Comfortable Carry?

**SIGP250** · July 9th, 2009 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by retsupt99

I have pretty much carried IWB either at 3:30 or 5:00 for many years.

I have always talked about how comfortable I find my Kimber Ultra or my Glock-36 hidden away at my side or against my kidney.

I haven't given much thought about OWB holsters, and have really only used them a little for SD pistol courses.

Well, we are preparing to visit the grandkids and other relatives who live in OC states (not meant to be an open carry topic).
Thinking that I might try the open carry approach just a little, I decided to take out my OWB Fist #12 basic out of moth balls and wear it around the house for a few days to see how it felt.

I have to admit that this OWB holster is a mighty fine approach to either OC or CC.

It hugs the body very well, and I hardly know the weapon is riding along.

Maybe the guys who carry OWB really DO know something about 'comfort'.

Have you tried both IWB and OWB for extended periods of time?
What do you think?

I only have only OSB paddle holsters. I don't need leather, I want safety and protection over beauty. I use what the manufacturer suggests. For Sig's they are all polymer holsters with thumb release button or other type of catch.

My Walther's fit almost anything I put in them. My PPS SC works OK with a paddle holster made for an SA DX.

I mainly carry my SIG 250 Compact with a holster from SIG.

I carry the Walther PPS for more concealment as necessary.

I have several others That sometimes don't need special holsters at all.

I have a full size Kimber 1911. I usually don't holster it, It is a beautiful piece. I seldom shoot it. It just stays in the case.

I have a Taurus 5" revolver for plinking. I have carried it on the left in a holster not made for it but works. Usually I just throw it in the bag and go off to the range.

**DefensiveCarry.com** · July 9th, 2009 01:07 AM

**jumpwing** · July 9th, 2009 01:59 AM

I carried OWB for a while in a paddle holster. It felt like it sagged and it rode too far out for my taste. Of course, it could have just been a crappy holster.

At any rate, once I got my Supertuck broken in there was no more discussion.

**CenCal** · July 9th, 2009 02:59 AM

I've carried both OWB in a Galco leather rig and IWB in a Crossbreed Supertuck.

I prefer the Crossbreed because I am more concerned about staying concealed than comfort. Too many anti's running around here in CA. We've all read those threads were someone calls the police about "a man carrying a gun."

The Crossbreed is the most comfortable IWB I've had.

I agree that for comfort alone, OWB is hard to beat.

**Jumper2501** · July 9th, 2009 09:06 AM

I've carried OWB in a paddle holster while on duty and it is extremely comfortable with the right rig. Haven't CCW'ed that way and probably won't until cooler weather gives more concealment options.

For now, the Supertuck or else pocket P3AT gets the nod.

**David in FL** · July 9th, 2009 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by bstrawse

I generally carry IWB - never been a big proponent of open carry for non law enforcement, though I certainly don't have an issue with it if someone wants to do so.

In the house, it's more common for me to carry OWB just because it's more comfortable. I've a variety of Galco holsters for this purpose - some paddle style, several belt/pancake style.

b

Note, OWB does not necessarily mean open carry. The weapon remains concealed by a cover garment, just as it does when carried IWB.

**JerryM** · July 9th, 2009 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by jumpwing

I carried OWB for a while in a paddle holster. It felt like it sagged and it rode too far out for my taste. Of course, it could have just been a crappy holster.

At any rate, once I got my Supertuck broken in there was no more discussion.

What paddle were you using? I found that my Galco, and Uncle Mike's rode high and did ride too far out for concealment.
Evidently the Kramer does not do that. In fact my Fobus is better than the other two.

Evidently Garrity makes the best, but it must take a long time to get one. On balance I prefer the snap loop OWB for an easy on/off holster as it stays tight against the body.

If one wants an excellent OWB take a look at Sparks I-BAK. It does not, however, have a shirt guard.

Regards,
Jerry

**T Bone** · July 9th, 2009 11:30 AM

I do find OWB more comfortable, but for ease of concealment I more often carry IWB (with the right holster, IWB is not that uncomfortable, just not quite as comfy as OWB).

Below are my favorite IWB and OWB rigs. Also 2 frequently carried pocket options.

Milt Sparks VM-2HS (horsehide, shark trim)

Milt Sparks Axiom, elephant trim

PM9 in Milt Sparks PCH

P3AT in Milt Sparks PCH

**jumpwing** · July 9th, 2009 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by JerryM

What paddle were you using?

Bianchi paddle holster, molded nylon with an adjustable thumb break. Seriously, the thing was $40 so I wasn't expecting a whole lot. I have not yet tried a well-made leather beltloop holster. I suspect that would take care of the sagging and hangin'-too-far-out-there issues.

**BikerRN** · July 9th, 2009 02:57 PM

I've carried OWB and IWB over the years.

I prefer IWB for what I think is a slightly better degree of concealment. If you are using a good holster and belt it is amazing how much can be concealed with an OWB holster though.

I managed to hide a 4" N-Frame in a Del Fatti OWB under a one size too large Polo Shirt. I'm so used to IWB that I don't even look at OWB Holster much anymore. I have a Del Fatti coming for my High Power and I made that one an OWB Holster. I'm looking forward to trying it.

Biker

**retsupt99** · July 9th, 2009 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by BikerRN

I've carried OWB and IWB over the years.

I prefer IWB for what I think is a slightly better degree of concealment. If you are using a good holster and belt it is amazing how much can be concealed with an OWB holster though.

I managed to hide a 4" N-Frame in a Del Fatti OWB under a one size too large Polo Shirt. I'm so used to IWB that I don't even look at OWB Holster much anymore. I have a Del Fatti coming for my High Power and I made that one an OWB Holster. I'm looking forward to trying it.

Biker

As with my original post, this is what I've discovered. My Fist OWB #12 Basic is as close to my body as my IWB's

It's a great holster and my Looper Leather belt is tightened up (comfortably).
I'm liking it...

**kpw** · July 9th, 2009 08:42 PM

I've owned a couple of FIST #7 and #9 in kydex and leather. They hold very tight to the body. With the right owb holster, iwb doesn't conceal any better for me unless I'd wear a very short shirt. The most comfortable holsters I've worn are still the Comp-Tac settable cant paddles. They conceal very well under my camp and polo shirts. The Fist and UBG Bonneville holsters will conceal well under a loose tshirt.

**Ron** · July 10th, 2009 08:41 AM