IWB??

[miles71]

How many of you guys carry IWB? I have never do it, just feels uncomfortable compared to OWB however it seems the IWB would be more concealed. (Lots of initials in that sentence)

I havent been up on the new fangled holster designs, should I look at IWB again?

TD

PS: I know the Supertuck is ultra cool, but I dont like the barrel being exposed. If they ever make one that is all inclosed Maybe....

 

[watchmanjimg]

I do, and I strongly prefer appendix carry. The 4:30 position was uncomfortable for me even before I hurt my back 4 years ago, and it certainly hasn't improved since. I also like the idea of having the gun in front where I can keep an eye on it.

I'd suggest trying a few different holsters and positions until you find the setup you like best.

 

[The Big D]

I carry IWB probably 60% of the time...more in the summer months when not wearing a sportcoat or suit.

It is very easy to conceal a j-frame even when wearing a tucked polo shirt and shorts. I use Active Pro Gear and Galco IWB holsters; both are j-hook holsters which enhance concealment.

Be safe.

 

[LuddhaBuddha]

I carry my 1911Sc in a crossbreed supertuck it is more comfortable than any other IWB holster I have used, because of the large surface area of the leather it spreads the load out well. I carry mine at about 2:30 or 3:00 if I go further back riding in a car becomes very uncomfortable. As long as I don't wear tight fitting shirts it conceals extremely well, I have never had anyone spot my gun and I carry it everyday.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Every holster design involves compromises among the four basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security/retention, and concealability.

IWB carry emphasizes concealability, but frequently at the expense of accessibility and comfort.

Many of my customers carry IWB with no problems. I cannot tolerate IWB carry for any extended period of time, and I hear the same from other customers.

Only the user can determine how much compromise can be made of some factors in order to enhance other factors.

Best regards.

 

[madmikeb]

I carry a 3" Kimber Ultra CDPII 45 in a Kramer Horsehide IWB #2 all summer long. I wear it in the "appendix" position and can conceal the firearm under a loose T-shirt. As long as my pants aren't to tight it is actually quite comfortable. In the cooler months though I switch to a Kramer Vertical scabbard outside of the waistband.

 

[Kanewpadle]

The key to IWB carry is a good holster. The wider IWB holsters available from custom makers is your best bet.

I have yet to find a comfortable IWB from the most notable mass production holster makers.

Anyone can attach two belt loops to a belt holster and call it an IWB holster. It ain't.

Custom IWB holsters can be had with leather belt loops, kydex or steel clips. Exotic skins are available too.

Do an internet search for holster makers. A custom well made IWB holster can be had for the same price or less than most of the big name "cookie cutter" mass producers.

Before buying search the internet and check their rep.

 

[f8 crusader]

For years I carried my 1911 in the Milt Sparks summer special, IWB holster, in the 4 o'clock position, I found it to be comfortable except while driving, when you use a hoster for a long time it becomes part of you and you know exactly were the weapon is, muscle memory, I still use that holster when armed with a 1911.

 

[myego]

I carry my M&P 40 full size in a tagua suede leather lefthanded iwb holster. very comfortable!

 

[Chubbs103]

Milt Sparks Versa Max II

I've been carrying a full size 1911 this way for years. I've had cheaper holsters that have never worked out very well. You will have to have a little larger waist size on the pants. As always, a good belt is crucial. I can see where different body types might have other issues.

Chubbs

 

[USAF385]

I carry IWB 100% of the time in warm weather. I also prefer appendix carry. Other positions were too uncomfortable (bony hips) and noticeable. I carry practically anything IWB appendix.. from my little LCP up to my Astra .44 Mag (2.5 to 3 inch barrel, I forget off hand). My GLock 27 also spends a lot of time there.

I have found that a slightly modified cheapo Uncle Mikes works best for my 642, while I wound up with a more expensive tuckable holster for my Glock and M&P.

 

[cmort666]

How many of you guys carry IWB? I have never do it, just feels uncomfortable compared to OWB however it seems the IWB would be more concealed. (Lots of initials in that sentence)

I havent been up on the new fangled holster designs, should I look at IWB again?

TD

PS: I know the Supertuck is ultra cool, but I dont like the barrel being exposed. If they ever make one that is all inclosed Maybe....

I ONLY carry IWB or with a pocket holster.

I hate untucked shirts and never wear extra cover garments in warm weather.

I started with a Bianchi IWB for my Glock 19. It's a lousy holster, difficult to put on and take off. It's very difficult to reholster when you're wearing it. I consider it dangerous and ditched it a few days after I bought it. I switched to Don Hume 715Ms for all of my larger guns. They're well made and reasonably priced. They're tuckable however.

Lately, I've started making holsters. This is the latest, for my M1911s. It's tuckable:

 

[rjroberts]

No question IWB will be less comfortable than belt but as cmort666 mentions, the untucked shirt issue. When around my local area it's in the pocket with a J-Frame. However, when I have to go to a less secure area, it's a 627 8-shot, 2 3/4", IWB in a holster from Loboleather.

 

[Bratastic007]

I carry a Model 60 in an Uncle Mikes IWB. A good stiff belt is essential to comfortable IWB carry. I carry between the 3:00 and 6:00 position.

To those of you carrying in front IWB, how do you keep your gun in place when sitting? I tried it, and my pistol always wants to slide up out of its holster when I sit down.

 

[photoman]

To those of you carrying in front IWB, how do you keep your gun in place when sitting? I tried it, and my pistol always wants to slide up out of its holster when I sit down.

Sounds like your holster is too flexible. I carry appendix with a Kramer IWB clip holster, a single layer cowhide holster. Works great.

 

[Goldstar225]

I carry IWB occasionally. It's important that your pants be 2" oversize and use a quality holster. I presently use a Galco Royal Guard but am considering a Milt Sparks VM2 or similiar design to eliminate the "rocking" of the holster.

 

[The Big D]

I carry IWB occasionally. It's important that your pants be 2" oversize and use a quality holster. I presently use a Galco Royal Guard but am considering a Milt Sparks VM2 or similiar design to eliminate the "rocking" of the holster.

Perhaps your '2" oversize' is the cause of the 'rocking? I wear the same size trousers whether IWB or OWB.

Galco and Active Pro Gear j-hook holsters are very, very stable...and comfortable.

Be safe.

 

[white cloud]

i always carry my j-frame in the appendix position with an iwb holster. i have had no issues with the gun trying to pop out when i sit. in fact i pretty much forget the gun is there a lot of the time. there are a few good things about carrying this way. one is you can check to see if you are printing very easily. you can fend off others hands trying to get to your gun. most importantly you can get to your gun if you wind up on your back in a fight.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

For years I carried my 1911 in the Milt Sparks summer special, IWB holster, in the 4 o'clock position, I found it to be comfortable except while driving, when you use a hoster for a long time it becomes part of you and you know exactly were the weapon is, muscle memory, I still use that holster when armed with a 1911.

Same here, only mine might have been a bit closer to 3:00 or 3:30, and driving was OK.

These things are very dependent on exact body shape. For instance, I consistently found a Government Model to be more comfortable than a Commander. Also, the Summer Special tends eventually to form-fit itself to the gun, which in my case was an improvement. An IWB rig usually works best if pants and belt are bought an inch or two larger, depending on how tight they were to start with. Also, tight jeans add support, perhaps making the belt and belt-loop quality less critical.

YMMV.

 

[NE450No2]

There are 3 "secrets" to comfortable IWB carry.
A quality holster, buying your pants 2" bigger in the waist, and a strong quality belt.