Concealed carry comfort

[flagaman1950]

As has been stated, IWB carry works much better when you find a good holster and belt combination. unfortunately that can take much trial and error. And I have the full holster drawer to testify to that. Since I have retired, I carry exclusively OWB in a belt slide style holster. My carry choice ranges from a a Glock 43 to a NAA 32ACP guardian to a Beretta 32ACP to a S&W model 60 and even a LCP II in 22LR. To me, weight is less an issue than the size. And my choice of carry just depends on what I feel like carrying and what I will be doing that particular day.

 

[rednichols]

Well done OP, you've (re)discovered a core principle of gunleather, which is, "don't get a good gunbelt, find a holster maker who understands centre of gravity". Modern big mag pistol are far heavier at the grip, loaded, than a revolver is at the grip. Looking at today's gunleather one would think this basic premise had been forgotten.

 

[max503]

I've even, on 3 occasions over the last decade, have been running late, rushed out of my house, completely forgot to put my EDC into the holster that's was on my hip, and went all day until I got home without realizing it.

We can't carry in public libraries. I go to them often. It's not unusual for me to forget to re-arm afterwards. I guess that means my rig is comfy (and I'm getting forgetful).

 

[BB57]

A couple thoughts:

1) Assuming equal weight, a revolver is almost always more comfortable to carry than a semi auto.

The width of the slide and frame is fairly uniform with a pistol so you have that bulk along the entire length of the gun with more empty space inside.k

In contrast, while a revolver will be a bit wider at the cylinder the rest of the frame and barrel are quite thin and the barrel isn’t very deep either.


2) IWB or OWB carry comfort comes down to two things:

- a stiff carry belt that will support the handgun without rolling over; and

- a *well designed* holster with two clips or belt loops that will keep the holster from rotating, that also has enough area to spread the pressure from the holster over enough area on the hip to keep it comfortable all day. As noted above, semi auto handguns have magazines in the grip and that can cause them to want to tip. Two clips help with that, but so does some cant to place the weight of the magazine over the center of the holster. That usually helps draw the butt in close to you as well.


With those parameters met you should be able to carry a 35-40 oz handgun all day long and not find it uncomfortable.

 

[garddogg56]

LCR and a P365

 

[Jon651]

I think different guns, different holsters, and different belts work for different people. Takes a while to find what works well for different individuals.

When ya get there tho... It's great.

My sentiments exactly - and it took me a lot of years to obtain the comfort level I currently enjoy. I'm "big boned" (although my doctor doesn't exactly call it that...), and I've finally settled on the following:

• S&W CS45D - Because I love 3rd Gens more that plastic, plus this one is small, light, accurate AND still a .45ACP
• AceCase IWB "Tuckable" holster - Because it rides lower inside my waist belt while really reducing any printing,
• SUSPENDERS - Because I don't want my pants to end up around my ankles if I need to draw or when I remove my pistol!

The suspenders were the final key to my comfort because they help share the load of the pistol, etc. instead of all of it being supported only by my belt. Most often I wear them under my shirt because I very seldom tuck in.

 

[Shibadog]

I think different guns, different holsters, and different belts work for different people. Takes a while to find what works well for different individuals.

When ya get there tho... It's great.

And that’s the reason most of us have a “holster box” full of stuff that didn’t work for us

 

[pistolpete10]

I carry a 642, works in the pocket. It isn't pleasant to shoot, it's for what if. If you just can't shoot it well enough, use something larger and heavier. A heavier gun probably means you'll have to carry in a belt holster instead of your pocket. You can carry almost any handgun on your waist. I have a rather new 9mm EZ that I may start carrying in a belt holster, it's too big for pocket carry. The EZ is easy to shoot and so far it's reliable. Shoots low, gotta file off the front sight to zero it.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I have several guns that I consider EDC. First, my M649, full weight (I cannot abide lightweight revolvers) J-frame revolver, 95% pocket carry. Very comfortable all the time. Occasionally, it rides comfortably in a Galco Summer Comfort IWB, particularly when I'm driving under certain circumstances.

When I decide to carry a pistol it can be a Walther CCP (striker fired) or a CZ-75 Compact (TDA-hammer). Both ride just as easily in a pocket or on my belt depending on clothes and circumstances.

I notice no particular difference in my pocket or on my belt. The OP's complexities are way over my head.