IWB vs pocket, negatives of IWB?

[scubadds]

Hi,
I started off carrying in pocket and it seemed to be working great; but somewhere along the way the pup grew....
When I first got my R9, I had a loaned pocket holster; very basic and fairly thin.

Later I stepped up and order a shark holster with a flap to make it sit even in the pocket; at the time I went for rear pocket.

Love the holster, but It does seem to make the combo grow a bit thick; (the leather is doubled twice over the leading edge, so it makes four layers)
So I am planning to find the thin holster and try more front pocket.

Enough background info; my question:
What are the negatives of IWB, does it pinch or dig in when you sit?   I had a friend show me his new DB9 with IWB, it made me question how I carry.

I even thought about going kydex for minimal thickness (I know it will wear the Robar)

[Z]

I only tried an IWB on the PUP one time. I did not find it to be comfortable.

I only pocket carry the PUP. I worked with Robert at Meco Holsters and designed a Half Back and Full Back holster. They both work great in the front pocket.

I suggest trying a bunch of different options and see what works best for you. There is always a market for used holsters on the forum.

[Heber_Guy]

Agree. Robert Locke at MECO holsters is fabulous to work with. He will not be satisfied until you are and he is easy to talk to.

[yankee2500]

I have not tried IWB with the pup but carry OWB and between the belt pants fairly regularly with no problems.

[thor447]

I carry IWB with my pup with a holster made by Doug at Bear Creek Holsters.

I also sometimes carry front pocket with one of his holsters as well, either way works good for me.

My lefty Bear Creek IWB:


My lefty Bear Creek front pocket:


-Adam

[mwbgtb]

I have a pocket holster from Melco and like it, but I just don't like having things in my pockets. I purchased a great horsehide IWB holster from High Noon and I use it 90% of the time. With the holster/gun combo, it is so light that you never notice that you have it on at all.

[Robar233]

 S,

 I carried various pistols IWB for years before I purchased my R9. I would carry the pistols just in front of my hip bone at about the 1 o'clock position. Yes, it would pinch from time to time. The bigger problem I found was from perspiration. In the summer with just an untucked tee shirt, this is a sweaty place to carry. This caused some rust issues with several different guns.
 Since the R9, I have carried in the front pocket and not looked back. I practice drawing, firing, and re-holstering on a regular basis. The R9 with a good holster does not look too obvious in the pocket. Yes, the LWS380 looks better, but it is not a 9mm so it sits home most of the time.

 Just my humble opinion for you.

 Robar233 

[theirishguard]

pocket is more secure.  Tom

[backupr9]

I carry in the front right pocket with a DeSantis Nemesis when necessary, but prefer the Meco Billy holster which will carry OWB or between the belt and the pant.  It can be carried right or left depending on how you orient it.....very light, very concealable...not fancy but extremely versatile.  I will often carry that way but will have the pocket holster in the car.  Should I need to leave the pistol in the auto, I put it in the DeSantis, or if I really can't carry OWB, I use the pocket carry.  There are some fancy and very expensive holsters out there (I have a DelFatti OWB that is beautiful, but rarely carry it except in the winter with heavier clothes), but in truth, a CONCEALED carry holster should remain concealed, and therefore should not be displayed...hence, why pay for bling if function is the major concern?  Just the opinion of a conservative Scot.

Marte Suo Tutus

[Richard S]

* * *
Enough background info; my question:
What are the negatives of IWB, does it pinch or dig in when you sit?   
* * *

The negatives of IWB for pocket-sized handguns, as I see it, are:

(1) Keeping the handgun concealed requires wearing some type of covering garment (coat, jacket, vest, loose shirt, etc.);

(2) As Tom notes, above, the weapon is less secure;

(3) The handgun is more exposed to potential damage from being accidentally struck on door frames, car doors, etc.; and

(4) Depending on the position in which the rig is worn, it can be uncomfortable when you are seated (although that becomes less of a problem if it is carried at the "4:00 position").

[kjtrains]

Hi,

What are the negatives of IWB, does it pinch or dig in when you sit?.........................   

Never have tried the IWB holster, so can't speak of any negatives; always have carried the R9 in a front pocket holster and works for me.  I think of the R9 as a pocket pistol, so hence the pocket holster.  I know others can have a different view.   

[scubadds]

Thanks guys,
I will keep trying the pocket for now.
Getting a kydex press this week, so maybe I can play around with something just to see if it is for me.
I enjoy the nice folks on this forum, nicest around ....

[Aglifter]

Pocket and IWB have different advantages.  To me, they're both fairly comfortable, although I've never tried to IWB a gun as small as the pup. 

IWB - better access when seated, in other positions

Pocket- more secure, and easier to "prep", if your little voice makes you feel anxious.  (Although, oddly, I'm not that much faster from a prepped pocket gun, than I am from a vest, and my OWB holster.)

[kwesi]

I carry both depending on clothing.  I found a great IWB from High Noon Holsters.  Inexpensive and comfortable.  I highly recommend.  I also found that the Pocket Shot that is made for the Keltec P3-AT fits the R9!

[Reinz]

Clothing is a factor for me as well.  And like others, I have always felt that the R9 is a pocket pistol, however I have succombed to IWB usiing PJ's kydex holster at times which is quite comfortable. 

My main of mindset of carry which was ingrained in me by another forum member here a few years back; was to have a gun available for EACH HAND at all times.

Thus, depending upon dress, I have a 1911 on the right hip an R9 in the left pocket or maybe both.
or
Maybe I just go out with an R9 in each pocket.

Sometimes, it is an R9  on the right hip and R9 in the left pocket or both.



Point, is , one for each hand, at least.

Keep in mind, they will always approach you when least expected, when you are distracted and hand(s) are full.

This tactic has already paid off for me.