IWB or OWB?

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Captain America

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I'm researching holsters for my ccw when I get it. It will, most likely be a commander style 1911, in either a SA Champion loaded model or a Kimber Pro Carry. If I get a full size (which I would prefer), then I'll get a SA Mil-spec or a Kimber TLE II. It kinda depends on the concealability. A previous thread of mine revealed that many of you have ccw'd a full size 1911 for years, comfortably (within reason) and reliably.

As I look around at holsters, I see quite a few that I like, but I don't have experience with CCW. I haven't been able to try any on, so I don't know what I would prefer in style. I am going to get a OWB or an IWB. The OWB's look way more comfortable, but they look kind of obtrusive and might poke out the bottom of a shirt, especially a tshirt. The IWB look quite concealable, even the full size models, but without an undershirt would tear me up, depending on the model.

I've seen lots of pictures of members' ccw rigs. Most seem to be IWB's. Do you just suck it up and drive on? Or is there something my minimal experience isn't telling me? The OWBs look like you could carry for forever and practically forget its there. Do you decide what kind to wear depending on the situation? I'm not going to wear a vest or a fanny pack. What do you guys think?
 
With the OWB it blends with your clothing. With IWB you must dress around it. Belt a little bigger, pants a little bigger. OWB is easier to live with.
 
I carried full size and Commander sized 1911s IWB before with no problems, other than the constant weight tugging at me. I now carry a Glock 19 IWB in a Comp-Tac CTAC and I sometimes forget that it's there. This fall I might experiment with carrying OWB since I can have a jacket or something for cover.
 
I've got 3 IWB holsters and 1 OWB holster for my carry gun. 99.9% of the time I'm carrying IWB because it's too hot to wear a jacket to conceal OWB in Texas most of the year.

IWB is definately less comfortable but more concealable.
OWB is more comfortable but less concealable.

I really didn't have to change my clothing because I have always bought jeans a bit on the loose side. With the IWB it was just right. Occasionally I do OWB when the weather cools down and I can get away with wearing an cover shirt.
 
Chipperman, nice rig!

I've got a Milt Sparks watch six and love it for comfort but it just isn't as stable as my kydex holsters. The belt loops don't bite down on the belt so they have a tendency to migrate back.
 
I was just taking a look at an IWB holster from blackhawk. I have been able to rely on blackhawks tactical products in the past, especially on deployment. Their IWB looks quite comfortable, and its only $50. However, I have been told to definitely not skimp when it comes to my ccw holster. It can mean all the difference in comfort and, more importantly, if/when its time for me to use the handgun! Hmmmmm... whaddya think? :uhoh:
 
Unfortunately there is no "best" holster or mode of carry. Most of us with CCW's have a drawer full of holsters we tried and didn't like. OWB is more comfortable (for me) but not an option in certain areas due to the hassle you'll eventually receive ("man with a gun" calls to 911). In other areas it's perfectly normal and you'll probably receive compliments.
IWB is good for concealment as long as you have one that's comfortable. Skip the cheap stuff and get a good brand like a comp-tac CTAC (about $75) or a Milt Sparks versa-max II ($90-$130). Otherwise you'll end up with some cheap holsters in a drawer and end up getting those anyway. And get a good gunbelt. I destroyed a wally-world belt rather quickly before I realized what a difference a real belt makes.
As for the "chaffing" issue, a lightweight undershirt makes all the difference to protect your skin from the holster/gun and vice versa.
 
I carry (when I do, anyway) a full-size 1911 in a tuckable IWB. It's really not bad, especially considering it's a cheap holster that shifts (my next gun purchase [after the Enfield] will be a CTAC or similar).

But yeah, IWB with an undershirt isn't bad. And the tuckable allows me to dress the same as I ever did (no cover garment).
 
I just carry in a Galco OWB. In cool weather (most of the year here) I'm wearing a light jacket and it's not an issue, and I'm carrying a .40 Hipower or a 1911. In the summer (both weeks) I switch to a Kahr PM9, which fits well in the same holster and wear a shirt that I don't tuck. It works well, even in the summer I have my wife check it out and she's never noticed me printing.
 
IWB isn't all that uncomfortable IF you A) find a holster that suits you, and B) find the spot on your body that the gun/holster naturally fits best.

Where things get aggravating is when you want to wear at, say, 4:00 o'clock, but the holster fits best at 4:30-5:00.

When this happens, you either need to find another holster, wear OWB, or just "suck it up" and learn to deal with it where it sits best.

Anything but the last option will likely result in that drawer full of unused holsters. :(


J.C.
 
I find IWB to be MUCH more concealable. NOt terribly uncomfortable. I have a Sidearmor IWB that's OK, but not great for comfort. Kydex is very stable though.

Milt Sparks are supposed to be terrific! The VM2 is supposedly "THE ****". LONG waiting period though. Try and find a dealer online who has them in stock.

Check out rigrate.com for more suggestions. Great site with user reviews, and good search features. Make sure you look at holsters that have been rated several times though.
 
I've got a Sidearmor IWB that's great, the only real complaint I had was the wait time to get it. Patricia kept in good contact with me, at the time they had a problem with the anodizer that does their hardware for them, but IIRC it took like four or five weeks for me to get my holster. Comp-Tac sent me a CTAC for my Glock 19 in about three days, and so far I love it.
 
I carry a .45 acp Springfield XD 4inch model in a Blackhawk IWB holster and I can usually wear it atleast 12 hours comfortably before I start to get tired of the gun poking at my love handle. You may not have this problem though, sucks Im geneticaly screwed. Good luck.
 
I've been carrying a full-sized pistol (Hi-Power) in a Milt Sparks Versa-Max 2 since 2000. It has been worth every penny and then some. If you are carrying a relatively thin weapon (like a 1911), the VM2 can be very comfortable. I've done 14 hours worth of highway travelling wearing one and practically forgot it was there.

One thing you may want though is a commander style rounded hammer. Those spur hammers can dig into you pretty good when cocked & locked - especially if you start putting on a little weight.
 
I think you first need to consider how long you're gonna wear it each day and the weather.

I cannot tolerate an IWB these days. When I did, I was able to conceal a 5" 1911 as easily as a 4 1/4". But, after a 12-18 hr day, I'd sweat thru that leather. The Heritage and Heritage LTD from Milt Sparks add a waterproof layer to prevent that.


OWB. I use an old Sparks Road Runner for my Commander. The 60TK is the current offering. I wear OWB exclusively now. A little more thought and effort have to go into keeping an OWB covered. But, it is more comfortable.



If you plan on wearing it all day, not just evenings and weekends, consider either an OWB, or get one of the IWBs with a waterproof liner.
 
I have been looking into it and will admit I don't carry yet since I am not old enough, but I have drawn a few advanced opinions. IWB is more concealed, OWB more comfertable and depending on style of dress and just what you are carrying would depend which would be better.

As for the "chaffing" issue, a lightweight undershirt makes all the difference to protect your skin from the holster/gun and vice versa.
Click to expand...
I'd say a good idea reguardless of if there is a chaffing type issue or any irritation. The minerals in human sweat aren't good for metal.
 
Another Versa Max 2 fan here.

IWB allows me to wear a larger variety of shirts without exposing the holster/gun. I like that and often wear polo style shirts that are just a couple of inches below my belt, an OWB wouldn't allow that. Furthermore I can draw from concealment better when the shirt I'm using for cover isn't hanging way over my belt.

Cus_CDP_out_VM2.jpg


Cust_CDP_VM2.jpg
 
since we are on the subject of various methods of concealment (sorry for kinda throwing my own question in but we are on the topic anyway)

what kind of holster/concealment if you have to wear a shirt tucked in and without a jacket? Pocket or ankel holster?
 
Personally I own an ankle holster, but I'll only wear it as a last resort. It's just too dang slow to get too. A pocket holster is much better imo. Another option is a shirt tucker style IWB holster, but I've only been able to pull effective concealment off with one when I'm carrying a small gun like a micro Kahr.
 
If you don't want to change guns you pretty much have to go to a tuckable IWB. Some folks will use a belly band.

I'll put a smaller gun in a pocket, not owning an ankle holster, if I can't carry the Commander.
 
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