IWB Holster for full size pistols.
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gmiller0737
Well-known member
I may be "Old School" Leather for Me I occasionaly carry a full size HK USP 9 in A IWB Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 & Have a couple of Other Milt Sparks Holsters & a couple of UBG Holsters
I would be looking for a leather holster; specifically, a Don Hume H715-M WCS for either the Glock 17 or Sig 320. I own several of these holsters for a variety of Gen3 S&W pistols I conceal carry. Oh, Black Friday prices (under $40) are still available.
A lot of things to consider. Regardless of which material you choose, I believe rigidity of design is important. When I first began carrying I went with the soft suede holsters that collapse. Mainly this was so that I could see if I liked the IWB type holster before spending on something more expensive. I didn't consider the inconvenience of taking the holster off to re-holster, as I like to practice from a carry rig before actually carrying it. So I believe that is an important consideration.
Leather does tend to flex to fit your body better. For years this is why I stuck to leather, for the comfort issue.
Down side of leather, in the summer if your climate is at all hot, you will sweat and the holster will get wet with sweat. This, for me at least, results in the gun carried around all day in sweat soaked leather. This won't happen with kydex, at least it doesn't for me.
Another advantage of kydex, it can be thinner and still be plenty rigid to stay open after the pistol is drawn. Depending on cover garments, size of the pistol, position of carry, this added thinness can help with concealment.
Personally, I was concerned for sometime with the comfort level of the kydex, and for that reason resisted trying it for some time. Now, that is all I use.
Either way, consider a holster that puts the loops or clips on the outer edges of the holster body. Think pancake holster, only inside your pants. When the loops or clips are on top of the holster, this adds to bulk. Also, with the loops or clips at the outer edge of the holster body, the holster feels more stable to me and less prone to shifting. This in turn goes a long way to eliminate the feeling of needing to adjust all the time.
This is of course is just my opinion from carrying concealed for several years. I have the usual box of holsters that didn't work out.
Of course for some people it doesn't matter the material, as IWB just doesn't work for them.
Leather does tend to flex to fit your body better. For years this is why I stuck to leather, for the comfort issue.
Down side of leather, in the summer if your climate is at all hot, you will sweat and the holster will get wet with sweat. This, for me at least, results in the gun carried around all day in sweat soaked leather. This won't happen with kydex, at least it doesn't for me.
Another advantage of kydex, it can be thinner and still be plenty rigid to stay open after the pistol is drawn. Depending on cover garments, size of the pistol, position of carry, this added thinness can help with concealment.
Personally, I was concerned for sometime with the comfort level of the kydex, and for that reason resisted trying it for some time. Now, that is all I use.
Either way, consider a holster that puts the loops or clips on the outer edges of the holster body. Think pancake holster, only inside your pants. When the loops or clips are on top of the holster, this adds to bulk. Also, with the loops or clips at the outer edge of the holster body, the holster feels more stable to me and less prone to shifting. This in turn goes a long way to eliminate the feeling of needing to adjust all the time.
This is of course is just my opinion from carrying concealed for several years. I have the usual box of holsters that didn't work out.
Of course for some people it doesn't matter the material, as IWB just doesn't work for them.
pantannojack
US Veteran
I like Galco or Bianchi soft leather for 1911, or K frame smooth inside for draw; Swede outside for holster retention. Either inside the pants or inside the belt. Very secure, but slow to deploy.
blues7
Well-known member
Kydex. JMCK IWB #3.
I wouldn't consider carrying a full size service pistol IWB.
Carrying guns like 3" 66/65, Beretta 92 Compact and Sig 220 IWB in a Sparks Summer Special for decades..................
blues7
Well-known member
The Summer Special and the JMCK IWB #3 are the two most popular choices I've been hearing for many years from people whose experience I trust a great deal. (LE, retired LE, highly respected trainers, etc.)
Since I carry AIWB, I can't comment directly but I have several excellent holsters from JMCK and can attest to the quality.
9mmPatriot
Well-known member
My choice is Celtic for IWB EDC duties.
Shop | Best Conceal and Carry | Celtic Holsters LLC
M&P 2.0 9c , Holosun green dot
Shop | Best Conceal and Carry | Celtic Holsters LLC
M&P 2.0 9c , Holosun green dot
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375hh1973
US Veteran
My EDC is a Sig P226 in .357sig.
Most of the time its in a IWB made by Galco.
Kinda like once you get used to wearing a watch, seems odd when you dont have it on.
Most of the time its in a IWB made by Galco.
Kinda like once you get used to wearing a watch, seems odd when you dont have it on.
sousana
Well-known member
I have 2 55galon drums full of vacuum sealed holsters, dating back 55 years. NOT A SINGLE ONE IS ANYTHING OTHER THAN LEATHER.
Don Hume
Masters
Both are my primary go to IWB leather holsters.
Don Hume
Masters
Both are my primary go to IWB leather holsters.
fiasconva
Well-known member
I have a horsehide IWB for my M&P9 that works great. My next choice would have been leather. I too am old school.
xtrtsqrt11
Well-known member
I like leather personally. Cowhide, horsehide, they both work and have their own advantages.
Milt Sparks, Kramer, TT, Privateer, Garrity are the IWB makers that I have holsters with off the top of my head. They are all excellent. All for full size. G20, 5"1911, BHP are some that I have successfully concealed.
Milt Sparks, Kramer, TT, Privateer, Garrity are the IWB makers that I have holsters with off the top of my head. They are all excellent. All for full size. G20, 5"1911, BHP are some that I have successfully concealed.
357-RevolverGuy
Well-known member
It helps to have a good physique and no beer gut when carrying a full size pistol IWB. I'd be looking at a hybrid holster (kydek mold/retention and leather backing). Crossbreed holsters, specifically the Supertuck, are my go to for these.
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Just as important as the holster is the belt. Get the thickest dang belt you can find. Carrying full size is gonna want to pull your pants down all day long. I’d wear suspenders with my thick belt but my kids said no.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This. I know someone who IWBs a full size M&P9. He's skinny. Uses kydex holster with leather backing and has now mostly parked his P365.
I sometimes carry a 5” 1911 in a TTGunleather “Mike’s Special,” a Milt Sparks Summer Special II, or a Clinger kydex IWB holster with their cushion backing. The TTGunleather is the most comfortable, while the Clinger is the easiest to put on and take off.
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