I'm considering two holsters for AIWB carry...

[CoMF]

First, I'll concede that the two candidates are probably not "ideal" for AIWB or AIWB crossdraw carry or concealment, but I was wondering if anyone who has owned either one could weigh in with their experiences.

First up is the Safariland 27. It looks like a sturdy, no-nonsense holster and I'm pleased with Safarilaminate's wear characteristics. My concern is 1) the belt clip is directly over the cylinder and seems to make the holster ride a little high, which could hinder concealment (it also has me worried the holster will slip out of my pants if I have to bend or stoop down or, worse yet, cause my M36 to fall out), and 2) I worry the fit may be a bit sloppy for a pre-magnum J frame. The belt clip rotating on its own worried me at first, but I think I could fix that with a toothed lock washer if it came to it.

Option two is the DeSantis Flex-Tuk. You know... If I didn't know any better, I'd say this is a poor man's Ritchie Leather Co. "Stinger." I like the offset belt clip which seems like it lends itself well to AIWB carry (if this is not the case, please weigh in as I'm interested in how well the concept works in practice), however I am once again worried about sloppy fit as it appears to be sized with the magnum J in mind. It too seems to ride a little higher than I'd like it to, but this photo from Midway makes it appear that the height is in fact adjustable.

I know... I know... Why am I considering lesser options when I could just go ahead and commission a Stinger from Ritchie Gunleather. The truth is, the wife would kill me if I spent $100+ on another holster, especially when she feels I have too many already. My Bianchi Pistol Pocket works great as a 4 o' clock IWB holster and works sort of ok as an AIWB in a pinch (e.g. driving to and from work), but it's not exactly what I'd call "comfortable." The fit is also not great since it's really more suited for a Colt DS or Model 10 snub. Were it not for the thumb break, retention would be nil.

I'm only considering these options because I was interested in something inexpensive but also servicable that can serve both roles reasonably well should I decide to carry AIWB while not seated in a vehicle. I appreciate any information you folks have to offer.

Edited to Add: The more I think about it, the DeSantis seems more geared towards AIWB carry only. Hm...

 

[samwood]

You might want to consider this holster Lobo Gun Leather - OFFSET BELT CLIP IWB-STYLE, NEW! from Lobo Leather. I use one for my 432 and it works quite well. I've purchased several holsters from Ray; prices are very reasonable, turnaround time is pretty quick, and Ray is a first class guy to deal with.

 

[hotrod150]

Check out acecase.com. I carry my 2" j-frames in one of their non-tuckable size 2 IWB holsters. They are a soft glove leather lined with some sort of fabric and are very comfortable for appendix carry. I've been wearing mine on a daily basis since Aug of last year-- it's sorta flimsy so probably won't last forever but they're cheap enough at about $20 that I can afford to just get a new one when this one wears out. They often have a "$20 each- two for $25" sort of deal going on also.
FWIW I tried a couple other IWB's, a suede Bianchi and a stiffer-yet Don Hume and found them uncomfortable for appendix carry. The stiffer ones are no doubt better for kidney (aka 4 oclock) position but the softer the better for appendix.

 

[66Park]

Personally, I would go with the Ritchie. Yeah, I know it's more expensive, and your wife might have an issue with that. I never skimp on holsters. Especially when you intend to walk around all day with your gun in a holster pointed at parts of you that presumably both you and your wife are very fond of, I'd want to make damned sure I had the best, both for safety and comfort as well as concealment. I have three Ritchie holsters currently, and recommend them highly. And I'll bet you they last for decades.

 

[CoMF]

To all - Thank you for your replies and suggestions. Upon reflection, I may just put off making a decision for now. It occurs to me that a holster which excels at one task may not be suited for another for a good reason; a holster that works for both 4 o'clock and appendix IWB carry probably won't excel at either. Ultimately, it will likely make the most sense if I have a dedicated holster for each mode of carry, so I'll probably end up buying both the 27 AND the DeSantis/Ritchie at some point because they each appear to have good retention characteristics (for me, it's absolutely essential that my firearm NOT fall out of the holster while it's inverted).

 

[Doug M.]

I have seen a few recommendations for the 27 by qualified people. AIWB does not seem to work for me, so I don't give it a lot of thought. It might work better as the food blister disappears.

 

[hotrod150]

....they each appear to have good retention characteristics (for me, it's absolutely essential that my firearm NOT fall out of the holster while it's inverted).

Most IWB holsters have good retention due to your waistband putting pressure on the gun. I've seen some with thumbbreaks (Bianchi Pistol Pocket_ but IMHO they are unnecesary. And what do you have planned anyway? The only way your IWB holster is going to be inverted is if you are too. If you avoid doing cartwheels the average IWB holster will probably retain the gun just fine.

 

[CoMF]

Most IWB holsters have good retention due to your waistband putting pressure on the gun. I've seen some with thumbbreaks (Bianchi Pistol Pocket_ but IMHO they are unnecesary. And what do you have planned anyway? The only way your IWB holster is going to be inverted is if you are too. If you avoid doing cartwheels the average IWB holster will probably retain the gun just fine.

Funny you should ask. It doesn't take really vigorous activity for my current holster to squeeze out of my waistband when I'm carrying AIWB crossdraw. A perfect example of this is when I'm checking the air pressure in my tires; the holster will eventually squeeze out of my waistband and turn upside down. Were it not for the thumb break, my M36 would fall out and land on my garage's concrete floor. I wouldn't be terribly bothered if this occurred with something like a Glock, but dropping a ca. 1971 Chief's Special wearing $120 custom Herrett's stocks would have me grief-stricken.

Naturally, I don't have this problem when carrying at the 4 o'clock position, but I reserve that mode of carry for when I'm out and about in street clothes. When I'm only driving to and from work or just picking up my wife from her job, I carry AIWB crossdraw. The Pistol Pocket is far from optimal for those occasions, but it works well enough that I don't have to worry too much about losing my sidearm, provided I'm not frequently bending or stooping. That's when I'm really glad I have the thumb break as an added measure of security.

 

[hotrod150]

.....It doesn't take really vigorous activity for my current holster to squeeze out of my waistband when I'm carrying AIWB crossdraw. A perfect example of this is when I'm checking the air pressure in my tires; the holster will eventually squeeze out of my waistband and turn upside down. .....

The holster squeezes out of your waistband? I've never had that problem, but I have had problems with the gunn squeezing out when I tried "mexican" (aka holsterless) IWB carry. The Bianchi Pistol Pocket hlster has a wide leather belt loop to keep it in place-- it's kind of hard for me to envision that rig squeezing out of your waistband unless you don't have it lashed to your belt. Most IWB holsters except maybe the remora have either belt loop(s) or a belt clip which in my experience keeps them in place pretty well.

 

[CoMF]

The holster squeezes out of your waistband?

The Bianchi Pistol Pocket hlster has a wide leather belt loop to keep it in place-- it's kind of hard for me to envision that rig squeezing out of your waistband unless you don't have it lashed to your belt.

There's actually a simple explanation for it. I've noticed that dedicated AIWB holsters ride low in the waistband, whereas the ones meant to be worn at the "4" position ride higher. There's less of the holster riding below the beltline, so it's easier for it to gradually squeeze its way out while bending or stooping down.

The belt loop and directional snaps work very well, and I've never had the entire assembly fall off. It just spills over my waistband, hangs upside down and looks rather silly (not to mention the fact that it's now situated muzzle up which isn't so much of a laughing matter). I made a habit of NOT bending or stooping while wearing this holster in the AIWB crossdraw position because of this. But, when I'm wearing a holster in a manner for which it was not intended, certain concessions have to be made I guess.

I seriously may just get the Flex Tuk/Stinger for this purpose. They're both designed from the ground up as AIWB carry holsters, from their neutral cant to their low ride height.

 

[VictorLouis]

I carry AWIB in a soft nylon rig with Desantis brand metal clips (the best clip I've ever seen/used). The frontstrap of my K-frame's grip is just barely above my belt line. With an auto, the front strap rests on my belt line. Carried deeply like this, there is no risk of holster gymnastics as you describe, even while inflating the tires, LOL.

My draw is modified a bit, in that i jam my thumb between my gut and LH side of the grip and begin to lift just a little, then my fingers can curl into place for the proper grip. I've not yet gotten around to making myself a leather rig whereby I can holster one-handed, that's the downside (collapsing holstermouth).

 

[hotrod150]

Ditto for me, with the Ace Case soft holster. Butt rides just above the beltline--perfect.