PDA

View Full Version : Anyone try OWB Appendix Carry?



Chipster
05-20-2011, 09:00 AM
Just looking to see if anyone has a some holster recommendations. I have tried AIWB and although it works for me to an extent, I would rather have an OWB when I carry my Glock. I know it sounds a little silly and if the gun goes off it will matter very little (if any) whether it is outside or in, it just makes me feel a little more warm and fuzzy.

I have tried some of my other OWB holsters like Sidearmor, Blade-Tech, and Alabama Holster but they all ride a little high and because of their non pancake design, jut out a little bit more then what I like.

It will be mostly used for duty use so it needs to be durable. Anyone try Pitbull holsters? Seem to be like RCS just a little more readily available. All ideas welcome!

Thanks, Chip

jslaker
05-20-2011, 10:25 AM
Some of the guys that are more experienced with appendix carry can probably speak with more authority here, but I have a feeling you're going to have trouble getting the gun held tight enough against the body with OWB.

JV_
05-20-2011, 10:40 AM
You mentioned duty use, so I'm a bit confused. Are you talking about AOWB while still trying to conceal it, or unconcealed AOWB.

WDW
05-20-2011, 12:38 PM
I'm no expert here, but I thought the whole point of AIWB carry was concealibility and accessiblilty. I've never even heard of AOWB carry and personally I don't see it working. Todd is the expert here. I'm sure he will enlighten us all soon. I'm interested to hear what somebody who has really embraced AIWB has to say about this.

LittleLebowski
05-20-2011, 12:42 PM
If AWIB is not for you, going OWB appendix will not be either. I don't think this is a fruitful line of thought.

Beamish
05-20-2011, 01:34 PM
If AWIB is not for you, going OWB appendix will not be either. I don't think this is a fruitful line of thought.
It is not that exclusive. All the mechanical advantages of Appendix Carry, keeping everything forward of your hips, would still apply whether it is inside or outside the belt. Of course concealability is compromised but it might not actually be important for their use and comfort would trump concealable...though an OWB holster meant for strong side carry might actually be less comfortable when carried appendix.

It is not a fruitless idea but it certainly does seem to have a very limited scope of use.

JHC
05-20-2011, 02:05 PM
I've got several excellent straight drop OWB Talon Tactical holsters - their A10 kydex holster. I'll use those to try this out. I think it might work with a loose enough shirt.

Chipster
05-20-2011, 03:13 PM
Duty use for me is concealed and typically in shorts and a t-shirt or jeans and a hoodie. I rarely work completely undercover and as such if my gun is noticed, I am fine.

I am not trying to reinvent the wheel or anything, just trying to see if anyone else has some ideas, suggestions, or experience.

I like the speed and draw stroke from appendix carry. I have even tried my typical OWB holsters and it works ok. I agree the butt of the gun does not pull in as tight as the IWB, but I just thought with the striker fired Glock that I would feel (a little girlish here) a little bit better putting the gun back in the holster if it was not inside my pants.

I am having a hard time because I love the P30 and it fits the role of IWB appendix great. Downside is that I shoot my GLock a lot better and as such I want to try it out as well (just not inside my pants).

Thanks Again,

Super J
05-27-2011, 10:24 AM
I carried my G17 with x300 aowb in a raven LC holster for about three to four months. I switched to aiwb and concealability obviously increased ten fold, but the comfort level fell as the rig is quite large. I've since found a relatively comfy spot around 2 o'clock as wearing it at 1 o'clock was not working as it would dig in my thigh and hurt (I did not have this issue when the rig was worn owb).

SLG
05-27-2011, 01:37 PM
Some very serious guys I know have carried AOWB for years, but using a standard "FBI" cant holster, typically a Desantis, if I recall correctly. Never worked for me, either for comfort or grip angle, but it certainly works for some.

TGS
05-27-2011, 02:11 PM
When I first qualified on the M9 in the USMC, we were actually taught to carry it AOWB. This would be with a duty belt(aka cartridge belt, war belt, ect) and the Bianchi M12 universal holster. The reasoning is that is where your hands naturally fall, so that's where the gun should be. So we were taught to put the holster at about the 2 O'Clock position. Very different from when I carry my P2000 AIWB with a CCC Looper, where it's about 12:30, very close to center line.

I would think a nice crossdraw holster would work well for AOWB. Mitch Rosen makes some nice OWB crossdraw holsters, like the Slim-X, that I think might work well for you if you're interested.

RJ
09-13-2017, 02:48 PM
Apologies for necropost.

I did a search for "best AOWB holster" and oddly this thread came up. So I thought I would add my experience, and ask a few questions.

I purchased a Mitch Rosen Upper Limit Express leather holster last year for my P30SK LEM. It's worked extremely well for me in my application. I carry it on a MR Express line 1 1/2" leather belt. The only mod I've done is the Melody Lauer holster hack of adding a Dr. Scholl's womens gel insert velcro'd underneath to give it a slight inward tilt.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170913/03ec4cec764814ea80cc7b4532fa1aa9.jpg

My normal attire is non-descript cargo pants and size L button down plaid SS shirts (basically, old retired guy rig.) My wife and I travel in an RV, so I'm normally walking the dog, or driving the truck, or maintaining the RV, or sightseeing and what not.

What I like about the Upper Limit worn AOWB is that it places the pistol at a very good position for my draw. I used my rig in my two-day Givens class in June, and had no issues attributed to the holster. I also like the way the leather belt loops allow a bit of movement along the belt. I've found the holster shifts slightly during the day. So it might start out at 10:30, but end up at 930 after a stint driving the truck. It never moves over my belt line, but I'm ok with that.

I'm currently evaluating a move toward a more one-size fits all pistol. I currently shoot USPSA with a VP9 as a U shooter in P. Obviously this is a SFA, and very easy for me to shoot well. Just as obviously, my carry gun is a subcompact LEM, which is not as easy for me to shoot well (duh.)

Recognizing that having two different trigger systems is less than optimal, I'm mentally trying out a Glock 19 Gen 5 as a replacement for both these guns.

A G19 seems the perfect carry size at 15+1, 5" grip length and lightweight (for capacity.)

I have some time to make this decision, as we won't be back in FL for me to conduct an FFL transfer until Dec. I would like to continue using AOWB for a future Glock 19, based on my previous positive experience with a MR Upper Limit.

Given all that, I have a few questions for those of you with broader experience than I (which is most of you):

1) Any issues with regard to carrying a Glock 19 AOWB with zero cant, in regards to slide length, below the belt line, that would show under an untucked shirt?

2) With regard to leather vs. kydex, any issues or pros and cons with regard to a holster used AOWB?

3) In terms of design for AOWB, anything to look for specifically on the holster design, or is it just a typical holster with a zero cant that is worn AOWB?

4) Besides looking at JM Custom Kydex and DSG for OWB options (which I am starting to do), have you seen any really effective AOWB makers sized around a compact pistol like the G19?

Thanks in advance.

Erick Gelhaus
09-13-2017, 06:24 PM
I did, for a while, before eventually going to AIWB. In the '11 / '12 time frame there was a company called Rhino Holsters that made a between the belt & waistband line of holsters. They had a soft loop that would go around the belt and a folded over kydex flap on the back that would go over the waistband.

At the time I was carrying a plain pistol (no WML) away from work. I was pretty happy with their holsters and mag pouches. They weren't thick, heavy duty pieces but for the role they are quite functional.

1992119922

The company is still around, selling their products here: http://codeoneconcealment.com/product-category/rhinoholsters/

eta: I bought this variant of the holsters ... RhinoHolster SIS Upgrade

This holster was developed in conjunction with the LAPD’s elite undercover unit known as the “Special Investigation Section” or, S.I.S. We took the combined years of experience and actual in the field trials from the S.I.S. to design and build our new holster.

We are offering the SIS Holster for every make and model pistol that we offer our Original Rhinoholster in. The SIS holster sits approximately half an inch (.5″) higher than the Original Rhinoholster and is well suited for undercover law enforcement officers as well as personal and private use.

The officers of the legendary S.I.S. face life or death dangers on daily basis and require equipment they can trust their lives with, and we’re proud that they choose Rhinoholsters as their concealment holster.

Visit our store and purchase your very own Rhinoholster, you can upgrade any of our Original Rhinoholsters to the premium SIS version for an additional fee!

JSGlock34
09-13-2017, 07:19 PM
The Raven Concealment Systems Phantom with the MD (Magpul Dynamics) cut was intended for OWB carry forward of the hip. I've used the Raven and similar holsters in this capacity with a variety of pistols (mostly Glocks). I've found it a useful carry option, though the footprint of the RCS holster meant losing use of the front pocket. From a dated RCS FAQ...

MD Cut (pistol holster)- The MD Cut holster is designed to be carried OWB and forward of the hip (“two oclock“ for right handed shooters, “10 oclock“ for left handed shooters). The MD cut is a straight drop holster (no forward cant) with a reduced body shield.

pangloss
09-13-2017, 07:35 PM
For a while Dale Fricke offered an AOWB holster, but I can't remember the model name. I own two of his Archangel (https://dalefrickeholsters.com/product/archangel-appendix-carry/) holsters, and I've been very pleased with them. They don't tuck the butt of the gun in as well as a holster with a claw wing, but most of the time they work well for me. Also, the are absolutely the most comfortable AIWB holsters I own. If I'm going on a long drive, I make it a point to wear an Archangel. I'm pretty sure Dale would make an AOWB holster for you if you asked. The couple of times I've had questions or ideas, he was happy to bounce ideas around. Something with a slight reverse cant might be nice...

Rex G
09-13-2017, 08:41 PM
I find AOWB very comfortable, but like AIWB, not very concealable on my skinny frame, unless wearing a quite bulky cover garment. I have used numerous straight-drop holsters at AOWB, but have run out of time to type more; must suit-up and gear-up for work. (Being a police officer, I have been able to be quite casual about concealment, at least some of the time.)

OnionsAndDragons
09-13-2017, 10:11 PM
Given all that, I have a few questions for those of you with broader experience than I (which is most of you):

1) Any issues with regard to carrying a Glock 19 AOWB with zero cant, in regards to slide length, below the belt line, that would show under an untucked shirt?

2) With regard to leather vs. kydex, any issues or pros and cons with regard to a holster used AOWB?

3) In terms of design for AOWB, anything to look for specifically on the holster design, or is it just a typical holster with a zero cant that is worn AOWB?

4) Besides looking at JM Custom Kydex and DSG for OWB options (which I am starting to do), have you seen any really effective AOWB makers sized around a compact pistol like the G19?

Thanks in advance.

1) You will likely be fine here. Possible that an investment in LgTall cut shirts would be beneficial. Grab a post-it note and stick it to your UPL so that an extra inch is hanging down and check the mirror. That will be about where a G19 would sit.

2) I think you will get better concealment out of leather here. I have built a couple AOWB kydex holsters for range work, though about a concealment holster and scrapped the idea. Attachments that don't add bulk or too much width on the belt line are rough for kydex OWB.

3-4) Dagga Boy has posted about much love and success with the JRC Holsters SSA for this kind of carry. I'm planning to order one from him this year during his annual sale. I think you will be best served with an Avenger/Professional style holster, of which the SSA is descended. These classic designs have a tunnel on the back of the holster for the leading loop and a slot beyond the trigger guard for the trailing loop to create a bit of tucking effect. Most makers have a variation; I want to say the MR version is the Sport? Privateer leather seems to have a few different ride heights offered in the style, and they may be willing to talk over a custom for exactly what you want. I'm sure JRC would as well, if he thought your intended use might be better served with a small tweak.

If you get a JRC, have him sew some loop backing on the muzzle so you can stick a pad or wedge to it.

scw2
09-13-2017, 11:15 PM
I had good luck with rich @ ccc with my cz75 aiwb. Never tried aobw but may be worth asking him.

Thy.Will.Be.Done
09-14-2017, 05:52 AM
1) You will likely be fine here. Possible that an investment in LgTall cut shirts would be beneficial. Grab a post-it note and stick it to your UPL so that an extra inch is hanging down and check the mirror. That will be about where a G19 would sit.

2) I think you will get better concealment out of leather here. I have built a couple AOWB kydex holsters for range work, though about a concealment holster and scrapped the idea. Attachments that don't add bulk or too much width on the belt line are rough for kydex OWB.

3-4) Dagga Boy has posted about much love and success with the JRC Holsters SSA for this kind of carry. I'm planning to order one from him this year during his annual sale. I think you will be best served with an Avenger/Professional style holster, of which the SSA is descended. These classic designs have a tunnel on the back of the holster for the leading loop and a slot beyond the trigger guard for the trailing loop to create a bit of tucking effect. Most makers have a variation; I want to say the MR version is the Sport? Privateer leather seems to have a few different ride heights offered in the style, and they may be willing to talk over a custom for exactly what you want. I'm sure JRC would as well, if he thought your intended use might be better served with a small tweak.

If you get a JRC, have him sew some loop backing on the muzzle so you can stick a pad or wedge to it.

I am planning on trying out this concept, when is that annual sale that you speak of? I am getting nearer to purchasing but $150 is too much coin for me to spend right now...

I found a thread here on that SSA holster....
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?11453-A-couple-of-new-holsters&p=203383&viewfull=1#post203383


I haven't posted these holster to my website yet. I probably will do this next week, once I have time to take more pics of several holsters. All of you great folks at the P-F have been great to me, so I wanted to post these here first.

Here is my newest model,the SSA, based on customer requests.
This Strong Side Nelson#1/Avenger inspired holster has been modified to use two rigid belt
tunnels and I have removed the extra web of leather under the trigger guard to reduce bulk. It is molded with an inward cant, to bring the grip of the pistol in close to the body.
This particular holster pictured, has a 5 degree muzzle forward rake. It can also be made with
neutral rake or FBI rake.
The streamlined reinforcement, coupled with a proprietary hardening process, make the SSA a
very durable holster. Now of course, everything being custom, I can make this holster with the more traditional web of leather for those who just feel the need for it.
http://jrcholsters.com/images/stories/holsters/album/avenger1.jpg
http://jrcholsters.com/images/stories/holsters/album/avenger2.jpg

Sherman A. House DDS
09-14-2017, 07:33 AM
Dale Fricke's holster is called the, "Samuel."

When I worked on the armored trucks, I had an old, crossdraw Safariland SSIII for K/L frame revolvers. It was designed to be worn at 9:00 for a right handed shooter, but I wore it at 12:30. It was awesome for accessibility while driving, and when walking around. I used it for awhile. Of course, OWB on a duty belt is a whole other animal than what you're describing.

I've used Don Hume JIT slide holsters for AOWB carry. After I had my cardiac ablation surgery, my loins were raw for a couple months from the instrumentation. I couldn't stand to have anything in my waistband or putting pressure on me. So I invested in a couple JIT slides for a K frame and a J frame, and they worked great. They're slide holsters, but with a 1 7/8" and 2" barrel weapon, they cover the entirety of the barrel. It DOES help to wear a thicker belt...not a less rigid belt like you can get away with doing conventional AIWB.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jeffw78
12-18-2017, 09:14 PM
I've done this off an on for a couple years. In the pics I have a 17 in a blade tech nano worn between the pants and belt. I find it very comfortable and well concealed as long as my shirt hangs low enough.
This started at a time when my gut outgrew my ability to carry aiwb. I've since lost 30 pounds and use aiwb again everyday. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171219/67436bf0469e8d849d7957ce02742c76.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171219/9ef74f5f6eec92d7cca7059ecc7b1930.jpg

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

blues
12-18-2017, 09:24 PM
I've only used that method at the range for LEOSA qualification when I realized that none of the the OWB holsters I had on hand would accommodate the Trijicon sights I had installed earlier in the year. :rolleyes:

Worked well, fwiw.

RJ
12-19-2017, 07:58 AM
So just to update/add my recent experience, I did end up buying a Gen 5 Glock 19 and a MR Upper Limit Holster. It carries about the same as my P30SK, albeit I have 15+1 rounds vs 10+1. Just waiting on a Striker Control Device to switch to 100% use as an EDC.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171219/ea9515d95514cfc9ace6449357ff78b7.jpg

For the G19, I have to allow 1.5” below the belt for a cover garment; the P30SK only needs 1”.