Weight loss and IWB carry.

[RKBABob]

I've been losing weight recently, and now I need to stick something into my waistband to make my pants fit again! I'm still slightly round-shaped, and IWB carry is a bit uncomfortable, and difficult to conceal.

Will IWB carry get easier once I lose a bit more weight?

Is IWB easier for the skinny guys?

 

[grimjaw]

For me, it's all about buying pants with IWB carry in mind. I know with pants that are too tight the holster/gun will tend to dig into my side. For pants I intend to use for IWB carry, I get 1"-2" larger than I need and that makes all the difference.

I *was* skinny for awhile and bought three pair of pants then. I put the weight back on and now they feel too tight for IWB carry again. Damn you, french fries!

jm

 

[XDKingslayer]

I think it's easier for skinny guys. I've got a beer belly and you can pretty much forget carrying anywhere from 9 oclock to 3 oclock. More specific, you can forget about carrying there and sitting down comfortably.

Forget SmartCarry. Getting it out is one thing, getting the gun back in is a whole new adventure.

 

[Treo]

I'm losing weight and I'm finding IWB easier

 

[strat81]

Your holster choice will make a bigger difference, IMO.

Buy quality and be happy. No $20 gun show special.

 

[Mac Attack]

I prefer IWB carry but my fat ass can't stomach the extra inches in my already stressed pants. I know new pants would fix that but I am at a weight were I hate to go up if you know what I mean.

In all seriousness, loosing weight really makes IWB easier.

Mac

 

[bakert]

I've found some but not all of the cheaper nylon IWB holsters like this $13 or so Maverick from Dillon's Blue Book works pretty well for me. Losing a lot of weight probably does matter but if you have a bit of extra ''belly muscle" like me, 10 or 12 lbs don't matter that much. Suspenders help, especially some of us older gentlemen that need them to hold their pants up anyway

 

[CannibalCrowley]

Losing weight will work in lieu of buying larger pants. Take a mesurement of your waist at the bellybutton, then add an inch or two. That's the sweet spot for IWB.

 

[mokin]

Depending on how big you are losing weight will probably make a lot of things easier. Also consider what you normally wear, your activity level and how deep you need to conceal. Try different holsters and carry positions. Depending on what I plan on doing and wearing that day I carry in a SmartCarry, a tuckable Galco, a non-tuckable Bianchi IWB, a shoulder rig or an open thigh rig.

 

[BullRunBear]

I've lost over a hundred pounds and still have a long way to go. But I can tell you that IWB carry is easier than it was last year at this time.

 

[19-3Ben]

At the end of college I weighed 30 lbs more than I do now. I knew that since I was coming home and leaving MA, i would finally be able to start carrying. I lost the 30 lbs so that I could carry more easily.
Trust me , from someone who actually did it, and carried while I was both heavy, and thin.... well, it's much easier. I know. Been there, done that, and now the t-shirt fits better!!

 

[19-3Ben]

Oh, and by the way, there is good incentive to lose weight. try this. Count how many pairs of pants you have that you would need to replace with larger sizes in order to carry IWB. Calculate approx how much money it would cost to replace the pants. Then spend that amount of money on ammo, or accessories.
You get healthier, and save money (or get practice shooting) all at once!!!

 

[Cosmoline]

I find most IWB carry isn't really concealed carry. A gust of wind will expose your firearm. I know a lot of people like to carry that way, but I've also seen a fair number of flashed grips around town. Losing weight won't fix that.

 

[spiroxlii]

I live in GA. The Georgia Firearms License isn't a "concealed" carry permit. It allows the holder to legally carry open OR concealed wherever it is legal to possess a handgun.

I started out carrying IWB, which is mostly concealed when your shirt is draped over the grip. I'm not a fat guy, but I have a band of extra weight around my midsection, so IWB carry even with pants that were an inch or two too big was uncomfortable since my love handles and my pistol's handle were competing for the same space.

Now I carry OWB. It's "concealed" most of the time when my shirt and a windbreaker are draped over it, and it's much more comfortable to carry this way until I get in shape again. OWB carry may not be an option for you if you live in a state that prohibits open carry.

 

[Breakdaddy]

I think you can find a comfortable place to carry IWB either way. Please dont underestimate the value of a high quality gun belt. Lots of folks buy top quality holsters and stick them on shoddy belts. This will kill your comfort, I speak from experience. I am much happier with a bullhide gun belt from beltman.

 

[Blackbeard]

I don't get to carry living here in Illinois, but I'll put in a plug for Weight Watchers. I've lost 48 pounds since August and had to get a new belt. My old pants would be ideal for IWB carry, if only I lived in the free world.

 

[Moonclip]

IWB and fat people do not mix well. Probably kind of depends on how your fat is distributed and if you are willing to buy the correct pants and holster also as well as the type of gun. I'm fairly fat but someone I know who is significantly more obese has a body shape like humpty dumpty! Egg like, I doubt he can pull off IWB.

 

[mpmarty]

Sorry, I disagree with the prior post re IWB not being "really concealed".
I use any one of three "tuckable" IWB holsters and they are more easily concealed than any other method of carry except a fanny pack which conceals the gun but shouts "I'm carrying" or one of those elastic girdles or underwear you have to undress to get to your gun with. I carry only 45acp pistols, 1911, full size XD or Taurus PT145.

 

[Cosmoline]

If you can actually tuck it in so it will not flash when the cover shirt lifts up, then it is concealed. Most of the ones I've seen (literally) have clearly not been tucked.

Personally I like not having to worry about gusts of wind and I find pocket carry much faster.

 

[sinistr]

lost 80+ pounds,it definitely helps.the wider your shoulders are than your waist,the easier it is to conceal.and of course losing weight makes you faster,better hand /eye coordination,smaller target,etc.

 

[skinewmexico]

IWB with my Crossbreed Supertuck was a dream. Then I gained about 25 pounds. Now the barrel gets pushed up, and the grip sticks me. But you do have to buy pants bigger.

 

[springmom]

It won't make a difference IF you keep up with your weight loss and keep your clothing just enough too big to keep the gun in its holster safely snug. If you are one of those who doesn't buy new pants until the old ones fall around your ankles, yeah, you may have a problem

Springmom

 

[crebralfix]

Losing weight is important. Fitness is really important, especially if your fight includes combatives or lasts longer than 45 seconds. What if you have to run 400 or 800 yards for some reason (like Mom and the kiddies are at one end of the mall while daddy checks out the tools at the other end?)

 

[fletcher]

Will IWB carry get easier once I lose a bit more weight?

Yes. I noticed a significant difference after I lost 20lbs.

 

[dhoomonyou]

I WANT Chocolate ice cream.