Carry Vests

posted on September 28, 2012
rackley2015_fs.jpg (3)

For years, gunwriters have been emphatic in their opinion that vests used by concealed-gun carriers practically scream "gun." But I’m not so certain. Sure, tactical vests are unneeded in almost every situation that doesn’t require kicking down a door, but that doesn’t mean that all vests are bad for carry advocates.

In fact, vests are quite popular, considering how many companies produce and sell them in fleece, denim, leather and down-filled nylon. With so many different types available, why would anyone assume that only gun owners wear vests? Leather vests are often worn in the West in dressier situations, and in the Midwest, down vests are used for additional warmth during the three seasons that are not hot.

I personally love fleece vests in the fall and spring for the both their lightweight warmth and effectiveness in concealing a gun. I have a Ducks Unlimited vest in black that I have worn in many places, and I really don’t think anyone has ever realized that I’m carrying, especially with the DU logo emblazened on the chest. Vests with sports team logos are another way to disquise that you're carrying. I’m currently searching for one for alma mater, Ole Miss, to supplement my wardrobe.

Vests can be a useful tool for covering your gun while still being fashionable. Companies like Cabela's, Woolrich and even the NRA Store sell quite a variety, including some with a holster sewn into the vest.

Latest

Military Armament MAC DS pistol right-side view black gun on pebbles.
Military Armament MAC DS pistol right-side view black gun on pebbles.

Military Armament Corporation Introduces New MAC 9 DS Models

Military Armament Corporation expanded its line of M1911-style, double-stack handguns with its new Double-Stack Duty, D-Comp and Comp designs.

Preview: MTM Case-Gard Ruger 10/22 Extended Mag Can

Made in the U.S.A., the O-ring-sealed Mag Can from MTM Case-Gard stows one of the most important parts of the semi-automatic carbine—the magazine—twelve BX-25-pattern extended magazines, to be exact.

Gun Of The Week: EAA Witness2311 Brat

Built on M1911 principles and imported by European American Armory Corp., the EAA Girsan Witnesss2311 Brat is a unique take on the double-stack, 2011-style pistol.

The Armed Citizen® March 28, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

John C. Garand: His Compensation & Other Accomplishments

Much gratitude has been, and is given, to the man who created the M1 Garand. But folklore suggests John C. Garand did all the work for free. Let us dispel that notion.

John Rigby & Co. Celebrates 250th Anniversary

John Rigby—born in 1758—founded his famed gunmaking firm, John Rigby & Co., in 1775, and year 2025 marks the company's semiquincentennial celebration.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.