IWB vs OWB Holster Question

[BaaBaa]

Questions for you more experienced folks out there.

I have an OWB holster that fits and is very comfortable. If I find an IWB holster that hold my firearm at the same cant and in the same location and at the same height, and buy the pants larger to fit me and the firearm, can I safely assume that IWB will also be as comfortable? Or do IWB holsters fit so differently that I can't use my OWB one as a model?

I'm looking at having some options for when wearing a cover garment isn't really possible but a tuckable IWB might work. I want to keep my firearm in the same location if at all possible.

 

[The Big D]

Minimal difference, if any.

I have found there need be no difference in pants sizes provided one has a proper gun and holster combination. Personally, I carry a j-frame and mostly use a Remora for IWB and a Galco 158 CON for OWB. I wear the same trousers and shorts and jeans for both styles of carry. And 99% of the time strong side circa 1530.

No "gunbelt" for me, either.

Be safe.

 

[2ndAmendmentNut]

It's going to depend a lot on the gun and the quality of the holster, also a good belt is a must in my opinion. IWB carry can be very comfortable, but nothing beats OWB when it comes to comfort. I have a Crossbreed IWB holster for a Sig 220 and that is a very comfy set up combined with pants that are an inch or two larger than normal.

What sort of gun do you plan on carrying? And what OWB holster do you already like?

 

[Old cop]

I'd urge caution, some IWB can be downright painful depending on where you "bulge" and the kind of gun carried.

 

[Donn]

I'd urge caution, some IWB can be downright painful depending on where you "bulge" and the kind of gun carried.

+1^^^ No question IWB's the best, most efficient way to conceal. That said, it's uncomfortable at best, a pain in the you-know-where at worst. If you're a slave to fashion, IWB's not for you.

 

[bearfoot]

OWB is what i select. this choice, IWB or OWB depends on the persons choice. heavy set, small frame, sitting, walking or climbing. your going to find a holster that you like. use it until the die wears off. sew it back together when the stiches rot out. the only 2 holsters i got rid of when the leather dry rotted, both shoulder hoesters. leather ripped and the stiching wouldn't hold. i have one that i stiched, twice, a Hunter, maybe 46 yrs. used, my grandson will get it.

 

[BaaBaa]

The holster I like is a Blackhawk Speed Classic Leather for my J- Frame 640 revolver. I have a lovely gun belt from Lobo here that I wear all the time. Most holsters put the gun too high and the grips poke into my bra strap but he Blackhawk holds it lower. I'm short, chubby and female. Curves are an issue.

 

[sipowicz]

Belly bands can work a little better...especially for women who don't like to wear gun belts...

 

[Jaysq]

I was going to order an IWB holster from Wright Leather Works and Brandon Wright, one of the owners, talked me out of it when I asked his opinion. He said he did not like IWB because of comfort. He said his OWB holster held the gun very close to the body and was very comfortable. I went with the OWB
Predator Pancake Leather Holster | Wright Leather Works LLC

 

[Kanewpadle]

I've been carrying IWB almost exclusively for a long time. Yes at times it's uncomfortable. But that's the price of carrying a gun.

I've tried all leather, all kydex, and hybrid IWB holsters. The all leather is the most comfortable for me. Most days I almost forget it's there.

Much of it depends on the gun you carry. Buy a quality holster or you will regret it.

And dressing around the gun IWB is very easy and much more convenient. And much easier to keep concealed.

Trial and error my friend.

 

[Dot_mdb]

I carry IWB almost all of the time. I never carry OTB but sometimes will carry a Model 640 in a Smart Carry holster.

I don't find IWB uncomfortable for revolvers up to K frame size and semis up to .45 single stack. My trick is that I don't cinch up my gun belt very tight. Instead I wear Perry suspenders under my shirt to help hold up the gun.

Comfort will vary depending on your body shape. I am 6'1" and 163 pounds.

Bill

 

[johnsnow1]

I think its all about the quality of the holster that you are wearing and size of gun. I carry my M&P Shield everyday in my IWB Swift Draw Holster and I don't even notice its there now. After the leather breaks in it fits like a glove. I love my SwiftDrawHolsters.com

 

[LenS]

See my response # 15 here.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concea...-better-holster-concealed-carry-thoughts.html

I've been wearing the Milt Sparks VMII exclusively for a number of years and find it comfortable ~98% of the time. I also found that jackets/shirts tend to get caught on OWB holsters, sometimes exposing the holster or even the gun.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I think that you're lucky that you have an OWB that really works. IWB will require a larger waist size in the clothing. There is, IMO, a strong chance that a Milt Sparks Summer Special will work. It did for me. However, I am not female, and maybe I just got lucky on body shape and gun shape. I found that a 1911 at about 1500 is perfect in that holster, but a Commander is too short!!??!!

Good luck!

BTW, the SS improved with break-in, including a lot of sweat, although in my case it felt good even from the start.

 

[LenS]

Hmm, it seems that I missed that the OP is female. That changes things significantly. Body shape/size/manner of dress/etc. make all the difference in the world. Read Kathy's Cornered Cat website, check the threads on women CCW'g on DefensiveCarry.com for lots of good info. Watch some videos on YouTube by FaliaPhotography and Limatunes.

FaliaPhotography - FALIA REVIEWS - Guns, Gear, Survival - YouTube

Limatunes - Limatunes' Range Diary - YouTube (her older videos were on ccw)

 

[flintsghost]

With IWB, regardless of sex, a revolver is less comfortable than a semi. The cylinder is the issue and at that point the revolver is wider and less prone to fit the body comfortably. I have carried a J frame IWB. But I find that semi's are universally more comfortable. A full size, all steel 1911, feels better in an IWB to me than a airweight J.

For your situation you might think of an ultra small semi like a Rohrbaugh. Expensive, yes certainly. Lightweight and small and easy to conceal IWB with a tuckable or without. So thin it's not an issue and you probably won't need special clothes. I can wear it IWB in the summer, with shorts and a T shirt and flip flops on and no one can tell. It's light enough I can even wear it IWB with nothing more than a drawstring on a pair of sweatpants. There are some drawbacks like not being able to use +P 9mm, and that it is not designed to be shot a lot. But those are outweighed in my case by ease of portability and concealability during the warmer months. In the winter in heavier clothes I switch to a different weapon.

There are other similar sized and weight pistols on the market that might suit better depending on your situation. I would certainly consider any of them. I just happen to like the Rohrbaugh best.