Carry. IWB or OWB?

[Doc Shapiro]

Now that I live somewhere that I can carry, I need holsters!  Inside the waistband, outside?  What's more comfortable and why?

 

While you're at it, if anyone has a suggestion for a 1911 holster for a Springfield ronin EMP with a 3in barrel, I'm open.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Pat Riot]

OWB for me. I tried IWB. I couldn’t stand it. OWB makes it easier to make adjustments, like sliding the holster forward or back. If you use an OWB paddle holster it’s easy on and off if the holster is uncomfortable when driving. 
IWB also means wardrobe changes - larger pants. 

[DeaconKC]

I really love the Bianchi Professional 100 for IWB carry. I have used one for many years for Glock 23, Sig 229 and Colt Commander, It has nice soft leather against your body and is one of the few comfortable IWB holsters I have used over the years. The most important thing is to get a really good belt that is strong and stiff enough to support your holster.

[Pat Riot]

Something I forgot to mention. Where I live if you holster or gun become accidentally exposed no one is going to care or lose their mind. 
If you are in an area where this is a concern, definitely go with IWB. 

[Chief Rick]

More comfortable? OWB

 

Depending on situation, an IWB may be necessary.  I size my pants at least one size larger for IWB.

 

The most comfortable IWB I've found to date is the TRex Raptor Holster with Raptor Backer.  I wear this appendix carry and it sits well over long periods of time.

 

I just bought the TRex Ironside OWB holster and like the way it rides and the retention.

[J-BAR #18287]

If the gun is small enough, pocket carry may be an option.  More comfortable for me, and easy when changing clothes.

[Doc Shapiro]

13 minutes ago, DeaconKC said:

I really love the Bianchi Professional 100 for IWB carry. I have used one for many years for Glock 23, Sig 229 and Colt Commander, It has nice soft leather against your body and is one of the few comfortable IWB holsters I have used over the years. The most important thing is to get a really good belt that is strong and stiff enough to support your holster.

 

I have an appropriate belt.

 

8 minutes ago, Pat Riot said:

Something I forgot to mention. Where I live if you holster or gun become accidentally exposed no one is going to care or lose their mind. 

If you are in an area where this is a concern, definitely go with IWB. 

 

Not a concern here.

[Doc Shapiro]

While you're at it, if anyone has a suggestion for a 1911 holster for a Springfield ronin EMP with a 3in barrel, I'm open.

[DeaconKC]

Desantis makes the Viper, a really nice OWB holster for 1911s.

[Doc Shapiro]

4 minutes ago, DeaconKC said:

Desantis makes the Viper, a really nice OWB holster for 1911s.

Thanks

 

[JP McLintock]

There are also numerous custom makers that can do a holster exactly the way you'd like it. In leather or kydex.

[Doc Shapiro]

2 minutes ago, JP McLintock said:

There are also numerous custom makers that can do a holster exactly the way you'd like it. In leather or kydex.

 

This has always been the case.  I have many custom holsters for various applications.  Right now, looking for off the shelf options so I can determine what I really want, then will have one made.

[Bad Bascomb, SASS # 47,494]

 

 

I'm still lovin' my Milt Sparks Summer Special for Colt .45 Officer's Model.  Appendix site.

 

You're in their neighborhood now, might be interesting to drop by.

[DeaconKC]

Talk to folks around you. Most of us who have carried for any time will have the "Box of Holsters", ones we have tried and liked something better.

 

 

 

I have three boxes...

[Doc Shapiro]

1 minute ago, DeaconKC said:

Talk to folks around you. Most of us who have carried for any time will have the "Box of Holsters", ones we have tried and liked something better.

 

 

 

I have three boxes...

 

I'm sure I'll end up with several.  Right now I have 2 conceal carry holsters, 1 each for 2 different guns.  And one of those guns is a serious collectible, it's a Devel modified S&W with the original DeSantis leather holster.

[Rip Snorter]

Most of the time 1911 with Clipdraw - have plenty of holsters and can make more any time.

[John Kloehr]

I carry a Springfield EMP 9mm 3" (not Ronin) OWB with cover (several options). Mitch Rosen holster, same maker for a 2-mag carrier off-side. Bullhide steel-core belt,  Carhartt straight-leg regular pants (no longer finding these) as the belt loops allow comfortable positioning, the holster does not want to fall off when I pee, and I can still get into the pants pockets. This is at least my 4th carry with a lost count of variations to get this formula.

 

A full-size 1911 does not fit all car seats I sit and drive in, and I like the 1911 platform. This holster tucks in close to the body with a cant that suits me. The thumb break (optional, I got it) covers at least part of the manual safety; I'm a klutz in doorways so lack of this detail derailed 2 previous carry choices.

 

I can probably look up actual part numbers and what I paid  with pics later if interested. Happy to discuss more, this is the result of over 6 yers of finding a true daily carry rig for me (east Tennessee, please keep it covered in tourist areas but LE is very friendly to lawful carry)

[Doc Shapiro]

Just now, John Kloehr said:

I carry a Springfield EMP 9mm 3" (not Ronin) OWB with cover (several options). Mitch Rosen holster, same maker for a 2-mag carrier off-side. Bullhide steel-core belt,  Carhartt straight-leg regular pants (no longer finding these) as the belt loops allow comfortable positioning, the holster does not want to fall off when I pee, and I can still get into the pants pockets. This is at least my 4th carry with a lost count of variations to get this formula.

 

A full-size 1911 does not fit all car seats I sit and drive in, and I like the 1911 platform. This holster tucks in close to the body with a cant that suits me. The thumb break (optional, I got it) covers at least part of the manual safety; I'm a klutz in doorways so lack of this detail derailed 2 previous carry choices.

 

I can probably look up actual part numbers and what I paid  with pics later if interested. Happy to discuss more, this is the result of over 6 yers of finding a true daily carry rig for me (east Tennessee, please keep it covered in tourist areas but LE is very friendly to lawful carry)

Thanks!  I'll look it up.

[Dusty Devil Dale]

You might take a look at some of the elastic/velcro  belly-band carriers.  There are many on the Internet.    I have two that I use often.  Even in above 100 degree weather, I find them much more comfortable than a conventional belt-worn holster.  I wear mine up high, between my heart and armpit.  I carry the semiautomatic, (Kimber Super Carry .45acp) and two extra mags very comfortably.  

[Doc Shapiro]

22 minutes ago, Dusty Devil Dale said:

You might take a look at some of the elastic/velcro  belly-band carriers.  There are many on the Internet.    I have two that I use often.  Even in above 100 degree weather, I find them much more comfortable than a conventional belt-worn holster.  I wear mine up high, between my heart and armpit.  I carry the semiautomatic, (Kimber Super Carry .45acp) and two extra mags very comfortably.  

Thanks for the suggestion.  It is on my radar.

[Long Fingers, SASS#56813]

Like others have said I have a box full of holsters looking for the next greatest. 

I’ve tried leather,kydex, hybrid, you name it.. For OWB I found the leather pancake to be the most comfortable and concealable. Pick a maker or brand you like, pretty simple and effective design.  IWB I really like a leather offset clip. Easy on/off, comfortable. Also found this design doesn’t require larger pants where other designs like Alien gear required more room at least for me. 

[Blackwater 53393]

I’ve used a Don Hume JIT Slide holster for several years. If you’re not too concerned with security and you don’t regularly perform gymnastics, it’s comfortable and easily accessible.

 

You can put it on your belt, either straddle of a belt loop where it will move only a short distance fore or aft, or you can put it in between two belt loops for greater adjustability.  It can also be worn crossdraw.

 

I carry a Para 13/45 daily and it works great. If I decide I want a little extra protection, it will also accommodate my 14/45 with a 20rd magazine.

[Buckshot Bear]

Do you pards carry your 1911's cocked & locked?

[Silvertip]

The Mernickle Extreme High Ride is very comfortable and fast, like Simply Rugged holsters . They both fit the Emp

ST

[Blackwater 53393]

5 minutes ago, Buckshot Bear said:

Do you pards carry your 1911's cocked & locked?

 Mostly!  If it’s in a bag or in a case, no. If it’s on my belt or in my shoulder holster, it’s cocked and locked.

[Rex M Rugers #6621]

Yes .  Carry in either a Bianchi leather or a Tenico molded holster.

[Ozark Huckleberry]

6 hours ago, Buckshot Bear said:

Do you pards carry your 1911's cocked & locked?

Cocked, locked, and topped.

[Lawdog Dago Dom]

6 hours ago, Silvertip said:

The Mernickle Extreme High Ride is very comfortable and fast, like Simply Rugged holsters . They both fit the Emp

ST

This is a very good point to consider when choosing a holster or IWB or OWB.

Are you going to be getting in and out of vehicles?

If so, an OWB holster that rides a bit higher might be a better fit.

@DeaconKC is correct. I also have boxes of leftover holsters. A gun can have more than one holster depending on where you're going/what you're doing.

Buy a local cop/deputy/trooper a cup of coffee and ask what works for them. 

[Rye Miles #13621]

IWB Uncle Mikes. I carry a S&W Model 637 

 

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

7 hours ago, Buckshot Bear said:

Do you pards carry your 1911's cocked & locked?

I do when carrying  any self-loader.  I can't speak for anyone else.

 

Years ago when I had an office in San Dimas, CA I had Ted Blocker make me an OWB rig for my 1911.

 

I also have a gun show ciip-on cheapie for OWB when I carry my Colt Government .380.  It works for everyday carry when the weather lets me dress lighter,

 

A couple of years ago I got a "Vampire Holster" for my 1947 vintage Colt Detective Special,.  The pistol rides muzzle up under my left arm and is VERY comfortable an very secure.  If you lean towards a revolver I recommend one like it.  It takes awhile to fiddle around until you get it adjusted just right, but once you do it's an "all day every day" holster.

 

I have a boxcar full of other holsters but these fill my needs best of all.....except for out doors carry for my 1911.  Then I have a cross draw holster that a friend made for me clear back in 1963-1965 for a back up piece when I have a rifle or shotgun slung on the right side. 

[John Kloehr]

7 hours ago, Buckshot Bear said:

Do you pards carry your 1911's cocked & locked?

Yes. I don't top off as I have no place for the extra loose round when I need to clear it for storage. The factory mag size is 7 rounds.

 

I carry two extra 8-round mags with my EMP rig. Things would have to be real bad to need a mag change. If that bad, I figure on fumbling one so really a spare mag and a spare for the spare.

[Boggus Deal #64218]

I’ve worn a Milt Sparks Summer Special with a full size all steel 1911 for nearly 25 years. 
Pics of that Devel would be mighty interesting to see!

[Eyesa Horg]

I like the "Sticky" holster for pocket carry when I am carrying my LCP .380. OWB Bianci with my Officers model 45, and  DeSantis OWB with my Micro 9 Kimber. The Kimber also works in the Sticky holster, but is somewhat more obvious.

[Sedalia Dave]

A Retired Leo buddy of mine turned me onto Ritchie Leather Co. Inc. They make custom molded leather holsters.  I have IWB and OWB for a M&P Shield in 45 ACP and and OWB for my Shield 2.0 in 45 ACP will be ordering an IWB for my 2.0 in the very near future.

Holsters are super comfortable and have good retention but like Blackwater I don't do gymnastics. 

 

 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

OWB or pocket.

Only use leather holsters, HATE Kydex!