Looking to get educated on non-appendix IWB holsters

[huntsman22]

leather lined kydex from Garrett for my DWXc....

crossbreed for the turk hp clone....

 

[huntsman22]

VM-II's for the 1911's and hipowers....

 

[usmcsgt]

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.

Milt Sparks if you have the $ and don't mind waiting a year. Just ordered a new summer special last year for my 1911 commander.

 

[Oldsalt66]

I've been carrying in horsehide Crossbreed Super Tucks for many years and have found them to be the most comfortable and concealable holsters in which to carry and conceal large frame pistols for long periods of time.

Lifetime guarantee too.

 

[Norton 750]

I have used a Milt Sparks inside the waistband holster for decades for a 1911 Commander. At 5 foot five, IWB is the only way I can hide anything. Don't have a picture, but here is my Funeral/Wedding/BBQ rig. (that man in back that asked how to tell a difference between a wedding and a funeral will be dealt with later). Also Brommeland makes a very comfortable rig...one man shop, but uses only the best materials. I do have a picture of it with a S&W Scandium Commander.



Be sure and get one with "wings" to flatten out the profile. The classic "Summer Special" design places the loops at the thickest part of the holster. These hide easier and are very secure.

 

[Norton 750]

Notice this Milt Sparks for a 4516. The loop position makes the whole package thicker....not needed with the 4516! Very comfortable rig however.

 

[Norton 750]

Notice this Milt Sparks made without a reinforcement to keep the holster open. I am not Law Enforcement. One handed re-holstering is not a concern of mine; if I have to draw my sidearm it will stay out until the police arrive. So without that steel and additional leather, it is thinner and lighter.