Help with aiwb

[ubet]

So I got my aiwb today from jmc, it’s a wing claw 2.0 for a 1911 5” with rail. I think I messed up, I ordered it with the extra tuck, not knowing what I was ordering, and got the teardrop wedge. Can I still use the teardrop? I can’t seem to get things to hide well. Any tips?

I added a pic to show it while carrying. Can you tell I’m carrying it looks like I’m printing big time to mehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240103/e80877095b0b098ba3a46ae92cbe6f98.jpg


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[Noah]

So I got my aiwb today from jmc, it’s a wing claw 2.0 for a 1911 5” with rail. I think I messed up, I ordered it with the extra tuck, not knowing what I was ordering, and got the teardrop wedge. Can I still use the teardrop? I can’t seem to get things to hide well. Any tips?

I added a pic to show it while carrying. Can you tell I’m carrying it looks like I’m printing big time to mehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240103/e80877095b0b098ba3a46ae92cbe6f98.jpg


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You can put velcro over the "extra tuck" bump and use a pillow wedge like Mastermind.

Can you post a pic of the gun over an undershirt so we can say where it is and isn't tucking to your body?

Your belt also looks very stiff and bulky for AIWB.

[ubet]

You can put velcro over the "extra tuck" bump and use a pillow wedge like Mastermind.

Can you post a pic of the gun over an undershirt so we can say where it is and isn't tucking to your body?

Your belt also looks very stiff and bulky for AIWB.


It is really stiff, for carrying iwb at 4oclock it was really nice. Maybe not so much for aiwb.


I have the wedge pillow thing, but seems like it would be too much down there. This is pointing/riding right to the side of my Frank n beanshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240103/f1f4c639a7926f015e25f111a75c9877.jpg


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[Noah]

It is really stiff, for carrying iwb at 4oclock it was really nice. Maybe not so much for aiwb.


I have the wedge pillow thing, but seems like it would be too much down there. This is pointing/riding right to the side of my Frank n beanshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240103/f1f4c639a7926f015e25f111a75c9877.jpg


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Please forgive me if you already know this, but even though they can grab fabric, the DCC clips should go over the belt, especially with a 40 oz 1911 rather than a 24 oz Glock.

[ECK]

I have to shift he belt buckle to the left, kinda over the coin pocket on your jeans. That reduces the bulk in front. Might look a little weird if you wear your shirt tucked in tho. I usually go untucked.

[ubet]

Please forgive me if you already know this, but even though they can grab fabric, the DCC clips should go over the belt, especially with a 40 oz 1911 rather than a 24 oz Glock.

No I did NOT know that. Thanks for telling me. lol.


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[Noah]

No I did NOT know that. Thanks for telling me. lol.


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Try the pillow wedge, clips over the belt, and shifting the buckle over to your off side.

If this is your first time trying AIWB, it takes a little experimentation, but once you get used to it, I know I'd never go back.

Many people find a slightly less stiff belt works better for them AIWB, but not everyone. I'd experiment with lots of other things before changing the belt.

[ubet]

This knob for the extra tuck is right in the way for the wedge I have. Im guessing I should have gotten it sans extra tuck.

I’ll try adjusting the clips, but right now the grip is fine, but the muzzle is diving right into me. I adjusted the clips to get it as high as I could.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240103/d05d4cbd71fb9e625aa8ca8de9e1444c.jpg


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[Noah]

This knob for the extra tuck is right in the way for the wedge I have. Im guessing I should have gotten it sans extra tuck.

I’ll try adjusting the clips, but right now the grip is fine, but the muzzle is diving right into me. I adjusted the clips to get it as high as I could.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240103/d05d4cbd71fb9e625aa8ca8de9e1444c.jpg


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Can you shift the gun over to the right, away from your party bits if that is the problem? I usually carry with the trigger guard clip just to the right (closer to my hip) of that first belt loop.

The extra tuck bump will not play well with a foam wedge but will be fine with a Mastermind pillow wedge (fabric bag with stuffing)

[TAZ]

The extra tuck won’t play well with an unmodified wedge. The adjustable pillow will work with it. You can maybe take a knife to a normal wedge and relieve it in places.

That 1911 has a rather long grip and those pics seem like you have a rather slim waist…

Also as others have stated, a stiff belt is great for OWB or even traditional IWB, but something a bit more conforming works better for me when it comes to AIWB. You will need to tweak position around your waist and even experiment with different size claws.


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[ubet]

I’ve tried both claws and I think it’s more comfortable sans claw. The part that’s uncomfortable is the muzzle, it is just driving into me when I sit. I adjusted the cant so it is grip back muzzle forward, that seems to help but when I’m sitting 90 degrees it’s driving into me hard. I have a softer belt at work, maybe I’ll try that when I go back in.

I guess I’m stuck with this wedge pillow thing, I might as well trim it down and see what I can make work.

Iwb at 4oclock in a vm2 was super comfortable to me. I had to be conscious of the type of shirt to wear but that was it. I live in a very gun friendly state so printing want to big of an issue. Hell I used to open carry before we went constitutional carry.


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[Hstanton1]

Honestly, that gun is large enough on your body that it’ll be hard to truly conceal no matter what. The folks at phlster came up with a handy metric: a gun that takes up less than 40% of the space between your hips is going to be the easiest to conceal. This 1911 looks like it takes up 60% or more of yours. Hell, I’m 6’1 and 255 and a 1911 or g17 is the very top end of what I can conceal.

All that being said, (and I apologize for it not being terribly helpful in your current situation) a slightly more flexible belt will help. You still want something stiff enough to hold the gun up, but it’s got to be more flexible than what you’re using now. People on here report good results with CSM lined belts from Wilderness tactical for that. A custom wedge cut from a yoga block and relieved around the extra tuck will help, but it’s got to be positioned correctly for maximum grip rotation. Get the thickest part of the wedge as close to the sight channel of the gun as possible.

Finally, I’ve got the same holster (for a non railed gun) and while I really like it, I seem to get better results in terms of grip rotation from a tenicor certum3 with the tallest camming bar installed and a thick wedge on the muzzle. However, it will shift more fore and aft because of the narrower clip spacing. They do offer closed steel DCC loops that appear to have more belt contact and a closer fit to the belt, but I haven’t actually been hands on with them to prove that.

[ubet]

Honestly, that gun is large enough on your body that it’ll be hard to truly conceal no matter what. The folks at phlster came up with a handy metric: a gun that takes up less than 40% of the space between your hips is going to be the easiest to conceal. This 1911 looks like it takes up 60% or more of yours. Hell, I’m 6’1 and 255 and a 1911 or g17 is the very top end of what I can conceal.

All that being said, (and I apologize for it not being terribly helpful in your current situation) a slightly more flexible belt will help. You still want something stiff enough to hold the gun up, but it’s got to be more flexible than what you’re using now. People on here report good results with CSM lined belts from Wilderness tactical for that. A custom wedge cut from a yoga block and relieved around the extra tuck will help, but it’s got to be positioned correctly for maximum grip rotation. Get the thickest part of the wedge as close to the sight channel of the gun as possible.

Finally, I’ve got the same holster (for a non railed gun) and while I really like it, I seem to get better results in terms of grip rotation from a tenicor certum3 with the tallest camming bar installed and a thick wedge on the muzzle. However, it will shift more fore and aft because of the narrower clip spacing. They do offer closed steel DCC loops that appear to have more belt contact and a closer fit to the belt, but I haven’t actually been hands on with them to prove that.

Thank you, I’m just trying to conceal too much fun for aiwb then? I’m 5’9” and 190 lbs. 33 waist fits good but I get 34 to carry with. If it was a 4” barrel I think I’d be a little better, but it’s not. I’ll try a different belt and see if that helps at all.

I just can’t like polymer guns or else I’d switch it up. But I just love 1911 and maybe I need to learn to live with it digging into me if I can’t get a pillow carved out right. Or maybe I’ll just go back to the vm2 and regular iwb


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[Hstanton1]

Thank you, I’m just trying to conceal too much fun for aiwb then? I’m 5’9” and 190 lbs. 33 waist fits good but I get 34 to carry with. If it was a 4” barrel I think I’d be a little better, but it’s not. I’ll try a different belt and see if that helps at all.

I just can’t like polymer guns or else I’d switch it up. But I just love 1911 and maybe I need to learn to live with it digging into me if I can’t get a pillow carved out right. Or maybe I’ll just go back to the vm2 and regular iwb


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Not too much gun for AIWB, but probably too much gun for your body. 1911s are awesome, and I’m certainly not here to tell you what you can and can’t carry. A 9mm CCO with an aluminum frame would probably be a Goldilocks gun for you if you like 1911s but want something more concealable. There are also any number of compact 2011s and 2011 adjacent guns like the EDCX/SFT-9 series from Wilson combat. If you like TDA guns, the beretta 92 compact is roughly CCO sized as well.

[ubet]

I’ve tried every adjustment and all the claws. I didn’t cut the wedge down or do any of that modding. If they’ll let me return it, I’m going to. I like the build of the holster and the idea of aiwb. But I just can’t get it to feel right or even half decent. I can’t even bend over good with it. I thought I could live with being a little uncomfortable, but it keeps drilling me sitting or bending.


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[Elwin]

You should try some form of wedge, as that will help with the poking. I’d suggest getting a foam yoga block and cutting pieces of it to work and then applying them using Velcro tape (soft side on the holster). You can cut those to have a relief that allows them to fit over the extra wedge bit - I have done so before with a JM holster I got used with the extra wedge.

I would try that and try using the claw, as it looks like you’ll need grip rotation to hide a full size 1911 grip. I’m 6’1” and 200lb and carry a full size 1911 as well, for reference. I currently use a PHLster Enigma but have primarily used JM holsters in the past (and am currently using one with the Enigma).

Clips over the belt, a slightly more flexible belt (I’d recommend something from Mastermind or Tenicor), foam wedge, and claw should get you close. They should at least get it to “comfortable” unless the 5” gun is just a total no go for you. After that you can assess whether satisfactory concealment can be achieved.

[Cory]

The gun isn't to big for you. I promise. I'm 6ft 190, 33" or 34" waist. I carry a full size Beretta 92 everyday. You can do this and keep carrying the gun you perfer. When other people decide they can't they sometimes decide that means you can't. If you could carry it strong side, you can carry it AIWB.

AIWB is very personal, and the set up that's right for you is going to be damn near as unique as a fingerprint. Gun, holster, wedge, wing, attachment method, belt, pants, personal concealment tolerance, personal comfort tolerance, body shape all factor in.

My suggestions:
-TALK TO TONY. He has been doing this a long time, and if you think the holster you ordered isn't what you thought or isn't going to work for you see what he thinks. He might be able to steer you toward something that works for more of his customers than what you ordered. Of course if ya need to do the return thing he's solid as hell too.

-If you facebook look up phlster concealment workshop. It's a group that goes very indepth about concealment and the factors unique to body shape. Obviously most users are going to suggest phlster products (the enigma specifixally). However, the articles there on finding where on your person to carry and how to set a holster most likely to work for you are valuable. The info might also be available on youtube or the phlster website.

-Get a belt. I wouldn't put it off. We're both carrying larger guns, and a shit belt is a shit belt. It won't support the weight or work like the lever it needs to against a wing or integral wedge. Get a graith or edcco belt and don't look back. Also, recognize that decent holsters hang on belts. That means an untucked shirt is a must if you want to cover the dcc clip (I use a different brand holster but still use a dcc monoblock). The idea of "tuckable" holsters, all due respect to holster makers, is bunk. If you have clips on your belt or trying to hide under it you just look like you're hiding something. When I have to tuck in a shirt I make the conscious choice to carry less gun, and do so off the beltline. An enigma would be a good option for carry tucked as it's truly no show.



Anything I can do to help let me know.

[WobblyPossum]

Tony Mayer

[Cookie Monster]

It took me 4 holsters and 2 to 3 months of trying different things to make AIWB work.

[theJanitor]

IME, the 5" pistols (1911, G34, etc) don't need wedges, they need an effective claw. I have an older JM with a claw that's great, but use a 5Shot SME daily with a steel government.

[Hstanton1]

IME, the 5" pistols (1911, G34, etc) don't need wedges, they need an effective claw. I have an older JM with a claw that's great, but use a 5Shot SME daily with a steel government.

Slight thread drift, but have you experienced the claw on the SME warping at all through wear? As in, after a few years of wear does it match the curve of your hip more than it did when new, and thus not conceal as well as it did?

[theJanitor]

Slight thread drift, but have you experienced the claw on the SME warping at all through wear? As in, after a few years of wear does it match the curve of your hip more than it did when new, and thus not conceal as well as it did?


I can't tell if it's not the same shape as before. But concealment is unchanged. Holster is from 2017(?)

[Robinson]

It's likely you would have better luck without the extra tuck, but you can probably get this to work. Try moving the holster to your right a bit, toward the crease between your thigh and torso. Then reinstall the claw to help hide the butt of your gun.

I carry a CCO currently, but I've carried 5" 1911s without much trouble in a JMCK holster.

[Hambo]

Thank you, I’m just trying to conceal too much fun for aiwb then? I’m 5’9” and 190 lbs. 33 waist fits good but I get 34 to carry with. If it was a 4” barrel I think I’d be a little better, but it’s not. I’ll try a different belt and see if that helps at all.

I just can’t like polymer guns or else I’d switch it up. But I just love 1911 and maybe I need to learn to live with it digging into me if I can’t get a pillow carved out right. Or maybe I’ll just go back to the vm2 and regular iwb


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I have carried a similar size gun a lot: a 92F. 2.0, cant the muzzle to centerline, claw, and a large wedge. That belt looks awful. I use 1 3/4" rigger belt from Snake eater Tactical, with the cobra buckle left of the holster. Can I do burpies in that rig? Hell, no. Like you, I have avoided Glocks, until now. I'm switching to a 19G5 in a G17 2.5. Same belt, flat pad, no cant, ready for a dot, shoots very well, and it's so much lighter/easier. Come to the dark side...

[Caballoflaco]

That mag well is going to make things harder concealment wise.

I’ll add that I carry with a Glock 17 length holster but find that 5 inch guns cause enough accidental scrotum smashes that they’re just a bit too long for me.

One more tip, briefs or boxer briefs to keep everything in place helps make aiwb a lot more comfortable for me than boxers.

[ubet]

That mag well is going to make things harder concealment wise.

I’ll add that I carry with a Glock 17 length holster but find that 5 inch guns cause enough accidental scrotum smashes that they’re just a bit too long for me.

One more tip, briefs or boxer briefs to keep everything in place helps make aiwb a lot more comfortable for me than boxers.

I prefer just free ballin it, but conceal carry does not work to good with that.

I will give them a call, and see what they have to say, jm. I am going to take everything under advisement that's been posted, and try to get it to work. Thanks one and all for your advice. Will make sure to update as things progress.

[Tony Mayer]

[QUOTE=ubet;1540255]I’ve tried every adjustment and all the claws. I didn’t cut the wedge down or do any of that modding. If they’ll let me return it, I’m going to. I like the build of the holster and the idea of aiwb. But I just can’t get it to feel right or even half decent. I can’t even bend over good with it. I thought I could live with being a little uncomfortable, but it keeps drilling me sitting or bending.


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ubet, send me an email with your order number and I will see what we can do for you. Thanks

[ubet]

[QUOTE=ubet;1540255]I’ve tried every adjustment and all the claws. I didn’t cut the wedge down or do any of that modding. If they’ll let me return it, I’m going to. I like the build of the holster and the idea of aiwb. But I just can’t get it to feel right or even half decent. I can’t even bend over good with it. I thought I could live with being a little uncomfortable, but it keeps drilling me sitting or bending.


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ubet, send me an email with your order number and I will see what we can do for you. Thanks

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it


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[Tony Mayer]

[QUOTE=Tony Mayer;1540618]

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it


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My pleasure!

[Duces Tecum]

@ubet (https://pistol-forum.com/member.php?u=23768)

I understand that a lot of men like to wear their AIWB holster high -- something about a full firing grip -- but I cannot carry AIWB as high as all that and still have it work. When sitting the butt will ride over my lower ribs and force the muzzle to poke down and back and the butt to print awfully.

The issue was resolved when Tony made me a pair of his standard AIWB QuickShip holsters slightly modified to sit low enough to require a pinch grip when drawing. I would guess that the pinch grip adds perhaps 0.5 sec to the draw.

I'm not able to include photographs. The kid who hangs around here and knows how to do such things is visiting various out of state colleges and is not available. I hope the description suffices.


Duces

[theJanitor]

I run my AIWB rigs as low as possible, its adds comfort and concealment for my slightly pudgy build (5' 10", 215lb)

[ubet]

The grip using the problem, it’s the 5” barrel we’ve come to the conclusion. The muzzle is driving into me hard sitting. I’m going back to iwb or owb.


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[Elwin]

If it’s not for you it’s not for you, even if cool guys on the internet say otherwise.

But, in case you ever feel like messing with it again, I think something that went unmentioned in this thread (or I missed it), but is directly relevant to your muzzle problem is pants ride height. AIWB does not work optimally with pants worn down around your hips - with a long barrel especially, it’s better to have pants that sit up at your natural waist or thereabouts.

Again, that may or may not help. I know there’s at least one member here who’s a fan of 1911s and AIWB who can only make commander length guns work with that combination, so the full 5” length gun and AIWB certainly isn’t for everyone.

[Rex G]

The grip using the problem, it’s the 5” barrel we’ve come to the conclusion. The muzzle is driving into me hard sitting. I’m going back to iwb or owb.


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Same for me. A 5” 1911 is only going to work, for me, AIWB, if I am standing. (Actually, with my gimp shoulder, IWB does not work so well, anymore, either, with full-sized pistolas.)

[UpDok]

The grip using the problem, it’s the 5” barrel we’ve come to the conclusion. The muzzle is driving into me hard sitting. I’m going back to iwb or owb.




I'd suggest you take a break from AIWB for a couple of weeks, but then give it another try. It's amazing what humans can get used to over time if they keep trying.

When I first started out with AIWB I found it very uncomfortable, but over time I became acclimated to it and now carry that way just about everyday for 12 to 16 hours a day.