concealment versus ease of use

[erdocsg]

I usually carry IWB. I keep going back and forth between two holsters. One provides good concealment and less imprinting because the firearm sits deep in the holster, and the butt sits close to the top of my pants, this is part of the problem, as it makes it a little difficult to draw quickly ( due to the butt's location) this is the blackhawk IWB size 6. . The other holster carries the weapon higher, but therefore imprints more and feel a little less mentally comfortable because it sits higher.(Uncle mikes size 16)
both are "uncle mike's holsters". thoughts?
I usually carry M&Pcompact 9mm

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Brad426]

Depends on how important it is for you to not be "made". I would recommend getting a better quality holster than an Uncle Mike's for EDC, though.

[Mike1956]

Holsters and tattoos, in my experience, have much in common: good ones are not cheap, and cheap ones are not good. Here is what I use, and recommend: The Brommeland Max-Con V, (arguably) The Best IWB Holster On The Planet - YouTube
It conceals perfectly with a 20-degree forward cant, and is quickly and easily accessable for speed of draw.

[JasonGH]

IMHO, ease of access trumps being fully concealed, check your states laws though as in some places printing can be considered a form of brandishing. Ideally I would like no one to know that I am carrying AND have easy access to my firearm. However, you must realize that people don't see what they are not looking for. You could be blatantly printing and no one would notice because people are not paying attention most of the time. But, again, that is my opinion.

[archer51]

JMO, but Uncle Mike holsters, regardless of what they may say, are not designed for conceal carry. They are fine for field or range use, but do not have the support needed for concealment. You need a holster/belt combination that will pull the gun into the body and support it. There are good holsters that will do this for you on the market, without breaking the budget. Look at the Galco line, or Tucker Gun Leather holsters.

[40Bob]

I used to think that the gun was the investment. The gun is just the operating system, ammo, mags, a good holster can easily cost as much as the initial purchase of the gun. My S&W Model 13 3" was bought for the whopping price of $250, A good holster and belt combo can cost that much.

A secure/safe holster is #1, but if it does not conceal well you will not use it. As far as ease of access, you can practice.

[msc8127]

I tend to base more on ease of use than ultimate concealment. I try to avoid constant, obvious printing but I don't get overly hung up on it. I think many of us feel that the general public is as aware of our carrying as we are, when in reality most people we encounter are too busy looking at their phones to notice anything around them.

Sure, most of us on this forum have seen someone in public and are able to tell that person was carrying, but I don't think many of the non-carrying population are looking that hard. Likewise, I'm not sure that all that many care. We just hear a lot from the ignorant people that do care what we are doing for some reason or another.

Basically, my main objective is to be able to carry all day long without discomfort and not have whatever I'm carrying hanging out the bottom of my shirt anytime I raise my arms for one reason or another.

sent via iCarry

[sgb]

Ditch the Uncle Mikes and step up to a quality Maker. As Mike1956 said "good ones are not cheap, and cheap ones are not good".

[tokerblue]

I agree with the others. Ditch the Uncle Mike's. If you want an quality, inexpensive holster, look at the Remora holsters.

[First Sgt]

Invest in quality gear. YOUR life depends on it! JMO

[erdocsg]

The reason i picked 'uncle mikes' or blackhawk is that i like the IWB and its a clip... are there other clips that are IWB?

[ks kid]

The reason i picked 'uncle mikes' or blackhawk is that i like the IWB and its a clip... are there other clips that are IWB?

I use a comp-tac, crossbreed and Frontline. All are very good. I agree with the others, you need to step away from the Uncle Mike holsters.

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[GH]

The reason i picked 'uncle mikes' or blackhawk is that i like the IWB and its a clip... are there other clips that are IWB?

Yes. Galco makes one for less the $30. Here's a link provided by Speedyfish - Galco Stow-N-Go Holster Review | ThinBlueFlorida.com

In my Streichers catalog I also see 5.11 has one listed for about the same price.

[tokerblue]

The reason i picked 'uncle mikes' or blackhawk is that i like the IWB and its a clip... are there other clips that are IWB?

- The Remora doesn't have a clip and it's more stable than virtually all of the IWB holsters that I own...

[Skidboot]

I have found that the best combination of concealment and ease of use is a small gun (LCP or S&W J-frame) in the right front pocket. It is safe in a pocket holster and well-concealed, too. Also, it's the only way I know to actually have your hand on the firearm without revealing your intentions or appearing threatening.