[P95Carry]

Many know my near obsession with OWB, to exclusion of IWB. The latter is for me so darned uncomfortable, plus summer sweat issues. I'll tell you tho also why I feel it works so well for me - and not others. You may agree or disagree but I am sure this has some merit.

The diag' below which I have done - is grossly exaggerating two extremes, the endomorph and the ectomorph build (the mesomorph is pretty much straight-up-and-down). I am way closer to the former as shown by left hand diagram - the line is showing to illustrate how clothing hangs - here, clear of the holster and gun.

Thus the ''inverted triangle'' torso form naturally allows clothes to hang loose and over a slight space if you will - thus printing is a potentially non-issue really.

Compare with the more ''pear-shaped'' ectomorph and it is obvious this cannot happen - the ''flair'' toward the waist is adverse and so clothes have to hang more draped than clear (again a representative line is drawn). This to me logically suggests the IWB should give better concealment, if acceptable from comfort/sweat aspects.

I only post this to make a point and so perhaps it might help those seeking first-time rigs, to see better how they may achieve good/better concealment. This is all not to say that the ectomorph cannot or will not find an OWB works - it can IMO but, clothing choice may be way more critical. Probably too - the shoulder rig will also benefit more from endomorphic shape.

 

[Bud White]

Good post Chris and pretty much right ..

I got my dunlop and i probley am a little wider there than at shoulders ive been carrying my glock 20 owb lately and it works ok but i thinks i need a better holster

 

[HappyGunner]

I would love to have OWB holster but here we don't have open carry.
And trying to conceal my 1911 or Glock in a OWB holster would just never work.
I have tried it before and with my shirt out I look like I have shoplifted a one inch drill motor.

 

[jarhead79]

Are you calling me fat???:ticking:

 

[P95Carry]

Can't say jar - we never met! :18:

The comparison is not meant to offend anyone over build or weight - it is a pure observational thing. :smile:

 

[Euclidean]

Through experimenting I have found a personal formula for success with OWB carry:

#1. Pay for a good holster. Now, granted my Speed Scabbard was like $35 and it's actually a pretty good holster, they just cost money. Trust me though, it's a necessity.

#2. Get T shirts, plain solid color T shirts, that are dark in color. Blue, Black, and Green work for me. The dark colors matter because bumps and the like are not as obvious. Get one size too large too.

#3. Look for a good carry position for that gun/holster combination. With a semiauto, the traditional 2-3 o' clock or somewhere in between works pretty good on me. With a revolver, I have to go 4 o clock. It will behoove you to carry the same gun all the time, better muscle memory.

For some weird reason, IWB strong side or cross draw works well for me, but OWB I must go strong side. I am finding that IWB X draw is best for concealment, but I've quite frankly become more bold and daring after doing this for a while now.

I have found that I can, in casual attire, carry all sorts of stuff all sorts of ways. It does take practice. You have to get used to it, that's all I can say. Keep your habits in mind too. Holsters don't always work for me although I prefer to use one whenever possible. During the week, I actually use a, gasp, Safepacker!

 

[jarhead79]

Just making fun. I didn't perceive it to be offensive. I'm not "fat", but I don't have the shoulders that I've seen on you in pics. It is much easier for me to conceal IWB, though I can with certain guns and clothes.

 

[NevJohn]

If someone asks you what the bulge is, just tell them it is your Colonoscopy Bag! They'll never ask to see it. :gah:

John'

 

[rocky]

For me IWB will always hide the gun better. The smaller the gun , the easier to conceal OWB. I am built a bit stocky, but not really overweight . I find I can OWB conceal my HK USP f, but if anyone looks close enough, I tend to look a bit lopsided when I do.
I also feel the IWB conceals the gun better from an accidental brandish, because less of the gun/holster is showing.

 

[Ti Carry]

Definetly IWB for me but I am built like the diagram on the left. IWB is way easier to conceal for me than OWB for sure. I think it is also in what you are used to wearing and how and what you buy to wear as well. I think my line up of cloths are not designed for adiquite OWB cover but works great with IWB cover so that's what I stick with.

I also feel better with IWB carry, it's tighter to my body but comfortable and it offeres me a relaxed comfort that I know it is hidden from site the best for me.

I posted this before but here is the exact way I carry and think for me it's the best way. Gary B. Has made and excellent design in the Max-Con V IWB holster and it works as good as it looks like it does in the picture.

Ti.

 

[P95Carry]

Looks good to me Ti - classic 4 o'clock IWB :smile:

It is of course, regardless of what I theorize on - entirely what works for folks. I do think tho that those of us like you and me for upper body build do have an advantage when it comes to having easy OWB.

 

[tegemu]

Chris, you didn't ask me if you could post my image on the right!!! However Euclidian's points pretty well solve my concealment problems. I have never, to my knowledge, been detected as a "Gunman."

 

[maclean3]

Pretty much IWB for me, build is: Pidgeon chested, beer belly (pork chops actually) and chicken legs - "my people" don't exercise. :tongue:

I've found that when I carry my M66 OWB I have to cinch my belt so tight that it becomes really uncomfortable. Carrying IWB my belt is just snug enough to keep my jeans from sagging and the "belt over gun" config. helps to pull the weapon close to the body. Seems backward to me re: comfort but then again, the M66 is a pretty heavy weapon.

I'd be really interested to hear from anyone who carries a 5" 1911 strongside OWB. I'm curious how much longer/looser the cover garment has to be than when carrying IWB. Seems that might be an option worth exploring but I'm not sure how much I'd have to invest in a new wardrobe.
Jack

 

[ron8903]

OWB for me.
I have IWB-Just can not get the hang of it.

 

[Tangle]

If someone asks you what the bulge is, just tell them it is your Colonoscopy Bag! They'll never ask to see it. :gah:

John'

LOL!!! I do believe you're on to somethin'!

 

[Tangle]

I've pretty much settled on OWB as well. I also adjusted the cant on my holsters from the "FBI" cant (15°) to 10° - that just seems to be a better compromise between concealment and less "wrist bending" to grip the gun.

I can wear IWBs reasonably successful, but they always seem slower to draw from. Seated in a vehicle, the IWBs seem to be kinda awkward to draw from; strong side OWBs aren't great when seated, especially with straight drops, but they seem better for me than IWBs.

 

[NevJohn]

For my OWB, I have a Blackhawk Serpa and for IWB I have the Comp-Tac for my XD40. Even though NV is an Open Carry State, I feel uncomfortable about carrying, so normally carry IWB.

John

 

[JerryM]

I almost never carry IWB. With a shirt tail out, and a well fitted pancake type holster my wife can't see it and I cannot either even knowing that it is there. I do wear loose fitting shirts, and it would not work with a tee shirt. I assist in a CHL training class sometimes, and we always ask the class if they can see a gun on me. The answer is always no unless they mistake my cell phone for a gun. Sometimes I do wear IWB, and have seen orders for the Sparks ExC as they want one that will conceal a 1911 compact so well. I have concealed as many as four on my person without being noticed. That is around the chest, ankle, pocket and either IWB or OWB.

When I do IWB I use mostly a Sparks ExC, and it is comfortable. The biggest problem for me is when I gain a few pounds my pants are too tight to be comfortable IWB. However, I just feel more comfortable with OWB. I am 5-10 and 173, and do not ever carry a full size 1911. I carry 1911 SA LW compact, a G 26, a Kahr P 9, or a Smith J-frame. NO not all at once. I won't mention a Kel Tech P32.

The secret for me is a pancake holster. Other OWB models do not hold as tight against the body. I consider holsters such as Kevin's Laredo Defender essentially a pancake and it stays as tight.

I continue to think that if one will carry a midsize or small gun, use a good pancake holster, wear a good double gun belt, and wear loose fitting shirts with reasonably long tails he will find that OWB works well.

Jerry

 

[joromu]

XD40 Holster

Nev John, I too carry an XD mine is the XD40 with the 3'' barrel and am trying to find a good leather hoslter. I have never carried IWB as it seems to be a comfort problem. I've looked at a Haugen Defender pancake which can be used strongside OR cross- draw. Also the Speed Scabbard III which is a high rider also by Haugen. I'm trying to decide on one or the other. Any experience with these? Thanks

 

[NevJohn]

Joromu---- no, never have had any opportunity to use any other holster except for the 2 mentioned, the Serpa and the Comp-Tac. Just looking at all the holsters available for the XD's, there is alot. Have you checked into the XDTalk forum?? If you havent, they have alot of info there. Companies like Andrews, AKJ, Del Fatti, Don Hume, Galco, Garrity, High Noon, KD Holsters, etc are numerous ones available.

John