Hypothetically, if we were able to get a concealed carry permit, what is the preferred way to carry?

It looks there are some different things to think about as we don't have to worry about cold weather but do have to worry about wearing warm/hot weather clothes.

Because of the concealability issue, I would think an IWB holster would be generally preferred. On a recent trip I was able to try out a new IWB holster, the M-Tac, which utilizes a leather backing and a molded composite component to retain the firearm. It worked very well in attire similar to what I would have been wearing in Hawaii, and the several police officers I was working with never noticed I was carrying (or never mentioned it...) despite some limited physical contact with them for some training purposes.

There probably is no single "best" way to carry concealed, even in Hawaii (were CC possible for nonLEOs, of course) with its always-warm climate.

IWB does offer a lower profile than OWB, but there are many OWB holsters that are concealable enough under only a cover shirt.  I use both ways, and sometimes a Smart-Carry, which offers the maximum concealment possible.

My preferred IWB is the CompTac C-Tac, a kydex holster with precisely adjustable force for retaining the pistol in the holster.  I own an M-Tac too, but it rests undisturbed in my holster box because I found that because the inner surface is leather, the retention force can not be adjusted and is way too tight for me.

I just took a look at the CompTac stuff and the M-Tac looks pretty good.  I think that I'd prefer IWB to be a little more concealed but I have yet to try out any holsters except for the Blackhawk, and even then I didn't try attaching it.

The most unnoticed would be a fanny-pack, of course not to a dinner event or what not, the fastest would be your inside the belt, most comfortable... shirt in would go shoulder supported or fanny pack, shirt out would be inside the belt.

 

I am new to Hawaii, and have lived many places where I was allowed to protect myself.  In warm weather I don't use anything but the Smart Carry holster.  I can wear my 5" double stack ParaOrd 1911 in shorts and a t-shirt and no one ever sees it.  It is a little slower to draw from than a normal IWB holster, but as long as you stay in condition yellow and are alert to your surroundings that won't matter.  I personally don't like the idea of fanny packs, for the same reason my wife never carries in her purse, I want something that is attached to my body that cannot be easily removed.  A fanny pack usually has a quick release snap on the belt, one sly move from an assailant can remove the fanny pack and put your gun out of the fight.

What are your guys' take on ankle holsters for guys who regularly wear business attire? 

While I like the idea of ankle holsters, I'm a leg-crosser.  And i know that when I cross them, I flash a lot of sock.  I'd need something more like a calf holster, or to overcome a lifetime's habit of sitting comfortably. 

I, too, think that the ankle holster is not really a concealed carry method. Most people pant legs come up multiple times throughout the day. I think an IWB with the shirt tucked over it would be better. Or maybe a pocket holster.

What are your guys' take on ankle holsters for guys who regularly wear business attire? 

One of the biggest issues with ankle holsters (at least from what I read...) is that drawing it is too difficult, requiring you to either bend down or literally lay on your back. THe latter might not be a bad thing if you are knocked down or otherwise find yourself on the groud and needing your firearm, especially since most waist carry methods can be difficult to draw from in that situation.

Hopefully it never reaches the point where you're on the ground and in need of a gun. 

I like the smart carry holster. I am still working out the bugs as far as what pants to wear. It cannot be a very tight pair. Also I was gonna try the cell pal. Any comments?

Do you mean this smartcarry:


To me it looks like it'd be... uncomfortable to say the least.

Is that a gun in your crotch or are you just happy to see me.   

Do you mean this smartcarry:


To me it looks like it'd be... uncomfortable to say the least.

Taking off your pants to draw weapon, and its called SMARTcarry! ...although an attacker might be a little confused when you drop trou and grab your 'gun' that it might actually work.

Is that a gun in your crotch or are you just happy to see me.   

lol

Not that I am advocating either way, but here are a few pictures from their website....  http://smartcarry.com/photos.html
 
 

Ok...how the hell do you piss with that thing on? 

Why do all their pictures look like they were taken in the 1970's? 

I'm a little surprised no one has advocated pocket carry.  When I carry at home, this is my preferred method.  Of course, my typical attire is denim and t-shirt.  I always wear cargo pants or cargo shorts.  With the two extra pockets on the legs, keeping my strong-side upper pocket empty during daily wear is easy.  I use an Uncle Mike's pocket holster to keep the gun oriented properly when I am at home.

Drawing from a seated position is something of a challenge.  And, with the cheap holster, sometimes I draw both gun and holster.  I don't worry about that, though... I can easily fire the holstered gun.