Isn't The Waistband Carry Terribly Uncomfortable?

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I routinely carry IWB, and I had the same fears as you. I still wear the same size pants, and I've found the spot that is most comfortable to carry. Any kind of carry feels weird at first, but then it feels like an extension of your body. I don't mind carrying at all now. I use a High Noon holster and love it.

Remember, the key is finding where you carry most comfortably. IWB gives you 360 degrees of options. Some like appendix carry. Some like right or left hip. Some like carrying in the small of the back so that the body's natural curvature conceals the gun more. All of these have advantages and disadvantages. SOB carry is uncomfortable when you sit down and lean back against a seat. Appendix carry can have the same problems if the barrel is long. Hip carry looks more asymmetric and may be slightly harder to conceal.

Find a holster you like. Buy it. Then start carrying, and you'll quickly figure out what works and doesn't work for you.
 
What works great for me: I carry a Ruger P90DC in a Milt Sparks IWB holster at 2:00. I also carry a extra magazine, flashlight and Knife on the other side. I wear pants loose enough to be comfortable around the waist and wear suspenders under a untucked shirt. It is very comfortable and most the time I'm not aware that I am carrying. Getting in and out of a vehicle is about the only time I notice them. :)
 
I would never carry anything IWB that is thicker than a Kahr P-series. The 9s are .90" wide (including the frame width) and even the .45s are only 1" at the widest point. Not to mention they are very very lightweight guns. This makes them perfect for IWB carry if you ask me...anything thicker and heavier just doesn't fly with me.

As for the belt. No, you don't need a "gun" belt. Any decent quality casual belt that has some rigidity to it (somewhat stiff) will do just fine. But that's assuming you are carrying something light and thin like a Kahr. I don't know what it's like to carry a 2 pound 1911 in my waistband or what kind of belt it would take to support the weight of the gun and holster.

I do agree, though, that a IWB holster that was made for your particular gun IS essential for comfort. That's always priority #1 after you choose your pistol..and upgrade to night sights of course:)
 
I've always bought my close to fit; who would anticipate needing an extra 1-2 inches on the waistband. But when I considered CCW of a 4" 1911, I found that it was in no-way possible to carry IWB comfortably.

I'm going to have to consider OWB, or buy a new wardrobe. Kinda obvious which would be cheaper.

So, for me, the search continues for the best method of CCW.

Mike
 
A good holster will ease all your fears.

And you might need to get a size larger. I always wore mine loose, so I don't have to.
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+1! And let me add that I'm a fairly "big boy:"

geekposter1-1.jpg

But I can carry my Glock 19 in my waistband day in and day out with no discomfort whatsoever. You may notice it there on my right side? ;) BTW, when carrying 'for real' I usually do more in the 3 or 4 o clock range depending on wardrobe.

No upgraded wardrobe either, though I always liked my pants loose. With the lightweight Glock, I can get away with an off-the-rack belt as well.

However, I'm trying to get in the habit of carrying a spare mag in a Fobus paddle carrier. Maybe it's the +2 factory extension on the spare, but THAT is driving me nuts...

FWIW, my holster is an RM Holster works "Low Rider" model. You may need to try some different types till you find one that works, I got lucky with that one - the first I tried so far works GREAT! Can't really say "the best" as I don't have much to compare it to, but I can't ask for any more improvement...
 
I've always bought my close to fit; who would anticipate needing an extra 1-2 inches on the waistband. But when I considered CCW of a 4" 1911, I found that it was in no-way possible to carry IWB comfortably.

I'm going to have to consider OWB, or buy a new wardrobe. Kinda obvious which would be cheaper.

So, for me, the search continues for the best method of CCW.

Mike
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To answer your first question - maybe us guys that like to eat? :eek: :p

Now, I have and sometimes still do carry OWB - does your current wardrobe provide for adequate COVER GARMENTS for carrying thus?

I have a vest, a long coat, and one or two shirts I MIGHT wear if I really had to and was feeling lucky, but other than that...?

And the first two look a lil' bit out of place on a HOT summers day here. ;)
 
I love IWB. I think w/ a good holster they're very comfortable. Carrying anything heavy on your belt is going to bring a little discomfort, but it all depends on what you're working w/. If you're going to lug around a fullsize 1911, maybe not, a G27 IWB, no problem for me. I'd say try out IWB and OWB and see what you like.
 
As for the belt. No, you don't need a "gun" belt. Any decent quality casual belt that has some rigidity to it (somewhat stiff) will do just fine. But that's assuming you are carrying something light and thin like a Kahr. I don't know what it's like to carry a 2 pound 1911 in my waistband or what kind of belt it would take to support the weight of the gun and holster.
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Right you are. When I carry my 17.6 oz 642 (loaded) IWB, a decent leather belt does just fine. That same leather belt has difficulty supporting and distributing the weight of a 2 1/2 lb 686 OWB.

I have a bullhide belt from The Beltman that will be used to carry the heavier guns. I tried it out just this morning with a 5" 1911, carried in a Brommeland MaxConV. Hardly noticed the weight at all. I'll have to experiment around the house a bit, but I can see this setup being reasonably comfortable, if a bit of a PIA to strap on each day.
 
A lot of this stuff depends on how you're built. :D

It also depends on which gun is going on what holster.

Personally, I have discovered the "joys" of the XD9SC in a Don Hume IWB. It's only about $32, and snugs right in behind my hip. Your "hippage" and "snuggage" may differ wildly. :D

Personally, I find the XDSC a little top-heavy, and it's a nuisance to hang it on a belt. OWB, it pretty much requires a thumb break --- it's kinda small to stay put without help.

A Walther PPK/S works nicely with a De Santis IWB --- but the same "model" IWB is not-so-hot for the XD.

All of this is the reason most folks with guns have a lot more holsters than guns. :D

I have some used leather, if you're interested ...
 
I'd have trouble feeling completely comfortable concealing with an OWB holster just covered by a shirt or jacket. Wouldn't you be very limited with your movement in fear of printing?
 
Well, you had the option in your profile of telling where you live, but you didn’t. The whole ‘printing’ nonsense is of little relevance in most states. You are, if you have a permit, legally carrying, so you don’t need to make your handgun 100% undetectable, just concealed.
 
I had a bad time finding the right IWB holster for comfort. What I wound up with was a Crossbreed Supertuck (the leather backing goes a long way towards comfort), a good stiff leather gun belt and Perry Suspenders. I wear a t shirt under the holster, put the suspenders on over the t shirt, adjust the belt one notch under "tight", adjust the suspenders so the gun/holster/belt/pants kind of "floats", then put on my top shirt and tuck if necessary. Even with a good sized gun like a Glock 29, it's all day, and I mean till bedtime, comfortable.
 
Speaking for myself, when I wear a size or so larger pants to accommodate an IWB rig (and I've tried some good ones), they're big enough on me I look like some kind of freaking banger wannabee, or just some dork with really baggy pants. Looks like I have absolutely no butt.

Not appealing.... :eek:

I'll take OWB and whatever necessary to make it work anytime.
 
I prefer IWB, and being as skinny as I am, it works a lot better than OWB.

Besides, I have a 29 inch waist. 29x32 jeans are nearly impossible to find, on a good day 30x32 is much easier. So when I started CCing, I already had the right size pants.

The only time IWB got on my nerves was in a long trip in my fairmont, which had 89 mustang seats. It got really uncomfortable after about an hour or so of the side bolster trying to push the pistol into my kidney.
 
My wife tells me, at my age, comfort is more important than fashion. Being oversize, IWB is uncomfortable for me, always has been. Whether I'm carrying a J-frame or a full size 1911, I use a OWB. I always wear my t-shirt out or wear a sweat jacket or something similar. I have no problem covering. I have several Don Hume products. He makes good inexpensive, (not cheap) holsters. I have about 3 of the Jit Slide holsters, the ones with the tension screws. Very comfortable.
 
The only gun that I can choose to carry IWB is my Mak. It fits well and is comfortable for long periods! All the others go on my belt or inside a pocket (gotta love those S&W airweights!)
 
It might surprise someone who doesn't carry that way; but my 5" 1911 is more comfortable IWB than my 3" 1911. The Defender's muzzle jabs me on the backside of the hip (glutius maximus), whereas the muzzle of the full-size does not.
 
It takes a little time

...

With the right gun, and right belt, and right holster, it then just becomes a matter of a short time to "get used too" the new weight and feel.

Just like wearing a hat, when you first put it on, you know, and feel, it's there but, after awhile, you really don't "think about it" or notice it.

Many a time I have gone to take of my hat, and it's not there.. lol


Ls
 
KenW wrote: It might surprise someone who doesn't carry that way; but my 5" 1911 is more comfortable IWB than my 3" 1911. The Defender's muzzle jabs me on the backside of the hip (glutius maximus), whereas the muzzle of the full-size does not.
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I'm planning on getting my CCW this spring. I thought I was a little crazy for wanting to use my XD-9 5" Tactical as my primary carry weapon. The main reason is I don't have the "extra" money to go out and buy an XD-9 subcompact for a while (have to put the Family's needs first).

What IWB Holster are you using? I was really considering the Crossbreed Super-Tuck for my 5" XD. I'm tall and slim 6'2" and 200lbs and was hoping it would work. If not, I will have to trade the 5" Tactical in and get either the 4" service or the 3" subcompact. I don't really see how going down 1" to the service would make that much of a difference.
 
Bummer... For the XD line they only support the 4" service models. :(

Its looking more and more like I may have to trade in my 5" XD for a smaller version. :banghead:
 
For the XD line they only support the 4" service models.
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The XD line is still quite new. Be patient and don't get rid of a gun because a holster is hard to find. The line of leather will catch up.
 
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