What to look for in an AIWB holster
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AK103K
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I used one of my Blade Tech kydex IWB type holsters with the loops fixed to a straight drop carry, to see if AIWB would work for me. I liked it, and went with one of their Ambi Klipt holsters, which I find works very well. Its single clip is even more convenient and concealable.
The clip on the Ambi is towards the rear of the holster, and pulls the butt of the gun in better than the plain "Klipt" version, with the clip in the middle. It also is switchable for left/right, hence the "ambi", and it also gives vertical adjustment.
The clip on the Ambi is towards the rear of the holster, and pulls the butt of the gun in better than the plain "Klipt" version, with the clip in the middle. It also is switchable for left/right, hence the "ambi", and it also gives vertical adjustment.
JTQ
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Some of the more respected names in the AIWB holster business are…
JM Custom Kydex http://www.jmcustomkydex.com
Dale Fricke http://dalefrickeholsters.com
Custom Carry Concepts http://www.customcarryconcepts.com
JM Custom Kydex http://www.jmcustomkydex.com
Dale Fricke http://dalefrickeholsters.com
Custom Carry Concepts http://www.customcarryconcepts.com
I made the switch from hybrid to AIWB about a year ago, and have been very satisfied since switching. My Crossbreed hasn't come out of the drawer since, and I'll only use a different method of carry on the rare occasions where dress or occasions don't allow.
The criteria I looked for in moving to the holster:
1) It had to ride a bit higher than other IWB holsters on the belt line. Too deep and you're looking at discomfort on the junk or the inner thigh.
2) I noticed that a lot of offerings out there enveloped too much of the gun's grip. I looked for a holster that allowed me to get a good firing grip to initiate the draw.
3) Even though I carry a G26 most of the time, I opted for a G19 holster. This allows me to carry either weapon, and I found that when the 26 rides in it, the extra length helps stabilize the gun against the body rather than having the butt of the pistol flop outward with that high ride I mentioned.
4) I wanted flexibility at the attachment points, to accommodate sitting, squatting, standing, or other everyday movement. Ended up going with something soft loops.
INCOGs are the bees knees according to most on the internet, but I didn't want the expense or the wait. I went for a Crown Jewel (www.crownholsters.com) and couldn't be happier. It's a purchase I'd make again, and even though I haven't tried an INCOG there's nothing that I feel is missing from this holster for EDC.
The criteria I looked for in moving to the holster:
1) It had to ride a bit higher than other IWB holsters on the belt line. Too deep and you're looking at discomfort on the junk or the inner thigh.
2) I noticed that a lot of offerings out there enveloped too much of the gun's grip. I looked for a holster that allowed me to get a good firing grip to initiate the draw.
3) Even though I carry a G26 most of the time, I opted for a G19 holster. This allows me to carry either weapon, and I found that when the 26 rides in it, the extra length helps stabilize the gun against the body rather than having the butt of the pistol flop outward with that high ride I mentioned.
4) I wanted flexibility at the attachment points, to accommodate sitting, squatting, standing, or other everyday movement. Ended up going with something soft loops.
INCOGs are the bees knees according to most on the internet, but I didn't want the expense or the wait. I went for a Crown Jewel (www.crownholsters.com) and couldn't be happier. It's a purchase I'd make again, and even though I haven't tried an INCOG there's nothing that I feel is missing from this holster for EDC.
GetmeoutaCT
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I carry a Glock 23 in winter and a 27 in summer; the 27 sits in an AIWB Stealth Gear holster. I've found that shorter barreled guns like the 27 work better for this carry method, for ahem obvious reasons. A blade (pancake) for the slide is a good thing to have as it keeps the slide from digging into the abdomen when sitting. I also like that my holster has a single clip to permit the barrel to be rotated inward when sitting. As may be clear from all this, most of my issues with AIWB have to do with sitting. That's where it can get uncomfortable for me.
As noted above, I use this method in Summer because for me it works better under a shirt with no jacket than 4 o'clock carry (or in my case, 8 o'clock; I'm a lefty). Purists will say one should adopt one carry method only and practice ad nauseum, rather than switching from one method to another. In an ideal world, yes; but as a practical matter 8 o'clock carry in 90's Summertime heat does not work for me.
As noted above, I use this method in Summer because for me it works better under a shirt with no jacket than 4 o'clock carry (or in my case, 8 o'clock; I'm a lefty). Purists will say one should adopt one carry method only and practice ad nauseum, rather than switching from one method to another. In an ideal world, yes; but as a practical matter 8 o'clock carry in 90's Summertime heat does not work for me.
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Alberforth
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AIWB is famously very dependent on your body shape and clothing style. For instance some people have no problem carrying a gun with a 5" barrel this way.
Especially for compact and larger guns it becomes likely you will need a feature that tucks the grip in. Many of the specialized AIWB designs use a wedge shape on the holster to accomplish this. Others use projections such as a wing or the Raven Eidolon's claw. Many people want something pushing the muzzle outward a bit to help with tucking the top of the gun inward. This can again be something molded into the holster or many are using foam or other types of pads attached to the holster. Some like soft loops, some find they print more, some are fine with one loop, others want the stability of two, etc. etc.
Especially for compact and larger guns it becomes likely you will need a feature that tucks the grip in. Many of the specialized AIWB designs use a wedge shape on the holster to accomplish this. Others use projections such as a wing or the Raven Eidolon's claw. Many people want something pushing the muzzle outward a bit to help with tucking the top of the gun inward. This can again be something molded into the holster or many are using foam or other types of pads attached to the holster. Some like soft loops, some find they print more, some are fine with one loop, others want the stability of two, etc. etc.
GetmeoutaCT
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Alberforth speaks truth; body type has a lot to do with how well particular guns and holsters work for AIWB. I'm on the short, slim side, which on the one hand means I have less trouble with grips printing while on the other hand long barreled guns do not work for me with this carry method. Some experimentation with different guns and holsters will probably be needed to get the right combo.
One general statement that can be made I think is that the shorter and slimmer the grip, the better. For example, if I were to try to do AIWB with a 1911, it would have to be an Officer's ACP- sized pistol.
One general statement that can be made I think is that the shorter and slimmer the grip, the better. For example, if I were to try to do AIWB with a 1911, it would have to be an Officer's ACP- sized pistol.
AK103K
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I think its like anything else, you just have to try it and see what works for you. Im short and on the thin side too, and comfortably carry a Glock 17 with a reload and fixed blade knife.
For me, the loops work well, but in the summer, they are what print under a tee shirt, not the gun. The flat type clip works better for me, and is hidden behind the front part of the belt, and nothing shows until my shirt clears the top of the belt.
The single point clip also allows the holster/gun to move some when you sit, and seems to make the holster more self adjusting. The loops pretty much fix it in position, which I do prefer at 4:30.
I think with AIWB youre going to find that just a little shift right or left on the body, can make a big difference in how it carries and how it hides, and like anything else, theres always that sweet spot.
One other thing I ran into, was my belt buckle. Like the loops, the belt buckle was another printing issue for me. With the gun and reload stuck just behind it, it tends to poke out, making a noticeable, or unnatural bulge. Depending on how big, and/or the shape of the buckle, you may need to switch belts, or switch where you put the buckle.
For me, the loops work well, but in the summer, they are what print under a tee shirt, not the gun. The flat type clip works better for me, and is hidden behind the front part of the belt, and nothing shows until my shirt clears the top of the belt.
The single point clip also allows the holster/gun to move some when you sit, and seems to make the holster more self adjusting. The loops pretty much fix it in position, which I do prefer at 4:30.
I think with AIWB youre going to find that just a little shift right or left on the body, can make a big difference in how it carries and how it hides, and like anything else, theres always that sweet spot.
One other thing I ran into, was my belt buckle. Like the loops, the belt buckle was another printing issue for me. With the gun and reload stuck just behind it, it tends to poke out, making a noticeable, or unnatural bulge. Depending on how big, and/or the shape of the buckle, you may need to switch belts, or switch where you put the buckle.
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