[stevekl]

I am turning 21 on Mexican Communist Freakout Protest Day and I am taking my CCW class the following saturday. So, I get to thinking about holsters. I like the idea of a IWB but it sounds like it would be uncomfortable for driving and sitting.

So, I start to think about OWB holsters. But then I think, wouldn't it be possible to just use a IWB holster but instead put it inside the belt but outside the pants, if need be? I figure that I can get a good IWB holster and if it doesn't work out well, I can always do this and get the best of both worlds.

Aside from maybe looking kinda weird, would there be any reason why this wouldn't work?

Thanks!

[Jamie C.]

Shouldn't matter what it looks like 'cause nobody's supposed to see it. *g*

If it works for you, use it.

I've used IWB holsters this way myself, with pretty good success. Some work a bit better than others though... generally, for me, the ones that had less extraneous leather were the better choices for either/or.


J.C.

[stevekl]

Ok, so it's possible.

I imagine that the holsters that have two clips are better than one, so it moves around less.

[thumbody]

Do you mean something like this?
http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/20.htm

[armedandsafe]

IWB works as an OWB, but, with most, the gun is then reverse-handed (right handed when IWB, left-handed when OWB.) The problem that your pants suddenly get bigger when the inside is now outside is about one notch on the belt. Retension on the piece is usually reduced when OWB, unless you have a retaining strap on the holster.

I carry IWB. I drive professionally and sit hours at the computer when in my other business. I find no problem with IWB for sitting, standing, walking and playing. Only when rolling around on the ground with greatgrandson do I find it annoying. :neener:

Pops

[stevekl]

http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/20d.jpg

I am describing this.

Using an IWB between the pants and belt, not outside the belt.

[aufevermike]

also try the defender holster from www.kdholsters.com He is currently making one for my XD45. I have heard many good thing about his holsters. Specifically the Cochise Defender, as you can wear it inside and outside the pants in several configurations. But wait for a couple of weeks to order so he can finish mine.....lol

[meh92]

You may be overthinking this a bit. I suggest you purchae a good quality IWB (I carry a Milt Sparks Versa Max II), a good quality gunbelt, and wear them for a few days. You'll probably get used to it quicker than you might imagine. If you're not used to carring a gun on your hip, any form of belt-carry will take some getting used to.

IWB offers good protection for the gun, excellent concealment, and good security.

Good luck and happy birthday!

[Kor]

IMHO, B-P-B(between-pants-and-belt)carry is a poor compromise choice - almost as uncomfortable as IWB, with none of the concealment. Since your post implies you haven't even tried carrying a holstered gun at all yet, borrow an IWB from a shooting buddy and give it a try first before you decide. If nothing else, at least try carrying an unloaded gun around the house inside your waistband "Mexican-style" before you decide on your style of carry and lay down the $$ for a holster.

If you DO find "Mex-carry" holsterless IWB carry to actually be uncomfortable, Massad Ayoob first came up with this advice over a decade ago for the neophyte IWB user:

Undo the waistband button/hook on your pants, zip/button your fly all the way up, :o and buckle your belt down over your IWB holster. The unfastened waistband will give you an extra 1-2" of slack for extra comfort, and your buckled belt will cover it up and hold everything together. Now, if your IWB holster is comfortable(or at least tolerable) with your waistband undone, you can either have your pants let out by a tailor/seamstress/Mom or you can buy new pants sized 2" larger in the waist.

Also, from my own experience carrying IWB, there is naturally more space inside your waistband back around your kidney area(at the 5:00 position, with your fly oriented at 12:00); placing an IWB holster directly on your side(i.e. at 3:00, under the side seam of your pants) puts the most pressure on the holster and feels the least comfortable to me.

[tegemu]

I use Gary Brommeland Max Con V IWB holsters for full sized and officer size 1911's, all day and barely know they are there. GOOD IWB's are perfectly comfortable in practiaclly any situation. www.brommelandgunleather.com Whatever you decide, a good gunbelt is a must.