homepage Forums SimHQ Community Community Hall CCW IWB Appendix V Hip

So for all you avid shooters who conceal carry out there, what do you prefer for a holster, Appendix or Hip? Why?

v6,
boNes

I almost always use OWB because of the nature of what I'm wearing and doing most days and because total concealment isn't that important for what I do. But when I do IWB, I use hip. That's because sitting down with the carry toward the front of my body like that is at best, very uncomfortable. To make it work, I basically have to slouch like a college kid.

OWB only, on the hip.
Love leather holsters, usually buy the Galco with the FBI cant style.
Also, the Desantis Speed Scabbard is nice.

With the law changes, I don't worry about 'printing', or accidental exposure.
Tried IWB, too many hate factors for me: Bigger pants, against my skin, hard to get to

Being circumferentially enhanced these days... I go with IWB on the strong side, generally with a pretty significant cant to keep the butt of the grip from printing. The hassles that Bill lists are all very real, but I just choose to put up with them.

Anyone consider using a belly band, or even an ankle holster?

v6,
boNes

I was using IWB kydex, until that started wearing away the finish on the slide of my M9A3 (will be getting the cerakote redone soon).

I still use IWB kydex with my PPS M2, but for my M9A3, and my M9, I only use a Beretta-made leather OWB holster with a thumb break.

4:30 position for IWB, hip with cant for OWB.

For open carry, I'll either use the Beretta leather holster or a Cordura one. I plan on buying a Bianchi M12 holster at some point.

I have used a decent ankle holster for carrying a Colt Cobra (.38 Special revolver) that is modified for double-action only (and has the hammer spur cut off). The holster design is leather with a felt lining and velcro closure. I'd recommend wearing two pairs of socks. One sock under the holster, and the second one on the outside of the holster to better conceal it, plus make it more secure and stable.

It's not a method of carry I would recommend for daily, routine use as it is going to be slower to access. Plus depending upon the circumstances, you may need to resort to subterfuge (acting ill or scared) in order to sneakily access it while under direct threat... which is an awful position to be in. Ankle carry will do in a pinch if you just can't dress to conceal at belt level (or some other method such as a shoulder holster)... but it's generally best relegated to carrying a backup gun, IMO.

I have never been a fan of belly band holsters. Especially now in the age of striker fired pistols. Whatever holster you use for a striker fired pistol needs to have good protection of the trigger mechanism, as that is also where the key (mechanical) safety mechanism is.

For most of the year, it's too damned hot in Alabama to conceal carry.

Clip the holster to the belt, untuck the shirt, and don't worry about it. Or just put it in a cargo pocket.

If one has a small .380 Llama, that is. I wouldn't know all that much about it, as I think guns are icky.

IWB kydex on strong side, OWB spare mag carrier (concealed by clothing) on other side. Never understood purpose of open carrying besides saying "please, shoot me first".. but that's a topic for another day...

OWB on the hip, have one for my Glock 19 and 43. Looking for an IWB for my 43 because during the summer it's still hard to conceal that.

I've heard that Kydex scratches the finish of your gun. Any merit to that?


v6,
boNes

That’s why I had to drop off my M9A3 slide at the gunsmith yesterday. Turns out my front sight was broken also and I didn’t notice. Grrrr...

Let’s try this again. Apparently I deleted my first try!

I have a 12 -15 year old Glock 26 That has been in an OWB kydex/leather hybrid for the whole time almost. It looks like a 12 year old gun that’s had 15000 rounds through it but it’s not marred I don’t think. I probably wouldn’t care if it were but it doesn’t look like it is jacked up. I can PM a pic if you want. It’s a Comp-tac Minotaur Gladiator holster.....

Edit: I just searched for it, and it doesn’t look like they make that anymore. Don’t know why but it’s nice if you can find one.

Guns are supposed to show wear. Those that don’t aren’t getting proper use.

Shipping mine off to Beretta tomorrow to get the front sight fixed. Hopefully they’ll refinish the slide but I doubt it... they’ll probably say normal wear and tear.