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Hello everyone I got my chl last week and carry an xd40sc with an iwb but it is pretty unconfortable to me. I wear my pants that fit me not baggy and falling off me. Just wondering if I should try an owb holster.

What holster are you using?
Are you using a gun belt or a regular belt?

I carry an XD9sc, so essentially the same size weapon
When I started carrying, it took me about 2 weeks to find the right position for IWB carry
I found that the barrel sits about 3:30 and its perfect. While people will say "I forget I am carrying", sounds strange, I have a tendency to agree with them (about 99%). I never forget I am carrying, but I find that when I sit, stand, walk, drive, etc, I almost never feel it anymore.

So, give it time, put it on, cinch up the belt tight, sit, stand, walk, and move it little by little on your hip. With the right holster, you will find that sweet spot!

Your best bet is a pancake owb but under your belt the only problem is now you need to watch barrel length. I bought more pants after I started carrying.

I carry OWB a lot of the time, and I have no trouble concealing. It's all about clothing choices.

personally for myself i almost ALWAYS carry IWB unless i have no other choice, i just like the comfort of knowing its more concealed. i cant stress however though that you need a good holster and an awesome belt, those 2 things are the most important parts of carrying and when u get em you'll see a difference. also about the pants i do tend to buy pants a tad bit larger than i normally would to accommodate. remember the key rule with chl is that its a life change, you need to adjust yourself for it and dress around your gun if you are serious about carry 24/7.

my rig is a milt sparks versa max 2 for my 1911
a cc holster convertible holster for my hk p7
with a comtact kyndex reinforced belt for both

thats to give you a small picture of some of the products i use and have found works for me.

Teamless wrote:What holster are you using?
Are you using a gun belt or a regular belt?

Don Hume holster and a gun belt.

I did IWB at first. It works well if your pants are a size larger, but my vanity wouldn't allow me to buy pants bigger than I needed so I went with a good OWB holster (Galco) and never looked back. As far as harder to conceal..Not really. As long as your shirt is long enough to cover the bottom of the holster. My Galco holds the gun "high and tight" with a nice forward cant.

With a regular T-shirt, you'd never notice I have my commander size 1911 nestled comfortably at the 3 o'clock position.

It has never felt right to me to carry IWB. I have tried and it just doesn't feel right. So I carry OWB, pocket and Wilderness Safepacker, usually two at a time and sometimes all three.

It isn't hard to conceal OWB if you have a good belt, a good hoster and dress around the gun. I use Don Hume JIT holsters, a Wilderness belt and shirts, sweatshirts or sweaters that are one size too big for me. Works just fine.

I like Master's Leather OWB Pancake Holster.

http://www.jbpholsters.com/servlet/the- ... TER/Detail" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A good holster and gun belt will make a big difference.

My buddy carries a Kimber UC 2 OWB at 3:00 and I never noticed it; personally I prefer IWB, as I feel I could retain it better should someone try to take it by just puffing out my tummy lol. Also, I may want to tuck in my shirt ...

good GUNbelt matters, position matters, good holster matters

no matter what, when you first start wearing a new WATCH on your arm, you'll be aware of it ... eventually, you don't notice it.. same with new pair of eyeglasses, new pair of shoes ..... etc etc.

You gotta "break it in" (especially new holsters with new leather/horsehide against your skin) and get used to it.

and the reinforced GUNbelt ... makes a world of difference in comfort.

I carry an XDsc9 daily owb. I started out iwb but found it was uncomfortable as well. First step - get a quality gun belt, makes all the difference. Then look for a high ride belt holster that is drawn close to the body by design. My holster fits as close to my body as did the iwb...and is tons more comfortable. Also, it uses belt loops with snaps and is very easy to remove and put back on (I have to remove mine at work). I carry at 8:30 (left handed) with a forward cant. No problem whatsoever concealing. On the right side (about 3:30), I carry usually one magazine in a matching holster but sometimes carry two magazines in a matching holster (if I'm going somewhere I really shouldn't be going).

Yes, it's harder to conceal OWB. But OWB normally allows a better draw, easier reholstering, etc. It's easier to conceal IWB, because the bulk of the holster is covered with clothing. Unfortunately, IWB introduces other issues about reholstering, pants fit, etc. The problem is making it all work for you.

Whatever carry mode you want to use, make sure you try several variations before giving up on it. IWB with a 5" 1911 works for me, but only with the right cant. My new hobby is looking for a better holster for me.

On a side note, I'd like to see OWB holsters with interchangeable covers - degrees of faded blue denim, assorted pants-like materials, white T-shirt material, etc. That might help maintain concealment when reaching for something on the top shelf.