I usually carry my Kimber in a waste band paddle holsters and if I only have cargo shorts and a tee shirt, I carry my Ruger LCR in my cargo pocket. But I'm curious if anyone uses and prefers the inside the waste band style holsters? Seems like the inside style would be easier to conceal.
I don't know if any of my jeans or shorts fit loosely enough to even do it, BUT my main question is, is it confortable?
95% pocket, 5% OWB. Not a fan of IWB.
90% OWB, 10% pocket, also not a fan of IWB. Probably because I have only tried a couple cheapo IWB holsters.
Several folks I know really like IWB appendix carry.
That said am a fan of Crossbreed(Snapslide and Dropslide) for carry and Safariland for competition.
If you're unarmed, you are a victim.
An inside the waist holster will never be as comfortable as a belt holster. I carry IWB when I absolutely need to but it has never been a favorite. OWB holsters are quicker for draw, is much better for comfort and there are so many problematic issues which can come up during the draw process from a IWB holster. An IWB requires larger clothing, it results in scraping against your skin, your body sweats on the holster and gun and none of these are comfortable for me.
IWB 100% (unless I am at work, then OWB) for the last 20 years.
I currently use a BlackHawk Stache for my G19 with TLR-7 and red dot.
I just get my pants larger (you DON'T want to see me in skinny pants anyways).[Coffee]
I've always carried IWB. Started with a Kimber. IWB has become much easier with today's better micro compacts. Been carrying a P365 since they came out in 2018 or whenever that was.
I've tried a ton of IWB holsters including all the name brand varieties. This Blackpoint tactical mini wing I've used for 4 years is by far the most comfortable, best IWB holster I've ever used. I thought for sure I'd hate the kydex skin aide, but it's been absolutely not noticable.
https://blackpointtactical.com/shop/miniwing/
Now all I can see is an image of you in skinny jeans...Quote:
Originally Posted by bellavite1
That's been my thinking on the subject, but I wondered and it does look like a few guys do prefer the IWB. I'm another that would have to buy new jeans before it would be an option for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebolt
You're welcome![werdo]Quote:
Originally Posted by Delfuego
Full disclosure, I've only tried 2 IWB holsters. I'm 6'2" and around 190 lbs. One was a rather nice custom leather for a full sized 1911, which maybe isn't the best choice for IWB anyway. I don't recall what the other brand was and which compact pistol it was for. It's been a long time since I've tried IWB and maybe I'm missing out with the new options, but what I tried back in the day wasn't comfortable.
I usually carry an Astra A-75 9mm in a standard Galco OWB leather holster. The Galco may be the Master Combat model, I'd have to check the writing on mine. It's held up wonderfully, and still fully retains the pistol so I haven't considered replacing it.
I have, however, been seriously considering switching to a lighter pistol. The Astra weighs 31 oz unloaded, which is right around what a Sig P226 weighs, where the Sig P365 is 17.8 oz. If I switch I may well try that Blackpoint tactical mini wing mentioned in post #6.
Outside of the next size larger pants. Some of what you said was (to be polite) incorrect, outside it not being comfortable, for you. Not everyone can, or does. I do a 50/50, depending where i'm going and what i'm wearingQuote:
Originally Posted by thebolt
. With the right holster you don't have those issues. As for quicker to draw. 3 of the instructors i work with can do 1.46-2.08 from concealed wearing a jacket, winter garments.. Myself, i'm a little slower coming in (on a good day) with 2.89-3.02,, again winter clothes. Compared to 2.8with owb.
IF one practices, if they have the time, they can achieve surprisingly fast, on target reaction times.
I run LAS Concealment or Alien gear AIWB / IWB holsters.Quote:
Originally Posted by TRnCO
I have a nice IWB, a hybrid Tucker Answer for the Glock 27, but never found it comfortable to carry. Now that I've lost the big belly, I might try it again. For the G27, I use a Bianchi OWB with a snap retention strap. Very secure when climbing through the woods.
Nowadays, I love the leather DeSantis OWB with the Kimber Micro Nine. It retains well even running through the forest. So, I use OWB ~95%, and a Smart Carry at 12 o'clock for deep cover in warmer weather. With both of these it's easy to forget I'm carrying.
I've have a Tucker The Answer from my Kimber. I agree it's not super comfortable and it's absolutely on the bulkier side.
I only wear blue jeans and buy the variety that have a tiny bit of stretch built into the denim. That helps with IWB a lot.
Obviously, just about anyone should find a decent OWB holster more comfortable.
As someone who doesn?t wear an over abundance of clothing almost any time of the year I don?t really do the OWB thing because its the hardest to truly conceal.
I have a strong preference for appendix carry and find it generally comfortable and easy to access the firearm. Depending on the holster, the gun, your physique and how much sitting you do will determine how much you may or may not enjoy it. I have learned I definitely prefer leather over kydex for appendix carry. While kydex is less bulky the hard material is less comfortable for me.
An Astra A75L in a Milt Sparks IWB "Summer Special 2" in a 1.5" belt. The forward cant is perfect for a draw from 4:30 position.
My problem is finding pants I like that have a belt loop at 4:30, especially shorts. Although my last trip to Eddie Bauer was successful.
G17 gen4 w surefire x300 and 509t rds, in a T1C aiwb axis elite. Like most have already said appendix carry it’s for everyone. For me it’s the most comfortable and easy to conceal. It has been many years of changing what and where I carry on my waistline. I wish you the best on your journey. A good belt is as important as a good holster.
IWB 100% of the time. Crossbreed Supertuck for the G19.
IWB 100%. Holster is The Defender, by L.A.G. Tactical. https://www.lagtactical.com/the-defender
Question for those who've carried kydex for many years: How long until you replace your holster? (When kydex fails, it fails suddenly.)
Carry 100% AIWB.
Two favorites are LAS Concealment and Phlster Floodlight
Have a couple nice leather holsters for my 1911s. Palmetto Leather and SME 5 Shot.
Leather is nice, but prefer Kydex.
Full size 1911 in a Milt Sparks VMII, disappears even under a t-shirt though I typically go with this set-up when the weather is a little on the cooler side. S&W Shield Plus in a BladeTech Nano-great warm weather carry.
well I've ordered a new Crossbreed to try. Went with the Reckoning. It has the ability to be used as a IWB or the OWB so my thinking is if I don't like it one way, I will hopefully like it in the other configuration. We'll see.
At the risk of getting flamed or maybe even banned...
Anyone still use a fanny pack holster? I have a couple nice ones that are great when hiking.
And how funny that 2 people on the thread have old Astra's. :)
As long as your trigger is safe in it ... but I wouldn't use one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Osmosis
For OWB my personal opinion is that some kind of retention is required.
That, plus being a Safariland fanboi leads me to the 7378 and similar holsters.
Many of the 7378 holsters come with both belt loops and paddle, so you can swing both ways. :)
Because I have a thumb position honed by years of putting my thumb over a 1911 safety, pressing the lever back to release the handgun from the holster actually comes at zero cost - it's just what my thumb does as I come down on the grip.
...and their price is quite reasonable. Though buying one off-the-shelf is nearly impossible, so I typically turn to Optics Planet for Safariland holsters.
O2
got my new crossbreed about a week ago, and so far have been wearing it in the IWB configuration, and am surprised that it's more comfortable than I would've guessed it would be. I might just become more of a IWB wearer than an OWB wearer.