IWB Holster Suggestions

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Mike J

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So I have been carrying for about 12 years. I have always carried OWB between 3:30 & 4:00. I have been thinking about trying IWB, possibly AIWB, carry. I am on the security team at church & would like to be as discreet as possible. I have been looking at Crossbreed, Muddy River Tactical, Clinger and Bravo Concealment's holsters. I am honestly finding myself leaning toward Bravo Concealment at the moment but of course that is subject to change. Those of you who carry IWB what works for you? What have you learned doesn't work? I would like to make an informed decision.
 
I am running an AlienGear ShapeShift. It may be a little bulkier than other options, but the versatility is worth it to me.
 
I don't do AIWB, short guy with long barreled gun, but I do follow what seems to be popular among the AIWB folks.

Of your options, the only one that resembles a popular AIWB holster is the Muddy River Tactical, and I hadn't heard of them prior to your post.

https://muddyrivertactical.com/product/inside-waistband-kydex-holster/

Typical AIWB holster characteristics would be a relatively compact "taco" (fold over) type holster body, with body side wedge, and a wing-claw. The compact shape is to fit the smallish spot between your hip and centerline, the wedge is to lever the grip towards your body and the muzzle away from your "parts", and the wing-claw rotates the grip into your body for better concealment.
 
What gun are you planning on carrying and is it going to be AIWB or just IWB? AIWB is generally a specific holster, and not just a straight drop IWB holster worn forward of the hip, though some folks do this.
 
What gun are you planning on carrying and is it going to be AIWB or just IWB? AIWB is generally a specific holster, and not just a straight drop IWB holster worn forward of the hip, though some folks do this.

The gun is a M&P 2.0 40 compact with a 4" barrel. It is what I have been carrying. I am 6'2" and about 210 pounds. 34/34 jeans (I realize I will probably need to go a bit larger on the waist to use this carry method). I can wear an XL shirt but I usually get 2X so it will fit looser. I do have a smaller pistol but I want something large enough to be able to shoot well. As far as AIWB or IWB I honestly don't know until I try it & figure out what works for me. Maybe I ought to try just wearing pair of my looser fitting pants & test different positions just putting the unloaded gun in to see what might work.
 
The gun is a M&P 2.0 40 compact with a 4" barrel.
That size seems to be popular with the AIWB folks. Very short barreled guns, like revolver "snubbies" or a Glock G26 tend to roll over the belt since there isn't enough barrel below the belt to stabilize the gun. Folks often use a holster designed for a longer gun like a G17 or G19 for their short Glock to stabilize the gun. On the other hand, some folks run out of depth with longer barrel guns/holsters.

Another AIWB issue is many of those folks prefer a gun with either an exposed hammer, a manual safety, or both, as something to prevent something from fouling the trigger on reholstering. There seems to be less concern with regular IWB, but fouling the trigger could be an issue with any type of carry.

Here's a Lucky Gunner article "Why I Switched to Double Action Autos" https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/why-switched-double-action/
 
Thanks JTQ, another point to ponder. The only DA/SA I own right now is an old Ruger P94. To be honest it is a decent & reliable pistol. My biggest dislike about it is the slide mounted safety. I honestly don't want to buy another pistol at this time so I am going to have to decide whether to go AIWB or not. I have been hanging out around the house for about an hour this morning with an unloaded pistol shoved in my pants in this position & it actually seems fairly comfortable. If I do go this route I will take great pains when reholstering. Are there any other brands of holster you might suggest I look at.
 
I use Desantis SofTuck holsters for three of my ccw guns. 15637137112146820801155171291888.jpg *the cant is adjustable on the j-hook, it can be worn anywhere iwb. From sob all the way around to crossdraw.
*Soft thin suede is comfortable and stays put.
*The j-hook fits over your waistband and hooks under your belt....all that is visible is the upturned end of the j-hook at the bottom edge of your belt.
*Under $35.00
 
... AIWB ... I have been hanging out around the house for about an hour this morning with an unloaded pistol shoved in my pants in this position & it actually seems fairly comfortable.
Comfort is actually one of the advantages of AIWB as nearly everything up front is compressible.

Some of the more respected AIWB makers, in no particular order ...

JM Custom Kydex https://www.jmcustomkydex.com

Dale Fricke https://dalefrickeholsters.com

Custom Carry Concepts https://www.customcarryconcepts.com

Keepers Concealment (very pricey, but also very popular, probably for a reason) http://keepersconcealment.com/#

5 Shot Leather https://www.5shotleather.com

I know there are others out there, but those seem to get most of the ink from the hard core AIWB fans. Holsters, especially IWB, and even more so AIWB, are very dependent on the individual, and what works for one doesn't work for all. You're going to have take a chance on something and see if it works for you.
 
I use a White Hat IWB holster. Many years now for my 1911. Shirt out.
 
I've gone round and round between the Alien Gear / Cross Tuck style and the minimum size style. Currently I'm using minimum size styles, The top one is from Cleveland Kydex. I have quite a few holsters and knife sheathes from them and they are very well built. On the bottom I have one from Concealment Express (Amazon) I also have 4 of these and they work well. Cleveland Kydex offers a large variety while the Concealment Express holsters boast adjustable retention.

20190716_183511.jpg

http://clevelandkydex.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=27&zenid=jml8da9am2n9ohjhjjhqvetk31

https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=concealment+express&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
 
I just got this one today used at a gunshow for $10. It is made by Raven concealment, and they call it a RCS Morrigan holster. I have heard of them but never used any of their products. They sell them for $50, so I guess I did OK. I will try it out this week, so I have no idea if it is my new holster or another pos that will end up in the rubber made tub full of other junk. It seems like it is a decent piece of gear, though. raven 1.JPG
raven 2.JPG
 
I want to thank everyone who responded.I appreciate all of you giving me input. I am just going to order an inexpensive IWB set up & find out how I like it. If I decide I don't like it the way it is I will add a claw or change the belt loop attachment later on. Gotta start somewhere.
 
Milt Sparks for the win, when it comes to IWB.

I prefer VMII, but the Summer Special is good stuff, too.
 
White Hat Maxtuck holster with 2 Ulti-clips. Carry a full size 40 with a light and a spare magazine. Not even my wife knows when I carry as there are no clips on the belt with a tucked in shirt, the clips attach to the pants under the belt. Unless someone knows exactly where to look and what to look for, they won't see it. Other members of the security team I am on love it as well.
 
I use the StealthGear Revolution for IWB. The ventilated backing makes a huge difference in comfort over horsehide, which I used for several years. I haven't tried the Ventcore, just because it's more expensive, nor do I carry AIWB.
 
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