IWB vs OWB in Texas

[Mando'a]

In my quest to find the proper carry holster (for me). I started to wonder if I should consider the OWB-type holsters.

I dismissed the OWB, thinking that during the Texas summer, it would be impractical. (having to wear a light jacket to conceal)

Also, because of a limited budget, buying both just isn't an option. But I'm trying to keep an open mind before selecting a holster.

I apologize if this has been dealt with in another thread. I just didn't see anything.

Your experience and thoughts on this subject are greatly appreciated.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

what type of gun do you carry?

[Mando'a]

what type of gun do you carry?

Glock 22

thanks

[gigag04]

what type of gun do you carry?

Glock 22

thanks

Wow...I can't conceal mine at all, IWB or OWB. The grip is too long. I would bet you have to get IWB to get a reliably concealable system. YMMV.

In a month or two I will have a good condition BH Serpa for a G22 (we are switching handguns at work) that I would be happy to let you try out.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

I went through this very same debate when I got my CHL. At the time I only owned an XD.45 which is comparable to your Glock in size. After much research I decided to go with the IWB for this particular gun. It was just too big to wear OWB with just a t-shirt thrown over it and I did not want to wear any extra clothing during the long summer heat. I bought a Minotaur MTAC which I absolutely love. It works great conceals great and is very comfortable. The problem I had was I did not like IWB carry. So, for Father’s day I got a 1911 and an OWB that I carry on a daily basis. This is by far the most comfortable way I have found to carry. I can throw on a t-shirt and not think twice about it. With the slimness of the 1911 the t-shirt covers the gun and OWB holster great.

[stroo]

I carry OWB all the time. I started carrying a Ruger P95, then went to Hipowers. On occasion I carry a full size S&W M&P 45. With tee shirts or Hawaii shirts that are two sizes too large, I don't have any problems.

[MoJo]

I have carried TWO full size M&P 40s and two extra magazines OWB covered only with an untucked shirt. The shirt needs to be oversize but there's no problem hiding large handguns OWB if you dress around the gun(s)

[JJVP]

In my quest to find the proper carry holster (for me). I started to wonder if I should consider the OWB-type holsters.

I dismissed the OWB, thinking that during the Texas summer, it would be impractical. (having to wear a light jacket to conceal)

Also, because of a limited budget, buying both just isn't an option. But I'm trying to keep an open mind before selecting a holster.

I apologize if this has been dealt with in another thread. I just didn't see anything.

Your experience and thoughts on this subject are greatly appreciated.

You might want to consider a dual carry holster (IWB/OWB). Haven't tried any of these, but they look good.

http://estore.websitepros.com/1565531/C ... r+Guns+A-M" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.kdholsters.com/products.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[grumble]

I carry my XD9c in an MTAC that I received last week. It's awesome, especially for this time of year.

For summertime "less clothing" season, I just bought a little Ruger LCP that I can toss in a pocket

[gwashorn]

I carry an XD9SC. Mostly OWB with a Bianchi Carrylok. Pancake type with retention. Pulls tight and easily conceals with a nice shirt, Hawaiin shirts work great. I have some of the 5.11 shirts, both the tactical and SS conceal shirts that work great. I also use an M-Tac and it works great too, either tucked or not. Summer time cargo shorts and pocket carry a lot in a holster.

Gary

[suthdj]

I have a Glock 21 currently I carry OWB in a Don Hume J.I.T and in summer I carry IWB in either a Don Hume 715 or a Kholster. I am paranoid in the summer but wife says ya can't see. Just watch for close out special and you can get good prices.

http://www.donhume.com/index.php?main_p ... &cPath=413" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[steking]

So, for Father’s day I got a 1911 and an OWB that I carry on a daily basis. This is by far the most comfortable way I have found to carry. I can throw on a t-shirt and not think twice about it. With the slimness of the 1911 the t-shirt covers the gun and OWB holster great.

+1

I carry an officers model 1911 OWB in a inexpensive Don Hume slider. I throw one of the many Carhartt t-shirt's and it conceals quite nicely. Carhartt's are a little longer and thicker than normal T's.

[Mando'a]

I went through this very same debate when I got my CHL. At the time I only owned an XD.45 which is comparable to your Glock in size. After much research I decided to go with the IWB for this particular gun. It was just too big to wear OWB with just a t-shirt thrown over it and I did not want to wear any extra clothing during the long summer heat. I bought a Minotaur MTAC which I absolutely love. It works great conceals great and is very comfortable. The problem I had was I did not like IWB carry. So, for Father’s day I got a 1911 and an OWB that I carry on a daily basis. This is by far the most comfortable way I have found to carry. I can throw on a t-shirt and not think twice about it. With the slimness of the 1911 the t-shirt covers the gun and OWB holster great.

Currently the MTAC is #1 on my list.

I knew the size of the G22 would be an issue, when I decided on buying that gun. I wanted the .40 S&W, for the reason that (IMHO) it does bridge the gap between the 9mm and .45. But I wanted a full size gun, to help with the recoil.

Thanks for all the replies!! The responses are quite varied.

[Mando'a]

So, for Father’s day I got a 1911 and an OWB that I carry on a daily basis. This is by far the most comfortable way I have found to carry. I can throw on a t-shirt and not think twice about it. With the slimness of the 1911 the t-shirt covers the gun and OWB holster great.

+1

I carry an officers model 1911 OWB in a inexpensive Don Hume slider. I throw one of the many Carhartt t-shirt's and it conceals quite nicely. Carhartt's are a little longer and thicker than normal T's.

I'm truly surprised at the number of pro-OWB responses. I just expected that in Texas (during the summer), IWB, would be the way to go.

Also, reading that T-shirts are good enough to conceal; I expected you would have to wear a light jacket.

Many thanks for all the great responses.

[The Annoyed Man]

When I carry on my belt, I carry OWB most of the time these days - and that includes concealing a full-sized 1911. Think "long shirts." For IWB, I use a Minotaur MTAC from Comp-Tac. The advantage of this holster (and others like it) is that you can have one holster with different holster bodies for different pistols. Mine has bodies to fit a 3" 1911, a 5" 1911, and a USP Compact .40.

For OWB, I have two Galco Concealable Belt Holsters, one to fit my 3" Kimber and one to fit my 5" Springfield 1911s. And, I have a Desantis Speed Scabbard for my USP Compact.

When I'm not carrying on my belt, I'm using a Galco Miami Classic II shoulder holster rig. I use this system as much as possible because chronic back issues make belt carry an uncomfortable proposition on a lot of days. Depending on what part of Texas you live in and what the weather is like, I can wear this system even on a lot of hot days by wearing a light fishing vest over it, with a t-shirt underneath.