G23 vs G27 Dilemma

[lonepalmflyer]

I purchased a G23, primarily for concealed carry purposes. I just received my MTAC IWB holster (which is nicely made BTW), and I can’t seem to carry the G23 in the holster without the butt of the handle showing nicely through my shirt. I’ve lowered the holster clips so it sits as low as possible in my pants and with a loose shirt
So the dilemma; I’m now considering trading in my G23 for the G27 (I like the 40 caliber) for CC.
Any recommendations for the holster or should i just consider a subcompact?
Any thoughts, experiences would be appreciated.

[myg23]

I purchased a G23, primarily for concealed carry purposes. I just received my MTAC IWB holster (which is nicely made BTW), and I can’t seem to carry the G23 in the holster without the butt of the handle showing nicely through my shirt. I’ve lowered the holster clips so it sits as low as possible in my pants and with a loose shirt
So the dilemma; I’m now considering trading in my G23 for the G27 (I like the 40 caliber) for CC.
Any recommendations for the holster or should i just consider a subcompact?
Any thoughts, experiences would be appreciated.
I have a 23 also. I can conceal without printing by wearing a loose shirt.Have you tried wearing a shirt 1 size bigger than normal?It also depends on your build.I am 5'10" and about 215 lbs.Before you trade guns, make sure that 27 fits your hands.I would also try a different wardrobe first.

[Wulfenite]

Ditto. Try different shirts. Look for stuff with a square cut untucked bottom, darker colors, preferably with a print of some sort.

I dont see a big difference in conceal ability between the 27 and the next size larger guns. Pretty much if you cant make the 23 work with an IWB, you need to start looking at single stacks.

[lonepalmflyer]

i'm 5'7", 165 lbs. 32" waist. Pretty fit. i've tried using a few different large tshirts and it does print. I'll keep fooling with it, but i won't give up my Glock.

[kelsitone]

What belt are you using?
Where are you wearing the holster, 3:00, 5:00?
How do you have the holster canted?

A sturdy belt will help keep the gun in tight to your side.
A different location for the holster may fix the problem. While lots of folks seem to have luck with the 4:00 position, it doesn't work for me.
A forward cant will make the grip higher so it will stick out the back less.

[Wash-ar15]

i'm 5'7", 165 lbs. 32" waist. Pretty fit. i've tried using a few different large tshirts and it does print. I'll keep fooling with it, but i won't give up my Glock.

Almost all of them will print to a certain degree. The question is will anyone notice? I went out to dinner and a movie last night with my 23 in a IWB holster covered by a T shirt. I could see the butt in the mirror. Did my thing and as far as I can tell nobody noticed.

If you are new to CCW,in the beginning you will think and feel everyone can see your gun.Truth is most people are oblivious of it. Wear a looser t shirt and carry more to build confidence and no one will know.

[lonepalmflyer]

What belt are you using?
Where are you wearing the holster, 3:00, 5:00?
How do you have the holster canted?


I have a sturdy 1 1/2" leather belt. I've tried the holster from 2:30 to 5:00 and there is a slight foward cant (barrell points back, about 20-30 degrees).

[Jeff!]

I dont see a big difference in conceal ability between the 27 and the next size larger guns. Pretty much if you cant make the 23 work with an IWB, you need to start looking at single stacks.

I disagree completly, I am just over 6 foot and 185 lbs. i had the 23 for the exact same thing my primary concealed carry. I was printing with certain shirts etc so i got a 27, and with a grip extension it still is 1000 times better with printing etc thru shirts. Without grip extensions and the reg clip in it you cant see with anything absolutely disappears with almost anything you wear. I am tall and slender so i dont wear abnormally large shirts most of my stuff is tight fitting and you still cant see it what so ever. I would reccommend it to anyone trying to decide between the 2. I stlll have the 23 but rarely carry it because the 27 is so well hidden.

[jmsfmtex]

Too much worry. Just wear it. People carry knives, cell phones, PDA's... all the time and we don't take it that they have a gun. I think people are looking at other things rather than my waist. JMHO

[kelsitone]

I have a sturdy 1 1/2" leather belt. I've tried the holster from 2:30 to 5:00 and there is a slight foward cant (barrell points back, about 20-30 degrees).
What kind of belt?
A good, sturdy belt from Wal*Mart ain't gonna cut it.
A good, sturdy gun belt from Beltman, Aker Leather, Galco, Looper, etc. will probably help.

When you're wearing the gun, is the grip pushed against your side? If not, you need a new belt.

[AlpineX]

I disagree completly, I am just over 6 foot and 185 lbs. i had the 23 for the exact same thing my primary concealed carry. I was printing with certain shirts etc so i got a 27, and with a grip extension it still is 1000 times better with printing etc thru shirts. Without grip extensions and the reg clip in it you cant see with anything absolutely disappears with almost anything you wear. I am tall and slender so i dont wear abnormally large shirts most of my stuff is tight fitting and you still cant see it what so ever. I would reccommend it to anyone trying to decide between the 2. I stlll have the 23 but rarely carry it because the 27 is so well hidden.

So...what holster are you using to make the 27 disappear?? :dunno:

[Wulfenite]

I disagree completly, I am just over 6 foot and 185 lbs. i had the 23 for the exact same thing my primary concealed carry. I was printing with certain shirts etc so i got a 27, and with a grip extension it still is 1000 times better with printing etc thru shirts. Without grip extensions and the reg clip in it you cant see with anything absolutely disappears with almost anything you wear. I am tall and slender so i dont wear abnormally large shirts most of my stuff is tight fitting and you still cant see it what so ever. I would reccommend it to anyone trying to decide between the 2. I stlll have the 23 but rarely carry it because the 27 is so well hidden.

Everybody's different. When I started carrying a 29 my 27 became a safe queen because I didnt think it concealed any better than the 29 and why would you carry a 40 when you can carry a 10mm. There's no point. If I cant adequately conceal the 29, I step all the way down to a kahr...usually in the pocket.

[fatboy97]

Shoot the Glock 27 first.

[bennwj]

I purchased a G23, primarily for concealed carry purposes. I just received my MTAC IWB holster (which is nicely made BTW), and I can’t seem to carry the G23 in the holster without the butt of the handle showing nicely through my shirt. I’ve lowered the holster clips so it sits as low as possible in my pants and with a loose shirt
So the dilemma; I’m now considering trading in my G23 for the G27 (I like the 40 caliber) for CC.
Any recommendations for the holster or should i just consider a subcompact?
Any thoughts, experiences would be appreciated.

Assuming you are using a god gun belt the first thing I would do is try to reposition the gun/holster. You may find that moving it to the 3 O'Clock position may help.

Also, remember that the gun is way more noticeable to you than it will be to anybody else.

Some suggested darker shirts and shirts with prints. I agree.

I have a CrossBreed that concealed better when I raised the holster so it was sitting higer in my pants. That worked for me.

[InGlockITrust]

I love my G23 but I have to admit that the G27 is much better for CW,no questions..:wavey:

http://teamglock.com/PistolInfo/pistolpage.htm

Just check the numbers and see it,the G27 is better for CW.

[gwillis6]

Don't sell the 23. Your gonna end up with more Glocks anyway. Anyone can conceal a 23 IWB with a loose shirt. I wear a tucked in t-shirt with a untucked shirt over it either a Hawaiian or a work shirt and even bending over it does not print. Do what I did and get a 27 for when the 23 is too big to conceal. I wear the 23 at work or when I'm wearing an untucked outer shirt and then carry the 27 for when it's just a plain t-shirt. You can even pocket the 27, yes I do in a kydex pocket similar to the A-holster It's hot in Alabama. IWB at 5:00 with an outer untucked shirt the 23 disappears.

[buckshotshorty]

I have a G-26 and a G-19 (same size as 27 and 23) and I do find the 26 easier to carry, and what I carry most, even though i like the ergonomics of the 19 better.

In fact, I just prchased a G-27 because I prefer the 40 cal. so i don't think it's a bad idea to buy the 27, but, i would try to hold on to the 23.

[combatmedic78]

I am 5'10", 160lbs with about a 34 waist. I have been carrying a G23 for about the last year with no problem. I carry in a Kramer IWB holster, and I love it. I also, buy shirts that are one or two size bigger and they do well. I can get away with carrying it at the 3:00 to about 4:00.
Recently, I purchased a 30sf and carry it in my MTAC which does a fine job of hiding it. I have a Galco leather belt that does well enough for supporting the weapon.

[Panzerfaust]

I have a G-22. I had a G-27. I am too big a person to be shooting a subcompact, and although I am not in the market for a G-23, if I had to buy a compact, it would either be a G-23 or a G-30SF.

[emtp2rn]

Granted you are a skinny guy, but you should be able to pull off carrying the 23 as long as you don't wear form fitting clothing. I've got the MTAC and carry every one of my guns in it, including the G21 with shorts and a polo shirt. I'm 5'11 and 215 with a 36" waist. My skinny side is my back side so there is no real estate to hide stuff in back there. :whistling:

Get a good quality gun belt first. After that play with the canting and positions of the gun. I carry at either 3:00 or 5:30. At 4:00 the butt of everything including the 27 sticks out.

In the end if you can't make the G23 work for concealment keep it and get the 27, or look at a smaller pistol like the Kahr or the Walther PPS. While Glocks are great guns unless you can do a private party sale you will lose AT LEAST $100.00 from what you originally paid for it.

[lonepalmflyer]

Thanks all for the many great suggestions. I had some doubt when i bought the G23 vs the G27 due to the size, but i liked the "feel" of the G23 and in all my tests of the 23 & 27 i consitently shot better with the 23.

I do not have a gun belt, but i have 3 heavy duty, sturdy 1 1/2 inch leather work belts. i will try a gun belt as a last step before considering another, smaller pistol. i'll keep trying different positions and clothing along with other belts.

thanks!

[pleeds]

I’ve carried the G27 for 3 years in an Andrews 27 IWB, which is a very comfortable holster. I don’t attach the loop to my belt to keep the gun low in my waistband. Downside is that when you have to go #2, you must find a place to put the holster. I lay it in the crotch of my pants. I just bought an MTAC Minotaur for my G19 and G30SF. I don’t like the way the bottom of the holster rubs my leg and it interferes with my motion, such as sitting or bending over. I’m still trying to find a good position to wear the MTAC. I’ve solved the problem by purchasing a Smartcarry holster. I can carry the largest Glock, the 30SF no problem as long as I don’t wear very tight pants. Best pants or shorts are pleated. I ‘m 6’ and 170 pounds. By the way, the G27 is a fine shooting gun. I ‘m just as accurate with it as the G19 or the 30SF. Don’t sell the G23 unless you are destitute.

[Richard_A]

I can carry my G23 with an com-tac OWB and no print problem and I'm only 5'6" 175lbs , but I wear large shirts , wide shoulders help:supergrin:

[Jeff!]

So...what holster are you using to make the 27 disappear?? :dunno:


I use a blackhawk IWB sits very low in my pants but stil allows you to get a grip on the gun when needed.

I wouldnt sell the 23 but get a 27 when you can thats exactly what i did i love the 23 but the 27 is just easier to carry for everyday purposes.

[countryrebel]

Blackhawk serpa with forward cant on my g23c. I always wear a t-shirt with a flannel shirt over the top to cover my gun. Work's pretty good.

[waldershrek]

If you have it sitting as far into your waist as possible and the cant as far forward as you can then your only other options are dark shirts slightly over sized. Keep in mind though that you must be aware of what movements make you print and that you avoid them when carrying. It does take some getting used to but once you get it down it will be second nature.

[shooter757]

Too much worry. Just wear it. People carry knives, cell phones, PDA's... all the time and we don't take it that they have a gun. I think people are looking at other things rather than my waist. JMHO

i agree

[jaymzo]

Im a big guy..and it's quite the task for me to conceal my G23..but I bought a MTAC and it conceals wonderfully..just getting used to IWB is my thing. Also, I have a Don Hume 721 http://www.donhume.com/Products/ProductsPage.cfm?ProductID=44 I think it is,..that works great!! Try different positions..don't give up on the 23..its a great pistol. If you google the item number I think Gunnersally has it cheaper.