IWB carry

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Dec 18, 2007
Messages
59
Location
Eastern KY
OK have read a lot about IWB holsters and carrying. Seems to be the consent of people that body size has a lot to do with this type of carry and its comfort level. Right now I carry a G27 in a Fobus paddle holster. No complaints hear. Howerver there are times when I would like to carry a little more concealed that this allows and would like to go with IWB. Now to the point. I am 6'2" 270lbs. I wear a 40 inch waist. Would IWB be too uncomfortable for me to carry, do I need to go with something else, or is it just a matter of getting a very good IWB holster? Thanks in advance for any help.
 
I'm about 5'11" 175lbs and i pretty much only carry IWB. It's not a problem for me however i wear my pants a bit bigger so the holster fits pretty well without being too tight. It's more comfortable in certain pants than some other ones.
 
Get a good belt and a good holster and you'll be fine. For a belt, I recommend the Wilderness Instructors belt. http://store.thewilderness.com/product_info.php?cPath=43&products_id=1186 Get the 5 stich one. It provides a lot of adjustbility and is stiff enough to hold up even a heavy gun. On the holster, I'd go with one that has the loops outside the holster (like this http://www.ubgholsters.com/IWB.html the Canute is a great holster) rather than on the holster (like this http://www.desantisholster.com/028.html), it cuts down on the bulk.
 
You shouldn't have to go up a size in pants. Look for "relaxed fit" clothing. This gives you more room and alleviates some of the "tightness" associated with stuffing an extra item in your pants. I used an Uncle Mike's holster which adds nearly nothing to my Glock in terms of thickness. It's comfortable too.
 
I'm a 34" waist with just a little but of dunlap. I've tried a lot of different IWB's and pant combinations and as much as I'd like to, I just can't carry IWB comfortably and can't see how anybody else can either. I do have one semi-comfortable IWB holster of soft leather, but I find that I have to undo my pants to reholster my guns. So, after all the $$$ and tiral and errors, I've given up on IWB.
 
I've found the belt isn't nearly as important as the quality of the holster. I use a regular Walmart belt but I carry my M&P in a Comp Tac holster. The belt clips are fore and aft of the holster which keeps the weapon and holster very stable. I will always use this style of holster. UBG holsters and fist sell some that are a similar design if leather is more to your liking.
 
gbran said:
I'm a 34" waist with just a little but of dunlap. I've tried a lot of different IWB's and pant combinations and as much as I'd like to, I just can't carry IWB comfortably and can't see how anybody else can either. I do have one semi-comfortable IWB holster of soft leather, but I find that I have to undo my pants to reholster my guns. So, after all the $$$ and tiral and errors, I've given up on IWB.

Your problem is pretty evident, your waist isn't 34 inches. The waist of your pants might be; but your "dunlap" means that you're wearing pants that are smaller than you should. Take a waist measurement at the bellybutton to get your actual waist size.
 
I find an IWB holster to be very uncomfortable. It's not the carry itself that's uncomfortable but it's the sitting I find bothers me. I like pocket carry and a Pancake or Scabbard holster on the belt much better.

There are so many different styles of holsters because there are so many different opinions on what's comfortable and what's not.
 
Comptac sells some new holsters called the Mtac I think? THat might be just the trick for you.
 
I am 5'9" and 148 lbs. ;) But, having said that, IWB is all I use for concealed carry. I feel that this provides the best concealment - while still allowing access - over a greater variety of conditions. There is virtually no chance of exposing the bottom of a holster or even the slide/barrel. While there is always a feeling of pressure, I've gotten used to it, and have gotten to the point where I feel naked without it.

It very definitely makes a difference which holster and belt you select. I am quite fond of the Wilderness Instructor belts, if they go with your clothing. These are very stiff and will not allow the holster/gun to sag away from your body, but unlike leather belts which have holes in a fixed position, they allow infinite adjustability.

Thus far, for me, I've found that this type - in this case a Galco Royal Guard for my Glock 19 - is the most comfortable, although its design does add thickness/bulk.
royal_guard_250.jpg
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/pix/royal_guard_250.jpg

There are also the types with belt loops or clips on either side of the handgun. If your gun is heavy these will support the weight a little better, and there is no additional width/bulk. They are a little more trouble to fasten and get in just the right position, as well as needing some break-in time to conform to your body shape. The type with a clip retention is easiest to put on or take off. I am "on the fence" about the Kydex IWB holsters. The one I have, while definitely allowing easy reholstering, also allows every edge and corner of the gun to contact my body, making it less comfortable.
 
I have a 40-ish inch waist (seems to be shrinking a little lately) and have no problem with IWB. I put it on my strong side hip slightly to the rear, positioned barely forward of where i would be sitting on it when i sit down.
 
IWB with leather, kydex is too rigid and requires more room. Leather has more "give" and will form to your body. I have no problems IWB with the jeans that I usually wear, it depends upon where you place the holster. I place anywhere between 2:30 and 4:00. Also hitch your pants up a little higher around your gut and not down near your hip bones. Its more the quality of the holster than the belt that you use, IMO. If you have to, buy one size larger or get the elastic waiste pants. Good luck.
 
I carry a S&W Model 19, with 2 1/2" barrel and Hogue Bantam grips, in a Bianchi 3S IWB most of the time. I carry it at 4 o'clock and often forget that it's even there.

My other carry gun is a slightly modified Ruger New Vaquero 45 Colt in a Mernickle IWB for single actions.:neener:
 
I am 6'2" about 215 and carry my G26 in a Desantis cozy partner IWB. my pants are loose enough to accomodate the gun/holster without being uncomfortable. You should have no problem as long as your pants aren't too tight already
 
I am 6'6" and about 275. While you dont HAVE to get pants that are a little big I do find that bigger pants do make IWB a bit more comfortable.
For me I wanted the slimmest gun with the thinnest holster I can find.

I usually carry a Kahr PM9 in a FIST Ultra thin Kydex holster ( best pic I have of gun with holster)
730180006_a93406e20f.jpg
THis used to be my primary but has pretty much been replaced by the Kahr.
Kimber Compact CDP in VersaMax II
934496964_2243ef37c6_o.jpg
3 main carry guns
773618150_b3f697b0c0_o.jpg
 
I carry my 1911 IWB. I needed to start getting pants a couple of inches bigger, but other than that, no big deal.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top