IWB Carry Position

[Texas Dan Mosby]

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!!!

[Texas Dan Mosby]

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.



First, the holster.



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.





The rig worn....











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.

[Spluloacle]

Hmmm I should try this with duct tape :D

[Dave2]

Hmmm I should try this with duct tape :D

And cardboard

Seriously, though, that looks pretty cool, Dan.

[longtooth]

LT says

Good job Dan.

[Rescue1]

i use the 2 o' clock from comp-tac. appendix carry. lets me sit or stand, easy to conceal and comfortable. i've been putting on a few pounds lately and it's becoming less comfortable though.

[terryg]

TDM, thank you for sharing. I have wondered about the possibility of carry IWB with some sort of separate thin 'belt'. It's interesting to see someone do it. It many not be pretty - but if it works - it's pretty 'nough!

[texanron]

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.

Dan, You got the wheels turning in my head now about making my own tuckable holster. I would absolutely give up a Saturday to save myself $60 - $100! I really like the seperate "interior" belt.
Thanks for sharing your work and idea Dan!

[jamisjockey]

I'm not convinced for a full size. How does drawing and holstering work from that holster? What about squatting and bending?

I do think that rig would do insanely well for smaller pistols.

[SpringerFan]

5'10" and 215 here, non-athletic build. My carry pistols range in size from LCP to XDM and holsters range in price from $10 to $90. Reguardless, 3 o'clock is always my best position.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

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.

[chrisansilver]

Practical, funtional and looks like it would be a comfortable set up. Gives all something to think about> Most of my shrit tails are long, not a real tall guy here and I know trying to tuck my shirt around my supertuck is a pain I T A.

Hard to make it all flow together the balled up shirt tail, the crossbreed super tuck and a full size double stack 9mm Ruger P-95.
Thanks for sharing TDM, you will see a patent on this in a few days hehehhheehhee.

[A-R]

TDM, that is a really cool idea for a carry rig. Sort of a cross between a tuckable IWB holster and a belly band. Go copyright that design NOW before someone else beats you to it

[USA1]

TDM, that is a really cool idea for a carry rig.

Not to mention it solves the problem that has plagued CHLers for years
of what to do with your gun while in a public restroom.

[A-R]

TDM, that is a really cool idea for a carry rig.

Not to mention it solves the problem that has plagued CHLers for years
of what to do with your gun while in a public restroom.

I don't know about you, USA1, but I usually make my guns "hold it" until we get to the range