IWB or OWB?

[lama]

I second the comptac minotare (know I spelt that wrong)
I just got my plastic this past week and spent my fist day out and about (shopping with the little lady) and except for the aforementioned seat belt issue I forgot it was there I honestly don't see my self needing a second holster unless I have to buy a pocket gun eww

[Dragonfighter]

Got a Crossbreed coming as well. But my Bullard Undercover is fantastic, providing you are wearing untucked or have a jacket. I wear it threaded on the belt in one side, through the loop and out the other side, this allows for adjustment from 3:00 to 3:45 as needed to sit or whatever.

[tommy]

definitely IWB, conceals much better

[Teamless]

I'm not a small guy.
I am 5'11 (yea, not WAY tall), but I do go 270lbs (42" waist is snug... at best).
From all I have read on IWB/OWB, it seems that with IWB, while it conceals better, you have to look at pants that are over-sized so the holster and pistol can be inside the pants.
Now with OWB, you have to have oversized shirts to cover the length that is on the outside.

I am really torn on which route to go here.
Do I want to have to buy all new pants, jeans, dockers etc, or just buy larger shirts?

How about some responses from some bigger guys on
OWB or IWB as their preference and why?
To whichever side you are on, what are the tricks you have learned to conceal?
If you are using oversized shirts for OWB, how much larger than normal?
If you are using oversized pants for IWB, how much larger than normal?

I would also be interested in a demo picture of how it looks with OWB or IWB, as I haven't seen any.
I have looked at the Crossbreed, Comp-Tech, Blade-Tech, and while they all show the holsters, none show how it looks on the person.

Wow, I really convinced myself I could just buy a holster and be good to go, but the more I study, the more confused I am
Thanks

[MojoTexas]

I'm not a small guy.
I am 5'11 (yea, not WAY tall), but I do go 270lbs (42" waist is snug... at best).
From all I have read on IWB/OWB, it seems that with IWB, while it conceals better, you have to look at pants that are over-sized so the holster and pistol can be inside the pants.
Now with OWB, you have to have oversized shirts to cover the length that is on the outside.

I am really torn on which route to go here.
Do I want to have to buy all new pants, jeans, dockers etc, or just buy larger shirts?

How about some responses from some bigger guys on
OWB or IWB as their preference and why?
To whichever side you are on, what are the tricks you have learned to conceal?
If you are using oversized shirts for OWB, how much larger than normal?
If you are using oversized pants for IWB, how much larger than normal?

I would also be interested in a demo picture of how it looks with OWB or IWB, as I haven't seen any.
I have looked at the Crossbreed, Comp-Tech, Blade-Tech, and while they all show the holsters, none show how it looks on the person.

Wow, I really convinced myself I could just buy a holster and be good to go, but the more I study, the more confused I am

Thanks

Hi Teamless,

I'm a big guy too, although I've been losing some weight lately (roughly 25 lbs so far, down to 270) so I haven't had to buy new pants yet for IWB. Yes, you might need bigger pants, but IWB conceals better and is more comfortable in my opinion. I'll try to post some pictures tonight of my commander-sized Kimber 1911 in both an OWB Galco Combat Master holster and a Crossbreed Supertuck IWB holster.

MojoTexas

[Teamless]

Thanks MojoTexas, I would appreciate that.

[RECIT]

I also second the request for pictures of different peoples rigs and carry methods. A picture IS worth a thousand words.

[MojoTexas]

Here are some pictures, taken by my (oh so patient) wife. Normally I would wear a different cover shirt, preferably darker and patterned, but I wanted something that would contrast with my t-shirt for the sake of the photos. As you can see I've got a little cushioning around the middle.

This first set is me wearing my Kimber Eclipse Pro II (Commander-sized 1911) in a Galco Super Combat holster.






The next set is me wearing the same pistol in a Crossbreed SuperTuck Deluxe (horsehide), non-combat-cut.






There's still a "bulge" with both holsters, but IMHO the bulge is less obvious with the IWB Crossbreed holster, since it holds the pistol closer to the body. The OWB holster is great if you are wearing a heavy jacket or coat, but the weapon isn't as tight against the body. I love both holsters, and prefer the OWB because it's easier to draw from since I can get a better grip on the handle. However, for concealment, the Crossbreed SuperTuck is just as comfortable and slightly more concealable.

Your mileage may vary of course...but at least you can see the differences.

MojoTexas

[silverbear]

I'm still trying to find the right holster, but for now have a smartcarry type of holster called lightningwear I got off of ebay. Still waiting for plastic, so been mostly wearing around the house evenings and weekends.

Here's a picture with the lightningwear and my Glock 26 (its hard to see with the black on black) outside of my shorts to illustrate where its worn:



Here's a picture with the holster on:



I didn't post a picture of drawing the weapon as I didn't want to violate any forum rules!

Mojo - see what you started!

[CaptWoodrow10]

FWIW, I'm ordering a Crossbreed Mini tuck as soon as I can. It'll be holding my Kimber Ultra Carry (3" 1911). I've heard great things about this holster, and with the warmer weather just around the corner, I want to get away from OWB carry and I cant stand my other IWB hosters.

[The Annoyed Man]

I'm fatter'n alla yez, and I have no trouble concealing a full sized 1911 or an M&P45 — IWB, OWB, or in a shoulder rig. Heck, I didn't even have to change the size of the clothes I buy when I started carrying. My holster choices on almost any given day are based entirely on a combination of comfort and weather. Nobody can tell I'm carrying, and besides, it's just not on most people's radar to look for that.

But a black pair of "manties"? Lord no! It's warm enough down there on a hot Texas day without adding that kind of abomination into the equation!

[03Lightningrocks]

I just can't figure out how anyone can wear that rig with any comfort at all. I also can't figure out how you would get to your handgun with any speed or efficiency with the holster down inside your britches.

[silverbear]

I just can't figure out how anyone can wear that rig with any comfort at all. I also can't figure out how you would get to your handgun with any speed or efficiency with the holster down inside your britches.

This is not me, but it works just like this -

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It is actually very comfortable. Google "smartcarry" and you will find very positive reviews from folks who have actually used them. Even on this forum I believe.

[03Lightningrocks]

You have one of those videos where the guy doing the demonstration has another 30 pounds on him? Just kidding... sort of, but I see how that works now. My concern of comfort is more in the times of sitting down. It seems like it would "bunch up" and poke you in the groin area. It looks to be a carry style that might not work as well for those of us who are blessed with extra storage capacity.

[MojoTexas]

My biggest concern with the Smartcarry system (and clones) is that it might work fine for someone that still has a flat stomach, but with a bit of a gut I can't see myself getting to the weapon very quickly if I had it down my britches.

Granted I haven't tried it, but that's what has kept me from trying it. I don't want to spend the money to have yet another holster to toss in a drawer.

MojoTexas