CC with my Shield is a pain in the butt!

[berudd]

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.

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.

 

[Steved13]

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.

 

[Hfrog355]

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!

 

[jim46ok]

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

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)

 

[Steved13]

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!

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.

 

[Hfrog355]

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.

 

[JH1951]

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.

 

[luckie8]

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

 

[Raisin]

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

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

 

[ockgator]

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.

 

[exdetsgt]

JH1951: I agree completely. My zombie hunting days are definitely over, and I used to do that for a living.

Why does an old guy like me EDC? Simple answer: I'm too old to run and I'm too old to fight.

 

[berudd]

So, I thought I would give a little follow up here in case anyone was interested. I did experiment with how I wear my Alien Gear holster. I moved it more towards a more 4 o'clock position and also adjusted the holster to the gun rides a little higher. This did take some apparent pressure of the point of my hip but I'm no longer thinking the gun was the problem. I think it was more of stress injury from certain exercises I was doing, potentially wrong. I've been wearing the gun more and I've taken out those exercises and I'm not having any more pain.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

OP, that is good news. OWB is now my mode of off duty carry due to a slipped disc at L4/L5 last winter that kept me from wearing anything on my waist for weeks. An Airweight.38 in my front pocket was all I could manage. Went back to work six weeks later in uniform and carry my "company gun" G23 in a Glock brand "Sport/Combat" polymer belt slide holster when off duty. IWB irritates my sciatic nerve with my Galco Summer Comfort holster. May have to consider getting the Back Defender system for the duty belt so I can hopefully make it to Medicare age before hanging it up for good.

 

[jtaylor996]

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.

I have this same holster, and I know exactly what you're talking about. It doesn't cause me nerve pain, though.

I consider this holster a temporary solution until my Milt Sparks VM2 is made. The VM2 spreads the pressure of a much larger area, so you should have no issue with nerve pain. I've carried a 5" 1911 in one for almost a decade now.

I'm getting the fancy horse/sharkskin version. Can't wait!

The key thing to notice in the pic is most of the barrel bulge is on the outside, and that the holster itself extends way down below the end of the barrel. The backside of these is almost flat, so it's extremely comfortable.

Previously I tried the DeSantis, which does the extended thing, but doesn't have a flat back (it's more symmetrical).

 

[Hawg Rider]

AIWB- Crossbreed Appendix Carry Holster

+1 for AIWB. I know that it's controversial, but I'm OK with it. Just takes a little SAFE practice and training, and I do use the thumb safety. I'm still breaking in a Crossbreed Appendix Carry holster, but I think it's going to work great for daily carry of my M&P 9 PC Shield. They're not cheap, but they are purpose designed and compact. I also carry a 642 in a cheap Uncle Mike's #1 in the appendix position, especially when on the motorcycle- it doesn't poke me as badly when riding.

 

[Rowlette]

The key is the type of IWB holster and if it leather, how you soften them with oils and waxes. The break-in approach, just like boots, play a major role in comfort and longevity. My preferences for IWB holsters are with high back that keeps the handle away from my body. It is considerably more comfortable having leather against the body than the weapon.

Laughter is the key to happiness

 

[kctgb]

I carry a SD40ve in a pancake leather holster I make for my right side every day, I leave my button up shirt untucked and the SD doesn't print at all. The shield is even better with one of my pancake holsters to conceal, and no pain in the butt. I'm not a fan of IWb holsters, they just don't fit me well.

 

[awtavani]

I've been using a CYA Supply Company IWB for my 45 Shield and love it. I wear it between 3&4 o'clock and hardly notice its there. I like it so much I just ordered another one for my 9mm Shield, so I can switch between the two for EDC. You can find them on Amazon for really good prices.

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

 

[lonewolf5347]

IWB Holster

I have a shield 9mm the gun came with a allen tuck man that holster was not for me.
I went with a Hank's gun leather IWB holster hand made
Smith & Wesson CCW Holster - HANKS GUN LEATHER

 

[BigDog48]

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.

Plus one on the Stealthgear. It is much more comfortable than all of the similar looking others I've tried (Aliengear, White Hat, Crossbreed, etc)