Barrel length is much less of a factor in behind the hip concealment than overall height of the weapon at the grip, and the width of the grip itself. Guns with single stack magazines have slimmer grips that don't cause as much of a printing problem as the double stack guns do, but those can be concealed as well with proper clothing. Barrel length is a major comfort limitation when the weapon is carried in front of the hip.jlangton wrote:My question with all of these measurements....How much of a real difference is approx 1.3" in length and approx .75" height in concealment? I don't think length would be a big issue-esp with a paddle,but I can see it being a problem with an IWB holster. Does .75" cause a big problem in concealing the butt of the handgun OWB?
Any input is appreciated.
OWB carry is generally more comfortable for me, but I find concealing an effective weapon this way under light clothing is relatively difficult in the summer.
I am 6'2" and 215 lbs. My preferred warm weather carry method is IWB at 4 - 5 o'clock in a high quality holster like a CompTac Infidel on a stiff, high quality belt from either Maxpedition (Liger) or The Wilderness for stability. The optimum positioning is with the butt of the weapon in the hollow of your back just behind the hip (slender folks have this advantageous physiologic geometry) and just about parallel with your back so the butt doesn't protrude from your body like a grafted on potato. Carrying a full size 1911 this way is easy, comfortable, and readily concealable, although I often elect to go with a lightweight compact pistol of the same design in this rig because it has less of a tendency to make light summer shorts sag downwards.
During cooler weather, it's easy to conceal a similar gun in an OWB holster like a Blackhawk Serpa CQB under a 3/4 length jacket or a goosedown vest.