Dual Or Single Clip Attachment For IWB Holster?
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Well, My opinion: two. Reason is for stability. I don't like the holster rocking back and forth, which I've had happen with every single-clip model that I've tried. Supposedly, those holsters with one clip that's offset way out there are for the abdominal area - and for the life of me I don't see the point, because it rocks even more. I'd give you a recommendation, but my personal favorite IWB, an RKBA leather two-clip for my Shield that also works for my PPS is no longer made (I believe RKBA went out of business.) However, it's not a really unique design, leather front and back with a small piece of leather across the top-front and a slide shield on the back. See attached photo - not mine, but it's an RKBA of the same design.
That said, I'm always happier with an outside holster. I find they distribute the weight better for me and aren't that much more of a problem concealing.
That said, I'm always happier with an outside holster. I find they distribute the weight better for me and aren't that much more of a problem concealing.
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It depends on the handgun and whether I need a tuckable holster or not.
For a larger 36-40 oz handgun I prefer 2 clips. The larger area of the holster and the 2 clips spread the weight better.
For a smaller handgun I prefer a single clip but I ensure the clip is offset rather than at the thickest part of the holster.
For a larger 36-40 oz handgun I prefer 2 clips. The larger area of the holster and the 2 clips spread the weight better.
For a smaller handgun I prefer a single clip but I ensure the clip is offset rather than at the thickest part of the holster.
uncleted327
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I prefer two, the single clips are usually right in the middle of the holster and make the rig thicker, which I don't care for. However I run a hybrid system myself with a metal clip at the rear and a leather snap strap at the front. I find it's quicker to get the holster on and off versus two metal clips. It's also a little easier to adjust on the fly, the single metal clip holds the holster in place IWB, front to back, and the leather strap prevents the front from going up and down. Just something I tried that works well for me.
If the gun is fairly lightweight like my S&W 642-1 shown below one clip
is enough. However, the offset clip (not directly over the cylinder) is also
a good idea to reduce the width.
Left to Right, they are:
Garrity Inconspicuous
Delfatti shark trim
Alessi Hard Shell Talon
Carrying a larger, heavier, gun the two clip (or loop)
style is preferred. Like my 1911 Colt's Gold Cup, shown
4th from left, in a VMII by Milt Sparks.
is enough. However, the offset clip (not directly over the cylinder) is also
a good idea to reduce the width.
Left to Right, they are:
Garrity Inconspicuous
Delfatti shark trim
Alessi Hard Shell Talon
Carrying a larger, heavier, gun the two clip (or loop)
style is preferred. Like my 1911 Colt's Gold Cup, shown
4th from left, in a VMII by Milt Sparks.
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Sandman4delta
Member
Bottom line, it will always come down to your comfort. What may seem logical as an idea may not work out in practice.
As for attachment, if you're going to wear a belt, a leather loop under the belt with a snap is most secure.
You will have to decide if a single position suits you for all that you may do during a day.
My work holster (SIG P220) had two loops but I wore a belt that was less than the width of the loops.
Walking around, the holster was perfectly comfortable vertical against my hip and even laying down.
But for driving it had enough give to rock forward so it wasn't jammed between the seatback and me.
If you want clips, the quality of the clip is, I think, the most important.
I have seen too many range draws by folks with cheap clips resulting in a "gun and holster" draw.
And you wouldn't want some upward pressure to dislodge it and pop out.
I have a couple of Bucheimer IWB's for J Frames that are great.
They have a wide and very tight clip with multiple bends to grip a belt or even pants waistband.
I use one a lot for a quick gear up to walk the beast in the evening.
Here's a tip for good tight clips that require some effort to slide onto your pants or belt.
I have a metal business card that someone gave me.
I slide that into the clip first which make a straight shot around any curves or edges.
Push it onto my waist with the card outside and when it's in place, slide the card out releasing the clip to pinch down.
(Pencil is belt or waistband)
Good luck on your quest!
As for attachment, if you're going to wear a belt, a leather loop under the belt with a snap is most secure.
You will have to decide if a single position suits you for all that you may do during a day.
My work holster (SIG P220) had two loops but I wore a belt that was less than the width of the loops.
Walking around, the holster was perfectly comfortable vertical against my hip and even laying down.
But for driving it had enough give to rock forward so it wasn't jammed between the seatback and me.
If you want clips, the quality of the clip is, I think, the most important.
I have seen too many range draws by folks with cheap clips resulting in a "gun and holster" draw.
And you wouldn't want some upward pressure to dislodge it and pop out.
I have a couple of Bucheimer IWB's for J Frames that are great.
They have a wide and very tight clip with multiple bends to grip a belt or even pants waistband.
I use one a lot for a quick gear up to walk the beast in the evening.
Here's a tip for good tight clips that require some effort to slide onto your pants or belt.
I have a metal business card that someone gave me.
I slide that into the clip first which make a straight shot around any curves or edges.
Push it onto my waist with the card outside and when it's in place, slide the card out releasing the clip to pinch down.
(Pencil is belt or waistband)
Good luck on your quest!
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While weight is an issue, length down inside the pants is also a factor. If you're somewhat active, the holster is gonna squirm around if you don't have two LOOPS. Not the bleeping clips. If you want easy on/off, the loops can be attached with one way snaps.
Grayfox
US Veteran
I absolutely hate clips on IWB holsters. I find them to be awkward, insecure and unstable. 
I don't carry IWB very often, but my holsters in that style all have belt loops with snaps.
I don't carry IWB very often, but my holsters in that style all have belt loops with snaps.
buckshotshorty
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Most of the holsters I wear are IWB holster’s that I have manufactured myself. And my preference is always two Clips I find that it’s more comfortable that way it holds your hand gun closest to your body and stabilizes it much better than a single clipIn total I have probably made around 30 holsters some for myself and some I Made for others
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jcs266
Member
Two loops for sure. Much more secure and positive in keeping it where you want it to be.
My preference is double belt loops on a leather holster. In practice I wind up using single clip leather and Kydex. It jus' beez dat weight....
I prefer a single clip IWB holster for everyday carry for several reasons. First, for ease of taking on and off multiple times daily. Second, so the holstered firearm cant changes slightly as I change positions or I need to make a discreet adjustment. Third, it allows quick changes from the strong side to a cross-draw position.
I've found it's best to wear a proper gun belt with the single clip holster option.
I carry a model 3953 in a Don Hume H715-M for my EDC. The total weight of the loaded gun in the holster is 32 ounces.
I've found it's best to wear a proper gun belt with the single clip holster option.
I carry a model 3953 in a Don Hume H715-M for my EDC. The total weight of the loaded gun in the holster is 32 ounces.
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sipowicz
Member
Single. Belt firmness is more important than number of clips. I also mainly use clip holsters for appendix carry so two clips takes up too much real estate there
All good answers.
I prefer two (at least my favorite has two) but as Sip says, the belt is VERY important.
I prefer two (at least my favorite has two) but as Sip says, the belt is VERY important.
Bourget117
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I’m gonna have to agree with others and say, one clip is good for a small pistol and 2 is a must for something heavy. For example my Bodyguard 380, 1 clip is more than enough. For my Sig p239, 2 clips are a must. And a holster that doesn’t have the clips directly over the thickest part of the gun is preferred for maximum comfort.
It’s a Next Holster “Guardian”.
sigp220.45
US Veteran
One clip, no belt. I’ve never had the holster come out with the gun. I’ve carried both my Sig 220 and my Glock 27 in my right front waistband this way at various times, and made many draws on the job this way. When it was time to reholster I’d reach over and pop out the holster, put the gun in, and put the whole setup back where it belonged. It took about two seconds.
Now that I’m a retired gentleman of leisure I carry the same way.
Now that I’m a retired gentleman of leisure I carry the same way.
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balin
Member
1 clip is quick on and off and less bulky for the most part. . And has never failed me. 2 loops is more secure and I have those too.
tenntucker
US Veteran
Single for clip and dual for loops.
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