Full size auto holsters
The Beretta 92FS is one of the longest serving sidearms in the United States Military for a reason. As much as a love the 1911, I have to agree that an average shooter will be more proficient with the M9 than with the M1911. Carrying the Beretta 92FS in an IWB holster is possible but I doubt it would be very comfortable for 24/7, but try putting one in a Fobus paddle holster and wear a good gun belt like The Wilderness instructor belts and you won’t notice the weight. I would highly recommend picking up atleast 1 double mag holder for your sidearm. These are great Winter carry guns and carry holsters, but will require a longer cut coat or jacket for concealment.
Choosing a firearm for carry is just like choosing which car to buy or which shoes to put on in the morning. The places we go each day may make us think about using a different method of carry and possible a more powerful firearm. Any gun is better than no gun, but I think it is intelligent to consider carry a full size auto to some environments for extra insurance. One of my favorite holsters is also one of the least expensive. Fobus holsters got it right when they designed there first paddle holsters and there have been a lot of companies trying there own versions of what Fobus has had out for years.
The concealed carry market is exploding with various tactical apparel and holster designs. Most gun owners that are not in law enforcement have the ability to select whichever firearm suits there comfort level and that will change depending on the environement they are in. Sometimes the idea of getting a $150 or higher shoulder holster sounds like fun and you can announce to everyone in the room that you are carrying a full size handgun, but that’s not really concealment. It’s hard to really give suggestions on what is best for concealment, because some of the best shooters I know carry a small auto or revolver in a pocket and I wouldn’t want to mess with them.
Uncle Mikes holsters have been around for a long time and I know some people have it in for them because they aren’t very expensive and many of them are made out of Nylon. After being in the gun industry for so many years, I’m starting to be amazed at the number of people I have respect for that are walking around with 38 Specials and 32ACP pocket guns and believe me, they aren’t underpowered. The experts don’t always carry the most expensive holsters and gear, sometimes they just use when is neccessary and don’t waste money.
Holsters have come a long way in comparison to what the Cowboys and Military use to store their sidearms. Most holsters were held in place by gravity, straps or buttons for hundreds of years. The Blackhawk Level 2 Serpa leg holster is my favorite way to carry a sidearms whenever I’m toting a rifle or carbine. I’ve rolled around enough in the dirt to know that gear can fall off when the pace is sped up. I’ve seen guys loose sidearms and pistil magazines just by bending over or rolling around.
From what many people seem to like about shoulder holsters is the stability of carrying a larger size revolver or duty gun. Something like a Beretta 92 or 1911, Sig 228 ect are all a little large for IWB and OWB limits the defensive movement inside a vehicle.