CanCan Hip Hugger holster

Photo from Can Can Concealment's website.

Sometime back in November or early December, I loaned my CanCan Concealment Hip Hugger holster to a friend of mine, 9mMShell. (She used to be just MShell, but Double Tap re-named her.)

He asked her to do a write-up of her experiences with her new carry system. She did such a good job on his FB page that I asked her if I could steal it for here. I figure since Double Tap writes for GunDivas, it's a good cross-over.

"I purchased the Can-Can Holster from Gungoddess.com. I have a concealed carry purse, but have been uncomfortable with the gun out of my direct control. A friend loaned me her Can-Can to try. I LOVED it. I found it to be comfortable, adjustable, and secure, particularly with that feeling of having the gun on my person. The firearm is in easy access, in what is essentially a hi appendix carry. I've been wearing the Can-Can for nearly seven weeks (3-5 days per week), and I can honestly say, I'd buy this particular product again, and recommend it to friends.

This is a snug, waist-fitting garment, that can hold 4 guns and 3 mags. It has 7 hooks and eyes to secure, such as a corset, and 3 size level adjustments (but you can buy an extender). There are magnets where the muzzle rests to confirm security. I carry a Glock 43. A 6 +1. The Can-Can has several straight lines of a gripper material to hold it in place on your waist. I suggest applying body lotion to your belly/back area if you are going to wear this to aid the garment placement and security. The lotion prevents shifting, but the Can-Can doesn't do a whole lot of shifting at any rate. The shifting that does occur is mostly when I sit and then stand.

Here are the things I need to work on. I have a large scar running under my waist line, which the muzzle of my Glock causes to itch, so adjusting the garment, or utilizing one of the other built in carry holsters should resolve this issue. When I sit for long periods, the muzzle of the G43 lands right on that scar and it aches a bit. I probably need to shift it to one of the back pockets when I'm going to be sitting for a period of time. The Can-Can clears through courthouse security, minus weapon, of course, but I don't have to put it on and off. There is not enough metal parts to set off the court systems metal detectors. I wear glasses and the hooks and eyes are a little hard to see/manipulate, what, hey, when you wear glasses, what's not a bit difficult to manipulate.

With the billowy blouses that clothes designers are coming out with, this is really a fantastic concealed carry under-garment. It comes in black and optional colored stitching. I chose blue, because, even if no one else sees it, I think it's sexy as hell. I feel safe and secure, and ready to protect myself, if necessary. Coming in at nearly $80, yeah, that's a lot. But what's your life worth? What's your security worth? I feel good wearing one."

My experience with the same holster has also been very positive. I used a Flashbang bra holster for a couple of years, until my bra wore out and I couldn't find another one that I liked as much to replace it. That sounds silly, unless you're a bra-wearer. Some bras just don't support the Flashbang as well as others, so when I got frustrated, I ordered the CanCan and have been using it nearly daily ever since.

I've seen some concern from other users that the trigger is only covered by elastic, but I've not had an issue with being able to manipulate the trigger through the elastic. There are a couple of work-arounds if you feel the need. One is to use a kydex holster inserted and secured to the CanCan. It's a great solution, because it further protects the trigger AND makes it easier, and safer to re-holster. The other option is to use a kydex trigger guard and secure the string around the CanCan, so that when you draw your pistol, the trigger guard falls off, allowing you access to the trigger.

Photo from Google images

While they sell these trigger guards as "holsters", I do NOT recommend them as a holster, but they are good as an adjunct to an existing soft holster.

Flashbang Holster, Day 1

 **Warning** The following may be TMI, but certainly I can't be the only one with these problems, I'm just willing to talk about them.


I've been searching for a while to find a holster I could wear with my scrubs. Traditional waistband holsters pull on the drawstring scrub pants and are really very uncomfortable. I considered a bellyband type holster, but the last bellyband I had I hated and gave it away. Andplusalso, those Can Can holsters are sexy as hell, but I'm old enough to wear actual underwear, not tiny scraps of material. If I were to wear a Can Can holster, I'd have to pull my unders up over the top because the bottom of the holsters are right about the height of the pubic bone. Or I could put my unders on and then put the Can Can on, but what about when I have to go to the bathroom? Take my holster off? No thank you.

After reading some reviews of different holsters and tossing it around a bit, I decided on the Flashbang holster.

Twelve hours in on day one, I'm loving it. There are some issues, yes, that I'll get into in a second, but mostly this is a very comfortable holster and exceptionally concealable. I know, that's not news to a lot of people.

My issues are pretty minor and involve "the girls". Since I still have a hard time working the snap (though there is a helpful video with how to work the snap), I put the holster on my bra before putting the bra on. It made getting everything adjusted ... interesting. I prefer to wear my holster tucked deep into my bra because I have a bit of a gut that I'm afraid will push the butt of the gun forward. I got the holster settled in just the right place and then realized I still needed to put the gun in the holster. I managed, thanks to the video tips on how to do it safely, but it still took some finagling of the girls to keep any skin out of the way so as not to end up with a nasty pinch.

I finally pulled the holster down, holstered the gun away from the girls, and then tucked it back up into my bra and got everything (re)settled. I then pulled my scrub top on, woke up my sleepy husband and asked for a "gun check". I passed his bleary, one-eyed inspection and then spent some time moving in front of the mirror. No printing. 

Because of my shape, I won't be able to wear this holster with any form-fitting clothes, though I do know women who can and do. However, for my work wear, this holster has been a beautiful thing. I usually wear patterned scrub tops, which we all know helps disguise any printing and the material isn't clingy, so it drapes nicely over the gun.

The big test for me was sitting and talking to a co-worker who notices everything. I stood in her doorway and talked, I sat in a chair in front of her and talked, I stretched and moved around. Nada. Passed that test with flying colors.

The biggest benefit so far is that going to the bathroom is a beautiful thing. No juggling of holster or gun. 

I'll see how tomorrow goes, but after the first day, I feel like I have a good solution and I'm dreading "jeans day" when I can't wear a scrub top and will have to go back to a belt holster. Maybe I just won't go to the bathroom that day. ;)

BUG Day at the Range

Finally, Tara and I were able to get together and go to the range.  It had been weeks and I get cranky without my Tara time.

I had Baby Girl and all of her new holsters, so I wanted to try them out.  Though we didn't plan on our range time becoming BUG day, it did.  She carries a .38 revolver and Baby Girl is a .32.  Look at the size difference!

Apparently, the Beretta is more of a "micro" gun.

I started with my hidden-in-plain-sight mini day pack.  Baby Girl sits in it beautifully, and around here, no one will think twice about me carrying this on my waist.

(For the record, I *hate* having my picture taken)

The hardest part of carrying in the day pack is getting it unzipped to access the gun, but after a couple of times, it became much easier.  Jay and I talked about the zipper when I first got her and in case things get "hinky", I can just rest my hand on the bag and grasp the zipper pull.  From that point, it's no different in theory from releasing a retention strap.  Since I oriented the pack in the same place I carry my holster, the draw was easy. (Because I hate having my picture taken, I "forgot" to have Tara take pictures of the draw.)

After a few round from the day pack, I slipped the Remora into my bra, under my armpit, where the gun would rest if I had a shoulder holster.  Other than one pokey area that I'll snip and cover with moleskin, it was unbelievably comfortable.  Tara went to the car for something and I slipped Baby Girl into the holster without telling her.  I then shot her revolver, with my gun holstered, without a problem.  I wasn't sure how I would do with a gun tucked under my armpit, but it was still super comfortable.

Baby Girl tucked under my left arm.  No printing and very comfortable.

After I was done shooting Tara's gun, I told her that I had my gun holstered in my bra.  I hadn't told her to begin with, because I wanted to see if it was truly invisible and it was.

Gun?  Where?

In this shirt, though, it was nearly impossible to draw the gun quickly or comfortably.  However, my work shirts are v-necked and will be much easier to access my gun if necessary.  I also think that if I tuck the Remora into a good sports bra, I can even wear her at the gym without a problem.

The only holster we did not try out was the Pistol Wear, as it's still far too big for the gun.  I need to buy some velcro or figure out how to make a pouch to keep her from "sloshing" around in the pocket of the holster.  Once I get it modified, I think it will be a good way to carry under my work clothes, if for some reason I don't want to tuck the Remora.

Overall, I'm excited about my new carry options.  No, the Beretta's not a "big" gun, and not a typical defensive caliber, but it's an excellent "get outta my face" gun and I can carry her in "deep" concealment comfortably.

And just because I love these pictures I took of Tara, here are some gratuitous "Tara Janzen embracing her inner Skeeter Bang" pictures.

It Never Fails

I've mentioned that I bought Baby Girl as a "bra gun" for running.  My initial intent was to carry her in a Flashbang holster, but after talking to Lisa Looper from Flashbang, I decided that carrying her in a Marilyn would be a better option.  Only, they don't make a Marilyn that fits the Tomcat, so it was back to the drawing board.

As I was walking through the kitchen the other day, I saw a sticker left over from SHOT Show for Pistol Wear holsters.  They are essentially belly bands designed for working out; they're supposed to be comfortable and breathe while you're hot and sweaty and moving around.  So I thought I'd give one a try.  I ordered the PT-2 holster.  I ordered the PT-2 because it's for smaller-framed guns and the Tomcat's not exactly a big gun. It arrived two nights ago and I immediately put it on under my scrubs.  It doesn't print at all, which is a huge plus and I can tie my drawstring pants around it while still having access to the top opening if I reach under my shirt.  That was the good.  The bad is that Baby Girl is so little (she's fun-sized, like me) that she kind of slides around in the pocket and if I'd have to draw her, I might have to fish around.  I might be able to fix that issue by making a spot for her muzzle to slip in with some velcro.

Shortly after I ordered the PT-2, I read in one of my Facebook groups that one of the ladies had taken a Remora thigh holster, removed the holster from the thigh band and slipped it into her bra in the same position as the Marilyn with good success.  Remora just happens to make a holster that fits Baby Girl, so cha-ching went my debit card.  I haven't received the Remora yet, but it has shipped and I've been eagerly anticipating its arrival.  I was looking forward to having carry options for under my scrubs at work and at the gym.  I'm pretty sure that I would get some strange looks in the locker room when I changed if I have the PT-2 on, but if I can slip the Remora into my sports bra, I can "hide" it when I'm changing by simply facing the locker.

Anyway, I told you all of that so I could tell you this...

While at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo today, I was wondering around with Jay and my parents and we stopped at my Mom's favorite saddle shop.  Hanging in a display right by the cash register was the answer to my concealed carry prayers.  A mini day pack.

Baby Girl is tucked snuggly inside

For scale - the bag isn't much bigger than my hand.

It was like the bag was made for her.

It's simply a mini day pack like you'd find at REI or any other over-priced outdoor store, but it's very roomy.  When I finally got home and spent some time looking at it, I was happy to find the soft pocket that I could slip her muzzle into and keep her from flopping around.  That main pocket is deceptively large.

There is another pocket (you can see the zipper under my thumb) which is perfect for a spare holster or to slip my CCW permit in.

If you look at the top picture, you'll see a rubber handle/loop.  That loop will fit over a saddle horn.  You know, if I ever go back to riding with a saddle.  By the handle, there are two rings to attach a strap for cross-body carry.  On the back of the pack, there is a space to feed a belt through, which is how I will typically carry it.

Dang it.  Dropped almost $100 on "real" holsters for Baby Girl, walk into a saddle shop and find the perfect solution for $20.

It never fails.

Please tell me I'm not the only one this happens to.

Dragon Leatherworks Review

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from Dragon Leatherworks saying that Brigid from Home on the Range had suggested I'd be willing to do a review on a holster for a 1911.  Since I just happen to have a 1911 and, like most shooters, I'm always looking for the perfect holster I jumped at the chance.

Within a week, I received the holster.  One of my favorite holsters is the Galco Side Snap Scabbard, because it's nice to be able to just snap a holster on over a belt instead of having to get undressed to put on or take off my holster.  When I opened the package and saw the holster that Dragon had sent me, I was excited to see that it also had snaps. (Which I didn't think to take a picture of, of course.)

I was intrigued by the cut-out, but before I had a chance to ask about it, I got an email from Dragon explaining the evolution of this holster.

I had a request to modify an existing design called the DL Classic that I sell, so as to fit the following:

1) The pistol had to have a medium -low ride height
2) The pistol had to have as close to zero cant angle as possible
3) There had to be a deep combat cut so as to allow as close to a full grip as possible for drawing the weapon
4) Had to hold tight to the body, but not angled in at the top so as to avoid having the gun dig into the ribs

There really wasn't any way to modify the original design, so I used it as a basis for how the holster should *look*, then went to work getting the function to follow form. The end result is what you received last week. The holster was a complete re-thinking of an existing design.

I would say that he met his goals with this modification of his original holster.  In order to test it out, I came up with a game plan by which I will test all holsters.  I'm not allowed to carry at work, so I decided I'd carry it on a "usual" day off and again at the range.

My "usual" day off consists of driving to my parents' place, taking Estes out for a ride, doing some horse chores, and doing laundry.  Fairly typical stuff.

For my range day, I decided I'd do essentially FitShot lite.  The beauty of FitShot is that it requires a lot of movement and requires that the holster keep the gun secure.

For my "usual" day, I strapped on the holster and loaded into the car.  My parents' place is 73 miles from our apartment and I usually don't wear my gun in the car because it's uncomfortable as hell, but I wanted to treat the holster like I did when I was able to carry all the time, so I hopped in the car with it.  I carry just behind my right hip, at 4 o'clock.  It took just one adjustment as I buckled up to settle the holster and gun in.  And then I forgot it was there.  It was hands-down the most comfortable holster I've driven in to date.

Once I got to my parents' place, I went about my usual daily activities.  For the most part, the holster was comfortable, but I did feel some pressure along the top of my SI joints.  I didn't know if it was because of the belt I chose to wear that day, or the holster, so I decided to change belts for the range day. 

I figured that if anything was going to test the holster during my "usual" day, it would be riding.  I grabbed Estes and mounted up.  The holster was comfortable and secure during my short ride.

Later that day, we went for a much longer ride, in which I did not wear the holster because we rode into the National Park, where carrying is forbidden.  However, I would have been perfectly comfortable wearing the holster for the five and a half hours we were out - I'm certain of it.

So far, so good.  I finished day one happy with the holster and was looking forward to getting to take it out to the range.

My plan for the range day was, as I said, FitShot lite.  I had not done any practicing with the holster.  I strapped it on, slipped my gun in it, and that's it.  The FitShot workout I had in mind was:

• 4 squats (supposed to be goblet squats with weight, but I forgot my weights)
• 4 tuck jumps
• 4 release push-ups

It's not a huge workout, but it does involve a fair bit of movement and I'll use it with every holster review I do.

I changed my belt to the web training belt I usually wear out to the range.  Doing so alleviated the pressure across my SI joints that I noticed on my first day of wearing the holster.

When I got to the range, I handed the video camera off to Tara and told her to video tape me as I went through the FitShot.



Unfortunately, the snaps that I was so excited about gave way after my first tuck jump.  I wasn't sure that I it had actually happened until the second snap gave way after my second tuck jump.  At that point I stopped the test.

I so, so wanted to love this holster, but the snaps coming undone were pretty much a deal breaker.  The workmanship on the holster itself is top-notch.  It carries comfortably.  Even after the snaps came undone, my gun was secure in the holster.  But the holster wasn't securely attached to my belt anymore.

Luckily, I think this is an easy fix for Dragon Leatherworks.  Replace the current snaps with sturdier snaps and this holster again moves to the top of my "favorites" list.  I don't mind having to work at unsnapping snaps; it means that they won't come undone at an inopportune moment.  If I can't get a snap undone, it's not the end of the world - I just thread my belt through it like I would a belt holster.

Pros:

• well made, good quality leather
• comfortable to wear when driving
• holds the gun securely
• easy to draw from

Cons:

• snaps came undone

Overall, this is a good holster and the fix is easy.  If you're in the market for a leather holster, this is one from Dragon Leatherworks is a good option.

Question for you: What do you look for in a holster?  Do you have an immediate deal breaker?