A lot of the advertising I see for IWB and similar holsters always seem to feature folks who are a bit slimmer/fit etc. But what about if you’re not built like that?
5 Likes
For carrying where IWB?
4 Likes
When I was heavier, my first choice during the colder months was OWB, concealed by a jacket. During warmer months I used an IWB kidney carry (about the 5 o’clock position). A belly band was uncomfortable. A “Dirty Harry” shoulder rig flopped around too much. IWB appendix carry was too awkward with my gut.
I’ve lost enough weight that I can comfortably carry IWB appendix now. IWB kidney is uncomfortable. In the winter I use CCW outer clothing, such as this Ariat vest.
Your mileage may vary.
5 Likes
I did mention IWB yes.
2 Likes
Sadly the jacket only goes up to 2X and I’m at least a 3X right now.
1 Like
I’ve said it before, but I like my crossbreed minituck at 3-4 o’clock.
5 Likes
That’s an excellent holster. I have the same holster and it is FABULOUS!
2 Likes
I was up to 330 lbs. before my VA Doc convinced me to join the Fat boy Club. Down to 285 lbs. after about 8 months. I found and find the IWB very comfortable.
Picture is not me but this works better than I thought.
3 Likes
That works until I sit down and my belly rolls the muzzle of the gun into my bladder.
5 Likes
I was actually looking at the Comfort and Pro Tuck the other day, at a similar angle, since my sides are mostly flat, it’s my front that pops.
3 Likes
I am a lefty and live with the belly roll problem. I have carried everywhere from appendix to 8 O’clock. Position varies slightly depending on clothing and whether or not I’m wearing suspenders!
3 Likes
As I’ve advised before - go to FALCO holsters. They offer many materials and types of holsters, and many options for them. Two to look at are the “Walker” - an open-top, open-muzzle with its belt-clip mounted on a swivel for adjustments - and the “Smith” - this open-muzzle is offered as an open-top, or with a thumb-break. I once had them make a “Smith” for me with a “Walker” swivel-clip and thumb-break - I think they charged me $5.00 extra for the switch. Shop them CAREFULLY, especially on the options.
3 Likes
Have you tried a Sticky holster? They’re soft, slim, easy to adjust, and could even go in your front pocket if you have a long enough shirt to cover it.
1 Like
they don’t seem to have anything that matches the Springfield XD Mod.3 (but based on how they’re not molded to the exact shape, I’m guessing the Mod.2 4” may still work). They don’t seem much different than the cheap LaserPro IWB holster I already have (other than being different material) that’s kind of hard to get back into it unless I loosen up my belt, remove the holster, put the gun back in, and then get it back into my waist band and tighten up again.
1 Like
I fall into the not overweight category, but I think my observations and personal experience might help some.
I am right handed and have tried carrying from 9 o’clock to 5 o’clock IWB. After years of experimenting, I have settled in on 3 o’clock IWB. The cant, or tilt, you set your holster has a significant impact on how the grip aligns with your body. The grip sticks out the most and makes us worry about printing. The more the grip is aligned vertically, like your body, the more it blends into your body. The more off 3 o’clock you wear it, the more it is going to either stick out the back when you bend over, or the more it is going to poke into your stomach when you bend over. This is why the 3 o’clock position has become the most comfortable for me.
The only other thing I can think to add is I prefer a two clip or loop IWB holster because it not only distributes weight, but also distributes bulk. A single clip makes the complete package thicker, which makes printing more likely, IMHO.
IWB holster at about 20 degree cant:
There are a gazillion of IWB holsters with 2 clips (or loops) in leather, kydex, and leather/kydex hybrids to choose from. Many offer adjustable cant so you can try and see what tilt you like best.
6 Likes
Check the Legendary Whitetails website. They have CCW outerwear in Big and Tall sizes, including 3XL and 3XT.
I checked the website to verify, and ended up ordering myself a new CCW jacket. I blamed you when my wife asked why.
2 Likes
I suggest you ought to probably start shooting Ozempic instead of handguns.
This will resolve both of your failures at once.
1 Like
Same question. IWB where? You have 360 degrees of options.
3 Likes
For solid advice from knowledge instructors on holster selection for the heavier among us, search YouTube for videos by Memphis Beech and PHLster. You can also find the relevant videos by mining PHLster.com.
Memphis is an expert instructor who models the full body carry with great personal experience.
6 Likes
Ditto. 3 o’clock w/slight cant; spare mag at 8 o’clock. I get a better initial grip with no cant. But a little cant really helps eliminate printing, even if I carry a full size 1911. With the colder weather this time of year, I get a little added comfort from OWB and can get away with it due to heavier clothing. Otherwise a hybrid leather/kydex IWB is pretty comfy all day.
Appendix carry is really popular these days so I tried to make it work, but I just couldn’t. I tried two different highly recommended holsters w/claw, no claw, yada, yada… I couldn’t find a sweet spot where it worked for both standing and sitting, and I wasn’t printing. I gave up, went back to 3 o’clock and never looked back.
6 Likes