I mean that literally. I have a simple Bianchi IWB holster for my shield; leather with a single clip that I wear at about 4 o'clock. It feels fine while Im walking around and even driving but the next day I have a cramp in my right butt cheek and down the back of my leg. I'm assuming it's putting pressure on a nerve or something. I have an Alien Gear Clock 3.0 tuckable IWB but since its a bit of a hassle to get on and off I have not worn it out yet. I'm going to give it a try today and see what the out come is. I might also try carrying more at 3 o'clock but I'm afraid that will print more.

Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and how you resolved it.

If its a pain in the butt, don't sit on it. Seriously, there are nerves coming out the lower spine you don't want to mess with.
Unless you're concealing with a t shirt, printing should not be a problem. Look around how many little lumps you see from cell phones, guns, whatever, nobody cares.
Even a OWB at 3-4 o'clock disappears under an ordinary Dickie's work shirt.

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Science plus Art

By carrying iwb, your belt could be too tight and put pressure on a nerve causing the big cramp. Buy bigger shirts and carry owb. That's what I do.

Most likely you are aggravating the Glutamus (sp) or Piriformis muscle(s). The first ? my Dr. asked was "what side do you carry your wallet on?" I'll bet your carry position is doing the same thing. Ibuprofen and move the gun!

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CERAKOTE Svcs.
Class 01 FFL

Well, I'm not sitting on it and the pressure while driving is actually pretty minimal. Honestly, it's surprisingly comfortable. I do often only wear a t-shirt because of temps. I've worn my wallet on the other side for 30+ years with no issues and at times it's thicker than my Shield (no, not with cash). I'm going to try the Cloak today and perhaps it will spread the pressure out a bit more and I'll have better results.

One size larger trousers helps.

Personally I'm having an issue with the AG IWB holsters seems them they pinch and cramp no matter how I try to wear them. I think the new style OWB hang out too much with a heavy gun. I'm a fan of the older style OWB as it keeps my 75B tucked in pretty well.

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Try moving it slightly or try the Alien Gear. I use similar style holsters as Alien Gear and it take a few seconds to put on and off.

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Hubby and I CCed the Shield for a couple of years with the AG CT-2 & 3 at 4 o'clock. We both dialed back the lumbar support extension in the car seats to maintain comfort.

We now CC double-stacks and had to dial the lumbar all the way back.

If your particularly sensitive, you might try one of those add-on cushioned seat backs, and open the seam to scoop out the foam behind your right hip.

This is why I just can't give up pocket carrying for any length of time.
In my experience, toting a pistol any other way is just a PITA (in the OP's case, literally!)
And, though for the most part, I can't seem to ween myself off my little Airweight 38, my other regular toter is a Shield with a pocket holster and the smaller 7-rd mag. It's a bit heavier and bulkier, but I find it to still be less cumbersome than anything on a belt, IWB or OWB.

I carry my Shield IWB @ 4 o'clock all the time....it's so comfortable there have been times when i almost forget it's there. I use a iwb holster i bought from PJ holster. I liked it so much i had him make me one for my 1911 CCO too. I am not affiliated with PJ Holster other than being a satisfied repeat customer......Mike

I carry my Shield daily and had to go through a few IWB Holsters until I found one that works great and very comfortable. I now use a Vedder Holster LightTuck Kydex and I find I forget I'm carrying. Mine is at 4:00 position. www.vedderholster.com


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I'll bet you find some improvement with the AG Cloak Tuck 3.0. It will spread the pressure out over a much larger area. I have found mine to be the most comfortable IWB I have worn. Been wearing one for a good long while now. Yes, it's a bit more trouble to take on and off if you have your britches on. However, I almost never remove the holster or try to replace it while wearing it. If I have to unload, I just remove the gun and leave the holster in place. The kydex shell keeps the holster from collapsing so that's no problem for me.

I have also experienced the pain you describe with holsters that place all the pressure against my body in a smaller area in one place. I also wear my gun about 3:30 to 4:00. The AG CT 3.0 takes up a good bit more space on my waistline, but the much flatter holster base and the wider space between the belt clips spreads the weight and pressure on my body over a much wider area, and that's a very good thing for me. Good luck with finding a solution for your problem!

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So long ... Ken

Thanks for the input everyone. I wore the AG for a few hours today and it was much more comfortable. I'm also getting better about putting it on and taking it off. I'm going to try it just a bit farther forward next time and see how it goes.

I carry FS M&P 9 3 o'clock with my 3.0 no issues what so ever.

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I have a single clip "taco style" holster and for me it's not nearly as comfortable as my Bianchi Model 135. Like others have mentioned, the hybrid 2 clip style holsters (Bianchi Model 135, Alien Gear 3.0, Comp-Tac MTAC, Crossbreed Supertuck, etc) spread the weight around a bit. Granted the "taco style" is easier to take on and off quickly, but if I can't carry due to law/regs, I just secure the pistol and leave the holster on my belt, nobody notices it. Hopefully the AG 3.o will work better for you!

I use an Alien gear IWB to carry my Shield 45, it is a pain to put on, but once on, it is very comfortable! give a try, Im sure youll love it

I carry my Shields either IWB appendix or about at 4:30 in an OWB holster. I always wear button ups, like flannels, so even the OWB is concealed easily. Both methods are comfortable for me.

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- The Federalist #46 -

If wearing IWB causes pain like that then goodbye to that holster or anything that causes newly acquired pains. I have first hand experienced knee problems caused by lower back spine problems.

I only ever carried OWB and most of the time now I carry an LCR 357 in my front jeans pocket. But I don't carry a big gun like some people do. IWB just doesn't do it for me at all.

I used to carry my wallet in my right-rear pocket, for about 45 years. Then I had to move my wallet from my right-rear pocket, to my left-front pocket, about 20 years ago, due to severe pain in my right hip. I can imagine a IWB gun would be much worse.

I have a drawer full of holsters and find carrying AIWB (1:00-2:00) the most comfortable sitting and standing. All my carry guns have this holster.

This is the problem with holsters. One size doesn't fit all. If you don't have to go through a half a dozen to find one you like you're a lucky person. Be patient and don't settle for one that "almost" fits.

I find this thread timely and would like to add to it. I mostly carry OWB all day at home and my favorite holster at this time is the Alien Gear Belt slide. My Shield carries the Viridian laser and that is the shell I have.

For IWB I have two day's experience with the Undertech Undercover belly band (plus a bunch of other conventional holsters I'm not super comfortable wearing). Well, it freaking works. You can tuck your t-shirt or regular shirt completely with virtually no print. But alas, I only have like 16 hours of time in it. I bought it for use when I leave the house and mostly for summer use. But I do like it so passing that on for consideration. Good luck with whatever you choose!

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Webfarmer

Well, I wore the AG a bit more today and tried it in a few different positions. So far its promising. I try it a bit more and see how it goes.

I'm too skinny to wear IWB and don't relish buying a bunch of one-inch larger pants in order to do so. Which is why I OWB or pocket carry (DeSantis Nemesis). Easy to conceal in an OWB with a bit of thought, providing it's not a hawg leg. Although I do know a friend who carries a full sized 1911 and you'd never spot it. Loose clothing seems to do it for him. In winter I wear a baggy long sweater or a jacket. In summer I wear guayavera style shirts which might look out of place anywhere else, but I live on the Mexican border where they are common. Or a Hawaiian style shirt which is not meant to be tucked in. But I carry small stuff: Shield 9 or SP101. By the way, my belt is a custom made gun belt by DM Ballard in Aztle Texas.

I went to Foxx and started AIWB. No more back pain.

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Halfway and one more step

Get bigger jeans for IWB. I went up a size and it made a huge difference.
I carry a Shield in an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck and I really can't tell it's there unless I'm in the car. No pain or nerve issues. Now when I carry it in a single clip kydex holster, it's a little uncomfortable.


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That brand is what?
Jim

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Halfway and one more step

Rubicon Tactical | When Retreat Is Not An Option | Custom Kydex Gun Holsters | Rubicon Tactical

In addition to finding the right Holster is a good quality gun belt. Guns are heavy and the right belt that supports the Holster whether IWB or OWB makes a big difference. I recently bought a Big Foot gun belt and amazed at how well it fits my Holster and how it improved overall comfort. Check them out.


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I've had this nerve problem for years and the older I get (70 now) the worse it is. I pocket carry 100% very small guns, either an alloy J frame oe Ruger LCP. Cannot tolerate IWB or a belt holster anymore. Doctors are useless, OTC meds and move the gun is the best advise.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I'd urge you to stop doing this immediately. I'm not a doctor, but it sounds to me like you're irritating the sciatic nerve that originates in your lower back and goes down across your butt and down the leg.

I'm sitting here with a heating pad on my back, 14 months after whatever I did that caused sciatica.

Maybe appendix carry will work for you, maybe you just won't be able to carry anything on the belt at all. You do not want a chronic sciatica issue.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

I see nobody mentioned the belt. Possibly you don't have a wide and thick enough belt to spread the weight and pressure?

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Just Say No - To Social Media

Old Cop,
do you use a holster for your inside the pocket carry?

I have an AG IWB Cloak 2 and carry the Shield 9 positioned at the 4:00 and haven't had any issues. Initially I went up a size in pants but after switching to a tactial/riggers belt I have no issues with any size pants. The belt made a difference for me because I didn't have to over tighten or keep too loose, now I can have it adjusted correctly.

I carry my Shield at 3 o'clock and it works fine, very comfortable with no printing. I tried it at 4 and everything was fine standing or walking but sitting was not comfortable at all. I'm 6'3" and about 190lbs so the fact I have very little padding back there could be the problem. A buddy of mine carries a 1911 at 4 with no problems but he is in the 230lbs range.

I have a Keltec PF9 which is near identical in size and weight to a Shield. Always pocket carry in a simple Uncle Mike's pocket holster. I use a Crossbreed OWB for my M&P9c but the pocket is so much nicer and easier w/ the smaller gun. The big flaps on the lowest pocket of my cargo shorts really hides the gun in the upper pocket.

Seriously start carrying outside the waist band. Haven't had that problem since I quit carrying IWB

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Retired Career Security Guard

I carry a Shield 45acp at about 2:00 ( over my Wrangler's right front pocket) in a high riding Desantis holster, (001BA5EZ0) THUMB BREAK SCABBARD - Black - Right - Unlined . I tend to carry forward of 3:00 with all my OWB holsters. I'm 69 years old and tired of that "butt pain" .

23 years of off duty carry sold me on a good leather OWB slide or pancake style holster. I've used IWB as well but seem to go back to OWB and clothing that works with that.

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Join the NRA today

Thanks Al, that's certainly worth considering. I've worn it for several hours over the last two days with my AG IWB holster. I moved it slightly farther forward. It's not quite as comfortable driving that way I'd I feel its more noticeable but in reality it is not. I'm feeling better than I did at the start of the weekend so I think I may be moving in the right direction.

Not sure I'd ever be comfortable with AIWB carry. I just don't like where the muzzle points when you sit down.

If you want to stay IWB try a hybrid holster, the Stealthgear is the most comfortable I've found but very expensive ($100). I just ordered an Alien gear and hoping it will do the trick. The backing does distribute the pressure piints more and makes it much more comfortable for me. I'd love to carry appendixe, but no luck with my large lunch muscle.

+1 on the don't worry about printing so much. Just make sure it's a darker shirt (light colors tend to let the dark of the gun bleed through). Nowadays, everyone has a cell phone and whatnot hanging from their belt.

If anyone asks, tell them it's a medical issue, and you have to poop in a bag, and you'd rather not talk about it...they'll leave it alone fast.

Man, I read all the way through this thread thinking I was going to be the one to drop the gospel of the Stealthgear holster. Almost...

They're amazing. I haven't tried the new Revolution one, but the original Ventcore holsters are the most comfortable IWB option I've ever seen. They're super comfortable and extremely well made. I could not possibly recommend them more strongly. The "mini" size they came out with is even better than the original. I highly suggest getting one.

Checked their website and they're even 10% off right now!

Yupp. I have a followup appointment for a Cyst rupture procedure, was pushing on the spinal column causing Sciatica. I aways carry with the Versa Carry.....at about 2 o'clock. Ruger LCP, and Shield.

The First & Only Zero-Bulk IWB Holster - Versacarry(R)

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CERAKOTE Svcs.
Class 01 FFL

I have the original which I wore with a Springfield XD9 mod2 double stack, then a mini with a glock 43. I ordered one for my new PC Shield, but then cancelled it when I put a TLR6 on it, and they don't make it for that package. I don't think the revolution will be as comfortable for me...I think the padding is what makes it so good for me.

The Alien gear isn't bad, but definitely not as comfortable as the stealth gear.

I may try my hand at heating up the Kydex on one of the stealthgear I have, and reforming it for my Shield.

I got a Mini for my Glock 19 and love it so much that I sold my original SG holster for my 19 and relegated it to an ankle rig. I plan on trying the Revolution Mini for the Shield when it starts getting hot outside again.

So many rigs are a pain in the rear. Ask me how I know. We are all different and experimentation, although expensive and sometimes frustrating, will pay off. When I carry my shortie 1911, I do so with a Don Hume IWB clip holster. Also have one for my J-Frame Mod 49. To be honest, though, I now have pretty much switched my EDC to a J-Frame in a pocket carry Mika holster. For me it is as simple and comfortable as it gets. No glitz, no glory, no bells and whistles, no pain in the side or rear - just a very comfortable, effective carry for a good defensive piece. Now, granted, I am well over 60 years old and not out looking for the focal point of the zombie apocalypse any longer. I am simply arming myself in what I consider to be an adequate and comfortable way, each and every day. (When I do go zombie hunting I take a 1911 which generality needs more support....) Bottom line for me, anyway, is simply answering the question "Why am I carrying?" We all have different reasons at different stages and stations in life. There was a time that I open carried a BHP, but then I was in the middle of a war and would not have wanted less. My closest friend carried two 1911's. Thank God those days are over. If times and circumstances change for the worse, I will change my carry habits to meet the need.

I agree with Bonephish, after trying out a drawer full of holsters I ended up with aiwb tulster holster and it's the most comfortable holster I've ever own

Try one of these, Trakline Men’s Concealed Carry Gun Belts | X1 Buckle & Black Belt Set

I use a remora at about 4 oclock with my shield 40. No issues so far, Just started using a belt which helps a lot. Setup is so comfortable I don't even think about leaving house without.