About Kyle Lohmeier Expertise I can answer all manner of questions pertaining to the practical aspects of the lawful concealed carrying of handguns (size, caliber, revolver vs. auto, holsters, first dates with non-members of the gun culture, etc.). I am familiar with all popular makes and models of handguns and have fired a wide variety of them myself.
Experience I've worked in firearms retail for a year-and-a-half, have held a Michigan Concealed Pistols License for six years now and can explain the hassles involved with obtaining or reapplying for one. I have been involved in shooting sports of one sort or another for the last 16 years. I am a member of the National Rifle Association and an NRA-certified instructor in the disciplines of Basic Pistol and Personal Protection. I am a full-time staff writer for a weekly newspaper serving a portion of southeast Michigan which has a total circulation of more than 66,000 copies. My work has also appeared in American Handgunner Magazine.
In 2000 I earned a BA in communications from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.
Question hey kyle whats up im pretty sure iv come to u befor about a few questions on firearms issues. well id just like to know some other stuff, if figured out that im getting myself a mini glock just dont know what model yet, but im haveing a problem tryin to think of what kind of holster or thing like that i can conceal my glock comfortably and out of the view of people, do u have any suggestions on any holsters, fanny packs, or special clothing that would be best for me bein in a wheelchair that will be comfortable and conceal well, i need the type of idem u suggest and maybe the name and model so i can look it up, well thanks again kyle for ur help ur are extremly helpful
vinnie
Answer Vinnie,
I've found that me and other folks I know who've been carrying a while all have a big cardboard box in the basement full of holsters we've tried and ultimately discarded. Finding a rig that works comfortably can be quite a hassle.
Being in a wheelchair does allow you to dismiss some carry modes out of hand. A small-of-the-back rig, while certainly concealed, will be uncomfortable and too hard to reach. Inside the waistband (IWB) rigs will also certainly conceal your pistol but would likely be uncomfortable and hard to reach.
It's good that you've chosen a sub-compact Glock as those are among the easiest to conceal. Two carry modes come readily to mind for me. One would be a standard belt-slide pancake holster worn cross-draw (so if you're right-handed, the pistol is on your left hip, grip pointing outward). There are piles of holsterers making such rigs and the prices can range from $15-$120 for good holsters, depending on material. Kydex is very lightweight and inexpensive and I'm seeing a lot more of it being used all the time. Fobus just about leads the industry in making Kydex rigs and their prices are beyond reasonable. As such a rig would be worn outside your clothes, you'd be looking at wearing a T-shirt or an opened button-down shirt untucked to conceal it. A photographer's vest is another option, one I see frequently employed with such rigs.
Another carry mode you might consider is one that I rarely recommend - ankle rigs. Properly-worn ankle rigs go on the INSIDE of your weak leg. So if you're right handed, it goes on the inside of your left leg. Lots of companies make ankle holsters, but one that grabbed my eye is a Gould & Goodrich model that actually has eyelets for boot laces, allowing the rig to be firmly secured to your leg with both the boot laces and its own straps.
One last option would be a shoulder holster. I'd go with a horizontal-draw model that keeps the muzzle facing behind you under your armpit with the grip pointing outward in front of you. Galco's Miami Classic is probably the premiere leather shoulder rig and is priced accordingly. Several other firms make more reasonably priced shoulder rigs, including Gould & Goodrich - a firm whose products I've used and liked well over the years. Nylon shoulder rigs can be had from Uncle Mike's and other companies for a fraction of the price of leather rigs. Over such a rig you'd be looking at wearing an untucked, open button-down shirt or a light jacket.
There are other possibilities that'd probably work, such as belly bands or the infamous "Thunderwear," but their drawbacks outweigh their advantages to my mind. "Thunderwear" necessitates having a gun pointed at your groin all day - not my idea of a good time. Belly bands offer good concealment, but very poor accessibility, unless you were to get really sneaky about it (like taking a button-down shirt, removing a button or two, sewing those to the outside so they look closed and then actually closing the shirt with thin strips of Velcro).
In all, with a little shopping around, I'm reasonably sure you could find a cross-draw, ankle rig or shoulder holster that will be comfortable and suit your needs well. Hopefully I've been of some help, if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask a follow up.
