Carried IWB for the first time....

mini14jac · February 4, 2002, 08:20 AM

I carried my MK9 inside the waistband for the first time this weekend.
I have never tried this form of carry, and I was surprised at how easy and comfortable it was.

I purchased a Uncle Mike's IWB holster for $10, because I really didn't think this would work for me.
With my build, I have always had trouble keeping my pants up.
(Use your imagination.

)

I was surprised that IWB carry actually helps keep my pants up!
It is like the gun acted like a wedge between my belt and my hip bone. I noticed that all of my pants seem to have room for the slim MK9, and I wore one of those Old Navy pull-over fleece tops.
Worked perfect.
Now I need to check out some over-sized tee shirts and sweaters.
(And order a good leather holster.)

Once I got the gun adjusted, it was actually quite comfortable.
I wore it most of the day Saturday, and about 3 hours Sunday, with no problem.

I think this might work!

Archer1440 · February 4, 2002, 01:02 PM

Now that you've had good success with a cheap IWB, you'll probably be even more pleased with a good quality leather holster.

IWB is a great way to carry discreetly, if it works for your build.

Country Boy · February 4, 2002, 01:02 PM

Glad to hear that IWB works! Good luck in finding a holster. You've got a great resource here at TFL if you need any advice/assistance.

Eric Larsen · February 5, 2002, 08:41 AM

I agree with Archer...if you think the UM worked well just try a really nice one. Dont be afraid to spend some money on it also,
not a fortune...just a good one. I carry a 2+ pound gun IWB and
have no problems.....very comfy. Shoot well

Dave R · February 5, 2002, 10:36 AM

When you get your good holster, get a good gun belt, too. It really improves comfort. The belt distributes the weight of the gun evenly, rather than letting it concentrate in one spot.

You don't have to spend $100 on a designated gun belt to get decent comfort, especially with a lighter pistol like the MK 9.

I've had good results with $15 belts at Wal-Mart. Just get the widest, stiffest one you can. The stiffness is what distributes the weight of the pistol.

mini14jac · February 5, 2002, 11:52 AM

Thanks everybody.

I plan on carrying with the Uncle Mike's for a while longer, just to get used to that style of carry, but a good leather holster is next on my list.
I'm kind of partial to Don Hume, but I know that there are many good choices out there.

I could never understand why so many people recommend that type of carry. I thought it would be very uncomfortable.
Boy, was I wrong.

Do you eventually get to the point that you don't bump the handle getting into small cars, or going through doors?

Thanks much.

WESHOOT2 · February 5, 2002, 11:57 AM

You keep wearing, and tell us how long it takes YOU LOL.

.....the sound of breaking glass.....

mec · February 5, 2002, 12:39 PM

and some days it feels better than others. The Uncle Mikes actually work pretty well and will ( as long as kept clean of grit) take good care of your gun finish. Others that work well are a couple of deep iwb tuckables that actually hide the gun under your shirt.

I have an Aker Businessman for the PPK that is first rate and a Milt Sparks VMII designed by tony Kanaly. Mines a black horsehide model and it does a good job of hiding my Gold cup. This ones even more stealthy than the aker as the clips go over the pants and hook under the belt from behind. After a bit of practice, it's not even too inconvenient to get re-situationed after a trip to the throneroom.

OF · February 5, 2002, 12:41 PM

IWB is the way to B. My advice? Get a good belt and a good holster! Ditch the Uncle Mikes ASAP.

- Gabe

George Hill · February 5, 2002, 03:32 PM

Ditto on the good belt. A good belt is very important if your packing a gun. No skinny little dress belt need apply.

Jesse H · February 5, 2002, 03:39 PM

i still suprise myself at how many hours i can wear IWB. Sometimes 12+ hours.

don't shoot it's me · February 5, 2002, 08:02 PM

For real comfort in a short slided auto, get a holster that has a little leather wing beneath the end of the slide...it reallyhelps keep the gun from digging into your hip when you sit....to see an example of this style, check out the isp-3 at www.delfatti,com

Country Boy · February 7, 2002, 12:30 PM

Yes, there does come a time when you don't bump the handle of your gun as loudly or as often, but I haven't yet found a way to eliminate that completely. There's still an occasional time where I sit in a plastic booth at a fast food joint and my gun makes a THWOP. Fortunately, so many people are carrying cell phones and beepers, that you can blame it on that.

As you get more and more used to IWB form of carry, you'll soon get used to leading with your off side as you walk through tight crowds, hugging your relatives with your gun arm low and inside, and keeping your wallet in the rear pocket opposite your handgun.

7th Fleet · February 7, 2002, 05:26 PM

I carry my Makarov in that manner frequently, mainly because I don't have a decent hoslter for it yet. It is a pretty good way to carry a concealed handgun and it's pretty secure, until you have to take your pants down for some reason, then your gun is very unhandy.

7th

mini14jac · February 8, 2002, 07:55 AM

Quote:

hugging your relatives with your gun arm low and inside,

Country Boy,
Interesting that you should mention that.
I have a very "touchy feely" family.

I hugged my father-in-law Sunday, and he picked up on the gun quick. (He is ex-LEO, may have something to do with it.)
He quickly got out his old gun leather to show me, old badges, etc.

Most of the family knows that my wife and I have carry permits, but still, I need to practice hugging with strong side arm down.
-My daughter thinks I'm a gun nut-
I don't know who puts those ideas in her head.

Wait a minute, I'm not wearing my aluminum foil cap, they can hear me.....

Nanaimo Barr · February 8, 2002, 06:02 PM

you mean there is BETTER than an Uncle Mikes??

COOL!!!!!!!!!!

(heheheh)

I got one of those little $10 UM's IWB for my SMC 380. it will do until the gunshow next weekend.. (I've even been able to carry in sweats with it.. but reholstering is a pain)
I was amazed at how comfortable it was. I literaly forget I was carrying.

although the other thing to consider might be a pair of suspenders..

BigMike · February 9, 2002, 03:11 AM

When I first got into carrying pistols, I was told NOT to skimp on belts or holsters. I was told,"Think about it, you spend hundreds of dollars on your gun, more on ammo, and then you wanna buy a $20 dollar holster?"

Now there are some good holsters for inexpensive out there, but I have always found that for me, the more reputable holster makers have the nicer and more comfortable holsters.

Mike

Jamie Young · February 9, 2002, 10:47 PM

I've been having a hard time finding GOOD belts anywhere. The skinny little dress belts are every where. I guess I have to go to Texas to get the good ones.

I have almost forgotten I'm carrying IWB several times. I come home and realise its there when i get ready for bed. I think thats a bad thing

I just hope I don't go to bed with it and wake up and 4am and shoot the toilet accidentally

peepaw · February 9, 2002, 10:58 PM

Actually depending on what you are carrying the little ten dollar Uncle Mikes is perfect....in the summer all I ever carry is a S/W five shot airweight.....I am usually wearing a t-shirt...the holster is perfect for this gun...it adds very little to the thickness of the gun, and if you sweat a lot you can wash it...very underated IMO

Rovert · February 10, 2002, 08:49 AM

Which UncleMike's model did you pick for your MK9?

Ed Brunner · February 10, 2002, 11:47 AM

A good holster and belt are the keys to IWB carry. There are a lot of good belts out there in all widths etc and almost all price ranges. The best inexpensive really good dress belt I have found is Uncle Mike's Mirage. They are available at discount prices if you look around. I found some at $8.00!!! On holsters, you can find a lot of used holsters. Somebody bought one and it's not for him or whatever and he sells it cheap. If you already know what you want, buy the best you can afford, It is hard to wear one out.
You, too will probably progress through a few or a slew of holsters and probably guns too brefore you settle, but that is half of the adventure.
If it is really so uncomfortable that you can only wear it a few hours, you might want to reevaluate something or move it slightly.

Chris Pinkleton · February 10, 2002, 06:26 PM

Uncle Mike's "Sidekick" worked fine for me for IWB carry with G33, 12+ hrs. per day. But I was standing most of those hours -- sitting, this set-up was not very comfy.

Faster Blaster · February 12, 2002, 10:28 AM

Quote:

I was surprised that IWB carry actually helps keep my pants up! It is like the gun acted like a wedge between my belt and my hip bone.

Does that mean that if you draw, you're going to be dropping your pants too!

Just kidding!

peepaw · February 12, 2002, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Does that mean that if you draw, you're going to be dropping your pants too!

gives a whole new meaning to getting the drop on somebody

peepaw

mini14jac · February 12, 2002, 12:20 PM

If I had to draw and then chase somebody, the loose pants might be a problem!

I believe the Uncle Mike's holster that I am using just had "Glock 26, 27" for size information.
The gunshop owner let me bring my gun in and try it. It is a perfect fit.

I plan on getting a nice leather IWB holster, but I can see the Uncle Mike's being a nice summer holster. I don't think I'll be getting rid of it.

As far as belts, I only buy belts that are solid leather, never the bonded stuff. The UM holster has such a strong clip, I just clip it on the waist of my jeans. The belt mainly just snugs it to my body.

Lots of good advice here.

February 4, 2002, 08:20 AM	#1
mini14jac Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2001 Location: The Volunteer State. Posts: 681	Carried IWB for the first time.... I carried my MK9 inside the waistband for the first time this weekend. I have never tried this form of carry, and I was surprised at how easy and comfortable it was. I purchased a Uncle Mike's IWB holster for $10, because I really didn't think this would work for me. With my build, I have always had trouble keeping my pants up. (Use your imagination. ) I was surprised that IWB carry actually helps keep my pants up! It is like the gun acted like a wedge between my belt and my hip bone. I noticed that all of my pants seem to have room for the slim MK9, and I wore one of those Old Navy pull-over fleece tops. Worked perfect. Now I need to check out some over-sized tee shirts and sweaters. (And order a good leather holster.) Once I got the gun adjusted, it was actually quite comfortable. I wore it most of the day Saturday, and about 3 hours Sunday, with no problem. I think this might work! __________________ <><

February 4, 2002, 01:02 PM	#2
Archer1440 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2001 Location: USA Posts: 514	Now that you've had good success with a cheap IWB, you'll probably be even more pleased with a good quality leather holster. IWB is a great way to carry discreetly, if it works for your build. __________________ "Well, we know what motivates the hoplophobe. He simply envies the man who can cope where he, the hoplophobe, cannot. A skilled, armed man lives on a plane of security and contentment different from that of others. This is not egalitarian! The man who cannot cut it, envies, fears, and sometimes hates the man who can." – Jeff Cooper

February 5, 2002, 08:41 AM	#4
Eric Larsen Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2001 Location: Bountiful....Ut. Posts: 3,226	I agree with Archer...if you think the UM worked well just try a really nice one. Dont be afraid to spend some money on it also, not a fortune...just a good one. I carry a 2+ pound gun IWB and have no problems.....very comfy. 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

February 5, 2002, 10:36 AM	#5
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,405	When you get your good holster, get a good gun belt, too. It really improves comfort. The belt distributes the weight of the gun evenly, rather than letting it concentrate in one spot. You don't have to spend $100 on a designated gun belt to get decent comfort, especially with a lighter pistol like the MK 9. I've had good results with $15 belts at Wal-Mart. Just get the widest, stiffest one you can. The stiffness is what distributes the weight of the pistol. __________________ I am Pro-Rights (on gun issues).

February 5, 2002, 11:52 AM	#6
mini14jac Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2001 Location: The Volunteer State. Posts: 681	Thanks everybody. I plan on carrying with the Uncle Mike's for a while longer, just to get used to that style of carry, but a good leather holster is next on my list. I'm kind of partial to Don Hume, but I know that there are many good choices out there. I could never understand why so many people recommend that type of carry. I thought it would be very uncomfortable. Boy, was I wrong. Do you eventually get to the point that you don't bump the handle getting into small cars, or going through doors? Thanks much. __________________ <><

February 4, 2002, 01:02 PM	#3
Country Boy Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2000 Location: Sorry, OPSEC Posts: 698	Glad to hear that IWB works! Good luck in finding a holster. You've got a great resource here at TFL if you need any advice/assistance.

February 5, 2002, 11:57 AM	#7
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: new year, new dimension; still Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 10,879	NEED MORE PRACTICE You keep wearing, and tell us how long it takes YOU LOL. .....the sound of breaking glass..... __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

February 5, 2002, 12:39 PM	#8
mec Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2001 Posts: 1,383	iwb is great and some days it feels better than others. The Uncle Mikes actually work pretty well and will ( as long as kept clean of grit) take good care of your gun finish. Others that work well are a couple of deep iwb tuckables that actually hide the gun under your shirt. I have an Aker Businessman for the PPK that is first rate and a Milt Sparks VMII designed by tony Kanaly. Mines a black horsehide model and it does a good job of hiding my Gold cup. This ones even more stealthy than the aker as the clips go over the pants and hook under the belt from behind. After a bit of practice, it's not even too inconvenient to get re-situationed after a trip to the throneroom.

February 5, 2002, 12:41 PM	#9
OF Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2000 Posts: 2,244	IWB is the way to B. My advice? Get a good belt and a good holster! Ditch the Uncle Mikes ASAP. - Gabe

February 5, 2002, 03:32 PM	#10
George Hill Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 14, 1998 Location: Lapoint, Utah Posts: 11,479	Ditto on the good belt. A good belt is very important if your packing a gun. No skinny little dress belt need apply. __________________ MAD OGRE

February 5, 2002, 03:39 PM	#11
Jesse H Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2001 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 572	i still suprise myself at how many hours i can wear IWB. Sometimes 12+ hours. __________________ Jesse "We’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces Singing whiskey for my men, beer for my horses" -Toby Keith

February 5, 2002, 08:02 PM	#12
don't shoot it's me Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2001 Location: NY first/LA second Posts: 1,516	For real comfort in a short slided auto, get a holster that has a little leather wing beneath the end of the slide...it reallyhelps keep the gun from digging into your hip when you sit....to see an example of this style, check out the isp-3 at www.delfatti,com

February 7, 2002, 12:30 PM	#13
Country Boy Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2000 Location: Sorry, OPSEC Posts: 698	Yes, there does come a time when you don't bump the handle of your gun as loudly or as often, but I haven't yet found a way to eliminate that completely. There's still an occasional time where I sit in a plastic booth at a fast food joint and my gun makes a THWOP. Fortunately, so many people are carrying cell phones and beepers, that you can blame it on that. As you get more and more used to IWB form of carry, you'll soon get used to leading with your off side as you walk through tight crowds, hugging your relatives with your gun arm low and inside, and keeping your wallet in the rear pocket opposite your handgun.

February 7, 2002, 05:26 PM	#14
7th Fleet Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2000 Posts: 1,454	I carry my Makarov in that manner frequently, mainly because I don't have a decent hoslter for it yet. It is a pretty good way to carry a concealed handgun and it's pretty secure, until you have to take your pants down for some reason, then your gun is very unhandy. 7th __________________ SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL POLICE, KEEP THEM INDEPENDENT.

February 8, 2002, 06:02 PM	#16
Nanaimo Barr Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Location: North Idaho Posts: 1,025	you mean there is BETTER than an Uncle Mikes?? COOL!!!!!!!!!! (heheheh) I got one of those little $10 UM's IWB for my SMC 380. it will do until the gunshow next weekend.. (I've even been able to carry in sweats with it.. but reholstering is a pain) I was amazed at how comfortable it was. I literaly forget I was carrying. although the other thing to consider might be a pair of suspenders.. __________________ "Question that Regulation, you might be suprised to find out it's Illegal"

February 9, 2002, 03:11 AM	#17
BigMike Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 1999 Location: North Central/Panhandle Florida Posts: 534	When I first got into carrying pistols, I was told NOT to skimp on belts or holsters. I was told,"Think about it, you spend hundreds of dollars on your gun, more on ammo, and then you wanna buy a $20 dollar holster?" Now there are some good holsters for inexpensive out there, but I have always found that for me, the more reputable holster makers have the nicer and more comfortable holsters. Mike

February 9, 2002, 10:47 PM	#18
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,825	I've been having a hard time finding GOOD belts anywhere. The skinny little dress belts are every where. I guess I have to go to Texas to get the good ones. I have almost forgotten I'm carrying IWB several times. I come home and realise its there when i get ready for bed. I think thats a bad thing I just hope I don't go to bed with it and wake up and 4am and shoot the toilet accidentally __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

February 9, 2002, 10:58 PM	#19
peepaw Member Join Date: February 7, 2002 Location: Warner Robins, Ga. Posts: 49	Actually depending on what you are carrying the little ten dollar Uncle Mikes is perfect....in the summer all I ever carry is a S/W five shot airweight.....I am usually wearing a t-shirt...the holster is perfect for this gun...it adds very little to the thickness of the gun, and if you sweat a lot you can wash it...very underated IMO __________________ "You gonna do somethin or just stand there and bleed" Molwn labe!

February 10, 2002, 08:49 AM	#20
Rovert Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 806	Which UncleMike's model did you pick for your MK9? __________________ "Following the path of least resistance is what makes rivers, and men, crooked." 2A For Dummies WaltherForums - all Walther, all the time!

February 10, 2002, 11:47 AM	#21
Ed Brunner Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 1998 Location: Natchez, MS, USA Posts: 2,574	A good holster and belt are the keys to IWB carry. There are a lot of good belts out there in all widths etc and almost all price ranges. The best inexpensive really good dress belt I have found is Uncle Mike's Mirage. They are available at discount prices if you look around. I found some at $8.00!!! On holsters, you can find a lot of used holsters. Somebody bought one and it's not for him or whatever and he sells it cheap. If you already know what you want, buy the best you can afford, It is hard to wear one out. You, too will probably progress through a few or a slew of holsters and probably guns too brefore you settle, but that is half of the adventure. If it is really so uncomfortable that you can only wear it a few hours, you might want to reevaluate something or move it slightly. __________________ MOLON LABE UNTIL IT'S OVER! Ed

February 10, 2002, 06:26 PM	#22
Chris Pinkleton Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2001 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 123	Uncle Mike's "Sidekick" worked fine for me for IWB carry with G33, 12+ hrs. per day. But I was standing most of those hours -- sitting, this set-up was not very comfy. __________________ "FINE WEAPONS/THE RIGHT TO BUY WEAPONS IS THE RIGHT/ TO BE FREE" --A.E. van Vogt, "The Weapons Shop," 1942. "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Ben Franklin

February 12, 2002, 12:20 PM	#25
mini14jac Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2001 Location: The Volunteer State. Posts: 681	If I had to draw and then chase somebody, the loose pants might be a problem! I believe the Uncle Mike's holster that I am using just had "Glock 26, 27" for size information. The gunshop owner let me bring my gun in and try it. It is a perfect fit. I plan on getting a nice leather IWB holster, but I can see the Uncle Mike's being a nice summer holster. I don't think I'll be getting rid of it. As far as belts, I only buy belts that are solid leather, never the bonded stuff. The UM holster has such a strong clip, I just clip it on the waist of my jeans. The belt mainly just snugs it to my body. Lots of good advice here. __________________ <><