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AIWB question
- Thread starter gnystrom
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Erich
Member
I concur. I happily use a Bell Charter Oak Summer Heat for this purpose. One of the things I like about it is that it allows my shirt to be tucked in . . . and (as you've figured out) the offset clip allows for a flatter IWB profile and holds the gun very solidly.
BELL CHARTER OAK CUSTOM HOLSTERS INSIDE WAISTBAND (607) 783-2483
The quality is really something.
Lefty uses particularly "grabby" clips on these - mine has a little "tooth" that provides extra security. This sucker will not inadvertently come off or move around.
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IWB Carry
I 2nd Erich's recommendation. As an instructor I found long ago that many women do not wear belts. An IWB is a good option if the clip is strong enough to cling to the fabric if the lady does not wear a belt. (the gun needs to be reasonably light also) I have tested a lot of IWBs but only found a few with the clip that will cling to just the fabric. One of them is the Bell Charter Oak by Lefty Lewis. I tested his Chicago Rocker, but the clip is the same as the one shown by Erich above. We don't want to pull our gun and have it come out with the holster wrapped around it do we?
I 2nd Erich's recommendation. As an instructor I found long ago that many women do not wear belts. An IWB is a good option if the clip is strong enough to cling to the fabric if the lady does not wear a belt. (the gun needs to be reasonably light also) I have tested a lot of IWBs but only found a few with the clip that will cling to just the fabric. One of them is the Bell Charter Oak by Lefty Lewis. I tested his Chicago Rocker, but the clip is the same as the one shown by Erich above. We don't want to pull our gun and have it come out with the holster wrapped around it do we?
bowzette
Member
You might want to check out Lobo Leathers and Sideguard holsters/leather not sure of the exact title. Also Remora sticky holsters are inexpensive and work well. If you want a holster for both IWB and OWB Simply Rugger Silver Dollar with the straps for IWB will work. But for an inexpensive and very versatile holster to grab and put IWB wherever and go, the Remora is hard to beat.
Erich
Member
Bowzette mentions three others (in addition to my post above) that I've had good luck with: Remora (I've got a couple dozen of their holsters and you can't beat the value), Sideguard (Erik makes good stuff - I've been using some of it for years) and Simply Rugged (I use one of Rob's Silver Dollar holsters with the straps for AIWB carry of my 3" SP-101).
rednichols
Member
If by AIWB you mean "between the 2nd and 3rd pants loop" as Nelson did in the 70s and 80s and called "forward of hip" carry, you should be relatively safe with AIWB. If you mean between the buckle and 2nd pants loop, then there is no safe way to carry there; carrying in this location is entirely a 21st century aberration that leaked over from competition courses.
grcoffman104
Member
My tactical padding prevents between bucket and second loop my sholder arthritis prevents anything behind the 430 position. Central Texas heat ( 79 degrees yesterday ) prevents crossdraw.
ContinentalOp
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I don't carry AIWB, but carry my 642-1 in a Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip IWB holster. They have some models with offset clips/loops suitable for AIWB carry; you can specify what cant you want, I believe within a range of 0 to 20 degrees. I think their holsters are very well made and reasonably priced.
I don't have any experience with them, but Bobby Mac's has a good reputation for quality snubby holsters and they have a few AIWB models, including one designed with input from SouthNarc if that matters to you.
I don't have any experience with them, but Bobby Mac's has a good reputation for quality snubby holsters and they have a few AIWB models, including one designed with input from SouthNarc if that matters to you.
Erich
Member
Motorsporting
Member
Crossbreed also makes an AIWB with side clip.
I presume the A in AIWB is appendix. I also presume that appendix IWB is back towards the hip and, if using a double looped IWB holster, the loops are on each side of the belt loop.
Just need a little clarity if you don't mind.
I have had more than one metal clipped IWB holster unclip from a good belt - does one of the holsters identified above NEVER do that? I have a couple of good clip holsters but I always expect them to come off my belt.
Just need a little clarity if you don't mind.
I have had more than one metal clipped IWB holster unclip from a good belt - does one of the holsters identified above NEVER do that? I have a couple of good clip holsters but I always expect them to come off my belt.
ContinentalOp
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My holster has never come off my belt, whether using a Beltman belt (what I usually wear) or a Wilderness Instructor 5-stitch Frequent Flyer belt, unless I deliberately remove the holster.
Motorsporting
Member
I've had some metal clips that were old, "stretch" out/bend and need to be replaced, but the holster never came out. Usually my belt is tight enough against my body that the holster stays fairly put. I don't like the metal clips because that little tab that is used to bend them out/on always pokes holes in my shirts. I prefer kydex or leather for these reasons; however, I have also had kydex clips break.
ContinentalOp
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That's one of the reasons I like the clip on my Quick Clip holster, the bottom of the clip actually curves inward.
The clip on my flashlight does stick out at the bottom, and it does wear holes in my shirts.
sarg1c
US Veteran
IWB carry is ok, but AIWB or Mexican carry is very unsafe as an accidental discharge may strike the arteries in the leg which is not good I would reconcider this type carry .
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Thanks to everyone that put me on to Side Guard Holsters. I placed an order for a Minimal Snap which seems to offer everything I was looking for.
Yes, this will be used when I choose AIWB and carried directly where some are telling me not to.
As a salesman that was in and out of my car 30 times per day, I carried very small semi AIWB for years being especially mindful when we went through a bad rash of car jackings in my area. AIWB allows me full and quick access to that firearm if needed with my seatbelt fastened.
I consider all of my firearms to be dangerous, but I have never had one go off in a properly designed and well fitting holster with the trigger guard fully covered. Actually, I am far more concerned about the safety flicking off carrying my Ed Brown cocked and locked in a Milt Sparks OWB than when I AIWB my small guns in a proper holster.
Yes, when I carry AIWB, I never re-holster without removing the holster before replacing the firearm.
Yes, this will be used when I choose AIWB and carried directly where some are telling me not to.
As a salesman that was in and out of my car 30 times per day, I carried very small semi AIWB for years being especially mindful when we went through a bad rash of car jackings in my area. AIWB allows me full and quick access to that firearm if needed with my seatbelt fastened.
I consider all of my firearms to be dangerous, but I have never had one go off in a properly designed and well fitting holster with the trigger guard fully covered. Actually, I am far more concerned about the safety flicking off carrying my Ed Brown cocked and locked in a Milt Sparks OWB than when I AIWB my small guns in a proper holster.
Yes, when I carry AIWB, I never re-holster without removing the holster before replacing the firearm.
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