Admitting some mistakes, here, for the benefit of others....
I started out carrying IWB several years ago. The idea in my mind was to ensure that nothing became visible below my shirt tail.
For one pistol, I bought a leather-kydex combination holster from a well known manufacturer. I had a lot of trouble with the gun falling out when I lowered my pants. It looks as if the manufacturer has redesigned the belt loops, but I ended up not carrying that pistol very often.
I bought three leather IWB holsters from two excellent holster makers for my various carry guns. No complaints at all, so I'll name them: Milt Sparks and Bell Charter Oak. Excellent fit and workmanship.
A combination of two things caused me to change my usual method of carry. First, Michael Bane opined on The Best Defense that OWB carry was more comfortable for him. I generally put a lot of stock in the recommendations on that program.
Second, I signed up for a training course on the Personal Defense Network tour (see the thread in ST&T). An OWB holster was required, and I had to find one in a hurry, so I ordered a leather one from a well-known manufacturer, and I wore it for a while to break it in and to familiarize myself with it.
That did require me to get some longer shirts.
The holster was OK for carry, but I had an awful time re-holstering during the class. It is one thing to holster once in the morning and a few times for practice, and quite another to re-holster many times during a training class. The holster really did not fit the gun very well at all. I took it off--for the last time--after the second day of the class. The trainer strongly recommended a kydex holster.
So--I ordered a horsehide and kydex OWB holster from Crossbreed.
Re-holstering is so much easier that I feel stupid for not having made the change before.
In addition, the comfort level for me is an improvement. Again, I wish I had made the change before.
It won't work for everyone, but I dress very casually almost all the time, and when I don't, a sport coat will cover the gun.
When I was at the class, I handled another holster that should be mentioned here. It is the Range and Carry holster, sold by the I.C. E. online store. If you happen to carry a Glock, a Smith and Wesson M&P, or a Springfield XD, you can get one. I am told that they intend to sell one for the XD-S also.
The (or rather, one) advantage of the RAC holster is that it has a little lip on the outside that helps guide the pistol during re-holstering. That should be a real advantage when re-holstering numerous times during a training course, and I recommend considering it if you are planning to attend a course and if they make one for your pistol.
There you have it--some recommendations from a duffer who learned things the heard way.
I hope the proves helpful.
I started out carrying IWB several years ago. The idea in my mind was to ensure that nothing became visible below my shirt tail.
For one pistol, I bought a leather-kydex combination holster from a well known manufacturer. I had a lot of trouble with the gun falling out when I lowered my pants. It looks as if the manufacturer has redesigned the belt loops, but I ended up not carrying that pistol very often.
I bought three leather IWB holsters from two excellent holster makers for my various carry guns. No complaints at all, so I'll name them: Milt Sparks and Bell Charter Oak. Excellent fit and workmanship.
A combination of two things caused me to change my usual method of carry. First, Michael Bane opined on The Best Defense that OWB carry was more comfortable for him. I generally put a lot of stock in the recommendations on that program.
Second, I signed up for a training course on the Personal Defense Network tour (see the thread in ST&T). An OWB holster was required, and I had to find one in a hurry, so I ordered a leather one from a well-known manufacturer, and I wore it for a while to break it in and to familiarize myself with it.
That did require me to get some longer shirts.
The holster was OK for carry, but I had an awful time re-holstering during the class. It is one thing to holster once in the morning and a few times for practice, and quite another to re-holster many times during a training class. The holster really did not fit the gun very well at all. I took it off--for the last time--after the second day of the class. The trainer strongly recommended a kydex holster.
So--I ordered a horsehide and kydex OWB holster from Crossbreed.
Re-holstering is so much easier that I feel stupid for not having made the change before.
In addition, the comfort level for me is an improvement. Again, I wish I had made the change before.
It won't work for everyone, but I dress very casually almost all the time, and when I don't, a sport coat will cover the gun.
When I was at the class, I handled another holster that should be mentioned here. It is the Range and Carry holster, sold by the I.C. E. online store. If you happen to carry a Glock, a Smith and Wesson M&P, or a Springfield XD, you can get one. I am told that they intend to sell one for the XD-S also.
The (or rather, one) advantage of the RAC holster is that it has a little lip on the outside that helps guide the pistol during re-holstering. That should be a real advantage when re-holstering numerous times during a training course, and I recommend considering it if you are planning to attend a course and if they make one for your pistol.
There you have it--some recommendations from a duffer who learned things the heard way.
I hope the proves helpful.
