Why I ditched AIWB

[jetfire]

Tl;dr - I couldn't get it to work for me in most situations.

I could get it work with smaller guns like the Shield or a J-frame, but even when I used the right holsters from serious AIWB makers for full size guns, I just couldn't get it to work right. The biggest issue for me was a combination of concealment and comfort. No matter what holster/gun/belt combo I went with, I'd get either unacceptable printing, and discomfort when seated/bending over to tie my shoes.

The other big reason I switched back to traditional IWB is because I spend what little practice time I have these days on mostly competition shooting, so that means all my draws come from strong side 3-4 o'clock anyway. Having a different carry position for every day CCW didn't make a lot of sense to me; and it makes even more sense for my carry position to put the gun in roughly the same spot it goes when I'm practicing for a match.

[MGW]

Thanks for the article. I'm glad I'm not the only one struggling with this. A J frame is the only pistol I've found that I can carry all the time comfortably AIWB and I don't want to limit myself to a J frame.

I've had decent results with a VG2 and a 19. PITA to train with though.

[Hizzie]

To each his own. I hid a 3" GP100 pretty well last weekend in just a tshirt. I was comfortable except for the Safariland CD6 which dig into my hip unmercifully till I tossed it.

[GJM]

AIWB is the only way I can conceal a full size service pistol in light clothing. Without AIWB, I would be pocket carrying or downsizing pistol size.

AIWB is the most comfortable way for me to carry generally, and specifically in an aircraft.

Since I practice live fire mostly OWB, it means I need to put effort into practicing both types of draws.

[jetfire]

AIWB is the only way I can conceal a full size service pistol in light clothing. Without AIWB, I would be pocket carrying or downsizing pistol size.

AIWB is the most comfortable way for me to carry generally, and specifically in an aircraft.

Since I practice live fire mostly OWB, it means I need to put effort into practicing both types of draws.

It is literally the opposite for me. AIWB is pretty much only useful for small guns for me, but I can conceal a service pistol much easier in light clothing in traditional IWB behind the hip.

[HighSpeedBail]

My body by Budwesier prevents me from AIWB.

Haha

[WobblyPossum]

Sometimes I think I'm the only person who can't get AIWB to work. I'm 5'11" and 155 lbs, and can barely conceal a Shield in the Darkstar Gear AIWB. Carrying at 4:30-5:00 o'clock is the only way I've found I can reliably conceal a full size pistol. Most kydex holsters for traditional IWB carry are curved for more normal sized bodies and leave a lot of empty space between my body and my belt. Leather holsters with spread out belt loops like a TT Gunleather reinforced mouth IWB work the best for me.

I really wanted AIWB to work for me and I think I'll keep trying but right now, it just doesn't work.

[okie john]

Sometimes I think I'm the only person who can't get AIWB to work.

No, that would be me. Some days I can get it to work, others I can't.


Okie John

[gtmtnbiker98]

I must have it easy, I can carry a P30 and believe it or not, a P226 AIWB without issue. It just works for me. The only issue is obviously tying my shoes. But I try to have my shoes on before strapping up.

[NETim]

My experience mirrors the South Dakotan's.