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Concealed carry IWB V.S OWB

8K views 28 replies 24 participants last post by  Nick549 
#1 ·
So I just recently started carrying on an every day basis G19 and have been experimenting with IWB but I really like the idea of comfort from an OWB.
Any one have experience carry OWB Concealed? I live in AZ so wearing a coat is pretty much out of the picture 9-10 months the out of the year.
I normally wear Jeans or shorts with a normal T-shirt (not fitted or baggy just one that fits)
Any advice? holster recommendation?

Thanks
 
#3 ·
I have one of those. It is a good, simple. secure design , but I don't use it much since I switched over to IWB with a Sticky holster.
 
#4 ·
So I just recently started carrying on an every day basis G19 and have been experimenting with IWB but I really like the idea of comfort from an OWB.
Any one have experience carry OWB Concealed? I live in AZ so wearing a coat is pretty much out of the picture 9-10 months the out of the year.
I normally wear Jeans or shorts with a normal T-shirt (not fitted or baggy just one that fits)
Any advice? holster recommendation?

Thanks
Everyone's body is different and everyone's idea of what "concealed" means is different. With the attire you describe, there is no way I could ever conceal anything that would help in a gunfight on my hip OWB.
 
#6 ·
6'1 and a "thin" 230. I carry my glock 43 owb in a kydex holster with belt loops. The holster sits high enough that it only drops about an inch or so off my belt line. I can carry like that with a loose (not oversized) tshirt and jeans.

Definitely worth exploring. I appreciate the comfort of owb carry but cannot get it to work with any type of double stack weapon
 
#8 ·
6'1 and a "thin" 230. I carry my glock 43 owb in a kydex holster with belt loops. The holster sits high enough that it only drops about an inch or so off my belt line. I can carry like that with a loose (not oversized) tshirt and jeans.

Definitely worth exploring. I appreciate the comfort of owb carry but cannot get it to work with any type of double stack weapon
What holster are you using? I'm going to get an OWB to trial it. Worst case... it'll be range holster
 
#11 ·
I have tried owb and it rarely works for, except winter, but a Wisconsin winter, not Arizona. It also depends on what kind of person you are. I am too active, moving around, picking up grandkids, arms up in the air. But i have a younger brother in law who is less active, due to neck and spine surgeries, he routinely carries a G23 owb under a tee shirt, but since his movements are so guarded, he never has an issue, no bending, twisting or reaching, to give him away
 
#12 ·
As we all know, there's a million holsters out there IWB and OWB and most are decent or better. The 19 being sort of mid-size compact is very similar to my M&P 45C. Concealing it with just a tee shirt, would be impossible for me. That's why it's my winter carry. Big tee shirt carry is my 26. I use the Comp-Tac Infidel Ultra, IWB, for both. It's very comfortable to carry either all day. Good luck.
 
#13 ·
I carry my G23(3) every day.

I am a "paddle holster" kind of guy, and have several to choose from.

Winter carry is always easier than summer, especially in the Memphis area.

For several years now I am enjoying my IMI Defense (GK1) paddle holster. Sits up high, tightest build in the industry and has adjustable retention. I top that off with a SnagMag in my off-hand front pocket.

Just like getting dressed each morning, easy setup.
 
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#16 ·
This is what works for me - 5'9" & 235lbs - with my 19:

IWB leather - Milt Sparks VM 2
OWB leather - Mitch Rosen PRES-EXP
IWB Hybrid - Comp-Tac MTAC

I usually wear a loose Hawaiian shirt or a 5.11 Tactical Covert shirt. Can't wear t-shirts because my gut prints too much.
 
#19 ·
holster recommendation?
I've said before, but I'll repeat it here. I've pocket carried exclusively for maybe 10 years. This was preceded by 10 years of IWB and OWB. Only recently did I return to OWB, and the reason is Alien Gear holsters. Their OWB conceals well, is mighty comfortable and only costs $30 - $35 plus $8 shipping. At that price, its worth a try. I've ended up with at least 6 or 8 of them for my carry rotation, though usually its a Glock 19 or 43.

http://aliengearholsters.com/glock-19-cloak-slide-owb-holster-outside-the-waistband.html
 
#20 ·
I've worn a Glock Sport/Combat holster OWB with my G27 at 3:00 during cooler weather. It's comfortable, and it's just as concealable as my IWB holster with my usual untucked shirt garb. I've never tried to conceal my G27 under a T-shirt.

In addition, I've worn a Crossbreed Supertuck holster IWB with my G22 at 3:00. This setup is just about as comfortable as OWB carry.

Although I've occasionally carried my G27 AIWB in Wild Bill's and Remora holsters, I don't prefer AIWB carry for the G27 owing to a less-speedy drawstroke.

On the other hand, I prefer AIWB carry in Wild Bill's or Remora holsters with my Ruger SP-101 .357 Magnum revolver. The drawstroke is fine.
 
#21 ·
I recently started carrying OWB in the Glock Sport/ Combat holster. It will hide all my Glocks and my 9mm Shield as well. I moved to OWB from IWB after getting the Wilderness Instructors belt. I never realized what a difference a proper gun belt makes while carrying.
All I wear anymore are slightly over sized button down shirts and they do a great job of concealing a firearm. I dress the same wether going to Walmart or fishing in my kayak. Concealment is easy once you realize no t people never pay close enough attention to tell if your carrying or not. Also since printing is not illegal in Florida I could care less if i do print a little bit.
 
#24 ·
I'm in AZ too. I don't wear t-shirts anymore when I carry - changed over to either Hawaiian or a shirt with the same cut. Squared off bottom still looks ok un-tucked. I carry a full-sized 1911 OWB and it works fine.
 
#26 ·
The problem for me in OWB is that everything extends below the pant-line and shirts ride up too easily, with bending and sitting, exposing things.

I went through a number of uncomfortable IWB holsters before someone suggested the N82 Pro. I love it. It's like wearing a pillow and the retention design works great. Smooth leather, neoprene layer and suede inner.
My only complaint was the single clip design creating a wider holster than ideal. But N82 has developed a double side clip design that I bought.... for my wife to give me for Christmas. :supergrin:



Don't give up on IWB just yet.
 
#27 ·
Your size & body type will dictate as well as the holster, but I find IWB far easier to conceal. All you have to hide is the grip. If OWB, something high & tight to the body will work with most 4" or less barrel lengths, most untucked shirts.
 
#28 ·
I would think that the N82 Pro would be a great choice in hot climates where you would rather not wear an undershirt. If you can wear an undershirt then there are a lot of great choices in both IWB and OWB. I prefer holsters from Milt Sparks, Mitch Rosen, and TT Gunleather.
 
#29 ·
I carry a G19 OWB with a Concealment Solutions Cobra holster with quick clips. probably the best holster I ever used. it's super comfortable. whenever I carry I wear a tight Under Armour shirt as a under shirt and a regular t-shirt over the gun. You hardly notice the gun and if it does print a little bit I really don't care. I'm starting to get over that more and more every day I carry. I have no intentions on carrying IWB again. I'm currently switching over to carrying a G17 with a tlr1-hl in a Bravo concealment OWB...so it can definitely be done.
 
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