IWB or OWB - 'stability' difference?

[Ranger17]

Hi all. As I begin to research holster options for when I'm ready to carry/train and knowing I could have a holster collection like my hats (a pile in the closet where just 1 or 2 get the most use) I wanted to ask a different question than "what works best for a Shield".

I'm used to wearing, uh, "relaxed fit" shorts and pants which are loose enough that putting a phone in my pocket tugs on them. This grandpa is way past wearing tighter fitting clothing lol.
So knowing I no longer have a shape conducive to holding up pants/holster without cinching up a belt nice and tight -- is carrying in or out any easier just for the fact of helping to stay in place and I guess travel better when walking or moving about? Less shifting around?

I'm thinking IWB holds in place better since it rides against one's skin, but not sure hence the question.



thx!

 

[MetalMan]

I have been very pleased with the comfort, security and conceal-ability of my 60-15, 3" (J-Frame) in a Milt Sparks VersamaxII IWB holster, especially during warm winter months. I would also recommend the horsehide-back option as this appears to be less susceptible to absorbing moisture than other leather materials. I would think that a Shield carried in this manner might be a reasonable option for you.

I find that my K-Frames or Ultra Carry are too bulky for IWB - especially during the summer- and ride OWB during cooler months when cover clothing is more appropriate. Personally, I find that OWB seems a bit less stable than the 'J' carried IWB.

YMMV.......

 

[AlHunt]

Grandpa, get ready for tighter fitting clothing. Or at least a better belt. If a cell phone tugs your pants down, a firearm will have them around your knees.

My recommendation is IWB, between appendix and 12:00, a holster with a very sturdy clip and a thick, wide belt. A wide belt will ride differently than the narrower belts you may be accustomed to. Leather works better than anything, at least for me.

Pocket carry could be an option. You'll still need the belt.

Good luck.

 

[iPac]

I would say that either carry style will require pants that are the correct size to stay up on your hip or with belt use. They both have the weight of the gun no matter which you choose.

As for me, I always carry concealed IWB. I have a very skinny frame, and IWB is the only way for me to keep it 'concealed'. On the hip gives too much printing. If I am not trying to conceal it, then I use a hip holster.

I carry either a 2" Detective Special in a Galco Tuc, a 2.5" Python in a Bianchi 6D4 modified for the shorter barrel and better fit, or my Beretta PX4 Storm compact in a cheap nylon.

The DS is easy to carry because of size, and the PX4 is not bad either but is a little thicker. The Python has the most 'bulk' but I can still keep it from printing IWB at my 1 o'clock carry position.

However, with IWB carry, if you are carrying a gun that has some value I would recommend wearing a shirt that is tucked in so the gun cannot press against your skin. The contact, especially if sweating occurs, will act like acid on a blue finish over time. I always wear UnderArmour compression fit shirts as a base layer because they are so nice, but any under shirt tucked in would work.

Also, when wearing on the hip, I use an actual gun belt that is 1/4" thick. But with IWB, I use a normal size leather belt because the gun belts thickness will cause it to protrude to much, thus printing.

 

[Hawker800]

Grandpa, get ready for tighter fitting clothing. Or at least a better belt. If a cell phone tugs your pants down, a firearm will have them around your knees.



My recommendation is IWB, between appendix and 12:00, a holster with a very sturdy clip and a thick, wide belt. A wide belt will ride differently than the narrower belts you may be accustomed to. Leather works better than anything, at least for me.



Pocket carry could be an option. You'll still need the belt.



Good luck.

Of course if grandpa is still using one if these, that would do it.

 

[Jaysq]

I'm afraid you are going to have to make some changes either way you carry. Even IWB requires a gun belt to get the best results. I also believe that you will not find IWB carry very comfortable for you if you like your clothes that loose. I think OWB will be more comfortable for you and that is the only way I carry my Shield. You can still wear loose pants if you tighten the belt a bit.

 

[Ranger17]

thanks for the tips and the grandpa jokes so far lol.

No old school phone use here but dropping 2 iphones in my cargo pocket and i can look like a little thug wannabe. So while i wish i had the trim waist from my HS wrestling days in the 70's, that's not gonna happen so i know a good belt will be critical. And i think a nice IWB holster (for a Shield PC) will be where i start.
At least as this isnt something I have to do 'today' i have time to not only find the right equipment but also get used to lugging around something on my belt.

 

[dben002]

I saw no mention of a type of weapon you think you will carry.

So a lot will depend on that alone...and are you wanting to carry concealed, or outside the waist band? You can certainly conceal in the colder climate months OWB with a cover garment.

Depending on your weapon of choice ?????? I would give a look at the following: IWB OR OWB - Alien Gear Holsters or Foxx Holsters...I have both and they are both well made and comfortable either carry style. OR for OWB look at Bravo Concealment holsters.

But first get a quality leather gun belt..without it you are wasting your money on a good holster.

 

[Miljet]

A gun belt holds my gun. Suspenders hold up my pants and gun belt.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Try suspenders, if cinching up a belt is too difficult.

 

[Ranger17]

guess i should add, that while it may sound like i'm some over the hill rapper with pants down to the ankles, I've just been one who's worked from home for near 10 years and tends to prefer comfy and casual wear unless going to a mtg or dressing up for a date w/ the wife (when a belt and nice clothes are no longer optional).
And as i'm in my 50's and never carried before i'm just not used to the idea of hauling weight around on my side. But i realize that if this is something I will pursue then I need to do it right.

As for what I'd carry, if concealed it would be a Shield. If out and about on family property than perhaps my full size MP if ever needed (and being on our prop allows for more options for how i'd carry as well). I do like the idea of Alien gear, may try their 2-for deals to get something for both IWB and OWB

thx!

 

[star1]

I have an Alien Gear IWB and it is great with my SD9VE , still need a good belt. I also use a BlackHawk OWB for at the range , around the house and competition.
Norm

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

THE key to OWB is a GOOD belt. With IWB, it may not be as critical, particularly if you wear jeans that fit fairly closely right below the waist. With loose clothing and not such a great belt, IWB can be worse than good OWB.

The belt requirements, in my experience, are slightly different. IWB, you want a fairly wide belt, and stiffness isn't so important. OWB, stiffness is everything, wideness is not as important, but the belt needs to match the belt loops or slots. However, wider is still usually better, unless you're concerned with looks.

 

[Rick_A]

OWB will typically require a more supportive belt.

Which holster is largely a matter of preference, gun type, and dress.

 

[AlHunt]

THE key to OWB is a GOOD belt. With IWB, it may not be as critical, particularly if you wear jeans that fit fairly closely right below the waist. With loose clothing and not such a great belt, IWB can be worse than good OWB.

The belt requirements, in my experience, are slightly different. IWB, you want a fairly wide belt, and stiffness isn't so important. OWB, stiffness is everything, wideness is not as important, but the belt needs to match the belt loops or slots. However, wider is still usually better, unless you're concerned with looks.

To me, width gives more surface area to keep gravity at bay.

The most boring part of successfully carrying a holstered firearm is the most important - a good belt. Where would Batman have been without his Bat-Utility Belt?

 

[AlHunt]

This IWB works very well for me:

Shop Glock Ambush GLK005TR

I think they make M&P holsters and might have threatened to make some for the shield.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I'm not sure how helpful this post will be, but I'll give it a shot.

First off, I'll state the obvious that everybody's different so my experiences are likely to be different than others, and what works for me may not work for you.

I've only had 1 gun that I've carried both IWB and OWB, a Glock 23. IWB was a Milt Sparks Summer Special II and OWB was a horsehide Kramer Belt Scabbard. Belt was a 1.25" Kramer double-layer horsehide belt. I didn't go cheap on gear. My experience was that OWB felt less stable to me because unless I cinched the belt uncomfortably tight the gun always felt like it was pulling away. IWB was more comfortable to me. A 1.5" belt might've helped. So now I just stick with IWB.

Also, I currently carry a 642-1. Even though it's light and compact, I still prefer to carry it IWB with my 1.5" Beltman belt than my 1.25" Beltman belt (both belts are double-layer bullhide), and I prefer either belt to my 1.5" Wilderness Instructor Frequent Flyer 5-stitch belt. FWIW, I wear relaxed-fit jeans. They are a little on the loose side, mostly due to some weight loss. However, I still cinch my belt snug (but not tight, or to the point it's uncomfortable).

I agree with the advice to try suspenders if you think you might have issues keeping your pants up. Perry Suspenders generally come well-recommended. They attach to the belt, not the pants, so I think they'd do a good job of supporting a gun. A good gunbelt would still be required, though. If I were going to use suspenders, I'd try Perry first. I don't know if it's an accurate statement, but I've read that some US Secret Service Special Agents on protection details use Perry Suspenders because of all the gear they have to carry.

 

[Radco]

My 2 cents, I carry 99% of the time with my Jel Tech IWB Kydex Holster JelTecHolsters – Budget Minded Products
I too amd a Grandpa who hips and Butt fell off from age
The advantage of a IWB is is does tighten up your pants abit and with a good belt your pants stay up
A good gun belt will be a plus

 

[Trooper224]

This has been my standard mode of carry, year round, for the last twenty three years.

You're going to need a good belt, if you don't want to spring for a leather belt something like the Wilderness Belt is a good option. Made from heavy nylon, it's lighter than a leather alternative and what I use in the summer months when my shirt is typically outside my pants or shorts.

Don't skimp on the holster. Alien Gear and Ramora have been mentioned. Avoid these as they're ****. I don't mean to harsh anyones mellow, but that's just the way it is. The holster needs to be secured to your belt, the Ramora is a disaster waiting to happen. The fact that it collapses when you draw the gun is the final nail in its ill conceived coffin. The Alien Gear is made of such shoddy materials, it's obvious why it's so cheap. With a holster the phrase "Buy once cry once." really applies.

I prefer a leather IWB holster as I find them far more comfortable, but there are many companies working in Kydex too.

 

[Ranger17]

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions, always appreciated on this site.
Yeah i joke around about liking baggy pants and if i wear a belt it has a little stretch but just used to that form of comfort compared to tighter fitting clothes. But i do know that in order to carry correctly i will have to adjust my wardrobe a wee bit.
As for the Alien Gear holsters i heard from one of the RO's where i go that he ran into issues as well with their clips etc and also prefers leather. So as always i have plenty to learn and research on.