Belly Bands for Concealed Carry
Posted on November 4, 2011 by Natalie in Expert Advice
Yet another option for concealed carry. Have you tried a belly band to hide your sidearm? If so, leave us a review in the comments section. We want to know what works and doesn’t work for the discriminating armed chick out there.
Fit for female cops: Belly band designs
While many women’s clothing items are far more tolerant in regard to the concealing of guns carried in belly bands, their bodies might not be
By Tom Marx
In the previous two installments, we completed our look at upper-body/cross-body concepts by studying Shoulder Holsters and Body Armor Holsters that were worn near the non-dominant side armpit. Today, we’ll look at belly bands.
Intro
The modular band offered by Uncle Mike’s appears to be discontinued, but a quick check of the web when I wrote this column showed that there are still a good number of outlets who are offering them. Non-modular but adjustable bands of very good quality are available from Galco (their UnderWraps™ model), Gould & Goodrich (their “Body Guard”), DeSantis (their Model 060), and a host of others. It appears that all of these models are sold by size (S-M-L-XL), are elastic in nature, and use hook-and-loop closers to secure them around the body. Colors vary but are generally black, white or beige.
Where to wear
While many women’s clothing items are far more tolerant in regard to the concealing of guns carried in belly bands, their bodies might not be. That’s not to say that belly bands are not popular with women — in my experience they are – but like everything else we have discussed here, there are issues to ponder when considering such a device.
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Most men can wear a properly designed belly band at any one of several points along the torso: low along the waist, in line with the belly, or on or just below the pectorals. In many cases, the gun can be positioned in a variety of locations around the body as well. Obviously women don’t have as many options. In fact, for many, only the belly height is viable. Even that won’t work for everybody depending on the size of the rib cage or breasts. Consider this before making a purchase.
The elastic problem
Most belly bands are elastic in nature, either completely or to allow for torso movement and expansion during exertion, so you need to decide if elastic is comfortable for you to wear. Since belly bands are designed to be worn directly against the skin, they might be irritating to the wearer. The aforementioned Uncle Mike’s band was made from a smooth finish, breathable material with hook-and-loop covered elastic closures. This was done to promote comfort.
Read the entire article here: http://www.policeone.com/police-products/duty-gear/holsters/articles/4480834-Fit-for-female-cops-Belly-band-designs/
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About the author Tom Marx left the Chicago Police Department in 1988 to become an instructor at the Smith & Wesson Academy. After several years of teaching full time both nationally and internationally, he shifted roles at Smith: first to a series of technical positions and then as Head of their Domestic Law Enforcement Operations. He left S&W to organize a Law Enforcement Division for Michaels of Oregon as well as to help design much of their police-related duty gear. Leaving Uncle Mike’s, Tom became Director of Intellectual Property for BLACKHAWK Products Group; focusing on the patent efforts for all of their divisions. Today, he is a consultant in various firearms, accessory and training matters. Throughout the years, Tom has continued to lecture and instruct both inside and outside the US with such diverse groups as ILEETA, IALEFI, WIFLE, LETC, NDIA, the NRA, and Team One Network. . |
Way too uncomfortable and really, are your tops/shirts that baggy/heavy that nothing shows??
Thanks, Anastasia – good to know.
My concern with a belly band holster is if carried in front, your gun hasn’t a safety and you pull the trigger on the way out of the band….. you could shoot your femoral artery. I have a Crossbreed mini tuck on my right rear for my Ruger LCP, VERY comfy ! and VERY concealable !
Agreed. Im more of a Flashbang Bra Holster kind of girl, myself.
I have thought about going and getting one. Are they comfortible?
Yes, if I’m carrying a .380 the Flashbang is great. Discovered it at the 2011 NRA Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh this past April. But I do prefer to carry something of higher caliber most often!
I’ve carried as large a gun as my Sig229 in a belly band holster. Little tip: if you get a belly band small enough go fit around the high part of your waist just under the breasts, it hides really well (almost the same gun position as the Flashbang). Nice to have options for when you can’t carry on your belt.
@ Kip, what brand is your mini tuck? you have a link you could share?
I’ve worn one a lot. I was sick, on IV feeding, and the tubing interfered with normal waistband carry (I carry openly 90% of the time or more).
It works well with loose-fitting clothing, like scrubs, big shirts, and oversize T-shirts. Since I don’t worry about printing, I’m okay with a little bulge, but I really don’t want the silhouette thrown off big-time.
It’s a conscious choice. If stuff hits the fan, are you willing to unbutton, or lift your shirt, or do what’s necessary to get to the gun. I am.
When I wear it, I wear it slightly above the natural waist, with the gun centered between my breasts. That allows either hand to fumble with clothing to get to it.
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com/MiniTuck/tabid/91/List/0/ProductID/6/CategoryID/1/Level/1/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName It’s a Crossbreed Check out this girl and her holsters…. great help when carrying !http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogGBPVk5GQk
My issue is I am often in athletic type pants that have so looking for a concealed carry that would work well for that type of clothing. My jeans that I own are too tight so for those I’d probably carry in my purse although that is not ideal.
If you go with a belly band – PRACTICE drawing your gun every time you take it off at night. If you can’t get it out in a controlled situation, you can’t get at it in a panic situation. Other drawback – no positive retention. I use a velcro belt with a positive retention holster, worn high on my torso. Gun is hidden under my dominant arm. Can I draw & fire from here? Yes. I qualify every 6 months with this rig. Good article!