First IWB Holster . . . I hate it.

[Buford57]

I used the Pistol Pocket with a Colt.357 snub at 4 o,'clock for about 3 years. It rode comfortably but impinged on the sciatic nerve to the point that I walked with a limp. If I had it to do over I'd try 3:00 to 3:30. The most concealable carry isn't always the most practical.

 

[crazyphil]

I tried to find the comfortable IWB, and bought a lot of them to try.
Never did find one. Comfortable and IWB just don't go together in the
same sentence. I still have a few because there are times
when they fit the occasion, but I can't say comfortable.

 

[The Preacher]

I've tried the "tuckable" IWB and just can't get used to them. It was mentioned above about pants size. No way can I carry IWB with my "normal" fit jeans and be comfortable. I've heard to get pants waist size 1" larger than normal fit and that's a key to IWB carry. You folks who carry IWB, have you altered your pants waist size to carry IWB comfortably?

The Preacher

 

[Llance]

These are the holsters I use for EDC. The one shown with the pistol in the holster can be worn either inside the waist or outside. The two light tan leather holsters come with an inside the waist belt clip which i have taken off because i prefer to wear my large and small semi-autos inside the belt not inside the waist band of my pants. Inside the belt holds the pistol just as close to my body as it would be if inside the waist without the firearm digging into my hip bone or other locations where there is a danger of an instantaneous amputation of an important body part.

 

[Goblin]

I've carried for years IWB and have settled on the Milt Sparks SSII, which I love. However, I don't like it with large guns like the G19 or M&P. I carried a Kahr CW 9 until recently acquiring a P365, almost identical in size. That's my sweet spot. Even carrying a Cobra vs. a J frame (SSII for both), the difference in comfort is noticeable, and a Cobra isn't that much larger than the M37.

 

[Waxster60]

For the first few years after starting to carry concealed routinely, I went with OWB. That worked fine during colder months with wearing concealing clothing layers and was unnoticeable with a sturdy belt. However, during the rest of the year, it wasn't the best choice for my 5'11" 150lb frame with the grip butt printing even with a compact sized pistol.

So, I tried a couple of different IWB holsters. With any of them, you will notice it there at first, but keep with it. Like a new pair of shoes or eyeglasses, it will take some time to adjust to the new feel. Also, you may need to take some time to fine tune the exact best placement on your belt. I finally settled on the smaller Garrett Silent Thunder for my Glock 30 and Glock 19 - basically the same size holsters and pistols. Kydex exterior, leather lined interior- best of both worlds. Now, its IWB all the time -comfortable, no printing even with a t-shirt in the summer, and haven't looked back. The OWB holsters are all retired from CC, though may occasionally get taken out with full size pistols at the range .

 

[firefighterjohn]

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.

I agree 100% with 326MOD10's advice and experience with the N8 IWB holsters.

I originally got one for my G19. I love the fact that it covers the ENTIRE grip so it doesn't rub against my side...I hate that irritation! Plus, the sheep skin backing is smooth, soft, and keeps you from sweating against it.

I've since bought some for family members as gift for their EDCs. I then got one for my P365 and several others.

I'm sold on them for a lot of reasons. My EDC; which ever one I choose, seems to just disappear then it's in a N8.

 

[dmar]

I don't care for OWB for concealed carry, and find IWB much more convenient/effective to conceal.. So, I mostly IWB, and sometimes pocket carry.

In my experience, for IWB, you need to have a well designed, quality holster. The best I've found/used is Milt Sparks. The Sparks VMII is a great holster, and comfortable IWB. I also like the Milt Sparks Summer Special. The only other holsters I'd invest in were Lobo Gun Leather holsters, also excellent holsters, back when they were made by our esteemed forum member...

With these holsters, I can comfortably carry larger frame guns, including full size 1911s, Glock 17s with no problem.although it's usually a Glock 19). I forget they're there.

 

[evildoctorwho]

First, you need to have a good belt, one made for carrying the weight of a pistol or revolver. My favorite holsters are the Bianchi #3 pistol pocket, I have 6-7 of them. I have carried a 4 inch K Frame comfortably for 8hrs or more. But, like someone else has said, everyone's body is different

 

[flagaman1950]

I have only carried since it was legal in my state, 15 - 20 years it seems. The only type IWB that seems to work for me is the offset belt clip type such as the one from Lobo or ETW. The clip behind the trigger just lays more comfortably for me.

 

[Onomea]

I'm one for whom IWB just doesn't work. I find it too uncomfortable. Usually carry in an OWB pancake with a shirt or jacket covering. Pocket carry in a Mika, or a Kramer, occasionally.

Feeling slightly ridiculous, tried a SmartCarry with my 640-1 for the first time today. (Thing looks like a heavy duty jock strap minus the leg straps....)

But... surprisingly, truly comfortable. No way anyone will make you unless you go through a metal detector. Gun is readily accessible.

Wore it on a three mile walk to get used to it. Early days, but I am favorably impressed.

 

[gregintenn]

That holster doesn't look at all comfortable. I've sold a bunch of these, from Ruger LCP size up to a 5" 1911. I haven't received the first complaint about comfort.