Is there a happy medium between IWB & OWB?

[llmstratocaster]

Leading up to me getting my CHL I've been obsessing non-stop over holsters. Mainly whether to carry IWB or OWB. I know I'll experiment with different types of both, but I'm just wondering if any of you have found that "sweet spot" holster that provides the best of both. I've ordered a Jak Slide from Galco hoping that I've found it. The idea of carrying IWB kinda wrecks my nerves a little bit. But even the most concealable OWB holsters seem like they forfeight a fair amount of concealability. The Jak Slide seems like it addresses both of these issues by keeping the gun as close to the body as possible, being inside the belt, and it's technically not a IWB which is good.

Am I on the right track here? Would appreciate any other advice or suggestions.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[pittypat21]

For my Bersa Thunder .45 UC Pro, I have a Crossbreed SuperSlide. OWB, and very close to the body. Won't conceal it with a t-shirt, but with the pearl snap checkered shirts that I wear, it disappears when worn at about the 4-5 o'clock position.

[pittypat21]

Here's a couple images for reference.
0920122320.jpg
I usually wear an undershirt of some sort.
0920122320a.jpg

A lot of the shirts that I wear like this are even a little bit looser fitting, and there's never a worry about printing.

[ANGLICO]

Here's a couple images for reference.
0920122320.jpg
I usually wear an undershirt of some sort.
0920122320a.jpg

A lot of the shirts that I wear like this are even a little bit looser fitting, and there's never a worry about printing.

Love the holster, but that is a high reach to unholster, in my humble opinion.
Still love my lower to the belt IWB for a more natural 'reach around and grab'. Personal preference.

BTY - you need to get out in the sun a little more.........

[pittypat21]

Love the holster, but that is a high reach to unholster, in my humble opinion.
Still love my lower to the belt IWB for a more natural 'reach around' and grab. Personal preference.

BTY - you need to get out in the sun a little more.........

I spend plenty of time out in the sun! Just not without a shirt on

It is a little bit high, but it ain't nothin' that a little practice can't solve.

[TKshooter]

I will offer a shameless promotion-

My husband has started making IWB and OWB holsters. Very high quality and nice. He charges about $40-45 with a 3-4 week lead time.

You can find him on Facebook under Taktical Holsters or on the high road forum

He has made the nice convertible holster. Its kydex shell with leather backing but cut so that it can go OWB and looks nice, but has enough leather to still be worn IWB. Its a nice mix.

Check him out if you would like! He made me a nice black leather and one for my G19.

[ksholder]

If the Jak Slide you are talking about is the thin leather strap the covers only the trigger guard (also called a Yaqui Slide), there was a thread a couple years back where a guy had an ND when reholstering in his car. It turned out the holster had stretched and the holster itself got caught in the trigger guard.

If this is the type of holster you are talking about, I would shy away. If it is something else, then the above probably does not apply.

[sioux565]

The only happy medium I've found is to get 1 good OWB and 1 good IWB holster. I can guarantee you that you will probably encounter a situation where you will need to carry IWB for concealment.

[ccw9mm]

Is there a happy medium between IWB & OWB?

Any single mode of carry has its pros and cons, whether IWB, OWB, ankle, shoulder, satchel/bag, or pocket. All you can do is to choose the method, position and style of carry that works best for you, all things considered, accepting that what works for another person's body shape and comfort level might well not be the same as your own experience with that same mode/product.

... any of you have found that "sweet spot" holster that provides the best of both.

IMO, a decently firm/unyielding, close-fitting, mid- to high-riding pancake style holster that sits outside the belt provides about as good a combination of comfort with concealability as exists. Whether that'll be sufficient for your needs depends on the mix of characteristics you're requiring and what trade-offs you're willing to accept.

... addresses both of these issues by keeping the gun as close to the body as possible, being inside the belt, and it's technically not a IWB which is good. Am I on the right track here?

That's the basic trade-off: concealability, comfort, accessibility. There are also some other distinctions, such as ease of reholstering, that might be worth considering, but you're pretty much on the right track. There's no way to know until you've tried a few, and compared the pros/cons on your own body with your own clothing and statute challenges.

Ditto on the idea of having a good one of each: IWB, OWB. You'll inevitably find utility in both.

[iguanadon]

Obsessing? Over holsters? Can't be.

Welcome to the club.

I think half the fun is researching holsters. I just placed an order for yet another one last night, the Theis IWB.

You didn't mention what gun you plan on carrying (until you change your mind). I too have been looking for the perfect OWB that rides high and tight for my Glock27.

I have this on order and should be here any time now after a 7 week wait. FIST, INC.

I picked this OWB up this weekend at a gun show as I wait for the FIST and for $30 am quite happy with it... http://www.donhume.com/index.php?mai...products_id=53

And now this one is on my radar if the FIST isn't quite perfect (link is specifically for G26/G27). 26, 27, 33 — DeSantis Holster

Or maybe this one... Side Guard Holsters - OWB Holsters - High Slide

Or maybe one of these... belt holsters

Well you get the idea. Be sure to set aside a little money with each holster you buy to help towards the nuthouse when you get committed. ;-)

[GunTrooper]

Anyone ever use BellyBand holsters? After first getting one for carrying while jogging, I have gone almost exclusively to BellyBand for my usual carry, Glock 19...

[dukalmighty]

Duk tape...you can tape that sucker just about anywhere you want canted,sideways,upside down it's not a problem...concerned with carrying one in the pipe and having a ND ...worry no more a couple wraps a Duk Tape around the trigger guard and you couldn't get a 2 yr olds booger hook on the bang switch

[mkh]

.....The idea of carrying IWB kinda wrecks my nerves a little bit..

The thickness of your pants between you and an OWB ain't going to protect you if the gun goes off in the holster.

[WHEC724]

Honestly, I think you're just going to have to experiment.

I started my cc life, carrying IWB @ 3:30. I then progressed through every option/configuration, and years later ended up preferring (you guessed it), IWB @ 3:30. I'm pretty sure all of the nerve endings behind my right hip are dead now, and it feels like there is a permanent canted groove there, so I carry IWB even when in the woods. IWB keeps it in tight, and prevents it from snagging on underbrush, arm chairs, seat belt buckles, etc..

But that's not what works for everyone else. Welcome to obsessing about holsters.

[ghost tracker]

Your issue is that you mistakenly believe you can think, research, ask, try, rethink, do more research, ask again & re-try to eventually arrive at the Holy Grail of ONE HOLSTER. I appreciate your effort. Most of us tried the same thing. But you are sadly delusional. Just resolve yourself to a lifetime of buy-and-try, just like the...rest of us.