Adapting to IWB carry!

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kthomk

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When switching to IWB carry, how long does it take to get used to it. I bought a quality Ken Null UNS holster for a Glock 30. Feels like a brick in the pants. What is the break in period for a holster? I think this is probably the best method of carry but having a hard time getting used to it. Tell me about your experiences, learning curves, etc. Thanks
 
The Glock 30 is a pretty thick and square-edged gun to carry IWB, as you're finding out. A slimmer gun would be more comfortable. As well, the holster you've chosen is very wide - almost paddle-like - and made of horsehide, which is very stiff.

Be sure to wear a good gun belt so the gun/holster does not shift around, and that your pants are not too tight to begin with. If they stay up without a belt, they will be very tight with a holstered gun in place. As the holster breaks in and conforms to the shape of your body - as it is designed to - it will become more comfortable.
 
If you're not comfortable with this setup now, I doubt that you ever will be. I tried carrying double stack Glocks in that type of holster (belt attachment over gun) and it never worked for me. Sold the Glocks and holster and now carry single stack .45's in holsters with belt slots both fore and aft of gun.
 

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I think it took me a couple weeks to get used to it. If you don't have a gun-belt now, get one. It makes a huge difference in how it feels on you instead of twisting and flopping around on a walmart belt.
It's really fun when you aren't used to the extra girth and smack your piece against a wall when passing by too close, haha.
 
Pardon the newness :), but could somebody explain to me about a gun belt? Is it just a thicker and sturdier belt that you could buy anywhere, or is it special in some way and mainly sold at gun shops?
Thanks, Gas.
 
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Gun belts are thick, and usually are reinforced with plastic. I can stand on mine set on edge, and it wont collapse. The G30 will always feel like a brick in your pants, cause it is:D I went from a G19-23, to a 3" 1911, with thin carry grips. Man, what a difference! I also carry it in a ultra thin Horsehide Milt Sparks holster. Its been a few years since I started carrying, and you always know its there, you just grow used to it;)
 
I started out carrying a 4" XD OWB. Then I tried IWB. I had more trouble with printing(my shirt always got hung behind the grip) then I did with size/weight.
After a while I stopped carrying when I didnt carry OWB(not good). I finally bought a Kahr PM9(tiny single stack). I carry that IWB and barely know its there. It will fit in my pocket if I have too.
Im not saying buy a different gun. You will definitely need a good gun belt for a heavy gun. Give it a few weeks and see if you can get comfortable with it. Try different positions with the holster, on the hip, behind the hip, or maybe even a different style of holster.
 
I've carried IWB my PT145 45ACP for nearly 2 years in a basic ELITE cloth/nylon holser. I found my 1911 and CZ P-O1 both uncomfortable to carry due to the beavertail grip pushing in to my side when sitting down. But the PT145 has smooth edges and carrys comfortably.
 
Pardon the newness , but could somebody explain to me about a gun belt? Is it just a thicker and sturdier belt that you could buy anywhere, or is it special in some way and mainly sold at gun shops?
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Thicker and sturdier. It holds the gun/holster securely against your body and distributes the weight better as it won't twist or sag like a regular belt. It makes a big difference and they look like any other belt when wearing them. There are a bunch of people selling them. The Belt Man is a popular one, or Gunners Alley. You probably won't find them at your usual clothing store if you want to shop locally. Most gun shops that sell holsters should carry them. They are spendy for a belt but you'll spend more wearing out cheaper belts and getting frustrated before you eventually buy one anyway.
 
"Feeling like a brick in your pants" is not really descriptive enough. I sometimes carry a Glock 23 IWB in a Kydex holster. Some people say those plastic holsters are uncomfortable but I don't have that problem.

Is it the holster or the gun that is uncomfortable? A loaded G30 will probably weigh about 30 ounces so you are going to have a little weight on your belt. The weight is not bad as long as there is no rubbing and as long as when you lean back you are not pushing the gun into your kidney.

A 1911 is not going to be more comfortable than a Glock 30. The standard grip on a 1911 is actually wider than the G23 and probably about the same as the G30. The 1911 will have a little more rounded shape but the gun will weigh a whole lot more.

Some printing is going to be inevitable. You will print less with a holster that cants the gun so that the grip is in a more verticle position. Leather can be stiff when it is new so the holster might have to break in and that can take some time. There is nothing about the shape of a Glock that makes it uncomfortable for IWB carry. Having said that, I usually carry a J frame model 640 IWB on most days. It is more comfortable than the Glock and conceals better but it doesn't have the same firepower.

Everyone that has been carrying for a while has a drawer full of holsters that they don't care for. The Null holsters seem to be well regarded by many posters on the internet so perhaps you should give yours a chance for a while.

Bill
 
I just couldn't do it. I tried. I am "portly" (fat...190 lbs. 5'8"). I tried a size up on my pants, but that wasn't the answer. I went to a belt holster and that works. I adjusted my style of dress. Summer, it is Hawaiian shirts, or oversized T shirts. Winter it is a Tee shirt with a 5.11 shirt untucked over, or when it is cool enough a vest or jacket over. I believe that "printing" is not an issue in Texas. The law doesn't prescribe any punishment, and the criterion for detection is very vague. I just put the thing in a holster, cover it with something, and don't worry about it.

I carry daily, but no one has ever noticed it, or if they did, they have never said anything.

I firmly believe that if you are not aware of it, no one else will be either.
 
A 1911 is not going to be more comfortable than a Glock 30.
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Seriously? You do realize that when you IWB carry it's mostly the slide that goes in your pants, don't you? Any alloy frame 1911 would be much more comfortable to carry than the glock 30. Weight wouldn't be an issue with the alloy frame obviously.

The 19/23 is much more manageable, but still not as thin as a 1911. I don't have a 1911 and do have a glock 19. I still think a 1911 would be less noticeable on your waist due to the really thin slide.
 
Just go to the head of the class and get an MTAC holster. It is adjustable, tuckable, and holds the weapon close to the body to help avoid printing. Like most people, I have tried many, many holsters looking for the right one. I have found it with the MTAC.
 
It is holster selection. I have carried a compact CZ for some time CCW, starting with the original Compact, plus both the P01 and PCR. With cheap UM Sidekick, terrible! tried some other rigs, and the Bianchi M-100 came close, but still not great, felt uncomfortable. Then I get a COMIII from HBE Specialty Leatherworks, and I hardly notice the P01 at all. I use this holster every day.

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Quality holsters, quality belts and constant wearing of the rig and there will come a time when you realize that you are carrying and you don't even notice it. Best way to get to that point is to carry even at home, doing your "honeydo" list and every other routine chore around the house and property.
 
I recently got my Ohio CHL. So far, I haven't found a gun for which I have a holster which is too uncomfortable to IWB. These include:

3" S&W Model 65
full sized Norinco M1911
Glock 19
Browning High Power

I'm thinking that my 4" S&W Model 29 might be pushing things, so I intend to get an OWB of some sort for it for winter carry, now that I frequently wear a sweater or sweatshirt.
 
I carry my G26 in a Black Hawk IWB size 12 at about 4 o'clock. It's not really comfortable so to speak... it is comforting though. I have gotten used to it over time. If I need things to be comfortable, I carry my KelTec 32 IWB... but then the "comforting" factor gets beaten down to size.
I think OWB is the only really comfortable way to carry a gun of reasonable size. The P32 however just disappears and I forget it is even there.
 
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A 1911 is not going to be more comfortable than a Glock 30.

Seriously? You do realize that when you IWB carry it's mostly the slide that goes in your pants, don't you?
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I own a Colt Series 70 1911 and a Glock 23 and S&W 640. The 640 is almost 1/2" wider than the Colt at the cylinder which is inside the pants. The gun is more comfortable than the other two to carry IWB. Small differences in width, really just fractions of an inch, are not going to make that much difference. Remember, adjustments on most belts are 3/4" to 1" apart.

The OP never said exactly why he thought the gun was uncomfortable. My guess is that if he can't comfortably carry the G30 IWB than he won't be any more comfortable with the 1911 style. And remember, not many 1911s being sold today are real 1911 style. Most have extended slide releases and oversized safeties. The Glock is almost completely flat along the sides.

The OP should carry the gun in the holster every day, and gradually increase the hours that he is able to wear it. He should also try slightly different positions in the 3:30 to 4:00 position. Most people have some hollow spots that allow for more comfort when carrying. Many times I am able to use the same belt adjustment hole when I have the gun on and when I don't.

Bill
 
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