[Wingincamera]

I have carried OWB, 3:00, for about 40-plus years. My current carry guns are a Shield 9mm, G43, and a SCCY 9mm, all in leather OWB holsters. I tried Aliengear kydex OWB but didn't care for it. But I do sometimes use a Aliengear shoulder holster with the Shield. I have put on a little weight in the last few years, I am 6' and 235 lbs, 42" pants.
I want to switch to AIWB carry and have been trying to adapt to using the Enigma holster and the Shield. I have used wedges on the back side, and a different belt, but it prints worst than my leather OWB. I think the problem is not getting enough of the keel effect with the wedges because of the short slide of the Shield (3.1"). I also may need a size larger pant size for IWB carry. I am thinking of getting a different weapon, Canik TP9 Elite SC, which has a 3.6" barrel. My question is does anyone think the longer barrel of the Canik would be easier to conceal using the Enigma? I am also posting this question on the Enigma FB site.

 

[Mike1956]

I have carried OWB, 3:00, for about 40-plus years. My current carry guns are a Shield 9mm, G43, and a SCCY 9mm, all in leather OWB holsters. I tried Aliengear kydex OWB but didn't care for it. But I do sometimes use a Aliengear shoulder holster with the Shield. I have put on a little weight in the last few years, I am 6' and 235 lbs, 42" pants.
I want to switch to AIWB carry and have been trying to adapt to using the Enigma holster and the Shield. I have used wedges on the back side, and a different belt, but it prints worst than my leather OWB. I think the problem is not getting enough of the keel effect with the wedges because of the short slide of the Shield (3.1"). I also may need a size larger pant size for IWB carry. I am thinking of getting a different weapon, Canik TP9 Elite SC, which has a 3.6" barrel. My question is does anyone think the longer barrel of the Canik would be easier to conceal using the Enigma? I am also posting this question on the Enigma FB site.

I've been carrying AIWB since late 2019, having carried IWB for the decade prior. Pistol length and holster design are the two most critical elements of carrying concealed effectively and comfortably. Scott gives some solid big guy advice:

 

[Wild Onion]

One thing I would do is click on the three dots in the upper right corner of this page, click on "Advanced Search", put AIWB in keyword, check "Titles Only". A lot of good stuff will show up.

I started carrying AIWB about two years ago. Still looking for that great fit, but I am getting closer. I have found that 4" single stack guns are just as easy to carry, if not easier, than 3.5 inch guns. Holsters make a big difference, so you are probably will have a few additions to the box o' holsters before you are finished.

 

[matthew03]

I carry a G34 or G17 most frequently. Yes, a longer barrel helps immensely, but a whole lot of AIWB success comes with micro adjustments. Slightly higher, lower, forward or back makes huge differences.

I have likely posted 100 or more posts in the holster section in my time here on forward of hip carry, as have others that have been carrying that way for a long time. @Wild Onion gave some good advice on researching the topic here.

 

[Nod]

I carry a Canik C-100 in either an AlienGear Tuck 3.0 or mostly a Muddy River (the CZ P-01 fits perfectly for IWB. I find that getting the waist size 2 sizes bigger seems to work the best.

 

[Wild Onion]

I carry a G34 or G17 most frequently. Yes, a longer barrel helps immensely, but a whole lot of AIWB success comes with micro adjustments. Slightly higher, lower, forward or back makes huge differences.

I have likely posted 100 or more posts in the holster section in my time here on forward of hip carry, as have others that have been carrying that way for a long time. @Wild Onion gave some good advice on researching the topic here.

I have been helped immensely in my AIWB journey by you and @Mike1956.

 

[matthew03]

I have been helped immensely in my AIWB journey by you and @Mike1956.

I try to pass along info on anything I have been working at for a long time, especially poor choices and failures. If I can save someone else time, money and headache I’ll try.

Thank you, it’s my pleasure to help.

 

[forester58]

I can only echo what matthew03 said. Don't give up easily because it takes time to experiment with all those little adjustments he mentions. I must have gone through 8 or 10 wedge configurations alone. Lost count of how many belt attachments, claws and ride height adjustments I have tried over the years not to mention guns and holsters.
You will get there.

PS. As an example, you will hear that you need a good stiff gun belt for concealed carry which is mostly true.
I found quite the opposite for appendix carry and exclusively use a wider nylon belt that gives more with my body movement. The 1.75" width gives me vertical stability, but the nylon construction gives me lateral flexibility.

 

[Arejay]

You mentioned you could benefit from a larger waist size . After looking up the Enigma system your using I think it’s very possible that could be solution. Couldn’t hurt to try. Another thing to try and adjust would be the ride hight .

 

[Rcopu1]

I have carried OWB, 3:00, for about 40-plus years. My current carry guns are a Shield 9mm, G43, and a SCCY 9mm, all in leather OWB holsters. I tried Aliengear kydex OWB but didn't care for it. But I do sometimes use a Aliengear shoulder holster with the Shield. I have put on a little weight in the last few years, I am 6' and 235 lbs, 42" pants.
I want to switch to AIWB carry and have been trying to adapt to using the Enigma holster and the Shield. I have used wedges on the back side, and a different belt, but it prints worst than my leather OWB. I think the problem is not getting enough of the keel




9mm effect with the wedges because of the short slide of the Shield (3.1"). I also may need a size larger pant size for IWB carry. I am thinking of getting a different weapon, Canik TP9 Elite SC, which has a 3.6" barrel. My question is does anyone think the longer barrel of the Canik would be easier to conceal using the Enigma? I am also posting this question on the Enigma FB site.

Well, if nothing else, the Canik is a much better shooter than the shield..........JMHO.

 

[1gunsnowbird]

OP - Welcome to my world. I've been CC-ing AIWB for about 15 years and tried numerous holsters and positions to find something that is comfortable for general in/outs to big box stores and fast food restaurants (my 'high threat assessment' environments) and something that will also allow me to sit comfortable for a restaurant meal or a movie at a theatre. For me, the Galco Ultimate Second Amendment seems the best, made of horse hide and tuckable.

However, I've been advised on a couple of CC sites that a longer barrel/slide pointing straight down at 12 noon helps one miss the pressure on the femoral nerve and artery that happens when carrying at 12:30 or 1. I haven't had the chance to test out the theory, but I still go AIWB for ins/outs with a Glock 26.5 at about 12 noon and it feels fine and prints less than just about any service-grade caliber pistol I've ever owned (including the G43X).

When the time comes that I'll be considering a longer sit-down meal, I plan on testing my G17.5 to see if the longer slide is more comfortable. However, I don't think I can beat the low print profile of the G26, especially with a GEE plate and packing 10+1. Usually I carry the 26 with a Pearce Grip +2 mag extension and I would defy most people to make me, unless I'm walking into a stiff wind with a white t-shirt. Any other time, I'm feeling invisible.

Good luck in your quest.

 

[Militant]

Everyone's body type is different so you have to keep experimenting with your holster's placement and its ride height to find your location for comfort.

 

[PEF]

I have carried OWB, 3:00, for about 40-plus years. My current carry guns are a Shield 9mm, G43, and a SCCY 9mm, all in leather OWB holsters. I tried Aliengear kydex OWB but didn't care for it. But I do sometimes use a Aliengear shoulder holster with the Shield. I have put on a little weight in the last few years, I am 6' and 235 lbs, 42" pants.
I want to switch to AIWB carry and have been trying to adapt to using the Enigma holster and the Shield. I have used wedges on the back side, and a different belt, but it prints worst than my leather OWB. I think the problem is not getting enough of the keel effect with the wedges because of the short slide of the Shield (3.1"). I also may need a size larger pant size for IWB carry. I am thinking of getting a different weapon, Canik TP9 Elite SC, which has a 3.6" barrel. My question is does anyone think the longer barrel of the Canik would be easier to conceal using the Enigma? I am also posting this question on the Enigma FB site.

I don't know if a holster for a 4" Shield would work for the 3.1", but it might be an option.

As others have noted, a lot depends on the holster. I have found the Hidden Hybrid single clip with a claw to work very well for me.

I compared the Canik to the Defender, which is what I carry. Canik TP9 Elite SC vs Colt Defender 9mm size comparison | Handgun Hero

You will see that the Canik has about 0.5" extra length from the front strap to the muzzle, which may help reduce "flipping" over the belt, depending on your ride height. The Defender can be prone to flipping, and I have found the Hidden Hybrid single clip with a claw to work well with the Defender. My educated guess it will work as well or better with the Canik.

Switching carry positions can be frustrating. Wish I could give you a recommendation with confidence, but what may work for me may not work for you.

Finally, I'll just note that I am also 6', and for a while I was about 235, with a 38" waist. I switched from weightlifting to cardio only training, and dropped about 35 pounds. I found that carrying appendix and concealment was much easier. I say this not to "judge" or anything like that, just noting that as the waistline increases I found it more difficult to conceal effectively at AIWB.

 

[Mike1956]

I don't know if a holster for a 4" Shield would work for the 3.1",

As one who has been doing it every time I climb on the bicycle, yes, it works perfectly.

 

[mmb617]

Everyone's body type is different so you have to keep experimenting with your holster's placement and its ride height to find your location for comfort.

I think the above quote sums up the situation nicely.

I'm about the exact opposite of the OP in that I'm a little skinny guy, but what has worked for me goes against most advice I've read.

"You need a stiff heavy gunbelt." I buy my belts at the Dollar General for $8. They work fine for me.

"Smaller guns are more comfortable and easier to conceal." I carry a double stack M&P compact 9 with a 4" barrel AIWB in a High Noon private matter leather holster. It's comfortable to the point that I forget it's even there as I go about my daily activities. Last summer I only had a t-shirt as cover when my very liberal sister visited me. She does not know that I carry. She is one who is so afraid of guns I'm sure she would have freaked out if she knew she was standing right next to one, so the concealment must have been good.

I don't say what I do would work for anybody else, but it's just right for me. I think it's impossible to give advice on carry position, holster or firearm choice beyond the most basic level. And even at that what some consider to be obvious truths may not be true at all for others.

 

[flh]

Stop by your local gun shop and ask about used holsters, some shops will have holsters for sale on consignment etc.

 

[Wingincamera]

Thank you all for the suggestions as I continue my research. I guess I will be forced to purchase a new Canik and larger-size pants. I am really looking forward to the Canik, just wish I could handle one before I purchase it. No one around where I live has any Caniks. I haven't been able to shoot for about nine months because of injuries to my rotator cuff and then a knee injury. My motorcycle has been in the dry dock since last summer because of all of this. And Wyoming has cold winters. Off subject, back to AIWB search.

 

[Mike1956]

Thank you all for the suggestions as I continue my research. I guess I will be forced to purchase a new Canik and larger-size pants. I am really looking forward to the Canik, just wish I could handle one before I purchase it. No one around where I live has any Caniks. I haven't been able to shoot for about nine months because of injuries to my rotator cuff and then a knee injury. My motorcycle has been in the dry dock since last summer because of all of this. And Wyoming has cold winters. Off subject, back to AIWB search.

I have found size-larger trousers to be more of a hindrance than a help when discussing AIWB. Regular IWB, yes, but not AIWB.

 

[crstrode]

I have carried OWB, 3:00, for about 40-plus years. My current carry guns are a Shield 9mm, G43, and a SCCY 9mm, all in leather OWB holsters. I tried Aliengear kydex OWB but didn't care for it. But I do sometimes use a Aliengear shoulder holster with the Shield. I have put on a little weight in the last few years, I am 6' and 235 lbs, 42" pants.
I want to switch to AIWB carry and have been trying to adapt to using the Enigma holster and the Shield. I have used wedges on the back side, and a different belt, but it prints worst than my leather OWB. I think the problem is not getting enough of the keel effect with the wedges because of the short slide of the Shield (3.1"). I also may need a size larger pant size for IWB carry. I am thinking of getting a different weapon, Canik TP9 Elite SC, which has a 3.6" barrel. My question is does anyone think the longer barrel of the Canik would be easier to conceal using the Enigma? I am also posting this question on the Enigma FB site.

Nuts!

 

[Militant]

what has worked for me.

They work fine for me.

I don't say what I do would work for anybody else, but it's just right for me.

What some consider to be obvious truths may not be true at all for others.

While I love to listen to and to learn from others, I do my own thing! When it comes to half of the advice that I see, hear, or read about within the 2A community, I find myself doing what Bruce Lee said: