Just purchased an XDs.
I have played with fit using the factory holster.
I'd like something a bit high and tight for fit but am not convinced that an IWB will be as comfortable as an OWB. I'm leaning toward leather but am open to consider suggestions.

So, I guess I have two questions.

What brand/type holster do you find to be most comfortable and practical OWB vs IWB?

Is there a significant advantage to one material type over the other?

thanks
lc

It really comes down to your application.

Use a lot in a car ? Crossdraw
Need deep concealment ? IWB or back
Don't ? OWD with matched belt and thumbbreak
Need to "on and off" a lot ? Paddle OWB
w/thumbbreak.
Wear a suit coat ? Shoulder models.

Don't forget "holsters" for at least two extra magazines.

Leather is always nicer by Kydex is cheaper and less prone to harbor sweat. It's also noisy.

IME El Paso Saddlery makes excellent holsters of all styles and can also give advice based on experience and 1000s of customers.

I have will over a dozen maybe 2 dozen holsters.

None of them work all the time. The 3 I use the most are a blackhawk serpa(because I carry glock most of the time.)

A Bianchi ranger nylon pancake that I cut the bottom out of. Reinforced the belt loops. I can carry in that every thing from my buckmark to my 7.5 inch redhawk.

A fanny pack.

Today I will use 2 maybe 3 frist will be a small black fanny that just fits my Glock 23 under my suit coat going to church. 2nd will be the Bianchi.

Then maybe my serpa.

I own 3 differant high quailty pistol belts I can and do have them on differant shorts and pants.

So I can change pants with out going throught the trouble of changeing belts holsters, leathermans knifes ect.


I just change out pants drop a handgun into the holster and go on my way.

It is very nice to have the choice of carry guns when the need for something differant comes about.

Galco

I appreciate your advice.
Some good things to think of here, things for consideration.
Looking forward to some more insight.

lc

I have tried a lot of holsters and will give you my opinion. An HD is a bit big for an IWB, and if you are like many of us and have a bit of a gut, to me they are uncomfortable. I used a S.O.B for a 1911, and while it is great for concealment, sit down in a chair or your car and it gets old quick, there is also a possible risk of a spinal injury if you fell on your back, the gun won't flex, but your spine won't flex either.. something to think about. One feature that you don't see too much on Auto pistol holsters is a piece of leather that extends up between you and the back of the slide/hammer area that stops contact with your skin when you sit or bend over, this is especially nice on guns with a hammer and thumb safety, but is a good idea on any holster as it acts like a sweat and pinch barrier . One of my favorite holsters for a J frame is the Galco Combat Master. It encloses all of the gun except the grip and conceals under a T shirt without printing and is comfortable, but for auto's , it leaves too much out. For my Glocks, I prefer the Don Hume JIT slide which is a open muzzle type that resembles the Yaqui slide. It is a belt holster that rides high and covers the trigger completely and is fairly comfortable. You can sure spend a bunch or money trying to find a good practical, Comfortable holster, I have a box full of big name holsters that just did not cut it for everyday carry. Good Luck!

I've been carrying the pistol around the house for a couple days using the XD supplied holster. I'm finding that somewhere in the 4 o'clock position (I believe that this is right, right handed just behind midline or coronal plane) is where it feels comfortable. Since this would mimic an OWB or slide positioning will the IWB likely come out feeling right in this same position?

lc

quote:

I'm finding that somewhere in the 4 o'clock position

If your rt handed that is the most common popular position over the years.

That where I carry a lot of the time.

Not perfect 100 percent of the time but works well a lot of the time.

I have a couple of Crossbreeds, a 1911 and a Glock 27. IWB never felt so comfortable. They are stable, don't move around at all. fit and wear very easily in the 4 o'clock. I recommend CB.

I am a appendix IWB only kind of guy. I have carried in the 4 o'clock for a number of years and then even did small of the back with my Kahr 40. But after being convinced to go kydex AIWB, i have not looked back. Dale fricke makes a fantastic kydex holster, available on one source tactical. This position allows the absolute fastest draw stroke Of any position I have used. I have, and seen many others as well, proven this in force on force drills with airsoft. Almost 100%, given guys of similar experience, the AIWB will get the first shot off, also while rolling around on the ground. Just my two cent. I only carry G19 any more as well, and yes one in the pipe. What is the point in carrying a pistol if you have to load it after drawing!

quote:

Originally posted by brent ebeling:
What is the point in carrying a pistol if you have to load it after drawing!

Exactly, It's like a getaway car with no gas. It has to be ready!

I told a LE buddy of mine that carrying the Glock chambered concerned me a little.

He said, "Get over it."

I have been shooting and carrying Glocks for 20 some years. I carry them with a round in the chamber.

I guess it's good to have a healthy respect for any chambered firearm.

I use a Desantis leather IWB at 4 O'clock and was very comfortable with my Kimber CDP. The weight of my full-size Kimber is noticeably different, but not uncomfortable, and, the Desantis works with the Railed frame (sans light, of course). I wear it every day.

Seems like a total waste of valuable time to do much of anything besides an AIWB carry.

Been carrying the XDs at 11 o'clock in a modified Remora IWB holster. Stays put and comfy. I'll post a pic later today or tomorrow.

G. Hansen. Since this is my first set up I'm trying to avoid that drawer full and 10c's down the drain so I'm interested in opinions and experience. What are your pro's and con's of leather vs modern?

Will, Interested to see that setup.

Thanks to all for the input.
lc

Milts Sparks Summer Special for Leather

Raven Concealment IWB/OWB for Kydex.

My favorite Concealed handgun holster is the Milt Sparks IWB [Inside the Waistband] Summer Special. I have used them for over 30 years. I have used them for 1911's, I AM wearing one right now. I wore it to a Wedding just today...

I have used one for a 4" 44 Mag S&W Mod 29, and I have used one for a Glock 17...

Here is a very important TIP. You need to buy your pants 2" bigger in the waist.

If you need to wear a suit, and be armed, then you need to be fitted in your suit, pants and jacket, WITH you Summer Special, wearing your gun, and your 2 Magazine carriers, as well.

You MUST also have a quality leather belt designed for carrying a handgun...

IF you MUST, be able to carry a handgun, with your coat off, and NO ONE, can be allowed to know you are carrying a handgun, then I recommend a quality, inside the pocket holster, with a 2" [1&7/8" actually] barreled S&W 38 Special or 357 Mag 5 shot Bodyguard or Centennial revolver.

I myself prefer stainless or other finshes for my hand guns instead of blued steel.

I perfer other materials to leather also.

But I do own both I just don't use them much any more.

I've been told that the Fobus holsters are hot to carry in the summer months. How do you guys find the Kydex to be compared to leather? Any appreciable difference in body heat retention?

lc

Like the CompTac Minotaur Holster
http://www.comp-tac.com/catalo...o.php?products_id=95

Here are pics of a couple modified Remora holsters. They are clip/strapless IWB holsters.

(I also have the drawer full of other holsters that I tried and have forsaken.)

The one on the left is a Remora 6ART (the size for the XDs) that I took apart and re-sewed to make it a lot shorter and to fit the XDs.

The one on the right is a Remora 3B (not for the XDs) that I opened up the bottom on so it would fit the XDs.

I have been wearing them as AIWB and also at 11 o'clock with a snap shirt. With snaps they are readily accessible. And for me, more comfortable than at the 4 o'clock position. A Crossbred at 4 o'clock is hard to beat for comfort but I don't like riding against it while in the truck.

PLEASE NOTE that the camera added 40 pounds to my gut!

Also note that the #4 Pachmayr slip-on grip deactivates the useless, and in my case undesired, grip safety.

Will,

Thanks for the pics. I like how small a package those holsters make. Do they ride steady and without moving if you are very active?

I need a camera to "reduce" me a bit. A reduction camera. Maybe we're missing a business opportunity there.