Iwb For Larger Folk

[vahillbilly]

I have had a couple of returns lately on IWB holsters sold online because the customer said they could not get the gun out of the holster. After getting them back and trying them myself, I can't find a problem. Are there any special design elements that you use to make them more "big people friendly"? I know that the belt involved, as well as the tightness of the belt could be a factor.

Has anyone else ever ran into this? Any input appreciated. Just a little frustrated.

Thanks,

Sam

[Luke Hatley]

I have had a couple of returns lately on IWB holsters sold online because the customer said they could not get the gun out of the holster. After getting them back and trying them myself, I can't find a problem. Are there any special design elements that you use to make them more "big people friendly"? I know that the belt involved, as well as the tightness of the belt could be a factor.

Has anyone else ever ran into this? Any input appreciated. Just a little frustrated.

Thanks,

Sam

I stay awayfrom I W B......i think they are uncomfortable.

He probably had his belt to tight.......

Wished i could be of more help..

[NoahL]

Did you reinforce the mouth of the holster with a steel band? That might help a bit

[vahillbilly]

I did not reinforce the mouth on this holster. I know that makes it harder to re-holster if not reinforced, but didn't think about drawing the gun being easier as well. Something else to think about.

[Shorts]

Hmm, that's tough to say really without watching each individual try to draw. Some of my customers are larger fellows but I haven't heard anything about difficulty drawing from IWB.

Just throwing out wild guesses I'd say position and cant might have been not suited for their particular limberness. If they had the belt cranked down it would also hang into the gun too but that's not something that shouldn't be overcome.

Really, if their love is hanging over the gun and holster, it's going to be difficult. I'm leaning towards a draw stroke and cant to help alleviate it. But the truth is all holsters fit better when a person can be in better shape.

[katsass]

I stay awayfrom I W B......i think they are uncomfortable.

He probably had his belt to tight.......

Wished i could be of more help..

I too stay away from IWB holsters. I tried one and found it to be uncomfortable to wear throughout an entire 12 hr. shift. I so advise my few customers that ask. All those have come back with gratitude in ending up with a tight-in belt holster or an avenger style. Mike

[Dwight]

I have had a couple of returns lately on IWB holsters sold online because the customer said they could not get the gun out of the holster. After getting them back and trying them myself, I can't find a problem. Are there any special design elements that you use to make them more "big people friendly"? I know that the belt involved, as well as the tightness of the belt could be a factor.

Has anyone else ever ran into this? Any input appreciated. Just a little frustrated.

Thanks,

Sam

Sam, . . . can you post a picture of each?

I make almost exclusively IWB, . . . have never had one come back for that reason, . . . perhaps we can see something collectively here that would make a difference.

And, . . . yes, . . . I have a couple of, . . . uhh, . . . umm, . . . larger customers. They all like my holsters, and while the mouth is reinforced, I have never found a need for the steel addition.

Anyway, . . . looking forward to seeing pics.

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited October 2, 2010 by Dwight

[TwinOaks]

I always tell my customers of IWB holsters that they need to increase the pants size to comfortably carry that way. Otherwise, they're effectively adding an inch or more inside the belt. I agree with the statement about the belt being crucial. The choice of gun has a lot to do with it, as well. A slim gun like a 1911, High Power, etc., will be more comfortable than a blocky shape like Glock, XD, etc. A J-frame Smith would be okay, but a RedHawk would be uncomfortable. Also, the amount of pistol IWB contributes. Placing a revolver so that the cylinder is under the belt would be difficult to draw.

My set up is an IWB for an all steel 1911, worn at 4 o'clock, spares on the other side. On weekends I wear it for about 12-14 hours per day w/ no probs.

You may have to tell the customer that carrying a pistol under a roll of fat is problematic and they need to order style 'x' from you instead.

[vahillbilly]

Here are some pics of the holster in. Color is off in the first picture. This holster has basically zero cant, which could be part of the problem. It is for a j-frame revolver, with the cylinder behind the belt, not above or below.

[vahillbilly]

Here are a couple of pics of the other holster.

Thanks,

Sam