Something interesting on this front...
I busted out the Beretta M9 last night to see and I swear it's almost more comfy than the HiPower. Which doesn't make sense cuz it's bigger. It's nearly identical in weight though, unloaded. Obviously would be heavier fully loaded. But actually not by much. Only 2 rounds difference.
I might try to go this route for a couple of weeks until my J frame comes back. But now my mind is sort of blown as to what I can really do. I want to carry the M9 and see if I get back problems. I haven't noticed any from the HiPower so far. But the size difference could make a difference with that with the M9.
The whole thing has me rethinking things. This is one of the reasons I've been sticking with revolvers to begin with is because I'm not mentally prepared or want to carry a striker fired gun AIWB. Or a single action cocked and locked. I would've bought a shield a long time ago if I were. Although having said that, I also mentally prefer a double action trigger for a defensive gun. The striker fired guns at least come closer to that type of a gun than a single action though.
There are a few other reasons I like revolvers over autos too, but for the safety issue if a gun is DA with a hammer, I'm good with that for AIWB. I would definitely carry a round chambered in the M9.
I agree with the gentleman that said revolvers are probably the easier type of gun to carry this way. I just think the shape of them is ideal for AIWB. At least for my body.
When we first got concealed carry in our state, and I got my license I exclusively carried 4 oclock. Part of that was because it felt safest and also I use to carry a knife there. I worked as a cabinet builder and office furniture installer for a good while and I was constantly reaching at my right hip. It felt very intuitive. But then I switched to AIWB because I find it way more comfortable and quicker and easier to draw from.
I don't ever want to go back to 4 oclock. Part of that is my mind likes to keep things simple and I think there is some wisdom in keeping things consistent with guns that you might need under major stress.
Everything in life is a series of compromises though. I never have felt like I've had a perfect carry gun. But I feel like I'm getting closer all the time. LOL.
I think for me the perfect carry gun would be a 3" K frame, fixed sights, round butt. I think I could do the weight. I think it wouln't print much at all with even just t shirts. And I think I would be able to shoot it very well.
So, maybe eventually I'll get one of these. But they are not easy to come buy and money is in short supply. For now I have to compromise.
But I'm learning that I might be able to do more than just a J frame there if the clothes are right. I still think a 4" 10 with a square butt might be doable. But a 3" round butt would definitely be better.
Wow, that was a mouthful.
I do appreciate you guys though. Some of you have totally stretched my thinking to get me to understand this better. I'm glad some of you have pushed the boundaries of what is "normal".