Silver dollar pancake with Ruger KLCR

[validballad]

Hello all! This is a pretty specific question, but I'm hoping I can get some tidbits of advice and perspectives even still. I did search the forum and didn't find much about this specific combo.

I've tried a few holsters for my KLCR including the Ava IWB hybrid kydex holster and the remora with a solid, kydex core gun belt. I didn't like the amount of retention on the Ava - I feel like more is better. I can only use the Ava as a 4 oclock IWB and I would like the option of appendix carry since I know the gun prints when I bend over and it's annoying and doesn't work with my clothing very well. The remora is handy as a protective sleeve and it's easy to use, but doesn't really work for me as well as I might hope. I want to practice my draw and the remora doesn't make it easy to do this since I have to keep taking it out and putting it back in over and over. Sometimes it will come out along with the gun!

I want to throw down for a really high quality holster and I was hoping someone had experience with this combo.

I really like the idea of being able to turn a OWB holster into an IWB holster since I want to carry on my strong side at 3 oclock OWB as much as possible in the winter. I value a quick draw and retention over total concealment - obviously I don't want to flash people but if it happens it's not the end of the world. I also want to be able to open carry OWB for future holster drawing, IDPA, walking around the woods, gun classes, etc. Retention is very important to me, but I don't want a thumb break.

So, from what I've read it seems like the Silver Dollar would be perfect for OWB and IWB 4 and 3 oclock.

So here are my questions:

I'm most interested in the opinions of women and smaller guys. My waist is about a 28-30. Is the silver dollar holster thin enough front to back that it's suitable for appendix IWB carry? Is it comfortable in that position with a good belt?

Is the silver dollar suitable for carry 3 or 4 oclock in between my pants and my belt using the loops? I really like the feel of between belt carry using my remora with a good cover jacket. Amazingly it's more secure than having the remora IWB!

Any suggestions or tips before I pay almost 100$ for one of these?

 

[JTQ]

While I have an idea of what you're talking about, there are a lot of things in your post that seem like code of some kind to me.

my KLCR

Is that a gun. I'm not familiar with the code, who is the maker? A Ruger LCR maybe? EDIT to ADD: Of course you said Ruger KLCR in the tittle. My bad.

Ava IWB hybrid kydex holster

I'm somewhat of a "holster hound" and I've not heard of that one.

the remora

I'm familiar with that one.

it seems like the Silver Dollar would be perfect for OWB and IWB

I'm guessing you are talking about the Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake with the inside out straps to allow IWB carry, correct? http://shop.simplyrugged.com/ecommerce/Silver-Dollar-Pancake™-.cfm?item_id=152&parent=669

Carrying at 3:00, while often easier to draw from, generally doesn't conceal that well, as it is usually the widest point on your belt line, and adding a holster and gun to that point only makes it stick out further. Placing the gun either in front of the hip at 1:00 - 2:00 (appendix carry), or behind the hip around 4:00 usually helps with concealment. Straight drop or slightly muzzle forward cant would usually work best for appendix carry, while FBI or muzzle rear cant would work better for behind the hip carry.

In general, pancakes don't often work for the small waisted, as they take up a lot of belt space, and you don't have much. I'm certainly bigger around than you, but I'm still not a big guy, but I do prefer pancakes myself. They do work fine for me. If that is a Ruger LCR you are talking about, that gun is so small, the corresponding holster will be similarly small, and should probably work just fine for you. However, most appendix rigs are usually of the wraparound style. They take up less space which is handy since most people have less usable space in front because of the belt buckle and your hip bones.

I understand your desire for a multi-use holster as it would save some money, but you may find you'll need to get something specialized for appendix carry.

I have a Raven Concealment Phantom for my 1911 http://rcsgear.com

It is a very versatile holster. It is cant adjustable, and with different attachments I can wear it OWB or IWB. For me at least it is a much better OWB holster, and while IWB is workable, it would never work for me as an appendix holster as the width of the holster, from the front attachment to the rear attachment is just too wide.

 

[validballad]

Thanks for the suggestions. I wasn't trying to be obscure with abbreviations. The Ava is made by Looper Law Enforcement and marketed for women. It's a leather kydex hybrid holster with a beautiful purple suede inner lining. I'd only be wearing it 3 oclock for open carry OWB or under something like a pea coat that offers great concealment. I have shirts that are tight on my chest and billow out at the waist that easily conceal a gun at 3 oclock too.

 

[JTQ]

Have you seen Mitch Rosen's line of holsters? http://www.mitchrosen.com

He has the NSP (Nancy Special) designed just for women, and some holsters specifically designed for carry OWB between the belt and pants (and apparently a brand new website, very nice).

 

[validballad]

I took a look at the Nancy Special, but they cost significantly more than a simply rugged.

I went ahead and got the simply rugged just now once I realized it can also be used for crossdraw (a technique I have not tried yet). That'd be way more comfortable and accessible for driving and I think a t-shirt + bra(to make a 'shelf' for the shirt to drape over) will provide more than enough concealment. If, for some screwball reason, I hate the holster it looks like they are popular enough to have some resale value.