IWB or OWB

[viking499]

I am in the process of going through the whole "holster tryout" period right now. You know, that process of where you are trying to find a holster for a gun or two, end up with a box or drawer full of holsters and still not found something that suited yet......

I am shorter than I wish I was and probably a little broader than I should be. . I have been trying to work mostly with IWB holsters, but have been wondering if I might be able to conceal better with an OWB holster.

This may seem like a weird question, but have you or anyone that you know been able to conceal (carry better and print less) a gun better with an OWB vs IWB?

I already have a good, stiff belt.

My guns that I am working with is my CZ PCR, P-01 and S&W Shield.

 

[jeepnik]

Concealment of IWB or OWB are both depended on attire.

Personally I carry OWB cross the vast majority of the time. Have for decades. Honestly I've found that a true custom made holster (one that's actually fitted to you and your handgun) results in the best way to go. But it can cost two or even three times as much. And requires proper fitting by the leathersmith, in person. So you have to find a good smith that is relatively near you. For something I'm literally betting my life on the cost isn't an issue.

 

[Old Fuff]

I am prepared to give you a super deal that will only cost you $,5,000.

Payment in advance of course, although my friends tell me "I will get what I have coming..."

Anyway, take you're favorite IWB holster and set it up outside your pants, but inside the heavy belt you already have. See how it works out, and then decide what direction you want to go. This may help you save a fortune buying rigs that don't work out.

 

[JTQ]

This may seem like a weird question, but have you or anyone that you know been able to conceal (carry better and print less) a gun better with an OWB vs IWB?

I haven't.

OWB is a lot more comfortable, but all my handguns are fairly large and IWB conceals a lot better. If I had a little gun like a Shield I may be able to conceal OWB reasonably well.

Something like the Rosen Upper Limit for the shield may work fairly well.

http://mitchrosen.com/products/holsters/belt-holsters/

 

[chaim]

Generally IWB conceals better because much of the gun is inside your pants, and if you get a tuckable IWB holster you don't necessarily need a concealing garment. However, OWB is generally more comfortable for most people. For most of my guns I have tuckable IWB holsters, though for my large L-frame S&W revolver (S&W 625MG) I have long used an OWB and only recently bought a regular non-tuckable IWB for it.

What I suggest, is buying a less expensive (since this is for a trial/experiment) holster of each type for one of your guns. Wear each for a couple days around the house and see which style you prefer for the best combination of comfort and concealment for you, then get the holsters you want in that style.

 

[jeepnik]

I haven't.

OWB is a lot more comfortable, but all my handguns are fairly large and IWB conceals a lot better. If I had a little gun like a Shield I may be able to conceal OWB reasonably well.

Something like the Rosen Upper Limit for the shield may work fairly well.

http://mitchrosen.com/products/holsters/belt-holsters/

Do you consider full size 1911's, N frame revovlers or Ruger single actions little. These are the three most often carried types, OWB. I haven't caused a mass panic yet, so I figure most folks are oblivious.

 

[JTQ]

Do you consider full size 1911's, N frame revovlers or Ruger single actions little.

I don't. Those are the type of handguns that I find more comfortable to carry OWB, but conceal them better IWB.

Remember, the question is not "can you conceal a gun OWB", but...

...have you or anyone that you know been able to conceal (carry better and print less) a gun better with an OWB vs IWB?

I think the OP is asking (I could be wrong) can you conceal it better with an OWB rather than IWB? Maybe you can, but I conceal a 5" 1911, S&W 4506, and 6" 686 better IWB simply because the barrels are more easily concealed IWB than OWB.

A little gun like the OP's Shield, in a very high riding OWB holster, like the Rosen Upper Limit, would probably not extend much, if any, below the bottom of the belt. A set up like that would probably conceal as well as if the same gun were carried IWB.

 

[AZAndy]

In the summer, I do IWB with a Hawaiian shirt. If it's cool enough for a vest or blazer, I'll go OWB. The downside is that I have to keep two sizes of jeans available. If you're going to do IWB, go up a size in the waist for comfort.

 

[bannockburn]

I like IWB carry (Kahr CM9 or S&W Model 638), during the summer months with a short sleeve button-front shirt or else a Polo shirt not tucked in. Most other times I have OWB holsters for some of my larger guns, like a 1911, Commander, SIG P229, or CZ P01, and I wear a light jacket or hoodie with a vest over it.