Just make your own. Then your out like 4 bucks if you don't like it. Making a holster out of leather isn't that hard. even the kydex part is getting easier. I just made a IWB for my wife's mp9, and it didn't really take that long. I make all my pocket holsters, IWB, OWB, and even a shoulder holster or two. On that note, I'm not exceptionally talented, have bad eyes and fat fingers. If I can do it, so can anyone.
personal opinions on iwb
- Thread starter tshaw
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petitelady
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sorry I posted in the wrong place.
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While I normally carry a snubnose in a pocket holster I do sometimes carry a compact S&W 3rd gen pistol in an IWB holster. I find it very comfortable but position is important. Too far back or forward, or too low it can did in. Only reason I don't carry that way more often is that I have to wear a undershirt to have a layer of cloth between my skin and the holster.
You will have to wear a shirt that isn't too trim. Patterns also break up the print better than solid colors.
You will have to wear a shirt that isn't too trim. Patterns also break up the print better than solid colors.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
IWB is what I use most of the time. With only the gun butt exposed, there is no possibility of a cover garment riding up and exposing the bottom of the holster. Even though the holster is all anyone would see, I would still rather not take the chance. (I dislike belt holsters that leave the slide and muzzle exposed for this reason.) With proper design, it is no harder or slower to draw from than a OWB. There is a feeling of pressure, but you learn to "tune it out," so to speak. It can be quite uncomfortable if your pants fit tight to start with; adding a gun and holster will make them even tighter.
mgmorden
Member
I usually pocket carry an LCP. I have an IWB holster (Safariland) for the same gun that carries very easily. For me even though that's a pocket gun I still like carrying it IWB often as I like to keep my pockets open for cell phones, keys, etc. I've tried IWB with bigger guns (still relatively small though - a Makarov being the smallest) and have made it work, but have had issues with comfort and occasionally printing.
In particular, I have had some problems with printing when wearing certain types of clothing. Noticed while wearing a golf shirt once when I saw myself in a bathroom mirror with the Makarov (in an Galco IWB holster) that I was printing like crazy. Ended up going into a stall and moving the gun from my strong side to small of back position until I got home as that didn't print, but I don't like carrying at that position.
Since as a rule I won't modify my dress style to accommodate the gun (each person can make his own choice there, but if I can't wear what I want and carry then the gun is not protecting my life, but ruling it), I'm mostly just carrying the LCP again. I still intend on getting a smaller 9mm like a Kahr CW9 though and trying IWB with it.
In particular, I have had some problems with printing when wearing certain types of clothing. Noticed while wearing a golf shirt once when I saw myself in a bathroom mirror with the Makarov (in an Galco IWB holster) that I was printing like crazy. Ended up going into a stall and moving the gun from my strong side to small of back position until I got home as that didn't print, but I don't like carrying at that position.
Since as a rule I won't modify my dress style to accommodate the gun (each person can make his own choice there, but if I can't wear what I want and carry then the gun is not protecting my life, but ruling it), I'm mostly just carrying the LCP again. I still intend on getting a smaller 9mm like a Kahr CW9 though and trying IWB with it.
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The Lone Haranguer
Member
I don't, at least comfortably. When driving I move the handgun to a center console holster I devised, and even then the holster itself digs in a little. If most of your carry is while standing or walking, the behind-the-hip position is fine. If you're mostly sitting at a desk, driving or something else where you have to sit down , I suggest a carry somewhere between 10:00 and 2:00, whatever is more comfortable. If your holster is canted (tilted) butt-forward/muzzle rear, it won't work very well, and you would need a vertical or slightly reverse-angled holster. Being thin and short, the Bersa .380 is well suited to this.petitelady said:
petitelady
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Thanks so much to everyone who responded. I got some really good advice and am very impressed with this site. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful. I don't plan on getting an LCP right away, so I guess I'll stick with a crossdraw position since I sit more than I stand. I'm still looking with great interest at the Supertuck Deluxe holster. I'm having fun playing around with my wardrobe to see what works best. So far, it's been mostly slacks or jeans with a tank top and a lightweight jacket zipped up about halfway with a bellyband holster. Thanks again everyone!
Zundfolge
Member
I've been carrying IWB for more than a decade. In that time I've learned some valuable things (things that I don't think those that hate IWB carry have).
1) You MUST adjust your wardrobe to accommodate the gun. Pants an extra couple inches at the waist and a quality gun belt.
2) A dual clip/loop type holster (like the much loved Crossbreed Supertuck) will carry even a full size gun comfortably ... a single loop/clip type holster is ok for something slim and tiny like a Kahr MK.
3) 3:00 is more comfortable than 3:30 or 4:00, plus your arm covers it aiding on concealment, plus you can draw while seated in the car.
I'm willing to admit that there probably are a few people that just can not make it work with IWB ... but the vast majority of those that I've met over the years that tell me they just flat couldn't make if comfortable didn't wear larger pants, didn't have a good gun belt and were trying to conceal a full size gun in an Uncle Mikes POS hoster (the goofy one with the mag pouch on the front).
As for what holster is best, I would say something like the Crossbreed Supertuck would probably be the best out of the box solution (I don't own one, but I have used the Crossbreed clips on one of my holsters).
For years what I've done is got quality, custom made leather pancake holsters and then affixed steel spring clips to them with chicago screws.
Like this:
1) You MUST adjust your wardrobe to accommodate the gun. Pants an extra couple inches at the waist and a quality gun belt.
2) A dual clip/loop type holster (like the much loved Crossbreed Supertuck) will carry even a full size gun comfortably ... a single loop/clip type holster is ok for something slim and tiny like a Kahr MK.
3) 3:00 is more comfortable than 3:30 or 4:00, plus your arm covers it aiding on concealment, plus you can draw while seated in the car.
I'm willing to admit that there probably are a few people that just can not make it work with IWB ... but the vast majority of those that I've met over the years that tell me they just flat couldn't make if comfortable didn't wear larger pants, didn't have a good gun belt and were trying to conceal a full size gun in an Uncle Mikes POS hoster (the goofy one with the mag pouch on the front).
As for what holster is best, I would say something like the Crossbreed Supertuck would probably be the best out of the box solution (I don't own one, but I have used the Crossbreed clips on one of my holsters).
For years what I've done is got quality, custom made leather pancake holsters and then affixed steel spring clips to them with chicago screws.
Like this:
smalls
Member
^ wow, awesome idea, never seen that before. I'm definitely going to try this when it's time for a new holster.
petitelady
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Thanks for the info and tips. I just ordered my Supertuck Deluxe. Now, for the long wait...
but I think it will be worth it as I am set on IWB carry.
but I think it will be worth it as I am set on IWB carry.
wow.... talk about a brilliant solution... I just did one of those "one hand clapping" forehead slaps when I saw that. seriously nice thinking.I've been carrying IWB for more than a decade. In that time I've learned some valuable things (things that I don't think those that hate IWB carry have).
1) You MUST adjust your wardrobe to accommodate the gun. Pants an extra couple inches at the waist and a quality gun belt.
2) A dual clip/loop type holster (like the much loved Crossbreed Supertuck) will carry even a full size gun comfortably ... a single loop/clip type holster is ok for something slim and tiny like a Kahr MK.
3) 3:00 is more comfortable than 3:30 or 4:00, plus your arm covers it aiding on concealment, plus you can draw while seated in the car.
I'm willing to admit that there probably are a few people that just can not make it work with IWB ... but the vast majority of those that I've met over the years that tell me they just flat couldn't make if comfortable didn't wear larger pants, didn't have a good gun belt and were trying to conceal a full size gun in an Uncle Mikes POS hoster (the goofy one with the mag pouch on the front).
As for what holster is best, I would say something like the Crossbreed Supertuck would probably be the best out of the box solution (I don't own one, but I have used the Crossbreed clips on one of my holsters).
For years what I've done is got quality, custom made leather pancake holsters and then affixed steel spring clips to them with chicago screws.
Like this:
petitelady
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Where is 3:00?
Incredible pics and some great ideas from Zundfolge's post. I have just ordered the Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe on your recommemdation. I am stuck with a belly band until then so I am trying to be patient. It should arrive by the 15th of November if it takes 6 wks. I am wearing larger pants and a good belt so I am really hoping this will do the trick. Excellent post; thank you so much!!!
Quick question: Is 3:00 right on the hipbone or just slightly behind?
Incredible pics and some great ideas from Zundfolge's post. I have just ordered the Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe on your recommemdation. I am stuck with a belly band until then so I am trying to be patient. It should arrive by the 15th of November if it takes 6 wks. I am wearing larger pants and a good belt so I am really hoping this will do the trick. Excellent post; thank you so much!!!
Quick question: Is 3:00 right on the hipbone or just slightly behind?
rellascout
member
I used to be a OWB guy but a few things have changed that over the years. Losing a little weight was the #1 change IMHO.
IWB with the right gun, right pants, right belt and the right holster = perfect.
Also keep in mind that carrying a gun involves a lot of trial and error IMHO.
IWB with the right gun, right pants, right belt and the right holster = perfect.
- When I lost a little weight there was more room for the gun.
- I have always used a proper gun belt. Like any piece of equipment when they wear out replace them.
- Buy the right holster. Cheap holsters can make a great belt feel horrible.
- Some guns are not meant to be carrying IWB. Some are just too thick or their dimension simply don't work for you. Just because someone else can carry gun "A" IWB does not mean you can.
Also keep in mind that carrying a gun involves a lot of trial and error IMHO.
I got a really nice Don Hume IWB holster for my USP. It took me a while to get used to it, I wear it at about 4 or 5 o'clock, but unless my shirt lifts up it's practically invisible. I've got a little padding around the middle, so finding a comfortable spot was key. I used to carry an HK P2000 in a cheap little sleeve holster in the front of my waist, but this USP is too big for that.
jbr
Member
you owe it to yourself to try a Remora - nice to have even if you don't want to use it every day. not expensive. Love mine. IF you have one - wou will find yourself using it. I de-threaded the banding around the squared off edge - cut it off to be more gun shaped and had a upolstery shop sew the banding back on around where i cut - really comfortable now
Wow, great idea! Thanks!I've been carrying IWB for more than a decade. In that time I've learned some valuable things (things that I don't think those that hate IWB carry have).
1) You MUST adjust your wardrobe to accommodate the gun. Pants an extra couple inches at the waist and a quality gun belt.
2) A dual clip/loop type holster (like the much loved Crossbreed Supertuck) will carry even a full size gun comfortably ... a single loop/clip type holster is ok for something slim and tiny like a Kahr MK.
3) 3:00 is more comfortable than 3:30 or 4:00, plus your arm covers it aiding on concealment, plus you can draw while seated in the car.
I'm willing to admit that there probably are a few people that just can not make it work with IWB ... but the vast majority of those that I've met over the years that tell me they just flat couldn't make if comfortable didn't wear larger pants, didn't have a good gun belt and were trying to conceal a full size gun in an Uncle Mikes POS hoster (the goofy one with the mag pouch on the front).
As for what holster is best, I would say something like the Crossbreed Supertuck would probably be the best out of the box solution (I don't own one, but I have used the Crossbreed clips on one of my holsters).
For years what I've done is got quality, custom made leather pancake holsters and then affixed steel spring clips to them with chicago screws.
Like this:
I have been shopping around for an IWB holster for my SP101. I already have a Galco concealable pancake holster for it, so I think I'll save some money and try your idea.
Where did you get the belt clips?
Vern Humphrey
Member
Absolutely.
Pick a design you like, get some leather from Tandy and make your own.
Now, once you start carrying, it's axiomatic that you will buy and try many holsters, because what you though would be ideal turns out different in actual practice. With the shoulder you got from Tandy, you can make a dozen or more holsters -- for the price of one "big name" holster -- and wind up with something that really works for you.
Plan2Live
Member
I've read this advice before and it's like nails on a chalkboard to me. Your idea of "up on the waist" may not be the same as other people. A guy I work with wears his pants above his belly button so I guess that's where he thinks his waist is. I've seen many a portly chap that are perfectly egg shaped. Go ahead, try to find a waist on those folks. If you strap on anything but a super lightweight subcompact on a body like that it is going to slide down and pull the pants with it. Some people are built like a 2X4, straight down from the arm pits to the pelvis with no discernable waist, same problem, nothing there to offer much resistance at all. The bottom line is everyone is different and will have to make decisions based on their unique features. And no, I'm none of the above. There are simply no one size fits all answers.
greenhornet
Member
Another vote for CrossBreed Holsters and their customer service is #1.
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