We toss that “comforting, not comfortable” line around quite a bit, don’t we? But it’s a legit philosophy: Carrying a gun, concealed, usually requires some kind of compromise in comfort. Thankfully, modern guns and holsters — with all their unique innovations — are making concealed carry more comfortable all the time. But for those who carry heavy guns, even classic rigs can afford significant comfort, sometimes even more so than some of the innovative, lighter-weight rigs available today. Case in point: SIG Sauer’s P239 — a classic handgun by any measure — weighs over two pounds (loaded). But carried in Mitch Rosen’s Ultimatum Holster and Belt, it is as comfortable as anything available today. You’ll know you’re carrying (and you should, anyway), but the combination is clearly on its way to the ultimate in carry comfort.
A quick word about the P239: Depending on which model you prefer, the retail price ranges from $957 to $1,032. Depending on which caliber you prefer, the magazines hold seven or eight rounds. And regardless of the caliber you prefer, either gun (9mm or .40) weighs 29.5 ounces. So, compared to most other concealed carry guns out there, the P239 is more expensive, lower capacity and higher overall weight. Nonetheless, it is a carry classic and is still available today. And it is a great gun — exceptionally reliable and accurate with one of the smoothest trigger actions you can find. Plus, the magazines are single-stack and therefore skinny and therefore easy to carry.
Plenty of holsters are available for the P239, but the Mitch Rosen Ultimatum deserves your attention. It’s an IWB with a loop but no snap, meaning you’ll need an extra minute to loop your belt through it while you’re putting it on. For the extra effort, you’re rewarded with a slightly forward-canted holster that is very stable and sits well at 4 o’clock. Wear the Mitch Rosen belt and the belt/holster combo works like a charm and looks great. The outside of the Ultimatum holster is a very smooth leather finish, which offers little stabilizing friction but tons of comfort. But the holster loop and belt work so well together, providing all the stability. That leaves the smooth finish to increase the comfort.
Carried in the Ultimatum, the P239 sits low but presents well for a draw. The holster carrier easily handles the weight of the gun and the holster loop helps transfer the weight to the belt, dispersing it across your hips. For the record, the 1½-inch-wide belt is solid as a rock. I ordered a 42-inch belt for my 34-inch waist to allow some extra room for the gun and holster. Bottom line: The Mitch Rosen Ultimatum IWB with loop retails for $125. The belt, from the Mitch Rosen Express Line, retails for $70. Add this rig to your collection and you’ll be on your way to getting the ultimate in concealed carry comfort.
More info at: www.mitchrosen.com
