NO-HOLSTER CARRY...continued.

The Model RV-B

It took me a while to figure out what revolver to try this Clipdraw model on because all of my small revolvers are Smith & Wesson's and there's a specific model Clipdraw that mounts up to these without having to go to a universal type of mounting.  Then I remembered my wife's older Charter Arms Undercover.  It normally wore a set of oversized Pachmyer grips, but before mounting the universal Clipdraw to it, I retrofitted this pistol with a pair of original wooden handles. The mounting plate was just a trifle too long to fit with the oversized Pachmyer grips, but with just a little time spent on the grinding wheel and a little cold blue, I could have easily made it work. Since I'd already installed a universal mount on my Kahr P9 and knew what to do, i timed myself to see just how long it would take me to mount this one without taking time to read the directions or take notes for this article.  Okay, begin-I cleaned the side plate of the revolver and the mounting plate with the supplied alcohol prep pad.  I then applied the tape to the right side of the Charter Arms just below the cylinder where I wanted it.  I then pressed the mounting plate firmly onto the tape and attached the clip with the screws provided.  Done.  Without rushing, it took me two minutes and 15 seconds to complete the installation and that was with having to trim a little off one end of the mounting tape, as it was a trifle too long and would have extended beyond the mounting plate and most likely attracted a whole host of things to stick to it.  When slipped into the front of my pants and hooked over my belt, the little Charter Arms practically disappeared.  Only its grip showed above my beltline and was easily concealed under the lightest of outer garment.

The Model 1911-S

For trying out the Clipdraw on a full-size fighting pistol, I chose my Swenson Lightweight Commander.  I simply removed the two grip screws from the right grip panel, put the Clipdraw over the grip screw bushings, then replaced the grip and secured everything in place with the original screws.  All in all, every Clipdraw tried mounted up easily and securely and provided for a save concealable, holsterless carry. To further test the 3M Corp. #4941 VHB double-coated tape's claim of being resistant to oils, solvents, heat, cold, and vibration, I mounted up one more Clipdraw, a Model SA-B, to an older Walther PPK.  Once mounted, I began to test 3M's claim by laying a bead of oil along the top side of the tape and letting it set there for three days.  Next, I wiped off the oil and laid a bead of Shooter's Choice gun cleaning solvent along the tape's top edge.  Three days later, I wiped that away and the tape still remained solidly attached to both clip and pistol. So, how about cold-real cold.  Okay, having survived the oil and solvent test, I next placed my Walther inside a sealed plastic freezer bag and put it in my freezer for a couple of days.  When removed, I gave the clip a couple of good jerks and still the tape remained firmly affixed. Okay, I'm convinced.  That tape's gonna hold.  The last thing I wanted to verify was John's claim that, when I wanted to, I could remove a tape-mounted Clipdraw by simply slipping a thin-bladed screwdriver between mounting plate and tape and prying the plate loose.  Okay, using the Walther again, I did as directed and sure enough, the plate came away from the tape.  I then peeled the tape off the slide and it came away leaving no blemish or residue.  Cool. The Clipdraw works.  It's a great little device that allows for safe, concealed carry without the need for the weight and girth of a separate holster.  In most cases, a Clipdraw-equipped handgun can be utilized with a conventional holster by simply removing the two screws holding the clip, leaving the mounting plate in place.  John has all models of his Clipdraw system reasonably priced at $19.95 each.  I can pretty much guarantee you that he has a model available, whether bolt-on or stick-on that will work with your choice of carry piece.  If you're looking for a very practical way to "carry", the Clipdraw could just be the answer. For more information, go to www.clipdraw.com or contact John at Skyline Toolworks at 44 Pennsylvania Ave., Dept CH, Malvern, PA  19355; 800-869-7501. Mounted on the slide, the Clipdraw doesn't interfere with weapon shootability.