IWB WITH NO BELT?

[crazyphil]

Yep, I agree that the clip on is best with just the fabric of the
waist band to clip on to. But be sure the clip is strong enough
to not allow the holster to come out, wrapped around the gun,
on the draw.

When I was suggesting this method to my students, I would
test the various clip on IWB holsters with 100 draws. If they
failed once or more they were eliminated. Only a few survived.
I mention of them in my #1 post above. Holsters 2, 3 and 4.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I've used a fanny pack holster with my 642 when jogging.

I use an ankle holster to carry a BUG, but it would never be my first choice for a primary/only gun (though, admittedly, I did do that once).

Shoulder holsters would be a viable option. I've often thought about getting one of Ken Null's upside-down rigs for my 642.

Bellybands can work. The Kangaroo Carry and Pistolwear holsters look like intriguing options.

Personally, I'm not comfortable wearing any gun on my hip without a holster and a good belt to anchor it. Even with pocket carry I'd want a belt, mostly because I normally have enough stuff in my pockets that my pants would be down around my ankles quickly without a belt.

Just my opinion.

 

[max503]

When the belt loop is below the cylinder, the tendency is to sag and tip
outward. When the belt loop is above the cylinder it could jeapordize
concealment. Ideally the belt loop would be at the cylinder level.
Here are three IWBs, left to right, that I believe are close to ideal:

Mark Garrity's "Inconspicuous"

Lou Alessi's Hard Shell Talon

DelFatti's shark trimmed IWB

These seem to be discontinued. Any other similar designs? (Nothing too expensive.) I'm looking for a crossdraw holster for my S&W 638.

 

[CB3]

Thunderwear. 25 years experience with compact, single stack autos in the right pocket, lined with plastic. Invisible, secure, comfortable and accessible but not so much as above the waist. Carried a spare mag, flashlight and knife in the left side pocket. Complete set-up. Still do sometimes. Shield works great.

I wore this rig mostly when I’ve had a belt on, because for decades I dressed in a suit and tie with a tucked dress shirt. I could remove my suit coat and not expose my gun.

However, gym shorts, sweats, bathing suit—any non-belted “pants” = same rig, all the time.

I went through a pat-down as a pretend crime victim with our local Sheriff SWAT. For safety I had unloaded the gun but it was still in my T’wear. It was not found. I privately showed the deputy when the exercise was over.

 

[CelticSire]

My wife is very into fitness (female bodybuilder, in the gym 5-6 days a week picking up heavy things), and has a belly band holster that she wears when running or doing cardio on the treadmill. She carries Sig P2022 9mm and has never had a problem with it slipping or shifting during her workout sessions.

 

[ContinentalOp]

These seem to be discontinued. Any other similar designs? (Nothing too expensive.) I'm looking for a crossdraw holster for my S&W 638.

Might want to check out Side Guard Holsters. They make an OWB crossdraw holster. They also make IWB holsters where you can specify a cant of 0 degrees, which may work as a crossdraw. If you contact them they may even make one with a negative cant for crossdraw use.

I have used their Quick Clip IWB holster with a 15-degree cant worn at about 4:00 for several years, and still do when I carry my 642 on the belt, and it carries the cylinder in line with the belt, something I always recommend with revolver holsters. Even after nearly a decade of use, more than half of that as an EDC rig, it still passes my shake retention test. Excellent quality and value, IMO.

 

[sipowicz]

Since the belt supports the weight of the gun, no matter how light it is I always wear a belt. And a clip around a belt will always be more secure than just the pants. Unless you are sporting sweatpants I can’t see not wearing one.

 

[MDB1056]

Remora- Great for no belt. Been carrying a 3914 for many years , all sorts of clothing, swim trunks to tuxedo , extra mag pouch on opposite hip rear. Love that it’s easy to adjust if needed for one car seat vs another. Never had any concern of coming loose. I’m a fan for life . Great company and products .

 

[crazyphil]

max503 - As far as I know Mark Garrity is still in business, and I'm quite
sure he would make you an "Inconspicuous". That would be my first choice.
By the way, I just looked at Mark Garrity's web site, and he still
offers the "inconspicuous". Last one on the list of IWBs.

 

[max503]

My brother used to carry a .38 revolver tucked into the waistband of his pants. It had black plastic replacement grips on it and one had a hook molded into it that kept it from sliding down the leg of his pants. Can't remember who made the grips. He carried it that way for years.

I've been using the Barami Clip Grip for the last year or so. I normally clip it to the edge of my front pocket then drape a shirt over it. Or it easily slips deep in the pocket for deep concealment. I can also clip it over my waistband behind my right hip. Works well for me.

 

[dirty & hairy]

When lounging around in sweatpants, I use a soft holster tucked into a belly-band. Believe it or not, it is comfortable and secure.

 

[xtrtsqrt11]

max503 - As far as I know Mark Garrity is still in business, and I'm quite
sure he would make you an "Inconspicuous". That would be my first choice.
By the way, I just looked at Mark Garrity's web site, and he still
offers the "inconspicuous". Last one on the list of IWBs.

I just ordered and received an inconspicuous from Mark a few months ago. Very easy to order and work with, great holster for my S&W 4013 TSW. Especially since very few holster makers seem to make holsters for the 3rd gens...

 

[luvsmiths]

Everything is made so complicated these days.

I have no clue what you people would have done back when the guns we carried weighed POUNDS< not ounces.

Geez, Louise. Carry a dang knife or something.

 

[chief38]

I chuckled when I read this......

After the Covid lockdown I gained about 7 - 8 pounds and I no longer need a belt to keep my pants tight - LOL! Now in the process of loosing that extra weight.

Make sure the clip is tight and grabs the pants well so you don't wind up with a gun covered by the holster when you draw.

 

[Slicktop]

Simple but effective.
I wear suspenders witch holds the weight.

 

[Buford57]

Someone used to make a metal clip that attached to the sideplate of a J-Frame using extended screws. It worked well enough for situations such as carrying underneath the Sam Brown and underbelt and could also be clipped to a boot top or vest strap if needed. I know, it sounds hokey, but we were experimenting with ways to stay alive in an Onion Field situation and guys were carrying razor blades in their wallets and taping derringers to their legs. I won't get into where we hid cuff keys.