Concealed carry options

Question
I am looking for a good gun and concealment method to carry.  I currently have a Glock 22, but I think it is a bit too wide to carry comfortably (from what I hear).  I would like a Glock 26, but it is the same width of my Glock 22. Do you have any experience with a Glock 26 or similar gun, or any suggestions for a semi-auto that is comfortable to carry preferably IWB?  I need to go shoot some, but I am not sure where to start.

Answer
Justin,

Thanks for your question.  Your Glock 22 is a nice pistol.  The issue with concealed carry for a Glock 22 is the physical size of the gun, not so much the width.  Depending on your physical size, concealing a full sized Glock on your person could be difficult.

Regarding the Glock 26 for concealed carry, unless you specifically want a 9mm, I'd suggest you look at the Glock 27.  It is the same caliber as your G22, the magazines from the 22 will also work in the 27 (nice for practice), and you get considerably more stopping power in a .40 cal that in a 9mm.

I personally have a Glock 26 that I bought as a backup gun early on.  If I had it to do over again, I'd buy a Glock 27 instead.  Now the 26 is in my rental inventory.

To talk a little about concealed carry, I would investigate 'inside the waistband' carry of a 26 or 27.  You can get some nice inside the waistband holsters from either Blade Tech, Sidearmor or Galco.  The Blade Tech and Sidearmor holsters are kydex.  The one from Galco are leather.  Bear in mind that you will need to allow an additional 1.5 inches or so in your pants size.  I normally wear a size 36 waist, but for IWB carry, I wear a size 38.

If you aren't prepared to revamp your wardrobe, you can also get outside the waistband holsters from the same manufacturers.  By the way, for civilian concealed carry, I would probably avoid any 'retention straps' or the like.  You just won't need them.

Personally, I carry at the 4:30 position on my body (think of your belly button as being at the 12:00 position).  My G26 will nestle right into my back hip on the right side and with a loose shirt or t-shirt, the firearm will not be visible.  Similarly, you can wear a sweatshirt or jacket as a cover garment.

As far as the width issue that you mentioned, I personally don't see it as an issue.  The width of the Glock is not significantly more than most other pistols in the same caliber.

If you want something that is VERY concealable, you might check out the Keltec P-3AT.  It is a 380 auto, very light weight and very tiny.  It is strictly a backup or deep concealment gun though.  If you want a real combat firearm, stick with your Glock.

Just a final comment about concealed carry, you mentioned wanting something to carry "comfortably".  Unfortunately, concealed carry of a firearm is seldom comfortable.  I am reminded of what an instructor told me very early in my shooting career..."Concealed carry is not comfortable, but it is comforting..."

Something to think about...

Hope this helps...

Doug