IWB Carry Position

[texanron]

I'm still breaking in my new holster around the house while waiting on my CHL to process. I purchased one of those JBP IWB holsters off of "cheaper than dirt" as my first choice. If I like the feel in the long run I'll upgrade to a better model. I'm also one of those guys that could stand to lose 10 or 30lbs. The five o'clock position is the most comfortable for me but when I sit down the gun "rolls" away from my body making it fairly obvious that there is something there. The four o'clock position yields similar results. The three o'clock position seems to offer me the best concealment under all circumstances. However, its the most uncomfortable position of the 3 for me. Does any of this sound familiar to any of y'all? Also, if you lost weight did it help or hurt with concealment?

[sjfcontrol]

Also, if you lost weight did it help or hurt with concealment?

Loosing weight helps in soooo many ways! Guns fit, clothes fit, blood pressure drops, cholesterol drops... Believe me... Been there, done that, got the T-shirt (but it's now WAY too big!)

[mgood]

I wrestled with the issue for a while.
I prefer around 3:30 for most instances (seated, walking, bending, driving, etc.). If I was standing up all the time and never going to bend over or sit down, then a little further back might be better. I had it back further, but the more I drove my pickup while carrying IWB, the more forward I moved it, until it found a "hole" where it sat comfortably in the truck seat.

When I had a CHL before, in the late nineties, I liked it further back, around 4:30 or so. I was 30+ pounds lighter then, and I don't know if that affects my preference or not.

[Sputz]

It took me about 3 weeks to find the right position and cant with my mtac carrying a glock 23. I moved from 4-5 all the way to 3 o'clock. Its very comfortable and I can go all day without feeling pressure on my hips or back. I also can wear my work shirt (knit shirt) tucked in and no longer have to worry about the magazine poking out as I did with 4-5 o'clock carry. I could loose a few pounds also and I am in the process, however I have found I had to buy pants a size bigger and a shirt size larger to properly conceal.

Sputz

[jacobsd8195]

I gave up on IWB for carrying, other than to take the dog out or something quick using the DeSantis Insider. I just couldn't get a comfortable fit in any position, and I bought the fancy MTAC Minotaur. Luckily my dress is usually casual with an un-tucked shirt that works well with OWB. If I have to have a tucked-in shirt, I switch to the smaller gun that I can pocket carry.

[safety1]

Go with a better IWB holsters like Crossbreed, they are great...cost is more but worth the money.

[WildBill]

I prefer around 3:30 for most instances (seated, walking, bending, driving, etc.). If I was standing up all the time and never going to bend over or sit down, then a little further back might be better. I had it back further, but the more I drove my pickup while carrying IWB, the more forward I moved it, until it found a "hole" where it sat comfortably in the truck seat.

Works best for me.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

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.

[sjfcontrol]

One of the reasons I opted to make my own IWB holster...

I would be interested in hearing how you did that.

[Dave2]

One of the reasons I opted to make my own IWB holster...

I would be interested in hearing how you did that.

I made an OWB holster out of cardboard and duck tape once, but it was more as a joke than a serious attempt at making a holster.

[teddy salad]

I know several people have posted about the benefits of losing weight, and from a health standpoint they're right. But you know if you let it go far enough you will have 'natural holsters'. Maybe someday I'll post a picture of my own ILH (inside the love handle) holster.

Or would that be TMI?

[texanron]

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.

I prefer around 3:30 for most instances (seated, walking, bending, driving, etc.).

I tried the 3:30 position last night around the house and I think I like that carry position the best so far. I still need to see how well it conceals with various shirt and pant types.

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.

[Mack]

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.

I prefer around 3:30 for most instances (seated, walking, bending, driving, etc.).

I tried the 3:30 position last night around the house and I think I like that carry position the best so far. I still need to see how well it conceals with various shirt and pant types.

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.

I carry at the 3:00 position with a Minotaur and tucked shirts. I haven't had to change the size of shirt that I wear only the size of pants. Unless you wear skin tight shirts you should be ok. I use the velcro hooks which minimizes the visibility of the hooks. Also after I tuck the shirt I pull it back out a little and then blouse it out and down to cover the belt more. That seems to help a lot with printing and being able to see the hooks. Your mileage may vary.

[bnc]

I must be the oddball, 3:30 doesn't conceal well at all for me. I find 10:30/11 about the only way I can conceal without wearing a coat.

[lonewolf]

Another oddball here. IWB at 9:00 cross draw. Too many times in and out of car, right side doesn't work well with seat belt, etc, etc...I don't even notice the Beretta 92G much at all, and its not a compact weapon....