IWB or OWB, which do you prefer and why? | Homestead Security | Forums

Short answer: iwb cause now that i aint on the job, concealibility and going unnoticed is more important than speed.

Some unsolicited advise? Sure, here you go:

Invest in a good gun belt. Its thicker, more durable, and helps secure and stabalize the holster as it fills the belt loop on the holster more fully. Think of it as the houses foundation.

Holsters should come with a reinforced opening that will allow a reholster with one hand. A good holster will also have a sweat liner ( if leather) that prevents your sweat from coming in contact with the firearm. This is useful for hot, wet, and humid areas. Holsters should cover the trigger helping to prevent AD's when drawing or reholstering. I prefer a button snap belt loop over metal retention clips or belt loops cut into the holster as i find it more stable and easier to remove.

Iwb is very stable as its clipped to the belt and uses your drawers. As its closer to the body it cuts down on the printing of the weapon. It can make grasping the weapon more difficult, especially with a cheap holster, as some allow the weapon to jab into your torso. Your girth should also be a factor. If your waist line spills over your belt in a flabalanche closer to the body may not be better.

Owb can also be very stable but it takes more leather to acheive the same result. A belt here is even more important. Its inherrently less concealable as the weapon is farther from the body. I was quicker with an owb yaqui slide and a duty issued glock19....but i was working as a det. then and didnt give a crap about concealibility cause i was going to be in it if something went down and i wanted every advantage (speed).

The dept was heading to kydex when i left. It gave a positive click when the weapon was secured. If you are going to be climbing, jumping and running a holster with a retaining snap might be advisible but remember, when the adreneline dumps, you be may less coordinated and end up giving yourself a wedgie as you are jerking the firearm upwards and forgot about the snap or couldnt get it loose. I dont recommend fancy retention holsters, especially for your purpose.

No matter which you choose, the holster shouldn't slide forwards or backwards along the belt. The cant or angle should remain constant thus it shouldnt rotate. You should strive for a consistent location on your waist every time you put it on. Your draw should be consistent (no fumbling). You got to put in the reps. An open jacket, suit coat, or open flannel is one a one handed brush back as hand finds the grip. A t shirt can be a one or two handed affair.

Lastly, consider seated carry. Especially in your vehicle with a seat belt on. Cross draw will work in a veh but conventional stong side carry is harder. Here is where cant comes into play again. Iwb, You will have to clear the clothing before buckling up. Owb you must remove the jacket etc...so either you do it outside your car where everyone is looking or you fumble around in your car with you clothes.

If none of this works for you, i suggest growing a stubbly beard, calling yourself crockett, and openly wearing a shoulder rig everywhere you go.