JM Custom Kydex AIWB holster review

[blues]

I think this post is a great example of how the right holster and MINOR adjustments along the beltline, either vertically or horizontally, can make all the difference when trying to get an appendix rig dialed in. Likewise with foam wedge placement. Moving a wedge a half inch can take it from bulky and uncomfortable to hitting the perfect spot in the crease of your leg and eliminating pressure points.

Let's just call it a well considered Gio-Graphy lesson.

(And I totally agree, Gio's images clearly display the nuance involved in proper fitment.)

[orionz06]

I spent some time comparing @JSGlock34’s George aiwb to my claw 1.0 aiwb yesterday. Both were setup in the high ride position, both using the same foam wedge. I found that they required a different carry position to maximize concealment. See pics below. I put a G17 mag in my 19 to highlight how well the grip is tucked. For reference, I wear a 32-34 pant size.

The first pic is the George at 12:00-12:30 (where my pants overlap is 12:00). This position clearly doesn’t tuck the grip at all.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]22848[/AT TACH]

The second pic is the same holster pushed further right to about the 1:00-1:30 position. Much better grip tuck here and the sights sit flat against me.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]22849[/AT TACH]

This next pic is the claw 1.0 holster in the 12:00-12:30 position. The rear sights sit flat against me and the grip is tucked well.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]22850[/AT TACH]

Finally, the claw 1.0 at 1:00-1:30. Notice the grip tuck is still good, but the rear sights start to rotate away from me and will print through a shirt.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]22851[/AT TACH]

I'd be curious to see this again with a more flexible belt. I've found the Aegis to be a little too rigid to allow belt wedges to work their best.

[zephyr]

I spent some time comparing @JSGlock34’s George aiwb to my claw 1.0 aiwb yesterday. Both were setup in the high ride position, both using the same foam wedge. I found that they required a different carry position to maximize concealment. See pics below. I put a G17 mag in my 19 to highlight how well the grip is tucked. For reference, I wear a 32-34 pant size.

The first pic is the George at 12:00-12:30 (where my pants overlap is 12:00). This position clearly doesn’t tuck the grip at all.
Attachment 22848

The second pic is the same holster pushed further right to about the 1:00-1:30 position. Much better grip tuck here and the sights sit flat against me.
Attachment 22849

This next pic is the claw 1.0 holster in the 12:00-12:30 position. The rear sights sit flat against me and the grip is tucked well.
Attachment 22850

Finally, the claw 1.0 at 1:00-1:30. Notice the grip tuck is still good, but the rear sights start to rotate away from me and will print through a shirt.
Attachment 22851

Two suggestion to try for example 4:

1. Try a Verso wedge from Mastermind Tactics, they are made just for that problem https://www.mastermindtactics.com/re...edges-and-pads

2. Trying replacing the Raven claw with the new Mod Wing Claw. It sits closer to the holster and the amount of rotation is adjustable so you can rotate it a little less. https://holsterbuilder.com/shop/belt...wing-standard/

I've played around with 1 or both of those solutions on several of my JM holsters to optimize the fit and they work really well.

[OnionsAndDragons]

I'd be curious to see this again with a more flexible belt. I've found the Aegis to be a little too rigid to allow belt wedges to work their best.

I agree with this statement of experience. Since getting my MM specialist belt, I actually wear my belt wedge holsters more often than I used to. The flex in the belt also helps to minimize the weird bulge I can get with the wedge as well. It doesn't bother me with a polo anymore, but it still isn't quite good enough for a closer fitted T or light sweater.


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[Gio]

I'd be curious to see this again with a more flexible belt. I've found the Aegis to be a little too rigid to allow belt wedges to work their best.

I have found the opposite to be the case for my build/body type. I've had a mastermind belt for about 6-8 months and am just not as happy with it as a stiffer belt. I think the gun tends to sag away more unless I really synch down on the tightness to the point of being uncomfortable. Also, the soft loops, even on 1.25" setting, have a lot of movement on the thinner belt causing the gun to shift and move a decent amount when I'm carrying it.

12:00-12:30 with mastermind belt


1:00 with mastermind belt:

[orionz06]

Claw looks to be working too well now and forcing the front out.

[Gio]

Claw looks to be working too well now and forcing the front out.

That is a common issue for me with claw type holsters, hence the amount of modification I did to get it to work adequately at the 12:30 position with a stiffer belt.

[Gio]

Two suggestion to try for example 4:

1. Try a Verso wedge from Mastermind Tactics, they are made just for that problem https://www.mastermindtactics.com/re...edges-and-pads

2. Trying replacing the Raven claw with the new Mod Wing Claw. It sits closer to the holster and the amount of rotation is adjustable so you can rotate it a little less. https://holsterbuilder.com/shop/belt...wing-standard/

I've played around with 1 or both of those solutions on several of my JM holsters to optimize the fit and they work really well.

I meant to send this response before the last, but realized I didn't hit submit on my computer and posted the next response first.

In response to 1, I have the large wedge from mastermind and cut it at an angle to mimic that concept. It does work pretty well.

For #2, I have modified the claw 1.0 holster both by using standard rubber washers instead of the thick ones that come with the holster (which moves the claw in toward the body/less grip tuck) and have ground some material off the claw to further lessen the grip tuck.

[blues]

I meant to send this response before the last, but realized I didn't hit submit on my computer and posted the next response first.

In response to 1, I have the large wedge from mastermind and cut it at an angle to mimic that concept. It does work pretty well.

For #2, I have modified the claw 1.0 holster both by using standard rubber washers instead of the thick ones that come with the holster (which moves the claw in toward the body/less grip tuck) and have ground some material off the claw to further lessen the grip tuck.

I've done similarly, Gio, with a DSG holster. Verso wedge from Mastermind...and re-positioned the claw to the rear of the holster which reduces the amount of rotation. In fact, that's what I've been wearing all day today.

On my JMCK "George", which has no claw, I find the tall Mastermind wedge does a good job all by itself in terms of balancing the grip tuck as well as limiting the slide from printing.

[Lon]

Just got my JMCK AIWB holster for my PPS M2 in the other day. In preferred P-F.com orange, of course. Ahead of the quoted time line.




I’m quite the Kydex holster bigot. Comes from having made my own for close to 10 years. Tony’s quality and c/s continue to impress me. I haven’t bought as many holsters from him as GJM, but he’s still my go to holster guy. I know there are other good makers out there, but if it ain’t broke....