IWB vs OWB. Differences and Benefits.

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Captain Quack

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I'm just getting into EDC and have been looking at holsters. Tried a couple of the soft nylon Uncle Mikes and learned to dislike them quickly. I had one complete holster and pistol fall off my belt in a parking lot. I have a DeSantis Slim Tuck at the moment and it's over all good. What really are the advantages and disadvantageous to each type of carry? Budget doesn't allow buying several holsters of each style right now so I'm trying to focus on IWB or OWB and I'm looking for advice and I've found the best here at The High Road.

Captain Quack
 
First and foremost focus on the belt. I know, I know its not sexy and EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US didn't heed this advice but.........sigh here I am giving that same advice......which I didn't heed. The point is IWB or OWB a GOOD QUALITY STIFF BELT makes a MASSIVE difference in ease and comfort of carry.

After the belt.........

IWB allows you to spend less effort dressing around the gun at the cost of comfort and possibly some ease of access/holstering. You are also more likely to point the gun at something you don't want to point at when holstering IWB. DON'T use the gun to poke into and bend out the holster, doing this means you are likely pointing at your side.
If you are willing to dress around the gun OWB is more comfortable and allows for easier access and holstering. You are usually less likely to not point at your self during holstering (YOU STILL NEED TO BE COGNIZANT OF THIS).

No matter what holster you pick, pick quality and make sure it is MADE FOR YOUR SPECIFIC GUN.

If you go OWB look for high and tight models of holster.

Be aware it doesn't matter what any of us say or whether or not you heed any advice......barring a lottery winning moment you WILL have a box of holsters at some point in the future. I mean are you really a gun guy if you don't have that box o' holsters???? :D

Chris
 
Most of us do have a box of holsters, but we usually didn't buy these all at once. We probably did like you are doing, getting recommendations from forum members on what holsters they like for a particular gun and then we try that holster.

What you've probably noticed is the recommendations you got, were not all the same. Some were IWB, some OWB, some kydex, some leather, etc. Everybody is different and they have different needs and like different things, so what works for one may not for you.

The other key thing to remember - carrying a gun is generally not as comfortable as not carrying a gun. Even if you are carrying a little polymer gun like a Glock G43, it is still less comfortable than what you were doing before you started carrying. It's a matter of getting used to carrying a gun, whatever size it may be.

The best you can do is try something, usually something well regarded, it will save you time and avoid sorting your way through junk, and see if it is better than what you tried before. Eventually, you will narrow it down to what you like.

One of my first holsters was the now discontinued Raven Concealment Phantom. It was the original kydex pancake holster, now copied by many. With this one holster, I could change the ride height and cant, by adjusting the belt loops, and by adding IWB loops, I could try it out IWB. This allowed me to try different methods of carry with one holster.
 
I have gone the OWB route as much as possible as open carry is legal in my state and I'm able to dress around the gun easily with large untucked shirts and over shirts. My gun and I are both happier if I'm not sweating on or near it. I also generally choose kydex but I have both kydex and leather IWB and OWB. Not really a fan of tuckable as I find it generally does not work for me in practical use.

Also be aware there are holsters that are convertible between IWB and OWB. Many manufacturers make these but the mechanisms vary. This is one example from Blade Tech:

upload_2021-6-22_15-4-33.png

(I'd give you the link but it is discontinued)

Here are some others but I have no experience with them:

https://www.braidsholsters.com/store/c3/IWB_&_OWB_convertable_Pancake_Slide_Holsters.html

https://www.ultimateconcealedcarry.com/store/p45/Patriot_-_Convertible_-_IWB/OWB_-_Kydex_Holster.html

https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/swaprig-convertible-hybrid-holster/

https://www.blackarchholsters.com/products/rev-con-reversible-concealable-holster

https://neptuneconcealment.com/product-category/holsters/

https://spiderconcealment.com
 
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You might need to purchase new pants to carry iwb if your current pants don’t have much extra room in the waist.
 
The best you can do is try something, usually something well regarded, it will save you time and avoid sorting your way through junk, and see if it is better than what you tried before. Eventually, you will narrow it down to what you like.
The other thing we do when accumulating holsters, is when somebody posts a holster or holster style that we haven't tried before, we assume that must be better than what we've already tried, so we give that a go.

For instance, let's say you've tried pancakes, because they have a good reputation, you try a lower cost option, which isn't as comfortable as not carrying, so you try a more expensive version, and maybe it is a little better. However, somebody mentions they use a Nelson #1 Professional style, like the Milt Sparks 55BN or Kramer Vertical Scabbard, so you give one of those a try. Next it's on to IWB, and a Sparks Summer Special style, and then one with wide spaced loops like a Sparks Versa Max II, then it's on to kydex, etc.
 
I started out carrying IWB, thinking subconsciously that it would aid concealment.

I now carry OWB under a shirt tail or sport jacket. I find it much more comfortable, faster, and easier wrt re-holstering.

I like CrossBreed SuperSlide holsters.
 
OWB or pocket carry for me, depending on dress and handgun. Concealment, comfort and speed of access are the three features that concern me most.
What sort of shootin' iron you carrying, pard?
 
What handgun are you trying to carry?

Will echo the sage advice about belts! My favorite one is Blue Alpha WDC in either Cobra Buckle or Velcro. Can say they will support a G17 with TRL1-HL and RMR either IWB or OWB JM Custom Holster. Hank’s Belts are my go to for leather.

Lefty
 
My preference is OWB and I like a kydex with paddle. I do have leather belt holsters if I want a little higher ride for shorter shirts.

last summer was strictly IWB and for that I want leather only but so far this year I’ve been more comfortable with OWB.
 
I have only DeSantis holsters for my 3 Rugers: Security 9 Compact, LC9S, LCP II. My EDC used to be the LC9S for average concealment and LCP II for deep. concealment. Now I carry the Sec 9 compact mostly with either the 10 or 15 round magazine. I too use the Slim-Tuk for IWB carry. I use the Mini scabbard for OWB carry. I prefer OWB carry whenever I can do it because it is more comfortable and provides easier access for drawing if need be. The drawback is concealment. When I wear it OWB in colder weather it is easily concealed. In summer when temperatures allows I wear it under a button shirt that is unbuttoned. When it comes to IWB I find that the narrower the holster rig the more comfortable it feels. My physical frame does not accommodate bigger holsters without discomfort. So I choose comfort over concealment when practical, and in my life style it is often practical to go with OWB. The factors influencing holster selection are gun size, body size, level of concealment required, and practicality of chosen carry method in light of the three just listed.
 
Lots of really good information. Thank you all. I already did the belt thing. Wilderness Frequent Flyer and a Kore Gun belt with the wonderful help of people here. I tried a CrossBreed classic with the holes and that style just didn't work for me at all. I couldn't get the tension I wanted because the holes just weren't in the right place for me. Excellent belt otherwise. The alternative adjustment styles just work best for me and I have changed my pant size up so that's all good. What I'm EDCing is a Ruger Max 9. I've been carrying in a DeSantis Slim Tuck for the last couple of weeks which is not uncomfortable unless I've been wearing it all day but I have learned some things about what I do want. Holster that goes up and coveres the hammer area. What cant I want. Things like that. I do have a good set of "love handles" so things to tend to poke. I also have a old Bianchi OWB that I got from somewhere years ago and the Max 9 does seem to fit well in it but it is huge and tends to stick out the bottom and isn't adjustable for cant. One of the nice things about living in Idaho is if you flash or print no one freaks out.

Captain Quack.
 
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The Max. 9 isn’t a hard pistol of carry IWB; due to its thinness. I would flip for a good holster Kydex holster, especially for striker fired pistols. I like JM Customs. They are thin and secure. You have to be careful of Kydex holsters. Some make them way to thick. They don’t know where to put the clips and claws. So don’t just look for the cheapest price. Or you will end up spending a lot on several cheap holsters. I have a Hawg Holster for my G42 that is as wide/thick (1.37”) as my G19 sized JM Custom 2.5 (1.38”) Nice holster and very secure, but a complete waste of money. Live and learn. The cost difference in these holsters was $25. Now I’m out the whole amount for the Hawg.
 
I carry IWB, easier to conceal, and at the appendix position, it's easer to get to when driving, (carjack) and it's always where I can get to in a hurry.
 
I carry a 1911, IWB desantis dual carry II that I de-thumb-snapped.

It allows you to adjust the angle and ride height so you can try various styles.

I recently purchased a Ritchie hideaway IWB holster. It's about $140 off the website. Well I got it for 7 out of the bargain bin at the local store. So my point is, shop around and you may very well find a used holster at a bargain price. It may send you in a direction you otherwise would not have went.
 
I initially wore IWB holsters for reasons of concealment, and I took a defensive class with one.

I have since found that I prefer OWB for the draw, for re-holstering, and for all-day carrying comfort.
 
I'm just getting into EDC and have been looking at holsters. Tried a couple of the soft nylon Uncle Mikes and learned to dislike them quickly. I had one complete holster and pistol fall off my belt in a parking lot. I have a DeSantis Slim Tuck at the moment and it's over all good. What really are the advantages and disadvantageous to each type of carry? Budget doesn't allow buying several holsters of each style right now so I'm trying to focus on IWB or OWB and I'm looking for advice and I've found the best here at The High Road.

Captain Quack

i am new to this as well, and i currently carry, IWB. as mentioned, get a high quality leather gun belt. i got mine at Hanks belts. do not use an ordinary pants belt, it'll sag, under the weight of the gun.

my holster is a Kydex, and it is comfortable for me, at the right side appendix position.

i hope not to have a box full of holsters myself.
 
One advantage to an OWB holster is that your fightin' tool won't be pointing at your "boys"
 
I prefer IWB. It is easier for me to conceal a 4.6" barrel firearm when most of it is hiding inside my pants. If I am wearing a cover garment like my work vest, I carry OWB for more comfort in the heat.
 
Nope.
Embrace the shame.
Buy new holsters so at least you can enjoy the aroma of tanned leather from all the holsters you don't use.

for the time being, i am likening the firmness and holding of it's shape, of the kydex.
 
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