IWB or OWB for XD9 Service?

[erikd65]

Well, I am thinking of going to a Pancake OWB instead of an IWB. Which would be better in your opinion, and why?

I am 5 foot 9, and under 140 pounds (I know, to skinny) if that helps any.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[njeske]

i didn't vote because i'm curious about what people think as well. i just bought XD-9 service and am trying to figure out how i want to carry it.

[P95Carry]

I can't remember the thread here where I posted re body type as an influencing factor but go here to a page on one of my sites where I discuss aspects of that.

Beyond that it is IMO down to lifestyle and clothing options. I carry an EDC of SIG 226 ST - large and heavy but OWB in a quality rig (K&D Eagle Defender) makes for comfort, good access and no problems re printing etc as I can always choose good cover garments. I actually hate IWB too - always have.

I would say OWB if all things permit - but if restrictions then IWB may have to be the choice. That said I'll wager my gun sits about as tight to body in OWB as an IWB. I am 6.00 and 210# but apart from a bit of extra ''real estate'' out front still more the skinny build with quite broad shoulders - that helps a lot.

[lowflyer]

I don't have the XD9, but I do have the XD45 Compact. I carry it OWB because, I don't really like IWB. I am 5'11" 210 mostly athletic build. I have not tried carrying IWB with a good holster, but have experimented by carrying around the house with a cheap, Don Hume clip-on. I can't seem to shake the fact that it feels like I have a gun in my pants.

I usually carry in either a slide at the point of the hip, or a DeSantis SOB located right of center at about the 5 o'clock. This depends on my cover garment. I can cover the SOB with just a t-shirt, but the slide requires a jacket of some sort. Usually, it's a sport coat for me.

[craze]

I too much prefer OWB. I don't even like to carry my 642 IWB. It does seem to be the most popular mode of carry I just find it uncomfortable. OWB carry does require some thought as far as cover garments are concerned especially with a larger gun. Pay close attention to length sometimes when you bend over the barrel can peak out.

[Ron]

Is it realistic to carry OWB if you live in a warm climate and wear shorts and a tee shirt almost all of the time. I have a Walther P99 compact. What OWB holster do you think would ride high enogh so that I could cover the holster and gun with my tee shirt untucked without printing? Hope this question isn't hijacking the thread. If so, Mod please just delete and I will post separately.

Ron

[fed_wif_a_sig]

When I started my law enforcement career I was 5'09.75" and under 140#s as well. I was issued a S&W 4506 and THAT is a box of wheates to conceal (mandatory carry on and off duty). I quickly learned that for ME the two ways I carried with the most comfort was ITP with a HIGH quality belt (I think it is equally as important as the quality holster) or using a t-shirt holster. That is how I became involved in using t-shirt holsters and to this day, find it the most comfortable holsters I own. However there is a trade off between the comfort of the t-shirt as it is slower and actually takes more practice.

But to answer your question, if you get a quality ITP holster, wear it a little behind the bony hip bone then I think you'll find it more comfortable and more concealable.

Back to my cage,

[sportkcjc]

I've tried to carry my xd9 service both ways. For my size and build I just could not carry iwb comfortably. +1 for owb. w/winter clothing to add cover.

[one eyed fatman]

IWB I carry my XD 45 Tactical with the Answer holster. Cover is a t shirt.

[BruceGibson]

I'm biased and always defer to OWB. It might be my fence-post build, or having something foreign inside my pants. Of course, Penelope Cruse would be an exception. Otherwise...

I'd have to vote "OWB."

[erikd65]

Wow! A tie :)

Thanks for the responses everyone.

[freetrapper]

I do not have a XD to carry but I need to speak up on carry options. I was an OWB guy due to my size and the extra I carry around on my mid section. I tried several cheaper IWB holsters and was never a fan.

However I have now tried a MaxCon V IWB and I will have to say that it is completly differant than I ever expected it to be. I can tell you that if you are at all interested in the concealability of IWB carry than try a custom made holster and I think you will be surprised.

[torrejon224]

The XD is a fairly thick weapon and an IWB could prove to be uncomfortable after a few hours. This is why I would go with an OWB type of rig.

[fed_wif_a_sig]

Glocks and SIGs are just as think, and with a proper holster they ride well ITP but again its personal. Guess thats why with each pistol I own I have a quality OTB and ITP holster to use. Situations demand different rigs. If there were one perfect rig for all the time carry, guys like Mark and Gary would be out of business.

[retsupt99]

for all by EDC...

Ocassionally, an OWB, or a shoulder rig...but I would usually carry anything and everything IWB...

OMO

ret