An inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster is a favorite of handgun owners who require maximum concealment of their firearms. It is also more stable, allowing gun owners to go about their daily business without worrying about firearm retention. An IWB holster is also versatile, giving you a multitude of carrying positions. The question now is how to wear IWB holster correctly. You are in the right place.
Table of Contents
Step 1. Choose the Right Gun Belt
Always pick the gun belt size that supports both your handgun and the IWB holsters. As much as possible, avoid wearing a conventional belt because it does not have the necessary structure to ensure correct and secure holster attachment.
Step 2. Wear the Correct Pants
It is always advisable to wear the correct pant size to ensure comfort. You should know that wearing an IWB holster will add about an inch or two to your waistline. Hence, if you have a 40-inch waistline, adding the IWB holsters can increase your waistline to 41 or 42 inches. As such, it would be best to get a pair of pants that is one size bigger than your normal.
Step 3. Determine Where to Sit the IWB Holster
There are several positions for wearing an IWB holster. Your choice depends on comfort and optimum access to your handgun, its retention, and ease of re-holstering.
- Three o’clock Position
Many consider this holster placement the most natural, especially when drawing out your handgun. However, gun owners with bulges can push the firearm and the holster outward. If you own a hammered pistol, it can also dig into your side.
- Four o’clock Position
Slightly to the back of the 3 o’clock position, this holster placement is perfect for gun owners with ‘excess baggage’ around their torso. Unfortunately, if you have a full-sized pistol, a 5 o’clock location will be more suitable.
- Six o’clock Position
Some gun owners do not recommend this holster placement because it is uncomfortable when sitting. If you wear the holster standing, it should be okay. Drawing your handgun can also be difficult, not to mention taxing.
- Appendix Carry
This position places the IWB holster in front of your body, slightly forward of the 3 o’clock position. While this position offers exceptional handgun access, it is not comfortable, especially if you do not have flat abs. Sitting with this holster in this position can be unbearable for most folks.
Step 4. Fit Your IWB Holster in Your Waistband
Your IWB holster has a belt clip. Learn how to secure this in your gun belt before adjusting and securing your belt. Position the IWB holsters in the placement of your choice. It will be wise to check which of the carrying positions we discussed above works best for you.
Step 5. Secure Your Handgun
Before you start securing your handgun into your IWB holsters, ensure that its safety is on. If you are unsure about securing your firearm, you may want to check your manual.
Step 6. Slide Your Handgun’s Barrel into the IWB Holster
Grab your handgun’s handle while keeping your finger along the firearm’s side and away from the trigger. Make sure to hold the gun securely before sliding the barrel into the IWB holsters. Push it into the holster to ensure a secure fit. Your firearm’s handle should stick out of the holster, but not the barrel.
If your IWB holsters come with a latch, now is a good time to secure your handgun. Make sure to snap the latch shut to guarantee optimum firearm retention.
Step 7. Check the Fit and Reposition as Needed
Before you finalize your IWB holster wearing, make sure it is the perfect fit. Try to pull out your handgun from the IWB holsters by grabbing its handle. You should be able to draw your firearm with ease without removing the holster. If your holster has a latch, you may want to remove it before drawing your handgun.
If your IWB holster does not have a belt clip that secures it in your waistband, you may have to grab the holster before drawing out your firearm. Also, try to re-holster your gun.
Do this step several times. If you are happy with it, you can leave the holster in its position. If not, you may have to reposition the IWB holsters or purchase a different holster for your handgun.
Conclusion
Learning how to wear IWB holster correctly is essential to ensuring optimum firearm security and access. It also makes concealment a lot more satisfying because you are comfortable with the holster and your gun inside your waistband.
