IWB J frame carry question

[motoguzzima]

which do you consider better - a holster with 2 clips on the belt or 1, and why? I am searching for an IWB (tuckable) for my 642 J frame and really don't have any experience with holsters. And what do you tell people when they ask what that clip is for?

TIA.

 

[Chris M]

I tell em it's for a cell phone. Anyone looking that close to my belt is someone I want to keep my eyes on. Most times my kids don't even know when I'm carrying and they know what to look for.

Galco has a tuckable in two options the UDC is the Ultra Deep Cover. It has reinforcements that holds the holster open for ease of reholstering. The USA is a non reinforced top and is more comfortable but is very difficult to reholster. If you don't need to draw the USA is the one I would buy.

I hope this helps.
Chris

 

[Mphstiger1981]

Moto,

The first thing to my mind is where do you intend to wear it, Appendix, or cross draw, or on the strong side? If you're going to go cross draw or appendix carry in the front of your waistband, then the single clip will probably be more comfortable. If you intend to carry strong side carry at say 3 o'clock or further back then the holsters with two clips are more comfortable to me. Some of the holster makers offer a J clip which actually goes over the edge of your pants, and then between the belt and pants, and comes up under the belt. I personally find this type of clip less noticeable.

And for what it's worth, many men wear so much stuff on our belts these days that nobody really notices. Chris' answer is a good one. Remember, most people are not looking for a sign of a gun or holster, and it's just not going to be on their radar.

 

[Sportsterguy]

I don't appendix carry as I just don't like the barrel pointed at my family jewels and femural artery if I'm setting down. For maximum concealment 2 clips are the only way to go IMO. They pull the weapon in close from both sides bringing the weapon closer to the body and keep it in place. I had a high quality single clip rig for my 36 and it would slip down into my pants every now and then. Sold it! If you plan on practicing your draw (highly recommend it) get a reinforced mouth as the opening on it will collapse if it doesn't have the metal band when you draw, making it hard and a PITA to reholster. All of mine are reinforced as I do practice my draw frequently.

Lobo makes some fine custom rigs at great prices. Own a few of his holsters and love em. If you call him he'll listen to your needs and hook you up.

Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[ltxi]

which do you consider better - a holster with 2 clips on the belt or 1, and why? I am searching for an IWB (tuckable) for my 642 J frame and really don't have any experience with holsters. And what do you tell people when they ask what that clip is for?

TIA.

One....leather....hang keys or similar off it....or just don't sweat it.

In all my years of carry I've had someone notice my iwb holster to the point of mention exactly once. It was a convenience store clerk. She gave me free coffee.

Check out El Paso Saddlery Ultra Cover.

 

[BarkSlayer]

I use a Tagua IWB holster with a single clip for my 442. I just clip the holster over the top of my waistband and run the clip behind my belt. The 442 is light enough to ride there with no issues and no one has ever noticed the clip - probably because I always have a jacket or shirt over my waistband.

 

[photoman]

I often carry a Airweight J frame AIWB but use a single clip, leather holster with the shirt untucked. I've never used a tuckable holster and don't plan to. Most of the uninformed masses don't have a clue what that little clip means but the ones that are not there to be your friend do.

 

[TACC1]

Welcome Aboard!

I have minimal experience with carrying, but the holsters that
I've gotten from BellCharterOak and Lobogunleather are good for
eight hours of comfortable carry. Both have links here on the
Forum. Lots of great holsters out there. Not likely anyone will ever
notice any clip in that area. TACC1

 

[Sportsterguy]

I've never went the tuckable way. I've been packing either a full size Springer or Colt Commander since 93 amost daily. Packed my snub 66 for awhile IWB but the 1911 gitters kicked in. Have never been made carrying IWB with either a HBE Leatherworks, TT Gunleather or Lobo holster. All quality rigs. It's all hoster, a quality belt and the right outergarmet. If you go single clip I'd go with an offset one, so the clip doesn't bulge out from being over the cylinder. I really do prefer two clips for max concealment, comfort and keeping the weapon in place. JMO.

For summertime I've went with Columbia PFG shirts as they let you stay cool and do a great job covering it up. Wintertime I usually wear a sweat shirt, both a little on the baggy side.

 

[Rivers2k]

I carry a 442, I used to use a IWB holster with one clip in the small of my back. I typically where dress shirt and dress pants for work. After getting spotted for the second time in a week I changed to a pocket holster. I found when I bent over or squatted down my shirt would move and the 442 handle would show. Now its easy to get to and I never have to worry about being exposed.

 

[Packard]

I carry a 442, I used to use a IWB holster with one clip in the small of my back. I typically where dress shirt and dress pants for work. After getting spotted for the second time in a week I changed to a pocket holster. I found when I bent over or squatted down my shirt would move and the 442 handle would show. Now its easy to get to and I never have to worry about being exposed.

I also carry in the pocket, but pocket carry means that you cannot access the weapon while seated, so I carry a second weapon on the ankle. I feel this is the best of both worlds: A .357 from the pocket (5 rounds) or a .40 caliber from the ankle (10 rounds).

Carrying one, without the other, makes me feel unarmed half the time.