IWB holsters that don't suck

[NorthIdahoDude]

Appendix carry is for dudes skinnier than me, LOL. However, any IWB basic kydex holster around 3:30 or so is so comfortable to me I forget I am carrying. My current one is a basic Vedder with the "claw" thing to keep the grip tucked in. I carry a 43X (not MOS).

 

[elstorey]

Tenicor belt is great. For me, carrying appendix with longer slide is easier than shorter slide (like 43 or 42). You should probably buy another gun to be safe.

 

[JDMBEND]

Appendix carry was not possible, for me, until I lost the gut. Currently carrying a HK CC9 in an ANR Designs holster. Just one of the benefits of dropping that extra 30 lbs.

 

[Justin (Raz) Rasmussen]

Kinda on topic


I keep seeing these ads on YT. Is VNSH total gimmicky garbage?

If you could find a positive review from someone who has any training I would be pretty shocked. As with a lot of types of gear the more advertising you see for a product the more of a piece of crap it is.

 

[RockAndSage]

My two carry pistols are Glock 42 and Staccato C (OTW). I have ordered a Wingman with Fabriclip for the 42. But EVERYTHING else I have tried is painful when worn with long pants. Shorts im fine. I have tried everything from appendix carry all the way to about the 4 o'clock position. The only thing that is tolerable for longer than a couple hours is a cheap soft leather one I found and it still sucks. Is there a secret to this I am unaware of? Is IWB only for you scrawny anorexic looking dudes? I already have come to the conclusion the Staccato will have to be OWB but for deep conceal I need some help please.

As far as comfort goes, as a general rule, plan on adding 2-4 inches in waistband and belt sizing over what you're wearing now, just as a basic given starting point in EDC. Pants that use fabrics with some built-in stretch also help a lot too, especially in easing carry/pinch/hotspots with longer guns. Ratchet belts like Nexbelt and Kore's have been particularly useful lately too, especially if there's a lot of in-and-out of seating of any kind. It takes less than a second to adjust in very fine detail, seated or standing, and it barely looks like you're even touching your pants. Bigger pants and a ratchet belt solve a lot of EDC problems.

 

[Dobermann]

Appendix and a top quality leather holster. You’ll probably have to try a few to find which one is for you.

@Wprinkle - some reference points for you:

Here's one that Form linked to in the 1911 thread:

Subject Matter Expert (SME) — 5 SHOT LEATHER

The SME is the result of a 3 year project. Over a dozen prototypes were made. Testing and evaluation of the prototypes was conducted by Industry Experts with thousands of hours of Appendix Cary experience. The result is the most concealable and comfortable AIWB on the market. The T&E of this

5shotleather.com

The guys from Cabot / Alchemy mention the Milt Sparks AIWB Summer Special 2 for leather (https://www.miltsparks.com/inside-the-waistband/summer-special-2/) and for Kydex, Nick says he uses a Tenicor Certum 3 (https://tenicor.com/collections/all-holsters/products/certum3-iwb-holster-for-2011-1911).

Southern Trapper offer 10 different leather IWB models: https://www.thesoutherntrapper.com/...ter.v.m.mm-google-shopping.custom_label_4=IWB

I've also seen some online recommendations for Falco. I have no idea about quality, but they have a LOT of different options: https://www.falcoholsters.com/iwb-holsters

Hilton Yam from 1080 Performance, who has been around 1911s for a while, recommends LAS Concealment (https://lasconcealment.com/collections/iwb-holsters)

While I went for a JM Custom Kydex at first, based on having had good dealings with them before (https://www.jmcustomkydex.com/), I then noticed was that Tenicor have a fairly unique clip system, which makes their holsters quite customisable for your body, pant loop spacing, changing ride hight, and more.

They also have this in-depth video for getting the right position, cant, and wedge size - it looks like overkill at first, but the results look pretty impressive:

 

[insanelupus]

Comp-Tac or Milt Sparks

 

[BigE]

Great advice from the prior posts on the belt and clothes being key items to adjust or at least look in to.

Had an enjoyable conversation with one of my long time friends a while back regarding carrying a compact versus full sized pistol. I preferred compact, he was all about full sized. I am a fairly big guy guy too, so the full framed pistols would either print or I'd have to adjust my clothing style to accommodate for concealment. His advice was "just lose 10 pounds"...

Another IWB and brand that I'd suggest is Crossbreed. I really like the Super Tuck. Super Tuck

 

[fwafwow]

+1 for Milt Sparks, but based on my memory (!) of a call with them, I believe they do not intend for their holsters to be used for appendix carry. The quality is great, and I purchased the VM2 with a belt - but it takes a long time to get it.

 

[zdc1775]

Thanks you sir! and I learned a new word!!!

No problem, I always try to help, sometimes it even happens in ways I didn't intend

 

[TradLife406]

I carry a Tier 1 concealed with mag carrier. Glock 43x with red dot and light every day along with the extra mag. I put a medium wedge on the back. Can't see it even in a fitted T shirt. There is ALOT of adjustability with this holster.

Pants and belt are important. All my pants are sized up one size to accommodate the holster. I also carry a Kore belt which really let's you dial in the tightness.

APX

LIFETIME WARRANTY Introducing The APX, from the minds here at Tier 1 Concealed and Donovan Moore from Point 1 Tactics. An appendix inside the waistband concealed carry holster that redefines versatility and customization. Crafted with innovation at its core, the APX offers unprecedented...

www.tier1concealed.com

This. I like the next belts.