[Chad Ward]

Anyone have any experience with belly bands? I've been considering alternate methods of backup carry, and the belly band looks like a versatile, concealable doo-dad.

Hints, tips, advice?

Chad

 

[Secmat]

Things I've learned about belly bands:

1) Slimmer folks can wear them around their bellies like IWB holsters, but don't expect to carry anything too heavy.

2) They CAN tend to shift around and roll over on themselves and generally be very uncomfortable.

3) They CAN work well when worn around the torso just below the chest.

4) Ya either love 'em or ya hate 'em.

 

[Chad Ward]

Hmmm, hadn't considered wearing it higher up. I was thinking along the lines of a j-frame in appendix position as a backup. As for "slimmer folks," well, that lets me out. At 'bout 5'10" (barely) and 210, the kids call me The Mailbox (think of the blue public boxes and you'll get the idea) :roll:.

Chad

 

[Secmat]

Just being "big" isn't so much of a factor as having "rolls".

Have you thought about the Barami hip-grip? I use them exclusively on my J-frames. A non-canted clip-on holster might be something to think about, also.

 

[Masshole]

I use the Defender belly band I bought from http://www.action-direct.com .It worked great for all my handguns until I bought a full-size 1911.The 1911 seems a little too heavy for it.One thing I did like about it was I could wera it below the waistline if needed.That allowed me to carry in summer without a t-shirt.

 

[Sackett]

Can they be worn effectively in the approximate location that a shoulder holster would be worn? If so, you would have to reach inside your shirt or do a very high Hackathorn (Sp.) to make the presentation.