Hi All,
Again, no real question here...just an update since original two posts, found here (first):
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=305240
and here (second):
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=315504
After a few weekends of concealed carry, I decided that no matter how high-quality a holster/belt combination I purchased I would still run into problems with IWB carry. First off, comfort. IWB is just not comfortable for me, in the position I prefer to carry (2:00ish). This was compounded by the fact that to make IWB work, I felt I had to carry the gun really low. Especially when sitting, the gun really bit into me or poked my leg when I had to bend at the middle. I could change that by carrying at 3:00 or behind my hip, but that just traded one sort of sitting discomfort for another. Plus it printed pretty badly. Also, problem 2, I don't like having to buy pants that are a size too big.
So I decided to try OWB. I made up my mind this weekend, and visited a local gun store that has friendly staff and a good holster selection. I described my weapon and situation to the clerk and he immediately produced one of these, the Jak by Galco:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=647&GunID=339
I tried it on and loved it instantly. It is very minimal, but still holds the gun securely with no flopping around at all - mainly because the belt goes on the outside of the rig (unlike a lot of OWB holsters). And since the rig is outside the waistband of my pants, it is not nearly as uncomfortable when I sit down. I mean, I still know the weapon is there, but it isn't as big a deal. I am still carrying at about 2:00.
Before I got to the store I was thinking I would end up with a pancake holster. I wasn't super happy about this...I think those things are big (well, wide) and ugly...but I figured it would be more comfortable and about as concealable. I am glad I did not end up with one. I really like the minimalism of this rig.
The price was $50 plus tax. I know I could have gotten it for less online, but the clerk's help had definite value, and I like to support local stores anyway. Of course, since the election I don't think any gun stores are doing too poorly
It is interesting to me that everything changed once I put this holster on. I didn't like high ride, I didn't like forward cant...this holster does both and you know what? It works. I suspect that's the difference between IWB and OWB. And oh yeah...the difference between a quality rig and something cheap.
I appreciate all the help and advice so far on IWB holsters...the crossbreed especially was very interesting...but I decided that IWB was just too uncomfortable. If I ever want to carry concealed and tuck a shirt in, I may reconsider. But until then, OWB seems to be the way to go.
I wear the rig on a casual leather belt that is 1 1/2 inches wide. It is not specifically made to support a holster, but it does a pretty good job. Yeah, I'll probably upgrade the belt next. I mostly carry while dressed casually, so I'll probably go with something like this:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterP3.asp?ProductID=2808&CatalogID=254
or this:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterP3.asp?ProductID=3313&CatalogID=254
And at some point in the future I'd like a shoulder rig (mainly because I think they are cool). Probably this one:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=3527&GunID=339
Yes, I am now a Galco fanboy.
So like I said, no real question. Just an update. Please post any comments you may have.
-cls
Again, no real question here...just an update since original two posts, found here (first):
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=305240
and here (second):
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=315504
After a few weekends of concealed carry, I decided that no matter how high-quality a holster/belt combination I purchased I would still run into problems with IWB carry. First off, comfort. IWB is just not comfortable for me, in the position I prefer to carry (2:00ish). This was compounded by the fact that to make IWB work, I felt I had to carry the gun really low. Especially when sitting, the gun really bit into me or poked my leg when I had to bend at the middle. I could change that by carrying at 3:00 or behind my hip, but that just traded one sort of sitting discomfort for another. Plus it printed pretty badly. Also, problem 2, I don't like having to buy pants that are a size too big.
So I decided to try OWB. I made up my mind this weekend, and visited a local gun store that has friendly staff and a good holster selection. I described my weapon and situation to the clerk and he immediately produced one of these, the Jak by Galco:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=647&GunID=339
I tried it on and loved it instantly. It is very minimal, but still holds the gun securely with no flopping around at all - mainly because the belt goes on the outside of the rig (unlike a lot of OWB holsters). And since the rig is outside the waistband of my pants, it is not nearly as uncomfortable when I sit down. I mean, I still know the weapon is there, but it isn't as big a deal. I am still carrying at about 2:00.
Before I got to the store I was thinking I would end up with a pancake holster. I wasn't super happy about this...I think those things are big (well, wide) and ugly...but I figured it would be more comfortable and about as concealable. I am glad I did not end up with one. I really like the minimalism of this rig.
The price was $50 plus tax. I know I could have gotten it for less online, but the clerk's help had definite value, and I like to support local stores anyway. Of course, since the election I don't think any gun stores are doing too poorly
It is interesting to me that everything changed once I put this holster on. I didn't like high ride, I didn't like forward cant...this holster does both and you know what? It works. I suspect that's the difference between IWB and OWB. And oh yeah...the difference between a quality rig and something cheap.
I appreciate all the help and advice so far on IWB holsters...the crossbreed especially was very interesting...but I decided that IWB was just too uncomfortable. If I ever want to carry concealed and tuck a shirt in, I may reconsider. But until then, OWB seems to be the way to go.
I wear the rig on a casual leather belt that is 1 1/2 inches wide. It is not specifically made to support a holster, but it does a pretty good job. Yeah, I'll probably upgrade the belt next. I mostly carry while dressed casually, so I'll probably go with something like this:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterP3.asp?ProductID=2808&CatalogID=254
or this:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterP3.asp?ProductID=3313&CatalogID=254
And at some point in the future I'd like a shoulder rig (mainly because I think they are cool). Probably this one:
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=3527&GunID=339
Yes, I am now a Galco fanboy.
So like I said, no real question. Just an update. Please post any comments you may have.
-cls