So do any of you AIWB a K frame?

[ABPOS]

Since I've been carrying my HiPower lately since my 442 is back at Smith, I think I'm slowly getting to the idea that I could maybe even do a 4" 10. I've got an opportunity at an LGS somewhat close to trade one of my autos for a 10-5 and if the deal is right, I might go for it. I will need a holster though... Which is part of the dilemma. More money spent and there are not a lot of options out there.

If I traded for another J frame I could use the same holster. So.. there's that.

 

[blues7]

I occasionally carry my 3" 686+ in a JM Custom Kydex holster, or a Triple K leather holster. More comfortable and concealable than you'd expect.

 

[jwk]

The way pants fit me I don't appendix carry any type handgun. I'm 6' tall but short waisted. A 2 " anything would poke me. I have no problem w a 4" N or a 5" 1911 IWB behind my hipbone.

 

[white cloud]

I occasionally carry my 3" 686+ in a JM Custom Kydex holster, or a Triple K leather holster. More comfortable and concealable than you'd expect.

I have a friend who packs that same set up. We are both prefer revolvers. He likes the 686 and I like the GP100. The thing about large frame .357 snubs is you have a service-target sort of concealment gun with great sights, trigger and enough weight to make shooting magnums fairly pleasant. It is nice having a revolver on you that allow hits at 50 yards if need be.

 

[stater61]

I had a probably too long reply typed out and somehow inadvertently deleted it. So I'll just say I've carried AIWB for a long time before it became the in thing to do. I've carried numerous size and brands of pistols and revolvers AIWB. Glocks of all sizes some with lights and RMR's, Hi-powers, 1911's, CZ's including a Shadow 2, J frames, K frames, L frames, N frames, Ruger SP01's.

When I do carry a revolver now it's a 3" 686+ (Sometimes a 4" and I'm thinking about going to a 3" or 4" N frame) AIWB in a Garret Industries Silent Thunder AIWB holster. It's a kydex holster lined with soft leather and it's been one of my favorite holsters of all time. I used to modify holsters all the time to get something that would work better but with AIWB getting as popular as it is it's much easier to find holsters than it used to be for a revolver, although there is still room for a better selection.

Maybe it's because I've done it for so long or maybe because of all the little tricks I learned along the way, but I think carrying a revolver AIWB is pretty easy duty, and of all the guns that could be carried that way a revolver is probably the safest.

AIWB is probably easier for taller thinner guys but I'm 6' 235 lbs and don't have a problem with it. I truly believe it's as much mental as It is physical.

 

[OLDSTER]

What is AIWB ??

 

[dr. mordo]

AIWB = Appendix In Waist Band

Depicted here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/140329577-post17.html

 

[white cloud]

One of many great revolver features is the ability to do a "thumb check" when holstering. This obviously doesn't apply to Centennials. The older I get, the more I like the "thumb check".

 

[stater61]

One of many great revolver features is the ability to do a "thumb check" when holstering. This obviously doesn't apply to Centennials. The older I get, the more I like the "thumb check".

I agree, it works with bobbed hammer revolvers and DA/SA semis carried in DA mode also. One of the many reasons I like the CZ's better than striker fired pistols.

 

[blues7]

One of many great revolver features is the ability to do a "thumb check" when holstering. This obviously doesn't apply to Centennials. The older I get, the more I like the "thumb check".

I agree, it works with bobbed hammer revolvers and DA/SA semis carried in DA mode also. One of the many reasons I like the CZ's better than striker fired pistols.

Tom Jones of Tau Development Group invented "The Gadget" Striker Control Device for Glocks. Been using for a few years. Not a single failure has been reported after millions of user rounds.

 

[stater61]

Tom Jones of Tau Development Group invented "The Gadget" Striker Control Device for Glocks. Been using for a few years. Not a single failure has been reported after millions of user rounds.

I don't know if those were available yet before I dumped the Glocks for CZ's. I would imagine there are some people and various agencies who wouldn't allow that on a duty firearm. I think it's a good idea though.

For the record I don't hate striker fired pistols or Glocks especially. I think a Glock makes a lot of sense on many levels. I also don't think CZ's are the only thing going, but they are the best semi for me for various reasons.

Also for the record I don't think everyone is cut out for AIWB and frankly there's a lot of people who probably have no business even messing with it. It takes a lot of commitment physically, mentally and safety oriented to be successful with it although I believe there to be many advantages with it.

 

[blues7]

I've been carrying AIWB since the 80's before I knew it was "a thing"...on and off the job...and I agree it's not for everyone. It works better for (and is more comfortable for) me than standard IWB carry.

The only thing I miss with my 642-1, compared to my old bobbed model 36 I carried on and off the job from the early 80's through the mid 90's, is the ability to put my thumb over the hammer when holstering AIWB.

As a result, I'm very careful when replacing it in my kydex Dark Star Gear holster, which I highly recommend for AIWB, by the way.

 

[DevilDog72]

I tried IWB with my 19 snub.... not for me. A quality pancake OWB is what I have used for many years, because it works for me.

 

[white cloud]

I actually like Glocks quite a bit. Rust resistant and very durable. I might need to look at that "Gadget". I have a Glock 27 that I like a lot but I won't carry it like a revolver because of no "hammer check".

 

[ABPOS]

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".

 

[blues7]

I actually like Glocks quite a bit. Rust resistant and very durable. I might need to look at that "Gadget". I have a Glock 27 that I like a lot but I won't carry it like a revolver because of no "hammer check".

I have a "gadget" on a G19, 17 and 26. Takes about 20 seconds to take off the old slide cover and fit the gadget in its place. Awesome device. (I have no financial interest in the product.)

It really does make reholstering safer whether there's an obstruction in the holster, or a drawstring that gets caught in the trigger guard etc.

Back on topic...most days I just carry my 642 AIWB but I do like the 686+ for a change of pace or when bear and coyote activity is a bit higher than normal around here. The dog and I go out for her late walk on forested gravel and dirt roads each night.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Go AIWB without a holster with a Model 13 3" like a real gangster

Actually that would be Mexican.. a 5" 1911 in 38 Super..

 

[ancient-one]

I tried IWB but it would not work for me. Not enough room when you are 5' 8". That was before I got what nicely said is pleasingly plump. Did carry a snubby but now a compact 9mm in a high rise, forward cant holster.

 

[ABPOS]

I'm 5'8" and have only IWB'd. I think it might be just the shape of people. whatever works for you. I don't think I'd mind OWB'ing but the high rise rigs feel awkward on the draw to me.

 

[dr. mordo]

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".

You've stumbled onto one of the advantages of AIWB - you can conceal a bigger gun than you think and clearly see how much it's (not) printing.

BTW, I know you said money is tight (I can relate), but Bud's Guns has Beretta 92FS Compacts right now for $450. They are cheap enough I'm tempted to buy one despite not needing one at all and being broke. That said, I have a full size 92FS and know I could conceal it if I wanted, so I have manged to talk myself out of it so far. Also, I prefer a semi I can carry in Condition 1 anyway.

 

[ABPOS]

Yeah, as soon as I figured out the M9 isn't horrible AIWB, I thought about how much better a 92 compact would be. LOL. And my mags would work in it.

 

[delcrossv]

Recently acquired a 66-4, 2.5". OWB either strong side or crossdraw (Got one of those Bianchi's that works either way)

3 reasons I don't do AIWB:

1.I'm "portly",
2.I don't need a revolver pointing at my "equipment" and,
3.It's a pain either seated or while trying to bend to retrieve dropped keys etc.

I see no point in it unless you're standing or walking exclusively.

YMMV