IWB vs OWB pros and cons

JGIORD · September 2, 2005, 11:18 PM

Can someone give me the basic pros and cons on a IWB vs an OWB holster. I have a Glock G19 and am looking into a holster, but not sure which is better and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Looking for some experienced input.

Thanks

bulbboy · September 2, 2005, 11:35 PM

Depends on how you dress, where you work, etc. I like to have an IWB and and OWB for all my carry guns. I wear slacks and golf/casual shirt for work - so I use a Galco "Glove" Ankle holster for my G27. I also have a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 on order - IWB and tuckable. I use a High Noon Holster "Hidden Ally" for my Kahr MK9 - its IWB and tuckable as well. I have a couple of K & D Holsters on order that are a OWB belt slide. It usually takes a couple of holsters before you find the right one for you! I am a little overweight so IWB in the front doesnt work well but it works great in the 4 - 6 oclock range. Keep looking at all the threads and checking out websites
www.miltsparks.com
www.highnoonholsters.com
www.kdholsters.com
Good luck

Dust_Devil · September 3, 2005, 12:01 AM

IWB - pros = better concealment.
- cons = may require buying larger waist size pants to comfortably fit holster and weapon. May feel uncomortable at first. Wearing at least 2 shirts is usually needed- one undershirt to protect body from gun and holster and second shirt to cover.

OWB - pros = simpler to wear. Can wear more choices of clothing and not worry about needing to buy extra large pants to fit holster in waistline.
- cons = less concealment. holster could get caught up on something.

Cons for both = having to always wear shirt hanging out or wearing a jacket to cover and keep concealed.

I use the Predator brand holsters. I have both the IWB and OWB models.
I use the IWB as the clothes I wear right now, I would need better concealment nd having a weapon inside the pants shows less of a print of the weapon and less of a danger it being exposed.

JGIORD · September 5, 2005, 03:36 PM

Thanks

Eric Larsen · September 11, 2005, 11:06 AM

Good information passed on....
Just remember when choosing either one...keep it simple. Many people over complicate the holster choosing process. Find one that fits your needs, gun and environment.
Keep the gun close to the body, dont compromise grip access and make it concealable. Other than that theres not much to it.

Shoot well.

9teen11spv · September 11, 2005, 05:04 PM

I carry IWB 90% of the time.. I carry OWB in the winter time.

I prefer Blade-Tech. holsters.

AK103K · September 11, 2005, 05:53 PM

I too prefer the Blade Tech holsters. I've used one daily for about 10 years now. The IWB at around 4 o'clock is the most concealable holster going. They do take a little getting used to at first, but once you do, they are very comfortable and secure. I dont buy my pants any bigger than I normally wear, they are a little snugger with the holster inside your pants, but it helps hold things in place better. Also, even though its inside your pants, you still need an good gun belt.

September 2, 2005, 11:18 PM	#1
JGIORD Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2001 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 147	IWB vs OWB pros and cons Can someone give me the basic pros and cons on a IWB vs an OWB holster. I have a Glock G19 and am looking into a holster, but not sure which is better and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Looking for some experienced input. Thanks

September 11, 2005, 11:06 AM	#5
Eric Larsen Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2001 Location: Bountiful....Ut. Posts: 3,226	Good information passed on.... Just remember when choosing either one...keep it simple. Many people over complicate the holster choosing process. Find one that fits your needs, gun and environment. Keep the gun close to the body, dont compromise grip access and make it concealable. Other than that theres not much to it. Shoot well. __________________ If they dont know you have a gun.....then I did alright! If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice......Rush

September 2, 2005, 11:35 PM	#2
bulbboy Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2005 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 379	Depends on how you dress, where you work, etc. I like to have an IWB and and OWB for all my carry guns. I wear slacks and golf/casual shirt for work - so I use a Galco "Glove" Ankle holster for my G27. I also have a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 on order - IWB and tuckable. I use a High Noon Holster "Hidden Ally" for my Kahr MK9 - its IWB and tuckable as well. I have a couple of K & D Holsters on order that are a OWB belt slide. It usually takes a couple of holsters before you find the right one for you! I am a little overweight so IWB in the front doesnt work well but it works great in the 4 - 6 oclock range. Keep looking at all the threads and checking out websites www.miltsparks.com www.highnoonholsters.com www.kdholsters.com Good luck

September 3, 2005, 12:01 AM	#3
Dust_Devil Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 235	IWB - pros = better concealment. - cons = may require buying larger waist size pants to comfortably fit holster and weapon. May feel uncomortable at first. Wearing at least 2 shirts is usually needed- one undershirt to protect body from gun and holster and second shirt to cover. OWB - pros = simpler to wear. Can wear more choices of clothing and not worry about needing to buy extra large pants to fit holster in waistline. - cons = less concealment. holster could get caught up on something. Cons for both = having to always wear shirt hanging out or wearing a jacket to cover and keep concealed. I use the Predator brand holsters. I have both the IWB and OWB models. I use the IWB as the clothes I wear right now, I would need better concealment nd having a weapon inside the pants shows less of a print of the weapon and less of a danger it being exposed.

September 5, 2005, 03:36 PM	#4
JGIORD Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2001 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 147	Thanks

September 11, 2005, 05:04 PM	#6
9teen11spv Junior Member Join Date: May 24, 2005 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 14	I carry IWB 90% of the time.. I carry OWB in the winter time. I prefer Blade-Tech. holsters.

September 11, 2005, 05:53 PM	#7
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	I too prefer the Blade Tech holsters. I've used one daily for about 10 years now. The IWB at around 4 o'clock is the most concealable holster going. They do take a little getting used to at first, but once you do, they are very comfortable and secure. I dont buy my pants any bigger than I normally wear, they are a little snugger with the holster inside your pants, but it helps hold things in place better. Also, even though its inside your pants, you still need an good gun belt.