Concealed Carry for Women’s Leggings

Functional Concealed Carry Wear

Sooner or later concealed carry would find its way into the women’s fashion world for self-defense. Leggings with a holster sewn into the waist combine the current fashion trend with function.
One of the biggest complaints about women’s design is the lack of pockets. Where’s a they supposed to hide her pistol? What if she’s not the kind to carry a purse while headed out for errands?

Enter Undertech Undercover, they have developed not only a solution to the problem of pockets, but has developed pockets designed for concealed carry into the popular leggings.

Word has it from the Glock store that some of their employees had a chance to try out Undertech Undercover’s concealment legging for testing. The testers stated, “the leggings were comfortable, breathable and there wasn’t any discomfort in the wear”.

What’s cool about leggings is that it can be worn seasonally in the warmer climate or and cold climate. Obviously, the leggings can be integrated into any wardrobe, can be worn with dresses or casual pants, leggings are functional for concealed carry.

Source: UnderTech Undercover, Randall Bonner

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Posted in Women and guns Tagged with: Concealed carry, Undertech Undercover

Flipping The Mental Switch

The Story Of Why Dawn Hillyer Started HidingHilda

STORY BY DAWN HILLYER
PHOTOGRAPHS BY REBECCA KOVERMAN, SAAL

My story begins in October 2006 when I became the target of a ruthless stalker – Michael D. McClellan. In March 2012, he was ultimately convicted of  two felony counts of stalking, and sentenced to 10 years in prison – not eligible for parole until February 2017. This was the first felony stalking conviction in Indiana, and the events leading up to it were terrible. Over five years my life was uprooted. I was let go at work and filled with uncertainty and fear, living in seclusion, hiding from my tormentor.
During this time, all of my online presence was under the name HidingHilda – Hiding, because I was hiding and Hilda, which is a combination of my full name, Dawn Hillyer. At the time guns were not a part of my world. Hiding was my natural instinct, and I just wanted to crawl under a rock. The humiliation, the fear – and not only for myself, but everyone around me – was just too much. Once McClellan was incarcerated I decided I wasn’t going to live that way when he got out, so I took charge of my own safety. I took gun classes, got my concealed-carry permit and purchased a Glock .380 that I named Hilda.
Now, I am always and literally hiding Hilda.

HIDINGHILDA, LLC WAS BORN January 1, 2015 out of the need for peace of mind and the love of style. Carrying concealed firearms is not something to take lightly. Safety and protection are of the utmost importance, and being a business professional I also had an image to maintain. Fringe and studs weren’t going to cut it.
HidingHilda offers some of the top brands of CCW handbags and accessories designed to safely conceal a weapon, self-defense items, holsters, books, jewelry and CCW clothing. I even just recently came out with a line of HidingHilda CCW handbags (or purses) that are manufactured in Fort Wayne, Ind.

WOMEN ARE BECOMING their own heroes and refusing to be victims. We are seeing the numbers of women who are obtaining their concealed-carry permit grow substantially. There is a strange and amazing confidence that comes with knowing you’ve got this, whatever “this” may be.
Last April, my stalker was recently and unexpectedly released two years earlier than expected, and with no notice to me. Apparently, if you get your college degree while incarcerated, you can not only shorten your sentence, you can skip the parole board as well. He ended up serving just three years of his 10-year sentence. It was time to put my money where my mouth was. I was determined never to live afraid or in hiding again. I will continue to talk about it, live out loud and, if need be, I will be my own hero.

 

LAST NOVEMBER I got a call letting me know about the stalker’s release and that I could possibly be in danger. The caller stressed that I needed to be vigilant. Indeed, McClellan was arrested for violating his parole the Monday after Thanksgiving. Found guilty of violating his parole on two counts, he was released with time served. I’m not running or hiding. I’m going about my life with Hilda at my side.
During the initial trial, it was determined that McClellan had stalked his ex-wife before me, as well as someone after me. Since the trial, I have been contacted by a number of people across the country going through similar experiences and who are afraid for their lives. I am now speaking for a lot of people. HidingHilda is personal. It’s a part of who I am.

 

THIS EXPERIENCE has been part of a national conversation on Cam and Co., a series on NRA News, regarding women obtaining their licenses, guns, protection and how it relates to domestic violence. I speak at stalking/domestic violence conferences and training seminars, as well as offer support and resources to other stalking victims. HidingHilda also donates proceeds to provide scholarships for training those who work with stalking victims.
My business isn’t the only positive outcome stemming from a devastating beginning. I am also an advocate for stronger stalking laws, which included adding stalking to the 45day victim notification requirement that went into effect July 1, 2015. In an interview with Katie Couric, the story of my experience with a stalker aired nationally on Investigation Discovery’s Stalked: Someone’s Watching in their season-four opener in December 2013. I am now the chapter leader for the Hilda Fort Wayne Chapter of The Well Armed Women. I have also been on The Gun Guy, as well as several local stations.

IT IS AMAZING WHERE all of this has taken me. I never would have thought that in my 40s I would go back to retail or work gun shows on the weekends, not to mention drive a pickup truck just so I can haul around my purses. I couldn’t do this without the support of my family and friends, in particular Chris, my children and my parents. They have been at my side through this journey. They provide strength, support, love and motivation through it all.
It has been God with runway lights – I couldn’t have ever dreamed this is where I would be. I love putting women’s departments in gun stores, holding Ways For Women To Carry classes, seeing a first-time shooter hit their target and empowering women in general. I love providing a source of strength to those who need it. ASJ
Editor’s note: If you would like more information about HidingHilda, you can visit them at hidinghilda.com or Facebook.com/hidinghilda.

Posted in Gear Tagged with: Concealed carry, Dawn Hillyer, Handgun, Hiding Hilda, HidingHilda, Rebecca Koverman, Saal

Appendix Carry – what’s all the hype about?

There are many ways to carry your concealed handguns, which brings up the argument of appendix carry vs the four o’clock, small of back or under the armpit position, etc. Appendix carry has grown in popularity, whether that’s by watching too many Hollywood movies or experimenting with the different position. Another thing that’s talked about is the carrier body composition as a factor. Seems like the thinner folks have an easier time concealing the handguns versus another who’s a little on the heavier side.

Appendix carry’s concept is straight forward: The handgun is holstered at the front of the body where the hands are at most of the time. The advantages are many: a fast, intuitive, and easy to draw from nearly any body position; provides excellent retention and some comfort. So how effective is the carry? One way is to implement it through a course of fire, but is that adequate for a gun fight? Maybe, run the test while going through a force on force test with air guns. The results may vary based on your training and experience level.

Here are some sentiments on the subject from Reddit, USACarry and Glock Talk:

Nodpete: I prefer the appendix carry. It just feels better with my body shape and I think that you get less printing at this position. It’s also comfortable when your sitting/driving and doesn’t show when you bend forward. I use an Aliengear Tuck 2.0 and love it. It comes stock with a 15 degree FBI carry but I modified it to the straight up position.

bofh: I carry a Glock 26 (and sometimes a Glock 19 or Glock 20) at 4 o’clock, but that shouldn’t influence your decision at all. There are pros and cons for both. You need to try it out. In any case, a good belt and holster make the difference.

mudshark100: I find 4:00 more comfortable, especially when sitting. But more importantly, consider where the barrel is pointing in both positions. An accidental discharge at 4:00, you maybe loose a little of your backside. At appendix, particularly while sitting, an accidental discharge means major damage into the upper thigh, possibly hitting an artery……or worse yet, the family jewels. Just my thoughts.

grantar2: the answer will be based on feel. I personally carry at 3 0’clock, but I carry a full size M&P. It’s also the position I carry when I compete in IDPA. Appendix position is the stronger position If you are attacked your arms, movement and hands will work best close to center of body. You can bring the gun straight up, roll the wrist for a shot from retention. If the bad guy is driving on you, having your primary weapon behind you even slightly puts your arm in a weaker position. This is true even if your blading into the threat.

At the 4 0’clock position clearing a garment may be harder as well. Practice is what you normally wear will help you decide. The appendix position is easy, grasp and lift shirt, draw weapons. The act of lifting the shirt keeps the free hand out of the way until you drive the gun our and the hand joins up. If you clawing one hand well engaging with the other, being up front is easier as well.

tcox4freedom: I’ve personally seen a close family member shoot himself; severing his femoral artery and almost all the other blood vessels in his upper mangled leg. It took us over 4hr to get him to the hospital because we were so far out in the boonies. He never lost consciousness. (Known other people that have had similar damage and survived as well.) I carry appendix because it’s more comfortable, provides the fastest access (even while sitting & buckled up) and it affords you better retention should you ever find your self in a grappling match with a drunk MMA fighter.

SR9: I carry with more of a 5:00 O’clock position and with the cant of my holster, I see not major problem. If my gun should accidently fire, and considering my age, and build, I don’t have a lot of butt to lose, if any.

Appendix carry with Glock19

Damn_Yankee: Very comfortable even while seated and driving. I am 5′ 7″ and 160 lbs and I can conceal my G19 in just about anything I want to wear.

F14Scott: This $16 holster is thin and perfect. I wear it with a leather gun belt, and it keeps the G19 tight against my belly. It is very comfortable.

ken grant: Tried several different AIWB holsters but then decided on a trigger guard type and it hit the sweet spot for me.
I tried several different lanyard lengths and found one that lets the pistol ride where wanted and also lets it float a little with my movements.
The guard is pulled off as soon as the pistol clears the belt and pointed forward away from my body.

OutWest: I carry a G19 AIWB. My preference is for a low carry. On my body this conceals the best. I’ve tried several kydex holsters and they tend to carry the gun higher than I like. This results in obvious and goofy printing from the grip frame. What I’ve found to work best for me is a cheap Uncle Mike’s cloth holster. It rides low and disappears.
The disadvantage of the low ride is getting a good grip when drawing. As with any holster, practice makes perfect.

Some complaints with carry at small of back

MichaelsPerHour: My issue with SOB is that you’re placing a hard metal object in a place where your body has basically no padding of your spine, which means if you slip and fall on your back, bad things can happen. There are other advantages to AIWB like draw speed, retention, easier to see if your shirt is riding up, etc. But the fear of slipping on ice and making myself a paraplegic is number one.

LumberCockSucker: I never thought of that, I don’t like SOB because you don’t have eyes on the back of your head and it seems like it would be easier for someone to sneak up behind you and snag your firearm.

crazyScott90: I avoid small of back. It’s the slowest draw stroke on the waist, has increased chances of printing/your shirt riding up, and it’s not very comfortable when sitting. Also, if you have to draw while sitting, it’s going to be fairly difficult.

Daraholsters: I carry appendix and 4:30-5 o’clock. I’m female, so I have wider hips than a guy would and these positions are easier to conceal than the hip. I carry with a mid ride & straight draw so I can switch back and forth.

crazyScott90: If you check out our FAQ section, you’ll see I’ve made a point to include some holster options for women. Theres bra holsters and inside thigh holsters to name a couple. Maybe one of those would work.

AnonomyousFemale: I’ve tried the bra holsters but I don’t like looking like I am at Mardi Gras to grab my gun LOL

PincersofPower: It would create a moment of “WTF? Is this woman seriously gonna… Oh shit!” Tactical advantage.

Bottom line is for tactical reason, appendix may rule as the position to carry. For comfort and concealing your print, try a different position. What do you all think?

Video Transcription

[Gunshots] Rich: “Good work Jessica, I noticed you’re running a Springfield XDM today. Is that the type of pistol that you would carry concealed?”

Jessica: “Yes it is. I like the Springfield because for me it’s a lighter gun, being a full-sized gun; it feels good in my hands, and it’s easy to shoot.”

Rich: “Yeah the ergonomics on that are great, that’s why they’re such a popular choice for concealed carry, I think. And I noticed you’re wearing a closed garment right now, in this case you happen to be rocking the Gunsight sweatshirt there, and you’re using that to conceal an outside-the-waistband strong-side carry. and, as you mentioned, with the fullsized XDM. Now, can you walk us through step-by-step how you clear your garment and draw to bring your gun up to the target?”

Jessica: “Yeah, absolutely. First you want to get your garment out of the way of the pistol as much as possible. Get your hand up as far up the backstrap as you can. Then you release from the holster, shoot at your target, then put it back.”

Rich: “And you know, probably there’s a lot of advantages to strong-side hip, which is- we’ll kind of get into that as we talk about different guns, but it’s hot right now, and so you’re probably a little warm in that, but let me walk through first, how to get through an open front garment. You gotta be a little cognizant, because breezes and stuff can expose your gun, and you definitely don’t want that to happen, because then you’re not carrying concealed. But I have an SR-45, which is a forty-five caliber, obviously, it’s a little heavier, it’s a little bigger than the XDM, but it’s a good choice for concealed carry as long as you dress around the gun. Let me demonstrate a draw from this open garment.”

Rich: “So I’m here, I want to get my garment clear of my gun, I’m gonna come up and draw on target-” [gunshots] “-get my shots there, and then also you have to be mindful of your garment when you close so it’s not impeding your ability to holster your gun. So I know you’re from minnesota, and probably something like that feels like a very lightweight thing there, because it’s so darned cold, but we’re not in minnesota now, we’re at Gunsight in Arizona, and I bet it’s probably a little warm in that sweatshirt.”

Jessica: “It is. I’d like to take it off.”

“Well Jessica, thought the idea of taking a break was that so you can get armed.”

Jessica: “Well actually Rich, I am armed. I have the Smith and Wesson Shield, it’s a nine-milimeter, compact pistol, and it’s really lightweight and easy to conceal.”

Rich: “Yeah obviously it’s easy to conceal. You know, the one drawback a lot of people have about that appendix-carry position is that the gun is inside your front waistband like that, is that it’s uncomfortable when you’re sitting down. What’s your thoughts on that?”

Jessica: “Even in a sitting position, it’s still comfortable because it’s so compact.”

Rich: “You’re right, that is a good gun for that appendix-carry position. You know, another benefit to Appendix-carry position that a lot of people overlook is that it keeps the gun oriented in front of your body where it’s easy for you to protect. Imagine carrying a gun in the small of your back, and a breeze blows up, and the thug behind you sees that you’re armed, and you don’t even know he’s there. So this is a real easy way to keep your gun under control. Now, how is the draw stroke from that appendix-carry position different from the draw stroke that you showed us earlier on the outside of the waistband?”

Jessica: “Actually, both of them are quite similar. You get the garment out of the way, Get your hand up as high up on the backstrap as possible, release, shoot-” [Gunfire] “-and then simply safely put it back into your holster.”

Rich: “Good work. And obviously that gun is going to be a little more difficult to shoot, than the XDM that you had earlier, which was a full-sized nine-milimeter. Now this is a compact, a very tiny nine-milimeter, so it’s inherently gonna kick more. I have a gun that’s even much smaller than that, and it’s in my pocket here, it’s a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard, which is a three-eighty. Now, pocket carrying, like anything else, has its pros and cons. You’re not gonna win a quick-draw contest coming out of your pocket, but I could pre-stage my hand on my gun if I’m aware of a threat, I could draw it out-” [Gunshot] “-And get-” [gunshot] “-My rounds on-target just like that. You always have to be careful when you’re re-holstering as well. So, there I go. It’s a convenient way to carry. I have kinda baggy jeans on, it wouldn’t work so well in those jeans, right?”

Jessica: “No”

Rich: “I just don’t have the body to rock skinny-jeans like that, you know?”

[Jessica laughs]

Rich: “But, what is your favorite carry position? I mean we’ve talked about nine-milimeters, we’ve talked about forty-five calibers, we’ve talked about a three-eighty, and carrying them at different locations. What’s your favorite?”

Jessica: “It’s gotta– It’s the Springfield XDM. Nine-milimeter on my hip.”

Rich: “And you know, I can’t argue with that, because if I knew that trouble was gonna come, I would wanna be able to access my gun in a hurry, just like that. Good stuff Jessica, thanks for your help.”

Jessica: “Thank you so much.”

Source: Reddit, USACarry, GlockTalk, GunsandAmmo Video
Photos from Google Image

Posted in Handguns Tagged with: Appendix carry, Concealed carry, Glock Talk, Reddit, USACarry

CCW Reciprocity WIN! Virginia Must Accept All States Permits.

Story by James England

Concealed carriers in Virginia and around the country collectively let out a sigh of relief when Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe agreed to a Republican-backed measure to ensure concealed carry reciprocity with the majority of other states.  There was a serious scare a little while back when the Attorney General decided to take drastic measures to reduce reciprocity with neighboring states like Tennessee.  This resulted in a huge débâcle for cities like Bristol, which lie on the border.  For concealed carriers driving through Virginia, it was also an incredible burden.

Thankfully, it looks like this political quagmire is over.  As the Washington Post reports, the governor and legislators all seem peachy-keen on the new deal set to take effect on July 1st.

via Washington Post

“This is a bipartisan deal that will make Virginians safer,” McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy said. “It also demonstrates that Democrats and Republicans can work together on key issues like keeping guns out of dangerous hands.”

Read the entire story at ConcealedNation.org here.

Posted in Politics Tagged with: CCW, Concealed carry, Governor Terry McAuliffe, gun permits, James England, Reciprocity, Virignia

Ladies Body Band Holster

By Deep Conceal

Available at BuyHolster.com

Posted in Media Releases Tagged with: Concealed carry

NEW – Gun pouch and holster by Active Gear

Posted in Media Releases Tagged with: Concealed carry, Holster

All Concealed Carry Licenses Welcome in OHIO

Bravo Ohio!!!

It turns out that Ohio is not only pro the 2nd amendment, they back it up with laws we could only hope would be followed by all other states.

In short, the law states that anyone who possesses a concealed-carry permit, from any other state is welcome to visit Ohio and carry concealed.

The Ohio General Assembly Archives the official law states:

“Provides that if a person who is not an Ohio resident and has a valid concealed handgun license from another state, regardless of whether the other state has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Attorney General, and the person is temporarily in Ohio, that out-of-state license will be recognized in Ohio during the time that the person is temporarily in Ohio (R.C. 109.69(B)(3)).”

Bravo Ohio! ASJ

 

Posted in News Tagged with: Carry gun, Concealed carry, Ohio, Open to everyone, Reciprocity, State Law

G43 – GLOCK’s New Single Stack Concealed Carry

 

SMYRNA, Ga – (Mar. 20, 2015) – Today GLOCK, Inc. announced the release of the new GLOCK single stack slimline 9mm pistol, the GLOCK 43. The G43 is the most highly desired and anticipated pistol release in GLOCKs history. Designed to be the answer to everyday concealed carry needs, the G43 is ultra-concealable, accurate, and comfortable for all shooters, regardless of hand size.

“The G43 is the most exciting product release to date because it addresses a variety of issues that many shooters face with pistols in the concealed carry category,” stated GLOCK, Inc., VP Josh Dorsey. “It will be the pistol of choice for law enforcement and civilians. The G43 sets a new standard for concealed carry pistols.”

A true slimline pistol, the frame width of the G43 is just over one inch and the slide width measures only 0.87 inch. The overall length is 6.26 inches. For those who have smaller hands, the trigger distance is only 2.6 inches, making it ideal for functionality.

The single stack magazine holds 6 rounds and is the perfect concealed carry pistol for both duty and civilian use. The G43 is engineered to the same superior standards as all GLOCK pistols and the reliability instills confidence for all lifestyles.

The G43 will debut at the NRA Annual Meeting, April 10-12, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn., at the GLOCK booth (#633). Shipments of the product will begin directly following the convention.
The GLOCK Group is a leading global manufacturer of pistols and accessories. GLOCK’s superior engineering has produced a pistol with only 34 parts and a rugged polymer-frame, providing industry-leading reliability shot after shot. GLOCK is renowned for its pistols which are safe, featuring three safeties; simple, offering a low number of components to provide reliability; and fast, with no encumbering parts to slow the speed to fire. This combination makes GLOCK pistols the first choice among consumers and law enforcement, with approximately 65 percent of agencies within the United States choosing to carry GLOCK. Austrian-engineered, the group has manufacturing facilities in the United States and Austria. Based in Smyrna, Ga., GLOCK, Inc. is an advocate for our nation’s law enforcement and military personnel, as well as all citizens’ Second Amendment right to bear arms. For more information, please visit http://us.glock.com

Posted in Firearms Industry Showcase Tagged with: 9mm, Concealed carry, G43, GLOCK, New release

9 Concealed Weapons You Didn’t Know Existed

Doug Marcaida is one of the world’s elite knife fighters – he is also a military contractor helping elite units navigate through complex CQB tactics relating to weapons of opportunity. In this video, he takes us through part of his collection of unique concealed weapons.

Many of these concealed weapons were gathered by Doug as the travels across the globe training and cross training with elite fighting units and old masters of the art.

Posted in Knives Tagged with: Concealed carry