Best holster for CW carry when wearing jeans?

[Capp35]

I am in jeans 90% of the time. Looking for something that I can use to carry with jeans and a Tshirt that won't print to bad.
I think a IWB would be uncomfortable for long periods and not practical with jeans.

BTW, I have a Kahr PM9.

Any suggestions and does anyone carry this pistol concealed?

Thanks

 

[Frozen North]

High ride belt slide like DeSantis speed scabbard work great for me and my G26. You have to have a really good belt for a high ride holster though. I can OWB most of the time in a T shirt of a hoodie with no problems.

 

[Uneasy Rider]

Jeans work just fine for my IWB carry gun. (Steyr S9)

Perhaps your jeans are too tight.

J/k...I'd suggest maybe just opting for the "Loose fit" style or even going one size larger. That seems to work for me.

 

[Sam1911]

Jeans work very well for IWB carry. You will need them to be a size or two larger, but that just makes sense with any pants.

The t-shirt will work as well with an IWB as with a speed-scabbard ("pancake") style OWB. It will cover well, or not, depending on how tight it is and what color.

 

[Capp35]

Thats the only thing I do not like with using a IWB holster, changing your wardrobe.
Maybe I am just a Novice, but when you buy a pair of jeans 2 sizes larger, what do you do when you come home? Take off your weapon, have baggy pants and tighten your belt?

If I can use a IWB with my current clothes, I will give it a try. Otherwise I am thinking of OWB or some other option.
This is my first time to try to carry full time, not just when I am feeling uncomfortable with my surroundings.

I need more input please.

 

[Frozen North]

I know what you are talking about. I don't like my jeans oversize either. If I can get away with OWB most of the time, I am gonna do it. It is surprising how well a sub compact can be concealed without stuffing it down your pants. When you have a short barrel and a short grip, your options are wide open.

 

[Sam1911]

I try not to wear my jeans so very snug that I don't have room for an IWB 1911 in them if I want it, but I do often carry in an OWB pancake holster as it's just all-around more comfortable.

 

[heeler]

I just bought a PM9 myself and am strongly considering the Mitch Rosen Premier OWB that can be seen on Kahrs website.
I like this holster due to the fact that it uses snaps instead of having to run your belt through it to put it on or take it off.
My jury is still out with the IWB as I refuse to buy pants two sizes larger to accomodate a pistol.
I will probably still buy an IWB for times I wear pants other than jeans that have the elastic stretch back in the pants or perhaps loose shorts.
And since I usually wear shorts with cargo pockets a good pocket holster will be a must.
Good luck.

 

[Capp35]

I have seen the snaps and like the idea, but does it hold as snug as a holster with belt slots in it?
Also with a pancake, should I find a holster with a backing to it that keeps the butt from touching my skin? I would think it would be more comfortable but maybe cause it to stick out further?

Any more suggestions on a good pancake?

Also where can I find a good affordable belt? What width should I look for with jeans?

Thanks again....

 

[Sam1911]

I have seen the snaps and like the idea, but does it hold as snug as a holster with belt slots in it?

From a quality maker, yes. The snaps will be "one-way" snaps that only release when pried up in a certain direction, so they can't come loose accidentally.

Also with a pancake, should I find a holster with a backing to it that keeps the butt from touching my skin? I would think it would be more comfortable but maybe cause it to stick out further?

A 'sweat-shield' is what you're referring to. I've never seen a holster that had one that covered the entire butt of the gun, as the butt doesn't really ride against you, usually. Most sweat shields cover the back of the slide and whatever safety levers, decocking levers, and slide serrations there might be, and keep the corner of the back of the slide from digging into you. On an IWB, that's pretty important. On an OWB, not so much, but that all depends on your body shape. If you tend to 'lap over' a bit on the sides, it may make it more comfortable.

Any more suggestions on a good pancake?

I use a DeSantis "Speed Scabbard" but most of the makers put out one version of this or another.

You should decide if you want a thumb-break retention strap or not. Some makers have them, some don't, some give you the choice. (I don't use them, myself.)

Also where can I find a good affordable belt? What width should I look for with jeans?

Beltman leather is a very good maker for a leather belt. Wilderness Tactical makes some very good synthetic belts, either the '5-stitch' or 'Instructor' model offer a lot of support.

For jeans, I really like a 1-3/4" belt as that gives the very best support and digs in the least. Most guys buy 1-1/2" though. Don't go smaller than that unless you have to to fit dress slacks.

 

[heeler]

Another holster I have considered is the Mtac Gladiator.
They also make a paddle holster that is reasonably priced and so far I have not heard anything really bad about Mtac products.
There is an absolute endless number of holsters out there that just make the newby gun owner dizzy trying to decide what's best.
I get the impression that's what people are talking about when they say they have a drawer full of holsters that just did not live up to their expectations.
I am trying like you Capp35 to try and get it right the first time.

Edit to add...I meant the Mtac Gladiator NOT the Minotaur as the Minotaur is an IWB holster.

 

[Capp35]

I know what you mean Heeler.
I don't have the money for a draw full of $80 holsters....

 

[W.E.G.]

Two words:
COVER GARMENT

Carrying a firearm requires a wardrobe adjustment.

I can't imagine carrying a full-size firearm in one of those inside the pants holsters for more than a very short period of time.

 

[heeler]

Well W.E.G. practically ever gun forum I have read from always,and I do mean always has a whole list of people that state they carry their full size 1911's,Glocks,etc. in an IWB holster everywhere they go.
In fact over at another site I specifically asked one guy who touts the IWB is the only way to go and he carries a full size 1911 IWB just how he goes about getting in and out of a small econo work car,drives daily,bend over to pick up the newspaper or trash and he never answered back.
I carried a small Colt Mustang in a IWB holster for two weeks and was constantly being gouged by the pistol.
Maybe it's just me but.

 

[Sam1911]

I can wear either IWB or OWB for hours with a 1911 and not feel uncomfortable. You're going to need some kind of cover garment anyway, and an IWB is going to be least comfortable if you really do insist that you're a size 32 waist when you're just more man than that, so to speak, and you compound that situation by insisting that there's room in them there jeans for you and your gun, too!

If you have a quality IWB holster, and go buy a pair of pants that is truly sufficient to comfortably encompass the both of you (even if you have to hit the big&tall dept. to do that), and a belt which can be let out until you're not tied off like a sack of flour, an IWB can be just fine.

(I don't always give myself quite enough room in that department either. Sometimes it's just too depressing to try the IWB thing in the months after the holiday eating season. )

But, it also comes down to body type/style/size and how much sensory input from your hip you're willing to ignore.

 

[Pyro]

There is no such thing as a "best holster".
Find one you like and use it.
-Pyro

 

[Capp35]

Well your alot of help Pyro. LOL

I think I am going to shop around for a high ride OWB pancake. So any suggestions on price/quality will be appreciated.

One last question I have the all black PM9. Wouldn't the black holster be the best for concealment?

Thanks

 

[g.a.stahle]

I go back and forth carrying a Kimber Pro TLE II 1911 and a Sig Sauer 225/P6.

I use Galco Sto-N-Go IWB holsters for both of them when carrying IWB. The Kimber is most comfortable at a 4 o'clock position and the Sig is fine either at 2 o'clock or 4.

When I carry OWB I use a Blackhawk Checksix holster for the Kimber and a DeSantis SpeedScabbard for the Sig. I'm 6'1 and 170 lbs and I can get away with just a pair of jeans and a t-shirt without printing.

Like others have said, find what works for you and go with that. Go to several different places that sell holster and try them out (everywhere I've been to is more than happy to let you test their products) if you don't like their price but you like what they've got: go home and order it online.

 

[Sam1911]

if you don't like their price but you like what they've got: go home and order it online.

Sigh. I know it's the age we live in, and no company has any right to expect that anyone will shop based on more than price alone, but if the price isn't an absolute deal killer, maybe consider letting the store that let you try some products out take their 10% or 20% markup over online cost (+ shipping). After all, the ability to try things out in person and pick from a selection is a nice added service they're providing. All that inventory sitting there costs them something.

If they let you try six holsters and finally pick one that works, consider that they just saved you (possibly) the cost of five rejects, and/or settling for something less than perfect.

Just a thought, do what you have to do, but I don't know any shops around here that keep a good holster selection, and that is a service I kind of wish I had the opportunity to pay for.

 

[BullfrogKen]

For a high ride pancake I always liked Milt Spark's products. Paddle holsters tend to be a lot less concealable, especially only under a T-shirt.

A Kahr is pretty slim, and soft around the edges. I never did much like inside the waistband holsters much, but with a Kahr it wouldn't be all that uncomforable. You would need to still take it into account when you get a belt and your jeans. You might find them a little tight; denim doesn't have much give.

Well W.E.G. practically ever gun forum I have read from always,and I do mean always has a whole list of people that state they carry their full size 1911's,Glocks,etc. in an IWB holster everywhere they go.

Yeah, well . . . that's the internet for ya. People can say whatever they want. Carrying a Glock shoved inside your jeans is damn uncomfortable, and I know few who really do it. Few people actually carry a gun everywhere they go, too. 1911's are easier, because they're thinner. Even a 5" 1911. Be about as thick as that Kahr of yours.


Shove it inside your jeans right now and see how that feels. It won't get any thinner with whatever IWB holster you wrap around it.

 

[JTQ]

The Raven Concealment Phantom has been a big help in my search for the perfect holster for my 5", 1911.

http://www.ravenconcealmentsystems.com/product_info.php?products_id=1562

This one holster allows IWB or OWB carry with just a change of attachments. You can also adjust the cant or ride height. With all those options with just one holster you can figure out what works best for you. That will make subsequent purchases much easier. I suspect you will buy other holsters, even if you find the Raven to be "just right" simply because that is the way most of us are, always looking for "perfect".

The Raven is very close fitting and lightweight. In my opinion, it is the most concealable kydex OWB holster available. It is also an excellent IWB holster.

 

[JTQ]

For a belt I recommend a 1 1/2" belt, I think they are the most versatile.

Good makers are
The Beltman http://www.thebeltman.net/

A&G Custom Leather http://www.agcustomgunleather.com/

High Noon http://www.highnoonholsters.com/

Tucker Gunleather http://rlcompanyusa.stores.yahoo.net/index.html
(the bullhide belts he sells are actually from the Beltman. The other belts on his site are of his own making)

If you want nylon, the Wilderness Instructor belt is a good choice and will work pretty well with jeans. I'm using the 5-stitch Instructor belt right now.
http://www.thewilderness.com/storepinnacle/

 

[Capp35]

Can pancake holsters be worn on the side or are they only for behind the hip? I would like to find something that rides on my hip or maybe a few inches forward.

Sorry this must seem like a noob question.

 

[BullfrogKen]

It'll ride wherever you put it.

 

[Paulgibs]

Kahr PM9 jeans pocket carry

I use the Don Hume IWB in my front jeans pocket. Sometimes it gets a little heavy, but it rides just fine.