I'm having a problem figuring out where to carry a G19

[Landmonster]

So I like the G19, and I think it's a nice sized pistol. Not too big, but not too small either. I woud like to carry it virtually 24/7, but the problem is, I can't seem to find a comfortable IWB position to carry it!

1st Problem: I purchased a "Smart Carry" holster, but there is no way that I can conceal a G19 near my crotch. I've tried it several times, and there is no way that the gun ever feels comfortable when I move around. I "can" sit down slowly, but it always seems like the G19 pokes me somewhere.

2nd Problem: So next I tried an IWB holster, and tried carrying the G19 at 12,1 and 2 o'clock regions. Tucking the IWB holster in these areas resulted in the same problems as using the smart carry; the gun would uncomfortably cram itself into my thigh or crotch area when I sat down.

3rd Problem: So I started experimenting carrying the G19 IWB at 5 o'clock. This position seems relatively OK, except for whenever I sit for long periods. I can walk around without discomfort, but I'm always leery when I bend over that my shirt will rise up or I will print from behind. The biggest problem though, is sitting. The gun presses uncomfortably into my kidney areas, and forces me to twist in a chair, which can't be good for my long-term posture. 5 O'clock DOES conceal well though, since my lats slightly overhang my lower back region, and the gun hides away there when I am standing straight up. Again, the biggest problem here is sitting and feeling the gun press into my kidney area.


In summary....
It seems that 12, 1 & 2 O'clock regions are unacceptable for me, because the gun crams my thigh or groin whenever I sit down.

The 5 O'clock position is unacceptable to me because it crams into my back/kidneys while I'm sitting. I've never tried 6 O'clock, but it appears that position would be as equally uncomfortable as 5 O'clock, yet be more dangerous since the hard steel slide would be resting against my spine.

The 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 O'clock regions appear to be unacceptable, because I'm right handed, and drawing from that area would be very slow and awkward.

This leaves two potential IWB options for me: 3 O'clock, or some half/hour increment position between 2:30 and 4:30.... where the gun might fit "just right". I'm theoretically able to carry the G19 at 3 O'clock very comfortably (read: without the gun cramming itself uncomfortably into my body while I'm sitting). The biggest potential problem at 3 O'clock is that I think the gun would be hard to conceal. I would have a hard lump suspiciously protruding from my right hip.


Does anyone have any pointers for carrying a G19 sized gun IWB?

[kelsitone]

I guess you're left with, like you said, somewhere between 2:30 and 4:30.

What holster and belt are you using? If you don't have a quality holster/belt combination, it probably doesn't matter where you carry.

I carry a G19 probably 350 days a year. It may help, so I'll tell you how I carry IWB.

When carrying IWB I almost always use the same set-up, an MTAC and a 5-stitch Wilderness Instructor belt.
With this set-up I carry my G19 with the front sight at 3:00. The gun is canted forward, so the rear sight is at approximately 2:45.

When I wear clothes that aren't very loose, you can see a slight bulge where the rear of the slide is, if you look. Usually this is covered by my right arm. Even though I can see a slight bulge there, most folks would not notice. And, I think, if someone were to notice it, they would probably think it was a cell phone or something similar.
Now, when I wear loose fitting shirts, which I do a large majority of the time, the gun is extremely well concealed.

Since you can't get comfortable with where you have been carrying the gun, you may as well try somewhere between 2:30 and 4:30. Hopefully you'll find something that works for you. Good luck! :thumbsup:

[OgenRwot]

:popcorn:
I am about to get my permit and I have the same gun and a SmartCarry. I've worn it around the house just a little bit w/ no problems not nothing over 30 min or so.

[kelsitone]

:popcorn:
I am about to get my permit and I have the same gun and a SmartCarry. I've worn it around the house just a little bit w/ no problems not nothing over 30 min or so.
I carried my G19 in a SmartCarry for about 8 hours today without any problems. But, so it goes, what works for some...

[Landmonster]

Well, my build might be slightly different than most, and this could cause me problems with the smart carry. I'm 6-0, 225, but I'm fairly muscular and have thick legs & glutes. When I sit in a Smart Carry, the gun can't help but mash into my quads at any position. When carrying in the rear of my belt, my glutes may contribute to jamming the handle of the gun into my back more than usual, because the gun rests at a bit of an angle towards me. In other words, it doesn't sit straight up and down like it might on some folks.

[Landmonster]

When carrying IWB I almost always use the same set-up, an MTAC and a 5-stitch Wilderness Instructor belt.
With this set-up I carry my G19 with the front sight at 3:00. The gun is canted forward, so the rear sight is at approximately 2:45.


I may try this. Do you have a link to the holster and belt?

[kelsitone]

Well, my build might be slightly different than most, and this could cause me problems with the smart carry. I'm 6-0, 225, but I'm fairly muscular and have thick legs & glutes. When I sit in a Smart Carry, the gun can't help but mash into my quads at any position. When carrying in the rear of my belt, my glutes may contribute to jamming the handle of the gun into my back more than usual, because the gun rests at a bit of an angle towards me. In other words, it doesn't sit straight up and down like it might on some folks.

I may try this. Do you have a link to the holster and belt?
Link sent in PM reply.

I'm 6', 210, with a 44" chest and a 34" waist, so my set-up may work for you if we're similar sizes. I suppose it will also depend on how you dress.

One good thing about the MTAC is that the ride height and cant are very adjustable. This is a big reason so many people have success with the CTAC and MTAC.

[vafish]

I carry my G19 or G17 at 3:00 in a Kramer #2 which has very little cant to it.

If you are fairly muscular with chest/shoulders wider than your hips the gun will disappear under just about any un-tucked shirt.

The best suggestions I can give to any new CCW.

1. Buy your shirts and pants 1 size larger than normal.

2. Buy a quality gun belt.

3. Buy a quality holster.

4. Dark colors and patterns help break up any outline of your gun.

5. Heavier fabrics also help prevent printing of your gun through your clothes.

[target17]

I've been carrying for a number of years now and gave up on finding comfortable a long time ago! I carry it in one place until I think I'm going to scream, at that point I move it to another spot. This go's on until I've covered every place on my anatomy and then I start all over again. To me it is be uncomfortable but prepared, or, be comfortable and NOT prepared.
Good Luck To Ya!

[vetteman]

I have a CCW permit and I use my G19 for primary carry. I'm about 5'10" and 170 pounds, medium build. I've had the same problem, been struggling with the IWB holster because everywhere I put it the G19 would dig into my skin and become uncomfortable. What I do now is when I'm around the house I put the IWB holster in my right pocket. The grip of the gun hangs out of my pocket and you can see the bulge but it is way more comfortable and low key enough as to not alarm the neighbors if you wear an untucked T shirt that is long enough to cover it. And when I have to go out around town I put it in my waistband between 4:00 and 5:00 where it is very concealable. Winter carry is a lot easier, I just wear a OWB holster at 3:00 and winter clothing covers it up no problem. The key is to have a routine that works for you that you will not abandon. Rather than abandoning carrying it certain times, try different options.

[bstock]

i am 5-10 and 175lbs. i carry my g19 about 15hours a day, in mtac w/a wilderness 5 stich. it rides about the 4:00 postion. it conceals very well with a tight shirt on. you can just barely see the back of the slide print sometimes, but as another poster said your arm usually covers it, with a loose shirt on the gun is invisible. just recently since its getting hot out ive been carry my new lcp in my pocket, this will get me through the hot months til i pick my g19 back up.

[KYJoe]

I can't make a smartcarry work with my 19 either. No problem sitting down with it, but unless I am in my cargo shorts or jeans it prints too much for me.

I can make my 19 pratically disappear in a M-Tac at 3:30. The M-Tac keeps it nice and tight against my side and works very well for me. A good belt may make a difference for you. Mine is polymer lined and supports the weight of the gun very well.

[passive101]

19 would be to big for me to smart carry. I wouldn't do one that was that big, I'd go with a baby glock myself and I do.

2:00 with a gun as fat as a glock?! You're gonna need some loose shirts for sure and don't walk into the wind by the beach.

What about 3:00-4:00 which is the most common way to conceal carry for a right handed person?

I use a CTAC holster at 3:00-3:30

[Sarge45]

So I like the G19, and I think it's a nice sized pistol. Not too big, but not too small either. I woud like to carry it virtually 24/7, but the problem is, I can't seem to find a comfortable IWB position to carry it!

1st Problem: I purchased a "Smart Carry" holster, but there is no way that I can conceal a G19 near my crotch. I've tried it several times, and there is no way that the gun ever feels comfortable when I move around. I "can" sit down slowly, but it always seems like the G19 pokes me somewhere.

2nd Problem: So next I tried an IWB holster, and tried carrying the G19 at 12,1 and 2 o'clock regions. Tucking the IWB holster in these areas resulted in the same problems as using the smart carry; the gun would uncomfortably cram itself into my thigh or crotch area when I sat down.

3rd Problem: So I started experimenting carrying the G19 IWB at 5 o'clock. This position seems relatively OK, except for whenever I sit for long periods. I can walk around without discomfort, but I'm always leery when I bend over that my shirt will rise up or I will print from behind. The biggest problem though, is sitting. The gun presses uncomfortably into my kidney areas, and forces me to twist in a chair, which can't be good for my long-term posture. 5 O'clock DOES conceal well though, since my lats slightly overhang my lower back region, and the gun hides away there when I am standing straight up. Again, the biggest problem here is sitting and feeling the gun press into my kidney area.


In summary....
It seems that 12, 1 & 2 O'clock regions are unacceptable for me, because the gun crams my thigh or groin whenever I sit down.

The 5 O'clock position is unacceptable to me because it crams into my back/kidneys while I'm sitting. I've never tried 6 O'clock, but it appears that position would be as equally uncomfortable as 5 O'clock, yet be more dangerous since the hard steel slide would be resting against my spine.

The 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 O'clock regions appear to be unacceptable, because I'm right handed, and drawing from that area would be very slow and awkward.

This leaves two potential IWB options for me: 3 O'clock, or some half/hour increment position between 2:30 and 4:30.... where the gun might fit "just right". I'm theoretically able to carry the G19 at 3 O'clock very comfortably (read: without the gun cramming itself uncomfortably into my body while I'm sitting). The biggest potential problem at 3 O'clock is that I think the gun would be hard to conceal. I would have a hard lump suspiciously protruding from my right hip.


Does anyone have any pointers for carrying a G19 sized gun IWB?


3:30-4:30 range works best for me.

[Elmer Fudd]

G19 IWB tucked in a CTAC with v-clips with a Beltman 1.5" velcro backed belt. I carry a spare mag IWB in a Glock mag holder with v-clips cable tied to it.

I have a CCW and carry daily. 3:30 for the pistol 8:00 for the mag. The keys for me (6'1 200 lbs) are to wear an undershirt, wear pants that are 2 inches larger than I would without carrying, have the weapon with an FBI (forward) cant as low as possible, blouse out the shirt a little so it is not tight and the slack covers up the top of the v-clips. Wear dark and/or patterned shirts, so if the butt prints it is not noticeable. I almost never wear an untucked shirt, this works for me here in the hot Alabama climate.

I had to experiment for a day or so with the holster to find the right spot. Soon I could not tell I was carrying most of the time. I started carrying the extra mag after 9 months or so.

[StudParker]

I carry a 19 all the time OWB between 3:00 and 4:00 (depending on clothing) and have no problem concealing with the proper shirt, when I decide to not open carry. I'm using a good stiff belt and the Glock Combat/Sport holster. Carries the pistol high and tight with a slight forward cant.

I'm right at 6' and 215. No body builder by any stretch. Look for a good OWB holster that carries it tight and high and start wearing those shirts outside the pants. :supergrin:

[lastevolution]

Get a IWB holster from Raven Concealment and purchase the IWB loops too.

Put it at 3:00. Should work.

[GeorgiaGlocker]

I carry my 19 in A VMII at the 3:30 - 4:00 position.

[Boris Bush]

I carry mine in a straight up n down Galco IWB in the 3:30-4:00 position. I just drove 180 miles with no dis comfort........

[orangehole]

I use a Bulman PDL for my G23 at ~4:00 with just a T shirt. It is my favorite IWB. The Key is to find the perfect holster that fits your body. Everyone is different. Some people swear by certain models but they will not work for you. I have spent $100's trying to find the perfect rig and have come close but there are some real duds out there. I just don't get the Smart Carry thing? I don't want a pistol pressing against my jewels. I have also had good luck with UCR Threat IWB.

VAFISH gave some good tips about your clothing. Bigger clothing, dark colors with patterns and a good belt are key. CCW is a pain sometimes with all the little things you have to think about. I love winter time when you can slap on a OWB and heavy firearm with a bulky coat and not worry about anything as long as your coat is on.

[Critias]

OWB, 3:00-4:00, cover shirt or jacket. *shrug* It's worked for me so far.

[geekboy]

I'm not adding much to what others like passive have already written (but it does get me some Casino bucks!).

I carry a G19 daily and I carry it IWB the majority of the time (> 90%). I carry at about 3:30 (due to the belt loop and my IWB holster. I can go hours like this and usually forget I'm carrying. :)

[Seamus O'Connor]

I don't have a G19 but I do have a G36 (similar footprint, but slimmer width) and for me a CTAC Spartan at 4:00 with about a 10° forward cant is terrific. Very comfortable. A HUGE +1 on the recommendations regarding a "gun belt". Makes a very big difference.

[BigFameOne]

i carry a glock 19 all day long in a answer holster by tucker at 3:330 or 4, ad have no issues ever. It i comfy and I forget it is there.

[certifiedfunds]

I'm going through the same thing, but with a G26 and G30. I don't have big glutes, I have a big ass.:wavey: But it gives me the same problem.....anywhere past 4:00 and my butt pushes the bottom out and the top into my back.

Right now, the 26 at 3:30 in a Milt Sparks watch six is working out ok.

Still trying to find home for the G30 in a MS VMII but it will be around 3-3:30

Also, my general method is with an untucked shirt. Anything past 3:30 starts getting slow on the draw.

[Jeff82]

I carry my G19 or G17 at 3:00 in a Kramer #2 which has very little cant to it.

If you are fairly muscular with chest/shoulders wider than your hips the gun will disappear under just about any un-tucked shirt.

The best suggestions I can give to any new CCW.

1. Buy your shirts and pants 1 size larger than normal.

2. Buy a quality gun belt.

3. Buy a quality holster.

4. Dark colors and patterns help break up any outline of your gun.

5. Heavier fabrics also help prevent printing of your gun through your clothes.

+1 (2 inches larger if you're going to carry a IWB spare mag)

For my G19 (just sold the 23): Been messing around with a Smart Carry since NRA meeting, it's getting better; long time user of and love my Milt Sparks IWB, and more recently a Gabe Suarez Appendix Carry holster. (MG is it fast!!)

[AWMP]

all great stuff but lets see some pictures to see how it looks

[TENWHEELER]

I am 6' 265 lbs. and I carry a Glock 23 comfortably IWB all day every day.
I wear loose t-shirts untucked most of the time and I have never had the gun print to where someone would notice. I even have a "grocery tumor" that causes my G23 to stick out more so than it would on someone who has no love handles.

I carry mine in a High Noon Bare Asset holster with an FBI cant. The muzzle is usually in the 3:00 - 3:30 range.
I normally carried a Kel-Tec PF-9 IWB when I was wearing shorts but after I bought this G23, No More. I am comfortable enough with it to carry in shorts and T-shirt all the time now.


No problems as of yet.

:thumbsup:

[steveksux]

fist ultra thin kydex holster, forward cant, between 2:45 and 3:00. easy to hide in only slightly loose untucked shirt, don't even know its there. The ultra thin kydex makes the whole holster/pistol as thin as just the pistol alone.

Fast, concealable, comfortable.

Where to carry the G19 IWB? Anywhere its legal to carry a pistol... in style and comfort..

Randy

[kdm2]

+1 on the High Noon holster. I use the Public Secret which is a straight drop at about 3:30 right behind my hip bone. I can drive all day like that, no problems. Also I started buying Carhartt t-shirts, they are a little thicker material and hardly print.

[dakrat]

4:00 with MTAC all day :rock:

[CTfam]

I've settled on 3:30 in a CTAC canted hard but not ALL the way. This is perfect for me. Even better with my new G-26.:cool:

[Grayson]

My IWB rig of choice for my G19 is a RM Holster works "Low Rider."

[soldz]

4:00 - 4:30 works find for me. I am not a very big person (5'10 - 150) and my G19 is lost to the eyes of others. I carry it very low with the pistol grip just above my belt. Only problem is sitting in the car, It have to be at 3:00 cant forward or it digs my back.

[J1923]

My IWB rig of choice for my G19 is a RM Holster works "Low Rider."

Right on! Someone else said it before I had to. RM Holster is fantastic for the Glock 19/23. Most seasoned shooters will attest to the 5:00 position as it is the easiest to draw from, but for me I find a spot at about 2:45 - 3:00 that fits the gun perfectly to my body where I can carry the gun all day whether I'm walking or driving a car without adjusting it. Every body is different and you will have to find that nice-and-comfy spot it likes to rest. And I cannot say enuff how important a good belt that doesn't lax under temperature changes is. Go nylon or some other synthetic that keeps your gun where you put it when you went out the door all day long. Good luck in your search.

[Short Bus]

I carry a 19 all the time OWB between 3:00 and 4:00 (depending on clothing) and have no problem concealing with the proper shirt, when I decide to not open carry. I'm using a good stiff belt and the Glock Combat/Sport holster. Carries the pistol high and tight with a slight forward cant.

I'm right at 6' and 215. No body builder by any stretch. Look for a good OWB holster that carries it tight and high and start wearing those shirts outside the pants. :supergrin:

+1 OWB is way more comfortable for me. Make sure it is tight to the body and rides a little higher. I can carry my glock all day long and then sleep in it with the OWB holster with no problems at all. You can conceal and be comfortable at the same time.

[Getwild2]

I'm sorry to hear of your carry woes. I guarantee with enough maneuvering you'll eventually get it. Luckily for me it came pretty quickly- though with a little frustration in the beginning.

First I am 5'10 and 170lbs. I carry a G23 IWB in Comp-Tac CTAC with v-clips and Beltman belt at the 3:30 position, nearly 16 hours a day nearly 365 days a year. I, like you, tried many, many, many positions and grew somewhat frustrated. Honestly at first you have to realize the thing is just going to feel weird, like you have a boulder on your hip. Eventually you'll be completely used to it and wont even realize its there. BTW, I typically comfortably wear a 33-34" waist pant but I buy 36" waist (depending on pant make and type) and I always wear an undershirt.

I started my fit testing out by lying out the two types of clothes I wear most. #1) Business casual- dress slacks & dress shirt tucked, and #2) Casual- jeans & t-shirt untucked. I started off with what I wear most- #1 above (unfortunately). This was a tiring process. I fully put my pants on, slid in the G23 & CTAC and just moved it around until it felt most comfortable bending, sitting, standing and walking. I did this while adjusting my cant forward and backward until I found the perfect setup and location. I found this to be between 3:30 and 4:00. Then I worked on concealment, luckily for me a simple tuck did the trick. If you really study my shape one could gather I'm not perfectly round in my hip area, however I have been carrying in this manner for 2 years with no discovery.

The above obviously also worked for carrying wearing #2 above, casual. When I bend completely over to pick something up- you could probably see a print, however this is where you bend at the knees to help that out.

I hope this helps and like everyone else said- get the right holster, belt and keep trying- you'll get it. I honestly recommend a CTAC or MTAC as they are HIGHLY adjustable. They give you many, many options to get it "just right". Also- don't think you'll get it perfect on the first day. You may wear it out and decide to come home and change your cant. Shoot- after 2 years of CCW I sometimes find myself adjusting my positioning once in a while during the day because I dressed in a hurry that day and didn't get it "perfect". No harm in that.

Here are some old pics below before I got my Beltman belt. Also since these pictures have been taken I moved my positioning back a tiny bit from 3:00 in the pictures to 3:30.

http://www.lbcflint.org/cjs/images/ctac/casualside.JPGhttp://www.lbcflint.org/cjs/images/ctac/casualsideup.JPG

http://www.lbcflint.org/cjs/images/ctac/dressside.JPGhttp://www.lbcflint.org/cjs/images/ctac/dresssideup.JPG

EDIT: Since pics were requested...here are some closeups...

http://www.lbcflint.org/cjs/images/ctac/closeup.jpg

[Getwild2]

http://www.lbcflint.org/cjs/images/ctac/closeupup.jpg

[retro inspired]

getwild2-

that's the exact setup i was looking to use. i sag my pants (im not a wannabe gangster, it just feels more comfortable to me that way) with semi-fitted shirts. i'm 5'10" and 190, medium-large build, and it seemed like any other rig would show the two clips if i raised my hands or stretched. but that looks great and i'll give the v-clips a shot. thanks for the pics.

[Taxi Driver]

Try a shoulder holster. I can carry my G17 no problems.

[Getwild2]

getwild2-

that's the exact setup i was looking to use. i sag my pants (im not a wannabe gangster, it just feels more comfortable to me that way) with semi-fitted shirts. i'm 5'10" and 190, medium-large build, and it seemed like any other rig would show the two clips if i raised my hands or stretched. but that looks great and i'll give the v-clips a shot. thanks for the pics.
No problem! Glad I could help!

Also, in the above I am just using a cheapie Walmart belt with the (Comp-Tac) supplied sticky-back Velcro applied to the inside. Once I got a Beltman belt the rig was even more sturdy! So you can USE a cheap belt for a while if money is tight (I did for a year, lol, $100 for a belt is hard to do) but when you step up you will definitely notice an improvement. I am allllll about those v-clips, LOVE EM!