Comfortable Carry?

[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?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Desperado]

I've tried various ways to carry IWB and never have liked it. So --- all the holsters I now use are OWB. (Upon the advice of someone on this forum, I just ordered a holster from Fist. It looks to be one that I'll enjoy).

[JerryM]

I have, and sometimes do, carry IWB in a Sparks Executives Companion. It is comfortable, but not as comfortable as OWB.

I wear a cover garment, normally a shirt tail out, and have had no trouble concealing. I carry at various times a G26, SA LW Compact 1911, S&W 642, Kahr P9, KT P3AT, and sometimes a Smith 640.

I probably carry OWB at least 95% of the time.

Regards,
Jerry

[dairycreek]

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

While I must admit that I carry IWB most of the time because I feel that it is a better concealment system.

However, where comfort is concerned, I really prefer a well conceived and executed OWB pancake holster. I am particularly impressed by the pancake holsters made by Simply Rugged such as the one in the pic
which is a Silver Dollar.
Like any concealment system one has to dress accordingly which, for me, is usually an untucked shirt/sweater/vest/etc. On a good gun belt this OWB is easily concealable and exceptionally comfortable.

[torrejon224]

Have carried both ways for over 30 years and my mood/clothing dictates what style I'll wear. Either conceal easily but it's been my experience until you get comfortable concealing with an OWB your always thinking "my gun's showing" when it really isn't. Wear what works for you and provides the most comfort. Carrying a gun doesn't have to be uncomfortable.

[Manan]

Have carried both ways for over 30 years and my mood/clothing dictates what style I'll wear. Either conceal easily but it's been my experience until you get comfortable concealing with an OWB your always thinking "my gun's showing" when it really isn't. Wear what works for you and provides the most comfort. Carrying a gun doesn't have to be uncomfortable.

This reflects my experiences also. It is my desire to carry OWB, but sometimes clothes and situations require IWB, or shoulder rig, etc.

[TX-JB]

I've tried both over the years. When I was an LEO I carried mainly OWB, because I didn't care if I showed a little or not. Now that I'm not a LEO I lean more towards IWB. It's not as comfortable but I feel it gives me less a chance of showing.

[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

[BobK]

I tried belt carry for a while but didn't like it. You ALWAYS have to wear a longer shirt or jacket.

IWB may not be comfortable for some but it has never bothered me. The only thing that bothers me is the guns weight. But that is not a holster issue. I have searched for the right combination of gun and holster for a few years. I have finally found the guns and holsters that I can use based on the way I dress. I also pocket carry mainly in summer heat. A good holster is a must for IWB carry.

[thedogfather]

My Galco Royal Guard IWB carries my S&W 649 pretty comfortably, certainly when walking about. It does take some adjusting when sitting, in and out of the car and so on. I found a nicely used Galco pancake holster that I can wear very comfortably OWB strong side.

[fotomaker57]

I alternate between OWB and IWB carry. I find that I do have a little better concealment with IWB. However OWB is much more comfortable for me. So I do tend to carry OWB much more often.
Mike

[BamaSteve]

I'm very much looking forward to getting myself a fine custom leather owb holster!!

[NY27]

My Glock 27 is pretty much my EDC off-duty. Most of the time I carry it IWB in a Milt Sparks VM II. In cooler months I was using Fist #10 OWB. It was very comfortable, but the retention seems to have diminished rapidly. I have several other OWB holsters for it, but the Fist provided good concealment.

I need to find another good concealment holster for OWB. IWB carry doesn't bother me, but OWB is more comfortable.

[PNUT]

I do both,now that I have a SuperTuck I'm liking IWB more than I did before. It just depends on what I'm wearing or doing as to what style I'll carry. I prefer IWB most of the time because it conceals better.

[kccad]

I OWB carry with a Bianchi paddle holster and have found it to be very comfortable.