Belly band vs. IWB

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

For the guys with an average build, think Hank Hill, not Boomhauer (skinny) or Bill (big beer gut), that carry every or most days, which one do you like better and why? I'm 6'1 and 225, and while my gut doesn't hang over my belt, it pushes on it some. I have a 36" waist and 33"ish inseam, so 32" pants are too short and 34s and 36s are too long unless I'm wearing my boots. Also, probably a stupid question, but for IWB use does a guy go a size up in waist?

Finally, for the guys that run a weapon light (not interested in debating lights on CCW) please include these models in your favorite IWB choice.

Thank you in advance!

 

[OKHunter84]

For the guys with an average build, think Hank Hill, not Boomhauer (skinny) or Bill (big beer gut), that carry every or most days, which one do you like better and why? I'm 6'1 and 225, and while my gut doesn't hang over my belt, it pushes on it some. I have a 36" waist and 33"ish inseam, so 32" pants are too short and 34s and 36s are too long unless I'm wearing my boots. Also, probably a stupid question, but for IWB use does a guy go a size up in waist?

Finally, for the guys that run a weapon light (not interested in debating lights on CCW) please include these models in your favorite IWB choice.

Thank you in advance!

I wear a similar pant size that you do, 36"x34" and I prefer IWB. I carry a SIG P365 in the 4 o'clock position with no attachments. Carrying in the front is uncomfortable sitting down and if there was a discharge I'd rather it get a butt cheek then my hang down.

I don't size up but I don't wear skinny jeans either. I think that would depend on the weapon size and how your pants fit. If I'm outside of work them I'm usually wearing Levi's or Prana pants.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

I wear a similar pant size that you do, 36"x34" and I prefer IWB. I carry a SIG P365 in the 4 o'clock position with no attachments. Carrying in the front is uncomfortable sitting down and if there was a discharge I'd rather it get a butt cheek then my hang down.

I don't size up but I don't wear skinny jeans either. I think that would depend on the weapon size and how your pants fit. If I'm outside of work them I'm usually wearing Levi's or Prana pants.

Thank you much, and no skinny jeans on this guy either, LOL! I'm 50 and a former athlete and still have larger than average legs. I have a Ruger 9E which is the no frills version of the SR9. It has 4.1" barrel and relatively thin slide and grip for a double stack 9. I'm left handed and would probably carry at 8 o'clock. Which IWB are you using?

 

[robtattoo]

Not dissimilar build here. 6', 34x32

I carry a P365 (std grip, XL slide) IWB in the appendix position. I find that 3-4 o'clock prints too badly.
AIWB takes a little getting used to, but I no longer find sitting, driving or any movement to be uncomfortable any more.
I don't size up in pants, but a stiff belt is a good investment (thirtydollar gun belts are great!)

My pistol wears a Streamlight TLr7-sub & I don't think there's a thing I could negatively say about it.

The base of my holster is a Fat Guy from JX Tactical, but I switched out the soft clips for steel & as I lost weight, I've adjusted the holster to actually ride higher in my waistband. It surprised me a LOT how much a half inch of height change in holster position can affect the comfort.
Back when there was a 'roof over the toolshed' I had to carry super low. Now I'm more of a convertible, a higher carry is far, far more comfy!