Holsters

I am relatively new to the whole concept of carrying a weapon while cruising around town.  As a military type the options are plentiful yet limited in some ways.  Your holster will either be on a web belt, a shoulder holster, affixed in some fashion to your body armor or drop leg type. As a civilian the options are much more plentiful.  I like the idea of concealed however the weapon of choice does not "conceal" well on account of it size. 

I have worked so far with three different arrangements; London Bridge shoulder holster, Blackhawk CQC paddle and most recently a Galco model CM248.  All have their inherent advantages and disadvantages. 

The shoulder holster is some sense in my personal favorite.  I can balance the weapon out with a couple of extra magazines or a mag and a light and the gear all but disappears.  A disadvantage is access, the holster is usually under a shirt or a jacket and getting to it causes a little bit of an issue.  Additionally, the cross member on the neck rides a little funny from time to time.  However when on the bike, hunting or doing active things the shoulder holster is the perfect fit. 

The CQC holster is by far the quickest access of the three different types.  Lift push the retaining lever and pull and you are ready for action.  However this holster is a little harder to conceal and does not "ride" well when driving or sitting for long periods. 

My most recent purchase, the Galco holster, fits snugly to my hip, conceals well and "rides" well.  I wore this the other day out shopping, hauling kids in and out of cars, loading groceries and my wife did not even notice that I was carrying.  A disadvantage is the removal of the weapon from the holster.  Not the quickest or cleanest of the three. 

Something to Ponder

The recent events at Ft. Hood are unfortunate.

While watching FOX news the reporter commented that the name of the shooter was now known, however they did not want to release the name because it may lead to unnecessary speculation. My wife and I looked at each other and almost in unison agreed that the shooters name was not going to be "John Smith" or any other anglo saxon combination. Shame on FOX for not delivering the news/information fair and balanced. My wife jumped on the computer and found the name of the shooter in about 25 seconds. Enshala!

Here is an interesting idea, why not allow officers and senior enlisted carry issued sidearms while on post? You would greatly increase the size and dispersion of security forces on board military installations and may reduce the chances that a lone gunman opening up on unarmed soldiers and sailors with the knowldge that lots of other will be packing.