IWB carry question

C

coondogger

New member
I recently bought a galco IWB holster. I've never carried a weapon in this manner before, so I have a question. Where is the best position to place it? It's uncomfortable on the hip, and although more comfortable just forward of the pocket, it seems less concealable. Is just above the back pocket OK? Is there actually a 'correct' position for an IWB?
 
Most choose 4 O'clock

That would be just behind the hip, but not all the way in back. Not slamming Galco, but with holsters, you get what you pay for. Examples of better quality are Alessi, Don Hume, Mitch Rosen, among others.
 
Depend on what is going in the holster.

I carry a snubby revolver appendix carry:
img_1410.jpg

(image is reversed because this photgraph was taken in a mirror)

But when I carry my Colt Commander in a IWB holster, I carry it at the 3 or 4 o'clock position.
 
IWB carry takes a little getting used to. It will feel somewhat uncomfortable until your body gets used to it. Once you do get used to it, the only time you'll notice the gun, is when its not there. Give it a good try and dont give up to soon. Once you get used to it, I doubt you'll use any other method. It really is about the most concealable way to wear a medium to full size gun.

Probably the most common, and most concealable spot, its right around 4:00-4:30. The gun nestles in that crook just under your rib cage and under your arm, where your arm hangs naturally and it helps protect and conceal the gun.

This is the spot I'm refering to...

ry%3D400


Some people like to go up a size or two with the pants to allow for the gun and holster. I personally prefer my normal pants size. While it does feel a little snug when you first put the gun and holster on, it soon feels better, and the gun tends to not move around as much, as your pants help hold it in place. If you should decide to take the gun off, your pants still fit.

A proper gun belt and decent holster are also big helps in making things more comfortable. The Wilderness Instructor type belts are some of the most comfortable, and are adjustable through the entire range. You dont have to be a tad loose or a tad tight because the right spot is in between two holes, you get a perfect fit at any given moment. The only downside to them is, they are pretty identifiable as a gun belt.

I've tried a lot of holsters over the years, and have settled on Blade Tech's kydex IWB holster, and Milt Sparks Versa Max II leather holster. Both are comfortable, but I use the Blade Tech more, but especially in the summer, as its impervious to sweat.
 
And if you decide that isn't right for you... there's really no correct placement, so long as it is comfortable, accessible, and works for you. For most folks, that puts it between 3 and 4 o'clock. The outliers aren't wrong, though, just different.
 
I can't stand IWB, switched to OWB. However there's a holster that has a large contoured piece of leather that's supposed to alleviate that issue, called the CompTac Minotaur.
 
I think the biggest issue is allowing your body enough time to get used to something that hasnt been there before.

It feels strange, and can cause fatigue, but that usually goes away with time, usually a week or two of daily carry. Your body size and shape may also be an issue, but its really not. I've carried this way, fat and skinny, and still feel its THE only way to easily and comfortably conceal a mid to full size handgun.

One other thing not usually addressed, and thats your reloads. While the holster is comfortable, the reloads tend not to be, and can be downright painful. They also take up more room in your pants, and you will need to go up a pant size or two to accommodate them. I carry mine in a double carrier that rides high, with the bottom of the carrier right at the bottom of the belt. That way, nothing is visible below my belt if my shirt or jacket rides up. Its also a LOT more comfortable.
 
I personally have found that carrying at about 1:30 is the most concealable but not comfortable when sitting or bending, 4:30 is comfortable for bending and sitting in office chairs but not driving but is more prone to show because my shirt lifts, 300 is somewhat less comfortable for me while standing but works better for sitting and bending, overall it is a good blend of comfort, concealability and maneuverability.
 
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