IWB Carry-What Position?

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dallascj

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I hope this is the right place for this. I just ordered a S&W M&P Compact .45 and don't have any holsters for it. I have carried revolvers almost exclusively, which prefer to do IWB about 8 o'clock (lefty). However, when I have tried a semi-auto, I feel like the grip really sticks out with this type of carry. To those that carry semi-autos, do you prefer appendix, behind the hip, or what method? I am considering a Tucker Texas Heritage holster for this gun, but wanted to get opinions of those who already carry semi-autos before I order.
 
I carry mine (G36) at 3:30...but to be honest, it will depend on your build where you need to carry it.

I suggest moving it around between 8 and 9 o'clock, and see what works.
 
I carry just behind the point of the hip so that the gun in is the hollow there. The further to the rear you carry from the 9 o'clock, the more rake (angle from vertical) you'll need
 
For me, when mostly standing and walking, behind the hip at 4:00-4:30. If I will be mostly sitting or driving, 11:00 for a slight crossdraw. (I am right-handed.) This would actually require different holsters, a forward-canted for the former, vertical for the latter. Don't be afraid to buy multiple holsters, if you need them.
 
I'm a righty. I carry at about 3:30 with a forward cant of I think, like, 11 degrees.
 
Add me to the 3:30 list. I use a Brommeland Gunleather Max Con V. Also be sure to wear a high quality gun belt. It will make all the difference in comfort level and conceal-ability.
GH
 
This is a great question that you can only answer after trying a few positions.

I carried gangtsa style (right hand draw, 6:00, but it was uncomfortable sitting and the butt read through my suit coat. It was perfectly fine standing up though.

Now depending on the piece, I wear IWB between 3:00 and 5:00 IWB, usually canted a little forward. Some holsters have an adjustment screw to fix them at that angle, but none of mine do.

I use a leather IWB from the Holster Store (ebay) for the PT709 Slim, and an Uncle Mikes IWB for the P229.

My shoulder rig is sufficient and fits most of my hardware, but cannot find the perfect one for vertical carry in black leather. Never ankle carried.

I have also found that my trousers need only be about an inch bigger to accommodate anything I want to carry.
 
If you like 8-9 carry position, then I would change that last. Ideally, you always want your pistol in the same place all the time. I would try changing the cant of your pistol. Extreme forward cant, also known as the FBI cant, places the butt of the grip, the hardest part to conceal usually, over the back of the slide. I found this very helpful when I carried a Beretta M9A1 concealed while in the service. Hope it does the trick for you.
 
I usually pocket carry but when I go on a long road trip I IWB carry a Taurus 24/7 Pro DS .45 compact which is similar in size and weight to the OP's M&P. I find that 2:30 carry is best for sitting in a bucket seat for any length of time and it's about the only possible way to carry IWB in my GTO with rather prominent side bolsters in the seat. Conceals the grip pretty well when I get out, too.

I carry in a Supertuck. I've tried knockoffs of the Supertuck and they aren't as comfortable.
 
Before you buy a holster, I suggest you take your unloaded pistol and tuck it in your waistband. Move it around to the various positions and vary the cant. When you find a comfortable position that is accessible to you and your body type get someone to take a photo.
Now you have a starting point to deal with the holster maker of your choice.

Ralph
 
I carry at the 3:30 IWB position (rightie). This position allows me/you to sit comfortably. Some of the new car seats that wrap around you can be a problem. You may have to move it forward slightly to find that magic spot. The cant is key when it comes to making it hug your body. Look for a holster that will allow you to change the cant. I make my own so I can tweak as much as needed to get the right fit. I prefer a Hydex outer shell with a leather against my body, with a pigskin sweat guard. I also line my Hydex for the silent effect.
 
I carry my Walther PPS at 10:00, just in front of the hip bone, cross-draw. The usual IWB holsters all position the gun too low (apparently trying to get the handle tucked in under the belt). The result is, it digs into your ribs and the muzzle flares out noticeably under your pants. I made a holster which carries the gun higher, with the belt across the trigger-guard. Keeps the muzzle tucked in, and the tension of the belt tucks the grip into my less than rock-hard abs! ;) It just completely disappears under even a fairly tight tee shirt, and I generally wear my cell phone over the belt clip to hide it from casual view.:cool:
 
I just started carrying my 96D AIWB at about 12:30 (right handed) and it is working great so far. Super fast out of the holster for IWB too.

Before that, I usually carried around 3:00 (depending on where belt loops were, cover garment, etc.).

However, I find AIWB to conceal the best under a very light cover garment (t-shirt only).

I suspect that a M&P 45c would conceal pretty well in that position, just be sure you use a good holster.
 
Holsters are not like hats that one fits all. One that would fit me may not work for you and before you know it you may end up several and use only one or two because of your personal preference and what works with your wardrobe. I'd suggest you unload your firearm, wear some of the clothing you wear on a regular bases and IWB carry it around the house at different positions. Sitting, walking around, etc and see what is most comfortable for you. Then take your firearm to your Local Gun Store or to a Gun Show which may have several venders with a wide selection to choose from, and try on whatever hostlers they have and see what fits you best. Some can be expensive and if you find out you don't like it you are stuck with a paperweight. You may like a leather one or one made out of ballistic nylon. I have a DeSantis Dual Carry for a couple of my handguns, I like it because I can use it as an IWB or an OWB carry both with one holster.
 
I carry my Glock 27 IWB in the Apex position, which is about 1:00 (I'm really closer to 1:30 if you want to be precise). When I carry owb, it is usually about 3:00, right on the side of my hip.
 
I carry at 3:30. Fastest draw is from there for me - (though appendix position may be faster but I just can't tolerate a gun in that area).
 
Up until a month ago, I carried around 4:30. I noticed that sitting down in certain chairs made my back hurt, so I switched to 3:30, and it's much more comfortable.
 
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