“Starter” AIWB rig?

[HeavyDuty]

I’ve always been a little leery of AIWB for two reasons - junk preservation while reholstering and body shape. I’m 6’1” and 280. I’ve been carrying IWB at 3:00 for years, but I like the greater concealability AIWB seems to offer.

Gadgets for my carry Glocks have resolved the first concern, and experimenting with my existing holsters worn up front makes me think the second isn’t such a big deal after all.

What are some recommended “starter” rigs for the gravitationally challenged newb? I’ll probably try this with my 43 and a spare mag, and if it works out I’ll try it for my 26/33 and maybe even my 41 and 34.

Most quality AIWB rigs are priced accordingly, and I’d prefer not adding to the big box of unused holsters if possible.

[leathermaneod]

I’d give a Tenicor VELO a try if I were you. I haven’t had one of their holsters, but if I hadn’t just bought an appendix rig from Mike at Last Line of Defense to test out, I would be trying one. They look very well designed and are reasonably priced. I think they also have a pretty great return policy if it doesn’t work out.


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[feudist]

I've used a Blackhawk ARC for a J frame for a couple of years now with total satisfaction.

It's even ambi which came in handy recently when I got a banged up hip.

Twenty-ish on Amazon.

[Up1911Fan]

I'd get a DSG Orion or a JMCK 2.5.

[Jeff S.]

A well known holster may be more pricey, but will be easy to flip. I purchased a JMCK to try AIWB, figuring I could easily sell it if I didn’t like it... turns out I loved it.

[HeavyDuty]

I've used a Blackhawk ARC for a J frame for a couple of years now with total satisfaction.

It's even ambi which came in handy recently when I got a banged up hip.

Twenty-ish on Amazon.

Interesting - I didn’t see that one coming. It might be a cheap way of seeing if I can tolerate AIWB.

[Appalachained]

I carry a G19 in a Bladetech KLIPT. The ride height is perfect for sitting comfortably. I started with a cheaper holster just to try carrying AIWB. Three years later and I’m still using it everyday. I love the belt clip. It’s the easiest rig to “mount up” That I have used.

[jamautry]

Be careful of thinking "starter" AIWB. The problem is to be comfortable with AIWB you need to get a holster properly designed and executed for AIWB which means a holster from one of the custom makers specializing in AIWB. Otherwise you are just wasting your money and you will never be able to answer whether or not AIWB is good for you. I will tell you that I am 6'4" and 300 lbs and I comfortably carry AIWB using a JM 2.5 AIWB. The trick is for us larger guys you will need a longer holster. I use a holster for glock 34 to carry my glock 19. The shorter holsters poke and prod where the shouldn't. The longer holsters clear "the bumps" and set flat and our very comfortable. The other addition I added was a larger wedge made out of a yoga block. The JM wedge just isn't firm enough or big enough. There is a YouTube video from "The Modern Samari" and he covers this topic. His findings are the same as mine. Good luck in your search.

p.s. I learned the yoga mat wedge trick from that video.



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[jamautry]

Here is the link to the video I mentioned above.

https://youtu.be/E4HD4J37u6I

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[HeavyDuty]

Be careful of thinking "starter" AIWB. The problem is to be comfortable with AIWB you need to get a holster properly designed and executed for AIWB which means a holster from one of the custom makers specializing in AIWB. Otherwise you are just wasting your money and you will never be able to answer whether or not AIWB is good for you. I will tell you that I am 6'4" and 300 lbs and I comfortably carry AIWB using a JM 2.5 AIWB. The trick is for us larger guys you will need a longer holster. I use a holster for glock 34 to carry my glock 19. The shorter holsters poke and prod where the shouldn't. The longer holsters clear "the bumps" and set flat and our very comfortable. The other addition I added was a larger wedge made out of a yoga block. The JM wedge just isn't firm enough or big enough. There is a YouTube video from "The Modern Samari" and he covers this topic. His findings are the same as mine. Good luck in your search.

p.s. I learned the yoga mat wedge trick from that video.



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I was looking at the JM “long” holsters for the 43 before I posted this. I’m having a heck of a time figuring out the difference between the 2.0 and 2.5 models, though.

[jws]

Tony at JM Custom Kydex is fantastic to work with and his holsters are great. I started carrying AIWB a little over a year ago with his Wing Claw 2.5 and a AIWB mag carrier and haven’t looked back. He worked with me to get it set up right for my body shape and did everything he could to help including sending me a ground down claw and a foam wedge. He will also give suggestions on which holster would most likely work best for you. It took me a couple months to get everything adjusted to where it is perfect so don’t give up if things don’t work out right away.

[jamautry]

Tony will probably chime in and properly explain the difference between the 2.0 and 2.5. I believe the primary difference is the location of the belt loops and the 2.5 was designed for the ground up for the soft pull the dot loops.

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[jamautry]

It took me a couple months to get everything adjusted to where it is perfect so don’t give up if things don’t work out right away.

Fractions of an inch in holster placement and ride height make a huge difference with AIWB. So as quoted above, it takes some time to get everything right.

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[23JAZ]

You want the best. So go DGS or JMCK that way you’ll know whether AIWB carry is for you or not. If you cannot make it work with one of them l, you won’t be able to make it work at all. Also buy a wedge and try it with and without one and always put your shoes and socks on before your holster.

[STI]

JMCK 2.5 long length for 43, 17 length for G17/19. 1.5 soft loops

V Development neoprene AIWB wedge - large

Graith Specialist belt

Graith Koala mag pouch

Guys half your size can NPE conceal full size Glocks with this rig so I'm curious why you'd want a 43 when you could at least have a 26.

[drummer]

For what it's worth, I would recommend everyone new to AIWB to get a holster that allows as much customization as possible for belt ride height, belt attachments, wedges, and grip tuck. Everyone is different but you will need to literally try your options and configuration until you find what works best for you. Avoid holsters with built-in tuck as you will want the ability to try difference size wedges and pads. The JM 2.5 would probably be a good start (order the wedge and the pad) as well as the Dark Star Gear Orion. I would ask for the Henry Holsters Mod-Wing instead of the Raven Claw as the Mod-Wing offers two options in tuck so that you can fine tune it.

I've found that soft loops are the best option for me but I don't have the need to take the holster on and off quickly. For those that do, snap loops or some of the new Discreet Carry Concepts metal belt clips may be a good option.

You will need to experiment with placement . Most of the belt clip-type attachments require one-inch hole spacing so you could try plastic and metal belt clips as well as soft loops. However, I generally prefer soft loops spread further apart but it prevents using other attachment types.

Edited to add...avoid light bearing holsters until you get the hang of carrying AIWB without a light.

[Tony Mayer]

I was looking at the JM “long” holsters for the 43 before I posted this. I’m having a heck of a time figuring out the difference between the 2.0 and 2.5 models, though.

HeavyDuty, the 2.0 belt loops (usually ordered with the Raven Overhooks or the new DCC overhooks) attach at the bottom, which makes the holster tuckable (you will still have belt loops showing on your belt though. You can get a set of DCC behind the belt clips for the ultimate in NPE type attachments.

The 2.5 was originally designed around the wide hole pattern with pull the dot loops or fixed soft loops and that is by far the most popular. We added a red dot cut wide hole pattern for those that want it as well as the normal hole pattern for those that want to use the split loops or the steel or plastic clip.

Both holsters use the Mod Wing and "torque" the grip into the body the same. I always suggest a neoprene wedge to help tilt the muzzle away and helps tilt everything back into you.

FYI, the 43 long is the same length as a Glock 19. If you want it to be more like a 17 length, order for the 43 with TBRC comp, and that will be pretty close to a Glock 17 length (we can make that a quick ship as well, but you would need to let me know that in the comments) . You can always email for any specific questions as well.

Thanks

[HeavyDuty]

HeavyDuty, the 2.0 belt loops (usually ordered with the Raven Overhooks or the new DCC overhooks) attach at the bottom, which makes the holster tuckable (you will still have belt loops showing on your belt though. You can get a set of DCC behind the belt clips for the ultimate in NPE type attachments.

The 2.5 was originally designed around the wide hole pattern with pull the dot loops or fixed soft loops and that is by far the most popular. We added a red dot cut wide hole pattern for those that want it as well as the normal hole pattern for those that want to use the split loops or the steel or plastic clip.

Both holsters use the Mod Wing and "torque" the grip into the body the same. I always suggest a neoprene wedge to help tilt the muzzle away and helps tilt everything back into you.

FYI, the 43 long is the same length as a Glock 19. If you want it to be more like a 17 length, order for the 43 with TBRC comp, and that will be pretty close to a Glock 17 length (we can make that a quick ship as well, but you would need to let me know that in the comments) . You can always email for any specific questions as well.

Thanks

Thanks, Tony - that makes more sense!

[Hambo]

HeavyDuty, I'm a light heavyweight (6'2"-220) and use a JMCK 2.0 with a wedge for a Beretta 92. Because it has more adjustment than a 2.0, I have it set with a little bit of cant, so that the muzzle is slightly further toward midline. The most uncomfortable part was the wedge, but when I thinned the widest part down no problem. It sounds like a weird setup, but it's comfortable and I can wear it under a slightly loose t-shirt.

[orionz06]

Starting out any claw based AIWB should be sufficient. Most of the tinkering will be with the belt, pants, ride height, and positioning in general. Only suggestion I'd make beyond what's been said would be to do a hard pass on any of the plastic clips, they're far from secure and in the AIWB position are very prone to coming off of the belt on the draw.



JMCK 2.5 long length for 43, 17 length for G17/19. 1.5 soft loops

V Development neoprene AIWB wedge - large

Graith Specialist belt

Graith Koala mag pouch

Guys half your size can NPE conceal full size Glocks with this rig so I'm curious why you'd want a 43 when you could at least have a 26.

The Koala pouch is Dark Star Gear.

[10mmfanboy]

I would suggest if you are serious about aiwb you start out with a purpose built holster. It will cost more but yield better results, more comfort, better concealment etc. If you want a clip model I would highly suggest the clip Dark Star Gear offers. I messed around with that clip the first day I got it by not wearing a belt and just clipping it on my jeans. Not only did it not pop off after multiple draws but I actually had to undo my jeans to get it off the first time lol. I've either broken or had plastic clips pop off of my belt. I don't find the wide fomi style clips to be comfortable either. Short barrels don't work well for me either so I would go with a long holster for sure.

[Hizzie]

JM Custom Kydex or Dark Star Gear would be the two makers I would suggest first. With pistols longer usually stabilizes better than shorter. With revolvers I haven’t noticed the same issue. That’s probably a weight distribution thing with the wheelgun. Speaking of which a snubby is probably the easiest intro to AIWB.

JMCK & DSG are both fabulous to work with. Both have done specialty rigs for me.

[TAZ]

I’m 5’6” and 205# ish. Maybe a bit more. Definitely rotund. I keep coming back to the RCS Eidilon as my go to. Works with my G19+RMR and my 19X. Below 200# the JMC 2.5 works well too. For me a stiff belt with the belly no workie. When I was down around 185# the stiffer belts worked well. Not now.

[HeavyDuty]

Great info, everyone!

[EVP]

I will echo the others. Dark Star Gear, JM, Tennicor, CCC all make excellent high quality kydex AIWB holsters. Everyone has a preference of what works best for them.

Also don’t forget JRC leather for excellent high quality leather AIWB

[HeavyDuty]

I just ordered a JMCK 2.5 long with fixed soft loops for my 43. Let’s see how this goes!

[HopetonBrown]

I would think a big guy like you, with a quality belt and holster could easily carry something bigger than a 43.

[HeavyDuty]

Starting simple with the one that I carry most of the time. I have some body shape oddities.

[Whiskey_Bravo]

I see you share my Ogre like qualities. I am 6' 3" tall and 275 Lbs. and yes my brother, AIWB is possible.

I have found that foam wedges and tuck wings are often not necessary even with a full size gripped gun, for larger framed individuals. I have tried multiple variations of AIWB holsters from all of the manufacturers mentioned here. My go-to that I seem to always fall back upon is an original JMCK (Version 1) AIWB holster with full size sweat guard, extra tuck, and your preference of belt loop. I use this holster with a Glock 17, 19, 19X and can conceal any of these pistols easily with no special garment requirements. I have always liked 1.75" soft loops because they allow a little bit of flexibility so you can slightly reverse cant the pistol while on the waistband. A foam pad helps with all day comfort. This holster is also reasonably priced and available as a Quick Ship item.

I recently got a Glock 34 length Rigel from Dark Star Gear. This holster is intended for a full size Glock with a Surefire X300U attached. This holster conceals comfortably for me as well without a wedge, mainly due to its long and wide footprint, but I will likely add a flat sponge pad to it.

I have yet to find an application where I really benefit from a holster with a large foam wedge. I have experimented with these type of holsters on Glock 17's, CZ P-09's, and Beretta 92's and always end up going back to a non-wedged holster.

[jeffhughes]

Keepers Concealment rigs work well for big guys(Spencer is a pretty decent sized dude), and are very comfortable.

Spencer is kind of an AIWB guru...

Gabe White made USPSA Limited Minor Master using his.

[HeavyDuty]

I’m having second thoughts about the belt loops I ordered.

I picked the fixed soft loops, but am wondering if the pull the dot loops would be more practical on a day to day basis. We have a fair number of no fly zones here in IL, and most days I have to remove the gun and holster for stowing in the car at least once.

My reasoning for ordering the fixed soft loops was that it’s the tail end of the belt, so I can quickly open up for taking the holster on and off. (I wear instructor belts with jeans 99.9% of the time.) As I said, now I’m secondguessing myself and am wondering if I should switch to pull the dot loops. Also, I’m not sure of the impact of the two different hole spacings that are available.

I could use some advice here. Tony Mayer, what say you?

[Tony Mayer]

I’m having second thoughts about the belt loops I ordered.

I picked the fixed soft loops, but am wondering if the pull the dot loops would be more practical on a day to day basis. We have a fair number of no fly zones here in IL, and most days I have to remove the gun and holster for stowing in the car at least once.

My reasoning for ordering the fixed soft loops was that it’s the tail end of the belt, so I can quickly open up for taking the holster on and off. (I wear instructor belts with jeans 99.9% of the time.) As I said, now I’m secondguessing myself and am wondering if I should switch to pull the dot loops.

I could use some advice here. Tony, what say you?

HeavyDuty, I am a big big fan of pull the dot loops. I think for appendix or strong side IWB holsters, IMO, they are the best option. They can be tightened up to the smaller size to fit more snugly on the belt and keep the holster from rotating, plus your shirt is probably not going to get hung on the bottom of the overtook/clip. Fixed soft loops are great if you can put your holster on in the morning and take it off at night, but if you need to take it off and stow it in the car once a day at least, hands down go with the pull the dot loops. Thanks

[HeavyDuty]

HeavyDuty, I am a big big fan of pull the dot loops. I think for appendix or strong side IWB holsters, IMO, they are the best option. They can be tightened up to the smaller size to fit more snugly on the belt and keep the holster from rotating, plus your shirt is probably not going to get hung on the bottom of the overtook/clip. Fixed soft loops are great if you can put your holster on in the morning and take it off at night, but if you need to take it off and stow it in the car once a day at least, hands down go with the pull the dot loops. Thanks

Thanks, Tony - I’m hoping I can still switch to pull the dots on my order. Can you comment on the hole spacing? I think I may have made a mistake by not requesting the wide spacing.

[Tony Mayer]

Thanks, Tony - I’m hoping I can still switch to pull the dots on my order. Can you comment on the hole spacing? I think I may have made a mistake by not requesting the wide spacing.
HeavyDuty, send us an email that you want to switch to the pull the dot loops. Re the hole pattern, if you know you are going to use soft loops (pull the dots or fixed) then get the wide. It will be easier to straddle a pant loop if need be and spread the weight a little better. Thanks

[HeavyDuty]

HeavyDuty, send us an email that you want to switch to the pull the dot loops. Re the hole pattern, if you know you are going to use soft loops (pull the dots or fixed) then get the wide. It will be easier to straddle a pant loop if need be and spread the weight a little better. Thanks

Will do, Tony - I sent you an email earlier tonight, I’ll piggyback onto that one. Many thanks again for the help and handholding!

[Vandal320]

https://youtu.be/LYVekHI7fzQ

The 300th parallel works for me.

[HeavyDuty]

My 2.5 showed up yesterday and looks great. Now the fun starts! I have a feeling finetuning position and depth will be the key to making AIWB work for me.