Anybody who has conceal carried for a full day

[cmichael22]

Does 8 more ounces make a big difference when carrying? I would be carrying IWB and be using just a normal dress belt. One gun weighs 18 ounces and the other weighs 26.

[Theseeker]

If you are wearing civilian clothes and a lighter pistol 15-28 ounces yes, 8 ounces makes a big difference. If you have a full size steel .45 on a duty belt with cuffs, radio, baton, spare magazines, mace, cuffs, knife, baton probably not.

Be more specific. You will get better answers. What are you comparing and how do you intend to use it?

[OldLincoln]

Yes it does make a difference but not a show stopper. I found it really depends on the belt and holster. I have a PM9 and a Colt Commander 1911 .45. Big difference in weight but I don't feel that much extra because I have a good belt and my 1911 holster has 2 belt clips that spread the weight, while my PM9 had one clip. Each are exactly what's needed to carry comfortably.

For a short time I carried 2 10rd ,45 spare mags besides the Colt - now THAT's heavy. My next gun will be a .45 with 10rd mag and no spares.

See my sig line for guns and holsters although today and for my next gun it'll be a Garrett Silent Thunder Fusion.

[cmichael22]

Yeah for my belt it would just be like a suit belt or casual belt

[BimmerBob]

Someone else with more experience will probably add to this, but I think you would have to look at the dimensions of the guns, as well. Even a small variation in width can make the difference between a gun that is comfortably pocketable and one that is not, weight not withstanding. Seems like width would be a little less critical with IWB, but still an issue.

[ripley16]

Several factors go into making carrying a pistol simple and easy or a chore. The quality of the gun belt is important, as is the type and quality of the holster. Where you wear and the mode, ankle, OWB, IWB, etc., have a huge impact on "all-day comfort". The size and weight factor in when you find yourself "adjusting" your gear frequently, or discovering what you have is hard to keep concealed. If your carry gear bothers you in any way, then something is wrong, and whether it is 16oz. or 30, subcompact or full size, you'll need to find a way to correct what's wrong.

IMHO, the easiest and most comfortable way to carry a larger, heavier pistol is OWB, where there is less disturbance to normal daily activity.

[wyntrout]

A good GUN belt... stiff enough to not deform or sag... and a two-clip holster make all of the difference to me. My Looper Kydex-reinforced belt and my PM9-sized Minituck are my universal CC rig... carrying my PM9, P40, PM45, and will even hold my K9, but it's just too heavy. The belt tension hold any of those securely and it's hard to tell the difference with the polymer pistols after a few minutes. I just have to remember to choose the correct magazine holder before putting on the belt.

Wynn

[les strat]

I pocket carry my CM9 every day in a Bear Creek front pocket holster (that I love). Even carrying in pocket, a good belt is in order so you don't get the thug sag look going on one side

If I carry my G30, it is OWB. I absolutley can't stand IWB.

[Bill K]

It makes a big difference in pocket carry as in my P3AT vs. my PM9. Belt carry not so much.

[APSKahr]

It makes a difference but you can overcome it if you are dedicated. My loaded G26 is 8oz heavier than my loaded CM9. Pocket carry with the G26, my pants will come down unless I tighten my thewilderness belt to a level that forces indigestion. IWB it is less noticeable.

[JFootin]

I am now carrying my J-frame AIWB in a pocket holster. No kidding! I am using the Stays-Put Ultra - just $14.95 shipped to you. As the name suggests, it stays put in my pocket better than any pocket holster I ever tried (and I have tried a lot). It is pretty thin, yet it disguises the shape of the gun well. But much to my delight, I have found that it will stay put all day long without having to fiddle with or adjust it AIWB behind a good 1 1/2" belt, with the belt at it's normal notch. I sit it in there pretty low with a backward cant, which keeps it away from my leg when I sit down and facilitates the draw. The cant also makes the grip lay down horizontally right next to my waistline. I have a cell phone case with 2 belt loops (I removed the metal clip) that I mount just behind the grip so that the cell phone is the only thing that prints under a loose shirt. I love that it is as easy to draw sitting down as it is standing, and I can do it without my elbow jutting out like when I draw from behind the hip. And this thing is 100% comfortable all day long! The holster is well made and, I think, durable. It is made of microfiber with the typical smooth nylon inner lining. It breaths and does good keeping moisture away from the gun. You just can't beat it!

Edit:

I will add that the weight of the gun doesn't matter in this scenario because the holster is pressed against my belly by belt pressure, so the gun is not weighing my pants or belt down.

I also concur that a good belt is critical for carrying a gun, even when carrying in a pocket, and more so with increased weight.

It sounds like you are wanting to carry in a work setting with dress requirements: business or business casual attire, tucked dress shirt, etc. In that case, I would highly recommend the SmartCarry holster. Take some time to read the whole site. Look at the big guns that thin men and little women hide with it. I have one and can attest to it's comfort and security. And it provides complete concealment as long as your pants aren't too tight fitting. A friend of mine wears one every day at the office.

[OldLincoln]

I recommend you take one of those plastic grocery bags and put the weight in it and tie it to your belt up as close to the belt you can get it and wear that around the house. Look in the mirror and see how your belt is handling it.

They do make narrow gun belts for dress pants including gun belts that are narrow in the front and widen out to regular size. About 1.25" is as narrow as I've seen with a taper to .75".

Just remember, whatever your situation there are a lot of folks in the same and so, lots of solutions that work.

[jeepster09]

The lighter the better! However there are many good holsters that compensate. For me, either in pocket with Desantis Super Fly or a quality Tuckable in the waist. I also find I like the slip on clips over the lace your belt through clips.....the easier on/off the better.

[7shot]

Does 8 more ounces make a big difference when carrying?

Lots of variables their...but 1/2 lb can be a big difference.

[Barth]

Does 8 more ounces make a big difference when carrying?

Like everyone is saying, It depends.
That's a real open ended question without enough info to give a specific answer.

8 ozs more in addition to what?
And how are you carrying?
This is important info you're not sharing.
Plus what cloths and belt you wear matter too.
And finally what's comfortable is subjective anyway.

Generally pocket carry needs to be 16/18 oz or less to be really comfortable.
With a good belt you can go heavier, but with less comfort.
Belt carry you can go 20/30 oz pretty well.
Even up to ~ 40.
But lighter is better.

Finally caliber and reloads are important too.
You have to consider loaded weight of gun, mag and spare mags.
I can really feel the difference between a high cap 125 gr 357 sig
and 180 gr 40. Even with a low round count 230 gr .45 ammo weight
starts to add up quickly.


My S&W 342 ti weights 13.5 oz loaded with 135 gr GDHP 38s.
For me it's the ultimate pocket pistol. An I can run around all day
with that in my pocket and not even notice it's there.

I can put my SS S&W 640 in my pocket too.
But I know it's there and it's too much for a comfortable backup gun.

My Glock 27 is ~ 20 oz empty.
Loaded around 30.
That's dreamy on a belt.
I think my MK40 is about the same (~30 oz loaded).

My Sigs start empty at ~30 and are close to 40 loaded.
Like my S&W 629 44 mag.
That's about as big and heavy as I can run with all day.

I usually like the loaded gun at around 30 oz on a belt for real
all day long comfort.

Opinions vary.
Must of us have lots of different guns and a box of holsters to go with them.
It's really a work in progress.