Holster adjustment & fit help

[CidDawg92]

I got two holsters from MacKenzie with their buy IWB get OWB deal. Very well made but I need some fit and adjustment advice for the IWB.

Here's the deal: I am 5'6" with a 32" waist (due to get smaller with the workout program I am on). I want to carry my Glock 19 at the 4 o'clock position. The holster has a forward cant to it. What is the best way to make this comfortable and yet still concealed? I'm thinking on moving the clips down which would make the holster ride higher. Do I need to invest in a new wardrobe with another inch or two in the waist? Thanks and sorry for the greenhorn question.

 

[ScottMac]

You won't want to push the gun up too high, or it has a tendency to roll out of the waistband, especially when you lean to the opposite side. It's common to go up one size for trousers and belt. The belt should be thicker and stiffer than a typical belt, it will go a long way towards stabilizing the holster and keeping everything in-place.

If you find you have issues with keeping the waistband in position because of the weapon's weight (and maybe a reload or two) I know some folks that wear suspenders under their outside-the-belt shirt; it saves having to cinch in the belt so tight to keep your pants from sagging.

 

[Lowjiber]

I'm 6' 1" and 200 lbs...34 inch waist. I've carried IWB for over thirty years.

I recommend a good gun belt to go with your new holsters. A stiff belt should allow you to jack the 19 up a bit and still not have it "roll".

BTW: I quit carrying my 19 in favor of the 26. I found that the 26 didn't print (at the butt end) when I bent over from the waist, as the 19 is prone to do.

 

[thedub88]

When you first got the holster it was flat. Your body is not. Roll the holster and stick it in a empty coffee can. Once the holster stays curved, it will follow the contor of your waist and feel alot better.

 

[SGB]

Cant is primarily to adjust the angle of the firearm for a proper draw stroke. If you adjust the cant far enough to camouflage the outline of the butt you often end up with an uncomfortable draw angle. The best method of camouflaging the butt is for the holster to pull the butt snugly into the body, these popular hybrid holsters do little in this aspect.

Being as thin as it appears you are you may well be better served adjusting your holster to 5 - 5:30 or switch to appendix carry.

My nephew wears OWB at 7 O'clock quite effectively .....

 

[CidDawg92]

Many thanks for the tips!

thedub88: Coffee can trick is an excellent idea. Kind of like shaping a ball cap around a stadium souvenir cup with a rubber band.

ScottMac & Lowjiber: A new gun belt is definitely in order.

Lowjiber: I'm actually thinking about asking Santa for a G27 this year.

SGB: The 5:00 position seems to work well for me. Also, I'm working to be as thin as I appear to be. Gained a few pounds back after my last deployment. Thank your nephew for the photos as well.