First IWB Holster . . . I hate it.

Puller

Puller

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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 . . . .

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

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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.
 
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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.
 
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.:)
 
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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
GRASuju.jpg
 
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.
 
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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.
 
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.
 
I have one Versacarry holster, an OWB. I have never used it beyond trying to see if my gun would fit. It came completely flat - no molding whatsoever - and I needed to pry apart the front and back halves and force my gun into it. It is stitched vaguely in the shape of a semi-auto. Mine also has the built-in magazine holder - also flat, same problem using it. The leather is probably quality, but it is very stiff. The "holes" that seem to be for making it conform to the general shape of the gun seem to me to be lint traps. NOT one I'd recommend.
That's why I suggest that the OP try a "better" IWB instead. There are a ton of holsters better suited to try if you're so inclined. Sorry you got what's IMO not a very good item.
I have one of those G&G holsters just like yours that I got from Robertson Trading Post a few years back for a 3" K-frame, and it's like putting on an old shoe. Like so many, though, it's in the Box O' Holsters instead of on my ready line. I do use a G&G IWB holster for my 3913, 6906, 4516, Walther PPS, and pretty much any other semi in that size range.
Another good choice is the Remora IWB. They had a sale recently, 1/2 price on certain models. I bought one for a J-frame and one for the 3913 series. All I can say is, Wow! VERY comfortable, VERY easy to draw, and they aren't kidding that their material "sticks" to whatever you're wearing without clips or loops. I've worn both extensively and they do stay put! Pretty amazing. And the J-frame model fits in my cargo shorts' pocket, so it doubles as one of those. They do have a model with the traditional metal clip if you aren't ready to trust them. :D I highly recommend them. Good luck with your holsters.
 
Been carrying IWB since about 1984. Walther PPK , 3" 66, S&W 3913 and 6906 to full size Sig 220 or Beretta 92 Centurion. I'm 5'8" 165 lbs.

Since about 1988 holsters are almost always Milt Sparks Summer Specials or Executive Companions at 4-5 O'clock.

It takes about a week to get use to ......... That holster looks uncomfortable to me.. with an empty gun try "Mexican carry" around the house to find your comfy spot.

I will admit my first IWB was the Walther PPK as my "suit gun". On weekends it was a 3" 65 in a Bianchi Pistol Pocket.
 
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I've been carrying IWB since 1989. Tried the less expensive types, but when you get a top shelf manufacturer they can be quite comfortable.
Clint Smith said that "carrying a gun is comforting, not comfortable", and while I largely agree with most of what he says, I feel that with a good holster you can be in pretty good shape.
Try this Milt Sparks, if you don't like it, Brownells will take the return no questions asked. It's a bit spendy but it is a fantastic holster.

MILT SPARKS HOLSTERS SEMI-AUTO SUMMER SPECIAL 2 | Brownells

ETA, they are in stock, if you ordered today you would probably have it in hand by the weekend or the first of next week.
 
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Good subject. There's no right answer here, just what works for you. I am about 5 11, 200. I like carrying a medium size CZ pistol in a cheap kydex IWB. I prefer OWB, but it's too visible for a lot of the work I do. I have to go to IWB to be fully concealed. I carry about 1 o'clock appendix carry.
 
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Just got a Sig Sauer P365/P365XL Trigger Guard Tuckable IWB KYDEX Holster from Concealment Express. Minimal bulk, fully covers the trigger guard and the clip for attachment is secure and very well designed.
 
It's most likely not the holster. That versamax looks about as comfortable as any. A good belt and the right amount of room in your pants are just as important. But if it feels foreign to you in your pants, no holster will fix that.
 
CrossBreed

HenryT said:
I now have a 44" waist. IWB was last comfortable when I had a 34" waist, about 35 years ago.
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I have a 50" waist and my EDC is a Wilson Beretta Centurion in a Crossbreed SuperTuck supported by an elephant hide belt from The Beltman.
On in the morning, off at bedtime.
Super comfy.
Best,
Gary
 
Univibe said:
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.
Click to expand...

I wonder if shoulder carry and the various cross draw rigs had these same concerns. Any discharge in a holster is unacceptable, and thankfully the AIWB crowd (myself included) doesn't seem to be unintentionally blasting anything any more than the others. I don't blame anyone for having those concerns but for those that are comfortable with it it's am excellent way to carry.
 
AIWB, IWB, 4o'clock, pocket carry, ankle holster, semi-auto,revolver and on and on.
Concealed carry is a very personal choice. What works for one person will not necessarily work for another. Too many different body types and temperaments.

Most of the people who have carried for a long time have discovered what works for them.
Most people try different things till they find that thing that works for them.
There is no wrong answer, just the right one for you personally.
That being said here's what works for me, at this time. 😎
5'9" 140# the dreaded AIWB. Mostly the Sig P365XL.



 
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