Type of holster? IWB or OWB?

I have a Taurus PT145 and I carry IWB - just started. The holster moves around a bit more than I thought it would. Is the normal? It clips to my belt and tucks inside with no problems. I really don't know it's there - which is nice, but just wondering aobut the rest of you all.

Are there advantages to IWB as compared to OWB? And vice versa?


Thanks!

What holster are you using? Are you using a quality carry belt? Run of the mill belts are not stiff enough for use with a holster. A good gun belt will make a big difference.

Scott

I don't have a gun belt - guess that should be my first purchase - just a regular belt. Holster is a Uncle Mike's - not sure the model - just something to fit the Taurus. I'm thinking of K&D

http://www.kdholsters.com/basefile/iwb-defend.html


The Cochise Defender

I prefer owb simply because I don't want to have to buy pants a size larger for wearing when carrying, but many prefer iwb. There are several holsters I like, depending on the gun, but I carry mostly 1911's. Makers I tend to favor would be Alessi, Milt Sparks, Tucker...My Bulman is well made and looks great, but you definitely need both hands and some major tugging to get the damned pistol out, even after trying the wax paper overnight deal. I like it for a fatter pistol though since the inside lies pretty flat and the holster forms to the outside--digs into you less.

Often a quality holster from a decent makers really costs about the same as a garden variety holster, but tends to fit much better and just be of higher quality.

There are a number of good holster companies that also make gun belts. I have a Mitch Rosen belt that I like a lot. Do a search here to find alternatives. An Uncle Mike's holster may be ok for the range, but I would look at a good kydex or leather holster as a replacement at some point. Comp-Tac makes excellent kydex holsters. Not sure if they make them for your handgun. www.comp-tac.com

I carry my PT145 in a Galco IWB holster marked for a Springfield XD45, which I also carry from time to time. Both pistols are virtually identical in size as far as cross section goes. There is no cant and no retention strap for this holster, but the only time I have had to worry about it coming out is when visiting the mens room. It is very easy to draw from this holster, although not quite as easy to replace the gun. Fortunately, the holster is easily removed from my belt, so I can put the whole thing together and stuff it into my pants without a lot of trouble. I've worn it this way for 8-10 hours straight without trouble.

Uncle Mike's and a regular belt makes for a poor combination. The only good thing to say about it is you don't have much invested into it. A good quality holster and gunbelt will have your handgun staying exactly where you position it no matter what you are doing.

I don't have a gun belt - guess that should be my first purchase - just a regular belt. Holster is a Uncle Mike's - not sure the model

What you need is 1)wide, stiff belt and 2)better holster. The Uncle Mike's IWB that I'm familiar with is basically a heavy sock with a belt clip.

The IWB's I've found to be more comfortable to me, sitting or moving around. I've used several maker's from Galco, Desantis, Kramer, Bladetech, Ross, and even Uncle Mikes (one day only to get me by till I got home). I guess if you wear your pants tight then you'll have to buy new ones but I never had to change the size I wear. The IWB's conceal better than anything outside the waistband and since I carry full sized guns it work out even better. The best I've found is Kramer's IWB-3, which after finding out about them I scrapped off all the others and buy them exclusively. The IWB's aren't as fast as a strong side hip holster though, but I like them more for CCW.

I prefer IWB and the shifting goes a long way towards making it comfortable when sitting.

--wally.

I assume we're talking concealed carry here and not open carry. Here are some general concealed carry guidelines that I go by. YMMV.

1. The thickness of a handgun is more critical to concealed carry than the length.

2. Larger handguns are best carried OWB in a pancake belt slide holster. Wear a long, loose fitting, untucked shirt for cover.

3. Smaller guns work well either OWB or IWB. Again, wear a long, untucked shirt for cover.

4. Invest in a high quality holster that's custom fitted to your handgun. Doesn't matter if it's leather or kydex as long as it's high quality and holds the gun securely. Leather is expensive and can be a bit squeaky, but is the most comfortable for long-term wear. Kydex is hard as a brick, but is cheaper and doesn't absorb moisture. Whichever you like best.

5. A good belt is critical to supporting the weight of a handgun. But you don't have to spend a fortune to buy a good belt. I found some Dockers belts at Kohls that were thicker and less flexible than most casual wear belts and they work well with everything from my 1.5lb Kahr up to my 3lb+ 1911. And they only cost about $20.

Finally, the real key to concealed carry is self-confidence. If you don't act like you're carrying a gun, it's very unlikely that anyone you meet will suspect you're carrying a gun.

Holsters are very personal. Get a good gun belt and see if that helps. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for (there are exceptions). Personally I have an iwb for a j frame snub from Desantis which I love. Due to the way I'm built I have to wear suspenders and a belt when carrying. Come to think of it I have to wear a belt and suspenders when I'm not carrying.

I carry my PT140 in a Don Hume IWB holster. It was cheap (about $30) and works a lot better than an Uncle Mikes. Maybe you can check them out.