Why An IWB?

[sjs]

Like everyone else I have too many holsters that did not work out. I am thinking of getting my first IWB but only because I see they are so popular. What is it about IWB that people like so much? If it is easier to conceal, I get it. But is it also more comfortable or more secure?

 

[KSDeputy]

After trying numerous holsters, my favorite for any pistol or revolver was a suede Safariland IWB holster. They were the most comfortable, and they are cheap. Other companies make similar holsters.

 

[Bozz10mm]

These are really hard to beat at any price. I have three of them. They can be worn IWB or OWB. I prefer IWB. Sometimes OWB is more comfortable, but sometimes IWB is. Also tend to knock into things less with IWB.

http://www.firearmholster.com/



Also, Alien Gear makes some pretty good ones at a decent price.

 

[ContinentalOp]

There are a couple reasons I prefer IWB to OWB.

Concealment is one. I wear an untucked shirt and having the holster body inside my pants keeps it concealed if a gust of wind blows my shirt tail up or if I have to reach up to a shelf. Also, it seems like IWB pulls the butt of my gun into my body more, so that helps with concealment, too. Of course, that depends on the holster type.

Another reason is that it does feel more secure to me. When I've worn OWB it always felt like my gun was pulling away from my body, even with a good belt and holster. That doesn't happen with IWB.

Obviously, the only way to know if IWB is for you is to try it. Everybody's different with regard to body shape/type and gear, and how they work together.

 

[sjs]

Thanks very much guys, I think I will give it a try.

 

[Arik]

For me it's all 3.

Conceals better. Since most of the gun is hidden inside my pants and I don't need longer shirts

More secure because it's being held between my body and the belt. OWB holsters pull down more than iwb for me. Even with a good belt.

Very comfortable for me. Most times I forget I even have a gun on me. When I remember I often grab for the spot to make sure I haven't accidentally lost it
Im actually a little paranoid that if something were to happen to me I'd forget that Im even wearing a gun.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[linde]

For me it's all 3 . . . Conceals better . . . More secure . . . Very comfortable for me.

I'll go two out of three . . . better concealment and more secure. In the comfort category, I much prefer OWB.

But then two out of three ain't bad.

Russ

 

[hoc9sw]

I would have written a similar post to ContinentalOp's, so I'll just +1 his.

 

[BAM-BAM]

My first was a Milt Sparks Summer Special for a Walther PPK.......about 1986

Ihave "several" today..... from the Walther to a Beretta 92 (Compact/Centurion) and Sig 220 and a few in between.....including one's for my EDC Smith 3913 and 6906.

Good luck...at first it feels "different"..make sure you give it a week or two.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I, too, agree with ContinentalOp. However, that is based on my use of a 1911, a fairly slim pistol, in a Milt Sparks Summer Special, perhaps the best IWB made (designed by Bruce Nelson). Nowadays, I far more often carry an improved Model 56 (2" Model 15) in a belt holster, an O'Rourke pancake. A belt holster (OWB) generally does not require changing belt sizes. An IWB usually requires changing belt size AND pants size.

Either one can often work, and what is best differs from person to person.

 

[Jessie]

Just remember, as with OWB holsters, quality makes a difference.
I prefer two widely spaced belt clips to spread the weight.
Sometimes though, as with appendix carry IWB, that doesn't work to well and a single clip, smaller holster is better.

 

[Bastogne71]

I agree with ContinentalOP's comments about security, comfort, and concealment but also point out that most IWB holsters secure with snaps or hooks that do not require you to remove your belt in order to put on or take off the holster. This is very handy when you need to go in somewhere like a school, post office, etc. that you cannot carry.

Another feature to look for is a reinforced mouth on your holster so it will not collapse and make it very difficult to reholster.

I'm very partial to the Milt Sparks VM-2.

 

[Jessie]

The holster staying open can be a double edged sword.
Since they usually are easily donned and removed without removing your belt, it can be argued that it's best to remove the holster, insert the gun, then refasten the holster to your belt IWB.
There's usually no rush to reholster, and if reports are correct, that's when most NDs occur.

 

[silversnake]

Like everyone else I have too many holsters that did not work out. I am thinking of getting my first IWB but only because I see they are so popular. What is it about IWB that people like so much? If it is easier to conceal, I get it. But is it also more comfortable or more secure?

Yes to all of the above.

What are you planning on carrying?

 

[sjs]

Yes to all of the above.

What are you planning on carrying?

Ruger LCR 38sp
Ruger SP101 .357

 

[Muss Muggins]

At the moment, I carry a 442 in a Galco Tuck and Go IWB. It's comfortable, pretty much disappears under a t shirt when I carry it where my appendix would be if it was on the left side rolleyes, and it's easy to access. Waiting on a custom made IWB from a forum member.

 

[Sclays]

IWB is without question great for concealment and security.
Fought with comfort issues for thirty years.
Settled on AIWB. Found it to be very comfortable.

 

[flyrobb]

There are a couple reasons I prefer IWB to OWB.

Concealment is one. I wear an untucked shirt and having the holster body inside my pants keeps it concealed if a gust of wind blows my shirt tail up or if I have to reach up to a shelf. Also, it seems like IWB pulls the butt of my gun into my body more, so that helps with concealment, too. Of course, that depends on the holster type.

Another reason is that it does feel more secure to me. When I've worn OWB it always felt like my gun was pulling away from my body, even with a good belt and holster. That doesn't happen with IWB.

Obviously, the only way to know if IWB is for you is to try it. Everybody's different with regard to body shape/type and gear, and how they work together.

^Yep^ Sparks SS2 works well for my G19 or Lobo for the 3913

 

[apollo99]

Now that high blood pressure forced me to lose 30 lbs. ,I have a couple of inches in my waist band. I have started using IWB holsters. I like them ,they conceal better, and now they feel comfortable. I guess you have to have loose fitting pants to fit a IWB holster.

 

[DevilDog72]

I do not like the IWB set up at all, I have them for all my carry guns but do not use them any longer. I carry OWB with K, J frames, 1911 and Glock and have no fears about them being concealed. A quality OWB holster is all I need.

 

[kaaskop49]

I do not like the IWB set up at all, I have them for all my carry guns but do not use them any longer. I carry OWB with K, J frames, 1911 and Glock and have no fears about them being concealed. A quality OWB holster is all I need.

As DevilDog72 states, IWB is not for everyone. I am fond of the inexpensive suede pouch/spring clip designs. I have "rescued" several of them from the $1/"junk" box at a range. All work well with my supply of 2" J-frames; apparently, not so for those folks who abandoned them.

In our scalding desert climate, these IWB pouches behind the right hip conceal well under the shirt-jacs that I wear in the summer. My recent rash of abdominal surgeries has forced me to pocket carry; can't wait to return to IWB when I heal.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Arik]

Just remember, as with OWB holsters, quality makes a difference.
I prefer two widely spaced belt clips to spread the weight.
Sometimes though, as with appendix carry IWB, that doesn't work to well and a single clip, smaller holster is better.

I find it to be the opposite. The clips just seems to add thickness to a IWB holster and all the gun weight is on that one spot. With the clips spread far out the weight is better distributed and less thickness where it matters

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[chief38]

In my younger days (before I discovered the finer foods in life) I was thin and IWB was a comfortable and viable way to carry My Chief Special. It is easy to conceal it and was relatively easy to pull out quickly. After packing on a few pounds it became less comfortable and I also discovered pocket carry for the Chief's.

My IWB holster of choice for the 5 shot Chief's was the cheap, floppy and very thin suede pouch type. They don't allow easy one handed re-holstering however that was never a concern to me. If I pulled it people will see and or hear it anyway. I could always stick it in my pocket or waist band for proper re-holstering later.

If one is going to IWB carry a larger frame gun like a Glock, Sig, 1911 etc. it really means that you would have to buy pants in the next size larger in order to comfortably do so. When NOT carrying IWB other pants would have to be worn if you want them to look right. So in that sense it is a dedicated option IMHO. However for a Chief's Special (or similar size gun) you might get away with your standard Jeans or Pants assuming your weight does not increase

 

[Arik]

If one is going to IWB carry a larger frame gun like a Glock, Sig, 1911 etc. it really means that you would have to buy pants in the next size larger in order to comfortably do so. When NOT carrying IWB other pants would have to be worn if you want them to look right. So in that sense it is a dedicated option IMHO. However for a Chief's Special (or similar size gun) you might get away with your standard Jeans or Pants assuming your weight does not increase

I guess it depends on the type of pants and how big you buy. All I carry is IWB and my jeans are one size larger than normal. I'm typically a 34 -35 in waist (of course this slightly varies with manufacturer) and for IWB I buy 35 -36, again depending on the manufacturer. If I'm not carrying I simply tighten the belt one extra hole. Right now, when carrying, I use the 2nd hole in the belt.. When not carrying it's the 3rd.

Wouldn't a CS be just as thick if not thicker than the Glock, Sig, 1911 since the cylinder is also inside the waist?

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[Kadonny]

Like others said, 2 main reasons. Way more secure and more concealment. You get used to the comfort thing eventually.

 

[Triggernosis]

As DevilDog72 states, IWB is not for everyone. I am fond of the inexpensive suede pouch/spring clip designs. I have "rescued" several of them from the $1/"junk" box at a range. All work well with my supply of 2" J-frames; apparently, not so for those folks who abandoned them.

In our scalding desert climate, these IWB pouches behind the right hip conceal well under the shirt-jacs that I wear in the summer. My recent rash of abdominal surgeries has forced me to pocket carry; can't wait to return to IWB when I heal.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

What kind of "shirt-jac" are you referring to that you wear in the summer? Do you mean like a Charlie Sheen guyabera style shirt?

 

[ContinentalOp]

Another reason I forgot about until I saw KLYDE's photo: With IWB holsters, I can use my pants' pockets. While it may vary depending on one's body type, pocket arrangement, and holster design, using a pancake style holster kept me from using my right rear pants pocket.

 

[Highhawk1948]

I use IWB holsters because I tuck my shirt in. Never was one for having my shirt untucked.

 

[digiroc]

Appendix Carry ISW ...

I like AIWB carry for access, especially when seated, retention, and concealment:

digiroc

 

[Muss Muggins]

At the moment, I carry a 442 in a Galco Tuck and Go IWB. It's comfortable, pretty much disappears under a t shirt when I carry it where my appendix would be if it was on the left side rolleyes, and it's easy to access. Waiting on a custom made IWB from a forum member.

And it arrived today. Great work by snubbyfan. My new EDC rig, with the accessories, at least for a while . . .