IWB vs. OWB Carry

[MMH]

I have carried IWB for many years. Recently I started OWB carry, mostly for comfort reasons. My primary IWB gun was a BHP, while full size very thin. The gun I started OWB carry was a CZ P-01. This is compact gun, while a little thicker than a BHP not as thick as a Sig 229. I got a High Noon topless holster. I still want to carry concealed, and have a t-shirt w/ a untucked shirt or sweatshirt over the gun.

My observations are that carrying OWB is MUCH more comfortable. One downside is that the gun prints a little more. W/ my setup the primary reason is that the gun is not pulled as tight to the body (carrying in a 3:30 - 4:00 position) resulting in the pistol but sticking out a bit. Not the end of the world, but tighter would be nicer.

[pbs357]

Totally agree, OWB is much more comfortable but not as naturally easy for CC. I find using a quality stiffer gun belt helps with the slide tipping outwards. When I OWB I use a Kore Essentials 1.5" Tactical belt. It looks like a nylon belt but comes w a nice buckle so it's not too tacti-cool looking. Added bonus is it's click adjustable so you can dial in exactly how tight you need.

[Walleye Hunter]

Being as I'm a tad portly, I haven't tried IWB and just carry OWB. I bought a belt off the old scooter at Morgantown Gun Show a few years ago and it's the only belt I wear unless I'm getting gussied up. It is pretty heavy duty, has no stitching and I would definitely buy another. But this one looks like it'll outlast me.

[eatmydust]

I used to worry about printing, until I ran into a guy at our local Walmart that was obviously(to me anyway) carrying an LCP in a OWB black leather case that looked like it could hold a PDA. I engaged him in conversation and asked if he was indeed carrying, he answered "Yes." He then told me that he had carried that way for several years and I was the first person to ever ask if he was carrying. After that I stopped worrying about printing while varrying because I realized how oblivious most people are about their surroundings. YMMV

[ROCK-IT3]

If you like the High Noon Holster, you might try the Sky-High model. Along with a good gun belt, it will hold pretty tight to your side, and the high ride prevents the bottom of the holster from peeking out below your cover garment, if that's a concern. There will be very little, if any, printing with the garments you describe.

[Exbiker]

The more my spine disintegrates the more my carry evolves. Started with a Colt revolver IWB, then later a 1911 IWB evolved to OWB, back got worse so went to a G19 IWB then pocket carry using a IWB holster, now either a G43 or S&W ultra lite revolver pocket carry using a IWB holster with the spring clip showing.
Pants are not on, lays better when wearing.

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[R L Suehr]

I've gone back and forth over the years. I prefer owb, but I've come to not mind carrying iwb with smaller guns and for convenience. Currently I usually edc a 43x in a kydex iwb holster. If I go bigger than that, it's usually owb for comfort.

[HanzMcFeely]

Its funny this thread came up. Recently there was an email i got addressing this from a physical therapy standpoint. Long story short, OWB at 3 oclock is the best option to carry due to body mechanics. I’ll see if i can find the article and post it.

Personally i prefer strong side 3 oclock OWB. Its more comfortable and easiest to draw from. The only way i feel comfortable with IWB is at the 4-5 position using a small pistol (g26 size or smaller). Downside to this is if im sitting, it puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Its uncomfortable at 1-3 position because it sits on the hip bone or digs into my fat roll and leg when i sit.

[Walleye Hunter]

Its funny this thread came up. Recently there was an email i got addressing this from a physical therapy standpoint. Long story short, OWB at 3 oclock is the best option to carry due to body mechanics. I*ll see if i can find the article and post it.

That's what works best for me and the holster loops straddle my belt loop so I can slide it front or back a little to get it out of the way when I'm seated in my car or Lay-Z-Boy.

[HanzMcFeely]

That's what works best for me and the holster loops straddle my belt loop so I can slide it front or back a little to get it out of the way when I'm seated in my car or Lay-Z-Boy.

Next best thing is inside jacket pocket carry, but that has some serious drawbacks if you carry a full size pistol. Usually only reserved for when i get out of the jeep and dont have my belt holster on. If its the compact/smaller pistol, it goes in the outer jacket pocket and is reserved for quick runs outside for mail, etc. when i dont want to put the belt and holster on