First IWB Holster . . . I hate it.

[Puller]

I carry most every day and I typically use a OWB holster and occasionally an ankle holster. With the proper clothing OWB's have served me well and I find them comfortable.

Recently I acquired a 50% discount code for Versacarry and decided I'd try one of their IWB holsters so I used the discount code and ordered one for my Glock 19. Just so happens I've been watching my diet, have cut out sweets and soft drinks, and am down 20 pounds from 205 to 185, so most of my pants have some slack in them at this point.

The package arrived and I don't have a problem with the Versacarry holster, seems to be well made, but no matter how I position the IWB holster I just hate it. Although I have plenty of room for it it's not the least bit comfortable no matter how I position it. After fiddling with it for 30 minutes I gave up and pulled out one of my old OWB FBI cant holsters and moved on.

I'll give it one more try, but if it don't work I'm going to unscrew the clips and just use it as a OWB holster, so it's not a total waste.

Surely I'm not doing something wrong . . . .

 

[biku324]

I tried a couple several years ago and didn't find them either comfortable or easily usable.

 

[Shark Bait]

I never could get used to IWB holsters either. OWB serves 90% of my needs.

 

[Rpg]

The only comfortable IWB holster I’ve found is by Del Fatti. I routinely carry a Colt Commander or government model 1911 in them.

For out in the field, I prefer an OWB.

 

[Sevens]

I’ve been carrying only 13 years but only a rare few occasions do I carry OWB. I took to IWB immediately and for me and for my comfort level, it is the only way I ever want to carry.

I can certainly see how it would be more difficult to do years of OWB and then try IWB for the first time.

 

[waffles]

I've got some IWB holsters that are better than others, but none of them are forget it's there comfy. Nature of the beast, if you're pretty comfort sensitive they're not for you, but if you have some tolerance they're fine. I will say, that one looks pretty terrible for comfort. Try something else and see if it's for you, but don't feel bad if its not.

 

[326MOD10]

If it doesn't work sell it and try a Nate Squared IWB.

Their logo used to be N82 but I think they merged with another maker and only us N8 now.

I am a love handle guy and wear one on occasion and have actually fallen asleep on the gun side in a chair.

Has built in retention so draw stroke has to be learned but well worth it.

 

[Puller]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

My Gould & Goodrich 3-slot pancake has served me well and it's going to be hard to beat for comfort and concealment. Even so, I'll still give the IWB another try.

 

[Erocksmash]

I always had a problem with IWB carry, until I found the right holster... holster holster holster is what I say...

With tight holster I can carry a full size G17 appendix IWB or if I'm feeling frisky my 1066.....

 

[diyj98]

I'm with you. I don't find a pistol and holster jammed inside my wasteband very comfortable. I prefer OWB or pocket carry.

 

[ancient-one]

I was 5' 8" but I am sure that I am less than that now. I have never found a IWB that I can comfortably wear. The only gun that I will be carrying is a P365 and I have a DeSantis OWB holster that holds it close to the body and it is comfortable and easily concealable. Very little hump under a shirt or jacket.

 

[ExcitableBoy]

I carry most every day and I typically use a OWB holster and occasionally an ankle holster. With the proper clothing OWB's have served me well and I find them comfortable.

Recently I acquired a 50% discount code for Versacarry and decided I'd try one of their IWB holsters so I used the discount code and ordered one for my Glock 19. Just so happens I've been watching my diet, have cut out sweets and soft drinks, and am down 20 pounds from 205 to 185, so most of my pants have some slack in them at this point.

The package arrived and I don't have a problem with the Versacarry holster, seems to be well made, but no matter how I position the IWB holster I just hate it. Although I have plenty of room for it it's not the least bit comfortable no matter how I position it. After fiddling with it for 30 minutes I gave up and pulled out one of my old OWB FBI cant holsters and moved on.

I'll give it one more try, but if it don't work I'm going to unscrew the clips and just use it as a OWB holster, so it's not a total waste.

Surely I'm not doing something wrong . . . .

The Versacarry has the wrong cant for RH AIWB carry, and does not cover the slide/muzzle, which will dig into some pretty tender parts of the body.

The inner facing leather of the holster should fully enshroud the pistol and be softer than the out-face and canted so it nestles in the angled groin/waist crease. Also, it appears that the holster rides a little lower than it should, thereby digging into those really tender body parts. You want to be able to have full grip on the pistol from the get-go, which you do not have with most AIWB holsters.

Personally, I make my own, and after a few fails on comfort, I have come up with designs that are totally satisfactory and secure, for both J-frame and compact semi-auto.

I hope this helps you out if you decide to give the AIWB another try.

Addendum: Sorry, I was thinking AIWB all the way, but it appears that the Versacarry is made for 4-4:30 carry. Same comfort rules apply, though: soft inner-facing leather, fully covering any steel, and the ability to have a full grasp of the pistol when drawing.

I have made a few of these, also, and they are quite comfy.

 

[stansdds]

My normal carry is IWB. For me, the comfort level varies from good to tolerable, but holster design can make a big difference. Kydex, to me, seems stiff and less comfortable than leather. My IWB holsters also extend to the muzzle, I'd think that exposed metal against my hip would be uncomfortable.

 

[URIT]

I carried OWB for about 40 years before I decided I wanted to try IWB.

I bought a Remora holster to figure out what position I wanted to carry my weapon. I found the strong side just in front of my hip bone worked the best for my body.

I bought a couple IWBs that I did not like because the leather was too thick or stiff and the clip(s) were not working for me.

Then I read a comment on the forum about the Don Hume H715-M WCS inside-the-waistband holster and I've bought more for different handguns. I currently carry either a SW 3953 or 4053 in their own H715-M. The single clip provides a slight cant that seems to adjust to my sitting, standing, or walking. It also provides a good combat grip on the draw. The price is right.

I live where it is hot and humid in the summer. This holster works well in the coastal Carolina heat when wearing a sleeveless t-shirt under a t-shirt and cargo pants.

 

[pharmer]

I've been carrying IWB for 40 years, this (MilTec USA) rig since 1994. Well, I have replaced the holster 4 times in 27 years when the safety lever wears a hole through the fabric. OP has the secret: Going from 205# to 185#. I have been making that "round trip" too often, currently on the 205# end. Joe

 

[mckenney99]

I've been carry for over 40 years and almost all of those years have been inside the waist. I've carried at the 3:30 - 4:00 position for so long that my body has de-formed into a kind of depression at my waistband there.
I started out with the cheap soft Uncle Mike's and Bianchi clip on's with "J" & "K" frame revolvers. Moved on to the Bianchi "Pistol Pocket" which was a rigid leather IWB and it was light years ahead of the soft IWB's in comfort and the ability to reholster 1 handed. When I started carrying autos I stuck with the "Pistol Pocket" until I ordered my first Milt Sparks Summer Special & I was hooked on that style. I've moved from leather IWB to Kydex for various reasons.
It will take at least 2 to 6 weeks to get used to carrying IWB, once you find the correct holster for you. A proper IWB holster will still give you a full shooting grip clearance with a clean draw, where the front sight does not snag or drag. I also agree with the others above, IWB holsters also need to cover the pistol all the way to the muzzle to protect your skin from abrasion and to protect the pistols finish.

 

[Oldsalt66]

I’ve had great success with horsehide Crossbreed Super Tucks.

 

[tominboise]

I did not have good luck with an IWB holster that has the two clips on it, like yours. Once I obtained a Kydex holster with a single clip, it was like night and day. I use a Gunfighter's Inc Wraith holster, for my G26. The kydex covers the muzzle. I wear it typically 4:00 but am experimenting with AIWB.

A good leather belt is key to carrying, but you already know that with your OWB holsters.

 

[HenryT]

I now have a 44" waist. IWB was last comfortable when I had a 34" waist, about 35 years ago.

 

[Univibe]

Even worse is appendix IWB. It inherently violates the Second Rule of safe gun handling. If the gun is discharged, and you hit the femoral artery, nothing and nobody can save you. You'll have one minute to regret your choice of holsters as your life-blood pulses away.