outbreak Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 I'm wondering what kind of holster people use for concealed carry while wearing a flight suit. The squadron issued me a cheap nylon shoulder holster but it's not comfortable in any way. I noticed a lot of guys have bought their own shoulder holsters to wear under the bag. I've looked at the Galco Jackass system, which I like because its modular, so I can get different holster components for my personal pistols and swap them out. So what do you guys use? What features should I look for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeepGuyC17 Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 (edited) Yeah, the issue holster is garbage, and invariably points the barrel of the weapon at either your arm pit or the other pilot's head. If you ever stop in Incirlik, I got one at Pop's leather for about $40. It's got the horizontal style holster (I don't like the vertical ones like they sell for $90 at Ali Al Salem) and two magazine pouches. Way more comfortable. http://popsleather.com/prod_v2.php3?prod=238 edit: link added Edited June 23, 2009 by JeepGuyC17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Man Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 sq-issue ankle holster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest boredwith9to5 Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 Do UAV pilots get one too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slacker Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 sq-issue ankle holster An M-9 on an ankle holster? I'd probably bust my ass. We had a mesh T-shirt holster that worked pretty good, but the idea of concealing an M-9 without wearing a jacket is laughable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxhead Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 Do UAV pilots get one too? Some of us do. Like everything in the AF, it all just depends... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest whyme? Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 Do UAV pilots get one too? yup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BQZip01 Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 Do UAV pilots get one too? Gotta protect yourself against those people who wander too far from Vegas... ...or for use when you're landing Preds/Reapers in Afghanistan/Iraq. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest whyme? Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 (edited) Gotta protect yourself against those people who wander too far from Vegas... ...or for use when you're landing Preds/Reapers in Afghanistan/Iraq. whilst landing. we dont go to garden spots :D our SOs get to carry the good stuff. although in some places its annoying to the point most of us will wear the m9 in a holster so it doesnt have to be lugged around, unless you are a douche that is. Although one 45 min drive from NW LV and you will start wondering about ambush points on the way up :D Edited June 23, 2009 by whyme? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stract Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 Yeah, the issue holster is garbage, and invariably points the barrel of the weapon at either your arm pit or the other pilot's head. If you ever stop in Incirlik, I got one at Pop's leather for about $40. It's got the horizontal style holster (I don't like the vertical ones like they sell for $90 at Ali Al Salem) and two magazine pouches. Way more comfortable. http://popsleather.com/prod_v2.php3?prod=238 edit: link added at bases run by the Army (Bagram), you can't have a holster that points the gun backward, it has to point down at the ground. Just keep that in mind depending on where you go. Who does concealed carry of an M-9 anyway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slacker Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 Who does concealed carry of an M-9 anyway? Aircrew flying with some pax. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Man Posted June 23, 2009 Share Posted June 23, 2009 (edited) An M-9 on an ankle holster? I'd probably bust my ass. Affirm. It's comfortable, but not very practical. It'd probably take me a good 10 secs to get it out if I ever needed it in a real emergency. Edited June 23, 2009 by day man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeloDude Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 at bases run by the Army (Bagram), you can't have a holster that points the gun backward, it has to point down at the ground. Just keep that in mind depending on where you go. That must be a Bagram/Afghanistan thing. At Taji in Iraq (huge Army base), I always wore my shoulder holster that had my gun pointing behind me with no problems--a lot of the Army guys did the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busdriver Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 It's the result of some dip-shit over thinking. Seriously, some asshole is worried about the fact that since it points backwards it must mean that anyone behind you is constantly being flagged. Yes folks, there are people that stupid in the military and in a position to make policy. Shouldn't surprise me, ever seen the shooting "talent" of most base cops? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arg Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 (edited) I'm wondering what kind of holster people use for concealed carry while wearing a flight suit. The squadron issued me a cheap nylon shoulder holster but it's not comfortable in any way. I noticed a lot of guys have bought their own shoulder holsters to wear under the bag. I've looked at the Galco Jackass system, which I like because its modular, so I can get different holster components for my personal pistols and swap them out. So what do you guys use? What features should I look for? This is how I rolled during Desert Storm. It was issued, had a four clip holder on the other side. I wore it outside my flight suit but under my survival vest when flying. I liked it, didn’t get in the way at all. It could go under the flight suit though, if your zoom-bag was big enough to hide it. http://www.eagleindustries.com/product.php...t=46&page=1 Your mileage may vary. Good luck Edit; If you have arms it will stay on a lot better Edited June 24, 2009 by arg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sputnik Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 For whatever reason shoulder holsters kill my back, every brand I've tried. On the rare occasion I carry I use a belly band similar to this http://bellybandccw.com Yeah it gets sweaty when it's hot, but then so does everything else. Pop's sells faux Louis Vuitton shoulder holsters, saw a load wearing one. Petty funny. I ate dinner at Bagram yesterday, saw plenty of people wearing standard holsters (horizontal). A rule that didn't last or is widely ignored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HU&W Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 For whatever reason shoulder holsters kill my back, every brand I've tried. On the rare occasion I carry I use a belly band similar to this http://bellybandccw.com Yeah it gets sweaty when it's hot, but then so does everything else. Pop's sells faux Louis Vuitton shoulder holsters, saw a load wearing one. Petty funny. I ate dinner at Bagram yesterday, saw plenty of people wearing standard holsters (horizontal). A rule that didn't last or is widely ignored. Next time you're at Pop's, just have them make you one of those leather flight suits. That way you can have the concealed holster built right in (STS)... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyerpapa Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 I got no experience wearing a holster under a flight suit, but how about an across-the-chest rig? They are somewhat popular with backpackers, hunters, hikers, fishermen, etc. The across-the-chest holster (a.k.a Bandolier style) is fairly comfortable to wear, even while seated and keeps the handgun out of the way and secure, but accessible. Unfortunately, most major manufactures of chest rigs (Galco, DeSantis, Uncle Mikes, etc) cater to big bore and scoped revolves. And, as far as I know, chest holsters are intended to be worn on the outside of clothing. That said, below are a couple of models that may work. El Paso Saddlery and Cabelas carry traditional “tanker” style chest holsters. The Bianchi M13 chest harness is the modern military version. For other chest holster styles exercise Google. Another possible alternative is a Belly (a.k,a Waist) Band holster, as show here, here and here. The Thunderbelt may be another under the monkey suit option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mentor34 Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 Gents, What type of holster have you found to be the most comfortable for wear outside of a flight suit for the mighty 9mm Beretta? We were issued a thigh holster, not excited about wearing a belt to hold that up. I'm thinking shoulder holster. Any tips on a brand for purchase? Long sorties, probably no body armor. Thanks much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learjetter Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 I have two that I like: 1) GALCO SH3 w/202 holster for 9mm, and 2) BIANCHI #5. The GALCO is all leather with plastic grommets, very easy to clean, durable, and quite comfortable, but is heavy. The Bianchi is all nylon, very light, but has two faults: the elasticized opposite shoulder strap rides up (sts) under the armor, and since the holster is so light, the weapon feels less secure than when I'm wearing the GALCO. Overall, I much prefer the shoulder holster when wearing the flight suit. I've tried the "tactical" holster, which I think works fine while walking around, but is just in the way when strapped in to the aircraft. The Bianchi was about $65, and the GALCO was closer to $120. But that was in 2000--don't know what they go for these days. Fly Safe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abmwaldo Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 "2" on the Galco. Just spent 6+ months toting the mighty M9 around in it... With body armor or without I found it comfortable and the only issue I had was I would occasionally catch the snap on the spare clips and drop one out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyerpapa Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 (edited) Gents, What type of holster have you found to be the most comfortable for wear outside of a flight suit for the mighty 9mm Beretta? We were issued a thigh holster, not excited about wearing a belt to hold that up. I'm thinking shoulder holster. Any tips on a brand for purchase? Long sorties, probably no body armor. Thanks much. Refer to this , particulary to my post regarding, page__view__findpost__p__214372. The Diamond D Guide's Choice is another across-the-chest holster new to the market. Edited for dumbness. Edited December 10, 2009 by flyerpapa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M2 Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 (edited) Refer to this , particulary to my post regarding, page__view__findpost__p__214372. The Diamond D “Guide's Choice” is another across-the-chest holster new to the market. Edited for dumbness. There was already a thread on holsters, so I merged the two. Also, the person that started that thread has received a warning, as is standard and outlined in Rule #1 is: UTFSF: If there is a remote chance that your topic has been discussed, use the search function to find it and re-open that thread. And it applies to everyone from a new AFROTC freshman to the CSAF (if Norm is on here). Actually, I cut that person a break...take a look at Rule #4! If anyone has heartburn with that, then PM any or all of the mods, or contact BaseOps himself. Otherwise, those are the rules, simple and to the point. Also, I had thought about merging this thread into the 'Gun Talk' one given the caveat that "All Gun Discussions Here;" but will allow this one to stand on its own given most of the discussion there is on personal firearms. Edited December 12, 2009 by M2 Softened it up for the SNAPs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outbreak Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 (edited) In all fairness, I started the original thread as "concealed," but I've found the Galco Miami Classic rig is perfect for open carry as well. In fact, I haven't concealed it yet. The Squadron issued me a thigh holster, too, which I've worn a couple times, but all that weight on a belt while wearing a bag is not comfy for me. Lots of guys wear them, and don't seem to have any problems, but I love the Galco. It works fine with armor as well. As for Galco, I can't say enough about the company. They are a little pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for, and a company that stands behind it's products. I emailed them a couple weeks before I walked out the door and said "Your website shows a 4-6 week back order, and I'm leaving sooner than that. Is there any way I can pay for faster shipping?" A rep called me the next day, at home. He took down my info over the phone, and promised that they would make sure my holster got to me within 7 days for no extra cost, and thanked me for my service. Awesome folks at Galco. Edited December 14, 2009 by M2 Quoted post orphaned Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sputnik Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Wow, so in your squadron commands when folks blatantly didn't follow the rules you didn't politely call them on it, you just looked the other way out of coolness? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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