I've come to the conclusion I don't really like IWB holsters...most uncomfortable to me and hard to get pistol out and then back in without two hands. The only other viable alternative is OWB but then it's not going to be "concealed" unless it's winter and you have a jacket/coat on. What's a guy to do? I do like the CQC-S Holsters by Alessi.

Have you ever tried a SUMMER SPECIAL?

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

I carry a fnx9 in a crossbreed supertuck with 0 problems. What IWB holder were you trying? And where were you wearing it?

I haven't tried the Summer Special but have tried the VMII and a Don Hume H715 holster. Being right handed I tried wearing it between 3-4 o'clock. They seem to fit so tight against my hip that getting the pistol out and then reholstering is all but impossible without using two hands.

I carry either a S&W 908 or a Ruger LCR, both OWB. I have no problem concealing with an untucked shirt.

It's uncomfortable for me too.I don't have any fat rolls or love handles and I'm still miserable.I found my answer with AIWB,but you have to mentally prepare yourself for it,and I'm sure you know why.
This is an extremely fast position for me for the draw.Of course, the all important trigger finger discipline is doubly important here,but if it works well(with practice) for a klutz like me,it can work for anyone.
People used to lose their minds over this,but it has become more mainstream in the last couple of years.
Sometimes I have to laugh. Things I did in the sixties and seventies are suddenly being discovered,named,and marketed. And I didn't get one red cent from it.

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Blessed be the Lord,my Rock

I used to carry IWB but after a while it became too uncomfortable, hot and required an undershirt which I usually do not wear. I now carry either OWB or Pocket Carry. How some guys say they carry an N frame or a 1911 IWB all day is beyond me!

Chief38

I carried appendix IWB for more years than I care to recall. One day recently it hurt my hip, leg and back - who knows why (I'm slender, in my mid 60's and relatively healthy). Now it is either pocket or ankle.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Chief38, I hear what you're saying about uncomfortable and needing an undershirt (not allowed in South Texas).

I had Tucker Gun Leather make their CoverUp Plus with a full sweat shield, smooth leather inside and out and without deep boning on the body side. With a single (tuckable) belt clip I can move it around if I need to. This rig is good for all day.

And the nice part is the same holster fits my 6906, 908 or CS9.

What's more subjective than perceptions about holster comfort? I'm 6'2" and 50 lbs. overweight. I've been wearing Wranglers a bit on the large size with a 4" K frame and Rob's Sourdough Pancake with IWB loops. The pancake shape tucks in behind my hip and I just forget the gun is there. It's been 13 hours today and I'm still quite comfortable. I feel pretty much the same way with my Sig P series guns in a VMII. In both cases, I've started using a pair of Perry suspenders. THAT makes all the difference in the world for me. 'Spose it's also important to concede I live in a climate where sweaters are normal attire eight months of the year.

PC

Stu-I just can't bring myself to use an AIWB holster. I ain't got much but what I do have I aim to keep.

I've also discovered in a short period of time that after about 8-10 presentations the leather has scuffed the finish on my 4516-1, mostly the sides and top. Maybe a nylon holster....

It's pretty warm down here and especially the past year or two where winters last about two months, if you want to call them winter as we didn't have such a thing this year. I'm on three blood thinners so, I wear a T-shirt most of the time except when it gets 85+ like in July-August. maybe I'll find the right combination-everybody does sooner or later. I just want something comfortable, a holster I can draw and reholster with fairly easy and one that won't scratch, mar my pistol. Maybe such a thing doesn't exist.

A few point there Colcolt
1. Its a carry gun not a safe queen. It will get wear.
2. If you want less wear, get stainless and coated aluminum. Wears better than blue. I have carried in a VMII for 8 years with minimal wear on a stainless and aluminum 1911. I have never had an issue with 1 handed reholster with the VMII
3. Any and all holster put wear on a gun. About as good as it gets is rough in leather holster.
4. When it gets hot, I just have to go to pocket carry. A T-shirt under a cover shirt is too hot. J frame does the trick.
5. A few make a holster that goes between the belt and he Pants OWB. Holds it in tight and covers as easy as IWB but any quality OWB should do the same thing. Just need to watch reaching over your head and how long a cover shirt you wear.
6. You may end up with the drawer full of holsters, most of us did until we find what works the best.

This is an honest question.....Why the concern about re-holstering? Is this really an issue with a CC gun? If I pull it, my last concern is how many hands it takes to put it back in the holster. All I care about is, How does it wear.

IWB holsters are an aquired "taste". The key is a good holster.

I too have a spare tire around my middle. But I have no problems with IWB holsters. I did at first but got used to it.

I like the wide IWB holster which distributes the weight over a greater area. Reholstering is not a concern.

I wear an untucked shirt. Drawing takes practice. I admit that it's a little slower. But that's one of the trade off's that we deal with.

If we could carry long guns, this wouldn't be an issue.

If you still have the VMII try holstering the pistol in a plastic sandwich bag overnight.

My Summer Special instructions suggested using the bag the holster was shipped in.

The slight stretching will make drawing and reholster much easier.

Good Luck

appendix carry

I completely understand.It's not for everybody and there are certain body types that it just doesn't work for,like any other form of carry.
smitret's suggestion may help with the holster.I did this with a tightly boned FIST holster,and it eventually loosened to the point where the draw was fine but still held the gun securely. Also,Mitch Rosen's holsters are very well boned,but don't start out so tight that you can't draw the pistol.
They are expensive,though,but to me worth it for a gun you'll be carrying a lot. Good luck,you'll find what you need,just may take a little time and trial and error.
I mostly use the AIWB in the summer months.With a jacket it's usually OWB at 3:30.

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Blessed be the Lord,my Rock

A good, double thickness gun belt not only fully supports the gun and related gear but the stability it provides actually makes IWB carry more comfortable. Wear time is also important. With time you don't "feel' the gun IWB as much and a comfort level is reached. I use a lot of the Comp-tac gear and it works very well for me. They have lots of options, 3 day production time and fast shipping. No hassle 30 day return policy. Bill

ColColt, I can't carry inside the waistband (IWB) due to a bad
back so I have relied on cross draw in both summer & winter.

My primary carry gun is a 2.5" M66-2 but when things get really hot I usually
switch over to a J Frame, since they tend to conceal a little better under just a t-shirt.

I've used a number of different cross-draw holsters but my
main type is the Mernickle, shown below with 2 & 3-inch J Frames.

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Ogy

Dress around the gun. In summer down here (100+F and high humidity)that will often mean shorts, a T-shirt and a loose, unbuttoned shortsleeve shirt over the T if carrying OWB. With a well designed OWB holster such as LOBO's Enhanced Avenger, I have done it many times.

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Run Fast, Bite Hard!

1. Buy pants a size larger than normal.
2. Get a GOOD belt.
3. Try different positions, not just 3:00.

Regarding the need to reholster, there are places where you HAVE to disarm... or break the law. A reinforced top makes it easy to rearm after disarming. My first IWB was a cheap Bianchi which was pure garbage. It was so hard to reholster that I was afraid of having an ND with my Glock. I replaced that joke with a Don Hume 715M, and later a tuckable IWB of my own manufacture.

I go along with OgivySpecial. IWB has never been comfortable for me except for when I carried a PPK/S. I sit a lot and, mostly carry a 3" K frame 65, or 66. I too like the Mernickle Crossdraw holster, or a vertical scabbard. The vertical scabbard conceals a little better because you can get it back further under your arm on the weak side. It also works well on the strong side anywhere from 1:00 on back.

Best Wishes,
Tom

Here are a few more options I use, once again showing the J Frames.

Once in awhile I use the cross draw holsters in the appendix position,
which makes for a very natural feeling draw for me since the grip is
angled for getting an easy hold on the grip.

Revolvers or semi-auto's, I use similar type holsters for both with equal results.

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Ogy

Cheap BELTS and HOLSTERS cause too many problems for people.

Consider your GUN BELT and Holster "INVESTMENTS".

All the belts that I now wear are true 1/4" thick GUN BELTS, Dress or otherwise.

Beware! Cheap investments are not Blue-Chip ones.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

I wear my 442 in my Lobo IWB all the time and barely know it's there. BTW, this was a prototype...the actual model has the clip a little lower on the holster body so it doesn't interfere with your grip...I don't have big hands so this works for me...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

IWB was never comfotable for me regardless of holster or weapon type.
Try OWB using a wide thick belt and an un-tucked shirt or a tucked shirt with a light weight loose vest.
Jimmy

Try a Smart Carry: SmartCarry - Concealed Gun Holsters

switched to one after trying a few holsters. the IWB crossbreed at 3 oclock was my favorite but i have a chair at work that just wasnt comfortable. I have a 380 that i pocket carry but wanted something bigger. I now daily carry a M&P 9c. the only drawback is drawing while seated is not possible (at least as i can see). and yes its true you can hide a full size this way. only been "outed" at the dentists office so far.

I bought a cheap Bianchi suede clip-on IWB holster here last month, and it has to be the most uncomfortable holster I've tried!! My Milt Sparks VM2 for my Beretta 92 is more comfortable, and it's a MUCH bigger gun than the mod. 49 Bodyguard I was carrying in the Bianchi. I'll keep my j-frame in my Mika pocket holster form now on, thank you very much...


I guess it all comes down to holster design and body fit.

Every holster design involves compromises among the four basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealability. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises in the other factors. If there were such a thing as the "perfect holster" that would be the only holster design made for all purposes (just as there would be only one handgun design offered for every application).

IWB-style holsters emphasize concealability, keeping the bulk of the weapon inside the trousers, thus offering greater latitude in cover garment selections. The trade-offs are usually in comfort (for many folks) and accessibility (particularly the ease of re-holstering).

These are the facts, period. There will be varying degrees in the compromises experienced with any IWB holster design, but such compromises will always be involved.

Based upon the orders that I receive it appears that about 30% of all customers carry IWB-style, and I offer a couple of different IWB-style holsters to accomodate those needs.

Requests include the full range of handguns from very small to very large, so I know that people use this carry method for everything from the smallest semi-autos to the largest magnum revolvers.

When I receive inquiries from people considering IWB-style carry I always try to point out the compromises in comfort and accessibility, as well as the possibility that larger sized trousers and belts may be required. Frankly, I do not encourage IWB holsters for people without experience with them because I know there will always be a significant number of them who cannot tolerate IWB-style carry. I also receive positive feedback comments from customers who regularly carry the largest semi-autos and N-frame revolvers in my IWB holsters and love them.

I also receive inquiries from people concerned with ease of re-holstering, specifically one-handed re-holstering. I always try to recommend any holster style OTHER THAN IWB for those with such concerns.

One-handed re-holstering is a legitimate concern for law enforcement applications, as officers may need to rapidly escalate or de-escalate their tactics in certain situations, and may also find themselves involved in suspect control situations while also having to assure weapon retention.

For most of us, however, the purpose of carrying a defensive sidearm is for defense against violent crime. In such situations re-holstering the weapon is about the last possible consideration.

It seems that many defensive handgun training programs stess a number of things, such as one-handed re-holstering, thus convincing lots of people that this is an absolute requirement. I suggest that it is nothing more than one factor to be considered in light of all the other factors pertinent to each individual's circumstances and requirements.

Many public and private ranges prohibit cross-draw holsters for obvious range safety reasons. This does not mean that cross-draw holsters are not a perfectly good choice for some people and applications. I know of many folks with range-of-motion issues, shoulder problems, etc, that are well served by cross-draw rigs.

What works well for one person will not work equally well for all people. I suggest a careful evaluation of your personal requirements, physical abilities, training levels, usual wardrobe, typical activities, and other considerations when selecting each item of equipment. Most of us will try several carry methods before we settle on one that best fits our needs.

Best regards.

AMEN BROTHER!

Cheers;
Lefty

As others have mentioned, cheap equipment does not help you at all. A good "firearm" belt from the Beltman, A&G and others with a good holster( I prefer the VMII) and I recommend the next size up pants/shorts are the way to go. Not including the price of pants/shorts using my VMII and one of my belts from either the Beltman or A&G plus a D-4C/S-4C/speedstrip/speedloader holder costs around $275 give or take, did the math in my head so I could be off by $25 either way. Still carrying is not supposed to be comfortable its supposed to be comforting. On the other hand I have a severe back and right leg problem/injury and my setup doesnt both those injuries a bit and some of my firearm weights that I IWB are over 42oz unloaded and not including reloads and I dont feel the weight at all with my setup. As for the position of the holster and holster design itself, your going to have to experiment to see which one is MORE comfortable for you. Hence why alot of us have a box/bin/tote full of holsters. As for reholstering I have never had a problem reholstering one handed, hell even weak handed, with a quality holster that has a reinforced top. You might have to do some "blocking" as its called to your holster to get a fit that you are wanting as most quality leather holster makers recommend this technique as mentioned earlier as well I believe. I recommend checking on the fitment after two hours and every thirty min after that. With all of my holsters and accessories from MS the most I have had to block either the holsters or magazine pouches was 2 1/2 hours. IWB is not for everyone obv as there are other methods of carrying. However I do often laugh at people who throw on a $10 IWB holster with a thin 1in dress belt (if that or a belt at all) and pants that were snug to begin with and complain about it. Not saying that that is the OP or anyone who has posted or that those $10 holsters dont have their place, just saying what I laugh at and that its not for me. For sitting well Im left handed so I dont have any of the problems that most right handed folks have when sitting in a vehicle (seatbelt buckle) and even with a 5in 1911 and 4in revolver its not at all uncomfortable to sit, is it alittle harded to remove my wallet with those firearms yes but even then its not all that difficult. I apologize for the rambling.

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Disabled Combat Veteran OIF

Reholstering was not the only problem with the two holsters I have-getting the pistol out was the other. Once I put the(then Commander) pistol in, you couldn't get it out easily. It was like it was cemented in. I don't need a holster like that.

I decided for reliability reasons to use my 4516-1 to carry which precludes the VMII as they don't make one for that model to my knowledge...at least not where you can get one in a reasonable amount of time and 26 weeks is not reasonable to me. Brownell's has some Alessi holsters but none for that model.

The Kramer holsters look good and reasonable like the horsehide cross drawn or belt scabbard holster-both OWB. Like everything else, I suppose you just have to try what fits you, your pistol and your comfort zone. Wearing a 34" jeans and opted for an IWB holster would cause me to have to go to 36" which would swallow me. I have some around and can literally zip them up and button them and then slide them off easily...not much of a butt to hold them up. I don't know how well an OWB holster would conceal but at my age I'm into comfort and fit more than having to dress around the holster.

ColColt

I am going to agree with you. IWB just doesn't work for me either. There is too much around my middle. I've tried everything suggested. Even the Mexican loop holster ( if you were a regular reader of Skeeter Skelton you might know of it ).

So I am just going to confess my sin of being a pocket carrier sans holster. I know thats a big NO-NO but it is what works for me. I have a local tailor replace the right front cloth pocket with thin leather and shaped to keep the gun in the position I like. I mostly wear blue jeans or pants cut like jeans but in different colors of denhim material.

This will not work for every one but it's how I do it......gary

I checked out the Smart Carry holster but no way I'd carry a Glock or a 1911 in Condition 1 in a holster like that! Not bad for a female but.... It would probably work great for my 4516-1 with one in the chamber. I feel best with the safety on or decocked in these type pistols. Even in decock and safety up would be safer than a Glock(no safety at all) carried like that.

Crossbreed Mini-Tuck or Super-Tuck. Extremely comfortable

I've tried a few IWB holsters. Getting dressed in the morning requires putting the holster on before I put my pants on making sure I have it in the right position. If I don't have it in the right position I have to take my pants off and rearrange. Adjusting while fulling dressed requires contortionism. Whether the top is reinforced or not every one I tried collapses all-be-it a little making reholstering difficult.

I bought a OWB Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake making my life more convenient and comfortable.

I started out with IWB. But a varying waistline, and pants being too loose or too tight caused me to go to a comfortable OWB.

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Proverbs 14:7

I gave up IWB years ago. I live in Florida, so I know heat and humidity. I use a good leather pancake from a custom maker. I can cover with only a golf type shirt. I do have a good sturdy belt. That helps!

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Tony

ColColt,

You're getting a lot of good advice here. It is certainly possible that you will never be happy with an IWB rig. However, since my very best time-tested wear-all-day comfortable rig is a stainless Government Model in a one-belt-strap Summer Special, I must tell you that you should consider trying one or two more things before giving up, since IWB does have quite a concealment advantage. First, you should wear pants one size larger in the waist. You need to find the most comfortable position. Belt quality may be important, although I have found it less so with IWB than with OWB. Speed of draw may not be achieved until your holster really fits your gun. I did this by sweating a lot while wearing my stainless gun. Others wrap the gun in Saran wrap or a plastic bag and put away in a wet holster. Last but not least, I have found that for MY body shape, even a slightly heavy Gov't Model is more comfortable than a Commander, because the Gov't Model ends up tangent to my bod, while the Commander muzzle can dig in. It is sometimes possible to alleviate this by using a Gov't Model holster.

If you think that the benefits are worth it, you may want to try some or all of the above. Good luck!

Good advice for sure and plenty of suggestions...sort of makes one's head swim. Not that I'll ever get use to the IWB holster but I haven't given them much of a change in that when I tried wearing one most of the day it was with the usual size jeans I mostly wear with the same belt I usually wear. I didn't have an 1 1/2" good belt to use nor the proper length you'd use which made the other one tight in order to hold the pistol up and keep it from sagging.

there a sundry of good holsters out there and it's like finding your favorite cereal at the grocery store. You can look at fifty different ones before one catches your eye and then only experience will conclude whether it's concealable and comfortable enough. We're all different and what fits for one is murder for another. I'm still looking at all sorts like Mitch Rosen and Kramer. I like the cross draw Kramer has and it may not hurt to have that as an option as well...especially driving or sitting around the house, if you carry at home. Whatever I try first you can bet I'm going to get a decent belt to go with it.

I'm a newbie hoping to get my CCW within the next couple of weeks, and like many on this board I'm wading through the dozens of options for IWB carry. Has anyone had experience with this setup?? Hide-It Holster

Looks like an updated pager pal holster....which never got good reviews for comfort...don't know how this one would be much better....my advice?Get a quality custom holster made for your specific gun from a reputable maker like those in this thread....you won't be sorry.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I was with you for a long time. I couldn't find an IWB that was comfortable for me. I realized, just like our two residence holsters gurus point out, reholstering one handed was not something that I needed to be stressing so heavily. By eliminating this requirement, I reduced the overall size and stiffness that was the source of a lot of discomfort. Also I had to admit that my edc was going to "wear" to some degree. I have a 98% 1975 Model 36 that's my edc and I was trying to find something that wouldn't wear the finish. After reading Lobo's webpage more times than I care to think about, I realized that I needed to stop worrying about that too.
I picked up a Remora for my edc. I did not get the reenforcing option to keep it as thin as possible. I've been using it about two weeks now and I'm thrilled with it. No, it doesn't make the gun disappear and I don't forget that I'm wearing it. But that's not the point, is it? I've been lusting after something from either Lobo or Bell Charter Oak, but the budget just took another hit (wife wants an edc ) so the Remora will have to suffice. I've also found that a STRONG belt is key. I usually wear a 5.11 leather belt that's reenforced for carry. It works fairly well. My next purchase will be a belt from one of the previous individuals. Though, the Remora stayed in place last night when I walked out to the car in just my pajamas (tie pulled tight).

You'll find something that works. You'll probably end up with a box of holsters that didn't like the rest of us.

Aloha,
Doug

I have a 4516-2 that I use for CC. I have an old OWB Wilson Combat holster that is excellant, but unfortuneately they don't make it anymore. I use a Milt Sparks Executive Option IWB holster for the 4516-2 when I carry it IWB. I know the wait is long, but it really is worth it. They don't charge your credit card until the holster ships, so if you find one on here for sale or one somewhere else, you could just cancel your order.

I hate carrying anything on my waist. I don't care how good the belt or holster is, weight bothers me. Perhaps this is because I am older and have had a hernia surgery on top of that. I buy over sized jeans ( No!. I am not a fat old man but I am not looking to impress the girls.) and use suspenders for both IWB and OWB. If I were 20 years younger it would not be an issue for me. Most of the time I wear a small revolver now days. My favorite carry method is with a 5.11 tactical under shirt. It fits like skin and is elastict so it is not so good for hot weather.

Agree with Joe. CB Supertuck is as comfortable an IWB holster as there is out there and one handed re-holstering's not an issue. Personally, I find carrying spare mags a pain. They're always jabbing and poking, especially in the truck.

I'm just the opposite. I wear and IWB holster 90% of the time. A lot of good info from posters above regarding wearing IWB holsters.

regards

Lots of good advice above. I'm almost 58 years old, 5'7", 150 lbs., reasonably fit. I've been carrying, mostly IWB, for many years. My favorite rigs are the Brommeland Max-Con V, Rosen ARG, Crossbreed SuperTuck, and Sparks VM-II, not necessarily in that order with all guns. I ALWAYS wear a good, purpose-built gun belt that fits the holster loops tightly, even on the rare occasions when I can't carry. I dress to the gun, and I always carry at least one, usually two, spare mags on the off side, in an OWB carrier by Rosen or Brommeland. I've carried this way so much for so long, I feel uncomfortable when I can't do so.

Just got back a few days ago from a 2 day, 1400+ mile trip in my son's pickup. I carried a Glock 31 in a SuperTuck (not tucked)and two spare mags in a Dillon-by-Rosen carrier the whole time, whether driving or riding. Never got particularly uncomfortable. Also never lost sight of the rule that carrying a gun is supposed to be comforting, not comfortable.

I'd switch Dentists...or at least make sure he doesn't put you out.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

First off Im sure you know that a larger waist pants are required for iwb holster. Second, Not all holsters feel the same. I normally like iwb but i could not get comfortable with carrying my G19. I was using the Galco kingtuk. When I switched to Crossbreed (same for my 5946) it was like night and day. Very comfortable and I dont feel the weight. Also holsters with clips that are further apart tend to spread the weight a lot better then those with the clips or loops right next to each other.