Dumb leather questions: Such thing as an IWB pancake?

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BHPshooter

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I don't know a whole lot about concealment holsters, but I have heard it told that IWB conceals well, and that pancake holsters make "printing" much less likely... so can you have both?

Rudimentary around-the-house tests with a cheapo Uncle Mike's IWB holster don't conceal well unless my shirt is really baggy. Is there some way around that, or is that all just part of carrying?

Is there some kind of "Idiot's guide to Carrying Concealed?"

Wes
 
There is no substitute for quality when it comes to holsters.

Check out the websites of Mitch Rosen, Milt Sparks, Galco, Bianchi and others. You'll see several good options.

Concealability, accessability and comfort are your primary goals. THe size and shape of your body and your weapon will determine what's best for you.

Check out your local gunshops and see if they have a bargain box. I have found some great deals on used holsters that way. I just bought two Galco S1H revolver systems for $35 each that way.
 
So I hear good things about Milt Sparks holsters. I'm thinking of getting one, when funding permits, and till then, I'll put up with discomfort in my cheapie Shooting Systems IWB. ($29.99).

I have one hesitation though- If I shell out two hundred bucks for a carry system, and it turns out to be just "not for me" comfortwise or anything, am I stuck? Can you return holsters, or are they you buy it- you own it sort of like underwear or prescription drugs or something?

-James
 
Whatever you decide make sure you get a quality belt to carry your rig on. IMHO, your belt is the core of your rig. Some belts\sites to check out:

Wilderness 5 stitch Instructors belt.
www.raftersgunleather.com
www.highnoonholster.com
www.miltsparks.com
Tucker Gunleather
Alessi Holsters
www.sidearmor.com
www.comp-tac.com
www.gunnersalley.com
www.lightningarms.com

There are many that I can't think of right now, but those are a good start.

I have one hesitation though- If I shell out two hundred bucks for a carry system, and it turns out to be just "not for me" comfortwise or anything, am I stuck? Can you return holsters, or are they you buy it- you own it sort of like underwear or prescription drugs or something?
Click to expand...

Generally most of the quality holster companies give you some type of trial period and offer full refund if you're not satisfied. I just sent a belt and holster back to www.gunnersalley.com. Told them why I didn't like the rig. They refunded the full amount (approx $100). No questions asked. All I paid was shipping.
 
An iwb allows you to carry a little bit bigger gun and conceal it effectively...problem is...IWB's are one of those designs that you either love or hate there is normally no middle ground (kinda like shoulder hoslters)

I dont like IWB's...IF I have to wear a concealment garment to hide my IWB..then I can carry one for my beltslide...

A beltslide that is made correctly will "pull" the butt of the weapon into you to help concealment...

As far as returns are concerned...most manufacturers have a decent returns policy...Some of the smaller ones give you an "inspection" period...Spend the money on a good holster and belt combo and you will be happy...

BTW $200.00 dollars is alot for a rig...but you get what you pay for
 
And besides being a custom holster maker...Wild Bill's Concealment Leather is based in EVERYONE'S FAVORITE CAROLINA.....NORTH!!!!!!!:D
 
Milt Sparks, Lou Alessi, and Matt Delfatti are all top level holster makers that make an IWB that is "pancake like". Gary Brommeland has already rang in with his version and I would include him in the group I have listed. Good stuff from what I have seen.

jamz, there is no such thing as "getting stuck" with a good custom holster from one of these guys. If you don't like it you can post it here for sale. It won't last long. Fans are always eager to snatch one up without the 3+ month wait that is usual when you order one.
 
MANY thanks.

There are lots of places to learn, I see.

I'll ask again ( :eek: ) if I have another question. :D

Wes
 
I have one hesitation though- If I shell out two hundred bucks for a carry system, and it turns out to be just "not for me" comfortwise or anything, am I stuck? Can you return holsters, or are they you buy it- you own it sort of like underwear or prescription drugs or something
Click to expand...


Who among us does not have a large bag of unused holsters stashed somewhere? In general, you are pretty much stuck with what you buy and, IMHO, getting just the right carry combination is a highly experimental process. Good shooting;)
 
I'd make my first purchase a good quality belt holster (not paddle either, just plain ol belt). That way you will always have a good holster for your gun. If you buy an IWB or other even more specialized type, then when you get it find out; a) it's not comfortable b) it's not versatile enough to use in many situations (CCW, range, courses etc...) or c) you just hate it then you'll be back to square 1 and end up gettin' a belt holster anyway.

I carried my BHP for the 1st time today. Only holster I had on hand was a Galco IWB for a 1911. It was uncomfortable as heck and I'm gonna heed my own advice and make my 1st holster purchase for this gun a good quality belt holster. I've been eyin' Mr. Brommeland's Def-con pretty hard lately:scrutiny: It's great to have an assortment of makers on these forums so we can get answers from the source!

Another thing about IWBs. They hinder draw speed AND make fumbling the gun with your clothing more likely, as compared to a belt holster.
 
An IWB can be "pancake-ish" by having two widely spaced belt connections. The key is that the belt connection isn't lumped up on top of the main body of the gun as on "centered, single belt connection" IWB systems which I believe includes Uncle Mike's.

This is esp. critical with revolvers - the cylinder is already fat, add the belt connection right there and the bulk factor goes nuts.

With a LARGE semi-auto such as a full 1911, a single belt connection to the rear works because the top of the slide locks itself against the pants and it doesn't roll forward. On smaller guns like a J-Frame snubbie, in my opinion you need double belt connections to prevent roll.

This kind of extra wide, double belt connection IWB rig is more elaborate than other designs and is more difficult to execute. It also has to have a slight curve around your waistline, or at least be able to take such a curve.
 
Jim March hit the nail on the head when he mentioned the key to an IWB being the mounting location for the belt connections. Locating the belt loops or j hooks or belt clip away from the body of the gun, especially revolvers, greatly increases their concealability. I have a box full of IWBs that while they are a joy to wear, make the wearer look like he has a tumor on his side. Kydex seems to offer minimal increase in thickness to the carry package, but most of them are not made for comfort, as plastic just doesn't give like leather.

I am trying a design that shows some promise,as I have mentioned in other posts. I am still not completely convinced that this one is the one that will make me dump my box of NFGs, but so far, so good.
 
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