IWB Advice

Onomea

Onomea

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I am an OWB pancake guy. While I have occasionally over the years briefly experimented with IWB, and AIWB, I have pretty much stuck with OWB.

Recently I bought a Commader sized 1911, and decided to give IWB another go. I bought an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck, which is a hybrid holster with a neoprene backing for comfort and a kydex shell. Trying it out at home, I find it fairly comfortable, but very difficult to reinsert after drawing the gun.

Is this common with IWB? I think the difficulty comes from the belt cinching the mouth of the holster closed, so have adjusted the holster higher, but it is still an issue.

What do you IWB guys think? Any advice?

IMG_0833.webp
 
I use a DeSantis IWB for my P365. It is not practical for me to re-holster. Since the holster has a single clip, I remove the holster from my belt. I insert the pistol and the reattach the holster to my belt. If I had to secure the gun after a defensive situation, I wouldn't go through this workaround. Instead I'd drop the pistol in my back pocket. Of course that is concerning but not so much as fumbling around with the holster while buzzed with adrenaline.
 
I've got a few IWB holsters, but I never wear them - OWB when they are tight to the body works for me.

That said I don't like a wide "footprint" on either OWB or IWB - takes up too much real estate on the belt.

Riposte
 
I've had great results carrying IWB using a Don Hume H715-M WCS, but I limit the barrel length to 3.5" with a 2 o'clock carry.

I just checked and they make the holster for the 1911 4.5" too. Gunner's Alley sells Don Hume and MTR Custom Leather holsters usually at a discount to the makers prices. Worth a look and check the reviews.
 
Soft IWB holsters are difficult to impossible to re-holster the handgun. Leather holsters with a reinforced top will usually allow re-holstering. Kydex holsters will almost always allow for re-holstering. One thing that can interfere with any of these is your shirt as it can get between the firearm and holster. Ask me how I know.
 
I carry (AIWB) my CSX E-Series 3.6 inch in the holster shown below.
I will also carry my new EMP Ronin 1911 in the same holster.
The top does not collapse (reinforced) on extraction so reholstering is not a problem.
This holster is leather, has a belt claw and a comfort wedge on the back.

1000003587.webp1000003588.webp1000003589.webp
 
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Since you asked...

It's probably your holster.

I've carried IWB seven-days-a-week for like, forever. All of mine are easy to re-holster with one hand. In my line of work I had to be able to keep my week hand free.


1911 Commander - Galco Royal Guard (my favorite).

IMG_7901.webp


Galco Royal Guard - Glock 23
IMG_4404.webp


SIG P320 - Mitch Rosen (don't like the metal clip).
IMG_4426.webp


CANiK MC9 - Black Scorpion (kydex)
IMG_8927.webp


S&W 66 - Bianchi
IMG_4418.webp

And too many others to list here.

I actually prefer IWB over OWB. Part of it is I had to (concealment) and got accustomed to it. IWB helps the weapon stay out of the way when working in tight circumstances.

Just my 2¢ from someone who has a lot of experience wearing them.

,
 
WardenRoss, I appreciate the photos.

Do you typically wear a sport coat or similar as a cover garment? If so, what is the advantage over a high riding OWB for you?

When you say, “IWB helps the weapon stay out of the way when working in tight circumstances,” could you give examples?

BigD, re “Simply do not understand the allure of holsters like this. 🤷‍♂️,” it appealed to me as it is advertised and reviewed as being very comfortable. In the past when I have tried IWB, the issue for me has been I found it uncomfortable.

In looking online for a bit, difficulty reholstering is a common common complaint with this model. (“It’s probably the holster,” as WardenRoss put it). One way people have dealt is to use the larger “washers” at the top of the holster making for a larger opening.

IMG_0841.webp

I’m gonna try that.

An additional way people deal with it is to suck in their waist when reholstering, makingmore space between belt, holster and body.

We’ll see.
 
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Do you typically wear a sport coat or similar as a cover garment? If so, what is the advantage over a high riding OWB for you?

Oh yeah. Always wear something over it. Loose shirt, jacket, long vest whatever. I took those pics for a guy on another form who couldn't visualize the set-up.


When you say, “IWB helps the weapon stay out of the way when working in tight circumstances,” could you give examples?

The IWB holster works about the same as a close pancake but the pancakes are difficult to re-holster, especially with one hand. The pancake can be more visible when you stoop or reach, etc. Speaking about a full size weapon.

Tight circumstances? Squeezing between fences, buildings, porches, trees, bushes, crawling under stuff. Less material hanging out to snag. Just my experience.

Another thing I like about IWB is they are easy to remove if you are in and out of places where you can't carry. The weapon stays in the holster (trigger covered) and you can quickly remove the whole shebang.


,
 
Serious question: why are some of you seemingly so concerned about re-holstering?

Be safe.

Note: IWB holsters are not, in my experience, used for training/quals involving “draw from IWB” holsters. Moreover, if used defensively, the gun is not likely to be back in the holster immediately.

Be safe.
 
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Riposte1 said:
That said I don't like a wide "footprint" on either OWB or IWB - takes up too much real estate on the belt.
Click to expand...
I think the advantage of a wide footprint is the weight gets distributed, making it less noticeable, And other than holding my pants up, plus the holster, I got nothing else for the belt to manage..
 
The Big D said:
Serious question: why are some of you seemingly so concerned about re-holstering?
Click to expand...
This is a good point. I have always practiced drawing with my holsters, dry and live fire, as a matter of common sense — plus, I enjoy getting better at it — but for the times I want or need deep concealment, which is why I bought this holster, reholstering should not be an issue.

I suppose I could just practice getting a firm grip on it and drawing it only slightly, so that I gain familiarity and confidence in it without actually practicing a complete draw…
 
Onomea said:
This is a good point. I have always practiced drawing with my holsters, dry and live fire, as a matter of common sense — plus, I enjoy getting better at it — but for the times I want or need deep concealment, which is why I bought this holster, reholstering should not be an issue.

I suppose I could just practice getting a firm grip on it and drawing it only slightly, so that I gain familiarity and confidence in it without actually practicing a complete draw…
Click to expand...
You really gotta have the right holster for the handgun and placement of carry.
All holsters are not created the same...some have flimsy top openings that collapse inward after extraction and you have to use both hands to reholster. you can get thin and thick Kydex holsters...and I hate all Kydex holsters but the thick ones are less prone to have the problem you are having.
 
I have some Kydex range holsters. They perform well, But for OWB carry I prefer leather. My Mitch Rosen, Lobo, Kramer, Galco, and DeSantis concealed carry holsters all have no issues with the mouth closing. My EPS Street Combat does have that issue though. (But that one is carved, and I got it more for looks than actual CCW use. Still waiting on the BBQ invite tho…)
 
Onomea said:
I am an OWB pancake guy. While I have occasionally over the years briefly experimented with IWB, and AIWB, I have pretty much stuck with OWB.

Recently I bought a Commader sized 1911, and decided to give IWB another go. I bought an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck, which is a hybrid holster with a neoprene backing for comfort and a kydex shell. Trying it out at home, I find it fairly comfortable, but very difficult to reinsert after drawing the gun.

Is this common with IWB? I think the difficulty comes from the belt cinching the mouth of the holster closed, so have adjusted the holster higher, but it is still an issue.

What do you IWB guys think? Any advice?

View attachment 854008
Click to expand...
I carry a Sig P365 in an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck.
I've had no problems with holstering or re-holstering it.
FWIW, when carrying IWB, I've found it is a good idea to wear pants that are 1 size larger than "normal".
Maybe your pants waistband isn't big enough to accommodate IWB - or maybe you're cinching your belt too tight?
Just a thought....
 
Something you might try, a thin, soft type leather, or a cloth type, the thick leather type is like wearing a brick.. try it at around 1 O'clock, or 11 O'clock, right up front easy to draw, some are too high or too low where they sit under your belt, and the shorter barrel is best when you sit down, takes a few days to get used to it, just my 2 cents..
 
The Big D said:
Serious question: why are some of you seemingly so concerned about re-holstering?

Be safe.

Note: IWB holsters are not, in my experience, used for training/quals involving “draw from IWB” holsters. Moreover, if used defensively, the gun is not likely to be back in the holster immediately.

Be safe.
Click to expand...
Why reholster? Because when you are practicing your draw you have to get the gun back in the holster to keep practicing. Seriously just like anything else in order to be confident and proficient you have to practice.

And yes if your going to carry IWB you should training IWB. I've held training and guys would show up with full tac rigs BUT I knew they routinely carried some sort of clip on holster. I'd say something about practicing with what they routinely carry and hear all kinds of excuses.
 
Onomea said:
Well, I do cinch pretty tight to keep my pants from fallin’ down…. Small butt, big gut. (Substantial and manly profile….)
Click to expand...
So you have the "old man affliction" - noassatall?
I've never had to deal with that particular problem myself.
I've always had more than enough booty to keep my pants up... ;)
 
Onomea,

I have been carrying for 34 years and I have carried quite a few different types of handguns. I have also helped quite a few people into carrying, and I hand stitch my own holsters.

WardenRoss ^ really knows what he is doing!

Please consider some of these thoughts - my apologies if I am preaching to the choir:
  • Carrying IWB or AIWB is about concealability, and not much else. It might give an edge in a SD situation, whereas open carry might make one a target. I prefer AIWB because it puts my handgun in front of my body and within the male natural protection area. This makes the chances of someone grabbing my firearm much smaller. It is also the most concealed position, especially in hotter areas where layers of clothing is out of the question.
  • It takes some time getting used to IWB, and especially AIWB. Most folks I spoke to or read from said they took two to three weeks just getting used to a firearm around their groin. Getting comfortable with it usually takes a lot longer. Actually, carrying a handgun should be comforting rather than comfortable.
  • Not all firearms carry equally comfortable. The most comfortable proper handgun I have ever carried was a small Taurus Ultralite in .38 Spl (not counting mouse guns) and even there some folks would hopefully differ.
  • Not all handguns necessarily fit all body types. I am 5'6" and 185pounds, and I can carry two full sized pistols AIWB. That said, some folks simply cannot fit a certain handgun on their bodies and need to get something else.
  • One of the most important things in carrying a handgun is the belt one uses. Way too many folks struggle to carry simply because they use a thin, narrow and floppy dress belt. A proper belt can either be a dedicated gun belt (stitched thick leather with stiffening insert) or a webbing (tactical) type belt. Generally 1 1/2" wide, 1/4" thick with a proper adjustable buckle. It should preferably go outside/around the firearm - even with a pancake holster - because the belt is supposed to carry the weight of the handgun. Putting the gun outside the belt might cause it to flop around and becoming heavy later in the day. Then the gun becomes a safe queen because carrying "is so uncomfortable".
  • Secondly, search for the best (most comfortable) place on your body, preferably before involving a holster. Recommendation: get a small towel or fluffy piece of cloth and wrap it around your pistol, and start carrying it IWB or AIWB around the house for a few days. Three things to consider: location, cant and depth.
    • (If you take a close look at WardenRoss's photos, his handguns are roughly four inches behind his hipbone, irrespective of the type. They all have a very similar cant and depth, except for the Glock which is normal.)
    • The location is the exact sweet spot on your body. That might be within half an inch off a certain spot, but once you have it, it usually works well. One has to search for it by moving the firearm several times during the process. Sometimes one can dismiss a position fast, but move back to a close by position several times because it seems to work well. One guy even carried his pistol AIWB, left hand side, with the grip facing to the right.
    • The cant of the pistol speaks for itself, but it could make a big difference in the comfortability of carrying. The natural balance of pistols differ between brand, and also on your body. Whilst trying it out at home in the cloth, please try adjusting it back and forth to get the exact cant in the correct position.
    • The depth makes a huge difference because it makes the gun fit to your body. One person might find it comfortable with only the slide being behind the belt and the rest protruding above, and another might find it way easier to carry the grip of the gun barely protruding above the belt.
  • Once one has these three things sorted out, one gets a holster which meets the criteria. Your holster can be adjusted, which should make things much easier. Personally, I do not like the hybrid type holsters because they tend to feel very bulky, but not all shooters feel the same in this regard. I have been carrying in leather for a very long time, but I am considering a dedicated AIWB kydex holster.
Last thing: you asked about reholstering - it usually takes slightly longer with IWB, and one needs to pay extra attention to find the opening of the holster. Many dedicated IWB and AIWB carriers upsize their pants one size to have enough space.
 
Last edited:
Ds J said:
Onomea,

I have been carrying for 34 years and I have carried quite a few different types of handguns. I have also helped quite a few people into carrying, and I hand stitch my own holsters.

WardenRoss ^ really knows what he is doing!

Please consider some of these thoughts - my apologies if I am preaching to the choir:
  • Carrying IWB or AIWB is about concealability, and not much else. It might give and edge in a SD situation, whereas open carry might make one a target. I prefer AIWB because it puts my handgun in front of my body and within the male natural protection area. This makes the chances of someone grabbing my firearm much smaller. It is also the most concealed position, especially in hotter areas where layers of clothing is out of the question
    • It takes some time getting used to IWB, and especially AIWB. Most folks I spoke to or read from said they took two to three weeks just getting used to a firearm around their groin. Getting comfortable with it usually takes a lot longer. Actually, carrying a handgun should be comforting rather than comfortable.
    • Not all firearms carry equally comfortable. The most comfortable proper handgun I have ever carried was a small Taurus Ultralite in .38 Spl (not counting mouse guns) and even there some folks would hopefully differ.
    • Not all handguns necessarily fit all body types. I am 5'6" and 185pounds, and I can carry two full sized pistols AIWB. That said, some folks simply cannot fit a certain handgun on their bodies and need to get something else.
    • One of the most important things in carrying a handgun is the belt one uses. Way too many folks struggle to carry simply because they use a thin, narrow and floppy dress belt. A proper belt can either be a dedicated gun belt (stitched thick leather with stiffening insert) or a webbing (tactical) type belt. Generally 1 1/2" wide, 1/8" thick with a proper adjustable buckle. It should preferably go outside/around the firearm - even with a pancake holster - because the belt is supposed to carry the weight of the handgun. Putting the gun outside the belt might cause it t flop around and becoming heavy later in the day. Then the gun becomes a safe queen because carrying "is so uncomfortable".
    • Secondly, search for the best (most comfortable) place on your body, preferably beforeinvolving a holster. Recommendation: get a small towel or fluffy piece of cloth and wrap it around your pistol, and start carrying it IWB or AIWB around the house for a few days. Three things to consider: location, cant and depth.
      • (If you take a close look at WardenRoss's photos, his handguns are roughly four inches behind his hipbone, irrespective of the type. They all have a very similar cant and depth, except for the Glock which is normal.)
      • The location is the exact sweet spot on your body. That might be within half an inch off a certain spot, but once you have it, it works well. One guy even carried his pistol AIWB, left hand side, with the grip facing to the right.
      • The cant of the pistol speaks for itself, but it could make a big difference in the comfortability of carrying. The natural balance of pistols differ between brand, and also on your body. Whilst trying it out at home in the cloth, please try adjusting it back and forth to get the exact cant in the correct position.
      • The depth makes a huge difference because it makes the gun fit to your body. One person might find it comfortable with only the slide being behind the belt and the rest protruding above, and another might find it way more easy to carry the the grip of the gun barely protruding above the belt.
    • Once one has these three things sorted out, one gets a holster which meets the criteria. Your holster can be adjusted, which should make things much easier. Personally, I do not like the hybrid type holsters because they tend to feel very bulky, but not all shooters feel the same in this regard. I have been carrying in leather for a very long time, but I am considering a dedicated AIWB kydex holster.
    • Last thing: you asked about reholstering - it usually takes slightly longer with IWB, and one needs to pay extra attention to find the opening of the holster. Many dedicated IWB and AIWB carriers upsize their pants one size to have enough space.
Click to expand...
FWIW, I've been carrying concealed since 1986 - 40 years now.
I think I've pretty much tried it all.
Ankle carry, boot carry, OWB, IWB, AIWB, cross-draw, pants pocket carry, coat pocket carry, shoulder holster, fanny pack, carry vest.
Of all the options I've tried, the only one I have never been able to get at all comfortable with is AIWB.
Not because it was physically uncomfortable, but because I could never get used to the idea of having a gun pointed at my privates, and/or the inside of my thigh (femoral artery). Maybe it is just a mental "thing", but to me, that seems like the next worst thing to walking around with a loaded gun pointed at my head.
If you're comfortable with where your AIWB gun is pointed, then more power to ya', and AIWB may be the best option for you.
But it just doesn't work for me. AIWB would be my very last choice for concealed carry.
JMO and as always, YMMV...
 
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Nothing helpful here. Been carrying OWB (leather) for 53 years. Guys I shoot with always ask if I'm carrying? "Yeah, same place as always." This is why God invented Hawaiian shirts. Or OWB flannel shirts in cooler weather.

Go to a cop picnic in NJ/NY/CT area. You'll think you landed on the big island.

In need of really discreet concealment get a pocket holster for a G-42 or maybe a LCP if desperate. YMMV.
 
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