IWB/OWB which is more trouble?

[gunfighter48]

My 1911 45ACPs go in MS Versa Max IWB holsters. My Shield 9mm goes in OWB Kydex holster if I'm wearing heavy shirts or a coat. If I'm just wearing a light weight shirt it goes in a Desantis IWB holster. Neither is any trouble what so ever. Both types of holsters are very comfortable to wear.

 

[Jkhm215]

Since I can mainly wear untucked shirts, i find I can go owb with just my shirt covering. I do wear an undershirt of some sort so I have a shirt between the gun and my skin. In the summer usually a nice colored t shirt under a casual button shirt with it unbuttoned or buttoned less than half way up. Hides even my Beretta 92 in a Wilson Lo Profile. I've found higher riding owbs to be just as good from a concealment stand point as iwb but more comfortable.

 

[ContinentalOp]

hmm It says airweight j frame which mine isn't. Or I guess you could interpret the note to be both airweight and J frame but I sure didn't' read it that way.

They're the same dimensions so the same holster will work for either one.

 

[ladder13]

OWB is difficult for me in the summer as I wear shorts and fitted T's all the time. No loose fit shirts or Hawaiins, not my style.
Winter is another story with heavier clothing.

 

[vito]

Being a bit heavier than I should be, my preferred manner of dress in the summer is shorts and a button front short sleeve shirt, Hawaian style or otherwise, not tucked in. Even reaching for a high shelf normally does not expose the OWB holster.

 

[badge 851]

For me, IWB Appendix carry is not rational. You have the gun pointed at your femoral artery, or your junk; not smart. It violates Rule #2 Never point your firearm at anything you don't want to destroy.

I carry my primary IWB @ 4 o'clock, usually in a Remora® or Sticky Holster®. In warm weather, (Polo or T shirt and shorts); primary is still IWB & BUG is in left (off side) front pocket. If I am wearing a suit & wish to remove my jacket; I have the primary in front pants pocket, BUG in an ankle holster.

It's all about what works for each of us individually.

 

[cmort666]

Since I NEVER wear untucked shirts or vests (and rarely suit or sport coats) OR open carry, I CAN'T carry OWB.

I mostly pocket carry for convenience, but when I carry anything bigger than a Smith 36, it's IWB, usually in one of my own holsters.

A couple of Christmases ago, I had to sell my Norinco M1911. I got rid of all of my M1911 holsters at the same time. I forgot that they also fit my Hi Power, so now I'll have to make myself another IWB holster for it... an easier task now that I have an 11x17" printer to make the pattern.

 

[JohnHancock]

sorry, double post

 

[joonbis]

340pd iwb appendix and naa pug pocket. Tex shoemaker holster and a nice leather holster for the pug(not sure the brand). Never even know they are there. I will say that tex shoemaker seems to have cheapened a little. This one cost $35. I got two more but they are a lot thinner now. I get mine made to ride low in the waist.

 

[snubbyfan]

Being a bit heavier than I should be, my preferred manner of dress in the summer is shorts and a button front short sleeve shirt, Hawaian style or otherwise, not tucked in. Even reaching for a high shelf normally does not expose the OWB holster.

Same thing here. An untucked tanktop's enough to cover my snubby owb.
My pancake holster with a proper belt tuck it nicely into my side.

I tried iwb once, wasn't for me. I'm thinkin' maybe trying it again someday with a different holster design.

 

[BaaBaa]

They're the same dimensions so the same holster will work for either one.

Thanks, I didn't know that.

 

[Arik]

I really prefer OWB in a good holster. More comfort, quicker access, etc.. The problem is in going inside somewhere and wearing a jacket or cover garment where its warm. Not easy to take the holster off but you look kind of strange wearing a coat inside.
Least comfortable is IWB. If its not perfect, its not comfortable. If its not comfortable, you tend not to do it all the time.
I've found Remoras to be the best as far as IWB comfort goes. I would still prefer it in a holster.
What do you all do? Grin and bear it? Keep your coat on and burn up?
I try and dress and carry dependent on where I plan on being, but you know how plans go. A paddle holster is nice for versatility but not the best for concealment.
Just thinking out loud here and know some fine ideas will surface with this group.

I don't see a difference in quicker access. In both cases you'd lift up the shirt and the gun is right there.

I don't care for owb. It tends to pull my pants down regardless of holster or belt. IWB stays firmly between my body and the belt. I carry right behind the hip in a hybrid holster with clips spread far apart. This way the weight is spread far apart and they don't add thickness to the holster the way they do when close together. The thinnest gun I carry is a glock. I can carry comfortably from sun up to sun down

 

[Puddintame]

Kydex IWB has always been my preference. pops right in and out

 

[Moe Mentum]

6 o'clock IWB, with a Remora holster, the LC9 disappears in the small of my back, mostly I forget its even there. Most comfortable holster I ever owned.

 

[Donn]

Both have their drawbacks. IWB conceals better, but is uncomfortable. It also means cleaning your piece more often, whether it's fired or not. You'd be surprised how dirty they get. OWB offers more comfort, but makes concealing harder, usually requiring more layers of clothing. I opt for IWB when the pants I wear allow, especially with warm weather, (finally), getting here.

 

[JohnSW]

But seriously , this whole conversation is 90% about clothing , and 10% about holsters.

During a Minnesota winter, an AR Pistol can be concealed under a down jacket.

 

[Camo33]

if you are looking for a different but comfortable way to wear your gun, then you should try a opti carry. I personally like IWB. but I got mine at Gold Star Holsters and it is so comfortable and people don't even notice its there. the leather they use is easy forming to your body after you wear it. check out there website. they have a lot of different types of holsters to carry. Goldstar Holsters | Custom Handmade Holsters

 

[USMCshooter]

With the right belt and holster, I find both equally good. I also find I don't really have to dress differently for them as I typically wear a t-shirt/undershirt and an untucked collared shirt that covers the gun well in both cases. The OWB setup can potentially get briefly exposed if I'm not careful, but in most cases, I'm not very concerned about it happening.

 

[CoMF]

I'm a bit late to the party, but for me, IWB works better for concealed carry and OWB for open carry.

"Comfort" is a subjective thing. With properly fitting pants, a sturdy belt, and a quality holster, carrying IWB can be near imperceptible. I also don't think an occasional wipe down with Break-Free CLP or swabbing out of the bore and charge holes is bothersome, but to each his own.