New to IWB holsters - can't decide on design

[Ruark]

My wife is getting me a new IWB holster for a combination anniversay/birthday present, and I can't decide on a couple of things: the cant angle, and where to wear it. The gun, by the way, is a Walther P99AS. 9mm.

I get the impression the straight down design would be more comfortable. Seems that way, just sticking the gun in my pants.

Where to wear it is the question, though: it seems like many people wear an IWB at either 1 or 4:30. No way I'd wear it at 1. At 4:30, it looks like the muzzle would dig into the top of your hip. It would also be uncomfortable while driving, wouldn't it? My personal guess is that I'd like it straight down, at about 2:30. Comfort is a major priority. Any tips, advice, experiences to share?

[longhorn86]

I wear my XDm's IWB somewhere between 3:00 & 3:30 and it is very comfortable for me. Even on long road trips, I barely know it is there. Might be worth a try at that position.


Edited to add: I use the Crossbreed Super Tuck

[threoh8]

Many IWB holsters are adjustable for cant. Get one of the models mentioned frequently and positively in this forum, and try various adjustments/carry positions.

One size/cant/position does not fit all.

[jason812]

I sometimes carry a P99QA fullsize in .40 cal. I got a Coverup Plus from Tucker Gun Leather and it is adjustable for cant. I can tell you that at least for me, canted is more comfortable than straight up as it gets the end of the barrel off my hip bone. I wear about 4-4:30 and sitting is no problem.

I often times want a paddle holster or OWB so it would be more comfortable to wear. That or I find myself wanting to get the compact version and still run the full size mags but that's a different discussion.

[Soccerdad1995]

What is more important, comfort or concealment?

The reason I used to wear my IWB holsters at 4:00 was because they "printed" less in that position. 3:00 was by far more comfortable for me, but the bulge was much more noticeable.

Then I realized that concealment was not that big of an issue. Most people won't notice even a huge gun bulge, and even if they do, it isn't usually a problem. So I started carrying OWB with an un-tucked shirt over the top. And I haven't had a single comment or stare since I started doing this about 9 months ago. I will also OC when I am wearing a dress shirt and don't feel like looking like a slob by un-tucking it.

My advice would be to start with OWB and a cover garment if comfort is a concern. If you, personally, have an issue with negative reactions, or whatever, then get an IWB holster.

[MechAg94]

Comfort is critical. Otherwise, you will end up not wearing it when you need it.

[Deitz83]

What is more important, comfort or concealment?

The reason I used to wear my IWB holsters at 4:00 was because they "printed" less in that position. 3:00 was by far more comfortable for me, but the bulge was much more noticeable.

Then I realized that concealment was not that big of an issue. Most people won't notice even a huge gun bulge, and even if they do, it isn't usually a problem. So I started carrying OWB with an un-tucked shirt over the top. And I haven't had a single comment or stare since I started doing this about 9 months ago. I will also OC when I am wearing a dress shirt and don't feel like looking like a slob by un-tucking it.

My advice would be to start with OWB and a cover garment if comfort is a concern. If you, personally, have an issue with negative reactions, or whatever, then get an IWB holster.

When I have to dress up and wear a suit and tie, I may do IWB at 3:30, but 98% of the time is OWB. I prefer a slimmer IWB (Garrett Industries or all Kydex). I don't like the bulk of the crossbreed type holsters. I also, am not into getting pants 1 or 2 sizes too large.

[Ruark]

What is more important, comfort or concealment?

My advice would be to start with OWB and a cover garment if comfort is a concern. If you, personally, have an issue with negative reactions, or whatever, then get an IWB holster.

I would say comfort. Most IWB holsters conceal pretty well by default, especially comparied to an OWB.

As far as starting with an OWB, I've used an OWB for years, usually with a cover garment. That's the whole issue; I've never worn an IWB. I don't really want to go to the hassle of ordering or buying an IWB (we live rural, far from the nearest anything), then decide it was the wrong one.

[Ruark]

I don't like the bulk of the crossbreed type holsters. I also, am not into getting pants 1 or 2 sizes too large.

Same here. Again, I've never worn an IWB, but some of those things look big as a dinner plate.

[Deitz83]

I don't like the bulk of the crossbreed type holsters. I also, am not into getting pants 1 or 2 sizes too large.

Same here. Again, I've never worn an IWB, but some of those things look big as a dinner plate.

[gthaustex]

As others have stated, where to wear and cant angle are personal preferences. That said, where you are wearing it should normally affect cant. At 3 o'clock, it should normally be straight up and down. Worn farther back, the cant angle will change, as the draw angle of your arm changes.

I wear IWB every day at 4 o'clock and have no problems with it.

As others have said, get something from a reputable company. The main thing I would say about IWB is that you need to make sure whatever you get will stay open after you draw the gun. Whether you are practicing at the range, in a class, or heaven forbid, need the gun out on the street, you don't want to have to muzzle your hand to hold a holster open to get the gun back in. That usually means an all kydex holster, a hybrid or something leather with some type of reinforced mouth that won't collapse.

There are also IWB designs that can be worn with a shirt tucked in if that is a concern to you at some point.....

[Soccerdad1995]

What is more important, comfort or concealment?

My advice would be to start with OWB and a cover garment if comfort is a concern. If you, personally, have an issue with negative reactions, or whatever, then get an IWB holster.

I would say comfort. Most IWB holsters conceal pretty well by default, especially comparied to an OWB.

As far as starting with an OWB, I've used an OWB for years, usually with a cover garment. That's the whole issue; I've never worn an IWB. I don't really want to go to the hassle of ordering or buying an IWB (we live rural, far from the nearest anything), then decide it was the wrong one.

You may be surprised at how well a good OWB holster can conceal. I have some that rival any of my IWB's in that area. The most noticeable part of the gun (at least for me), tends to be the bottom of the handle. That part is pressed tight against my body with both IIWB and OWB holsters.

But getting off my soap box, I have found that the most comfortable position for me is to wear the holster at 3:00 with just a tiny bit of cant. This may well vary based on body type, but for me, it is definitely the most comfortable for both IWB and OWB style holsters.

[jadoti]

I agree with Soccerdad... 3 o'clock with a slight cant (really the holster has no cant, I just push it forward a little).

I have the Clinger stingray - https://clingerholsters.com/product/sti ... r-holster/ - it's comfortable enough, and sometimes I forget it's there depending on the size of my pants/shorts that I'm wearing...

[jb2012]

I have a galco king tuk, and it's pretty comfortable around the 3:00 to 3:30 position, sometimes even closer to 4:00. I also have a milt sparks (I think?) leather holster that has the belt snaps....super uncomfortable if you have to do any sitting.