so close...

I just turned in my leave form for next week.  I'll leave Monday and come back Sunday night for my flight the following Monday (assuming I get a seat on that flight).  Wolfie's going to come down this weekend and help me pack, then drive home with me, and I'll fly back.

I got to talk to a soldier here in the dayroom about where I'm going.  He says it's pretty nice; don't have to wear armor and helmets all the time, you can buy mountain bikes to get around (which would be killer PT), yadda yadda yadda.  He did recommend a shoulder holster, though, because the tactical holsters like I posted yesterday can get mighty hot, plus you lose the use of that cargo pocket.  My wallet has lived in the cargo pocket every time I put on BDUs since 1986 -- not being able to use that pocket is jarring.  And there's a website called Holsters.com.  If I can't find it there... it's probably someplace else.

One of the guys recommended a Galco holster, but I worry about the leather rotting from the sweat.  This Safariland product might do, though.  I'd like to try them on before I buy, so maybe I'll go shopping with Dad while I'm home.

The thought of packing is a little daunting, but Wolfie will help.  It'll be better if I break it down into easy to digest chunks, but still... packing sucks.  At least I'll have company on the ride home.

Comments

[armynurseboy]

A shoulder holster is a good idea, espeacially if you aren't going to be going off teh FOB a whole lot. It's easier to put on and take off and won't weigh your pants down (and you can still carry your weapon while in PT's). I would also recommend drawing an issue TA-50 holster and attach that to your body armor. That way you don't have to keep readjusting your shoulder holster everytime you have to wear your vest. The Galco is a good holster. A bit expensive, but well worth the cost. It is tough leather and won't rot on you.

[armynurseboy]

Personally, I carried an M-16 (unusal for a medical type). I would have greatly preferred carrying an M-4 as it was a lot smaller and lighter. They offered me an M-9 after some folks got sent home early, but I figured that if I was going to have to shoot something, I'd rather shoot them with a 5.56mm than a 9mm.....

[CPT D]

I'd VASTLY prefer an M4 over an M16, if they give me a rifle -- I can't reach the trigger properly with an M16 while wearing armor. And my shoulder pocket just disappears.

[Peter]

You definately will want to invest in a decent shoulder rig. Spend some time in any kind of belt rig and you'll run up against the problem that all the woman Deputies I worked with had, that of peeing. Lord only knows how many hours I've racked up standing outside a Lady's Room holding an extra gunbelt.
Whether or not a horizantal, vertical or diagonal shoulder rig is right for you is dependent on the size of your shootin' iron and your body type. If the barrel of your shootin' iron sticks out behind past your back then don't go horizontal, you'll never be able to sit back in a chair or carseat.
Good luck, I dunno how many holster maker's kids I put through college in my career as a Deputy, the holster that is just right for wintertime carry is all wrong for summer clothes and vice versa. Lots of holsters look good in the store and are okay for ten minutes but are miserable all day. With that I'm lucky, off duty I carried a five shot revolver, you're stuck with those durned ol' horse pistols.

[BabyChicken]

For PT, this is an interesting option.

http://www.action-direct.com/257.htm

It stays very secure while jogging and none of the problems of belt holster. You can draw pretty dang fast from it as well.

[William Caron]

Just happened into your blog and saw this talk about shoulder holsters. If you live near Shrewsbury MA and can find The Gun Room there is someone there who can help you find a shoulder holster. his name is Ron Cloutier (retired college professor and four time graduate/adjunct instructor at Lethal Force Institute, a top US defensive shooting school. tell him your needs( over body armor, lightweight, rugged, type weapon, etc) and he'll fit you right. Tell him Bill Caron set you.

[Homeperformance]

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[Term Papers]

One of the guys recommended a Galco holster, but I worry about the leather rotting from the sweat.