IWB: Tuckable or Non-Tuckable?

[Crash]

The more I think about the idea of tuckable IWB, the less sure I am that it's a good idea--at least not for me. I think the tuckable clips add some bulk (depth) compared to non-tuckable IWB, plus which I feel that trying to pull out my shirt in a life-or-death situation just adds some complication to what would already be a pretty complicated situation. I think that plain IWB with my shirt untucked, but buttoned except for maybe the last couple of buttons might be quicker--again, at least for me. Also, I think I've just about ruled AIWB out. I'm short, so the barrel of almost any gun would poke me in places I prefer not to be poked, plus the grip would poke me in what my wife charitably calls my "evidence of a good appetite."

I've mentioned in another post that ankle carry is not an option for me due to lack of flexibility, so I'm pretty much down to pocket carry, which I've done for a long time, or IWB in either the 3:00 - 3:30 position or crossdraw somewhere around the 8:30 - 9:00 position.

So, I would appreciate recommendations for good, non-tuckable IWB holsters for these positions.

Thanks,

Crash

[mikeintexas]

I just bought my second Crossbreed Supertuck holster that is a tuckable IWB. I have been very satisfied, along with many other forum members and other gun owners. The 2 belt clips are set about 9" apart, front to back of holster and that holds the gun very in place and secure. This holster brand allows you to tuck or not.

I think the extra length of the holster spreads the weight of the gun evenly and doesn't feel like you stuck a brick inside your waistband. That is what the first IWB holster I bought felt like. That holster didn't make it very long. It didn't make it to the un-used holster drawer, it went straight to the trash.

My $0.02 worth...

[Teamless]

Just to be sure I understand the question, you are asking, is it better to tuck or untuck an IWB holster?
If that is your question, I think it is still the same holster, just a matter of opinion if you want to tuck it or not.
If there are 2 different holsters, and 1 may be a millimeter thinner than the other, I dont think it makes much of a difference on true "viewable" width.

Yes, if you tuck in a shirt, it does add a minor bulge at the clip, but honestly, the average person will never see it.

If a person sees the bulge of the shirt, they won't have a clue what it is.

If the concern is the need to draw from concealment, it may add a millisecond to the draw time, but probably a negligible amount of time to make it a concern.

[Jumping Frog]

Tuckable give choice, with two modes of carry from the same holster.

Normally, I'll wear my Comp-tac Minotaurs or my Crossbreed SuperTuck with an untucked shirt. But there are times I do want to tuck in my shirt -- like when I go to church for example. I like having options.

[SewTexas]

one Sunday while visiting a church I shall not name, but it was north of Houston. We were sitting with the rest of my family, we'd been standing a long time singing, and something caught my eye at waist level on a very tall gentleman in front of me, he had his shirt tucked in, but had an extra clip there as well. He def. had a holster on, my DH was sure as well, but you would never know it,

[Jumping Frog]

one Sunday while visiting a church I shall not name, but it was north of Houston. We were sitting with the rest of my family, we'd been standing a long time singing, and something caught my eye at waist level on a very tall gentleman in front of me, he had his shirt tucked in, but had an extra clip there as well. He def. had a holster on, my DH was sure as well, but you would never know it,

I match every part of that description except the "very tall" part.

[SewTexas]

No this guy was tall, that's why I noticed the clip of his holster at waistband...it was almost at my eye level OK that may be an bit of an exaggeration but not by much. What impressed me was that honestly no one would know what he had unless they knew DH was really impressed.

I'm hoping to get DH a crossbreed for his b-day. If he wants to wear a dress shirt he either looks sloppy or can't carry.

[Jumping Frog]

I'm hoping to get DH a crossbreed for his b-day.

I own both and recommend the Comp-tac MTAC over the Crossbreed Supertuck.

[SewTexas]

thanks, Bob, I'll look into that one

[Longshot38]

If the question is tuckable or nontuckable, I will always pick tuckable just for flexiblity. I can wear it either way even though much of the time I'm untucked. Thickness of the holster really isn't affected. Any quality tuckable IWB will be more then concealable. I wear my Comp-Tac Spartan all-day everyday and it is wonderful. If you want a recommendation comp-tac is mine.

[Kadelic]

I own both and recommend the Comp-tac MTAC over the Crossbreed Supertuck.

May I ask why? I've got a Crossbreed for my M&P and I really like it. I also looked at an MTAC but chose the Supertuck for some reason. Just curious why you prefer the Comp-tac.

[McJingles]

I use a raven concealment with IWB tuckable c clips so I can tuck when needed, but there is non tuckable IWB options. I really like it, but it probably isn't as comfortable as others plus the long wait time.

[Jumping Frog]

I own both and recommend the Comp-tac MTAC over the Crossbreed Supertuck.

May I ask why? I've got a Crossbreed for my M&P and I really like it. I also looked at an MTAC but chose the Supertuck for some reason. Just curious why you prefer the Comp-tac.

I have both and both are good choices. But picking at the nits, here are some pro's and con's

CBST
- I like the leather backing a little better, It conforms to my body better. It is easier for me to put on, and it is slightly more comfortable.
- The kydex is much thinner in the CBST than the Comp-Tac Minotaur. There are persistent reports in gun forums of the CBST cracking right above the ejection port. My current CBST is cracked as well.
- The metal belt clips noticeably scuff and mark up my belts. I know some people have gotten out a stone and deburred the inside of the belt clips.
- In fact, the metal belt clips were such an irritant that I went and spent another $17 to buy Comp-Tac belt clips and put them on the CBST.
- The CBST has a lifetime warranty.

Comp-Tac Minotaur
- The kydex body is noticeably more solid and strong. It also covers far more of the gun.
- I like the plastic clips better because they do not mark up my belts.
- Noticeably more care and workmanship in the leather backing.
- Only a two year warranty.

I got some holsters out and measured with calipers. Kydex thickness is:

Crossbreed Supertuck = 0.066 in.
Comp-Tac Minotaur = 0.093 in
Fobus OWB holster = 0.096 in.

I included the Fobus because many people have seen them and know how thick and solid they are.

[Kadelic]

I have both and both are good choices. But picking at the nits, here are some pro's and con's

Thanks for the info. I haven't used my CBST enough to see any fatigue in the kydex but I'll keep an eye on it. It's actually on its way back to me since I returned it to add the combat cut to the horsehide backing. The metal clips are a weak point in my opinion as well. Not so much for marking my belt (which I also got from Crossbreed) but I'm afraid of one getting bent open and not holding as securely. I'm guessing you are referring to the J-hook kydex clips from White Hat? Those are the only plastic ones I see on their site. I might have to look into that option.

Pertaining to the OP, I'll probably never use the tuckable feature of my Crossbreed holster. I chose it because of it's reputation for quality, comfort and conceal-ability. Should the need ever arise though, the option will be there. I wouldn't go out of my way to find a strictly non-tuckable holster when many of the best IWB offerings are tuckables.