Question about IWB holsters...

[UKWildcatFan]

I'm diggin' this El Paso Saddlery IWB holster, but I'm wondering if I can wear this without a belt. Meaning, is the clip on this style of holsters able to open so I can just slip this over the waist band of a pair of shorts? I sure hope so as I really want one.

 

[sgtstryker]

Go right ahead. They do it in Somalia, too.

 

[bigfatdave]

Generally a holster will depend on a belt for support unless specifically marketed as not needing one.

But try an experiment, hand a weight on your shorts in about the same place and see if it is comfortable. Then buy a damn gunbelt.

 

[UKWildcatFan]

Uh, I HAVE a damn gunbelt. Never mind.

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

I must admit that the former responses made me chuckle a bit. I don't think many shorts exist that will support the weight of a typical carry-handgun, though if the handgun is a subcompact of the very light and small variety, it might not be entirely unreasonable. Even then though, how much retention could that set-up offer, especially if say you take a tumble? With carrying comes great responsibility; my opinion is that a holster and belt are MUST-haves if carrying a concealed firearm. Not only that, but a belt really makes all the difference in the world when it comes to comfort. For all I know, you (OP) and I are of very different body types, but if I tried to carry with a IWB just clipped on my shorts, I'd be adjusting and pulling up my shorts every 30 seconds or so, and when not adjusting them, the spot holding the holster would sag much more than the rest of the waist... not exactly subtle or inconspicuous. I'm not trying to bash your question at all, just offering my thoughts and somewhat-humble opinion That's what THR is all about as far as I can tell Again, the right belt will be far more comfortable than no belt.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

It is OK for something quick and temporary, not continuously or as a matter of course. The two major problems with it are 1: simple cloth doesn't provide any support for the weight of the gun, causing it to sag or lean as well as constantly trying to pull your pants down; and 2: the clip may slip off the cloth, causing the holster to stay on the gun when you draw it. (The latter does depend on the design of the clip.)

 

[Old Fuff]

You didn't mention what handgun you proposed to carry, and that can make a difference. As has been point out one purpose of the belt is to support the weight of the gun. The holster keeps the gun in place and at a particular position and angle.

That said, I knew an individual that carried a .38/2" revolver, IWB without a belt, but supported the weight by wearing a pair of suspenders. For him this worked.

 

[jogar80]

"they do it in Somalia too"....thats freaking hilarious...LOL

 

[Pietro Beretta]

Just go buy a Remora clipless holster, some people don't trust them but a heck of a lot more swear by them..... I saw this youtube video and I may just have to pick one up to test out.

$30 isn't a big investment if you don't like it anyhoo.


Guy pulls of a flip with a Remora holster

 

[1SOW]

A Number of them are designed to clip to the pants WITH a belt over the clip.

 

[JPG19]

Not to mention the holster must obviously remain in place when you draw your weapon, ie it needs a solid hold or grip on something. Not sure thin pants would provide that

 

[RedAlert]

Perhaps one of those holsters that locate the weapon over your groin. I forget the brand name, but they have their own belt system and do not rely on your pants/belt to hold the weight.

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

^ sounds like the "Smart Carry" holster. I have one and usually use it for an extra mag or two in the summer time, but I've also used it when visiting my Dad, who was shot and seen his friends killed in Vietnam. He says he's glad people like me have guns, but he's 'done his time' and doesn't want to see or think about 'em. Out of respect, when I visit him I lock my 1911 up in a safe in my vehicle, and use my "smart carry" crotch-holster to carry my tomcat, or I'll just pocket-carry it with a pocket holster.
Either way that holster would work well for not having to wear a belt with shorts. The draw isn't as bad as you'd think, and someone really has to touch you in an unusual spot to actually detect your pistol lol I will say, application of baby powder really helps when wearing it!

i also have used it when wearing over-alls, which I like to wear due to all the pockets and over-all comfort (pun intended). but when I do that, I actually use an IWB on the nylon belt of the holster itself, took some getting-used-to, but it's sturdy enough.

 

[bigfatdave]

Perhaps one of those holsters that locate the weapon over your groin. I forget the brand name

thunderwear and smartcarry are the brand names.
"gunderwear" works in scrubs or pajamas, I suppose, I think they're silly otherwise. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned, if I'm out in public I generally have pants or shorts on that come equipped with belt loops, so I run a belt through. If my pants and belt will be supporting weight (most of the time, even when I'm at work and not carrying, I have radio/keys/tools/etc) ... I run a gun belt through.

 

[TT]

Depends on the holster/pants/gun combo. I've carried airweight J-frames and a Kahr CW9 in FIST clip-on IWB holsters with no problems.

 

[mike wandrick]

Try a IVISATUCK IWB holster from american holster, I think you will like it for cc.