Anyone ever do this while carrying? (AIWB vs IWB)

MikeyCNY said:

So I usually carry IWB, 3-4 o'clock (primary is a SIG P365XL with Holosun 507k right now). I find IWB comfortable for the majority of my needs and much easier to conceal, but I also have an AIWB (Appendix IWB) if I'm just around the house or making a quick trip somewhere. I would like to eventually move to always AIWB but depending on what I'm wearing there is a noticeable 'bump' there, but I digress..

I find AIWB more comfortable for driving (also easier to get to if needed) - and I was driving somewhere then driving right back. I decided to AIWB it, and left. All during the drive I'm getting pinched on my side, and my pants seemed tighter. I know I could lose a few pounds but yeesh...

I get to where I was going (for pizza, ironically enough...), but before I drive back I check under my shirt.

I still had my (empty) IWB holster inside my pants. (the sweat guard was what was pinching me) I thought it was funny enough to share..

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Edwardteach72 said:

If you have Instagram I HIGHLY recommend going and checking out Phlsters page. They legit just did a massive knowledge dump about AIWB and why small guns print..

Haven't read your whole post yet just got to the bump part and well one of those times when things line up

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Podmonkey said:

Small guns print more than bigger guns in AIWB? How? I don't have Instagram and I never will, I don't do social media (I'm far too misanthropic) Good thing I have no interest in that method of carry.

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Podmonkey said:

I see. None of this seems to apply to non appendix carry then. When I carry IWB @ 4 o'clock there is a significant difference in comfort and printing between the G19 and The Shield with the latter almost disappearing from my awareness. Likewise for shoulder carry. Its why I'm pretty excited about the Shield plus and these high capacity micro 9s in general. I can have the comfort and concealment of a small gun without sacrificing so much on capacity.

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Edwardteach72 said:

Oh for sure. My 19 was easier to carry comfortably concealed 3-4 o'clock than my 17 (could still pull the 17 off just a bit more work)

But when it comes to appendix it's a whole different game. This is why you will see a select few (and they are the top tier) companies offer their holster sizes in essentially G17 lenght only (or even the same holster but G34 length) Dark Star Gear even makes G43/43x/48 holsters that are G34 length.

And I can attest that the added lenght makes a noticeable difference in comfort and concealing (both in a positive, as counterintuitive as that may seem)

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Podmonkey said:

Just carry a bigger gun at that point I'd say. Why put a little gun in a large holster? Especially if the bigger was more comfortable and printed less. Carry a Glock 20, that would be pretty cool! Still, for me shoulder carry is more practical. And while we can come up with pros and cons there is one factor that exists in my daily life that I thinks trumps everything else: public restrooms! Plus I carry in non permissive (but not illegal) environments so if my gun were exposed climbing up into the cab, or scrambling into and out of the trailer that could cause a serious kerfuffle. At least in PA I can't be arrested for ignoring no gun signs.

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Edwardteach72 said:

Many will say added weight is an issue (belt helps) or with the 43/43x/48 the slimmer profile helps.

With all that being said I've been playing with the idea of a P365 with holosun 507k (and maybe/probably streamlight tlr-7sub) for a deep concealment/jogging/gym shorts and sweats type of gun paired with a Phlster Enigma... but haven't yet because that's a large $$$$ investment for something that would get very very little use

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Toecutter said:

I adjust my aiwb holster to ride a bit lower to help with the handle tipping out. It also depends on your body and how you wear your pants. Wearing them higher helps .

Try adjusting it an inch one way or another it can make a difference. Although I don't care about printing I always felt more confident concealing at 1 o'clock.

I also would find a carry location that works and carry that way. Don't keep changing it up. Or change it with seasons. Lately I carry in a shoulder holster in the winter and fall. I will switch to an aiwb when it's to warm to wear a sports coat.

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Celt said:

Ill be looking to get a new holster soon, one that has the "wing" or whatever its called to help keep the grip close to the body. I also carry aiwb, either a g19 or 43 depending. An instructor i recently trained with has a dr scholls insole on the lower half of his holster to push the barrel further from the body and in turn putting the grip closer to your body. All these things can help comfort and concealment.

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Celt said:

Ill be looking to get a new holster soon, one that has the "wing" or whatever its called to help keep the grip close to the body. I also carry aiwb, either a g19 or 43 depending. An instructor i recently trained with has a dr scholls insole on the lower half of his holster to push the barrel further from the body and in turn putting the grip closer to your body. All these things can help comfort and concealment.

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MikeyCNY said:

That said, most of the people who pull off AIWB without printing are super skinny.

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MikeyCNY said:

Sorry, this wasn't meant to be a "IWB vs AIWB" thread - it was a funny thread about me having two holsters on at once (one being empty).

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Celt said:

Ill be looking to get a new holster soon, one that has the "wing" or whatever its called to help keep the grip close to the body. I also carry aiwb, either a g19 or 43 depending. An instructor i recently trained with has a dr scholls insole on the lower half of his holster to push the barrel further from the body and in turn putting the grip closer to your body. All these things can help comfort and concealment.

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Edwardteach72 said:

They have 5 other posts they just made about concealed carry

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Xae289 said:

Really glad you posted this info. I used to carry my Glock 35 AIWB, and other than the problem that I was fat so AIWB just wasn't comfortable, it was by far the best way to conceal that handgun and did a very good job of hiding a gun I couldn't conceal at 3 oclock. After losing a bunch of weight, I decided to get a Vedder AIWB holster with a claw (same concept as a wing). I was very surprised that it didn't seem to conceal well. I have the exact issue you illustrate where the grip leans forward, even with sturdy gun belts. The claw helps somewhat, but it still leans forward badly, especially when I sit. I thought it was just an issue of the remaining beer gut I have yet to work off, but that doesn't really make sense because I had a bigger keg when I more discreetly but less comfortably carried the G35. I'm going to try adding a wedge to see if that helps.

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Tier 1 Concealed

- If Purchased Alone, Ships in 1-5 Business Days - If Purchased With a Holster, Pack Will Ship With Holster - For IWB And Certain OWB Holsters - All 4 Sizes Included - Added Comfort and Concealment - Already Know What Sizes You Want? Grab Those Here. - Don't have a Tier 1 holster? No worries...

www.tier1concealed.com

Edwardteach72 said:

Here is a multi pack of wedge sizes

Tier 1 Concealed

- If Purchased Alone, Ships in 1-5 Business Days - If Purchased With a Holster, Pack Will Ship With Holster - For IWB And Certain OWB Holsters - All 4 Sizes Included - Added Comfort and Concealment - Already Know What Sizes You Want? Grab Those Here. - Don't have a Tier 1 holster? No worries...

www.tier1concealed.com

As for me G34 (I haven't added a wedge yet) has actually turned out to be my most comfortable gun to carry. And (yes I'm skinny) it conceals just as easy as a G19

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