First IWB Holster . . . I hate it.

[LoboGunLeather]

You are not alone. In my experience (43 years making holsters for customers in all 50 US states and 33 other countries) about half of all people cannot tolerate IWB carry for extended periods of time.

If such a thing as the "perfect holster" existed there would be no need for anything else to meet any requirements. There is a similar explanation for the many different handgun designs in regular use.

Every holster design involves compromises among the 4 basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealment. Emphasizing one factor requires compromises in the other factors. Each user must decide which factors are most important for their needs and how much compromise is acceptable.

 

[ExcitableBoy]

Lobo:

I totally agree. Also, when it comes to fit and comfort, it is best that the customer/wearer be personally fitted. I've done this for a few friends and have had no complaints.

As I am not a commercial maker, cost is "good will" and "down the road" reciprocation.

Works for me.

 

[gerhard1]

Having carried concealed for nearly 50 years, I found IWB carry uncomfortable at first, but once I got used to it, it became quite comfortable.

In my case, all it was was getting used to it.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

When I'm not pocket carrying I carry IWB. Always have carried IWB except in the field. I can handle almost any compact handgun IWB and I've been overweight for years!

I always suspected that that Versacarry wouldn't work for me so I never tried one. Tonight I carried my M649 in a Kydex IWB holster and I carry my 9mm in a Kydex IWB as well. I also have a Galco Summer Special or whatever they call their leather IWB that they copied from Milt Sparks. It works equally as well as the Kydex.

That's my two EDCs but for the guns that I MIGHT carry I can't even begin to count the number of different holsters that I have for them but most of the concealment holsters are IWB. It just takes getting used to.....

 

[deputy584]

I carry my 2" 686P in an azula holster AIWB, I couldn't do it years ago at 265, I started to eat keto and went to 210. At 20 years as an LEO, I spent 10 years in CID and that packed on the pounds. Now as a Sergeant on patrol and 55lbs lighter the kids have a hard time keeping up with the "old sarge"

 

[crows]

"There's no right answer here, just what works for you."

Pretty much sums it up. If you want to try a different brand, go for it, that sometimes makes a difference. But I know a lot of people that absolutely hate IWB carry. It has worked fine for me for over 30 years, but that is me. Go with what works for you.

 

[waffles]

I carry my 2" 686P in an azula holster AIWB, I couldn't do it years ago at 265, I started to eat keto and went to 210. At 20 years as an LEO, I spent 10 years in CID and that packed on the pounds. Now as a Sergeant on patrol and 55lbs lighter the kids have a hard time keeping up with the "old sarge"

Congrats on the weight loss! That's also a good point, IWB but especially AIWB is really impacted by a person's weight. If you've got a gut or love handles for your pistol to jam into, you're going to have a way different experience than you would if you shed the pounds (in case any of us need another reason to get to being healthy).

 

[xsexcess]

Since they changed the law on 'accidental printing' to no longer being grounds for having your concealed carry permit pulled (Texas), I've completely gone to OWB. I'm pretty trim, no belly roll, but it just isn't worth being uncomfortable. I have them for J frame, small automatic etc. And....looks matter. I look for the Tom Threepersons design OWB holsters. Available for almost everything. Pancakes are good too (but not as traditional / cool to me).

 

[KS_SW_guy]

IWB vs OWB

I do not like the looks of the versacarry, I also know a major key for me is to carry the gun deep so the grip is just above the belt. You can get a full grip, but have to practice. I have been carrying daily for 14 years always IWB tucked under a shirt during the work week and occasionally OWB on weekends and evenings. About 5-6 years ago I decided to carry a S&W Shield and did so in a handmade copy of the Mitch Rosen "The Workman" a friend made for me at 4:00...definitely the most comfortable holster I owned for a number of years. I started having low back pain and watching the AIWB videos and decided to try AIWB with a Sig365 in a Vetter single clip, AIWB kydex holster with strut. I have never looked back, AIWB is easily the most comfortable position for me 5'6" 230lbs (big bones)! I went back to the S&W Shield PC 9mm because it is lighter and slimmer, in a locally made Kydex AIWB, tuckable holster. Carry at 1:00.

 

[9mmPatriot]

Shop | Best Conceal and Carry | Celtic Holsters LLC

 

[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.