IWB Carry

[Abraham]

I've carried my Glock 19 in a variety of holster types, but never an IWB type.

They look cumbersome and very uncomfortable. They're big and clunky looking as can be...That's as far as looks go. How would I know how well they feel when used?

I don't. Not a clue.

So, those of you that do know, by virtue of use, please provide some feedback.

Are they comfortable? Ah, I know comfort isn't really part of the equation when toting such a weight, but say as comfortable as a OWB ho lster or a shoulder holster like a Kangaroo.

Thanks

[longtooth]

I disagree that comfort is not part of the equasion. I believe it is. There are many that are very comfortable. I carry OWB unless really forced to something else. Milt Sparks, Jeff Wright at Boomstick, Bragade, Crossbread, come to mind as very comfortable.
Others will have some more to add.
Choose one particular holster & then ask who used or has used it & you will get plenty of reviews to form a very educated opinion & decision.

[boomerang]

Comfort depends on the waistband in question.

[ELB]

I carry a FN Hi Power in a tuckable IWB kydex holster called the C-TAC, made by Comp Tac. I've been using it since Aug 2006. Before that I used a leather tuckable IWB. I like the C-TAC better, and it has been pretty comfortable -- not perfect, but good enough to wear daily ever since I got it.

http://www.comp-tac.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A couple things it has going for it: It is all kydex, so the holster itself is thinner than most leathers -- certainly thinner than the leather one I had before it. It also has the mounting apparatus offset from the holster body, so the mounting stuff is not between the holster and the waistband or belt -- or me. Go look at CompTac's website and you will see what I mean. Also, the Hi Power is thinner than a Glock, and that helps also.

CompTac also makes one call the MTAC, which has a leather piece next to the body that forms the backside of the holter, and then a kydex "half-holster" shell attached to the leather to make a complete holster. The attachments are similar to the CTAC, offset to the sides so as to keep the overall depth as thin as possible. I haven't worn it, but have heard lots of people compliment it.

I am certainly not svelte, but it works for me. I buy pants big enough to go around me and the holster -- my pants are too big if I don't wear the gun.

The IWB designis very concealable -- it holds the gun very close to the body, and it holds it very securely also. I use the "V" (for velcro) clips, which are the most "covert" belt attachments, and I think they are much more secure/'stable than the C- and J-hooks.

You can go here to see a post and pictures on my holster that I did when I first got it.
http://handgunsandammo.proboards.com/in ... 475&page=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck.

elb

p.s. Comp-Tac gives a 10% discount to LEOs and military.

[bryang]

Here is A Great Holster Resource there is a list of just about every holster that is made with the website so you can check them out.

Also, there is a lot of info here Holsters & Accessories, I you haven't already been there.

There are a lot of very good IWB holsters out there and once you decide on which one or ones you are interested in then ask who has one...I am sure there will be someone here that has one.

I carry a 1911 .45 IWB, in a Milt Sparks Summer Special and I like it very much.

Good Luck
-geo

[CWOOD]

First, let me say that I decided that carrying around a chunk of steel on my hip is never going to be an exercise in comfort.

That being said, carrying in an IWB is managable and has some advantages.

It is easier to conceal your weapon in that 3/4 of the weapon/holster in covered. Only the grip is exposed so you can wear a shorter, lighter cover garment. In fact I frequently carry with a tucked in sport shirt and no other cover garment. Even a western vest (if you are into that style) works.

I carry in a Comp-tac ShirtTucker. It is made so that you CAN tuck your shirt in, with no big gathering of material near the holster, and not require an additional concealment garment. In Texas Summers it can be a godsend. With a concealment garment I do not tuck in my shirt over the weapon to eliminate the need to yank the shirt to draw. It is still useful because you can reach up and move much more freely without exposing the weapon because you are only concealing the grip.

ELB made some very good points about having a holster that has the belt attachment devices ahead of or behind the bulk of the holster. This eliminates 1/4-1/2 inch of thickness overall. It is much more comfortable and much less obvious to an observer. Another point he mentioned is that the weapon sits very close (as in touching) the body. This makes it easier to conceal and it also allows you to feel its presence. You know where it is better when the time comes to draw.

An IWB can be very fast on the draw (untucked with a concealment garment). I think it is partially because of this ability to know where it is. I use my carry holster and carry weapon in all my IDPA matches. I compete/train with what I shoot. In close contact drills in IDPA I can get off two aimed (zero down) shots in 1.3 seconds. I am overweight and 60 years old. I bet you could do better.

By the way, I carry a Glock 30, which is thicker than your Glock 19. Wouldn't have it any other way. Kydex is excellent with Glocks.

Comp-tac is a very customer service oriented company which produces high quality products for a reasonable price. I urge you to look at their site and even call and talk. Also you don't have to wait long periods to get your holster. This is an issue with some holster makers.

I hope you find this useful...
Regards

[Jake]

I carry my Glock 19 in a Galco Royal Guard holster... I find it to be very comfortable.

[Abraham]

Thanks everyone for your help.

I've learned a lot more about IWB holsters than I knew before, but I'm still not certain why I'd choose one over an OWB if I wear one with a cover garment. Nor, do I understand why I'd choose one if it's a shirt tucked in style. Presumably, I'd have to go through a bit of effort to retrieve my pistol by yanking out my shirt tail approximately equal in effort and time to using my Kangaroo shoulder holster...?

What's the benefit?

If, as I understand it, the IWB holster hugs the pistol in closer than an OWB and is thus somewhat more concealable? Is that the total benefit (not to be discounted) or am I overlooking something?

I hope I'm not coming across as argumentative - it's not that at all. It's highly possible I'm rather dense in understanding the benefits of IWB vs OWB.

Thanks

[WildBill]

If, as I understand it, the IWB holster hugs the pistol in closer than an OWB and is thus somewhat more concealable? Is that the total benefit (not to be discounted) or am I overlooking something?

In addition to hugging the body, the IWB holster is concealed by the pants as well as the covering shirt/garment. With IWB the bottom part of the holster covering the barrel is not visible so you could wear a shorter shirt. I have found that for some guns like a small snubby, OWB could be a carry option. I have done this, on occasion, in the winter when I can wear a coat or jacket.

[biggyin]

I carry a glock 23 in a tucker gun leather silent thunder, very good holster!

[Abraham]

I reread all the posts and it's true - I'm dense regarding the understanding of IWB holsters.

Most of the info was there before my last post. I just plain have trouble mentally digesting it. (maybe having my head used as a heavy bag over the years...?)

O.K. Last question: How do they compare to an OWB holster in comfort when sitting?

And thanks for your patience.

[ELB]

... Nor, do I understand why I'd choose one if it's a shirt tucked in style. Presumably, I'd have to go through a bit of effort to retrieve my pistol by yanking out my shirt tail approximately equal in effort and time to using my Kangaroo shoulder holster...?
What's the benefit?

Specifically to this question: Yes having your shirt tucked in means you have extra effort to draw the pistol. If you can go with a loose untucked shirt or cover garment all the time, that's certainly faster.

I use a tuckable for at least three reasons:
1) I hate untucked shirts. Do it when I have to, but it bugs me and I don't like the look, generally.
2) I often wear shirts that are required to be tucked in, either because it's part of uniform or the style (e.g. collared button shirt with dress slacks.
3) I think it is the most covert concealment method for a larger pistol. By covert, I mean that not only is it concealed, but that there is (almost) no hint there is a pistol there. Sometimes this is handy. I have worn it this way even under a suit coat, in anticipation I would have to remove my jacket or it would be flapping in the breeze, and I did not want even unintentional showing ofthe pistol.

In the winter I often wear a vest, in which case I wear the "tuckable" as a normal IWB holster. Works just fine. And I can wear a shorter vest, since I don't have to worry about bottom edge pulling up and exposing the muzzle. I am not very tall, and the longer "concealment" vests don't look right on me -- the proportions are off, and it is noticeable.

Similarly, when I do wear an untucked shirt, I don't have to worry as much about it pulling up end exposing the muzzle.

O.K. Last question: How do they compare to an OWB holster in comfort when sitting?

To me, the IWB is more comfortable because the muzzle and sides do not catch on as many things, given that they are concealed inside the pants. For instance, when I wore an OWB for awhile, I often hit the muzzle end of the holster on the seatbelt latch when getting into the car. I eventually learned to sit a litte to the side and use my hand to press the muzzle towards my body a bit, but I don't have to do that as much with an IWB. It still collides once in awhile, but not nearly as much.

Also, with an owb the pistol/holster is just farther away from the body, which leads to more collisions with door frames, arms and backs of chairs, etc. My IWB is snugged in tight, with lets me sit (and walk thru doorways etc) without banging into stuff so often. I even took a short nap on the bed one day with the holster/gun still on; woke up to find I had rolled over on my gunside, and it didn't bother me a bit.

[KRM45]

I've carried my Glock 19 in a variety of holster types, but never an IWB type.

They look cumbersome and very uncomfortable. They're big and clunky looking as can be...That's as far as looks go. How would I know how well they feel when used?

I don't. Not a clue.

So, those of you that do know, by virtue of use, please provide some feedback.

Are they comfortable? Ah, I know comfort isn't really part of the equation when toting such a weight, but say as comfortable as a OWB ho lster or a shoulder holster like a Kangaroo.

Thanks

Yes Glocks are cumbersome and uncomfortable, and clunky looking. Thant's why I carry a 1911.

On the serious side, I have a quality owb holster for my commander sized 1911 that I wear from time to time. I usually use my Versa Max II, which is a Milt Sparks iwb holster. As with anything, you get what you pay for. I paid $125 for this holster, but it is as comfortable as the owb, and I feel much less conscious of the bulge on my side iwb.

I do have a few Glock pistols, but I do not have any iwb holsters for them.

The best thing you could do is borrow one from someone and try it out.

[BobCat]

What ELB said but I need to add that wearing jeans makes the C-TAC much more comfortable than wearing chinos; I think there is more support to the pants than just the waistband and belt. A good belt (plug for the Beltman here - not affiliated, just a satisfied customer) and pants that 1) have some room in them and 2) are substantial cloth, make a full-size CZ75 disappear IWB.

I have a leather OWB 1911 holster that is very comfortable but my cover garment - an untucked Wrangler cowboy shirt a size too large - does not reliably keep the muzzle concealed.

I hope this helps.

[CWOOD]

Also keep in mind that your first holster is not going to be your last. Also you might have different holsters for different applications.

I mentioned my Comp-tac ShirtTucker which I use almost exclusively. I have had thin leather holsters, Sidearmor (good holster and company), I have made a couple of holsters myself, I have a Kramer Confident full length undershirt holster.

The Kramer is not used too frequently but it is really handy when DEEP concealment is required. I last wore it at wife's company Christmas Party. Semi-formal to start, but later removed jacket. The Kramer was invisible and no bumping into folks or unexplained bulges.

The tuckable holster is a way of being well concealed without the use of an extra concealment garment. It is a way of being armed with a full size pistol and still be concealed at all times....where the alternative might be to leave it in the truck. I have NEVER been made to my knowledge. It is slower to draw that untucked or with a vest but it is a heck of a lot faster that running to the truck. It also does not attract as much attention as the tactical vest, althought I don't think that attacts too much either.

Try different things. That is why they make so many different styles. Find what works for YOU. Other than that, there are no right or wrong answers. Just what works FOR YOU.

Good luck on your quest to fill your spare holster drawer like the rest of us.