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by Texas Dan Mosby
Fri Nov 05, 2010 12:32 pm
Forum: New to CHL?
Topic: IWB Carry Position
Replies: 70
Views: 11554

Re: IWB Carry Position

Here's one I made recently that would be adaptable to the TDM Belt system by just changing out the clips and making an inner belt for it.
Absolutely.

The first thing I did was try kydex using an old blade tech I had on hand, as I like the fact it maintains its shape for the reholster, however, I found the leather to be more comfortable and went with that.

IMO, most, if not all, production IWB holsters could be effectively worn using the same type of internal belt technique. The MTAC, kholster, etc... The pants, and the external belt, provide enough friction to keep the rig in place, and the internal belt helps prevent the gun pulling the holster out during the draw.

I generally carry a spare mag in my back pocket, though I've got a mag carrier that fits on the rig itself. Perhaps I'll futz with it and see how I like it.
by Texas Dan Mosby
Thu Nov 04, 2010 1:55 pm
Forum: New to CHL?
Topic: IWB Carry Position
Replies: 70
Views: 11554

Re: IWB Carry Position

I'm not convinced for a full size. How does drawing and holstering work from that holster? What about squatting and bending?
The arm in the photo is a full size 5" springer, and while the 1911's have a slimmer profile, I feel confident that you could conceal pretty much any full size defensive pistol.

The draw stroke is the same as from any other leather IWB pistol, however, you will not get the one handed holstering ability you can with a kydex. This is something I am willing to make a compromise with, as holstering speed is a lower priority for me.

No issues with squatting, bending, or running.
You got the wheels turning in my head now about making my own tuckable holster.
If you do some research on-line, you will find a wide array of holsters, materials, and mounting techniques that will give you a good idea of the directions you can take to craft what you want. All the materials are available on-line, and you can go as expensive or cheap as you desire. I'd recommend giving it a shot, especially if you have been through a few holsters already and still haven't found what you're looking for.
by Texas Dan Mosby
Thu Nov 04, 2010 12:47 am
Forum: New to CHL?
Topic: IWB Carry Position
Replies: 70
Views: 11554

Re: IWB Carry Position

O.K., here we go with THE ugliest IWB holster this side of the Mississippi!

However, it IS absolutely comfortable, functional, and leaves NO external indicators that I'm a JMB disciple....

And it's cheap.

:mrgreen:

First, the holster.

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The leather came from hobby lobby in a bulk "scrap" leather bag that cost like 8 bucks. I researched holster making techniques on-line and watched a couple of vids on you tube. I cut the leather to fit a Kimber that has a light rail, however, I carry a springer with no rail, and it still works fine. I used a nail and a hammer to make it easier to run the needle through the leather, and I used 550 para cord guts as the threading. The needle came from a heavy duty needle kit I had on hand that I used to make repairs whenever my military kit needed it. I cut the leather with a box cutter.

Once I formed the holster around the gun, I placed it on my hip while wearing pants and a belt, and futzed around with the height and cant in order to determine what was comfortable, and what concealed well. Once I found the right height and cant, I marked, cut the angles, and sewed the holster to the 2 pieces of leather I used for attachment to a belt, and to distribute the weight.

The belt is made of cotton denim from an old pair of levis I cut up, which is very comfortable, strong, and washable. I used velcro I had on hand to secure the belt in place.

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The rig worn....

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This particular rig was going to be a prototype, but out of shear laziness, and the fact that it works well, I opted out of buying nicer leather and making it look "pretty". However, I will probably get around to buying better leather and making a "pretty" rig one day....maybe use some silk for the belt or something. BWAHAHAHAHA!!!

Total construction time was probably about 5 hours or so, however, more time was spent futzing with the right angles, wetting and shaping the leather a bit, and letting it dry. Basically, I spent a Saturday afternoon watching some flicks and making the rig, and touched it up the next day after the leather dried.

Outside of the leather, I used what I had on hand, however, you can purchase specific leather tools to speed up the process and make a more refined product. That wasn't my goal though. I like to do things myself, so the time expenditure didn't matter to me, as I would rather create something that works for me, as opposed to wasting cash on products that may not serve my needs.

I am very satisfied with the end result as it is functional, the leather is super comfortable, and I can carry my full size 1911 in pretty much ANY clothing without leaving ANY type of signature, and I'm a relatively slender dude.

Many folks opt to purchase finished products and are satisfied, however, many end up purchasing a few holsters until they get the "right" one. That's fine, however, with a little work you can get it right the first time, and get EXACTLY what you want by doing it yourself.
by Texas Dan Mosby
Wed Nov 03, 2010 8:53 pm
Forum: New to CHL?
Topic: IWB Carry Position
Replies: 70
Views: 11554

Re: IWB Carry Position

I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the whole "tuckable holster" thing. I just think the "hooks" or "straps" will be too visible. Perhaps this is because I know that something is there. Also, it seems like I would have to wear a much larger shirt than normal.
That's another reason I made my own holster as most of the "tuckables" have clips, or use velcro, which would be a P.I.T.A. imo.

I'll dig out the camera and show you my rig. But I've got to warn you, it AINT PRETTY!!!

:biggrinjester:
by Texas Dan Mosby
Tue Nov 02, 2010 6:16 pm
Forum: New to CHL?
Topic: IWB Carry Position
Replies: 70
Views: 11554

Re: IWB Carry Position

1. Yes, absolutely drop some weight. Not only for your health, but for an over all better quality of life.

2. I find that between 3-4 O'clock seems to be the "sweet" spot as it offers ease of access, conceals well, and allows me to sit / drive without the gun poking into the ol' body.

A couple of other areas to examine:

Pants size...
-I'm a slender dude and didn't have to buy new pants to accommodate the gun, however, I do own some shorts that are too tight for the gun.

Holster height and cant...
- See if you can experiment with the height of your holster and the cant to give you a more comfortable ride if possible.

One of the reasons I opted to make my own IWB holster is so I could have a better chance of getting the exact fit I wanted for my gun. Plus it was cheap, and MUCH cheaper than buying a variety of holsters looking for the "right one". That may be another option for you.

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