Charlie:

You can either read it at http://hipoint.7.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=1445 or just read it below.

If it is of use, you may use in any way you choose including posting, or printing in advertising, with or without attribution, in whole or in part (...'till death do us part...??? Damn, that was beginning to roll!).

Bottom line is that I think you have a great product and I'm happy I bought it.

Text of my posting is below.

Regards,

My SmartCarry holster arrived this past Tuesday and I've been wearing it daily ever since. Today is the 5th full day or normal activities with it on. The SmartCarry web site, www.smartcarry.com, provides plenty of pictures, materials & construction information, and detailed instruction for use, so I will try to avoid duplicating that information. Here are my observations.

I bought the SmartCarry because here in Florida I wear shorts, T-shirt, and sandals probably 90% of the time, making concealment somewhat difficult. At home I am typically without the T-shirt, adding to the problem and keeping my dermatologist in business. For me, the only other option is a pouch and I'm not inclined to go that route. Overall I am pleased with my purchase of the SmartCarry.

Ordering was easy and I liked the fact that I didn't have to guess what size I needed to fit either the weapon or my body. Using their online form, I told them the make and model of the weapon and they selected the correct size holster. The construction of the web ordering form is a good indicator that they have done this a lot and know exactly what information they need and how to get it from you. Comments by other users indicate that if the fit is not appropriate they are quick to send a suitable replacement. Mine is perfect.

For body measurement you can get the tape measure out and measure where they tell you to, or you can simply state the size of your pants or underwear and they'll take it from there. The order form is set up so they know which body measurement you're giving -- the clothing or the tape measure. I quoted my clothing size. A sizing breakpoint is at 42 inches and I told them in the Comments block that I varied between 42 and 43 -- what they sent works very well for me. The bottom line is that when it comes to giving them the info and letting them make the sizing selections, they do it right.

My 9mm is the model C9 Compact. I use the standard mag and carry a spare standard mag. I do not believe use of the optional mag in either the weapon or as a spare would change the functionality of the holster.

Instructions state not to wear it around your waist, rather, across the top of your hips. That's a fine line but an important one. I think most people would go first for the waist and I tried it just to see what would happen. In half an hour I was dropping my shorts and putting it back where it was supposed to be. Wearing it incorrectly is a guarantee of riding up in the back and becoming uncomfortable and possibly visible. When worn correctly I was forgetting I had it on in day 2.

On day 3, grass cutting day, when I took my shorts off in the early evening I actually caught myself by surprise. I had removed the weapon a little while earlier to wipe it down and I completely forgot I still had the holster on until my hand brushed against it as I reached to remove my underwear on the way to the shower.

The thermometer on the covered patio was at 102 and I was out front cutting the grass without a T-shirt. I did have sunscreen on, but that hardly conceals a weapon! Our mail carrier came by; I stopped and went over to the community mailbox for our block, got my mail, and held a conversation with her for a few minutes. As she left, the lady across the street came out to get her mail and she and I spoke for a few more minutes. I don't think either of them had any idea I was carrying. Again, no T-shirt.

It's Sunday evening and my wife still hasn't said a word, so my bet is that she still doesn't know I've been wearing it. I've been grocery shopping, gas station, department store, post office, and a few other places and nobody seems to have noticed a thing. When I look in the mirror I'm not sure if I see anything or not. It's kind of like those things you see and hear after three or four hours of nighttime in the boonies -- yeah, they're real, ...or are they?

Back to the grass... I was soaking wet by the time I finished the job. The material on the body side of the holster is a special material (see their web site) and it works. That side was damp, my shorts were soaked except for the area directly in front of the holster, though capillary action was gradually drawing moisture into that area from the sides, and my underwear was soaked. But the weapon was dry with the exception of about 3/4ths of an inch of the rear of the slide, where it had touched my underwear; the grip remained dry because though it is not down in the holster it is protected by the waistband (dare I call it a waistband?). Before the end of the day I did wipe the weapon down, but I consider the grass cutting effort a bit of a torture test for what would probably be the upper end of "normal use," at least for me.

Also during that effort, there was no discomfort whatsoever. Pushing, turning, twisting, stooping to pull the occasional weed, pulling the mower backwards (get off my back -- I've read the manual and I'll chance it!), running the electric edger, using the weed-eater, sweeping up, none were a problem. No discomfort and no restriction.

In the car.

I drive a Hyundai Elantra hatchback, I'm 6'1", and I weight 230. Translation: I love my car and it's really comfortable, but there isn't a lot of room between me and the steering wheel. Is it a problem getting in and out? Not at all. Can I draw the weapon while seated in the car? Yes. Can I do it quickly? No. I hope the facts that I keep my doors locked an that I am improving on being situationally aware will be enough that a fast draw is not necessary. It's all a matter of risk assessment and my assessment is that if I tried a quick draw with ANY holster I'd probably regret it even without a bad guy present.

A draw while sitting in the chair at my PC desk is no problem.

A draw from the standing position is no problem, but again I do not intend to be a quick-draw artist. According to my wife, I tend to wear my belt tighter than most, yet that is no problem for drawing the weapon, and that did surprise me.

Going to the can.

If I'm going to sit down I just remove it. Heck, everything else is down, right? Haven't done that in a public restroom yet, but if I do I'll be very careful where I put or hold it. If I'm standing I find it just a bit more bothersome than the instructions make it out to be, but then that may still be a matter of technique and repetition. It is not enough of an issue that I care much about it, however. I mention it just to give you as much of my experience with it as I can.

Downsides -- I can think of only two.

One I can think of is that as opposed to the pouch, my other alternative, I have to drop my shorts to put it on. Intending to wear it all day makes that a non-issue for me. But if you want to be able to slip a holster on and off several times during the day, this one is probably not for you.

The other is that it pretty much takes two hands to draw the weapon. For me that is not a problem, but I suppose that very much depends on your usual daily activities and where you do them. I did try to draw it out one-handed by sucking in my gut and going for it, and I [u]was[/u] successful, but it definitely wasn't pretty. I will admit to being a little self-conscious when practicing in the living room, but THAT one took the cake. I definitely wouldn't want to count on sucking it in when my pulse rate and blood pressure are headed for the roof, either. Again, risk assessment -- I'm OK with it.

I'm glad this is just narrative, because this holster is unique enough that typical rated categories would be hard to use. No rating numbers -- I just like the thing.

When I ordered, I almost went for the security model. If you're interested in this type of holster, be sure to take a look at that model and consider it, too.

Hope the information is helpful. Just remember that strapping anything around you and hanging a weapon "down there" is a pretty darned personal thing. Your mileage/like/dislike may vary!

Addendum:

"A note on using the bathroom (public) when carrying in SmartCarry® - try sliding the holster up on your body about 5" or 6" inches (you can even loosen the Velcro®, if required, to make it easier although I don't have to) so it rests on your lower chest. When you're done, simply move it back down and re tighten the Velcro®, if you loosened it. That way your firearm stays right with you and you don' risk it falling off a hanger or having to put it on the floor where it could be visible to someone in the next stall. When using a urinal, try grasping the muzzle of the gun, through the outside of your trousers and move gun and holster to your weak side using your weak hand. Very simple and fast. And the secret to drawing when seated, especially in a vehicle, is to lean w-a-y back in the seat, just like you'd have to do to get your wallet at a toll booth, and slide your strong hand in your waist band to retrieve your gun. You'll be amazed at how fast you can draw it but you have to be leaning way, way back in the seat!"

Mr. Parrott,

To begin… thank you.

I ordered on a Wednesday and received it on Friday. I think I fit the mold of when it comes to self protection we want what we need to be safe and we want it right now and your quick attention to our orders is appreciated.

I’m on the slightly smaller side of average height and weight, no perceptible gut, very active and social. During the day I wear a suit or at minimum dress shirt and tie and out of work it’s shorts and sandals. I’m right-handed and carry an extra mag with my S&W Chief Special 9mm (very compact weapon), everywhere and ALWAYS. With this holster my CS9 is not “virtually” like some others state, but “completely” undetectable.

I ordered the right hand draw and was self conscious about the slight bulge caused by the butt of the weapon between my zipper and right side pant’s pocket. I noticed that if I turned the weapon around and placed it in the holster pocket only backwards, thus making it a left hand draw, the butt was angled a little more up and directly behind the zipper. So… I ordered the same holster in the left hand draw and put my CS9 in “backwards” thereby allowing me a right hand draw.

WOW, I’d love to think that I’m a genius but I must give credit to you and this fantastic holster. It might be an unconventional way to use the holster but the weapon still fits securely in the holster, the holster still operates the way it was designed, and I’m completely comfortable wearing it for hours and hours.

Charlie, feel free to use my comments on your website. The bottom line, this holster is great and I LOVE IT!

Sincerely,

Indeed, it was waiting on the doorstep when I arrived home. My CZ fits very well, and the holster is very comfortable. Finally, a holster that I can wear without worrying about printing!

Thanks for your help!

Charles,

I wanted to let you know that I received my order from you on Thursday of last week. I also wanted to let you know that I think your product is the best one I have seen for concealed carry. Other types of holsters just do not conceal completely or else they look out of place (fanny packs). In my opinion, the only way to carry a gun is to both conceal completely and to have it attached to your body and not a bag or accessory. Feel free to use this testimonial on your website. I found your customer feedback helpful myself when I was researching your product.

Best of luck growing your business,

WOW! Did you drive to my house to deliver my new holster? I received it Monday in my mailbox, I ordered it Thursday. Thank-you!

I tried it on right away and was impressed with the quality and comfort, even while sitting down, which I thought might be a problem. I left it on the rest of the day, about 8 hours even while painting my bathroom with no discomfort, or concern about "losing" my weapon. As a matter of fact, I had to remind myself I had it with me. Excellent product.

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