IWB carry position

R

rbstumbo

New member
I currently carry using a cheap nylon holster at the small of my back. I am right-handed so I carry in a left-handed holster. I would really like to change to my right hip at a 4 or 5 o'clock position but, having a bit of a "spare tire", am not sure of the level of comfort or conceal-ability. Small of the back has concealed well for someone of my shape but I am tired of the cross draw and ease of access under layers of winter clothing.

I would like to invest in a quality holster like a Crossbreed or similar. However, before I buy a mail-order or made-to-order holster, I would like some feedback from anyone carrying in either position (back or side) who is also on the larger side.
 
I've got a bit of a paunch, and find it actually helps conceal. I carry IWB a P226 in a Minotaur MTAC Holster at about 3:30. Works well for me, in summer or winter clothing. Your mileage may vary... :-)
 
Not sure how 38/30 compares to your build but I carry the M&P Shield 9mm at the 3:30 position with a Theis IWB. Very comfortable and well concealed.
 
I have a DeSantis IWB for my FNP40 but it is a large gun and hard to conceal anywhere other than 5-6 o'clock. Doesn't help that I wear polo shirts or oxfords for work, no jackets, and concealing with a tucked shirt is difficult.
 
I'm 6' 265#s I carry a compact 45 1911 at 3 sometimes 4 o'clock in a IWB Galco summer comfort or a Mitch Rosen elite I hardly know it is there. A good gun belt is key I put holes every 1/2 inch for a finer adjustment. I carry a cell phone and spare magazine on my other side. So I'm carrying some weight I don't have any sag and my belt isn't so tight I can't breathe.
 
I've been carrying a concealed sidearm for 35 years and I've gone through a lot of different holsters. Most of those holsters were big disappointments so I started designing and making my own based on my personal experiences. I'm a big guy, I wear a 4XL T shirt and I usually wear a 5" 1911 at 3 O'clock in either a OWB or IWB of my own making.

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Well, that vanished. Trying again.Link Removed

Lovin my new N82 Professional for my Kel Tec PF9. Carry at 4 o'clock. Super comfy. Stays accessable when I'm seated in the car. I'm also 6' and 265 with a spare tire. Only drawback should probably be expected. I have to rig it before donning the pants or kilt I'm wearing. Also really like the lock thingie that holds it well until I give it a slight twist in to release the weapon. Quality goods for sure. Fair price. That equals value.
 
To the OP.
Please reconsider your method of carry.

Here's why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zef2QyCNH54

I understand body type is an issue, but I'm sure you can find a safer method of carry that works for you.


EDIT:
FWIW, if you'd like to continue carrying in SOB, I'd go with a "proper" right handed holster with an extreme cant as suggested in the above video.

Any decent holster maker will make one for you with any amount of cant you require.
I currently carry at about 30 degrees forward due to wrist problems...



Sent via mental telepathy...
 
I'm 6'2", 280 pounds, and I carry a steel frame compact Baby Eagle 9mm at 3 o'clock. I use a Pro Carry HD holster from The Holster Store. Be sure to check them out when looking for a new holster. High quality holsters, short wait time, and great prices.
 
SGB I like your holsters especially the first one. I carries the gun high. May have to "borrow" your design and have one made at the local shoe fixer.
 
I carry glock 23 (only in the house/range cause im still waiting on my license) in a galco kingtuck 3:30-4. It seems to work fairly well after a little bit i forget its there. Im 5' 10" 165 lbs.
 
6' 250#
Personally, I'm not a fan of SOB. Although, I did consider it when I first started to CC.

I like AIWB at 1:30-2:30 using a CBST deluxe that I have trimmed down.

I also use a cheap Blackhawk or UMs holster if I don't plan on "tucking"; or being able to keep my holster on all day. (I find a "single" clip holster easier to put on & take off while keeping the firearm safely in place.)

I use velco clips & a velcro backed belt with all of my set ups.

-
 
I have five carry guns. All but one are carried in Crossbreed Supertucks. The only reason the other one isn't is because Crossbreed doesn't make a holster for it. 99% of the time I carry a Glock 30SF at 4 to 5 o'clock, 5 o'clock being preferred. I'm not overly large, but I'm 6'1", 230 lbs., and I wear 2XL tall size shirts. I find the Supertuck tucks the butt of my gun right into the recess at the small of my back, which hides it extremely well. I have the holster adjusted for a full forward cant so the distance to reach back is compensated for, and the draw is much smoother. Anytime the holster gets to the 4 o'clock position or any further forward, then the bulge of the holster gets far more noticeable because my hip bone makes it stick out more, and the butt of the gun gets pushed out by the 'love handles' at my side. Since I wear tall size shirts almost exclusively, I don't really have to worry about exposing the gun when I bend over like I used to with normal sized shirts. I also wear one size larger Hawaiian shirts in the summertime, which will hide anything you want to carry.
 
Just a comment on SOB carry, my understanding is that it is a back injury waiting to happen, our local pd isn't allowed to carry anything, cuffs, radio, anything over their spine. Second is that in the natural draw action from sob it is difficult to not sweep your body.

Personally I use a custom IWB horse hide holster with stingray trim at 3 o'clock.
 
Warbirds said:
Just a comment on SOB carry, my understanding is that it is a back injury waiting to happen, our local pd isn't allowed to carry anything, cuffs, radio, anything over their spine.
Click to expand...
I agree. But your spine only occupies a small portion of the small of your back. Since I have degenerative disc disease and have had two cervical spine surgeries already. I'm quite wary of possible injury to my spine. That's why I carry at 5 o'clock instead of 6 o'clock.

Second is that in the natural draw action from sob it is difficult to not sweep your body.
Click to expand...
My draw action from 5 o'clock doesn't sweep my body any more than it did from anywhere else. My muzzle is always pointed at body parts when holstered, so I can never claim a 100% clean sweep when drawing. Once clear of the holster I may sweep my leg or foot, but that was true of forward holster positions as well.
 
rbstumbo said:
I currently carry using a cheap nylon holster at the small of my back. I am right-handed so I carry in a left-handed holster. I would really like to change to my right hip at a 4 or 5 o'clock position but, having a bit of a "spare tire", am not sure of the level of comfort or conceal-ability. Small of the back has concealed well for someone of my shape but I am tired of the cross draw and ease of access under layers of winter clothing.

I would like to invest in a quality holster like a Crossbreed or similar. However, before I buy a mail-order or made-to-order holster, I would like some feedback from anyone carrying in either position (back or side) who is also on the larger side.
Click to expand...

I've downsized by about 25 pounds but I carry a full size Taurus at about 3:30 in a crossbreed style holster. Very comfy.
Even when I was really fat. (I still have 10-15 pounds to lose to get to where I want to be)
My wife is a good cook.
 
I am a big fan of the White Hat Max Tuck myself. I carry an XD.40 subcompact 95% of the time and it is very comfortable at the 4 o'clock position. I also like that you can change the kydex to fit different guns with the WH.
 
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