Poke and Check - How To Stop Printing

Poke and Check - Eliminate AIWB Printing and Get Better Concealment - PHLster Holsters
Having problems with your appendix carry holster printing? This video covers how to keep your gun from printing, and get the best possible AIWB concealment for your body shape. Learn how holster wings and wedges work, and how to decide what holster concealment features you need.
As part of PHLster's Concealment Mechanics series, this video covers how to self-asses, troubleshoot, and get the best possible concealment with your gun using the Poke and Check method. You will learn how to sculpt your concealment by leveraging the basic concealment mechanics to apply force in the right places to keep the gun where you need it.
00:00 Introduction and definitions
00:43 Find your concealment Sweet Spot first
01:06 Poke and Check
01:59 Basic Concealment Mechanics
03:17 Holster Wings - also called claws
03:28 Holster wedges
03:58 Using Poke and Check to determine holster adjustments
04:49 Bulk around the waistline and gun thickness
05:59 Maximum Concealment Potential, balance
07:04 Realistic expectations for concealed carry
07:47 Review
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Concealment Workshop: / 139735863409843
WRITTEN RESOURCES AND INSTRUCTIONS:
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DISCLAIMER:
If your holster is broken, defective, or incorrect for your gun, discontinue use IMMEDIATELY and contact us at [e-mail]. Do not use or carry with a low-profile concealment holster without prior training and instruction from a qualified professional firearms instructor.
We stand by to assist you with any questions you may have about the product, and provide any assistance you may need. Do not hesitate to contact us, should you require service.

[@messinger123]

This was the first concealment presentation I’ve seen that wasn’t marketing BS or bro science. It was outstanding. One of the most polished instructional presentations I’ve ever seen in fact.

[@johnwayne2103]

IKR, We now get a half intro to what is covered then an official intro and then some sponsored commercial. Then another 5 mins of check me out look how good looking I am. Bro I don't need the labor give me the baby!

[@chitterlingsrtasty]

this is def the most detailed and exact presentation on this subject. Nicely done. Sub'd

[@katietrotter9374]

If by “bro science” you mean anecdotal examples, this was full of bro science…

[@BeginnerOutdoors]

Right I’m impressed

[@ozarked2363]

I worked in the art industry for 20 years. I worked in-depth with colors and patterns. A lot of printing can be camouflaged by your choice of shirts. Dark colors and patterns like plaids make it more difficult for the eye to notice the underlying outline of a gun. Solid light colors make it very easy for the eye to see your gun print. Obviously, loose fitting shirts are much less likely to print too. I love wintertime. I have a closet full of loose fitting dark colored plaid flannel shirts. When it's 98 degrees outside loose fitting dark colored t-shirts are the soup of the day. I've carried every day for 2 years at a workplace that prohibits carrying. The only comment any co-worker has ever made is that I sure like wearing flannel shirts.

[@PHLster]

Very true, and good insight! You might also like our video on visual and social camouflage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5jEY6CCmKqgi7s

[@xx_mysticwolf_xx1492]

As a thinner guy who conceals a G17 I can say sometimes loose shirts can be your enemy with the shelf problem she mentioned looser ones tend to shelf more often I’ve noticed

[@seethebutter]

Perfectly said. If you carry a full size gun, you will print to some extent. Black shirt hides it

[@antoniogriffin7135]

I like everything you said.. don’t say you carry at prohibit places though…the Feds might be watching 🤫

[@ozarked2363]

@@antoniogriffin7135 In my state my workplace is not a prohibited place. There is no legal consequence for carrying into it. The only consequence would be from my employer, and I choose to risk that over being rendered defenseless by a sign. Oh, and rest assured, the Feds are watching in some capacity.

[@CanWeGetDeep]

She’s got the smoothest, stoic confidence. Idk what it is there’s something incredibly calming about her presentation

[@kanefuller9491]

I can listen to Sarah speak on concealment ALL DAY! Great presentation and even better presenter.

[@PHLster]

Appreciate that! - Sarah

[@tatmanmyownbossdannydraco]

@@PHLster 🤗

[@deediddy]

Cool video. The longer you carry the less you print, meaning nobody is paying quite as much attention as you are.

[@vexxy0ps689]

It took me a long time to get over the fact I print a little. I walked into a area I wasn't allowed to carry in and I felt like I was printing like crazy. I asked my buddy and he said there was no way he could tell I was carrying. A lot of times it's all mental. If you don't look at it or fuck with it, nobody is gunna look at your waistline.

[@vxy357]

The only people who might see that you're carrying are police officers, military veterans, and special agents with the federal government. Everybody else are too busty looking at their smartphones or trying to corral their kids.

[@BiG__Disgruntled]

So true. Honestly, I remembered going into a coffee shop years ago and watching people move around trying to figure out if they were carrying. It's fucking impossible... After that I was a lot more relaxed.

[@Bens359pete]

A little print deters wandering eyes! They still will not know what color it is. 👀

[@TintagelEmrys]

I believe scientists have something called the "Spotlight effect" where everyone thinks people notice them more than they actually do. Whenever people change something that they think will stand out, most people won't even notice.

[@BROOKLYNPOETZ]

Hands down the best instructional presentation on this topic I have seen. Superbly communicated and illustrated in such a clear and concise manner. Kudos to the presenter! She did an outstanding job!

[@PHLster]

Thank you kindly!

[@1312020m]

These Phlster videos are absolutely top notch. Took me about 3 years of experimenting to figure out what these videos can teach you in 30 minutes. Great resource for concealment.

[@dewood9463]

Being a engineer for more than 30 years, I really like how she uses physics in her explanation. Best carry lesson ever!

[@mrsimpleesarcastik3494]

better get your calculator out

[@kristismith5162]

Great video! You excel in communicating your message in a way that makes it so easily understood. Thank you!

[@tokirak]

This video is awesome and is even better because it applies to CCW in general, rather than only to whatever proprietary products these types of videos usually shill. Keep up the great work!

[@herbvergara1]

Excellent video that patiently walks through the thought process of getting to a maximum concealment potential that is unique for every person!

[@victorediaz1]

OUT OF HUNDREDS OF VIDEOS I HAVE SEEN YOU HAVE BEEN THE BEST ONE TO EXPLAIN HOW TO TRULY HIDE A GUN. EXCELLENT VIDEO CONGRATULATIONS.

[@Dave-ie1fs]

Sarah is absolutely amazing at demonstrating and explaining the information. Great tools this has definitely helped me immensely, thank you

[@kennethoyler7]

Genuinely informative video without trying to sell me anything. Respect. Thank you

[@marcg7751]

This company could be my favorite company of any accessory or holster company out there, first off they offer great products, second they had a podcast that EVERY gun owner should listen to at least once and third but not last I remember watching videos by the owner of this company teaching how to make holsters on your own and really giving an amazing amount of detail and are to this day the best video on making holsters I have seen. I wish them nothing but great success.

[@slayer8actual]

Some very good advice here. I work in a gun shop and talk about this sort of thing everyday, and over the years I have learned a few things. One is that there is no one solution for anyone. For example, I have what I call my winter guns and my summer guns. There is no way in hell I can carry the same gun in summer that I carry in the winter without looking completely out of place. Heavier, bulkier clothing makes carrying larger guns a breeze, but wearing a parka in the summer just makes me sweat profusely. Another thing I do is change the location of my gun according to how I am dressed and what I'll be doing that day. Different activities allow different carry methods and some activities only allow very particular carry methods. You have to decide before you leave the house what you are going to do and carry accordingly. Nobody ever said conceal carry was easy and if they did, they are most likely talking about one carry method for one activity. If there was one carry method for all occasions for all guns, we would all be doing that same thing. But the biggest thing I have learned about conceal carry over the years is this: the only people that notice your gun is printing are other gun carriers. The average person doesn't look at a bump, lump, protrusion, line or fold in your clothing and immediately think, "Gun!" Most won't even notice and if they do they think phone, wallet, colostomy bag or anything but gun. Guns aren't something they have on their minds everyday, but as people who carry guns, we do. It's like wearing a team jersey. You can wear it all day long and nobody will care or notice, but if you see someone else with same team jersey, you immediately notice. I carry everyday, all day. I wear loose fitting button down shirts and a t-shirt underneath - regardless of weather. It can look normal in winter and summer depending on activity. And since I do carry everyday, I have gotten so used to wearing a gun that sometimes I get home from work, take off my shirt and walk around the house with my gun still on me. My wife has had to remind me that I can take off my gun because I am so comfortable with it, I forget I have it on. That is how often I carry. I know my methods are not completely print free all the time. I know if someone looked closely enough they could tell I have a gun on me, but not once in over 40 years of carry has anyone ever asked me if that bump in my shirt was a gun. Not once. As long as it's not screaming GUN!! a carry method that is comfortable and just whispers gun is usually good enough to get through the day.

[@Sanguivore]

Amen, my friend. Very good and practical advice, and great insight.

[@steve6548]

Fantastic video. My daughter has trouble concealing her pistol. I will send her this link. It seems much easier for men to find a good carry system than it is for women. My daughter will be thrilled to watch this video from another woman to help her get a good concealment holster and method. Her birthday is coming up, and I will buy her a philster enigma.

[@christopherreeves7915]

This was a great informational video and I love how in depth the information is. This has helped me out a lot. Thank you!

[@DS-rp7ei]

Extremely helpful video. As a thin and wiry man I find videos that are made by females have more ideas that apply to me. Thanks.

[@PHLster]

Really glad it helped! A lot of this stuff is universal -- people just weren't talking about it much before, especially for the more challenging body types. :)

[@Atrociousa3]

In the same boat. Small G19 has more meat on it than I do.

[@elvyfoster7455]

Excellent video. I learned more in this video than all the others I watched combined on how to better conceal my gun. Thanks.

[@Sanguivore]

10/10 video. Y’all have become my go-to resource for teaching people how to conceal.

[@supermario5]

This is the most informative video on concealment out right now

[@grimreaper1486]

I just stumbled upon this video in my recommended and I LOVE IT. It's a fantastic presentation that give me a solution to the biggest concealment problem I have. The grip of my gun has always the main thing preventing me from near perfect concealment and now I have an answer for what I can do/buy to fix the problem. Time to go look at some of your other videos!

[@PHLster]

Excellent! Glad it helped.

[@alanlurie8675]

She does great videos and is one of the best presenters I’ve seen.

[@leenva]

This series is absolutely awesome, and is a boon to anyone new to concealed carry (like myself). Thank you!

[@PHLster]

That's awesome! Thank you so much for watching, and welcome to the community!

[@Mike88Actual]

Excellent video. Presenter knows her subject matter!

[@The_Rob_D]

This video popped up on my feed and my goodness! This has got to be the absolute best video about concealment I’ve ever seen.

[@PHLster]

Thank you kindly!

[@criticalbo]

Great informative video. This one actually helps and makes sense. Also God Bless this beautiful, well informed and well armed woman!

[@mnuncio8793]

I like this chat channel and Mrs.Sara isn’t a bad teacher.

[@brianlew9559]

Best I've ever seen, thank you!!

[@egmjag]

I like how calmly and scientifically she does this video. I haven't conceal carried even though I bought my EDC gun about 5 years ago. I was supposed to get my permit but my county only gives them to entitled people like retired LEOs, judges and VIPs. I have a few belly bands and I've worn my EDC, or what's supposed to be my EDC, in those in my home and in both back and front yards. I'll soon be carrying and I'll be using one of those temporarily until I get a holster that fits my Smith&Wesson Shield .40 with a Crimson Trace laser-light.

[@MrLbsrdi]

Imagine George Washington or some other founding fathers talking about how they have tested conceal carry in their backyards and are just waiting on permission. Not a shot at the OP, just a thought I had.

[@egmjag]

@@MrLbsrdi I've considered that and have realized much too late how I need to be proactive and less fearful of government. I'm a caregiver for my handicapped mother, so it's not easy to just conceal carry in one of the worst counties nationwide. If I'm locked up for just merely carrying a gun for me and my family's protection, that would create problems for my mother. But! I've already decided that I will carry regardless of permit schemes. I live in a very safe city and even safer part of that city labeled as a Leave-It-to-Beaver neighborhood. But that didn't stop 4 ex-cons from parking out front while 3 of them ran out of the car and onto my driveway 4 years ago. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life because I had my finger on my shotgun's trigger as one of the ex-cons eventually made it to the backyard and was about to break open the French doors. Then two other incidents occurred but not as frightening as the first one. A guy in one of those incidents hid on the side of the door preparing to attack whoever would have answered the door. But I had my pistol in hand at that time. I had applied for a CCW and even paid for the required class about a year before the first incident. I refuse to be a victim, even though I carry less than lethal tools all the time, including a folder knife. But the only thing that's holding me back from bearing arms is confidence. I will begin bearing arms after I take at least one class. A right doesn't require permission. I wish I was aware of that like I am fully aware now before applying for a CCW. I'll never do that again.

[@danfagundo508]

Now that one was super helpful in understanding these different accessories

[@mobilemechmantim773]

Nicely put ma'am! Very well thought out and easy to follow. Thanks!

[@PHLster]

Thank you!

[@toddhansen8831]

Young lady you are a concealment scientist thanks for the excellent advice

[@michial1914]

Very informative and underlines t you don’t have to curse, shout or use outlandish props to instruct and get your point across. Very well done.

[@briencooper4052]

I love this approach thank you

[@seanhudson7549]

I am making a wedge from a yoga block per one of your other videos. Excellent content thank you so much for your help!

[@MDpolo]

A very well-made video with important information. Thank you very much for sharing this with us!

[@PHLster]

Appreciate that! Thank you so much for watching!

[@msylvestre]

Didn't knew about wedges. I learned something today, thanks!

[@victorl225]

Thank you for this video, great info.

[@kevinmcnally-theblindguyou7015]

What a great, informative video. Thanks!

[@bobjones8864]

I appreciate how well your instructional is explained and demonstrated. I know a lot of work went into the script and videography. When it’s done well it looks easy. Also for men in warm climates think Hawaiian shirts.

[@PHLster]

Thank you kindly!

[@roadapple66]

She does make it look easy!

[@ManwithAx]

Love coming here to adjust my enigma and find my sweet spot. I feel better already.

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

Thank you for an excellent educational video. I learned a lot, Carry On.

[@mjohnstonflying]

Outstanding, she did a great job on this video

[@edrosa3485]

100% useful information with no filler. Well done!

[@sorebruiser]

Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@babyb4306]

Fantastic video, thank you!

[@Humanflesh1988]

This was absolutely informative very well spoken.

[@PHLster]

Appreciate that, and thanks for watching!

[@LK-bz9sk]

Excellent video. All knowledge transfer, zero marketing bs.

[@soujrnr]

I just stumbled on your videos here and this is excellent information! I am new to the world of concealed carry (but not new to firearms) and my biggest challenge has been in finding a good holster. I haven't found a good one yet. That being said, I know the right one is out there for my wife and I, and I know it'll take some time to find it. Be that as it may, I like how the video demonstrates the physics of trying to get the best concealment. Aside from the pocket holster for my Ruger .22 LCP II that no one can see, I need a good holster for my .380, which is not going to fit in my pocket, but is good at concealing. I'll be able to try different holsters and apply the principles here to help me make a final decision. Thanks for the great information!!

[@PHLster]

Really glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@bobjohnson5218]

Very interesting video!!! I'll have to look at some of your other ones.

[@BenyaminMentchale]

Lovely n Methodological Presentation

[@shanecabbage2187]

Good video. Excellent explanations.

[@tnCEO2023]

Such a great video.

[@tjdinfl]

Excellent presentation!

[@ericcurry1119]

Excellent presentation.

[@retiredshredders]

Fantastic video

[@Version135]

Awesome video.

[@truno7]

AMAZING video

[@michellezahn8071]

Thanks, Sarah!

[@pastpianist]

What great content!

[@timmiller6094]

Love your videos....subscribed

[@TheHobbyistChannel]

Like, super love this!! Best method, I trust this science! 😅😂🥳

[@dig1035]

Most through holster presentation I've seen!

[@johngreen9946]

MAN, Sarah from PHLster really knows her stuff,..!! Just happened upon this video, guess I need to be checking out more on this channel,..!!

[@PHLster]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching.

[@TheClearT.O-911]

this is why I love my leather Desantis pancake holster, I wear it high on my hip very little printing with a 4inch xd 40. great video too. just subbed

[@LS1LE]

Great video. Thank you

[@Redacted-Information]

Great video Thanks

[@Emanemoston]

Thanks for the video.

[@briancook6158]

Great video thank you

[@irishrose7053]

I love my Philster. I am a big fan of loose bottom tops. Also lowering the belt

[@settleschris1965]

Great video and beauty to top it off! New subscriber.

[@congamike1]

Thanks!

[@kerbalairforce8802]

I'll be taking this into account with making hobby kydex holsters

[@recco_caine]

Wow she gorgeous!!!!!!!!! Great video, very descriptive. Thanks for putting it in layman's terms.

[@vicpinto1970]

Great video. Subbed.

[@MidwestPapa_715]

Great video. Excellent communication skills 👍👍👍

[@PHLster]

Thank you very much!

[@ConservativeGenX]

Very informative

[@jamesdelong6401]

Nice video. 👍

[@12vscience]

Very good.

[@pappamike6231]

I realize appendix carry if very popular and promoted by many of my instructors and people I respect. I've still found that about the 4 o'clock position is still best for my carry firearm concealment.

[@thetravlor]

Funniest muffin top EVER!!!

[@sombra6153]

I tend to like my holsters to be fairly simple, however, this tutorial has got me thinking I may need to pursue this further. This system may be the logical evolution of a Bruce Nelson and Milt Sparks.

[@roadapple66]

Could be... I'm glad to see that there are still people around that know who those gentlemen were! They designed some very innovative, and useful, holsters and other gear as well. Some of their designs have been copied by many other holster makers, both big and small. That, in itself, is a testimony to the their outstanding work and products!

[@TruthIsTheNewHate84]

This is by far the best video I've seen on better concealment. Awesome job and thanks for all the tips. Also I'm guessing barrel printing in the groin area isn't likely a big deal for men. It's probably a lot more suspicious on a woman.

[@jeffshermer9361]

This is a good video.

[@Subtlenimbus]

A tip with the p365: use an xl holster. The extra length keeps the grip from trying to dump over the belt.

[@JESSEDART187]

Thank you

[@Nixqy]

Great video, thanks!

[@PHLster]

Thank you for watching!

[@DexQuin]

Very nice video with good information!

[@PHLster]

Thank you!

[@DexQuin]

You are welcome 🤗

[@DBarz-uk6fw]

very helpful thank you.

[@PHLster]

Thank you for watching!

[@farhan.naushad]

This was the best video on concealment.

[@MRPosserLivestreams]

Muffintop and Poopa, story of ma life :( Thanks for the video Madam. Onto the sweet spot video.

[@mrenfilade7178]

@PHLster Thank you for this vid, Sarah -- exactly what I was looking for. What a great lady +1 Like

[@davidstalnaker3334]

Good job great video God bless the republic

[@JoelMMcKinney]

I like to use the palm ajdust with a slight retention check in one hippie looking chi-centering fluid action. It's only noticeable to someone looking for it.

[@weduhpeople8504]

Also a shirt with a pattern design can break up the gun’s printing lines. I’m new to ccw and chose to carry appendix for a few reasons. 1st that location has less chance of anyone around you to take your gun away from you because it’s in the middle between you hip bones which gives you both arms to block any attempts to disarm you. 2 that I believe being able to move the grip towards the middle it offers better concealment when used in conjunction with a stiff belt, a claw, and a wedge. One other thing is the belt should have a low profile buckle or buckle moved to the side to not add to the thickness of the holstered gun. I picked up a Tier 1 axis which pivots between the mag carrier and gun holster with parachute cord to be able to conform to the curve of your body and flex with movement. I also bought a separate Kydex holster with a claw which I’ll be adding a wedge to and a separate single Kydex mag carrier just for versatility. One other one I bought is a type of belly band holster that has a pocket for a small kydex holster with a reinforced elastic type material on the front of the pocket that will keep pressure on a claw.

[@TheAxe4Ever]

I think people worry a bit too much about a small “bulge”. There’s a difference between printing, which actually is where you are showing a definitive outline of a gun, and a slight bump or bulge. You may show a slight bump, but it!s not obvious to a casual observer what it is. Is it a cell phone holder? Is it a back brace or lifting assist brace? Is it a large belt buckle? As long as it is concealed and cannot be seen as definitely being a gun, don’t worry about a small bump. I found when I first started carrying 10 years ago, (my gun is larger and not what most people would carry as a “conceal gun”) if I had a small bump I was so worried about someone spotting it and figuring out I was carrying a large gun. I wear loose shirts all the time so I wasn’t “printing” as the definition goes. Truth be told, I was worried about it so much but found out I was the only one that noticed it. And if by chance someone did notice a small bump, they never gave it a second thought or look.

[@wbwills2]

Agree with the Axe4ever…People are not starring at every part of another person looking for bulges. Most are too into them selves or there phone or you name it.

[@PHLster]

@@wbwills2 Are those people the reason you carry a gun?

[@khatdubell]

@@wbwills2 Men are frequently looking at other people's shirt bulges. Source: I'm a man.

[@SeraphsWitness]

@@PHLster Well yea, partially at least. You don't want people to know, even if they're not the potential threat. The danger in printing, in my mind, is that you could cause unnecessary panic in people. I'm not generally worried that a bad guy is checking everyone's waistlines.

[@TheAxe4Ever]

@@PHLster Not sure what your point is. I don’t carry a gun for anyone but myself and my family. I think the point Mary was making is people aren’t going to notice a small bump under your shirt. I’m talking about just a small bump that doesn’t show unless you move just a certain way. Again, not printing. People are just usually too busy going about their day to even notice. I used to be. But when I started carrying, I drove myself crazy thinking everyone would notice what could be just a belt buckle if I wore certain shirts. Again, a small inconspicuous bump is not printing per se. I’ve been carrying for 20 years and NO ONE has ever gave me a second look. Well, not entirely true. In line at a convenience store I saw a cop notice it. But they are trained to look for such things. We exchanged a hello and went about our way.

[@ronniemaynor4434]

Impressive.

[@capn_ron]

great video. so many people just watch their phones that I have become much less concerned about printing. people just don't pay attention to their surroundings.

[@PHLster]

True, but those people aren’t the reason we carry guns.