.

I never considered this type of holster before but after using it a couple times, I really like it. If you are looking for a solution like this, I can recommend it.