IWB carry questions

[XDgal]

I'm still fairly new to concealed carry( only had my CHL since July) and I've been thinking about trying an IWB holster. Do any of the ladies out there use one? What are the drawbacks and pluses? Are they comfortable? A couple of questions that came to mind while at the State Fair this last week, any problems in going to public restrooms? Ie: gun retention or maintaining concealment problems? Thanks in advance for your input.

[Venus Pax]

I'm also a woman (incase the name doesn't give me away )

I like IWB. In fact, I don't think I could wear it OWB.

You're right about the restroom. I've dropped my feminine protection more than once. (I'm training it not to do that.)

I recently bought an IWB from Comp-Tac called the shirt tucker. http://www.comp-tac.com/ At first, it wasn't comfortable. I considered returning it. The more I wear it, the more I like it. Holsters must be worn for at least a week before you can decide if they will work for you. You also have to tinker with positioning. My new kydex holds my gun fairly well. Going to the RR is still a bit problematic, but I've found two solutions:
#1) Put your legs far enough apart that the gun and holster remain upright while your pants are down. (I'm sure you have a nice mental picture by now.)
#2) Hang your purse on the hook of the stall. I do this so that I can see it and can't forget it. Open your purse and put your gun in there, holster and all, but sticking out. This helps to ensure that you will put the gun back on your body before exiting the stall.

I've found either of these options to work for me.
I hope I've helped.

[XDgal]

Thanks Venus, now comes the hard part, deciding which one fits me and my "feminine protection"!

[PPM]

I, too, am a woman. Off-body carry just isn't an option from my standpoint.. I've tried SEVERAL holsters and my total favorite is the Comp-Tac C.T.A.C.. I've used the adjustability to get it where I feel best and tend NOT to adjust it any more.

They have a NEW one (The Infidel). I've seen it but have no idea about how it'd work.

Anyway, their speed paddle is a sweet OWB and there's nothing more comfortable!. I've ejust learned to wear a vest or shirt (etc.) with any carry option I choose. The 'layerd look' works well for me.

As to Restroom problems? Sure! I always remove the pistol before loosening my pants! There's usually a shelf or the top of a toilet paper holder in the stall...so I use that. If not, it's easy to hook the trigger guard over the hook that's there 95% of the time.

Warning! You have to be VERY aware of the fact that you've removed it!! Otherwise, there's the chance that (like I did ONE time), you'll walk out of the stall without it!

[GrannyGlock]

I wear leggings and a T-shirt most of the time, and use my Smart Carry even with these. I wear it on the right side at 3 o'clock. Sometimes I wear a cover shirt or vest, but if I am out doing yardwork I don't bother. I have started wearing an undershirt to protect against the velcro, but now that the weather is cooler, I even find that a plus.

I frequently wear my cell phone on a lanyard around my neck, under my T-shirt (to keep it from catching on things while working) It makes such a nice lump right in the middle that it really detracts from any other "lumps" I might have. Maybe not a fashion statement but it works for me.

SmartCarry under a dress or purse carry work for more formal wear.

So I guess my answer is yes, IWB!

[longtooth]

PPM, I just ordered an Infidel from comptac. Should arrive Mon or Tues. I will be writing a report on it after I have worn it a few days. I am getting enough of the rigging that I can wear it tucked or IWB.

[PPM]

Longtooth, I think you'll really like it. I've actually had it in my hot little hands and they've combined the good characteristics of several of the holsters...all into one. It's majorly flemsible. I'll be interested to read your 'report.'

[Vic303]

I carry IWB most times--with either a HiPower, or my 1911. I use a UCR in kydex for the BHP, and used to carry the 1911 in a Sparks VM-II. Now if I carry the 1911 I am using a Comptac CTAC but will change to an MTAC by Comptac soon. I wear tshirts & jeans or shorts all the time, and a NRA Instructors Belt (like the Wilderness belts). I also have a Rafter S Gunleather sharkskin belt if I need to be 'dressy'.

The biggest point to remember is 'skin tight' clothes & IWB don't mix well. I also find increased comfort from low-rise jeans & shorts as it moves the whole setup lower down on my hip.
--Vic (aka Vicky)

[TDDude]

Ladies might try the Smart Carry.

It should work perfect with a skirt and any type of loose fitting pants.

http://www.smartcarry.com

[XDgal]

Since this thread has come back to life, I thought I should post an update. Shortly after my original post, I ordered a Supertuck IWB from Crossbreed for my XD 45 ACP. This is a fabulous holster. I've worn it almost every day for over a year now, and it is very comfortable. I wear jeans 95% of the time and went up only one size to make it work. But the XD has some competition now. In August I purchased a Springfield Armory Ulta Compact 1911 A1, and less than a month later, a Kimber Eclipse Pro II (an early Christmas gift to myself!). To carry these, I bought a Hidden Defense IWB from Kirkpatrick Leather. Another great holster, and company. It took two weeks to get it (as compaired to 7 weeks for the Crossbreed) and their customer sevice is second to none! I did look at Smart Carry, but didn't think it would work with my 45's. I haven't been disappointed with IWB carry, though. That Kimber is one sweet shooting pistol! I may have to change my screen name to Kimbergal!! Looks like I've crossed over to the dark side (for all you 1911 fans).

[Charles L. Cotton]

Thanks for the update. Could you give us a little more detail as to how you wear them (ex. 3:00 o'clock, 5:00, etc.), what cant do the holsters have, and how well they keep the grips out of your ribs? I am always being asked about holsters for ladies and I appreciate all of the first hand reports I can get.

Thanks,
Chas.

[CompVest]

XDgal, I touchy subject and I hesitate to ask but... Would you descibe your body type? Women's (as with men only more so I think) body type tend to effect how they can carry on their person a lot. This info will help others decide if what is working for you might work for them.

[XDgal]

Not a problem, Charles. I keep the Kimber about 4:30, the XD about 5:00. Both holsters have the FBI cant. I would like them to cant a little farther forward, though. It can be a bit of a contortion to draw the gun smoothly, but, I've used the Crossbreed and XD in competition and did ok. I did see a holster from D. M. Bullard in Azle, Tx. that I may give a try . It's canted a lot more and may be what I need for a smoother draw. I did try the three o'clock position, but my hips forced the barrel out and the back end of the slide into my lower ribs. After two or three hours I had to take it off. My ribs hurt for three days! The 4:30 to 5:00 positions are quite comfortable and I almost forget I've got a gun back there. Compvest, the previous statement gives a clue to my body type. It's a modified hour glass would be the closest description. I don't have a skinny waist, but I do have a waist. Top and bottom are about the same size, waist is 8 inches less than they are. I'm 5' 7" and 142 lbs. I hope this helps.

[CompVest]

Thank you for the decsription! It will help other ladies. I also have a waist and like to protect my ribs.

[ELB]

Um,.... I'm not a lady, but my basic pistol course from the Farnams was taught by the female of the species, Vickie. She advised us that some gals find a belt holster more comfortable if it is positioned in the inguinal crease, which is the crease made between body and thigh when you lift your knee. In other words, putting the holster just a little bit forward, 2:00 o'clockish, I guess.

As for the bathroom business, you are on your own there. I have enough problems of my own!

elb