IWB Carry-What Position?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I seem to prefer appendix carry for most applications. Sometimes I will carry behind the hip with certain clothing. But I really like appendix. It all but disappears in that position. I have even carried my XD45c, which is a 4" barrel gun.
 
Due to the shape of my body, I've always (across the span of weight differences of over 50 pounds) found that appendix carry and 5 o'clock are the winning IWB positions for me. Appendix is used for snubby revolver or BG 380 and anything large goes to 5 o'clock.
 
I've been using a Milt Sparks Executive's Companion IWB holster, at 4 o'clock, for well over a decade with my Glock 19. It does a great job of holding the pistol close to my body and at just the right grip angle for me.

Prior to that I used the Milt Sparks Executive's Companion with my Star M43 FireStar with the same exellent results. My experience with this particular model IWB holster dates back to 1993.

When shopping for a holster for my Kahr PM-9 a few years ago I chose the Milt Sparks Summer Special II, which I modified by trimming the excess leather flaps so I could use it for Appendix Carry. It works fairly well but I recently ordered a Milt Sparks Expecutive's Companion for it too.

Gabe Suarez seems to offer the best lineup of Appendix Carry IWB holsters. See - http://www.onesourcetactical.com/insidethewaistbandholsters.aspx

Good luck!
 
appendix. Surprisingly comfortable and easy to conceal, even in tighter fitting shirts. Once you get over having the muzzle pointing near your junk, it's a great way to carry.
 
For me, IWB works best just past my hip, (I'm a righty so 4:00/5:00) with a slight cant so the muzzle and butt would make a straight vertical imaginary line. Even when I bend over to pick something up it doesn't really show, and I'm pretty thin. My girlfriend actually has to touch me there to see if I'm carrying IWB (sometimes I opt for shoulder rig). The gun I carry most is a full 5" 1911, and IWB works great for concealing it comfortably.
 
I've got an ambi holster, and as a lefty, I've worn 3:00 cross draw, and 8:30 with a slight forward cant. I don't have a CPL yet, so it's mostly OWB OC in those positions, but CC IWB from those positions work just fine, too.
I don't really like appendix draw, and certainly not 6:00 spinal. nor am I really a fan of the gun in the front of the pants, especially when sitting.
 
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
Click to expand...
That was a really cool suggestion that I haven't heard before. Thanks.
 
I would've never guessed so many would like a 3-3:30 with a mostly vertical cant, so I really appreciate all the responses. I have a Crossbreed Quickclip and it has 3 different positions for the beltclip. I changed it to the one with the most forward cant (puts the frame and butt in about a Y angle) and carried the pistol at around 8-8:30. That seemed to really work. It pulled the butt up against my back and felt the most like the way I like to carry my revolvers. I am 6' 3" and 195, so I have mostly a slender build, but I'm 49, so I am always battling a gut. Appendix carry really pokes me around the femoral artery area and is uncomfortable to sit. I ordered a holster from American Holster Co. with a lot of cant, so this should probably be a great choice. Thanks for all the help.
Rick
 
When I owned a Glock 26, I used a Mitch Rosen Clipper holster, carried it just to right of belt buckle ( 12:45-1:00 :) );worked well for several years...
 
If I don't anticipate sitting, particularly for long periods, I carry at about 2:00. This conceals best for me, but is uncomfortable when sitting. The most comfortable is about 4:00, but bending over/leaning over can expose the grip to imprinting and/or pull a shirt up to show it. Because I typically wear a jacket, 3:00 works well. It is comfortable and isn't likely to show. The only thing you have to worry about there is "bulge" when someone looks at you head-on... but a jacket or something takes care of that pretty well.

Also, type of gun is important. I know one person who carries a SW 686 4" IWB, another who carries a Beretta 92 IWB, and another who carries a Kimber 5" 1911 IWB. The ONLY way that's comfortable to me is at about the 4:00 position, but is big enough to imprint quite a bit--even with a jacket. For IWB, something compact/sub-compact is much more practical. (ie, Kahr CW series)
 
I have a FIST ultra thin kydex IWB for a S&W 4043 that I carry at the 1:00, just to the right of the buckle. Have tried others, but for the larger pistols I carry this seems to have worked out the best for me, for the last 10 + years.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

W
  • Locked
What position for IWB
2
Replies
25
Views
1K
Ala Dan
A
D
  • Locked
Carrying a striker fired?
2
Replies
27
Views
2K
saturno_v
S
D
  • Locked
6oclock IWB carry
Replies
3
Views
584
1557
1
K
  • Locked
Need a good appendix carry holster for the 2 o'clock position
Replies
2
Views
811
pogo2
P
W
  • Locked
What position do you carry concealed?
2
Replies
29
Views
1K
wbwanzer
W
Back
Top