OWB is the most comfortable without a doubt however for me IWB has always been a compromise between concealment and comfort. The most discomfort is when driving and so I shift the entire rig more to the 3 O-Clock position from my 3:30 normal carry. The best you might get is with the Crossbreed because of the large leather backing. The position of the rig in the pics looks good. Try moving it more to 3:30 and see if it feels any better.
How comfortable can it get
I have been trying to find a "comfortable" holster to carry IWB. I carry either a J frame or a sig 226. Both when I carry them OWB are comfortable when standing and bearable when driving. Both guns when I try IWB rigs including crosbreed supertucks with 2 inches extra on the pant size, a thick leather belt, etc, are comfortable when standing but absurdly uncomfortable when driving. I don't know if I am being unrealistic on how comfortable sitting with a pointy piece of steele on inside my pants can actually be. Attached are some pictures to see if you can figure if I am doing anything wrong. I have tried adjusting the cant of the gun and going from the 3 o'clock to the 4 o' clock position. All pictures are taken infront of a mirror.
Attachments
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I have found that the easiest carry for me is a Smith & Wesson J-frame snub nosed .38 in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. All it requires is a decent sized pocket and a decent belt to keep your pants from sliding down. At 15 oz. (+ ammo weight) it is the easiest carry for me.
When I don't carry that way, I use a Blackhawk Serpa OWB for either the Smith or a Glock 19, and then use long enough shirts for concealment.
After reading Brownie's thoughts on possible lock problems with the Serpa, I have ordered a few new holsters that I am waiting for. Time will tell if i like it better or make some new deposits to my holster drawer.
When it's all said and done, with the minimal clothing and cover garments that I usually wear here in Florida, the pocket carry just seems to work best for me. I also like the ability to be able to walk casually while at the same time assume a proper shooting grip, while never drawing attention to myself.
When I don't carry that way, I use a Blackhawk Serpa OWB for either the Smith or a Glock 19, and then use long enough shirts for concealment.
After reading Brownie's thoughts on possible lock problems with the Serpa, I have ordered a few new holsters that I am waiting for. Time will tell if i like it better or make some new deposits to my holster drawer.
When it's all said and done, with the minimal clothing and cover garments that I usually wear here in Florida, the pocket carry just seems to work best for me. I also like the ability to be able to walk casually while at the same time assume a proper shooting grip, while never drawing attention to myself.
Good ideas. Also stick to light colors or white, as they are cooler.
Of course Brownie is operating on a different fitness plateau. Ooh-rah!
Of course Brownie is operating on a different fitness plateau. Ooh-rah!
drbarbara,
I'm not aware of how long you've carried a firearm but the more you carry one on a belt the more comfortable you'll be in all positions you may find yourself in. Driving, standing, kneeling or on one or both knees, it won't matter once you become one with the gun and holster.
Some holsters are more comfortable than others. I find 3-3:15 O'clock the most comfortable and the fastest draw for me. I don't like the FBI 15 degree canted holsters that have to be worn at 4-4:30 carry positions.
In time I think you'll find what works best for you, but it requires you carry all the time till that holster and gun are in a position on your belt that feels just right for you and your body.
I now carry in OWB holsters only where I used to carry in the IWB Sparks VM-2's most of the time. I occasionally carry cross draw as well. I've carried so long I don't even think about "printing" issues.
Nothing you buy is going to instantly be "comfortable" in every position. You'll get used to it over time though, then carrying will be second nature. "Comfortable" comes from familiarity.
Ron,
I've never looked liked that picture, I don't have an underbite. I've saving it to my computer though, it's a good one.
Brownie
I'm not aware of how long you've carried a firearm but the more you carry one on a belt the more comfortable you'll be in all positions you may find yourself in. Driving, standing, kneeling or on one or both knees, it won't matter once you become one with the gun and holster.
Some holsters are more comfortable than others. I find 3-3:15 O'clock the most comfortable and the fastest draw for me. I don't like the FBI 15 degree canted holsters that have to be worn at 4-4:30 carry positions.
In time I think you'll find what works best for you, but it requires you carry all the time till that holster and gun are in a position on your belt that feels just right for you and your body.
I now carry in OWB holsters only where I used to carry in the IWB Sparks VM-2's most of the time. I occasionally carry cross draw as well. I've carried so long I don't even think about "printing" issues.
Nothing you buy is going to instantly be "comfortable" in every position. You'll get used to it over time though, then carrying will be second nature. "Comfortable" comes from familiarity.
Ron,
I've never looked liked that picture, I don't have an underbite
. I've saving it to my computer though, it's a good one.Brownie
Wow, Brownie and Rvrctyrngr, I'll admit, putting on two shirts sounds insane in the heat, and since you're not the first ones to say that "layering" cotton works, I got to thinking about it, and it actually makes sense from a scientific point of view. I'll definitely give it a try. I'll try anything once if it means feeling cooler in the summer.
Thanks. :thumsup
Thanks. :thumsup
This is freakin wierd
First thanks to all of you that have pitched in in this matter. Today I found out something very wierd. I normaly carry on my way to work (1 hour drive), at work I don't carry so the pistol stays in the car for 12 hours, and then I again carry on the way back. The driving part was killing me. Today was my day off and I decided to carry while I was at home. I put on the crosbreed with the sig 226 at 3 o' clock and I have been wearing it for 8 hours without any problems. I have been sitting in front of my computer doing my taxes for the last 2 hours and did not feel the holster at all. As soon as I sat down in my car to go get lunch the stupid thing again started jabbing me in the love handles. I don't really understand the mechanics but I guess it has to do with the design of car seats (?? bucket) that push the bottom of the grip against the body.
If anyone has any ideas I would really appreciate them.
Thanks
First thanks to all of you that have pitched in in this matter. Today I found out something very wierd. I normaly carry on my way to work (1 hour drive), at work I don't carry so the pistol stays in the car for 12 hours, and then I again carry on the way back. The driving part was killing me. Today was my day off and I decided to carry while I was at home. I put on the crosbreed with the sig 226 at 3 o' clock and I have been wearing it for 8 hours without any problems. I have been sitting in front of my computer doing my taxes
for the last 2 hours and did not feel the holster at all. As soon as I sat down in my car to go get lunch the stupid thing again started jabbing me in the love handles. I don't really understand the mechanics but I guess it has to do with the design of car seats (?? bucket) that push the bottom of the grip against the body. If anyone has any ideas I would really appreciate them.
Thanks
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