Looking to get educated on non-appendix IWB holsters

[DartonJager]

Trying to educate myself on NON appendix carry IWB holsters (AIWB is NOT for me) and as I have never used one I would like peoples experienced based thoughts on trying to developing a IWB holster list of must haves and must avoids if possible, kind of a ‘sure wish I knew that BEFORE I bought that IWB holster. I have to this point for the last 13 years carried my 9mm Gen-1 3” Shield in pocket carry holster only either in my pants pocket or jacket pocket and it has worked extremely well for me.

But now I would like to carry my Gen-2 4” PC Shield Plus and can see I will need at times a IWB holster to do so. I have spent quite a few hours over the last two months looking at every IWB holster manufacturer who comes up on my internet searches for IWB holsters made by most if not all of the most well regarded of IWB Kydex holsters that all seam, at least to me to be more similar than different.

I do understand you have to determine how your clothing, time of year and ones body type play in choosing a IWB holster as well as the size and weight of your CC HG and I also understand I will if need be make compromises in my wardrobe and I already have several VERY high quality 1.5” CC specific belts. I have already accepted at least a mild degree of discomfort may be unavoidable in a IWB holster.

After looking at likely every CC holster company (at least that appeared in my searches) out there I have a few questions I hope someone can answer for me or tell me they don’t matter that much in a CC holster selection.

#1-Does the number of and belt clip design matter that much and how does one decide what type of clips your CC holster should have and is one belt clip design inherently more secure than another.

#2-Are there any clear cut advantages or disadvantages to a more compact holster who’s belt clips are attached to the body of the holster VS larger holsters that use additional materials to extend its belt clips away from the main body of the holster. Based on the shear number of more compact holster designs VS ones at least 1.5-2x larger footprint, I am leaning towards there are likely some advantages of smaller IWB compact holsters VS the larger ones, but I don’t have the knowledge to know for sure.

#3-Do hybrid holsters made from a combination of rigid synthetic materials and leather have any ligit significant advantages over 100% rigid synthetic holsters other than comfort.

#4-How much retention should a Level-I IWB holster have to be judged safe. I do not plan on doing any extreme levels of physical activity while carrying IWB, if I do I will switch over to my Safariland level-II ALS or GLS OWB concealment holsters.

As I stated, I have three dedicated CC hand guns, a Gen-1 3” Shield, a Gen-2 3” Shield Plus and a 4” Performance Center Gen-2 Shield Plus and looking for a single IWB holster that will accommodate both the 3” and 4” versions of my shield Plus.

I really do not know all that much about what makes for a VG to great IWB holster (if such a IWB holster even exists) VS what makes a IWB holster only so-so hoping to some help here in correcting that.

 

[TheTinMan]

My opinions:
1&2 having the belt loops spread further apart is preferable. It keeps the gun more stable and in the same location. I found a loop or loops on the holster body less comfortable, plus it seemed to make the holster thicker.

3 comfort? That should be a top priority for IWB carry. There is no way I want Kydex next to body.

4 your belt tension should provide sufficient tension to keep your gun where it’s supposed to be

I have tried multiple designs over the years and settled on this: https://www.ttgunleather.com/product-page/reinforced-iwb-mikes-special

The “sweat shield” up top between the slide and your skin is essential, especially if your pistol has a thumb safety. That tab at the bottom/back helps keep the grip in tight to your body. Snap straps are easier to put on/take off. The steel reinforced mouth for re-holstering is not essential & I think I have only one of those. I do have another Mike’s Special as well as IWB holsters from another maker that have all of the other features.

I have tried the plastic clips on a “tuckable” IWB holster but they did not work well for me. Metal clips

All that said, the Milt Sparks Summer Special style is very popular for IWB carry. Mike’s Special just works better for me.

 

[scattershot]

Try a Remora holster. Dead simple, cheap, and they work. I carried a Glock 19 in one, and it was comfortable, didn’t print, and stayed where I put it.

 

[Kanewpadle]

When I’m not pocket carrying, I carry IWB.

Leather is the most comfortable.

Above is an example. I prefer this design over all else. The weight is distributed over a wider area unlike the one pictured below.

With the belt loops on top, it adds outward bulk which defeats the purpose.

Another option is a hybrid shown below.

I’ve gone through many holsters and have a drawer full. But I always choose my leather. I’ve had it for close to 25 years. Still going strong.

You do not need retention.

Note the hammer/slide shield. It’s a must.

There are many high quality holster makers. Do some more research and choose wisely. Spend your money once.

Lobo Gunleather makes very good holsters.

 

[Neumann]

I guarantee that the OP will buy several holsters before finding the "right" one, and that "one" may vary from time to time.

The key requirement for EDC is an holster from which you can quickly draw and present, with adequate retention, and safely re-holster. Carrying IWB adds to the practice you need to to accomplish this. The "best" holster is not necessarily the most comfortable, as long as you are willing to wear it in some discomfort.

 

[DartonJager]

When I’m not pocket carrying, I carry IWB.

Leather is the most comfortable.
View attachment 779875
Above is an example. I prefer this design over all else. The weight is distributed over a wider area unlike the one pictured below.
View attachment 779876
With the belt loops on top, it adds outward bulk which defeats the purpose.

Another option is a hybrid shown below.
View attachment 779877
I’ve gone through many holsters and have a drawer full. But I always choose my leather. I’ve had it for close to 25 years. Still going strong.

You do not need retention.

Note the hammer/slide shield. It’s a must.

There are many high quality holster makers. Do some more research and choose wisely. Spend your money once.

Lobo Gunleather makes very good holsters.

I REALLY like the look of the top holster Thank you for sharing your info and the great pictures.

 

[hardluk1]

I have used a MTAC hybrid holster from Comp-Tac since around 2007 or 2008 and wear it at a 3:00 position . This holster is adjustable for carry angle and height adjustable but buy it with the kydex straight cut bottom to the holster so longer handguns will work in it too . I may carry a newer m&p2.0 5" in mine old body for a 4.25" m&p . The kydex body are interchangeable but I found the leather flexible enough for me to carry a thinner 1911 in my m&p body of the MTAC and hold it tight enough . I also have one of there early C-T Neutral holster that is older models. I CC full size handguns . My wife has a Hybrid and I don't remember the name ! It has a breathable man made back side material kydex front half hybrid for a p365xl . It cost more and takes longer to build if not in stock . The MTAC is easier to reholster over a leather iwb .
I am not a fan kydex holsters in general . They do not flex like a Hybrid can or be as comfortable .

 

[Chuck Edwards]

My preference is for Kydex, specifically this holster. I have versions of it for 3" & 4" K frames and autoloaders from the Walther PPS to full-size M&P45s and 1911s. I find it conceals well and is comfortable. This past weekend, I did two 200-mile drives to a shooting class and home, and did the class itself wearing this holster and a full-size Beretta PX4, with no discomfort.

If you go with leather instead, make sure you go with one with a reinforced mouth. Being able to reholster is as important as the draw itself, both in practicing and in real life usage.

 

[dajogejr]

For my Shield Plus, I like Kydex. Just as important as the holster, is the belt.
I buy a few sheets of memory foam from Amazon and adhere them to the back of the kydex, and I always wear an undershirt. I understand in warmer climates, this may not always be possible.

Don’t forget a good belt. Like holsters, I’ve tried many. I’ve come to grips that a micro adjustable CORE type belt is best, this is after trying several well known thick leather belts over the years.

You will, most likely, end up with a holster drawer. We’ve all done it. Get what you like that fits your needs. I’m not an AIWB guy either. 3 to 4 o clock is my preferred.